Many years ago, Andromeda was asked if deities slept. Did they lay their heads on downy pillows and eased burdens from their shoulders, such as humans do? It is rare for them to do so, she had answered, because they are preoccupied with their watchful eyes. Then, she was questioned whether or not if deities could dream, if she could dream.
Andromeda replied that the gods cannot dream because they can effortlessly convert fantasy into reality. She fails to have that luxury as she is not a deity. Therefore, one can say that she does dream but it is not dreaming by any means. No, they are visions – moments that transpired in the past which the Firmament witnessed. She is a nymph: the child of the heavens who is the cosmoses itself and dreams Her memories, observing and experiencing.
Andromeda’s consciousness drifted after she spoke those last three words. Although she was in an inert state, her mind was not easily conquered as she dreamt for the first time in a century and outlived another memory. It was, however, not in her Mother’s voice.
●
On the twelfth day after the Expansion, I summoned the leagues to Infinitas. Gathered, in our province, are the Architects, the Keepers and the Ante. Through my eye, I have seen the extinction of them all; their handsome faces painted with blood and gore, indistinguishable. As I looked out to them, I saw the enervation in their eyes and the aeons etched into their skin. We are immortal… but what is being eternal but a wolf in sheep’s clothing? Our annihilation shall be merciful.
This is what I told them:
“I, Boljimir, the first of His name, shall conceive children in the forthcoming years. While they will not be gods, they will be treated as such. They are the rightful heirs to sovereignty, and I have no doubt that they will lead everything I have created to greatness until the end. Among them will be my first born and I have seen the chapters in her story. She will love and be broken. Her hands will be dipped in blood and when the time comes, she will obliterate us with the hatred cemented in her heart. To our end will usher in a new beginning – a beginning that we should all welcome.”
Aralim bore his sly grin, naturally, and Sofiel’s disappointing gaze was more acetic than wonted. Siblings as they are, I know they seek to control what I have built. Though their dead-end path has been laid bare, they will go against it, but it will be useless. Even their own children cannot save them.
To you, I apologize on behalf of the tides of fate. I believe that this is your destiny. Once you have seen this from your Mother’s perception, my death has already been achieved. Yet, for right now, as I am still alive – ra'a'nn ra'm ho hooam, a' maghh faau smoaaghh. LOOK FOR THE HEART, NOT RIGHT BUT STRAIGHT.
●
Andromeda awoke with a jolt. She lurched forward whilst a hand pressed against her chest, gasping for air as if she had been submerged. The crackles of fire echoes in the cabin, accompanied by a welcoming scent of roasted meat and it is enough to calm the nymph for a moment. Her eyes reverted back to their natural hues, opening soon after and gandered around the room, making sure that she was not still dreaming. Luckily, that was the case.
An initial attempt to call Kestrel failed, her words morphing into horrid retches and she quickly moved onto her hands and knees. Andromeda heaved numerous times. Each time she did, still and all, her strength returned. Skin illuminated brightly once again, no longer vitreous but youthfully pale and plump all the same. Her violet mane cascaded over her face whilst she shivered in absolute excitement that she could hear the universe – this planet – anew. Andromeda smiled. She had missed their endless talks.
Perhaps now she could ask the heavens what that memory was.
Beneath her was a medium pile of dust, decayed matter, and Andromeda frowned. She sat up on her knees, fixing the coat and swiped a finger over her lips. That is when she realized something. The Ultima was already trying to execute her from the inside; a silent assassination attempt that began from the second she entered the black hole.
Andromeda looked away. She gazed at Kestrel for a long moment (searching, or maybe trying to tell her something) before sighing. “It appears I was at death’s door this whole time.” she chuckled sadly.
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