Kalona's Fall (House of Night Novellas #4)(4)

*   *   *

Mother Earth was waiting for Nyx. She had already taken form and was standing before the grove, breathing deeply of the fragrant evening primrose from which she had fashioned her hair. She stroked the smooth, curvaceous skin she had fashioned for her body from the purest of clays. She called Air to her, directing it to lift the diaphanous gown adoring silkworms had created for her. She knew she looked especially alluring. The sun had beamed down on her grove from dawn to dusk, and now, enrapt, the moon watched.

Mother Earth was pleased.

The Goddess manifested when the moon, full and attentive, was high in the clear night’s sky.

“Nyx! You delight me! You’ve chosen my ivy for your hair. It complements the headdress as flowers complement a meadow.”

The Goddess had chosen to wear the visage of a young girl with silver-blond hair and fair skin, and the familiar delicate tattoos decorating her smooth shoulders. Mother Earth smiled as Nyx flushed in pleasure.

“Thank you! The Fey helped adorn me. They are clever and considerate, though they rarely speak.” Nyx touched the crystal necklace. “A coblyn made this for me.”

“Why, that is as lovely as your headdress! They must be very special creatures. I am intrigued to learn about them, as I have created nothing like them. Nyx, would you give them leave to visit me? I would welcome the presence of the Fey.”

“Of course! I’m sure they would be delighted. Would you mind if they allowed themselves to be seen by your children? I think it would make them less lonely, though I must warn you, some of the Fey can be rather mischievous.”

“Oh, do not let that concern you. My human children could use a little divine mischief. Sometimes I think mankind has become far too serious. They forget the special magick that can be found in fun-loving mischief and laughter.” Mother Earth’s own laughter caused the sleeping bluebells in the meadow before the grove to wake and burst into full bloom.

“Those flowers are so beautiful! The Fey especially love bright colors. Thank you, Mother Earth.” Nyx and Mother Earth smiled at each other and the isle glowed with reflected joy.

All the while the moon watched.

“Nyx, would you tell me more about the Fey? I have never met one.”

“Oh, yes! There are so many types of them.”

Mother Earth’s smile turned satisfied as she stroked a white boulder that had been saturated by moonlight and called moss to carpet it. “Come, sit beside me.” While Nyx gracefully settled herself, Mother Earth gently waved her hand through the grass that grew in tufts around the boulder. Instantly, several plants sprung to life, producing white, trumpet-shaped flowers. Thanking each plant, Mother Earth gently plucked the blossoms free and offered one to Nyx. “Sip slowly—the nectar is as delicious as it is potent.”

Sipping from the living chalice, Nyx began describing the different types of Fey to Mother Earth, who listened, attentive and smiling, until the moon reluctantly began to depart. Where the horizon met the gray-blue waters surrounding the island, the approaching sun caused the sky to blush.

“I had no idea it was so late. You must forgive me. It has been too long since I have had an opportunity to practice conversation.”

“Lovely Goddess, I have enjoyed myself more tonight than I have in eons. And I have a confession to make: you are not to blame for the length of our conversation. I kept you with me purposefully until now. I wish to reward your fidelity.”

Nyx looked startled. “But that is not necessary. Mother Earth, I will remain and watch over your children. I have given you my vow. I will not ask for a reward for keeping my word.”

“It is because you do not ask that I wish to reward you.” Looking inordinately pleased with herself, Mother Earth stood. Turning to the east, toward the rising sun, she lifted her face to the fading moon.

“But what—” Nyx began.

Mother Earth smiled fondly over her shoulder at the Goddess. “This gift is not to tether you to me. I trust your fidelity. What I create tonight is fashioned from friendship and appreciation. Tonight my only purpose is to end your loneliness by bringing you joy.” Then, with the young Goddess looking on in curiosity, Mother Earth raised her arms.

“Moon, harken to me before you depart my sky. Mother Earth doth call to thee!” She dropped her chin so that her gaze focused from the sky above to the coral tip of the dawning sun and said, “Sun, harken to me before you climb too high. Mother Earth doth call to thee!”

For a moment nothing happened, but Mother Earth did not despair. She tossed back her fragrant hair and called Air to her again. The element caressed her, revealing her lush beauty. She called Fire to her so that she glowed with living flame. She called Water, and suddenly the sea that surrounded the island stilled and became a liquid mirror, reflecting Mother Earth’s loveliness. She called Spirit and wisps of power washed over her, enhancing her already preternaturally luminous form.

Confidently, Mother Earth waited.

The moon responded first, forever changing Nyx’s destiny.

As if a pebble had disturbed the surface of a sleeping pond, the fading moon shivered and then brightened from gray to silver. Far above the grove, a deep voice echoed from the sky.

The moon doth harken to Mother Earth’s call. What is thy will? Mighty moon is eager to fulfill.

Just then the sun lifted above the watery horizon, shining the yellow and pink of dawn on the grassy ground before the grove. From over the stilled waves, a voice, equally as deep and powerful, echoed.