The room was filled with the night fog and something more - something like the dust of stars and the soft sound of sparkling heavenly music as the goddess watched over them. "I told you I was no woman. I am all women, and yet I am none of those. I told you too that I would reward you," the goddess whispered in the sleeping pilot's ear. "Truly, I did use a bit of misdirection on you and push you into a certain current, but I didn't have to push very hard did I now? I've had it worse keeping you from harms way out on the sea. Your human enemies are a different matter, but I have been known to rock the boat at an opportune time. You are where you are supposed to be, Azdrubaal. Right here, this now. I've gone to great lengths to get you here, so don't mess up! "I'm going to give you some advice and fill you in a bit here - whether you want it or not. She loves you, you know. She speaks highly of Sergius, but he wasn't all she makes of him all the time. You are more like what she thought he'd be. He was very jealous of her and his bad arm made him feel less the man - if you catch my drift. He used to lock her in their room when anyone came around, for My sake! Especially...most especially you. He liked you a lot, but he was afraid of you, too. That's why you never saw her. She doesn't deserve that. "The choice was yours. You chose well. Look at you both...smiling so sweetly. I so love Love. Its what I like best out of all the things you humans have put on Me." There was a long pause. "If...let's just say IF...I were ever to incarnate as a woman, I'd use dearest Domna as a template. I would. She's everything a woman should be. More than anything, I want you both to be happy. You should be! My Lord knows there's enough unhappiness in this place!" The goddess laid one hand on Azdrubaal's head and the other on Domna's. "You take good care of her. Listen to her. She has the gift of sight. She is my daughter, as you are my son. I'm so happy just now...I could cry. I think I will, but not here. May your life together be sweet as wine and twice as intoxicating! Be as one my children. My blessings upon ye." The goddess bent and kissed them both sniffing audibly. She snapped her fingers and disappeared. Somewhere in the distance was a long wailing sob that echoed out over the sea and across the stars. Azdrubaal started in his sleep and then realized he was holding his precious Domna in his arms. She was the best treasure of all, as far as he was concerned. Gold couldn't kiss you and inflame your soul with anything but murderous greed. You could touch sliver, but silver wouldn't touch you back with sweet tenderness. Gems were cold and uncaring of your troubles and thoughts. He smiled feeling content, and his eyes closed again. He'd heard every word the goddess said deep within his sleep. He just didn't know it - not in the usual way. ***** Zoom for best view. Happy Wednesday dear friends and thank you for your lovely comments! They are much appreciated. Rayvn