months before she was born, she had been promised to Agwe; a living offering so the god would not flood the rivers of her village.
she was told, over and over again, that on her 16th year, she would walk into the sea.
But she would not drowned. Agwe would transform her so that she would be able to live beside him, as his consort.
Agwe, taking a liking to the child from the moment she was born, stayed close by, watching as he grew. She was the only one on the island who had ever seen the water god.
The story of Eurilie.....
"Agwe.... are you there?" Eurilie sat on the bank of the peaceful river, splashing her toes int he moonlit liquid.
"Oh, agwe...." she sang. she started humming randomly, but soon it turned into the song that her people often sang to the gods. Before long, she felt strong arms wrap around her shoulders.
"Happy birthday, my Eurie."
She smiled, knowing the voice and the arms.
"Fifteen today. does it please you to know I will be yours in a year?"
He chuckled and kissed the top of her head, "My only pleasure comes from your happiness, my child."
She scoffed, turning in his arms. He looked down at her childish pout. "Mamma says I'm to young yet to know what will make me happy."
He continued to smile, petting her long dark hair. "Things change, dear one."
She laid her head on his chest. It never ceased to amaze her that a god would have a beating heart. Steadily it beat under her ear, a comforting sound, like the rhythm of the rain on the water.
"You father would be proud if he could see the fine young woman you are becoming,
Eurie."
She sighed, and gripped him tighter. "I miss him so much," she admitted slowly. "and then.... sometimes...."
he felt her tense in his arms.
"What? tell me your thoughts child. What have you to fear from me?" he laughed.
She grinned, almost shyly. It's just... sometimes, I think of you.... as a father. It that wrong? I am to be your wife one day and I do not love you as a wife should. Is there something wrong with m-"
He placed a finger over her lips, silencing her. "There is nothing wrong with you, my child. I feel the same."
Her face lit up, in suprise and perhaps a hint of hope. "At least there is love between us. That is enough for now. Much can happen in a year."