Bard's Tale 01 - The Beginning

"Do you ask me as that as a woman who is curious? As a goddess of the hearth and home? Or do you ask me as Mistress of the Elements, because Auros who is Time is my father, and time is but another element?"

The red-headed goddess smirked. "Why must I choose one? Why not for all the above?"

"Excellent answer!" Rena replied, and then laughed. "There will be rough patches, assuredly. What is marriage but a compromise between two people? Adjustments and give and take. The future can have general trends but it is not fixed. I believe they will be happy together, and their marriage will be strong. Do you object to their union?"

"I have given my word and my consent. I have been well pleased with our friendship, Rena. I was suspicious at first, about this whole notion of Powers from differing religions working together, much less becoming allies. But you have dispelled my concerns and my fears. This coterie you have formed has opened up possibilities for all of us who are willing to embrace the possibilities. I now count as friend Isis Au Setia of the Kemer, and Sif Trueblade of the Aesir. And I am coming to respect Athena. There are others. Having their assistance in certain matters has been... useful. When I have asked for your aid, you have provided what I needed. In return, I will do as you ask, when you ask."

"Outstanding, my dear Brigit! Together, we will confound our enemies."

"What of them, though? The priestess and bard seem willing, but the monk is holds back, her heart elsewhere. Why take a chance? If they are so important in the days ahead, you could weave a love spell and compel her support."

Rena shook her head. "It comes back to free will, Brigit. I won't continence deception or coercion. They might not be privy to all that is at stake or why, but that's to be expected. I want them to do as I ask because I ask rather than command it. Underlying that is their belief that even when I seem harsh in the short term, all I do for them is because I love them. And so I must act."

"You are their Lawgiver. Doesn't free will often lead to chaos?"

Rena shrugged. "Law and chaos ebb and flow. As their Lawgiver, I have taught them how to cope, and by coping together, they will learn and grow in their own wisdom and experience. They are my children. I want to help them grow up."

"You mean to have them become Powers themselves?"

"We are immortal, my Irish lass. How else to keep ourselves young in heart and mind but to have companions to share our experiences with?"

Brigit smiled as she moved to stand beside her friend. "What an incredible idea. There have been gods before us, and likely there will others to follow when we are forgotten. But a community of gods! Imagine that. Maybe, though, you have hit on the means to survive and become truly immortal. But what of believers? We draw our strength from them."

"True enough. But it's not just faith that gives us strength, but love, too. What better gift than to have the love of other Powers? I never forget anything I hear, by spoken word or by thought, and I tell you that this has never been tried before."

"Ah, you play your own long game. With these friendships and your schemes, maybe we can all survive together. What would you have of me, sister who is not of my blood?"

"Survive? My dear Brigit! It's my hope we will not just survive but prosper!" Taking her hand, Rena lifted and turned it, revealing the sensitive underside. She brushed her lips along the fair skin and the Irish goddess gasped, then closed her eyes as she shivered. "When we are done here, I would drink of your fountain."

Brigit felt herself loosen at the suggestion. Her eyes snapped open, staring intently at her companion.

Rena ran her lips and tongue along the skin a second time, causing another tremor of pleasure to run through the fire goddess. She moaned aloud as the sensation sparked liquid heat within her loins.

"Do you wish me to do anything to Reison? Offer any encouragements?"

Rena shook her head. "No. Coercion or compulsion always seems to twist the original intent. Like them, Reison must enter into the marriages freely, without any inducements other than what these three women offer to him. When they are together by their own free will, a remarkable gestalt seems to be generated. Besides, love makes life worthwhile. Don't you think?" Rena gently kissed Brigit's fingers, then put them into her mouth.

The heat within her loins blossomed, and the red-headed goddess felt herself grow wetter. "Let us leave here, Rena. I burn for you."

"As you wish, dear, darling Brigit."

A close of her eyes, and three ghostly copies of Rena exited from the main body, and as they stood beside her, solidified. While they watched, one slid next to each of the sisters, drawing them close, while whispering quietly to them, giving focus to their dreams. The women responded with sighs and by snuggling into the arms of their goddess.

Rena instructed the two angels to watch over all four charges until they reached their destination in the City of the Suns the next day. The angels replied, "Yes, Mistress," and faded out.

Rena drew the surprised Brigit into her arms, kissing her passionately. Her mouth nibbled along Brigit's neck, sending shivers down the redhead's spine. Rena traced her ear lobe with her tongue, then breathed, "Maybe, after we've had a chance to have some private time of our own, I will ask my brother to visit. I seem to recall you liked how his monstrous cock split you open and made you scream. Over and over."

Her brother's cock was huge, stretching her more than any other male, yet never hurting during penetration. Even better, he always seemed to hit all the good spots deep inside. Already wet, Brigit felt her lower lips part in anticipation. He was a considerate lover, if vigorous. If she wasn't married to Bres, she'd even consider letting him breed her. Then she wondered what kind of child a water god and a fire goddess would make. If she ever got free of her cowardly bully of a husband, Brigit decided it might be fun to find out. In the meantime, Osh Mayan seemed to have an endless supply of salty cream designed to cool her heated loins while giving her exquisite bliss. That would do for now.

A blink, and together, the goddesses vanished.

* * * * *

Tia drifted along, her thoughts slowly coming together within her dream world.

She found herself standing beside the large gazebo along the shore of the Little Seine River, a familiar place in New Brittany, one that she had loved to visit as a child. During the hot summers, she and the other children swam in the slow moving pool, away from the main current where it was dangerous -- both for the current and for the nereids who lived beneath the surface, who sometimes didn't understand the need for humans to have air. But close to the bank, it was safe. And there was always an adult to keep watch. As she looked at the water and remembered, she saw herself as that child in a rough, home-spun dress and shorts, suitable for swimming in.

In her dream-state, she saw herself as a child, stepping into the familiar warm water. She'd thought herself alone, but then realized someone now stood beside her. As she looked, Tia recognized the golden-skinned woman as her goddess, and dropped to her knees, submerging to her waist into the water. And knowing things as an adult, now found herself no longer a child but now an adult woman, dressed in the robes of a priestess, somehow dry and on shore.

"Goddess!" Tia exclaimed. "What may I do for you?"

"Stand up, Tia. This is your dream and the possibilities of your life we are here to explore. Besides," Rena said as she raised her eyebrows. "You have done so much for me already, and I will ask yet more of you and your sisters in the days ahead. But tonight, you cast the spell for my advice, for clarity in your choices ahead. You called me so that I show you the possibilities of this marriage. Is that not so?"

"Yes, Lawgiver."

"Look deeply into your heart. What is it that you desire, Tia?"

"I have given you years of service, goddess. Is it too much to ask that I take time for myself to marry, have children, and to raise a family?"

"You have so given," the goddess replied, giving a nod. "And you could have chosen to do this earlier. And if you'd found happiness, it would have given me joy in return. Still, you and your sisters have served me well. So, you now wish for a marriage and a family?"

"Yes, I do."

"What stopped you before this? I made no prohibitions. I accepted the service, but not taking a husband that was worthy of you and settling down were your choice. Was there something that hinted otherwise? I have always wanted you to be happy, Tia. It's what I still want for you. Your sisters, too. What about Reison. Do you like him?"

"Lawgiver, I look into his eyes and I want to be with him. I want to give my body to him, to love him, and have his babies. I've never felt that way about anyone. I just met him."

"Then marry the boy, have a lot of children, and enjoy being a mother and having your own home."

"I do so want children. Will I have a lot of them?"

"You will have your challenges. But don't give up. Yes, you will have children. Will you take my word? Or do you need to hear them?"

Tia's heart leaped. The chance to hear their voices, before they became hers? "Oh, goddess, I believe you! I do! But... could I?"

Rena grinned. "Spoken like a woman eager to birth her own. And you have my word, that any you carry to term will be born healthy, strong, intelligent, and ethical -- all that a mother could want. Now stand close and close your eyes, and see if you can guess how many you will have."

Tia did as she was bid.

"Hello, Mom!" "We love you." "All of us love you so much!"

There were so many! A dozen? Maybe more! It reminded her of times she'd taught children in the temple. These voices, though, were a happy chorus of promise. Nearly overwhelmed, she struggled to sort and count them even as their voices faded away.

"Are you satisfied?" her goddess asked.

Sobbing with joy, Tia nodded. "Thank you, Goddess! It's more than I hoped for! And what of Reison? Will we be happy together? And will he be a good father?"

Rena sighed. "I could tell you. I could even ask you to quote the thirty-third psalm. But you are wise enough to know the answer to that question without my input. So tell me true, Tia Janna Landers. What is the correct answer to your own question?"

"You have given us free will, so it's up to us. Our future is what we make it." With the clarity of her own answer, Tia felt great peace descend upon her.

"That's positively brilliant, Tia. Brilliant and absolutely true. I am immensely pleased by your answer. Yes, I did put you together, and yes, I did so because I heard your heart's yearning and your prayers. His own goddess, Brigit, has given Her permission for this match as well. This is an opportunity, not a command. What each of you decide to do, you do by your choice. And I will accept your decision. Do you want this life with this young half-elf? Sharing him with your sisters?"

"More than anything. Thank you, beloved Lawgiver."

Rena smiled. "Do you need any further questions answered?"

"No, I'm satisfied," Tia replied, tears of happiness beginning to flow anew. "Thank you for answering my prayers. I hope that you know, my goddess, that I love you?"

Drawing her priestess into her arms, Rena sighed into her hair. "My dearest Tia, I love you, too. If you chose to be Reison's wife, I tell you that you will have a house full of children who will love you in full measure in return, and a man who will love you as you need and deserve to be loved -- as your partner and your equal. And he will make your sisters happy as well. Now close your eyes and dream of laughing, happy children who love you."

Her patience mastering her excitement and anticipation, Tia suddenly found herself in her bed. Doing as she was bid, she laid back, falling into a vibrant yet restful slumber.

* * * * *

When Mindal looked around, she found herself sitting in a conservatory. But not one that she'd ever visited before. She saw Rose, her beloved mandolin, on a fancy stand of carved wood and velvet cushions, and Rose's name in both Ba'lorian and Irish Celtic.

Smiling to herself, she found that interesting.

Other instruments were close at hand. Behind the displays were books, which she somehow knew were tomes of collected music.

A door opened, and in walked a small, copper-skinned girl. The child wore simple clothing, and her thick brown hair hung loosely about her shoulders. A pale blue cotton blouse and a buckskin skirt, festooned with prints of buffalo and deer chased by wolves and great cats, amongst sleeping bears and pine trees. Her feet were covered by soft leather shoes.

"Are you going to play for me?"

"Play for you?" Mindal echoed.

"Yes," the girl replied. "I want you to play for me."

As is the way of dreams, Mindal suddenly found Rose in her hands. Settling her beloved instrument onto her lap, she played a few chords to warm up, then launched into the traditional classic "Still I Will."

After listening intently for several measures, the girl began shaking her head.

Perplexed, Mindal stopped. "What?"

"You're technically flawless. But there's no heart in your performance. No passion. No life. Music fills your life. But you've lost the love that originally drew you to become not just a musician but a true bard -- one who can actually craft magic with the power of their music. Try again."

Mindal frowned, her green eyes narrowing. "Who are you?"

The girl shrugged. "Does it matter? You asked for guidance. So whether I am the divine answer you seek, or your dream-mind speaking the truth you have only dared glimpse at -- all that matters is the truth of my words. So ask yourself this," and the little girl's voice dropped in volume and deepened to that an adult. "Do my words ring true, Mindal Theláyna Landers?"

Mindal felt tears spilling from her eyes. It was true. She loved performing, yet her heart hadn't been in her music for a long time. And underneath her smiles and cheer, she had grieved. She daren't speak, though. Facing her anguish at the emptiness in her heart too much to face. Speaking might cause her to break down.

"What do you love about music, Mindal?" the girl asked, her voice once again that of a child.

That was safe. Mindal half-smiled before answering. "It expresses what we cannot fully say with words alone. Music can evoke whatever emotion is desired. And combined with words? The right song at the right time can make a memory deep and incisive enough to last for a lifetime. It can shame, inspire, arouse, depress, instill love, pride, empathy. There's power with that. And responsibility."

The girl smiled in return. "I'm glad you added the last part. Power, like strength, must be combined with compassion or it quickly becomes selfish and cruel."

"That thought is not mine," Mindal replied speculatively.

"But you've heard that before," the girl countered. "And you know it's true. Do you doubt your own capacity for wisdom? Your sisters are a good influence, living their lives by a strong moral code and by the holy scriptures. Yet you also have your own abilities in good measure." The little girl shook her head sadly. "That you doubt yourself means you are in worse shape than I had believed."

Bowing her head, Mindal quoted, "'Blessed is the Child of the Sky, who has given to us the gifts of music and the arts, and memory to enjoy them.'"

The girl-child nodded solemnly. "That is my gift to all my children, for memories provide the means to truly enjoy something new, before it is absorbed into our thoughts and transforms even as it pervades. And I am who you think I am. Yet while your heart feels lost and empty, you also seem to have recently found cause for joy. Tell me about it. Tell me about him."

"I want him so much! Part of me wants to go right now to where he's sleeping, wake him up, and impale myself on his hard cock. I want to ride him hard, until I come over and over on his hot bar of flesh buried in my depths."

"You're an earthy girl yourself, aren't you, Mindal," the Child of the Sky observed. "The lust is your body talking. What about your heart? Your soul? Is your need for him as great?"

"Yes, goddess," she answered, her voice tight.

"But you've just met him! There's a certain bit of handsomeness about him, I'll grant you. Still, for the most part, he's average looking. You had doubts before. Yet here, merely talking about him, you are ready to explode in pleasure. Any man with decent skill can properly pleasure you. So what is it about this particular man that excites you so?"

The craving demands of her body faded as she examined what she already knew about Reison Whisper Wind. Tahna was as tall as he was. He had a ready smile and an easy laugh that filled her heart with delight.

Mindal gave a short laugh that was more sad than joyful. "He reminds me of me, when I was young. Eager to learn and full of joy at everything. Drinking down knowledge like it was the best mead in the world."

"But aren't you young, Mindal? You have the body of a twenty-year-old woman. Your bronze-brown skin and your muscles have the firmness and the ripeness of youth. You are healthy and fertile. Isn't that enough to make you compatible?"

Mindal shook her head. "That's just magic, and the physical. If all I wanted was a good fuck, I'd continue as I have been. The endless gigs and the one-night stands that come afterward. Yes, my body is young, ripe and ready for life and love. However, my heart and mind have continued to become old."

"Really! When you are with this half-elf, he makes you feel old?"

"No. Quite the opposite. He makes me feel young," she admitted. "And alive."

"Then it appears that he is good for you. If you do as you plan, if you take him for your husband, what will that mean for you, Mindal?"

Becoming thoughtful, she responded. "Well, he's not a bard. I mean, he has raw talent. And I think he has the desire to develop the necessary skills. He picks up the chords of a song quick enough. Still, he has a lot of training and work ahead of him. Years of work -- before he can even apply to the school of music. I mean, he says it's his dream to become a bard, like me."

"Does that scare you? Couldn't he, would he one day become your competition?"

"No," she said, smiling. "I... I could help him to learn. Teach him."

"That's your gift to him then. What do you get out of it?"

"Someone to love, I guess. And someone who will love me in return."

The girl cocked her head in the same way that Tia did whenever something unusual demanded attention. "You have your sisters, Mindal. They love you. They have proven that, time and again, year after year. Sometimes even putting their lives on the line to keep you safe. And your parents, your other siblings. They love you, too. Is that not enough?"

"Alright then. He would be my lover, my companion, and my friend. I love my sisters, and Tia's even offered to help me rub one out, but there's no desire between us. No spark to make it emotionally satisfying."

"Someone to be there in the morning, I believe you said you wanted."

Mindal nodded. "Yes, I did. But with Reison, there's a chance for more. We'd share our love of music and magic together. We could become real partners. The union of two voices becoming one."

"That's it? You've sung duets before. There are plenty of other musicians, and bards even, who would happily sing with you, Mindal."

"With him, I feel joy."

"And you've never had any lover who truly knew how much music means to you. Having someone to share your music, maybe your love for him would help you rediscover your own music. The one in your heart that inspires you. Together, one of you will be melody and one of you will be harmony."