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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3179347" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter One-hundred-seven, “The Goddess Arrives”, Friday June 9th, 1882, 12:00 P.M. The priests and priestess's finish their preparations just as the church bells chime 12. The bishop kneels, his head bowed in supplication as his lips move in prayer. Hildie sits nervously biting her nails her eyes darting about in anxious anticipation.  Minerva garbed in green vestments her olive laurel crowning her head sits serenely on the familiar large white pillow, her legs tucked under her skirts, her hands moving gracefully over the stem of her flute while Luna perches unblinking upon her shoulder. In contrast to Hildies nervousness, Minerva's face is one of utter serenity and joy as she fills the air with soft, tranquil notes, patiently awaiting the arrival of Diana.There is a knock on the door. Minerva opens the church door to see three individuals standing there. One is a tall bearded man wearing black clothing comprised of a black suit, shirt with buttoned collar, black hat and black shoes. The two people with him are Doctor James Eaton and his wife Elizabeth.   The man says, "Hello, you must be Priestess Florencia. I am John Harbrace, an ordained priest of the church. I have been worshipping in private study with some of your congregation for the last few weeks. This may sound odd, but in a dream last night I was told to be here today at noon and to bring my friends the Eaton’s with me."The young priestess hides her surprise behind a welcoming smile. "Please enter and be at peace in the house of the gods." she returns to her pillow and once again picks up her flute.   Minerva plays for five minutes when there is another knock on the door. She answers to see an elderly elf standing there. He introduces himself as Jadito of the Yavapai tribe and says that he too was asked to be present here at this time.She bows low, to hide her thoughts.” My goodness, It would appear that Diana is throwing a fiesta "Please enter and be at peace in the house of the gods." she responds as she gestures for him to enter. She once again returns to her pillow and plays her flute while listening as the Bishop introduces himself and the others.The old Indian enters the church. Father Barnes approaches the elf and the two embrace in a warm hug, with the younger mostly-human man thanking the other for coming. The pair takes a seat near the back of the church.  Beth Eaton appears to now be uncomfortable with the elf’s presence. Doctor Eaton looks like he is about to speak but is silenced by a hand gesture from Father Harbrace, cautioning him to be patient. Bishop Costas stands and gestures his hands upward. His assistant, the priest Demetrius, clasps his hands in prayer as does the dwarven priestess Hilldi. Father Harbrace and Priestess Florencia do as well. The Bishop states, “We mere mortals are truly honored Goddess Artemis to be present in this place to serve you and welcome you into our midst.” Up until then the sun had been shining through the stained glass windows, illuminating the interior of the building, but the radiance now greatly increases with light shining through from the windows of all directions including those not directly in the sun’s rays. At the front of the room before the alter a woman materializes who both Minerva and Hilldi recognize from the previous day although all of those in the room immediately know who she is, some by the name Artemis others by the name Diana. She is attired as before, in the Native American buckskin dress and sandals with her bow and quiver of arrows on her back. The Eaton’s both stare in awe. Minerva stands and bows in formal greeting. "Welcome, Diana. We are honored by your presence."She nods in Minerva's direction. Hilldi falls to the floor at her feet and profusely thanks the woman for restoring her life. The Goddess says, “Rise child, you grant me too much credit, it was your prayers and yours alone that drew me to that cavern. I did for you what I would have done for any devoted followers under those same circumstances.” The Bishop kneels before her and states, “I personally thank you for saving both priestesses from those abominations.” She tells him “Rise. Those creatures are why I asked to speak to you today. That threat is not diminished, two other creatures of their ilk remain in this region and they will bring more of their kind into existence if not stopped.” She reaches behind her and draws six arrows from her quiver. “These have now been blessed with powerful magic that will destroy these creatures. She releases the arrows from her hand and they individually float across the room in groups of three, one group levitating in the air before Minerva and the other group before Father Harbrace. Towards Harbrace she says, “Your prowess at archery remains fresh in your memory however your own personal anguish has robbed you of the resilience needed to see this task trough. I now restore unto you the confidence and fortitude that you had before so that tomorrow you can join the other hunters for this mission." She turns and to Minerva she states, “Your trust in the gods was what allowed Aphrodite to draw you towards an elvan mortal. You should cherish the memory of that first love but also know that The Fates have now set the both of you upon very different paths. However, through that mortal you have been given responsibility for another, his blood kin who is now your ward. You two have much in common, both of you have lost family and have found yourself here in this new place. The youth has great inner strength but lacks the self-confidence and the wisdom to use that strength that you and your friends can teach to him. He has the skill to use these arrows while you have the wisdom to tell him when and where to fire them. I see a future of potential greatness for the two of you."Minerva solemnly extends her arms to accept the arrows. She bows her head in acknowledgment, "Gracias, Diana. I accept your gift and shall instruct my ward on their use. Nakomo is a bright, compassionate young man. He is very much like his cousin and has shown a bent for the healing arts as well."  She is suddenly struck by the remainder of the goddess's message and struggles to keep calm, fighting the fear and panic that grip hers her in it's icy claws. Her thoughts race.. but what do you mean 'cherish the memory of my fist love. Nanuet will return, the gods of Olympus as well as the Yavapai gods have ordained our union, surely they would not be so cruel."Diana gestures for both Bishop Costas and the elf Jadito to step forward. She says to the elf “You have brought the totems?” He replies, “Yes, I have done as the female centaur instructed me.”  He reaches into a large pouch on his belt and removes three necklaces, each made of silver with eleven turquoise teardrop-shaped stones fastened to it ranging in size from two-inches at both ends to a single five-inch stone in the center. Minerva recognizes them as being very similar to the Apache necklace that Nanuet had worn, but with four fewer stones, lacking the smallest of stone sizes that his contained. She says, “As high priests of your respective religions you have the knowledge and power to help meld these items into their final form. Take one of these in each hand holding one between you.” The two men do as instructed, the men both holding an individual necklace in the hand closest to her with both of them holding the third together. She reaches out and grasps each of the individually held ones, creating a link between the three of them through the necklace. Diana then states words in the language of the ancient Greeks and the room is bathed in a cascade of colors with gold and turquoise being the two most prominent. Those in the room can see the three necklaces change color as well, as color flows up and down the arms and hand of the men as well as the Goddess, this glow now a bright shade of silver. The light then fades. The two men look physically exhausted and on the verge of collapse. She takes the three necklaces and loops them over her right arm. She then places her hands upon the shoulders of both men and channels energy back into them. She gestures for Costas to step back and motions for Minerva and Father Barnes to step forward. As Minerva nears she gets a closer look at the necklace, noticing that the color of the stones are now a blend of turquoise and gold. The Goddess states, “These totems are now a blend of the power from the deities worshiped by both the humans and elves of this region. This community of Promise City is aptly named as it represents the future, and not only of this town, but of the territory, country and world. This place is a nexus where deities have touched the land as well as where both earth and arcane magics thrive. The influence of this special place today knows no boundaries. With support of those present in this room today and the educators within this community no fewer than three of the local youth will one day hold the office of President of these United States and from that office will reshape the world to share the optimism and egalitarianism learned at this time.” The goddess then places the first necklace around Father Barnes’s neck and states, “You now follow the Pantheon to which I belong however your were also taught by your elvan grandmother about the deities of her people. Much of that has been forgotten. I now restore to you that memory, which you will need in your new role as the spiritual leader of the neighboring town of Dos Cabezas." The next necklace she hands to Jadito and states, “This one is for your protégé, who is traveling here as we speak. She is a composite of the two races and her congregation will be comprised of the mountains, hills and plains of this region. She will protect not just the people but the flora and fauna respected by the native peoples that I too hold dear.” Diana places the final necklace around Minerva’s neck. She states, “You who were born in a land of great prejudice had the courage to travel to a different land and stand for what you believed in. May you continue to stand for those convictions as the spiritual leader of this community with this item will assist you in that task.”Minerva states, "Gracias, Diana. I will do my best to honor the gods who's power resides in these stones." She stands silently fingering the stones around her neck, remembering another time and necklace and how the gods joined their forces together to allow her to save Nanuet and binding them together in the process.She looks up, her eyes glistening with a mixture of anger and sorrow as she dares to demand answers. "But what of Nanuet? Is he well? Will he not return to me as he promised? The gods have seen fit to bind us together through the power of love. Surely it is their intent that we mate for life as does the wolf of the forest." she pleads helplessly.  "You come before me heralding my bravery and presenting me with gifts with one hand while using the other to rip the heart from my bosom. Are the gods so carelessly cruel as to condemn us to a life void of love at such an age?", she says her Spanish temper shimmering on the surface.Diana says, "Love and responsibility do not always go hand-in-hand. Presently his people have a greater need for him than you." Jadito speaks up now saying, "Priestess, news of the renegades conspiracy to commit murder has created a great rift between the Yavapai and the humans. As a result, the Office of Indian Affairs and the Territorial Governor are considering further dividing up the Yavapai tribe and sending them off as remnants to other reservations.  Nanuet was instrumental in preventing the army from destroying the Apache several months back and now must assume a similar role for his own people. He and the man named Clum are with the Tribal Elders in Prescott trying to rectify this situation. It may take some time to work out." Diana says, "Affairs of the heart are the realm of Aphrodite and you may wish to speak to one of her Priests or Priestesses concerning such matters. What I can tell you is that you must also learn to be patient and trust in the gods to guide you."  Minerva is very much relieved by the elder elfs explanation. "He will not be gone forever than." She turns back to Diana " I apologize for my outburst, goddess, but when you suggested that I 'cherish his memory' I feared him to be dead and lost to me forever. I know that being born on the feast day of Mars has influenced me and that patience is not one of my strong suits, but love is patient and so long as Nanuet walks the earth, I shall await his return." But in her heart Minerva knew different. "Trust in the gods?, she thought. The gods had not stepped in and saved her when, as a child, she was being ridiculed and ostracized for her divine powers. She had learned to run and hide on her own. They did not prevent her mother from dying in childbirth, nor intervened when the wizards had murdered her father. They had not even extracted vengeance from those who had murdered him, she was forced to do that on her own and then flee. She knew that it was not bravery that had brought her across the ocean but the need to survive. If she had stayed and waited for the gods to save her, surely she would have hung for her actions.  The gods had always done as they willed. Why should they be any less callous now. She knew that they did what they did to serve their own purposes. She would continue to do their will, but she would certainly not expect or trust them to hold her interests above their own, for that was the way of the immortals.Diana has shifted her attention. She gestures for the three she had called forward to now step back. She then motions for Hilldi, Demetrius and Elizabeth Eaton to each step forward. She states, “While all present in this room have great respect for my Pantheon it is the three of you who have always worshipped me as your personal patron deity. Devotion such as that is what sustains me and I am honored to be here among you.” She reaches into a pocket on her belt and removes three gold coins which she hands to each of the three of them. “Always carry this token that I give to you, it will grant you health and long life. With this comes great responsibilities.” She turns first to the human priest and says, “Demetrius, you will return to the land of your native Greece where you will provide guidance as a senior aide to the Patriarch of the church. Speak from your heart and be honest to all you interact with. Learn what you can from the Patriarch and his successors so that you too can aspire to that position.” He nods and says, “Thank you.” She turns towards the dwarf and says, “Hilldi, you will travel north to the land known as Alaska where you will learn from the native population. That land is the property of Russia but will soon transfer to the United States. Before your present century ends there will be a large influx of new citizens, both human and dwarven. Your unique background will be instrumental to having a successful merger between and coexistence among the populations of the three races.” He nods her agreement and states, “As you wish Artemis”. Diana then turns towards Elizabeth Eaton and says, “You and your family have made a home here and I would not uproot you from that. Back during the war you assisted your aunt with the practice of midwifery. I need for you to utilize those skills once more. A devoted follower of mine perished and his spirit remained trapped to this world. The native gods and I were later able to free him. Prior his departure to the afterlife we allowed him to take physical form once more for a final farewell with his widow. She is now with child from that union. I need your support, both physically and mentally, to help safely deliver this child into this world. The child has my blessing and I ask that he have yours as well.” She nods and says, “I will do as you wish Diana.”Minerva listens on, pleased that Katherine will be attended to, but wonders how Mrs. Eaton and Katherine will get along. When the meeting is drawing to an end she approaches Diana once more.  “We are honored that you have chosen to grace us with your presence and also thank you for the gifts they…you have bestowed upon us. The evil that we fight is great and it is doubtful that the battle could won without your blessings, but do you have an idea where we should begin our search for these creatures?"Diana replies, "The experienced hunters will be able to assist in that task, they will be returning to your town tomorrow. Father Harbrace should be introduced to those men at the earliest opportunity as they will need one another. I will be taking my leave of you now. I have a few more errands to attend to today and will be departing from this region and world this evening. Continue to keep me in your prayers and I will watch over you from Olympus." She begins to fade away.The group looks on in awe as the goddess fades away. Minerva shakes herself and turns to Harbrace. "I shall introduce you the other's tomorrow. but perhaps I should fill you in on what has transpired so far." She looks over his shoulder toward the Eaton's. "Perhaps we should speak in private. Come to my house for lunch. If Nakomo is going to be involved in this, I need to tell him what has been happening also. He will not be pleased that I have kept him in the dark." she sighs. She makes her way to Mrs. Eaton and extends her hand. "Elizabeth, It is good to know that you will be watching over Mrs. Kale and that you have the expertise to help her when her time comes. I know very little of childbirth, except that my own mother did not survive it, but if you require my help I will gladly offer it."  Beth Eaton's face takes on an odd look, "Katherine Kale! That's the widow who has Diana's blessing?" Jim Eaton's eyes also go wide at hearing that piece of news.  Minerva states, "Si, yes it is. Will this be a problem for you."  Beth hesitates and then says, "No, it is as the Goddess has commanded."  Minerva smiles "Si, Diana would not have chosen you if she did not think that you would do your best by Mrs. Kale. Katherine has been and is going through a lot and it will do her heart good to know that she has your friendship and support."Minerva turns to Hilldi and hugs her tightly. "You deserve all the honor that the goddess has chosen to bestow upon you Hildie and if you are to lead the people of Alaska you must believe that you are meant for the task. You are a very special woman."  Minerva walks home with Harbrace, replaying her conversation with the goddess in her mind as he rambles on and on about how awesome it is to receive a visit by a god. “It is such an honor! Such a blessing! We must erect a shrine to her! Something large that will really show her our true devotion!” Minerva smiles distractedly. "Si, It is quite rare for the gods to make their presence known. “Unless you happen to live in Promise City, that is.” She musses. "What is it about this town? The gods must have a summer cottage on the outskirts of the dessert or something! They swarm here and take up residence like the tourists to the beaches of Costa del Sol during the high season. They have their summer flings with the locals, break their hearts and then head for home without so much as a thought for the poor souls who’s lives that they have meddled in.” She brushes her dark thoughts aside as she enters the house. “Nakomo! Are you here?” Nakomo comes in from the yard and brushes the dirt from his hands. “I was out weeding the herb guard...” he stops speaking and eyes the stranger suspiciously. Minerva introduces Father Harbrace and suggests that they all sit down to lunch while she explains the reason for his visit. She tells Nakomo of yesterday’s episode in the cave. It is a long telling as she fills in all the details, How they found and destroyed the vampires and how the goddess appeared and saved Hildie. She goes on to explain that these are not the only vampires that they having encountered, including the Turners, Ruby’s story and the vampires in Thomaswell in her telling and finally ending with the meeting earlier in the week with Thomlinson and Harkins. The young half-elf, sits statuesque, his chiseled features and fathomless expression reminding her that he is kin to Nanuet. As she continues to unfold the tale she notes, with growing uneasiness, the storm brewing in his dark eyes. In an effort to divert him she tells him of Diana’s noon time visit and with a flourish presents him with the arrows that the goddess bestowed upon him, while praying that he will be so awed by such a gift, that his anger will be forgotten. She is once again about to discover just how little she knows of teenage boys and the workings of her charge's heart and mind. Nakomo sits, looking down at his white knuckles as they grip the arrows in his lap. Minutes pass while he composes himself. He looks up at her accusingly, his voice deadly calm. “So it takes the command of a god to get you to tell me the truth and let me help you?!” He stand and faces her “I promised my cousin that I would take care of you and keep you from harm and yet you go running off to chase vampires without me? I am 15 years of age!” he says standing tall before her and poking his chest proudly. “ My cousin Nanuet knows that I am a man. The whole Yavapai Nation knows that I am a man. The gods of Olympus knows that I am a man and yet you dishonor me by continuing to treat me like a child! I have tried to show you respect by doing what you have asked of me. I have tried to be patient with you Miss Minerva, but I am a Yavapai warrior, not a baby to be coddled.” He holds up the arrows. “My cousin Nanuet has charged me to protect you and the goddess Diana, herself, has commanded me to fight evil. I cannot not permit you to stand in my way any longer. ” Minerva, stunned by the reprimand looks at the man before her, nods and says. "So be it."</blockquote>

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