I stood on a plateau high above the world.

Snow everywhere I looked.

Ice shivered beneath my feet.

White clouds mixed with white snow.

No horizon line to see.

No sound to hear.

No sensation of heat or cold.

Nothing to break the stillness.

I was waiting for someone or something but I didn’t know what.

Then I felt a breeze tease my cheek, pluck at my hair and caress my body.

I closed my eyes to try and figure out from which direction it was coming.

Then I heard a sigh from the distance that gained in intensity until it roared across the landscape like a freight train coming straight for me.

Opening my eyes, I saw a glittering column of snow and ice spin across the plateau gaining it width until it filled my horizon.

There was no where to go and no way to hide so I stood firm and watched it cross the ice field towards me.  I already knew it was a dream since I’d been here before night after night in the months I spent recuperating from the explosion.

The Goddess had a bit of an exhibitionist streak.

“I heard that.”  The column of ice and snow spoke.

“I know, Mother.  The crystal is mine again.”

“Time to move on, little one.”

“Yes, Ma’am.  Please don’t allow the others to follow me.  I beg you to let me be your only messenger.”

Icy wind stroked my cheek.  “They will do what they must just as you will follow your destiny.”

I went to my knees.  “I am your Avatar, Mother but I am also a sister and mother.  Please let this meeting be between the Ikiiri and me alone.”

“My dearest daughter, I do not control my children’s actions.  You well know that your free will is what sets you apart from my other creations.  What will be will be.”

“Yes, Mother.”  I didn’t agree but I did understand.

“So many times you have gone to battle for me and yet you still don’t listen.”

Her sigh would have done any mother proud.  “Free will, Mother?”

“Exactly.  Now go and practice with your latest element.”

“Yes, Mother.”  There were times she could be so aggravating.

“I heard that, young lady.  Don’t tempt me.”

“No, Mother.”  I kept my thoughts calm and steady.

“I love you, little one.”

“I love you too, Mother.”  The column wrapped itself around me in a hug then drew away to spin off into the distance.

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The end of chapter eleven