"Hello Angela," she smiled, her face white as snow. "Grendel, hello to you too."

"You know my name? Of course you do. I wanted to tell you in person, my lady, that I shall save your tree and this island, I promise." Angela suddenly felt so self-conscious, as if here presence and intentions for being here were wrong, or maybe just her perspective? She was becoming very evident of her lessening of self confidence as her blood pressure rose. The Goddess took her hand.

"Please calm yourself my dear. Everything will work out for the best, I have faith."

"But why?" She was expecting the Goddess to be repulsed by her, and an onslaught of batteries of how what she and her people do or have done were wrong. Instead she simply saw a fragile woman whose own well-being was at stake yet only cared about those around her, not even an ounce for herself. Angela wanted to cry.

"Because your heart and intentions are pure, and you are determined to do whatever it takes to save this land. Anyone with that kind of determination can accomplish anything. You have my faith Angela. I promise you will do great things while here and where ever you shall go after."

"Thank you, your holiness." The formality caused the Goddess to grab her sides and laugh like a school girl. Angela was now even more confused.

"Please Angela, you don't have to be so formal. I know it's not in your nature, and that's just fine with me."

"I...um," feeling exposed, Angela didn't really know how to respond to that. She tried changing the subject. "So, where is the King's throne?"

"On the highest peak of the upper Garmon Mines. Just keep going up until you find the opening leading to the outside. But do not go now; prepare yourself. You'll need plenty of food and water, not to mention a hammer, and ample stamina. In addition, I don't want you to ascend just yet."

"Huh? Why not?"

"Just live on the island a little longer, for two more seasons at least," she held her hand up as Angela began to protest. "Trust me as I trust you. I will live for much longer than that, so don't fear. You may even come across some unlikely allies while doing so."

"Okay, how do I prepare to raise him?"

"You have the ability and the knowledge, you needn't prepare unless you absolutely want to. If so, then practicing on deceased animals like you've done in the past will suffice. Just live Angela, that's all I want you to do during this time period."

"Just...live?"

"My lady," Grendel stepped forward. "You're quite certain of this? Is there some sort of message or philosophy Angela will gain from the hiatus?"

"Grendel, that's up to Angela. I only want her to live, and whatever she gains from that, well that's fine. Interact with these people, learn more about them and their hardships. And above all else, enjoy yourself. It is now Spring 3rd; once it's Fall 3rd, return here and I will instruct you on how to proceed."

Angela's arm didn't need to be twisted too far; she lived for breaks and vacations. She may have looked like a young girl whose eighteen or in her early twenties, but technically she wasn't, although she maintain much of the mentality commonly found in young people in this age group. "Thank you for speaking with us, my lady. I'll take your advice and live a while longer here."

"Thank you Angela," happiness spread across the Goddess' face. "That means a lot. I hate to be rude friends, but I'm feeling a little exhausted right now and would love to rest a while."

"Oh, of course! Thank you again." Angela bowed low and made her way towards civilization.