A.D. 4981, A townhouse in Nolusberg

Guppy sat curled up in bed, positively vibrating in excitement, she was five and it was her storytime. She watched as her mother walked over to the bookshelf and teased her by running her hands over them in seeming indecision.

The soft pattering of rain sounded against the window as Guppy waited.

“Anyone is good mamwe, just pick one please!” implored Guppy, unable to contain herself any longer.

Her mother let out a rich throaty chuckle and finally pulled a slender volume from the shelf, it was a picture book that Guppy knew well, ‘The Twelve Divines’ proclaimed the fancy curly writing of the title.

Guppy wriggled over to make room for her mamwe to sit on the side of the bed, which she graciously did.

Esmeralda opened the book and set it on her lap, tilting it so Guppy could see the pictures without having to crane her neck.

“First of the twelve and god of fire, Tikka the terrible who’s play is dire.”

Guppy clapped her little hands and giggled at the funny looking illustration of a man with clothes of fire. Esmeralda smiled down at her and turned the page.

“Second is Lula, goddess of wind, her nature is fickle and she loves to tickle.”

A picture of a pretty lady flying freely in the sky made Guppy sigh in wistfulness.

The story was briefly interrupted as a tickling war broke out between the two ladies, only after a couple minutes of gasping for air and squirming did Guppy settled down enough to continue.

“Third is Narla, goddess of earth, only her heart is greater than her girth.”

Guppy traced the rotund outline of the brown goddess’s image on the page before turning the page herself, her impatience kicking in.

“Fourth is Podos, water is his game, always travelling, yet without an aim”

Guppy stared for a while at the handsome man illustrated on the page, Esmeralda had to admit the artist had done quite a decent job, perhaps he was a devotee. She turned the page once more.

“Fifth is Hwamu, god of the dark, when the light fades, he makes his mark.”

Guppy quickly turned the page this time, the creepy dark figure with its wide grin and empty eyes was never a favourite of little children.

“Sixth is-”

“Selena, goddess of light, there to comfort you, no matter the plight!” interrupted Guppy, clapping her hands in glee at the gorgeous woman on the page.

“Now Guppy, all the gods have their roles and responsibilities and are equally important.” Esmeralda remonstrated.

“I know mamwe. But Selena is the prettiest!” Guppy protested

“Hmmm” was all Esmeralda said as she turned the page and continued.

“Seventh is Chrolia, goddess of time, robber of those who’re in their prime”

Guppy pointed to the magitech clock on the wall and Esmeralda patted her head in acknowledgement, feeling Guppy sit up straighter as she did so, further thrusting her little head into Esmeralda’s palm.

“Eighth is Novis, god of space, all of us, live in his place.”

Esmeralda held back a snort at the lame rhyme, but for a small child it seemed to be entertaining as Guppy nodded her head sagely.

“Ninth is Lupo, goddess of weather, no mortal can, attach a tether”

Guppy cocked an ear, listening to the rain as it began to fall heavier on their roof. Esmeralda tucked Guppy’s soft hair behind her little ear and stroked her back as they both sat listening to the soothing rain for a few minutes.

A sharp crack of lightning sounded, prompting Guppy to jump into Esmeralda’s lap, and to turn to the page.

“Tenth is Zarak, lover of Lupo and god of lightning, he’s not found solo”

Guppy made a “catuusssshh” sound, her childish imitation of the lightning as Esmeralda turned the page.

“Eleventh is Priri, goddess of nature, her growth as inevitable as a glacier

Guppy twirled her fingers around the illustrated flowers and plants, enjoying the vibrancy of the colors set in the image and gleefully pointing out the half hidden goddess amongst all the plants.

“Twelfth and final is Thorum of Magma, son of Tikka and Narla-”

“Mr angry face” interrupted Guppy, caught up in the picture of Thorum bellowing in rage as the earth cracked and burning liquid flew forth.

Esmeralda chuckled at the girls interpretation and closed the book. She ignored the little girl’s cries of one more story, tucked her in, gave her a kiss and turned off the magitech light.

Waiting outside the door she soon heard the light snoring as Guppy swiftly fell asleep. She walked over and joined her beloved in their bedroom, snuggling up to him in bed and enjoying the sound of the rain pitter pattering down.

“How did the story go honey?” he asked

“As well as when I read to you dear, always curious and wanting the story to keep going, she’s got so much of you in her you know.”

She got a grin in return and their embrace deepened...