“There was something in that blue stuff…” I breathed.
Her luminance rivaled a candle’s flame, emanating from every pore in a subtle yet discernible glow. Golden strands cascaded like warm sunshine on a summer afternoon, framing eyes that shimmered in a green hue reminiscent of evergreens, simultaneously deep and vibrant—akin to new spring growth. Her complexion was fair, adorned with a rosy blush on her cheeks. A smile graced her lips, adding radiance to her features.
“I did not know you feared water,” she teased with a playful tilt of her head.
The cavern lay empty, devoid of shelves or people. Sainte’s absence only affirmed it was a dream.
I huffed, dragging myself from the pool to perch on its dark ledge. “I can’t swim.”
“You don’t need to swim in but a few paces of water.”
“Great. Even the gods poke fun at me.” I sniffed, pinching my nose against the water’s sting.
With a laugh, she nestled beside me, her fingers dancing over the surface, sending droplets flying into the pool. I observed as they landed, each splash creating delicate ripples of azure waves.
“Why do you seek me, child?” she asked
I shuddered. Even her teeth glowed.
“You were expecting me.” My head tilted with curiosity. “Edne mentioned you told her to prepare for my visit.”
“I might have anticipated your arrival,” she remarked, her emerald eyes lighting up as her smile brightened. “Yet, I would still have you ask. I don’t dispense knowledge you do not seek.”
Her words heightened my frustration. If I forgot to mention something crucial, would she withhold that information?
I drew in a deep breath, reminding myself that this was a dream. Trust was essential. “Did my brother cheat?”
She laughed with a raised brow. “No one cancheatthe gods.”
My hopes shattered, and I glared at the rippling pool.
“Deception is impossible with the divine,” she affirmed, extending her hand towards me, just a whisper away from my cheek. “Should one seek our favor, we shall provide an answer.”
“He asked. You answered.”
Togamar withdrew her touch, the warmth of her smile fading from her gentle face. Her patchwork gown might have appeared worn on someone else, but on her, it resembled miniature fields of green under a sunlit sky. She extended her bare foot to dangle in the water, her eyes fixed into the distance.
“We hear him as we would hear all our children.” Her features softened with contemplation. “Some we acknowledge, while others are so distant, beyond our reach.” Her gaze met mine, anger flaring in her vibrant green depths. “We did not answer his call.”
“The God Stones, they glowed in response to our prayers. Did you answer me?”
A sad smile crossed her lips as she shook her head. “You sought favor from your father, Nothar. I would not respond to a prayer for him.”
Exasperation coursed through me, and I tilted my face toward the ceiling, frustrated. I came to the wrong place.
Her palm settled against my thigh. The heat of her touch seeped through the thin, soaked fabric of my shift—almost uncomfortably warm.
“I can offer you this,” she said. “Your answer resides within my temple, but with Nothar.”
“Then why did Edne make me drink that foul concoction?” I asked, my irritation palpable.
“Because I told her to.” Togamar snickered another laugh, ignoring my scowl. “Nellie divulged many details about you. She mentioned you were to bring syrup the next time you visit her?”
My teeth clenched tight. My dream gods spoke to each other now?
“It has been too long since the rulers of men sought us out,” she sighed. “Having a queen who worships us would be a refreshing change.”
“You’re a figment of my imagination.”
