Aethra - Jasira's Story

Chapter One: The Awakening

Meanwhile in the Temple of Mists, a woman standing at the edge of the shimmering pool, with her trembling legs barely able to support her. The cool water glistened on her skin, and the realization of her nakedness sent a shiver through her body. She looked around, her heart racing as confusion clouded her mind. The vast, empty temple was silent, save for the gentle rustle of leaves outside. No people, no clothes, no fire—just the bright colors of trees, vibrant flowers, and lush grass surrounding her.

Where am I? she thought, a sense of dread creeping in. She felt utterly alone in this ethereal place, a void that echoed with uncertainty. The only sound was the soft lapping of water at her feet, the pool reflecting her bewildered expression back at her.

Suddenly, a cascade of laughter echoed through the temple, drawing Jasira's attention.  But she couldn't see anything, the sound was rich and warm, filling the emptiness with an unexpected sense of comfort. 

Philyra, feeling a wave of boredom wash over her, decided to pay a visit to Aethra's chambers. As she approached, she was greeted by the hearty laughter of her sisters—Nyx, Thalia, Selene, Pasithea, and Eidiya—echoing through the air. No one seemed to notice her arrival, so she leaned over Pasithea, who was closest, eager to discover what had captivated their attention.

As she peered into the pool, her eyes widened in surprise at the sight before her.

Known for her beauty, fragrance, and craftsmanship, Philyra stepped forward, her long, flowing hair shimmering like golden sunlight. Leaning over the edge of the pool, she couldn't help but let a playful smirk dance across her lips. "I think your creation will die of cold first," she remarked, her voice light and teasing, filled with a hint of mischief.

Aethra, who had been observing the scene with a mix of amusement and exasperation, slapped her forehead in disbelief. "Philyra, must you always be so dramatic?" she replied, unable to contain a smile despite the situation. With a quick flick of her wrist, she summoned a pile of soft clothes and a towel that materialized from the air, dropping them onto the temple floor.

"Here, Jasira," Aethra called gently, her tone warm and encouraging. "Put these on."

The woman hearing a voice calling her Jasira, widened her eyes in surprise at the sudden appearance of clothing, Aethra's expression shifted to one of resolve. She turned to her sisters, the laughter still echoing in the background, and then focused her thoughts on the Rochean realm.

"I must go," Aethra announced, her voice steady. "The time has come to bring her into the fold."

With a graceful wave of her hand, Aethra opened a portal, shimmering with the colors of the sea, and stepped through, leaving the laughter of the goddesses behind.

As the last shimmer of Aethra's portal faded from view, the goddesses turned to one another, their expressions a mix of amusement and concern. Pasithea, her brow slightly furrowed, broke the silence. "Do you think Aethra realizes she named the woman without explaining anything to her?" she mused, a blend of curiosity and worry in her tone.

Nyx chuckled softly, leaning back against a nearby stone column. "I doubt she thought that far ahead. Aethra can be rather... absorbed in her own world at times."

"Can you imagine the confusion Jasira must feel?" Thalia added, a smirk dancing at the corners of her lips. "Waking up in a temple, completely naked, with no idea who she is or why she's there!"

Selene shook her head, her laughter ringing like chimes in the air. "And then, to top it off, she discovers she's been named by a goddess! How would anyone react to that?"

"I bet she'll think she's dreaming," Eidiya chimed in, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "What do you think will happen when Aethra finally returns?"

A spirited debate erupted as the sisters tossed around various scenarios, each more outlandish than the last. "I say she'll scream and run straight into the woods!" Nyx declared, throwing her hands up dramatically.