Rosaine had moved onto the last target and was hoisting her bow when the air in front of the board suddenly wavered. Then there was a flash of spectral light that took on the form of a person; and when the glow faded, Rosaine found herself squinting at the transparent form of a woman. "Oh, Goddess…" Rosaine uttered, and respectfully bowed her head. Suddenly Epona had advanced upon her, and Rosaine startled at the sensation of Epona's rather solid hand on her shoulder. Rosaine began looking around as Epona's Temple and Partholon suddenly began to become a gentle glow that soon encompassed them both. The light slowly began to fade, and a new location took form. Rosaine's eyes devoured the awe-inspiring new world in which she stood. Long, flat steps the color of cream led up to a pristine empire of the same color. In the distance was a cliff that featured four large waterfalls; and above that was the most vibrant sunset Rosaine had ever seen.
Look at me, Beloved.
It was an automatic thing to obey, and an automatic thing to wonder if the Goddess always looked so sad.
After much consideration, I have decided to renounce My favor on you.
Rosaine wasn't surprised, but respectfully bowed her head again, wondering how she had displeased the Goddess…and why she was still welcome in Her Realm.
Walk with Me, the Goddess said, and the two women began to meander towards the cream-colored empire. They went up the steps and began down the pale pathway that led into the empire. The Goddess allowed Rosaine to halt and absorb the majesty. The floor appeared to have been fashioned from the biggest bar of gold in the world; it was all one piece, and so reflective it was almost like a mirror. The room was furnished only with two different statues of horses, fashioned from black marble. There were no stairs, so the windows were exceptionally large. In the center of the room was a very large round basin with a statue of Epona, turning over a bowl to pour water, thus creating the fountain.
But what Rosaine found mesmerizing was the floating orb. It looked like the moon and spun like the earth; and was glowed a radiant blue. In front of this shining sphere was a tall-backed throne, flawlessly gilded as thick as Rosaine's arm. The cushion on Epona's throne was plump, covered in blue silk and tasseled in silver.
Epona disentangled Herself from Rosaine and turned to face her. There is something you must know, She announced. I am not revoking My favor as a means of castigation. I have something else in store for you.
"Yes, Goddess?"
I have grown weary of My everlasting existence. I see so much pain, and anguish. But it is not easy for a deity to cease living. There is only one way - to Mark a proxy and then drink of a poisoned Chalice.
Rosaine gawked at her like an inexperienced fool. "You…want me to take your place?"
It is the greatest gift. Epona raised a perfect, porcelain hand and caressed Rosaine's cheek, making her tingle from head to foot. Then She turned and motioned delicately to the round basin. Here is what will happen. I will retrieve a goblet of poisoned water, and drink it. My body will fade from this Realm and when I am gone, you will be imbued with all My powers.
"Until when?" Rosaine asked frantically.
Until you mark your own proxy.
"No. Epona, I can't."
It is too late. I have Marked you.
"Well—please, unmark me!" she cried. "I can't do this!"
Epona's eyes flashed. What you cannot do is refuse a gift from the gods. Rosaine Dhianna-MacCallan, you are to become Epona!
The power in Her voice, in Her anger, shook the walls and Rosaine felt the vibrations inside her chest. The Goddess turned and strode to the basin, bending over the rounded rim and scooping out the goblet filled with holy waters. With a simple tap to the goblet, the water became dark, with crackling flecks of light; like an inverted flame.
"Wait—" But it was too late. Epona upended the glass and emptied the goblet. From the first sip, Her body began to fade. The more She drank, the less of Her Rosaine could see. All at once Rosaine was standing alone in the Divine Realm; the goblet to the Chalice floating in the air. Rosaine dropped to her knees, feeling a supreme level of power; the strength of which was only felt by a deity's replacement. She was overcome with knowledge! She knew every nook and cranny of Partholon; from the mountains to the seas, from Partholon to the Sidetha she had never seen. She knew of the secret passage within MacCallan Castle. And she knew how to go anywhere, without the ennui of long travel. She could do anything. Anything…There were no limits to her power…
She knew she would not experience motherhood, but she knew how to gift any woman a son or daughter. She knew how to revive the dead. And she knew that Kaina was imprisoned on another planet. It was an intuitive knowledge that had the power to shatter a father's soul.
Rosaine was so overcome with power that she couldn't stand. It rained over her with an intensity that sent waves of erotic pleasure through her newly divine body. She knelt on the floor and allowed herself to enjoy the sensations.
No limits…She was Epona…She was a Goddess…no limits…