“Mother Earth! Kalona has re-created your gift that I love so dearly,” Nyx said, grinning at her friend when her feet were once more on the ground.
Mother Earth’s smile was guarded but genuine. “He has indeed. Well done, Kalona. This does decorate my forest wonderfully, and it will always remind me of the fondness I have for our faithful Goddess.”
The dryads trilled in agreement, dancing around the mossy boulders.
Erebus approached Kalona, extending his hand. “It is a thing of beauty, worthy of our Goddess.”
Kalona hesitated only a moment. Then he grasped Erebus’s hand. Smiling wryly, he said, “Thank you, brother. And this thing of beauty does not stink.”
Erebus threw back his head and laughed. “You win today, brother! And I freely admit it pleases me. You should show your sense of humor more often. I like this Kalona more than the dour, scowling one.”
Nyx went to them, and over their clasped hands, she placed her own. “Your brotherhood pleases me more than any test ever could. It is as if Water has filled me to overflowing with joy!”
Joining them, Mother Earth said, “And this is what I intended when I set you to these tests. I wanted only to be sure that worthy companions had been created for our Goddess. I am well pleased today, too. Tell me, Kalona and Erebus, what element will you choose for your final test?”
Nyx nodded to Erebus. “As Kalona chose Water, this next choice is yours.”
“If my brother is in agreement, I defer my choice and ask that you decide for me instead.”
“I am in agreement with my brother,” Kalona said.
Nyx’s smile was radiant. “Then I choose Spirit as the element for your final test.”
“Very well, then. Until you each call into being your creation, I grant you dominion over Spirit. So I have spoken; so mote it be,” said Mother Earth.
“And now I must leave you,” Erebus said.
“Leave me?” Nyx smiled questioningly at him.
“Oh, only for now. I do believe the Great Mother and I need to return to Old Faithful,” Erebus said, glancing from Kalona to Nyx, and then sending Mother Earth a pointed look. “We seem to be missing several of the Fey. I think they must still be at the geyser. You know how distracted they can be by sparkling colors.”
“We should go collect them, poor dears,” Mother Earth readily agreed with him. As Erebus lifted her carefully into his arms, she called, “Come, dryads, let us go back and find your sisters.”
Before he leaped skyward, Nyx touched Erebus’s arm. “Thank you. You are precious to me.”
“As you are to me, my Goddess,” he said. “Good-bye, brother. If you need help with your next test you can find me by following the rising sun.” The chattering dryads in tow, Erebus took to the sky, leaving Kalona and Nyx completely alone.
“He’s smarter than I thought he was, though his height still surprises me,” Kalona said.
“His height? The two of you are almost identical.”
“He is shorter and younger than me,” Kalona said. “Though, as you mentioned the similarity in our appearance, I will admit that he is exceedingly handsome.”
“You are incorrigible!” Nyx pushed playfully at his chest.
Laughing, Kalona grabbed her, and fell backward. As Nyx shrieked he unfurled his wings and they floated slowly down to land on a ledge just above the basin that was now filled with crystal water. Still holding her in his arms, Kalona murmured into her ear, “I told you I would never let you fall.”
“And have I told you how cold mountain waters are?” Nyx retorted, looking uncertainly below them at the sparkling pool.
“I cannot command Fire, but you, my Goddess, can,” he said.
Nyx grinned. “Yes, I can!” Stepping out of his embrace, she faced the waterfall and lifted her hands, invoking: I summon you, Fire. Your warmth in these waters I do truly desire.
Instantly the rocks surrounding the waterfall and pool began to glow like embers, and warm mist lifted from the basin.
“Shall we?” Kalona asked.
“You already know my answer. I am very fond of Water,” she said. “I am also very fond of you.” Deliberately, the Goddess reached behind her and pulled a silver ribbon, loosening her dress. With a shake of her shoulders, it fell from her body to form a sky-colored puddle at her feet. Wearing only her headdress of stars, she said, “Will you join me?”