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A WARMTH WASHED OVER me, awaking me from my dreamless sleep. The last thing I could recall was standing toe to toe against my brother in the Summer Court, while the archfey, Titania, watched on. I attempted to move my body, but was consumed by the ache in my muscles. What sorcery had she used to compel Nolas to attack me. It was no use speculating, I could move forward in the hope I could free him. But one question remained; when the archfey cast me out of her realm where did she send me?
I sat up, each movement agony. Luckily my crook laid beside me and I used it to help me onto my hooves. I’d found myself in a garden of sorts, the most beautiful garden I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. Everywhere I looked was covered in greenery with wild blooms poking through. Tiny critters made their home here, and the chirping of cicadas relaxed my soul. It was perfect. Too perfect.
My mind circled with possibilities. Where was I? Was I dead?
I moved through the garden, limping with the support of my crook. The realm opened up to me, making my movements more comfortable with each step. I wasn’t sure how it was possible but I was thankful. I passed through a curtain of leaves, and found myself in a quiet grove when I sat for a while. Many critters greeted me, allowing me to stroke their soft fur and be merry in their company.
Just as I was getting comfortable in my surroundings, I heard the earth whisper to me. I looked around but couldn’t find where the voice came from.
‘We meet again, young one,’ a silken voice said.
I turned to see a giantess of a woman towering over me, copper tresses tumbled over her shoulders. A braid of ivy leaves rested in her crown. White markings painted her tanned skin, symbolising her as the Goddess Melora. Her moss-dyed dress draped over her frame with leather straps holding it in place.
‘Wildmother,’ I muttered softly, rising to my hooves and immediately bowed before her. ‘Truly it is an honour.’ I thought she might sit with me for a while but I was mistaken.
‘The honour is all mine, young Seer,’ the Wildmother said with a smile. ‘I’m sorry to have dragged you from your battle but I cannot watch my own suffer a moment longer.’
I was taken back, ‘You were responsible?’ I asked. The deity adverted her gaze sheepishly like she’d committed a great sin. ‘I am thankful for your assistance,’ I added to reassure her.
Melora was quiet for a moment, ‘That is not the only reason I have brought you here. I’m sorry that it is only now that we're able to speak freely. The version of me you saw before was but a figment of the Sorcerer’s power, nothing more than an illusion.’
I nodded to show I understood, ‘I thought that might have been the case when he refused to accept the relic I was given. Is it truly as worthless as he claimed?’ I asked.
‘Only to those who do not believe,’ the Wildmother said with a wink and a finger pressed to her lips. ‘Come, young Seer, there is much for us to discuss. I’m afraid your time in my realm is limited. Soon you’ll have to return to your homeland.’ She turned to leave, gesturing for me to follow.
‘Wait,’ I called, picking herself up and chasing after her. ‘Am I not dead?’
‘Dead?’ Melora queried, and laughed. ‘Is that what you truly believe allowed you into my realm? What an interesting notion that would be. No, Saria, you are not dead.’
I walked alongside the deity I’d admired my entire life, the first of my race to ever stand up against the archfey and secure freedom for my tribe. She’d been the first Seer of the Windcaller tribe, and here I was the newest one selected. There was no way I could measure up to her, but I owed it to my tribe to try.
‘Wildmother, pray forgive my rudeness but may I ask something of you?’
Melora glanced down at me and replied softly, ‘In my realm, young Seer, you are welcome to speak as freely as you can move.’
‘How were you able to leave the Summer Court?’
The Wildmother glanced up, instead of an open sky, there was a stained-glass dome in beautiful spring colours. ‘It was my friend who made it possible. Your ancestors put their faith in me. I was never the strongest or the most gifted as a mortal, but my heart was bigger than anyone’s. With their blessings, my power grew and I awoke anew,’ she explained, her voice softer than silk. ‘I was reborn a deity, and with it I was granted the power of a God.’
‘Were you not scared?’
Melora gave a single nod, ‘I was terrified. I was not much older than yourself when the change happened.’ She explained her situation gently, but something seemed amiss, even if I couldn’t put my finger on it. ‘Although it was a great deed my friends achieved, the power that swelled in my veins was a borrowed gift. No mortal should be allowed to have the power of a God. The risk is far too dangerous. Tell me, Saria, do you know that every Seer since myself has lived a half life?’
Her question posed me as strange. The Seer before me had been my mother, Kelea, and she passed shortly after I was born, but long enough to have named me herself. I knew very little of her life as a Seer and as a woman before I came into the world. Everyone in the tribe talked about her in such a high regard, that I never questioned it.
‘I’ve never really given it much thought,’ I said. But in truth, I was not allowed to know of the previous Seers. The Elders were so focused on the future, they rarely looked to the past for answers. It seemed I was about to learn the reason why that might have been the case.
Together we walked until we reached a rock fountain, and the Wildmother gestured for me to take a seat. I obliged, dipping my hand in crystal clear liquid, a few even came to greet me.
‘Seers are those who watch over the balance in your homeland, such is your duty, but this comes at a heavy price. Soon you will go through the change as I did, and the power of a God will consume you, as it once did me,’ Melora explained.
I considered my words carefully, ‘If I went through this change, would I have the power to stand against the archfey that terrorises my tribe?’ I asked, keeping my tone flat.
The Wildmother hummed, ‘I believe it is possible, providing your body can handle it.’
I stood, ‘I will do anything to protect those I love. Will you help me?’ I asked.
‘You must understand, to enact the change you must be judged by the Gods themselves to determine if you are worthy enough to receive such a gift. But if you are so willing-’
‘I am,’ I said, realising I’d cut the deity off. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘Then let us not waste another moment, come young Seer. Let us test your worth.’ Melora announced, her voice summoning her realm to shift. The fountain split apart, revealing a secret passage and with her guidance, together we stepped inside. ‘While in this chamber you must speak the truth, your hopes and your fears. But know you are safe in this realm.’
Melora gestured to a circle of stones in the centre of the chambers, and without questioning her, I stepped inside. Sconces around the room flickered alight, the gentle sound of flowing water behind me calmed me despite not knowing what was to happen next.
‘Seer, you must sit,’ the Wildmother instructed. ‘Close your eyes and cast your mind to recall your history. Think about that which truly terrifies you, and those wishes you’d like to see fulfilled.’
I took a seat on the rocky ground, and folded my hooves under my body. As instructed I closed my eyes and thought about my past. My mind flooded with memories, bringing tears to my eyes. I allowed myself to think about those moments deeply, and express my emotions in their truest and most raw form.
Thinking about how my brother was never allowed by my side, he was set off to train and I led off to be the tribe Seer. How I longed to have a companion, for someone to talk to, to play silly games, like a normal child my age. Those feelings of loneliness that drove me into believing the lies of the Darkling. What drove me to accept his fake friendship. All I wanted was a friend, someone to talk to that wasn’t forcing their demands on me. The Elders may have raised me but they hadn’t treated me like family, not once. To them I was a china doll, pretty to display and never to be played with. That I needed protecting when really I only needed them to show me love.
I thought back to my endless days performing rituals so the Goddess Melora might hear my prayers. Asking for her light to shine on us and for our homeland to flourish. The notion seemed funny, considering I was sitting in her realm. How the times had changed since those days. I thought about the strange ceremonious garments I was made to wear. As beautiful as they were, I much preferred the casual clothes I wore now. Even if they caked in dirt and stained crimson in places. I felt more free than I ever had in my tribe.
My mind brought me back to the times I used to sit at Mother tree, decorating the bark with tiny flora. That was my own form of self expression back then. Now with Druid magic brimming in my veins, I felt my expression in my magic. Every spell I used contained a slither of myself, making me swell with pride every time I called upon the earth, like I finally understood my purpose in life.
But that fateful night the Darkling tore a rift into a realm would forever haunt me. It was my weakness that brought him to my realm. My loneliness caused my tribe to suffer his wrath. For my brother, Nolas, to be injured protecting me. For my father to cast me out like I was nothing. It was me who caused my homeland to fade into darkness, making it easier for the archfey to destroy us. My tribe were fighting for their freedom after centuries of protection and comfort. I’d deserved my banishment. I hadn’t deserved the kindness Elder Sheatu gave me, but I was thankful she’d taken a chance on me and taught me the Druid ways. It was she I owed thanks to for allowing me to harness the power of the earth and become the woman I was today.
Had it not been for the Elder, I would’ve never stood up against the Darkling in the Sorcerer’s trial, or had the confidence to aid my comrades during their own. That had been the first time I felt like I belonged, and not out of duty placed upon me. It was my choice. I didn’t blame myself for their deaths, despite how they may have sacrificed themselves so I might live to tell their tales one day, but I still owed them my thanks for the adventure of a lifetime.
Now I only hoped I'd have the strength to stand against the archfey, enough to send her back to the Summer Court and return the freedom my tribe once flourished in. For my homeland to return to its beauty, for the land to be whole once more. I’d give anything to see this vision through. I’d accept any punishment the Gods saw fit for my actions. For the cowardice I’d displayed during the Darkling’s arrival and my time spent with The Ashen Order. But I would stand alone now, on behalf of my tribe and my homeland for their freedom. For my fallen friends, to ensure their sacrifices were not in vain. If this last wish caused me to lose my life, then I would welcome it.
‘The Gods have spoken,’ Melora’s silken voice pulled me from my thoughts.
I opened my eyes to see the wicks resting inside the sconces burning in four colours; ruby red, mossy green, ocean blue and bone white. One by one the orbs of flame left their beds and flew towards me. The four orbs rested in my hands waiting for instruction.
‘You must consume them to receive the Gift,’ the Wildmother mother said, cupping her own hands and drawing them to her lips. ‘Like so. But be still, for the power of these elements will consume you, fighting against this gift may cost you your life.’
I followed her instructions and brought my cupped hands to my lips. The warmth of the flame caused my eyes to water. I’d no choice but to accept and one by one I swallowed the orbs whole. A burning sensation slid down my throat, warming my entire body, but the second they hit my stomach I started to gag. ‘What’s happening?’ I asked, but the Wildmother watched on silently.
My body tilted forward like I was about to be sick, but nothing came. I threw my hands on the ground and noticed the change happening. My fingertips elongated, with talon-like claws instead of nails. I felt my skin burn as symbols drew themselves on me. They mirrored the Wildmother’s markings, painted in the same chalky white. My two tone curls tumbled over my shoulders and I reached up to the top of my head to feel a crown of ivy. I looked down at myself, my adventuring garments gone and replaced with a ceremonial gown, like the one I wore in my childhood, yet it was made to fit my grown form. I went to retrieve my crook, but its form had been altered beyond recognition. Gone was my mothers presence, instead a staff fit for a Goddess, but that wasn’t me.
When the flames inside me finally died, I felt empty without their warmth. The change had happened quicker than I’d anticipated, but I was thankful to have received such a gift, even if I wasn’t quite sure what that gift was.
‘Is it done?’ I asked the Wildmother.
Melora joined me, no longer a giantess but a fawn just like I was. ‘You have awoken your true power as a Seer, with this I pray your wishes are answered.’ She said, resting her head against mine. ‘Remember my words, this power has a limit. Your mortal body will wither once your deed is done and when it does I will welcome you back to my realm with open arms.’
‘This is temporary?’ I queried. She nodded to agree. ‘Once I stand against the archfey to free my tribe and restore my homeland to its beauty, will this all be over?’
‘If that is your wish, young Seer.’
A mix of emotions washed over me; fear and anxiety but also confidence and hope.
‘Thank you,’ I whispered to the Goddess, bowing before her. ‘Until we meet again.’
Only as the words left my lips did I understand the weight of my words, whether it be hours or years, one day I would be welcome into this realm as the Wildmother’s equal. But first, there were things I needed to take care of. People I needed to see. I got onto my hooves, and waited for Melora to return me to my own homeland, so that I could see my wish fulfilled. She placed a hand on my shoulder, uttering words in a language not known to me until a blinding light swarmed my vision.
‘Until we meet again.’
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