Like Light and Dark (by Miriam and Erich) – 2

Crystalline was star-struck. She had never seen a polar bear before, only heard of them in the ancient legends. Nothing could compare to the magnificent creature that was approaching her… silently, solemnly, smoothly. The bear was enormous and its strong musculature rippled with every step. Its clear white fur was sparkling and moving with the wind like ocean waves. With every passing second, Crystalline felt less and less trapped in a dream; she felt like she was eventually waking up, coming alive, after spending years in a deep slumber. How could a wild animal move with so much grace and dignity? This bear, it seemed, wasn’t just any bear – it was royalty, the undisputed ruler of a world of ice and snow, to whom every animal in the Northern Hemisphere bowed.

As the rider came closer and closer, Crystalline noticed that she was wearing a traditional brown parka made from seal fur. On her back, she was carrying a dozen harpoons in a light quiver. “A huntress!”, Crystalline thought to herself. In her dominant hand she was holding a long staff made of ivory, adorned with translucent crystals. At the top, two ivory wings encapsulated a magnificent aquamarine gem. “Or a queen?”

“Saell, dóttir mín! Hello, my dear daughter in tribe. It’s good to see you. Thank you for taking the path back home”, the polar bear rider greeted her warmly. “My name is Catrina, I am the First Queen of the Valley. I was called here today because I am meant to give you something back that is rightfully yours.”

“I am Crystalline. Thank you, Catrina. I feel honoured by your presence. But can you please tell me what all of this is about?”

“As the ancestral Queen of the Valley, it is my duty to give my gem, my blessing and my advice to the next Ruler of the Valley.” The young woman smiled. “Just as I did to your father and his father’s father. Now it is your time to rule this kingdom, little Crystal Queen.”

Catrina pointed her staff towards the elven girl, standing now directly in front of her. “See. This aquamarine is the heart of our Homeland. Take it and keep it where it belongs – in your heart.”

Crystalline reached out to touch the gem, yet hesitated as she saw that the polar bear’s head was also very near. She breathed through her fear and touched it regardless. There was nothing else she could do.. the crystal was calling out to her. The same instant that her small fingertips touched the cold surface of the gem, it transformed into water and ran down her arm, across her chest and right into her heart. “Here I belong”, she whispered like she was reciting an ancient oath from her memory. “Here I transform.”

“Vel gert! Well done, little one!”, Catrina said proudly. “You have the courage to rule. And the courage to go where ever and when ever you need to. You have passed the first test.”

“Thank you!”, Crystalline exhaled relieved, folding her hands gratefully.