The Fire and The Storm - The Nexus of Kellaran #2 novel Chapter 105

Part 17

Neela considered her. “I don’t know you well enough to feel comfortable with telling you that yet. And while I’ve no wish to hurt your feelings, I’ll be honest in telling you that I share such things with very few people. They must have certain characteristics that touch my heart, and from what I know of you, you don’t have those characteristics. You’re a good person, Helemia Longstrider, and admirable in every way. But Mark and Talia have a pure goodness of heart and a kind of simple brilliance that I find very attractive, whereas your mind has Sylvan and Draconian characteristics that give you a dark side that is… not as cute as the rest of you, shall we say.”

“That’s understandable.” Fire grinned. “I imagine that you didn’t share their bed while the curse was upon them. Their dark side is somewhat distinct and artificial, whereas mine is a cherished part of my core. From the way your aura felt, you’re a sweetie, and a softie, but neither of us are the type that would choose the other as a lover, or even as a personal deity. I’m more attracted to Visinniria, Elven Goddess of War. On the other hand, I haven’t met the human god of war yet, or the Sylvan or Draconian ones, so I’m not choosing yet.”

Neela gave a delighted laugh. “You’re adorable, Princess Fire. But I’m grateful that you’re bound to justice on Falgaroth’s stone. You might really be a problem, otherwise.”

“Why thank you Neela, I’ll take that as a compliment.” Fire grinned.

“Good.” Neela glanced around the group with a smile. “I just wanted you all to know that we of the gods are very proud of you for your accomplishments in the time-bubble. And, we’ve all heard what was said at the meeting at Zarkog’s observatory today, and of course we’re aware of your fine efforts to correct injustices this morning. Valentia’s breakthroughs in automated spell casting are absolutely breathtaking, and I’m sure they’ll be fully as significant as Prince The Sixth here predicts.

“Creativity is the most crucial resource we have, and we of the gods have no more of it than mortals. Intellect, power, awareness, knowledge, ability, these we have in abundance, but without additional creativity, it’s no easier for the gods to create new solutions and decide to implement them than it is for mortals. And as Mark so effectively pointed out once, being immortal is no guarantee of wisdom. Though having thousands or millions of years of experience can help with that, it can also produce stagnant and inflexible thought patterns.

“It takes millions of creative minds to build a new society for a population as large as Kellaran’s, and we gods are still very few. It also takes a few geniuses with new creativity and new wisdom. In those respects, you are all among the best we have, and we cherish you.

“Therefore, many of us stand ready to provide you with further assistance, all of you, within reasonable limits. For assistance beyond reasonable limits, you’ll need a consensus in The Assembly of The Just Alliance.”

“Wow.” Six marveled. “We realize the full value of your offer, and we thank you and every other who offers us their assistance.”

“Well said, my son.” Mark nodded. “You speak for all of us in that.”

“I for one ask for knowledge;” Six stated with a formal bow. “And an intercession with the Triax; their gods and their people. I wish to know all that is known about travel, navigation, and warfare in the void. I don’t want to start working on it for another eight days, but at that point I’ll want to learn it as quickly as possible.”

“I share his request, and have no wish to delay starting work on it beyond tomorrow.” Kragorram stated. “I am particularly interested in the Triax’s knowledge of the construction and propulsion of void-craft. I’m glad we had the chance to design our craft in isolation, as we may have come up with different solutions, but now that I have access to it, I want their knowledge and the benefit of their experience.”

“I wish to learn from the gods and mortals who are most skilled at Shape-Shifting.” Fire stated.