Welcome to the Bakery!

The prompt was “Ahamkara”.

                  Propped against the massive ribcage jutting out of its floral resting place was a bow she’d nearly missed at first. Its green trappings blended in with the fauna, but its glittering golden frame shimmered in the light filtering in from above. It was beautiful and the prize she’d earned for traversing this gorgeous garden, both stunning and deadly. Araidne picked the bow up gently, the weight of what it stood for infinitely heavier than the physical weight of the weapon.

                  “Wishkeeper”, she whispered to herself, unwilling to speak much louder in this sacred place. This was not just a cave to be looted. It was also the final resting place of Taranis. He died as selflessly as any being could. What’s more was that being an Ahamkara meant the way in which he died was in direction violation of his kind. They were wish granters, often of the double-edged variety. Riven was unrivaled in her ability to do so. Sure, she’d give you your deepest desire, but the price was often more than what was planned or what someone was willing to pay. But pay they did. Taranis, her mate, was both her lover and her opposite. He granted wishes simply because he could. His price was, perhaps, their joy in a wish come true. Her cunning to his kindness.

                  Ariande knew the tale ended in disaster. It ended because of Guardians and their Great Hunt that separated Riven and Taranis, their living forms at first. And then Taranis made the selfless choice to grant his own wish, but once again not for his own gain. For the price was his life to protect his children, Riven’s children – their children. He died here alone, forever separated from his one great love. The love, and fear, of a father had protected his children from the hunt. His wild hope was that someday someone would come along to finish what he could not – to save his children from a fate they did not deserve.

                  The bright sun, flowing waterfall, and gorgeous flowers seemed to echo his undying love for his children. And despite the beauty, Araidne’s heart was heavy. To have had to pay such a price, especially when death could not be eluded as it was for her. She couldn’t understand. Could she trade her life for someone else’s? Was she capable? She’d died many times to protect, but death was not so daunting when she knew she’d come back. What if that was taken from her? She sat in the flowers next to his bones, turning the bow over in her hands. Would she be the wish-keeper? For Taranis, she’d try.