When The World Breaks

Chapter Six

"I dare." The Author calmly spoke, not at all intimidated by the goddess before her.

"I am Lore," The woman boomed, "goddess of the moon, what human would challenge me?"

The Author shrugged, "A dumb one."

Lore turned, her eyes glowing with a sliver light, "You are brave, young one." Her voice was softer now, "Or perhaps naive would be a better word, do you know who I am?"

"I do, your majesty," The Author bowed formally, "and that is why I have come seeking your help."

"What sort of help?"

The Author tutted, "Well, that's not the real question, the real question is; where did I get the cup of tea?"

Lore frowned, not understanding until she saw the cup of tea the girl held.

T̈he Author grinned, "The answer is: I'm The Author just accept it." She mentally high fives herself for quoting Doctor Who again, damn, today was a good day for quotes.

Lore stepped closer, a mere breath away from the teen, "The Author?"

"Ah, I was hoping we would get to that." The Author threw her cup of tea behind her, the sound of china shattering echoed throughout the throne room.

Lore flinched, her eyes were no longer glowing, revealing soft brown orbs, "I don't understand, you said you wanted my help." The goddess was no longer angry, and with the absence of her fury she was no longer intimidating. Her dark hair fell down to her waist and her black crown sparkled in the dim lighting.

"That's right, but you need to understand who I am first." The Author smiled, "Usually this is easier with the Book and Quill and stuff but I'll make do without." She nodded, "I am The Author of this world, I wrote you, you are fictional, and now I need your help."

Lore was very confused, "What do you mean 'author'?" She asked.

The Author smiled, like this was all normal, "Exactly what it sounds like."

Lore studied her, "Is that your name?"

"No, of course not, that would be silly."

"Then why did you say that?"

"Because that's what I am."

"An author?" Lore questioned, weary of the younger girl.

"Well yes, but that's not all I am. It's my title while I'm here though."

"And where is 'here'?"

The Author frowned, "I thought that I already established that we were in a fictional world."

Lore laughed, "Are you saying that I'm not real?" She smiled, not taking what she was being told seriously.

The Author huffed, obviously annoyed, "No, but you are fictional."

Lore laughed again, "I'm afraid that you've got your definition of 'fictional' from an untrustworthy source."

"You don't believe me." The Author crossed her arms.

"Did you really expect me too?"

"I guess not." The Author sighed, "Well, even if you don't believe me, you can still help me."

Lore shook her head, "Not if you have no proof of the importance."

"Fine." The Author grunted, "Use your magic to locate a notebook, quill, and ink. I guarantee that you will find them, and will understand their power."

Lore eyed the girl, still mistrusting, but reached out her magic, trying to sense what The Author was describing. Just when she was about to withdraw her mental search, Lore's magic brushed against something.

Lore frowned and The Author smiled, "Do you still think I'm lying?"

Lore shook her head, "Perhaps... but I need to know more if I'm going to help you."

"Alright." The Author nodded, "Shoot."

"This..." Lore paused, trying to find the right word, "magic that you possess... What exactly can you do with it?"

The Author shrugged, "Anything, really."

Lore raised an eyebrow, "So... if you want me to help you, what could you give me in return?"

The Author laughed, "Nothing that you don't have already."

"There is one thing that I cannot do." Lore smiled, through her eyes showed a deep sadness, a sadness that could not be forsaken, even by a goddess. "How about this," Lore turned, not facing the teen. "I do this for you, I bring you your... items, and you'll owe me a favor."

"Deal." The Author nodded.

Lore smiled, "Lovely," She snapped her fingers and a map appeared in between the two, "Here, that's where your stuff is. " The goddess pointed to a glowing dot a few miles away from the symbol marked 'You Are Here!'

The Author studied the map, "Thank you, I will be on my way then."

"Come back after you have finished." Lore turned, her long dress sweeping across the floor, "And I'll call in that favor."

The Author nodded and made her way to the door, closing it behind her.

Lore sat on her throne, crossing her legs. She rested her chin on her hand, thinking. After all, if a favor was to be called in, then she would have to decide on it carefully.

She considered asking to be removed from this "story" or maybe for more power. But then another thought crossed her mind... Lore had been so overlooked in mythology, she was barely considered a deity by the other gods, and long ago, she was deprived of the one thing she knew she could never have... Love.

Lore stood, moving to a window to stare at the scenery around her. She knew what she wanted, the one thing she did not have power over. She wanted to be remembered for more than being a weak god, she wanted power that none other of her siblings had. And she wanted to get her Sonne back. She wanted to rule with her lover at her side and no one standing in her way.