Zeteo: The Seeking for Glory

Chapter 7: The Echo of Morgana

The city of Gaia was unlike any Mathena had ever seen. Unlike the polished marble structures of the Kingdom of Hudor or the grand flame-lit towers of Ignis, the capital of Gaia was a blend of nature and civilization. Towers of living wood spiraled skyward, intertwined with the sturdy stone buildings that lined the bustling streets. Ivy cascaded down walls, and vibrant gardens flourished around every corner, the air rich with the earthy scent of moss and flowers. Mathena felt a strange comfort here, as though this land recognized something within her.

Silas led the way, his gaze steady as he guided Mathena, Thurman, and Pasithea through the city streets and into the heart of the royal palace. As they entered, Mathena noticed that the walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of nature—the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. She couldn't help but admire the reverence for life that permeated this place, so unlike the war and destruction that had defined her past.

Finally, they arrived at a grand hall where King Alaric Thorne awaited. The king was tall and broad-shouldered, his presence both welcoming and intimidating. His eyes were a striking emerald green, glinting with a wisdom that seemed beyond mortal years. Beside him stood a woman of ethereal beauty, her nine tails flowing like a river of white silk. Her gaze met Mathena's, and Mathena felt an immediate connection, an almost magnetic pull she couldn't explain.

"Welcome, Lady Mathena," Alaric said, his voice smooth and commanding. "I have awaited this moment for a long time."

Mathena inclined her head, her expression guarded. "You know of me?"

Alaric smiled faintly. "I know of you, and I know why you have come. But your path to understanding lies not with me." He gestured toward the nine-tailed fox spirit standing at his side. "You must speak with her. She will tell you all you seek to know."

The woman stepped forward, her movements graceful and fluid. "I am the Earth Spirit," she said, her voice soft but filled with authority. "And I am also a part of Morgana."

At the mention of her sister's name, Mathena's heart skipped a beat. The Earth Spirit's form shifted, her silver eyes softening as she gazed at Mathena with a familiarity that sent a chill through Mathena's spine.

"You... you knew Morgana?" Mathena asked, her voice barely a whisper.

The spirit nodded, a small smile touching her lips. "Yes, Mathena. I know Morgana well. I am a part of her, a fragment of her essence. In a way, I am her—though I am also myself."

Mathena took a step closer, her golden eyes wide with wonder. "But how can this be? Morgana... she was destroyed."

The Earth Spirit's gaze was steady. "When Morgana fell, her essence was scattered across the realms, each fragment taking on a new form, a new life. I am the Earth fragment, bound to this kingdom and its people. But I carry her memories, her love, and her purpose."

Mathena felt a surge of emotion, her mind racing as she processed the Earth Spirit's words. "You... you remember her?"

The spirit nodded, her expression gentle. "Yes, sister. I remember all of her—her kindness, her courage, and her fierce love for you."

The word sister struck Mathena like a thunderbolt. She felt an overwhelming wave of emotions—joy, grief, and a profound sense of connection. For so long, she had thought herself alone, carrying the burden of Morgana's loss. But now, standing before her was a piece of her sister, alive and breathing, with all of Morgana's memories and love.

"You truly are her," Mathena whispered, her voice breaking.

The spirit reached out, placing a gentle hand on Mathena's shoulder. "In many ways, I am. But I am also bound to the earth, to Gaia and its people. Just as Morgana was bound to you, I am bound to this kingdom."