Gemyni
Knight
Surprisingly to this reporter, Shelzi, the new Goddess of Magic, granted me an exclusive interview. The Sydan Press may have the widest circulation in the country, but my recent conversion to the Dark is common knowledge and I expected some prejudice. Instead, I was contacted personally by Miranda LaMar, High Priestess of Magic, and asked if I would be interested. I'll be honest Reader, I almost declined. First off, High Priestess Miranda "contacted" me by appearing in my bedroom mirror. To say a phone call would have been more welcome is an understatement. Secondly, I have been very vocal about my stance against this new regime of Gods. The continued silence of the Old Gods is disturbing and the sudden rise of New is glaringly suspect. Still, Shelzi is the only being to be of both the Old and New and I couldn't resist getting her perspective.
We arranged to meet at the recently constructed Temple of Magic in Sydan and talk over brunch. When I arrived I was met at the door by High Priestess Miranda and escorted through the typical marble building to an actual cafeteria where none other than the Goddess herself sat waiting.
Shelzi is a beautiful woman. We've all seen the pictures - the long black hair, slender figure, and strange amethyst eyes. She's the epitome of feminine grace and eldritch power dressed in a revealing gown the same shade as her eyes. I'm immediately struck by the strength of her presence, as if she's more there than the rest of us. Even as a practical null I can sense the limitless amount of magic she possesses. As if sensing my irritating nervousness, her lips curl into a gentle smile and she silently invites me to sit with a wave of her hand.
"Are you hungry? The kitchen offers a wide variety and our chef is supremely talented."
To be honest I'm not really hungry. Do you even eat regular food?
She laughs, and I swear to you the sound is pure music. I'm attracted to her and I don't like it.
"Getting right to the questions, are we? I don't have to eat, but I enjoy it. My favorite food is strawberries. We grow them in our garden."
Do you grow them yourself, or do you have people to do that for you?
"I piddle around with the plants on occasion. I've always loved nature and we've brought that into our Temples as much as possible."
She wears a secret smile, as if she knows something I don't. I decide it's time to get serious.
Many people were shocked and angry at your decision to raise your High Priestess of Light to Goddess in your stead. Did you really surrender godhood to be a stay-at-home wife and mother? Did you ever consider your followers? There were riots. Don't you think you should have been held responsible for that?
Her smile finally fades and she sighs. I try to guage her feelings by searching her eyes but it's impossible to gaze into them for long. She remains calm and collected. I can't tell if she feels guilty, or doesn't care at all.
"It's unfortunate so many couldn't understand my need to put family first. I was an orphan, lucky enough to be adopted by a beautiful soul but my mother was a Priestess. As much as she loved me, her devotion to the Light was all encompassing. Since childhood I craved a normal, loving family of my own. Thom had strong feelings about our children being born as demi-gods. It's a hard life, full of reponsibility and sacrifice. He didn't want that for the twins. It was a serious point of contention between us and it nearly cost me my marriage. I had to make a decision. It wasn't easy. I didn't step down lightly. I just couldn't lose what I'd always wanted."
People died in those riots.
"People also died in the wars between the Light and Dark. Freewill exists. Destiny is real. Both things are true, and I am not responsible for either."
Was it worth it? You're estranged from your husband anyway, and your children refuse to talk to you. Here you are again, once more a Goddess. Did you give up on your wish for a normal family? Did it ever occur to you that ascending would ruin any chances you had of reconciliation?
"Of course I hate how things are with Thom and the twins. All three of them possess a piece of my heart and my arms are always open to them. My daughter's book was upsetting, as you can imagine, but I don't begrudge her for her feelings. It is possible for me to have both family and godhood. I won't give up on that. I hope they won't either."
How does being the Goddess of Magic work? Some say you must be the strongest of the Gods, as they are magical beings. Does that make you their leader?
"Those who say that don't understand. Gods draw power from Creation, an essential ingredient of our universe. Magic is an intangible force that flows through our world. Think of it as a limitless fossil fuel."
Before she could go on, an Acolyte hurried forward and bent to whisper in Shelzi's ear. The Goddess nodded and turned to me with an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry. I'm afraid War needs my attention. It seems he and Peace are bickering and none of us want World War Three."
She stood up and prepared to leave. But I had one more question that had to be asked. Desperate, I jerked up to my feet.
Wait! Tell us what happened to the Old Gods! Where did they go? Do they still exist?
The Goddess of Magic paused to grin at me over her shoulder.
"I do, don't I?"
With that cryptic response, she left me.
We arranged to meet at the recently constructed Temple of Magic in Sydan and talk over brunch. When I arrived I was met at the door by High Priestess Miranda and escorted through the typical marble building to an actual cafeteria where none other than the Goddess herself sat waiting.
Shelzi is a beautiful woman. We've all seen the pictures - the long black hair, slender figure, and strange amethyst eyes. She's the epitome of feminine grace and eldritch power dressed in a revealing gown the same shade as her eyes. I'm immediately struck by the strength of her presence, as if she's more there than the rest of us. Even as a practical null I can sense the limitless amount of magic she possesses. As if sensing my irritating nervousness, her lips curl into a gentle smile and she silently invites me to sit with a wave of her hand.
"Are you hungry? The kitchen offers a wide variety and our chef is supremely talented."
To be honest I'm not really hungry. Do you even eat regular food?
She laughs, and I swear to you the sound is pure music. I'm attracted to her and I don't like it.
"Getting right to the questions, are we? I don't have to eat, but I enjoy it. My favorite food is strawberries. We grow them in our garden."
Do you grow them yourself, or do you have people to do that for you?
"I piddle around with the plants on occasion. I've always loved nature and we've brought that into our Temples as much as possible."
She wears a secret smile, as if she knows something I don't. I decide it's time to get serious.
Many people were shocked and angry at your decision to raise your High Priestess of Light to Goddess in your stead. Did you really surrender godhood to be a stay-at-home wife and mother? Did you ever consider your followers? There were riots. Don't you think you should have been held responsible for that?
Her smile finally fades and she sighs. I try to guage her feelings by searching her eyes but it's impossible to gaze into them for long. She remains calm and collected. I can't tell if she feels guilty, or doesn't care at all.
"It's unfortunate so many couldn't understand my need to put family first. I was an orphan, lucky enough to be adopted by a beautiful soul but my mother was a Priestess. As much as she loved me, her devotion to the Light was all encompassing. Since childhood I craved a normal, loving family of my own. Thom had strong feelings about our children being born as demi-gods. It's a hard life, full of reponsibility and sacrifice. He didn't want that for the twins. It was a serious point of contention between us and it nearly cost me my marriage. I had to make a decision. It wasn't easy. I didn't step down lightly. I just couldn't lose what I'd always wanted."
People died in those riots.
"People also died in the wars between the Light and Dark. Freewill exists. Destiny is real. Both things are true, and I am not responsible for either."
Was it worth it? You're estranged from your husband anyway, and your children refuse to talk to you. Here you are again, once more a Goddess. Did you give up on your wish for a normal family? Did it ever occur to you that ascending would ruin any chances you had of reconciliation?
"Of course I hate how things are with Thom and the twins. All three of them possess a piece of my heart and my arms are always open to them. My daughter's book was upsetting, as you can imagine, but I don't begrudge her for her feelings. It is possible for me to have both family and godhood. I won't give up on that. I hope they won't either."
How does being the Goddess of Magic work? Some say you must be the strongest of the Gods, as they are magical beings. Does that make you their leader?
"Those who say that don't understand. Gods draw power from Creation, an essential ingredient of our universe. Magic is an intangible force that flows through our world. Think of it as a limitless fossil fuel."
Before she could go on, an Acolyte hurried forward and bent to whisper in Shelzi's ear. The Goddess nodded and turned to me with an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry. I'm afraid War needs my attention. It seems he and Peace are bickering and none of us want World War Three."
She stood up and prepared to leave. But I had one more question that had to be asked. Desperate, I jerked up to my feet.
Wait! Tell us what happened to the Old Gods! Where did they go? Do they still exist?
The Goddess of Magic paused to grin at me over her shoulder.
"I do, don't I?"
With that cryptic response, she left me.