Book 4 Chapter 18

Maria let out a long, peaceful sigh as she sat with her back pressed against the trunk of an old and wizened tree. She kept her eyes closed, allowing her mind to spread and focus on her other senses. It wasn’t long until she could feel the warmth of the sun overhead, its rays falling upon her skin like a warm caress…

Fighting for her attention was the soothing breeze of the wind, just chilled enough to cool even through the thick robes that she wore over her dress. Along her back she could feel each groove and ridge that ran along the tree’s bark, a firm yet comforting support.

Finally feeling somewhat free, she focused on the brilliant energy she felt within, what she had long recognized as Tirr’s blessing. Focusing on the faith that had been steadily built within her body, she pulled at it, bringing out a small tip that soon lengthened as she drew it around herself. As she prayed the thin line thickened, becoming a steady stream that filled her body with energy and vibrance.

She stayed like that for a while, keeping her faith flowing continuously until she no longer needed to focus on it. Once free to let her mind roam once again, she couldn’t help but recall a memory from back before they had left Road’s End. One of the few peaceful memories she had where they weren't rushing off to some fight or trouble.

It had been a warm day, much like today, with a slight and comfortable breeze that filtered beautifully through the nearby forest’s trees. She sat against an old oak tree, which had grown tall and sturdy, despite the threat of those loggers greedy enough to tread the forest's edge.

As she was enjoying the breeze and relaxing, another figure rested in her lap. A small head with darkened skin and short black hair slept peacefully with his head in her lap. Looking down at his smiling face, Maria didn’t even mind the small damp spot that was growing as the young god drooled.

She ran a hand carefully through his hair, caressing it as she watched him. She was once again reminded of how shockingly young he could look… She felt like she could stay there forever, enjoying the moment of peace after the hardships they had been through. In her lap, Tirr stirred, murmuring something in his sleep before settling down again.

Resolved to let him continue his rest, she looked up, watching with a smile as a group of children chased a large wolf in the field not too far from them. The children raced after the wolf, laughing hysterically as they tried to encircle him. Yet the wolf was too quick…

Each time the children thought they had him caught and leapt forward, ready to press their faces into its warm fur, it would suddenly dash away, forcing the children to run and scream as they chased after it again… Repeating the cycle while never realizing they only ever got as close as the wolf let them.

Far in the distance, men and women worked in tandem as they moved in and out of the dirt wall that had been constructed the month before, bringing in materials and resources as they worked to rebuild their town. Their expressions light and the atmosphere cheery.

Thinking back on that moment, seeing the village full of hope and energy as they moved earth and stone, watching the children playing joyfully in the field, feeling Tirr’s warmth as he slept along the soft grass, and resting against the sturdy trunk of an old oak… It was a moment that Maria thought might be as close to perfect as any moment could be.

As she let herself be lost in her memories, unbeknownst to her sigil had brightened considerably. Within maria, her faith had started to change, coming together as its shape grew and started to stabilize…

“Come on Maria!” Tirr called suddenly as he approached.

The sudden voice drew Maria out of her trance, she shook herself gently as she focused back on the real world. Her sigil slowly darkened as Tirr came and threw himself onto her lap, sitting back as he positioned his head in her lap.

“I should have just brought Nerida and Claire with us…” The young god complained. “Could have just dragged them away from whatever work they said they were doing and wouldn’t have to be so worried now…”

Maria rolled her eyes, lowering a hand to caress his head… It was quickly deflected though as he blushed. She let out a sigh “Their work is important. Without what they're doing now you’ll never rebuild your country.” She didn’t lower her hand again, but silently swore to pat his head furiously as soon as he fell asleep that night.

“I know it’s important but…” Tirr started before going quiet, thinking about his other trainees, “I don’t know if they’re going to be enough for this Clangang thing, let alone for that… Thing…”

“Are we even sure it's going to start again?” Maria asked carefully,

“It is… I know it is…” Tirr said, his voice quiet, he flashed her a frustrated look, “And I’m stuck here with a couple of Adherents and a Zealot who can’t summon her asp…”

A well-placed flick to the forehead made him squint his eyes in pain. Maria readied another, her eyes cold. “I’ll have you know that I can summon and Aspect just fine thank you”

Tirr looked up at her skeptically, “Not just a copy of mine?”

Maria tried to flick him again but he rolled away, sitting up as he listened to her. She stood up, brushing some leaves and dirt off herself as she prepared to go back up the valley. “Nope, my very own aspect…”

Tirr stood up to follow her, “Then show me!” He ordered eagerly. “What is it? Is it cool?”

Maria just laughed shaking her head as they started up the mountain pass, “I’ll show you at the Clangang… Until then you’ll have to wait…” Tirr gave her a confused look, but Maria ignored him, humming to herself confidently as she walked.