out of the blackness into a large cave.
Waterfalls flowed into pristine pools. The sound of the water splashing, and
the smell of a summer rainstorm filled my senses.
“I told you that you could come through.” Bay dragged me into the center of
the room.
Now I could see small, blue lights playing in the water and sliding down the
waterfalls. “Where are we?” I asked.
My voice seemed to draw the lights attention. They quickly moved towards
me. Feeling apprehensive, I grabbed Bay's hand.
“It's ok.” Bay squeezed my hand, reassuring me that I was safe with her.
“Everyone, I want you to meet Mara. She is the human I told you about."
Bay pushed me forward. Before I knew it, lights surrounded me.
“She's not that pretty,” a childlike voice whispered.
“I think she is beautiful,” another said. Something lifted my hair. “Look at her long, curly locks.”
“The Goddess has blessed her, so she must be special,” a male voice stated.
“Enough! Everyone, step back from Mara now!” Blaze ordered as she
entered the room.
Looking around, I realized I wasn’t the only one in awe of her.
Blaze walked towards me. The crimson beads of her long dress sparkled
brightly, and her dark red hair shimmered with streaks of gold. It was piled high
on top of her head in the most magnificent up-do.
Each ball of light took their human form and bowed to her as if she was royalty.
“Mara will be with us for a while. Let's not overwhelm her,” Bay said kindly
to everyone.
With her words, they dispersed, returning to the waterfalls to, once again, splash and play. The calm, soothing energy emitted from the Water elementals made me feel like dancing, and I yearned to join them. The tranquility was replaced with an intensity I didn’t expect as Blaze grew closer. She made me feel
like I needed to be serious and determined.
“I knew this day would eventually come, and it really is the perfect time. You
must have pleased, Danu, for her to allow you to visit us." Blaze clasped my hand.
“Danu?” I whispered to Bay.
With a giggle, she whispered back, “The Goddess, silly.”
Was I brought here by the Goddess? My body tensed.
“Follow me. I'll give you a tour. There is plenty of time to play. Bay will join
us later," Blaze said and led me away."
“Wait, won't Gram be worried about me?” I suddenly remembered where I
had been before I woke in the forest. “She will think something bad happened to
me.”
Blaze snickered. “Mara, your body is at home and your family thinks you are
sleeping from the exhausting events of the day."
“That can't be.” I jerked my hand away from her. “Bay pinched me to prove I
