The Land of the Lost

Chapter 25: Odette - Forming the Plan

I stood there, utterly transfixed by the ethereal presence before me. It was as if time itself had slowed, allowing me to drink in every detail of the goddess standing before us.

Her hair, as pure and white as freshly fallen snow, cascaded in silken waves down her back, a stark contrast to the vibrant green of her dress, which seemed to have been woven from the very essence of nature itself.

She was radiant, her beauty transcending mortal comprehension, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of reverence and awe coursing through me in her presence.

"Hello again, Louis," she greeted with a warmth that seemed to envelop us like a comforting embrace.

"Pleasure to see you again," Louis replied, his voice tinged with a mixture of respect and familiarity.The goddess turned her attention to me, her gaze piercing yet gentle as she regarded me with an air of curiosity. "Who is this?" she inquired, her tone soft yet commanding as she gestured towards me.

"Princess Odette of Oryn," Louis introduced me with a sense of pride, his eyes briefly meeting mine before returning to the goddess.

As the goddess scrutinized me, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves fluttering in the pit of my stomach. Every movement, every word felt as though it was being weighed and measured by her keen gaze.

"I see," she finally remarked, her tone cryptic yet knowing, as if she had already gleaned more about me than I could ever comprehend.

"I've heard things aren't going so well in Oryn," she directed her attention back to me, her words carrying a weight of concern and empathy.

"That is what we are here to talk to you about, actually," I responded, my voice steady despite the turmoil of emotions swirling within me.

Without another word, the goddess turned and began to walk away, her graceful strides carrying her effortlessly through the temple's hallowed halls.

Louis and I exchanged a glance before following in her wake, a silent agreement passing between us.As we traversed the temple, I found myself marveling at the verdant splendor that surrounded us. The air was alive with the scent of blooming flowers and the gentle rustle of leaves, while vibrant vines snaked their way across the walls, their tendrils reaching out as if in greeting.

Finally, Natasha led us to a small meeting room nestled within the heart of the temple. The room was adorned with simple yet elegant furnishings, and we took our seats as the goddess settled herself opposite us.

"So, what is going on?" she inquired, her gaze fixed intently on Louis.

"We need your advice to be able to beat King Cedrick," Louis began, his tone earnest and resolute. "But we cannot do it alone."

The goddess listened attentively as Louis outlined our predicament, her expression inscrutable as she considered his words.

"Well," she mused after a moment's pause, "the only way to halt King Cedrick's reign would be to eliminate him." She gestured towards Louis's sword, a silent acknowledgment of the weapon's potential.

"But how do we ensure our return in time?" I interjected, my mind racing with questions and doubts.

A knowing smile graced the goddess's lips, her eyes alight with a spark of mischief. "Do you forget I possess magic?" she remarked, her voice tinged with amusement. "But since you are my guests, and I have not seen Louis in a long time, and I would like to get to know you better, Princess. You two should stay here for the night. We can plan this out more thoroughly."

Louis and I exchanged a glance, a silent agreement passing between us as we welcomed the reprieve from our arduous journey. And as we settled into the tranquil embrace of the temple, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope stirring within me, for in the presence of the goddess Natasha, anything seemed possible.