Like Light and Dark (by Miriam and Erich) – 3

Mustering up the remnants of her courage, Crystalline dared to pat the polar bear’s head… very hesitantly and gently at first. But as she saw that the huge animal closed its eyes and rubbed its forehead against her hand, she laughed.

“Ah!”, Catrina exclaimed playfully. “I believe you have passed the second test as well! Paita, my polar bear companion, really likes you!”

“That was a test too?!” Crystalline could not believe it, yet she was way too happy to question it.

“No!”, the Queen laughed and winked. “But it’s still a good sign! You two could become friends.” She jumped off Paita’s back, quietly landing on the snow. “And now to your blessing! Paita!”

Crystalline’s mouth dropped wide open. Paita rose up and was now standing on her two hind legs in all of her magnitude. From her forehead, just where the elven girl had touched her, a white lotus flower was blooming and emanating a sweet scent that purified the night air, that purified Crystalline’s heart and mind alike. Paita’s heart suddenly lit up. It was glowing and rainbow light poured down on Crystalline. The wild creature spread her arms wide and hugged the young Queen, drew her right to her heart, sharing nothing but unconditional love and warmth with her.

When Paita let her go, Crystalline was still glowing brightly. The last thing the polar bear did to complete the blessing, was a soft kiss on Crystalline’s third eye… a little bump with the nose on her forehead. “Wow!”, Crystalline laughed. “I have never felt so loved before!”

Catrina was visibly touched and whispered: “You are now to be called the Queen who was kissed by the North. And yes… we do love you, Crystalline, daughter of my tribe. Please never forget that we are always here with you.”

She lay her thumb on Crystalline’s third eye and asked: “Do you see them?”

At first, Crystalline had no idea what she was talking about. Only a moment later, everything was crystal clear. They were here! A whole tribe, all of her ancestors, were descending from the northern lights and gathering around them.

She was pleased to see her great-grandfather and his lovely lynx Lora that had typical brown-grey fur with black spots. Next to them was a tall, muscular man with a long black beard riding upon a giant walrus warrior. On his helmet was a big ivory horn meant to sink ships. On the other side of the group she saw a slim, blonde boy accompanied by an albatross. She could even hear him shriek! Crystalline was surprised how many of her ancestors had come… many of which she had not ever seen or heard of before… yet they all felt familar and like she could trust them with her life. Especially the young archer in a white parka that had a cute, little polar fox dancing around his feet. She smiled.

“Yes, Catrina! I CAN see them! Oh, and how many of them! I can see them all!”