Princess of Faerl

*Elentari*

I was walking through the galaxy, stepping on thin air. My hair seemed to be made of the stars with nebulas within it. A shimmery glow surrounded my body and my skin became the deep void of the night sky. I felt a strength I had never known. Visions flew around my head. Beings from my life books, voices that felt familiar. Small pieces of knowledge became encyclopedias and volumes worth of knowledge. I saw strange beings with various colors of skin, different types of dragons, fae, vampires, pixies, itches, warlocks, werefolks, and ones I don’t have the words to describe.

Each being spent hours pouring information to me. Histories, lore, policies, pantheons and so much more. It felt like weeks without a break. So many thoughts and new things to learn. Raza showed up as well, departing the histories of her people, explaining the blood of Bronzetail. They were the last line of Raza’s direct descendants. It made so much more sense now why she was targeted. Funny enough, no one seemed to realize that the Bronzetail name worked just like the Tirisil name. Another interesting point.

A beautiful woman with long red hair, deep black skin, purple eyes, and purple tattoos adorning her body spoke with me as well. Alongside her was a short blonde lady with pale skin and the mouth of a sailor. Supposedly, the short one was a Goddess and the taller one acted like she was her big sister. Aelalaera and the goddess Satin. They taught me about their histories and the misconceptions of people when they live so far apart and do not communicate for themselves. Aelalaera also gave me some extra training on psionics. It was wild being able to create weapons with my mind. As she and Satin stated, it was a priceless tool for negotiations when weapons aren’t allowed and you do not have home field advantage.

Two tall lovely elf women and their companion came through last. The elder of the two ladies smiled kindly at me. “Elentari,” She said my name almost reverently. “It is a blessing to see you after all of these years. Like you, I have traversed many planes and learned much, and like you I have been a Lunar Guardian. You are the daughter of my soul. There is a mirror of my soul in your reality too, a lovely woman named Belle.” The lady next to her smiled as well.

“We are Lisse Tirisil and Kestal Tirisil. This man is my brother in law and your soul father, Arathion.” She shook my hand softly. “We do not know if you have gotten to our life book yet, but we couldn’t wait to see you.” Lisse and Arathion had tears in their eyes.

“The last time we saw you, you had perished in Khalith’s arms after a great battle. We didn’t know if we would ever see you again.” The man wrapped his arms around me, and I felt the same warmth I do when my father hugs me. It was unreal.

“I am alive, I am well. I don’t know what happened in that lifetime yet, but your energy feels the same, so I’ve no reason to not believe.” I smiled at them all. We spent what felt like hours talking. They told me about their world, the gods and goddesses, how elves and humans lived together and orcs were evil beings that threatened their existence. Chaos led the orcs to reek untold destruction and only through myself and Khalith was the world saved. I could barely believe the tale. I could never see myself being such a strong warrior of a sword and of magic. They gave me strength and inspiration through their story.

I was a badass even without goddess powers. I have faced Chaos before. I was starting to think Chaos didn't want to make me his, but it was an elaborate hoax to infiltrate my world and take me out at the knees before I could take him down for good once I had gained my goddess powers. Lots of laughs, hugs, tears, and I love yous later, the three disappeared into the stars like all the others.

Elentari, Queen of the Stars. I am she, and she is me. Never to cower before anyone ever again. Never to feel lesser than. Never to be the same again. My slumber lasted long enough. My eyes flew open to see Selene sitting beside me, holding my hand.

“Good morning, child.” She smiled at me. She didn’t seem particularly worried.

“How long was I our for?”I figured this was similar to my first life and I had been out for months.

“You’ve been out fo three days. Not a very long time at all. How are you feeling?” The softness surrounding her was something I had never seen before. “You’ve gained a lot of new powers and have a lot to master.”

I nodded, “I met a lot of people from my past lives. Some deities, some past incarnation. I couldn’t believe some of the stories. I’ve learned a lot about myself. It is overwhelming.”

“I bet. I’m sure they will visit again to help you control them. It’s going to be a fun ride. You are about to be the most powerful being in existence besides Adalith.” Selene contemplated. “Maybe even stronger, some day.”

“I’m not looking forward to the ‘kick me’ sign that will be on my back because of it.” I grumbled as the idea hit me like a freight train. “I thought being a Guardian was enough of a target. How do you keep people from attacking you? Not even people, but other deities?” I couldn’t imagine what Chaos would have in store for me as I learned how to be me.” I could feel a panic attack coming.

“Unfortunately, that’s inevitable, but that is why you train and grow into your powers as a goddess. Adalith chose you. There is no reason why you should ever cower to, or before, any entity, not even Adalith themselves. Believe in yourself child. You’ve got so much within you to discover. It’ll take time, sure, but you have the support of your mate and son, who have had their abilities a long time, and myself. Plus, you and Edmiyon can learn together.” Her grin was huge.

“I’m glad you have him back. I can’t imagine being separated for so long. It would be,” I paused, trying to find the right word, “hollow, I would imagine.”

“It was, but I got to see him every night in my dreams, so we were never truly apart. Now, though, he can join me in the waking hours, and travel the world with me, and with all of you. We have more adventures to seek, places to travel, and if I say so myself, more asses to kick.” She laughed as the relaxed words left her lips and I couldn’t help but let out a deep belly laugh.

Suddenly the room was filled with people who realized I was awake. My loving husband, my child, my brothers and Lily. “Eliza and Stacie are still asleep?” I asked sadly.

“Yes, they are. So as soon as you’re ready we’ll get to work. It will be some time before they are awake, but that will be safer for them. You all will understand in time.” Edmiyon spoke up, placing a gentle hand on Aran’s shoulder.

“I have a new generation of deities to train, royals to anoint, and guardians to help find.” Selene laughed a little, “This is going to be no small feat.” She muttered as she shuffled out of the room, Edmiyon in tow, “Get rest, little Goddess, and figure out the name that all universes will know you by. Like I said, this is only the beginning.”

“Universes?? What??” I couldn’t believe my ears, “WAIT! Why do i have to pick a name?? Doesn’t one get assigned to me? Can’t I use my real name?” I started to panic. “Selene!!” I yelled after her as everyone but Hephaestus shuffled out of my room.

“Rest, we’ll worry about it later, love. Just rest for now.” He curled up in my bed with me, holding me close to him. His scent washed over me and I smiled, finding my eyes growing heavy.

“But I just woke up…” The words barely left my mouth before I was asleep in his arms. The battle is yet to begin.