By: Elizabeth Winters

She sat by the simple fire pit, night cold and quiet about her. The others around her chatting in hushed voices, but she was alone in her thoughts. The flames illuminating her face brought her memory back to long before the end, before the war, before the Gods had descended, even before her transformation. It was a night, as any other, yet entirely singular in experience. She realized it had been precisely 8 years since that night, but she remembered it to every last detail. It was most certainly a night she would never forget.

The stars shone brightly in the crisp, cold winter sky that night. She wore a black scarf, black gloves, and a thick, black coat. She gazed down the walkway, waiting and watching impatiently. The sodium lights cast an eerie yellow glow all around, giving a false sense of warmth to the freezing night. She began pacing, attempting to build warmth, and ease her mind’s demand something had gone awry.

Suddenly, in the distance, she saw his figure turn out of an alcove, walking quickly toward her. The long, black coat gave him away immediately. His hair was in wild dark ringlet curls about his head, blowing lightly in the icy breeze. She could not stop herself from running to him. His arms flew open, and she landed in his embrace. An instant surge of warmth and comfort overcame her, as they kissed in greeting. She was so overcome with emotion, she could not help the tear escaping the corner of her right eye.

After releasing their lips, he noticed the tear, and quickly kissed it away.

“I have missed you so much!” She said, looking into his eyes.

“I missed you too, my sweet.” He said, smiling.

“I am so happy you could be here to celebrate Yule with me.” She whispered.

“So am I. What are we gonna do?” He wondered.

They released from the embrace, and began quickly walking back toward his car, holding hands.

“Well, to start, let’s get something warm to drink.” She suggested.

“That sounds good. And after that, let’s put together a fire in the pit in your backyard, and roast some marshmallows.” He offered, smiling.

“Perfect!” She proclaimed, adding, “You are wonderful.”

“So are you.” He said back.

They drove to Lestat’s Coffee-shop to warm up. They noticed a few familiar faces, and socialized while sipping their drinks, but were quick to leave after completion. They both understood this night was for them, and no one else.

Upon arriving at her house, she went into the kitchen. She grabbed a bag of marshmallows, and boiled water for hot chocolate. He began building the fire outside. By the time she had everything ready, and walked outside, the fire was a warm, lovely blaze. She placed the marshmallows on a table between them, and sipped her hot chocolate.

“Happy Yule, my love.” She smiled at him. He smiled in response. They pulled out their cooking sticks for the marshmallows, and talked. They paused, on occasion, to shove a deliciously brown and gooey marshmallow into their mouths. They spoke of their plans for the coming week, and things their friends had said. They spoke of their four years together, and their dreams for the future. They knew nothing of what was to come, that wonderful night. As the fire died down, he put his arms around her to retain the heat. She stared deep into his eyes, feeling his love for her dripping out of every one of his pores, encasing her. He caressed the her cheek with his hand, and kissed her. After drawing away, he looked into her eyes again.

“I want to be with you for the rest of my life, please marry me.” He asked. He reached into his pocket, and brought out a small black velvet box. She took it into her hand, and slowly opened it.

“Black Diamond, with Garnet side stones, and platinum band, just as you wanted.” He stated, proudly. She was slightly aghast, for she knew she had not told him what sort of ring she wanted, if they were to ever marry, since the first year of their relationship. He had remembered, three years later, and this fact threw her into a torrent of emotion. Tears streamed down her face, and she could barely squeak out a reply of “Okay.”

He laughed, and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around her, kissing him frantically. He had spoke of the possibility of marriage many times before, but she had not agreed, due to a previous marriage, which left her skeptical. She had jokingly said once, the only way she would ever get married again would be to get her the ring she now held in her hand. The fact he had remembered, after so long, is what shocked her more than anything else could have. She knew that he loved her, more than anything, as he had so often said by that single gesture, and she slipped the ring on her finger without a second thought.

The ring now sparkled in the fire light, from the silver chain around her neck. They had planned to marry in October of the following year, not knowing it would be a day they would never see. The world had fallen apart the 27th of March. She recalled at this moment, staring into the simple blaze, that they had been engaged for only a little over 3 months. And when the tidal wave hit, she knew he was lost beneath it’s crushing force. He had lived right next to the one of the first beaches in San Diego to be submerged. She realized that fact the second she awoke from her transformation. She knew he was forever gone, and before the gravity of her modifications had not yet affected her, she almost felt like dying as well.

She shook her head, as if to rid herself of the memories plaguing her mind. It was the evening of Yule again, but now, after “the Descent,”as it came to be called, there was no more point to celebrating holidays. They were, after all, still at war. There was nothing left in the “sky” to praise, and the Gods and Goddesses walked amongst her kind. They were stuck here, just as she, fighting for their ability to go home, back to the Kingdom Above. And all she had to look forward to was death, for it would never be hers, as long as the Kingdom was closed.

However, the very fact that this particular holiday had meant so much to her human self, made her mourn, as she sat by the fire. It had for the past 8 years, made her feel an overwhelming loneliness. So much so that she usually gave in to it, binding her wings for the night, and staring at the empty sky, knowing there was nothing more to dream of.

This night was different, somehow. She felt an urge to be near others in the make-shift city in which she camped. She had decided upon this fire circle, for no particular reason. She recognized a couple of Shining Ones, but chose to keep to herself. She exchanged a smile with Aethena, who looked rather worn in her armor. She sat down beside a being she did not recognize, which was not entirely uncommon. Most creatures had no idea what the others were, or from what Pantheon they had been chosen. At times, it made one feel more lonely than any human mind could ever grasp.

She looked into the shadows of a building, still partially standing, a few yards to her left. Something inside caught the light, and reflected back onto her. She initiated her extra-sensory sight, and saw a creature sneaking around in the darkness. It had cloaked its image to onlookers, but anyone who took a moment to use the extra-sensory phenomena, would spot her in an instant.

The creature held a gold necklace with a heart shaped locket in right hand. This must have been what caught the fire light, and drew her attention. She wondered if the creature had been a spy sent from the Other Side. She stood, grabbing her sword from the ground. She initiated a silver cloak to hide her form from opponents in extra-sensory transit, and followed the creature.

The creature was fast, and hard to catch up to. So, she decided to cut her off at a pass ahead. She jumped into flight, her wings stretching quickly to their full length, of nine feet. She soared down in front of the creature’s trajectory, landing about 15 yards away. She drew up her sword, ready to strike, if need be, then removed the cloak. The creature gasped, and froze in it’s tracks. She could not see the creature’s face beneath the cloak it had also contained itself within. It looked as a shifting mist, nothing more.

“Reveal yourself, friend or foe, creature, or I shall strike thee down, as a foe! For I am the Defender of the Holy Kingdom, and challenge ye who shall oppose! I weald the force of Righteousness in my sword, and it shall burn through the unjust!” She proclaimed in her preternatural voice, shaking the surrounding ground. She brought her sword above her head, and it burst into flames. The creature quickly dropped the cloak of protection, and revealed it’s face.

“Persephone!” She gasped, astound. She dropped her sword, and brought her wings back to rest behind her.

“Yes, yes… I am sorry to startle you. And I am sure that speech gets old real fast, Shining One.” Persephone giggled.

“Yes, it does. Why are you here, Goddess?” She asked, relieved.

“It’s my mother. I miss her so much. I had to escape for one night. If Hades knew I was here, he would be furious! This is his time with me, as you know. But, I could not bear being away any longer.” Persephone confessed.

“Well, Goddess, that does technically make you my foe, in this time of year.” She said, matter-of-factly.

“Yeah, I know, Shining One. But, I will cause you no ill as long as you let me pass, undetected. You are 18 of 22, correct?” Persephone asked.

“I am.” She responded.

“Well, I understand your primary designation, but in the spirit of your secondary, I ask for your help now. I need your help to find my mother, and give her this gift.” Persephone said, showing her the locket. She felt her energy of service to her fellow beings growing strong. Also, something about the locket reminded her of that night by the fire eight years prior, and she agreed to help the Goddess.

They searched the bay-side, and moved their way north. Something told her that they would find her mother, Demeter, in the La Jolla Coves, for she had spent much time there, when she was not fighting. As they moved quickly through the streets, they spoke of love. Persephone spoke delicately of Hades, despite her need to be away from him. And she spoke of her mother, exalting her. This is why Persephone never fought in the war, for she could never truly choose a side, she confided.

Suddenly, her sword began to grow hot in its sheath at her side. Persephone stopped.

“What is it?” Persephone asked, grabbing her arm.

“A Stygian.” She informed, drawing her sword from it’s sheath.

“It must have seen me, and followed.” Persephone said, anxiously.

“Stay here, I will deal with this.” She said, walking out into the sodium streetlight. Her black robe fluttered in a gust of wind, and she held her sword above her head. Spreading her wings to their full-length, she called out:

“Reveal yourself, friend or foe. You have been recognized as a Stygian! For I am a Shining One, and I shall strike thee down as my foe. I am the Defender of the Holy Kingdom, and challenge ye who shall oppose! I weald the force of Righteousness in my sword, and it shall burn through the unjust, as you!” She called, once again shaking the surroundings. Her sword burst into flame, once again, illuminating the Stygian.

She gasped upon seeing his face. His hair, coiled in black curls, surrounding his head. Deep black eyes, and a long, black coat. She instantly recognized him as her betrothed in life. Her love. The images of that night by the fire came back to her, his words, his face. He had not seen her face behind the blazing sword, and drew his own in response to her threat. His deep, chaotic voice cracked out from him.

“I reveal myself as your foe, Shining One. For I am a Stygian, and shall strike thee down as my enemy! I am the Defender of the Evil Throne, and challenge ye who dare oppose our reign! I weald the Powers of Darkness in my sword, and it shall burn through the Holy!” His sword emanated a blazing inferno of darkness. He began to advance upon her, and she lowered her sword. He stopped, frozen in his tracks, upon seeing her face. And he knew, just as she had. And she could tell he remembered, just as she had. He saw the ring on the chain around her neck, and gasped. He dropped his sword, and fell to his knees.

The blaze of her sword extinguished, and she returned it to it’s sheath. She stood, dumbfounded, as he stared up at her. Her golden hair, flew and whipped about in the wind. He buried his face into his hands for a moment, unable to look upon her. She felt tears coming, and looked away, to attempt to not allow them passage. However, they broke free, and streamed down her face. He looked up at her again, drawing her eyes back to his.

“I thought you had died.” He finally said.

“As did I of you.” She confessed.

“I guess it’s not really in the best interests to let the other side know who is on what side.” He chuckled, half-heartedly.

“Yeah.” She agreed, in cold response.

They could not move, and merely stared into one another’s eyes for a moment. They were broken from their gaze by Persephone.

“Ummm… What’s going on?” She inquired softly, peeking out from behind a nearby tree.

“I have come to return you to Hades, Goddess.” He was quick to respond.

“So he knows…” Persephone sighed.

“Yes, Goddess. He sent me to find you, and see what you were doing. He believes you have left him for good” He answered.

“Oh no.” Persephone gasped.

“Persephone is merely coming to visit her mother, and give her a present. She will return, and I will see her safely on her trip.” She said to him, in defense.

“Well, I am sorry, but I cannot trust that you will return her to us.” He said, defiantly.

She recalled at that momenttheir lives together, how he seemed to defy her seemingly flawless logic as often as possible. However, she had loved him more for it. Even now, she could feel that love swelling inside her, although she did not want to become a prisoner to it.

“Fine, you come with us. That way, you can return her as soon as she has completed her task, and know that I will not keep her captive.” She said, a smirk breaking at her lips.

He stared at her, and she could feel the love filling him once again, and he smiled. He quickly masked the smile, but she had known it was there.

“Let’s go.” He said, sternly.

They moved again through the streets, northward. However, she could not take her eyes off of him. She could also see his eyes fixated on her. She was torn with emotion. For here was the love of her human life, next to her once again, after years of being apart. However, she was filled with sorrow knowing he was her enemy. She could tell that he was of the same feeling. It was torturous. She wanted, more than anything, to hold him again. To kiss him. However, she knew this could not happen. But, still the desire burned within her stronger than the fires of the Holy Kingdom.

Finally, they arrived at her mother’s cave. It was a place of total isolation, and it seemed, only Persephone knew the way in. A woman was leaning on a wall near the cave.

“Good evening, Hecate.” Persephone called.

“And, to you, my sweet.” She responded. However, her gaze remained fixed upon the two escorts. Persephone disappeared behind a large rock, undoubtedly on her way in. Hecate languidly made her way to the two, and smiled.

“I am glad you helped her on her way here.” She said. She then kissed him on the cheek, and whispered, “You too shall decide which road to take home.” She walked back toward the cave, and vanished into the darkness.

The waves crashed nearby, and the moonlight shone down upon them both. He looked over at her, and she was fixated by his gaze. There was so much they had wanted to say, that neither one knew where to begin. Suddenly, he reached up, and removed his sword belt. The sword fell, sheathed, onto the sand. She understood the gesture, as to show that no harm would come, and she did the same. They moved toward each other, slowly. They were somewhat unsure, but the passion that built between them was far too strong to resist.

“I have missed you so much…” She said, quietly.

“I missed you too, my sweet.” He whispered, kissing her cheek softly. She wrapped her arms around him, and held tight. She did not want to let him go, not ever again. Simultaneously, they turned, and their lips met. It was a kiss of relief, of joy, and utter release. They melted into one another, as they had that night eight years ago. As he pulled away, he grabbed the chain around her neck, and lifted the ring.

“I still haven’t fulfilled a promise.” He said, as a tear made a pathway down his face.

“I am still waiting for you to.” She said, kissing the tear away.

“I love you, so much.” He confessed, voice heavy.

“I love you too.” She whispered, kissing his face.

“Happy Yule.” He said, giggling. She smiled in response, and they kissed again. For a moment, they forgot all about the world, now that it had ended. They forgot about which destiny powers they could have never understood had chosen them to be a part of. And, for now at least, the only people in the world was each other.

She pulled back from him, and looked into his eyes.

“This was mine after my transformation,” She said, reaching into a satchel at her side, she pulled out a plain silver band bracelet, “I want you to have it now, please.”

“I can’t. You don’t know what it could mean if I took it.” He said, defiantly.

“Don’t argue with me this time, my love. Please.” She insisted. He noticed the symbol for eternity was engraved on the thick of the bracelet. He gasped at realizing this bracelet was the brand of her eternal destiny for the side of the Holy Kingdom.

“You know I can’t have this!” He demanded. She stared into his eyes.

“I know you will not join me, but please take it, and remember me. I could not bear you ever forgetting me.” She said, tears welling in her eyes. He nearly argued her again, but realized the futility of it. He slid the bracelet on his wrist, and brought his arms around her again.

He held her, saying, “I could never forget you. I never have, and never will.”

Just then, Persephone emerged from the shadows. They stepped away from each other, and quickly picked up their belts. They regained composure, and Persephone stopped in front of him.

“So, I guess it’s time to go back.” Persephone said, sadly.

“Yeah… I guess so.” He said, equally sad. He looked over at her, holding the ring tightly in her hand.

“Goodbye.” She said to him.

“Bye!” Persephone replied, not realizing who she had been addressing. His eyes conveyed too much sorrow for words that they must part again. He began walking away. She lowered her head, crying. Suddenly, he ran back to her, and whispered quickly, putting his hand on hers, “I love you. I will be back, I promise. I will find you.”

She smiled, and watched him run back to join Persephone. She jumped into the sky, and flew back to her city. For the first time in the eight years of war, she did not feel alone. She could almost feel the magic she felt every Yule in her human life. When she landed, she rejoined the fire circle, smiling. Whatever tomorrow brought, she knew she would always have tonight. In this world where magic was reality, she could hold a little piece of something stronger than that, and more eternal than the Gods and Goddesses themselves.

© Elizabeth Winters, 2006