Ignisia flitted playfully around Ayana as she walked through some especially wet parts of the cave, cautiously placing her feet on the slippery stones to remain steady. Every time they reached a difficult section, Ayana paused to focus, take a breath, and balance herself, often gripping the nearby stones for support. Ignisia was always with her, and Ayana felt her soft presence also inside as they moved forward.
The cave tunnels snaked on for miles, turning and twisting around in unknown patterns. Ayana felt a thrill of excitement as she walked, and her heart beat strongly when they eventually stumbled upon an underground lake that shimmered with a bluish-green light. Ayana gasped in wonder at the sight of the lake, crystal-clear and its colours radiating like from a precious jewel.
Ignisia communicated within her head, "This place is like my own secret sanctuary. It is always magical whenever I come." Ayana couldn't take her eyes off the lake; its beauty and tranquillity captivated her. Gentle ripples on the water's surface held her in a mesmerising rapture. Everywhere she looked, the walls of the cave were adorned with phosphorescent moss, its blue and green luminescence cascading down and reflecting off the smooth surface of the lake. Ayana watched as the light played on the water, creating a kaleidoscope of ever-changing colours.
The air was humid, and Ayana could hear the gentle dripping of water from the walls and ceiling. The sound was soothing and calming, and she felt at peace with herself. She inhaled the damp air and closed her eyes, letting the gentle rhythm of the dripping lull her into a hypnotic state.
The lake seemed to stretch for eternity. Ayana could make out the shapes of shimmering fish swimming below the surface, their scales shimmering with different hues of silver and blue. Soft blue glint of algae were swaying inside the underwater world. Ayana felt as though she was standing in a magical place, untouched by time, known only to those who dared to explore the depths of these truly mystical caves.
She stepped closer to the lake, marveling as the light glimmered and shifted across the water. Her gaze reached high, to the walls of the cave, and she felt an immense sense of awe and wonder.
"It's breathtaking," Ayana breathed out in quiet gratitude for this moment. Ignisia echoed in her head, "Yes, it is. And it's all ours to explore."
Ayana smiled, feeling the deep connection to her companion and the beauty of the place. Ignisia rested on a little plant protruding from behind a larger stone. Ayana sat down as well, letting the beauty saturate her like a sponge. As they sat in silence for some time, a question occurred to Ayana's mind.
"Ignisia," she said, "how do I open others up to more love? Most people believe they already feel love, but sometimes we realise there's so much more, and we wonder why we couldn't feel this intensity before. Do you know what I mean? That happened to me often. It's as if there was something inside me all along, a part of me I never knew existed until then. And then, someone comes along or something happens, and I open up for more."
Ignisia didn't reply right away, and Ayana already had her own intuitive feelings about her question. "I guess I just want to give others the possibility of opening up to much more love; using me as a way for their hearts – isn't that how it works?"
"Yes, my light and my love. Some perceive the world in shades of black and white, and can only experience a small degree of love. Others, however, find the capacity to see a wider spectrum of colours and feel love in a way that you desire to share with them.
Treat every soul with love, and show them that you care. But also stay playful! Day by day, expand their deepest longing for you. In this way, you can help every soul to open their heart fully."
Ayana nodded, taking in the words. From her own experience, she had seen the truth of it; when she was most honest and open with someone and opened up even a bit more each day, then it was when others opened their hearts to her. It was beautiful to watch, because by loving her more, they also love themselves more. She especially liked this experience with men, when they gradually became more and more entranced by her feminine creativity and her natural ability to expand their longing for her.
Being creative and playful was a skill that could be learned and developed. She began to reflect on her own few experiences with men, coming to the conclusion that she could still improve her talents in this regard. She recalled a time she had been seeing a man for a few weeks. He seemed to be an interesting mixture of romantic and passionate, but also a bit shy, and Ayana had felt herself drawn to him. Unsure how to proceed, but trusting her intuition, she would reach out and touch him a few times on the arm or shoulder. She could tell he liked it, as his eyes sparkled when she did. Despite enjoying it, he seemed too shy to return the compliment.
Ayana was determined to make him feel special and wanted, so she maintained physical contact when they were in close proximity. Over time, he began to open up more. He started sharing personal stories and impressions from his life; and as she listened and responded with questions or comments, he gradually revealed more of himself until finally his walls came crashing down. He opened up about his hopes for the future and fears from the past, pouring out his heart and soul in an emotional flood that Ayana hadn't expected from such a stoic man.
His vulnerability moved her deeply and she felt a strong connection to him in that moment. She realised this was because of her interactions with him: gentle touches, playful banter, and genuine listening had created a safe space for him to open up. The experience left them both feeling connected in a deeper way. Ayana felt relieved for going with her instinct about how to love, respect and care for this man without pressuring him into anything he didn't want. He had been able to open up more deeply than ever before with someone else. That didn't mean they would have a closed couple relationship; in the end, they didn't. But he soon got to know a wonderful woman who helped expand his love further.
She had also learned another lesson before, that she had to remain true to herself and be authentic, even when times were hard. She had to be honest with her emotions and not be afraid of expressing them, especially not her positive feelings in the presence of someone who made her feel good.
Ayana always loved quickly and deeply. As soon as someone became part of her very personal world, no matter their age or gender, she usually felt an intense love for them. This was almost like a natural reflex for her. Once she opened her heart to someone, it was genuine and usually forever. But she felt this same love towards many souls. She was somewhat shy when it came to connecting more strongly with someone and having to differentiate how much love the other close friends and beloved souls received.
She asked Ignisia: "What if the love grows strong and the soul wants me just for them, yet I don't want the same restriction?"
"Indeed, a good point. Let us be the torch to light up their hearts, but we must first learn to fill our own with love. We cannot only project it outward, or our hearts will be deprived of its light. When we keep the flame burning within our own hearts, we can ignite the inner longing in others and inspire them to love themselves more deeply."
"But will they understand?"
"If not, stay there, holding space for them, so they can still connect to the most powerful energy in the universe. And remember to love yourself and maintain that love within you. That way you can keep your power to do what you want and love how you want."
Ayana pondered this advice, feeling the power of love within herself - one she could use and share, no matter what. She had to remember her boundaries and remain true to herself. And she was sure she could do that.
She also understood that it was okay if someone didn't feel the same way about her as she did, because she was in control of giving and receiving love in whatever form she felt comfortable. She embraced the power of love within her, knowing that no matter what happened around her, it would never change who she truly was: light and love.