Bodelia stood looking around the meadow she had found to rest in. The haze of the early morning shimmered in a light mist that shrouded the Drai'hg and swallows as they flew around her. She laughed; the sound musical and echoic. Lifting her right palm she brought forth the power of the sun. In a swirl and hiss of steam the ground below her feet dried at her command. Folding her legs she sat on the warm ground. The white of her ethereal gown draped around her body. A warm breeze caught the blonde curls that cascaded around her shoulders and down her back. Bodelia wrapped one curl around her finger as she watched the drai’hg and the swallows play together. Again the sound of her laughter filled the clearing.

The swallows stopped their play, flying away in a flurry of wings and chirps. The small drai’hg hovered on their green translucent wings. With curious black eyes they looked upon the goddess before them. She thought for a moment, on what they would see. Fair, unblemished skin that shimmered with light, long blonde curls that looked golden in the early sun, lips as red as blossoms on the roseberry bushes and bright eyes that changed colour depending on her surroundings. Lifting her hand she beckoned a drai’hg to her with a single thought. Sharp claws encircled her outstretched finger and a long grey tail wrapped around her wrist, the tiny green fin on the end fluttering. It blinked black eyes and cocked its spiky head to one side as if to ask the goddess to speak. So she did.

“So little dragon imp what do you see when you look at me?” Its head cocked to the opposite side and a tiny forked tongue darted out to taste the air.  Goddess Bodelia laughed once more.

“Oh I see, to you, I am magic, light and intelligence?” She lifted the drai’hg to her lips and kissed the small dragon imp in thanks for the compliment. Knowing it was now dismissed, its translucent wings began to flutter, causing them to blur with speed. Lifting from her finger it circled her head before returning to the small group that played near a small stream.

It seemed such a long time since she created the drai’hg, on a morning such as this when the light and colour of her soundings had inspired her. That inspiration had grown to create a world that the immortals she governed enjoyed and loved. Alhanassa was indeed beautiful, from vast mountain ranges peaked with soft white snow to the deep rain forests that pulsed with nature. Every land mass and ocean had been designed by her and created with the help of the other immortals. But now it was time to let her children have dominion over the world she loved. They were to be given some logic and intelligence but then left to flourish on their own. Bodelia’s sisters had been granted the stewardship over the magic of Alhanassa.

Ostar was the goddess of new life and nature, Lithna, the goddess of growth and the earth and Imbhane was the goddess of change and the sky’s elements. Each would teach the children of Alhanassa how to practise their magic. They were also to govern the three cycles or seasons. Three moons had been placed in orbit around their world, one to represent each goddess. Everyone involved felt the excitement for Alhanassa to grow and flourish. The immortal council had finalised Bodelia’s plans. All was ready; she had only to return to her celestial home.

Yet in her heart Bodelia felt an odd sadness on leaving behind this beautiful place. Time bore no meaning in the heavens but here she could watch the world grow and die only to flourish once more in a never ending cycle of life and death; it fascinated her. Hugging her knees she rested for a while in the meadow. A splash, followed by laughter, filled the air. A small lagoon, hidden by the rise of white stone and greenery lay just beyond the nearby tree line. She stood and approached to find out who was having so much fun, maybe she should join them? She had visited many times and swam in the clear blue waters. 

The voice of a man rumbled around the rocks and Bodelia stood still, her heart began to pound at the recognition of her lover’s voice. Placing her feet carefully, she edged closer in the hope to catch him unawares. She loved to watch him, the grace in which his tall frame moved always blushed her cheeks and caused her heart to pound in the confines of her ribcage. Carefully peeking around the corner she caught her first glimpse of him. Strong, broad shoulders and well defined chest and abdominal muscles glistened with water as he lifted out of the pool. Her hands tingled; she longed to trace the path of water droplets, running her hands over the warm skin covering the hard sinew underneath. The way his body rippled and begged for her touch quickened her breathing. She held her breath as the lower half of his body came from the water. Disappointed at the sight of the black leather that covered bottom and long legs, she stepped back and shook her head at her own salacious musing. When she looked again she noticed his long black hair was clinging to his back and she longed to squeeze the excess water from the silky strands. Bren’has had been her lover for millennia. They knew each others thoughts and desires and had long ago learnt the art of giving each other pleasure.

A female voice brought her from her appraisal. Her younger sister, Imbhane, splashed into the water hardly making a ripple. Bren’has stood with his hands on his hips as he scanned the water’s surface. Bodelia’s heartbeat lurched, she held her breath as her immortal power let her feel the arousal Bren’has felt for her sister. He turned and she covered her mouth in distress, the look in his dark blue eyes was the same as when he made love to her. So why was it now aimed at her sister? Her heart thundered in her ears as the terrible scene unfolded before her eyes.

Lifting Imbhane from the pool, Bren’has’ hands caressed her arms. Her long straight white hair almost concealed the fact that the water made her light blue garment transparent and his eyes drank her in. He wrapped his arms around her and claimed her lips in a hungry kiss. A heat Bodelia was unaware she could possess built within her chest. She was unable to look away. With her hands balled into tight fist, she watched as Bren’has lowered Imbhane to the grass and continued to devour her. When his knee pressed between Imbhane’s she didn’t stop him, instead she parted her legs and welcomed him. Her body arched to his hand as it skimmed over her from hip to breast.

Bodelia looked away and swiped at the angry tears that fell on her flushed cheeks. Taking a breath in hope it would calm her she peered around the rocks again. They were still there; this wasn’t some bad dream or illusion. She knew no magic was in play here. Her status as Most High Goddess gave her advantages, one being able to detect magic; another was to read the thoughts and emotions of all living things. While she felt the passion and love coming from the couple embracing in the grass, her pain turned to anger. What magic were the couple using to hide their secret? Anger vibrated through her body and soul until the ground around her feet began to tremble.

It wasn’t until the couple were pelted with tiny white stones from the nearby cove that either of them realise what was happening. Above them dark clouds swirled and rumbled. The ground trembled again as Bodelia advanced to where they sat in the long grass, dazed at what was happening. In a voice she barely recognised Bodelia declared; “You will be brought before the Council of Immortals for your betrayal.”

“My beloved…”

“How dare you call me such while you still have her taste on your lips?” She roared. Under her breath she began to chant, the sound almost like a growl. The lagoon lost is solidity, sound and colour swirled together as Bodelia summoned the council.

“Please Bodelia, this was not our fault.” Imbhane knelt up, her hands reaching out in supplication towards her sister. The chanting stopped and their surroundings quivered. As the lagoon lost focus the water churned and swirled, as did the greenery around them. A thick fog gathered around Bodelia’s feet and legs, it reached outwards as if looking for an anchor point.

Fixing Imbhane with a cold stare, Bodelia resumed her chant, it was hard to not to feel her sister’s rising panic. A deep sadness swept over the space between them. Concentrating on the chant she tried to block it all out. Yet, something was missing. Her eyes turned to Bren’has, who tried to glare back at her. An odd feeling swept over her, dark and unyielding. He was fighting to obstruct her magic, trying to keeping her from knowing his thoughts.

White flames licked the edges of reality and a low hum filled the spaces in-between. The fog around them formed the pillars and steps of the temple in elaborate white wisps that arched upwards and joined to form the ceiling. Where Bodelia’s feet stepped the air around them rippled. She climbed the steps and sat upon the golden throne that materialised as she turned to face the council. The ability to instantly know the reason for their summoning was an advantage of time that no immortal needed. Yet, as Bodelia looked around she was glad of their powers. It would lessen the distress of those involved. The Goddesses and Gods of the immortal council sat on her right; all wore expressions of disgust and anguish. Their beautiful bodies, robed in radiant, lively colours, were ridged and unmoving. The outer cloister held the astral forms of others immortals. When the walls and floors of the temple shimmered, their unsubstantial state flexed out of focus. Mumbling from those gathered quickly changed to an eerie silence.

With a sweep of her hand the accused stood before them, still clothed in damp garments. Above their heads an orb of light churned as images of their affair gave witness of their guilt. Together they were brought to their knees, the floor around them sending ripples as far as the eye could see. The quiet voices of the council spoke the word ‘guilty’ in unison. Though the declaration was quiet, the enormity of their verdict reverberated through the immortal realm.

A stifled angry cry escaped Imbhane’s lips. Her body swayed as if she would faint. Tremors of fear sent tiny ripples towards Bodelia as if to beg for her mercy. She leaned towards her co-accused for strength but his elbow pushed her upwards to kneel alone. Bodelia had not missed this small gesture of disloyalty towards the Lesser Goddess. The anguish at his actions triggered another emotional ripple across the misty floor towards her and the immortal council.

Sitting back on her throne, Bodelia held her head high. Her outward appearance was that of strength and resolve. Inside her heart felt heavy and for the first time in her existence she felt weary. Her pain and anguish resonated around the tall arches of the temple and tension added to the abyss that advanced just beyond. She would not allow darkness to enter their domain; she would not allow it to corrupt the other immortals. With determination, Bodelia stood and faced the shamed. The sentence for them was all ready imprinted within her mind; however, the ripples created by her sister’s remorse eased the heaviness of her heart. Could she truly carry out such sentence?

Bodelia waved her hand and the orb faded and changed. Before them, the image of Alhanassa floated into focus. Concentrating on her thoughts she sat on the edge of the throne, fingers tapping. Her mind was made up. With renewed resolution she stood and faced the god that was knelt looking at her. Defiance gave his beautiful features a hard look, his mouth twisted into a sneer. The stormy blue of his eyes held hers. Bodelia’s anger pushed the forgiveness out of her heart.

 “Bren’has for your betrayal I banish you to Alhanassa, you will live an immortal life with no godly powers.” Tears filled her eyes at her own harshness but she refused to let them fall and continued with her punishment. “Your home will be to the north where the land breaks and the heart of Alhanassa bleeds into the ocean. Though the volcanic island will be hot and warm your flesh, you will never again feel the warmth of a woman’s touch. Go from my sight I cannot stand the treachery you have brought to the immortals.” In an instant Bren’has vanished, without the chance to defend his actions or to negotiate the punishment. It was done, her word was final. Locking her love for Bren’has away deep in her heart, she went on with the trial. 

The orb once again faded and changed. Filling with smoke and ash before clearing and leaving an image of a small island that looked like a crescent moon. The live volcano at the centre of the black rock spewed molten lava into the sea. It did indeed look like blood oozed from the island. A swirl of smoke took their viewpoint to a small stream, the hot water bubbled as it made its way towards the black, sandy beach. There, on the bank, his hands balled into tight fists, his face red with anger, Bren’has paced. He lifted his hand as if to use magic but nothing happened. He tried again and again but to no avail, each failed attempt adding to his rage. Falling to his knees he lifted his head towards the heavens and let out an ungodly roar.

A cry of despair from Imbhane filled Bodelia’s ears. There was no reason to prolong the anguish this was causing and with another wave of her hand the orb vanished. Imbhane’s trembling form bowed before her and Bodelia’s heart softened. “How could you Imbhane? I loved him. You could have any god you wanted, why mine?” Pulling herself together she stepped forward until she could touch her sister. “Rise Goddess Imbhane and take your punishment for your infidelity.” 

“Please show mercy, my sister, I could not help who my heart ached for, I knew it was wrong but could not help myself, please Bodelia, show me mercy.” Sad grey eyes lifted and Bodelia had no choice but to feel Imbhane’s remorse. “I promised to do your will with the children of Alhanassa; I will work hard and prove my love and loyalty to you. Please Bodelia, I beg of you.” She remained on her knees, her head bowed in defeat.

“The council has declared your stewardship of a portion of Alhanassii magic, that of the coldest of cycles. From this day forth the cycle and the moon will bare your name. It will bring the end of a sil’hna, when the three moons have made their way around my world. Your magic will be cold and harsh to master. Water and ice, within the skies and on the land will be your domain,” Bodelia paused, her heart still ached. Feeling justified, she finished her sentence, “but as punishment, you will dwell on the moon of your name, not here in the immortal realm, a cold place where gods may only appear in astral form. Do your duty well and maybe my heart will find your forgiveness. Play your part Imbhane, and redeem yourself in my eyes.”

“But no god…?”

“NO!” The Goddess’s voice reverberated between the pillars. “Without a man, your punishment is final.”

“Please, Bodelia.” A warm voice came from the council and a figure stepped forward. “Will you banish our sister for eternity?”

“No, Lithna, like you she has a stewardship, her only punishment is to serve that stewardship with a cold bed!” She lifted her hand to banish Imbhane to the cold moon that would be her home. The quiet voice of the Lesser Goddess pieced her heart and faltered her actions.

“I have no need for another god. I will love no one else. Your sentence could never punish me as much as my own guilt can.”

“Would you feel such a guilt if I had not caught you?” Calming her own feelings, Bodelia reached for her sisters. Guilt and sorrow were present; there was no denying Imbhane’s heart.

“It was as if I had no knowledge of your love for Bren’has, not until you faced us. Then my mind cleared.” The council of immortals began to whisper amongst themselves. A ripple in the air, an outward sign that all my not have been as it seemed. “I am guilty of the acts you witnessed but if I had known… remembered.” Imbhane sighed, her shoulders slumping.

“Are you suggesting dark magic sister?” Lithna placed a hand on Imbhane’s shoulder, keeping her gaze fixed on Bodelia. “Could you not detect it?”

“No, I could sense no magic in what I witnessed.”

“Magic was in play, sister.” Ostar stood on the left of Imbhane, like Lithna she placed a hand on her shoulder and faced the Most High Goddess. “The magic used was not of our kind, it was not used for the good of others and to do no harm. It was a selfish magic, one to deceive and cause pain.”

Many moments of silence passed as Bodelia looked between the sisters. “Why did I not sense it?” The show of solidarity towards their sister both lifted her spirits and worried her. Bodelia came forward. She ran the back of her hand over the soft skin of Imbhane’s cheek. There, deep within her mind Bodelia sensed it. Dark and corrupt, like a tiny seed waiting for substance to bring it to life. Lifting Imbhane’s chin with her finger. She smiled warmly. “Do you know you were deceived?”

“I do now!” Her lower lip trembled.

“Somehow Bren’has deceived us all. But I will not have his corruption spread through the council. His darkness will not taint the immortals. Your banishment will serve to keep that seed of darkness from growing. Do you understand sister?”

“I do.”

“Could placing Bren’has amongst the mortals disturb the equilibrium and give him power as they choose to sully their magic with his darkness?” Rubbing comforting circles into Imbhane’s shoulders, Lithna, spoke of her concerns. “Would it not be better to banish him to one of the three moons?”

“Your wisdom is always sound, Lithna. And, you are right. Placing him there could upset the equilibrium of our world,” Bodelia looked over the council of immortals and sensed their intrigue at this predicament. “Would it not bring balance to Alhanassa?”

Ostar smiled, joy flowed through her in the form of a green glow. “As we are there to balance the cycle of life and death, Bren’has’s presence in Alhanassa brings a balance to the magic. Good and evil, light and dark. As the mortals learn and progress, embracing their power will bring them opportunities to be selfless and pure as well as selfish and unjust.”

“This is not a part he would gladly take, but a fitting punishment for one who would bring darkness to our realm.” Thinking of all the beauty of the world they had created, she let the experience pass over her thoughts. Elation and unity seeped into her heart and enveloped the pain of betrayal. She would sink herself into watching over her children. What better way was there to mend a broken heart? 

Quiet mumbles from the council gently floated on the light breeze, their understanding reaching the far corners of their temple. The bliss it caused was intoxicating. Approval resonated through her whole being. The air once again was light and fresh, bringing promise and beckoning her to bring peace to the immortals. “Will you accept your stewardship Goddess Imbhane?”

“Yes, Most High Goddess, I will gladly take up my stewardship, and my punishment. I will earn your forgiveness and strive to teach your children to use their magic for the good of others.” Rising from the floor, Imbhane stepped back and came into line with her sisters. A tentative air of courage filled the temple. Hope flourished and the abyss that threatened to overpower them was pushed away as relief spread over the council of immortals.

“Lithna, will you take your stewardship?”

“Yes, Most High Goddess, I will gladly take up my stewardship.” She stepped closer to Bodelia. Lithna’s long fiery hair bobbed up and down as her excitement could hardly be contained.

“Give the moon and the magic of growth your name. Bring Alhanassa to bloom, bring her to harvest, spread the light and heat that will beautify my world. Your magic will be of fire and of the earth.” A spark of hope filled Bodelia’s heart as she felt her sister’s acceptance of her stewardship. Lithna gave a flamboyant curtsey then returned to Imbhane’s side.

Bodelia smiled. Ostar, though small in body, with hair so black it shimmered purple in the light and air that made the temple of the immortals, was strong of spirit. Devotion to others and her need to serve had sealed her stewardship.

“And my stewardship dear sister?” With her chin held high and her emotions full of duty, she stepped forward.

“Dearest Ostar, to you I give the magic of new life. Give the moon and the magic your name. After your sister brings the sil’hna to an end, it shall be reborn by your power. New life in all things, whether it be plant, beast, insect, bird or if it swims in Alhanassa’s vast oceans, it is yours to command. Your magic will never harm, only heal and strengthen. Because of your loyalty to me and your fellow goddesses and gods, your magic will have the power to restore life, to return a soul not yet heaven bound. Those who are one with nature and strong in spirit will have great power. Yours will be the first magic Alhanassii people will know.”

“I accept my stewardship, may the children of Ostar serve you.” Gracefully Ostar returned to her spot. 

“Soon we will set in motion our plan for Alhanassa, take time to enjoy the beauties of the world we created, for soon it will be the realm of the mortals. Do not let this dark magic spoil our existence, do not be selfish and think of only ones self. Blessed be.”

As the council of immortals rose from their seats, the temple began to fade. Each goddess and god returning to the location they had come from. Except Imbhane, her banishment imminent went to prepare for her stewardship. Bodelia returned to the green lush meadows of Alhanassa. She sighed, yes her heart was heavy but she had much to be joyous about. She looked to the sky and the grey clouds that had gathered in her absence and smiled. Quickly they vanished and once again the sun soaked the meadow with brilliant light. The crickets began to chirp, birds began to sing and the tiny drai’hg returned to their frolicking.

Balance, which is what her world needed. And with her sisters governing the magic, Bren’has will play his part whether he likes it or not. Bodelia laughed once more, the musical sound bringing more dragon imps out to play. Standing, she held out her arms for them to perch. She began to sing, the melody filling the air around her and the meadow blossomed with tiny yellow and blue flowers as the Most High Goddess Bodelia blessed it with her presence.

The end….. Or is it the beginning.