The sun rose high in the sky and Devika was tending to her little ones, the Petallers. New spores that were maturing. She had discovered that her magic was creating new life. Little flower beings that she just adored. Their tiny bodies were green and small like the stems of flowers and leaves. Where the petals were now cute and adorable little faces. She called them Petallers.
The first ones to be born arrived over a decade ago so she had to create for them a place to live away from the Zelowalli as well as the Other Landers who washed up on the shores of her land and made their homes. Creatures from the Savage Lander like Ferdinand were allowed to thrive and live there. As long as they respected the nature and promised to keep her laws.
Though, the Other Landers who carried their Diviners were driven off, centuries ago, many tried to come back but that wasn't a problem as long as the Sea Goddess made their journeys are living hell. Something she agreed with.
No one deserved to live on her land. If her people wish to leave, she offered them her blessings but she would not be able to protect them. They understood. Her power didn't extend that far.
Not that she ever bothered to try. She was a born Zelowalli and her home was on her land. Those that stayed, she would protect them for generations. Be the monster needed to tear the other landers apart.
She smiled from her throne, listening to the chatter of the Petallers and soaking in the sun. One of the orange blossoms Petallers was telling her about how the others had made a few homes for the new generation. This orange Petaller was ready to even take a new young Petaller in and raise it.
"I am so proud of you my little one," Devika gushed, "I'll bet you'll make a wonderful guardian."
The Petaller cooed and Devika looked up over to the pond. It was the center of her new home. The new spores were growing the left side, and they were glowing in multi- colors that never ceased to dazzle her even after all these years.
When the pond started to light up, she put down the Petaller as everyone raced to be closer to the spores. The babies were going to be born now. Devika smoothed down her dress and stood from her throne. She didn't need to use her magic today. She just needed to watch from a distance.
A moment not too soon, the spores opened and in a shower of multi-colored dust, new baby Petals floated down from floating leaves, tucked inside green leaves that looked like blankets. The Petallers cheered and jumped to catch the new generation.
Her tree guardians slammed their wooden spears onto the forest floor in cheer.
Devika's smile grew wider. Another generation was safely brought into her world.
She kept an eye out for the young orange Petaller. She was smiling down at a new young pink rose. It was so adorable.
"Blessed be, "Devika whispered.
Her little citizens turned to her and brought up their babies. All new guardians in front of the group. Smiling and cradling them very gently. Devika changed her dress into a green tunic and dark green breeches. She kneeled before them and clasped her hands. Gathering her magic, she slowly opened her palms and washed them with a sprinkle of green and red magic.
A blessing on the new families.
They all cheered and excited chattering began. Most of them turned to show off the new offspring to the others as Devika smiled. Her Petaller came over to reveal her new charge and Devika cooed at the young one. It was so adorable and tiny. Still tucked inside a leaf like blanket. The Goddess of the land then nodded towards the village, "Go on, show the others."
The Petaller laughed and spun around with her new charge that giggled.
A change in the temperature had Devika on her feet and on high alert. In the center of her pool, rose a single white lotus. The lotus was her mirror. It showed her whatever she wanted and alerted her to new discoveries and threats. It was an extension of her power.
The last time it rose, it was to show her that the last of the Other Landers had left her land.
If it was rising now, it was not good.
Around her, her tree guards shifted and scanned the skies for anything suspicious. One of them, Cona, came forward and pointed to the louts.
Devika looked up at him with a frown, "I'm not sure what's happened."
She turned to the Petallers who looked scared. Trying to ease them, she offered a comforting smile," Come now. You will all be safe in the village. Go on."
She them nodded at the guards who hurried them away and toward their little village. The younger ones ran ahead of their guardians. The orange blossom one looked to her and she smiled to reassure it.
When the last Petaller was out of her throne room, she raised her hands and the large roots rose up to cover her doorway.
Once she was sure that she was sealed tight in her throne room, she approached the lotus and didn't' stop even when she was walking over the pool waters. When she was standing before it , the lotus petals opened and from it, shining white pollen rose up.
An image of a baby appeared before her. The baby was crying and waving its hands up. It was wrapped in a grey blanket and nothing more. The surroundings looked unfamiliar.
"This isn't in my land," Devika surmised," Why is it showing me this?"
She reached up to touch the image and her face hardened when she felt the energy of light and darkness hit her. Hissing, she stepped back and grew angry.
"The child of the Two Gods is awake."
Devika looked up and Inka stood before her. A simple mirage in shimmering green light. He looked unhappy as he stared at the image.
Even in death, Inka was going to be guiding her. Whispering to her new knowledge about the power she had inherited. Even now after decades, he was ever present in her life.
Devika arched a brow at him," The child of two Gods? Is there something I should know? "
Inka focused on her," You are aware of my brethren?"
Devika nodded," Only too well now."
It took an entire day for her to learn the story of Inka and his fellow Gods. When Inka was done, she had simply sat in silence. The Other Lander Gods and Inka were the same, but her creator had left that land to give his people a peaceful life. The other Gods lived in their land and blessed their followers with gifts. One day, a terrible war started, and they had brought it to her land. Such a horrible history.
"Devika, "Inka called her name which shook her from her memories of the story," That child was not supposed to exist. When she finally understands that ,she can either be our enemy or friend. That is for you to decide."
Devika smiled coldly, 'She is from their land. She is the enemy."
All around her the guards roared and thumped their spears. The sound echoed throughout her fortress.
Inka watched her thoughtfully before replying, "I caution you to approach this matter delicately. Remember that her creators were once my brethren. Much like you, this child will not need a Diviner to summon her power. And when she is powerful, she will your equal. The two of you will be the only ones who can use the Index."
"A little warning about this child would have been helpful," Devika said drily.
Inka shook his head, "I was under the impression that she had perished."
Devika pursed her lips before speaking, "What would you have me do then? Kill her?"
Inka winced and Devika sighed deeply before explaining, "If she is gone, then only one of us remain. Problem solved."
"And you would murder an innocent child?"
"Monsters do not know the difference," Devika replied coldly.
Inka bowed his head slightly in agreement.
"If she rises, she will bring the war back to my land and that is not something I intend to see happen," Devika turned her attention back to the image, "It looks like I have to take the war to their land now."