I was an emotional mess after that — should I call it a one-night stand? Everything blurred together, but I was left with reminders: scratches, bruises, and a bite mark on my neck. My satin slip dress was ruined — ripped beyond saving.
I know part of it was my fault, but I hate that Eriu's power magnifies everything I feel or do. I get it — abundance — but sometimes it feels less like a blessing and more like a life sentence. People would probably say I'm lucky. Maybe I would have thought so too.
But living it?
It's unbearable.
The pressure and intensity of the infinite is a weight that never stops crushing you.
One thing I did gain from that chaotic fling was strength. I felt like myself again. My energy didn't drain as fast. I finally felt… steady. Which means I now know the truth:
If I want to survive long enough to fulfill my mission, I have to "do the deed."
But I'd rather do it with someone I know. Someone I trust.
My fingers traced the marks from Rocco, Aron, and Talon. I'm bound to each of them — meaning I could go to them — but that defeats the whole purpose of staying hidden and avoiding attachments.
Then my hand slid to the new bite mark on my neck.
What about him?
The stranger.
Could I rely on him?
Right — I don't even know his name.
Enough. My brain hurt from thinking about it. I'd figure it out when the problem came again. For now, I had work to do — spreading word of Eriu's blessings.
I visited the beavers by the river. They were already busy again, hauling branches and mud. Igor thanked me warmly and said I was always welcome among them. I told them my strength and compassion came from Eriu's guidance, and to my surprise, they already knew her.
Their elders had passed down stories — lessons shaped by the goddess herself.
Hearing that made my heart feel lighter. Maybe Eriu wasn't as forgotten as she believed.
As thanks, the beavers gifted me a small wooden carving of a beaver and told me about a mystical plant — ginza — something that boosts energy, sharpens the mind, and fights fatigue. It reminded me of ginseng.
Naturally, I tried to manifest it.
Nothing.
How? If it exists here, why couldn't I summon it?
That meant one thing — I had to find it.
Igor told me ginza grows underground near the swamp of Desapo, home to the frog clan — ruled by Machava, a grim, foul-tempered toad with a reputation for cheating. The trek would take a day or two, but the path was easy.
His warning was clear:
Be careful.
I took it seriously, thanked them again, and went home to prepare. I packed food and herbs, slung my satchel over my shoulder, and left at dawn.
The path wound beneath tall trees, sunlight drifting through leaves like gold dust. Wildflowers scattered the roadside. The wind rustled branches like quiet whispers. Somewhere, birds chirped unseen.
Avion flashed through my mind — their laughter, their show-off flights. Talon's dramatic complaining. His arrogant grin.
A pinch tugged at my heart.
I missed him.
But this was better.
Before nightfall, I found shelter — a hollow inside a wide old tree, big enough for warmth and safety. I manifested a cot and blanket, ate wild rice balls and pickled vegetables, drank water, and fell asleep peacefully.
I rose early, thanked the tree for keeping me safe, and continued toward Desapo.
I was almost there when something small collided into me, sending us both tumbling.
"Watch where you're going!" I snapped, rubbing my head.
"I apologize!" the tiny frog huffed. "The tyrant's men were chasing me again. Another failure! If only I were strong like the beast kings, I'd save Esther by now!"
His frustration poured out — ranting about weakness, unfairness, how helpless he felt, how their leader preyed on the women of the clan. He vented, paced, complained — then finally noticed me.
"I'm sorry you had to see that. And for bumping into you."
I shook my head. "It's fine. Better to let it out. Actually… maybe you can help me. I'm looking for a plant called ginza. If you show me, I'll be out of your way."
"Ginza?" His eyes widened. "Our clan used to tend it. The leader hoards it now. The only way to get it is to beat him at riddles. I'm Fredo. What's your name?"
He was shorter and skinnier than Pietri — lanky, nervous, all sharp movements and big eyes. Definitely a frog… but walking like a little person.
These creatures get stranger every day.
"I'm Shelly," I said.
"Which tribe?" he asked immediately.
Of course. Tribe questions again.
"Bunny Tribe," I said quickly.
He blinked. "Never heard of them. I've talked to beasts from everywhere — Juno, Mariner's Bay, Avion—"
He kept talking. And talking. He might even out-talk Pietri. Then I caught something.
"Avion?" I interrupted. "Tell me — is the king okay? What happened?"
"I heard he's fine. Some kings allied against the bats and—"
He suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled me into the bushes. Giant toads hopped past, searching.
We stayed silent until they disappeared.
My heart raced.
"Mate… mate… mate!" Eriu whispered.
NO. Not now. Not him.
Fredo stared at me. "Why are you red?"
"Thirsty," I muttered, gulping water.
"If I were stronger like those kings, I'd crush them," he sighed.
"Stop that," I said gently. "Greatness isn't measured by size. You can be small and mighty. It's what's inside that matters."
He crossed his arms, unimpressed.
"I do have heart. Wisdom. Good intentions. And still nothing!"
I smiled, remembering Aron. "Even great kings have fears. They make mistakes. They fall. Let me show you, that being you can make you a great king. How about this? Let me help you save your clan using your wit, and in exchange, I get the ginza."
Fredo's face brightened.
"Deal!"
And just like that — I walked straight into danger again.