by Ciara Lake
“Close your eyes, and don’t open them until I tell you to.” He held her hand tight.
The world swayed and turned around her, then it stopped. “That was some trip.” She staggered. He grabbed her arm to stabilize her.
“We’ve traveled a long way. Keep your eyes closed and use your other senses to appreciate the environment.”
“I can tell we traveled far. How far?”
“Approximately three thousand miles.”
“The air is humid and warm. It feels like I’m in a greenhouse.” She inhaled deeply. “I love greenhouses. The air’s so fresh.” The smell of damp, fragrant earth surrounded them.
“It is indeed. Open your eyes now. We’re in the biggest greenhouse in the world.”
She opened her eyes and gazed up and around. “My gods. Is this part of the Enchanted Forest?”
“No, this is in the mortal world.”
“Where is this beautiful place?” She let go of his hand and turned around. “This is more beautiful than the part of the Enchanted Forest God Dionysus has taken me to.”
“Don’t let the Enchanted Forest hear that.” He laughed. “It can get jealous. I’m happy to hear I surpassed Dionysus. To be fair, the Enchanted Forest is a wood, and this is a jungle.”
“Yes, it is.”
The sun shone through the upper canopy, lighting the green scape below. Despite the sun above, the jungle was dim, adding to its mysterious beauty. The trees were tall and slender, they were trying to reach the sun. There were numerous varieties of fauna and flora. It was a world to be explored.
Terra stretched her hand out to touch a fern, but before she could, the fern reached for her. It caressed her hand and arm. Aetius was surprised to see the fern seemed to grow larger and turn more vibrant green after it came into contact with her.
The vegetation on the jungle floor sought her out too. The vines surrounded her feet and started to climb her legs. However, when she moved the plants allowed her to have freedom. Terra showed no fear of the vegetation reaching for her. She seemed to embrace the plants’ admiration for her.
“Is this paradise on earth?” she asked.
“No, it’s the Peruvian Rainforest. I suppose some people might call it paradise. Have you been here before?”
“No. I’ve not been anywhere outside of Ohio, and of course I’ve visited the Enchanted Forest. But that’s not in the mortal world.” She reached down to touch a flowering plant. “I’ve dreamed of visiting places like this. To see the beautiful trees and different plants and the animals. The Amazon Rainforest has a vast amount of flora. It’s incredible.” She cupped a flower in her hand. “This is a passion fruit flower. Isn’t it lovely?”
The plant appeared to rejoice at her nearness. The vine twined up her arm and into her hair. The flower’s purple color deepened as the plant absorbed her vitality.
“It’s very lovely, like you.”
“You’re very charming.” She smiled. “I could get used to all of your compliments.”
“Come with me. We aren’t yet at our destination.”
“Really?” Terra ran her hand over more of the vegetation, and they too deepened in their green hue.
“No, I’m taking you where we will find the best meal ever.” In front of them a path appeared in the dense forest. “This way.” He gently tugged on her hand.
“You have power over the plants too? They moved aside and created a nice path for us. I didn’t ask them to do that.” She looked up at him curiously.
“It just happens when I visit here.”
“Do you come here often?”
“I’ve been here a few times. I have influence over the ground, the earth, and its soil. I don’t have power over the plants and trees. The path isn’t my doing. It appears to those invited to visit where I’m taking you.”
A flowering vine released Terra, and she began to follow him.
“The sun will be going down before we know it. But before it does, it’ll get dark under the trees.”
“I can imagine it gets really dark here.”
“We’re almost there.” He stopped and gestured to the path in front of him. “Here we are. I can feel it.”
“I feel something too. But I don’t see anything but the path. What and where is it?”
“This way.” Aetius took a step further. Part of his body disappeared. Terra pulled on him.
“Aetius, wait. What’s happening to you?” Panic was etched on her expression.
He stepped back toward her so she could fully see him. “Don’t worry. We need to cross the boundary.”
“What boundary?” She inspected the area, then looked at him as if puzzled.
“The boundary separating the mortal world from the supernatural. This boundary we can’t see through. Where I’m taking you is a pocket of the supernatural world, only immortals can cross and-or those given special permission.”
“Am I invited?”
“Yes, you’re my guest. Come on.”
He continued to walk, and his body completely disappeared, all but his hand that still held hers. Reluctantly, she followed him and stepped through the barrier too. On the other side of the invisible border was a small village. There were many elaborate, large, grass huts and other signs of a civilization.
“This is the Village of Tellus.” He gestured to the small community. “Isn’t it nice?” He led her to the center of the village.
“It’s certainly peaceful. Does anyone live here? It seems deserted.” She looked around.
“Yes, a few people live here. Someone will approach us soon. Don’t worry about anything.” He put his hand on her lower back.
* * * *
The earth rumbled. In front of Terra a whirlwind began like a small tornado. Dirt rose from the ground and rotated up into the wind. The wind and the soil began to make a funnel shape. When the wind stopped moving, a breathtakingly beautiful woman was fully formed.
Her complexion was clear and tan. Her hair was chocolate brown, and her eyes matched. In truth, she reminded Terra of herself. Her facial features, hair, and eye coloring were nearly identical to Terra’s. There were some things that were different, like Terra’s complexion wasn’t as tan as this woman’s, and Terra’s eyes and hair were a shade lighter too. However, she could easily be this woman’s sister or a relative. Remarkably, this woman was a goddess; Terra could feel her divinity.
“Goddess, it’s good to see you.” Aetius bowed at his waist. “I serve you always.”
The goddess smiled brightly. “Master Elemental Aetius, it’s been too long since you last visited me. I’ve miss your handsome face.” She stepped closer to Aetius and kissed him on both cheeks.
Terra felt a twinge of jealousy. What’s wrong with me? Liking him so much isn’t like me.
“It has been too long indeed.” Aetius took her hand and kissed the back of it. He oozed incredible charm.
“You’re very kind, my dear.”
She took her hand from him, then she glanced at the empty space between the huts. With a twist of her hand a long table appeared. It was laden with what appeared to be Peruvian-style food. The arrangement of the food was gorgeous and appetizing. Terra could smell the various prepared foods, and her stomach churned and rumbled.
Several indigenous people materialized out of the air. They were dressed in the traditional, colorful Peruvian woolen clothes. It was clear they waited for the goddess’s command. Torches flamed to life and lit the area. They were arranged every few feet apart, framing the table.
“Please stay, have your evening meal here.” The goddess waved her hand in the table’s direction again. On the other side of the table musicians appeared holding various stringed instruments, a pan flute, and a marimba. They started playing soft, rhythmic music.
“We would love to have a meal with you,” Aetius replied.
He took several steps away from them and gestured to an empty spot on the ground. Wooden logs materialized, then a fire erupted, creating a small bonfire. The f
ire’s light helped to light the darkening village. Aetius glanced up at the sky, and a soft, fragrant breeze blew by them. It continued to blow gently over them. It noticeably cooled the humid jungle environment.
“Who said we can’t have outside air conditioning? Let me know if you get too chilled.” He returned to Terra’s side.
“Our dinner’s ready whenever you’re ready to eat. Please introduce me to Terra, daughter of Aife Broderick.” The goddess stepped closer to Terra. The wind lightly blew the goddess’s gauzy dress. She wore a long, white, form-fitting gown, adorned with what resembled diamonds. It beautifully glittered in the firelight. The gems sparkled like her eyes, and it complimented the goddess, emphasizing her curvy figure.
“You know who I am?” Terra inhaled the sweet breeze that blew by her. The goddess smelled like a mixture of cinnamon and oranges, a combination of Terra’s favorite essential oils. The aroma comforted her, putting Terra at ease in this unusual situation she found herself in.
“Oh yes, my dear, I do.” The goddess waved her hand in Terra’s direction, and a nearly identical dress to the one the goddess was wearing replaced Terra’s clothing. “I hope you’re more comfortable in the dress. It should be cooler, and it’s bejeweled with diamonds. They’re yours to keep.” She smiled at Terra.
“How can you know me? I’m a humble wiccan from Ohio. I’m an orphan of no consequence. You must have me confused with someone else.” Terra frowned.
The goddess was at least a foot taller than Terra, so she had to look up at her.
“Terra, you’re a beautiful and sweet woman.” She took Terra’s hand in hers. “You’re hardly an orphan.”
“Really, how do you know who I am?”
“I came into existence when the world was formed. My age allows me to know many things.”
The goddess radiated power, and Terra naturally absorbed it. The energy radiated through her and it renewed her.
The goddess took both of Terra’s hands into hers. She held them gently and gazed into Terra’s eyes for several seconds. “Darling girl, I’m so pleased to see you. You have no idea how happy I am to see you’re grown and beautiful. Aetius has brought me a true gift this evening.”
“I’m happy you’re pleased.” Aetius showed his perfect teeth.
“You know Aetius controls all the elements. He has many magical talents too. He’s very powerful, like a god himself.” The goddess smiled proudly at Aetius. “He’s even more powerful than many of the Olympian gods. He’s good to have by your side. Don’t discount his friendship.” She paused and gazed at Aetius. “And he’s like a son to me.”
Terra didn’t know how to respond to her comments. “Yes, I’ve seen him use some of his talents. He’s amazing.”
“Aetius, it seems you’ve figured out her identity. Am I right?”
“I have my suspicions.” His eyes sparkled with some hidden knowledge. “When I met her, I was astonished. But I can’t refute what’s so obvious to me.” He turned to look at Terra. “The resemblance is amazing, and her gift with plants and trees is unparalleled to anyone but you. She could only be one thing...a demi-goddess.”
“I’m no demi-goddess.” Terra scoffed. “I’m sorry to laugh, but I’m only a wiccan who’s good with nature. Also, I’m a child my parents gave up.”
“You’re far too humble.” His eyes were like dark, shining opals.
The more time she spent with him, the more she liked him. She was certain he was the handsomest man she’d ever seen.
“God Dionysus recently told me I was the daughter of a witch named Aife Broderick and a warlock named Crexan Clancey.”
“He was half-right.” The goddess lightly squeezed her hand. “You’re special. I can feel it. The plants and trees can feel the specialness you exude. You emit a positive vibration, and all living beings and nature thrive from it.” The goddess’s eyes twinkled in the firelight. “As far as your parents, Aife is your mother, that’s for sure.”
“So, what are you saying? Are you saying Crexan isn’t my father?”
The goddess nodded. “Yes, that’s what I’m saying.”
“Then who is?”
“I’m your other parent.”
“What? Who are you? How could that be?”
“I’m Goddess Gaia, Mother Earth. Look into my eyes as I tell you what you want to know.”
“All right.” Terra stepped closer to the goddess.
“That’s right, don’t be afraid.” Aetius stepped closer to her and rubbed her shoulder. “You can trust her.”
“I’m not even sure I can trust you.” She grinned at him. “I realize Mother Earth is my parent, she’s everyone’s mother. Right?” She looked at both of them.
“True, but I’m your parent in a more direct and personal way. And I gave your grandmother a mental push to name you Terra. It’s another name for Gaia.”
“Yes, it is.”
“Your grandmother is a strong woman and could have resisted my mental suggestion, but she liked the name and gave it to you. I wanted you to carry my name, and you have carried it very well.”
“I like my name.” Terra concentrated on looking into the goddess’s eyes.
“It does fit you.” The goddess’s eyes turned completely black.
“You’re a female. How could you be my parent when Aife’s my mother? That doesn’t make sense.”
“My darling child, I’m a powerful deity, many things are possible. You should know that.” The goddess turned, still holding Terra’s hand, and led her to the table. “Sit and have some food. I can tell you’re hungry. I’ll explain all to you as you eat.”
Terra sat down. She trembled with nerves. Aetius sat to one side of her, and the goddess sat catty-corner at the head of the table.
“Your mother was a wayward witch, and she was and is in a relationship with Crexan,” the goddess said.
“She’s a corrupt witch,” Aetius inserted. “Sorry.”
“You know her?” Terra turned to look at Aetius.
“Yes, I know your grandmother too. I can explain later.” He picked up a piece of fruit and bit into it.
“Seems like there’s a lot of explaining to do. I have a lot of questions.”
“Aife often misused the earth for her selfish power. She hurt the earth, raped it to gain strength. Look into my eyes, and I’ll show you.”
“Raped it?”
“Yes. She was very abusive. She recklessly stole from the earth.”
The goddess’s black eyes were like movie screens unfolding the history of what happened. Terra was mesmerized as she watched the historic events re-play in the goddess’s eyes. She could see a woman standing in the forest.
“What I’m seeing is my mother, Aife?” Terra asked the goddess.
“Yes.”
The play of events continued in the goddess’s eyes. Aife was holding out her hands. She was siphoning the energy from every living thing around her. There was a tangible stream of energy flowing into Aife. The trees, plants, and the earth’s soil turned gray then black. It became scorched and dead. Everything around her died. Aife glowed with a bright, golden light.
“That’s horrendous.” Terra put her hand over her mouth.
The goddess glanced down to end the historic playback of events in her eyes. “Aife destroyed nature and the earth around her when she took its energy.” The goddess glanced back at Terra, and her eyes had returned to normal. “She never gave back what she took from the earth. Nature screamed for help, asking to be delivered from her brutal rape. I was furious with what I witnessed. I cried for the pain nature endured because of Aife and her mate Crexan. He performed the same heinous acts.”
“That’s awful.” Terra was sickened.
“I was prepared to kill them both. But I discovered Aife was pregnant, and I witnessed her lose her baby. The absorption of the earth’s energy was too much for the fetus to handle.”
“The baby died?”
“Yes.” The goddess nodded. “The child couldn’t stan
d the rush of such uncontrolled power. I was there providing protection to the earth, renewing it as Aife took from it. When I felt the child pass on and leave to serve Persephone, I took the opportunity to replace the child with one I created from your mother’s egg and my essence. Aife sensed something had changed within her, but she never knew what. She believed her baby had survived.”
“But it was a different baby?”
“Yes, it was you.”
“Aife did stop her dangerous behavior, until after you were born.”
“That’s good.”
“Yes, but she resumed her heinous deeds after you were born. It took some time, but she eventually went back to her old ways.”
“That’s disappointing.”
“So, as you can see, you’re the child of Mother Earth. I’m the physical incarnation of Mother Earth, and you resemble this corporeal form.” The goddess motioned to herself.
“I’ve been all alone all these years, thinking I’m an orphan.”
“From the day you were planted in your mother’s womb, I’ve watched over you. I always knew if you were safe or in harm’s way. I waited for this day for you to find your way to me. I told no one about what I’d done, how I had created you.”
“So, God Dionysus didn’t know about our connection? And he still doesn’t know?”
“No, not yet.” The goddess shook her head. “It has been my secret alone. All others, except the three of us, believe Crexan Clancey is your father. Crexan believes he’s your father. However, you’re truly fortunate he isn’t. His seed is tainted with evil.” She looked to Aetius. “I’m glad you found her.”
“I am too.”
The goddess continued to look toward Aetius. “This Master Elemental is my favorite among the immortals. He spends too much time alone. He trusts very few people, much like you. I’m glad he’s found you. I hope your relationship blossoms.” She patted Terra’s hand.
“We’ve only just met.” Terra’s face heated up.
“You blush, my dear. That’s surprising for a handmaiden of God Dionysus. That must mean Aetius pulls at your heartstrings. He is very handsome.”
“Yes, he is.” Terra lifted her plate to assist the attendant serving her food.
