Aetherial stared down at the sleeping young women her white hair whiping around her head in the still air. Even though child had lost consciousness her wounds continued to bleed. "Well, we can't have you dying before I can help. Can we?"
Her eyes glazed over. Thin tendrils of sand wafted upwards as if stirred by a wind current. The ribbons of dirt and pebbles spiraled while growing thicker and wider.
Once the strands were a foot wide Aetherial gestured for the bands to wrap around the sleeping lady. At her command they surged forward lifting the unconscious form. The bands supported her head, waist and legs cradling her like a child.
"Come we have many things to do." She whispered to the dirt.
Spinning on her heel she began a steady march out of the steep valley, the young woman drifting behind her obediently on the shifting sand. She hummed softly as she worked her way along.
Once at the lip of the valley she took in the surrounding scenery. Stretching out farther than the eye could see was a frozen ocean. Flecked and marbled with white air bubbles, the ice was a deep midnight blue. In circling the wide expanse were curling waves immovable as if stopped by time.
"This will not do." The old woman murmured.
Before stepping out on to the ice she flicked her wrist at the sand which began to strip the fabric away from the young women's body. On the ice the older women crouched splaying her fingers and digging into the ground.
High pitched screeches emitted from the woman's throat as she dug deeper into the crusted ice. Looking skyward Aetherial watched the last beams of sunlight disappear below the horizon. She slowly sank into the rapidly melting ice.
A white bird encircled her as she contemplated her existence (which frankly was boring). The white bird landed on the shore shaking out his wings.
Looking out at the sunset the old woman sighed. "Thereof it comes that these fair souls, which have the most resemblance of that heavenly light…What do think of the setting of this sun? Garuda."
"Why have you called me."
While Aetherial was studying the sky the white bird transformed himself in to a dog/bird hybrid. Standing no taller than the old woman's waist the created was built like an abnormally large bulldog with a set of angelic wings grafted into it's back. He grumpily ruffled his feathers as he got his bearings.
Aetherial cocked her head at the strange creature. "I need your help."
The creatcher stumbled towards the naked young woman and sniffed her suspiciously. "She is dead."
"Almost." Aetherial interjected. "Almost is not absolute."
Garuda looked over his shoulder at the old lady. "Why did you summon me? You have more than enough power to save the girl."
The old woman raised an eyebrow. "I intend to pass my mantel onto the child."
He snorted. "This is a bad idea...I'm so glad you invited me."
"And that is why you are here." She said. "Also, I need you to keep an eye on her."
"I knew it!" Garuda stamped his paws. "Nothing in this world is free."
Aetherial gave the creatcher a toothy grin. "Let's get down to business."
Stretching out her arm she beckoned the water up into the sky. Separating into ribbons they surged toward the young women taking the job of supporting as the sand fell away.
The old woman pulled the water and the child towards her. The water encompassed the young womans body as she pulled to a stop in front of Aetherial.
"You need light." Garuda said. Tilting his head back he barked at the stars.
As if they feared him they glowed brighter dousing the sea with rich white light.
"Thank you." The old woman said primly.
She too tilted her head back to take in the light as screeches began again to emit from her throat.
The water surrounding the two crashed together, churling in a silent storm, answering what ever call the screeches asked for…
Until suddenly it all froze.
"I give thee my fire light." Aetherial sang in between the shrill cries and burning light wafting like an aura around her. The water began to steam and boil.
"You say that you have not lived?" Aetherial whispered. "Do not wait for death's second attempt to spur you into living."
Before Aetherial could finish the ocean turned white and all was lost in bright light.