Ari sat on the couch. It was around two weeks later. The village had started leaving offerings for Chrysalis. They made a new shrine and everything. Anyway, she sat on the couch, carving a few random things into her hunting bow.
Chrysalis came inside with a small basket.
"What did they give ya this time?" Ari asked.
"Actually, there's stuff for both of us." Chrysalis said.
Ari looked confused, glancing up from her work. "Both of us? I'm not even a goddess. Just a human." She said.
Chrysalis shrugged it off. "Oh let them have their two goddesses. Here, one of the village children made you this," She said as she handed Ari a wooden statue. Fairly small, like a pocket charm. Carved into the shape of a wolf. Chrysalis took out another that looked similar. Except this one was a bird.
"We match."
Ari grinned. It was cute. She ran her hand over the figure. It was expertly carved. Smooth and sanded down. It was surprisingly detailed as well. She had forgotten how much the village prided themselves in their craftsmanship. She looked at the bird sculpture as well. It was just as well done as the wolf carving. Individual feathers carved into old wood. She could feel the appreciation radiating off the items.
Chrysalis showed off the rest of the items in the basket. Bits of coal and polished stones. Jars of honey. Things like rosemary and gently wrapped, pressed flowers. All tucked into a gorgeously weaved basket.
And the day passed nicely. The quiet afternoon turned into a peaceful evening, Ari and Chrysalis spending the night tucked up next to each other outside, dancing to the distant music from the village festival bellow for hours. And then falling into bed, Ari exhausted, and her drifting off to sleep as Chrysalis bathed in the love and energy of the wonderful night.
And once again, summer turned to fall, and then into winter once again.
Ari went out to hunt again one cold wintery morning. The supply was running low and it was the perfect time to go out. So, she and Nim headed into the snowy December morning.
Ari felt her brain smack her across the face as she remembered that this was not unlike the day that felt so long ago, when she met Chrysalis, and when she had almost lost her life in the bottom of a snow and ice-covered hole. And up until now, she was having a great day.
She felt her heart pound inside her chest. A suffocating rhythm of a never-ending pattern. She felt her hand slowly retreat up to her neck, resting against the constant thin layer of skin where her pulse poked through. Her hands went damp even though the air was freezing. She felt her face become hot and her chest tightened. She felt fear crawling up her back like a spider in its web. The fear that she was back in that hole was back. Even though she knew that she was there. Above ground. Safe and sound among the trees.
And then she heard a voice. It was muffled. And sounded far away. She so desperately wanted to be closer to that voice. It called her. Over and over and over again.
And then a sharp
"Ari! Take a breath love. Your alright, I'm right here. Your safe."
Chrysalis. It was Chrysalis.
Ari didn't know when she ended up on the ground, curled up. Or when her face ended up inside her hands. Or when Nim was padding around in circles, trying to find something to use to comfort Ari. Chrysalis had her hand gently placed on Ari's shoulders.
Ari looked deep into Chrysalis's eyes. She felt safe all of a sudden. Peace. Happiness.
Her