“Drahenå,” Tiyo’s voice breaks through my thoughts as their slender frame becomes visible as the light retreats into their chest. The light that created each of us. They existed beyond the confines of understanding, their form shifting like the tide, neither male nor female, yet something far greater. To look upon them is to witness the weaving of all that was and all that will ever be. They are the breath of the stars, the pulse of the earth — The Creator of balance, of duality, and of all the spaces between.
Their hair cascades in a veil of pastel hues that blend seamlessly, framing a face that is timeless and infinite. Their high, sculpted cheekbones lend a striking sharpness to their ethereal beauty, a softness and undeniable strength. Their skin shimmers like a million stars as they walk towards me. “Are you sure of your choice?” Tiyo says aloud, and while I don’t see him, I feel Sya retreating to the beach with Nuasis and Wodthos.
“I am,” I say with a certainty I can’t describe. A feeling that only can be an inner knowing, a fate of sorts.
“And you gained each of the four elements needed for this new world?” Tiyo asks, tilting their head at me. A smile breaks across their face. “We thought that you and Khaysus could be a match to curb loneliness — equal partners. But now … we understand. We’ve made his flames too hot and your waters too cool. However, because creations can’t be unmade — only changed — we give you this last blessing. A blessing to continue what we’ve started. A world of your own.”
Worry worms into my features. Leaving mytoneosand Nuasis and Wodthos. Do I want this? Will I be enough?
Tiyo tilts their head and reaches, grabbing my hand, taking it in their own and places their other hand on my cheek. “Don’t fret, Drahenå. So many things are going to come to you because of this choice. Are you ready?”
I nibble on my bottom lip before I nod my head. The Creator leans down and kisses my forehead as darkness takes over.
three
Strawberry Moon of The Lunar Year 3301
My fingers whisk the waters beneath them. Theshæmifish that swim, and thew?ngeskthat calls me friend, all linger under the waves crashing against the shore. I float, looking up into the crystal blue sky that reflects my water. The colorful rings of the rainbow around the sun stare down at me. My home. The place I’ve created is new. Ashonera. When I was sent to this new home, it was nothing but the blue emptiness of the sky and the rock beneath my feet. Quickly I used the powers of theHasuto create a piece of land, the seas, and its creatures. The land wasformed into rings so my people realize no one is disconnected from the other, a place called Antalis. Several lunar years have passed since those moments of darkness and creation, now a society has bloomed and, mostly, peace and happiness are common.
“TelaeDrahenå,” a voice startles me from where I float in the water. My feet quickly shuffle downwards and beneath me to keep me steady. I smile at the one who calls my name.
Atlas. His dark hair is cut short, and his crown of silver matches mine. A counterpart. He was elected to help maintain Antalis. I wanted someone of their choosing, who truly understands a mortal heart, to help reside over them.
“How are you,TingeAtlas?” I ask using the title that the Antalians came up with to call those in leadership.
“Fine, I was wondering if you were going to come to dinner soon?” His leather boot scuffs across the sandy shore, and I sigh. Not realizing how late in the day it had become.
“Of course, I’ll be along shortly.” I answer, already swimming towards him.
Atlas kneels to the shore, calling the fish to him. A power that helped him gain his position. He can communicate with the creatures, and it helps when fishing is hard. Power seems to go hand in hand with my mortals — a by-product of the magic used to create them. Except for the flames, which I cast into the stone now attached to my journal. That power is not meant for this world.
Atlas stands and brushes his hands on his leather pants.
“I’ll be waiting for you.” He says before he turns on his heel and walks away back to the palace.
The lunar years I was alone with just the creatures was an interesting experience. I was thankful to be here, away from Khaysus, but I missed companionship. I missed communication. So from my waters and a little of the magic I broughtfrom Mohasha, I created beings — mortals. They became my greatest creations, and something I think Tiyo would be proud of. However, it wasn’t without trial and error. Some of the first creatures were still too beastly, some didn’t understand reasoning, and then I found out what truly creates a soul: purpose, free will, and love. Love between the mortals is unlike anything I’ve ever known. They love deeply, not like what we experienced on Mohasha, but something much more meaningful. After watching them love, I tried one last experiment. I created their souls with halves of one. Twin drops, I called them.
When they find each other, the love takes on a magic of its own. Ripples and magic flow between them in an unending expanse of beauty. Even when I call them home, their time on this land finished, they remain loyal to each other.
With their free will, however, they’ve become a creation I never expected. They have their own customs, titles, ways of living. I’ll forever feel honored they choose a shell to show their bindings with another. It’s a ritual they callNoko Maki.
I try to give every mortal a twin drop, but alas I’m not perfect, just as they are not. However, I’ve watched many times that love conquerors, regardless. The mortals even create what they callShæwi Koki, family units. Watching as several parents bring about the next generation is still the most beautiful thing because the children are never without the love I’ve so recently learned about.
I look up, hoping my family is looking down and happy with my choices before quickly leaving the sea’s waters and returning to my rooms to prepare for dinner.
Atlas’ fingers sweep across my bare shoulder sending tingles down to my elbow. I smile up at him as he continues to his seat across from me. He wears the colors of our home. His muscled chest straining the buttons of his blue tunic with the silver threads inlaid. Three lunar years ago, he became theTingeof Antalis and since then, he’s remained here with me in this castle. While I hated the garish palace of Khaysus, this one is full of warmth and beauty, and I created it while I was here alone, hoping to one day fill all the rooms with joyous people and creatures.
Atlas’ takes a piece of roasted fish from the tray in front of us and lays it on my plate before placing a piece on his own.
“Thank you.” I say as I reach across the table to grab a few fruits.
“Always welcome, myTelae.”A broad smile sweeps across his face, and I can’t help but wonder if his was a soul that would eventually find his twin drop. Once I could easily tell the souls that were split, but with so many souls now in this world, it becomes harder. Also, with the addition of free will, not all of them do what I expect them to.
“Will you come to my bed tonight?” He asks as I take a sip of the wine in my glass.
I sit the cup down and take a long look at him. Once, we shared a bed. But that was before … before I let a piece of my soul out to create what I hope will be my own twin drop. I hope that I’ll find them every day. Years, I’ve waited. Wherever they may be. I turned a blind eye when the soul took a mortal’s body, wanting to experience everything as a mortal does. Since then, I’ve remained chaste. Not for any other reason than I hope Atlas will forsake me and find his own drop.
“Not tonight, Atlas.” I take a small bite of the fish, “I’ve told you … it is time to find your own twin drop. Your own happiness, outside of me.”
