💜 *Erin screams as the energy pulses through her, breathing into the Earth. And then- everything around her goes white. She opens her eyes*
‘I’m very impressed, little one. You are strong, just as I’d hoped.’
*She looks up in surprise. Aella sits in front of her, a glow of shifting colors surrounding her. She beckons Erin to sit next to her, which she does hesitantly*
I….I thought you were gone.
‘I was, but even the blight cannot keep me down for long. Still, I’m not as powerful as I used to be. 10,000 years of being trapped in the mortal realm does that to a spirit.’
*She laughs a little and smiles softly*
*The question lingers on Erin’s mind, too scared to ask*
A- Are you like, retired now?
*Aella laughs out loud and covers her mouth as she giggles*
‘That is one way to put it! Yes, I think my days of being the storm surge are over. I believe I found the perfect person to take over.’
I- I’m not ready!! I mean…there’s no way I can live up to your status. I’m just a scared kid…
*Aella cups Erin’s face with the love of a mother*
‘I was a scared kid too, believe it or not, when I became the storm surge. I was only 17. I had no family, no one on my side. But I found someone who believed in me, and made me feel strong. You already have someone like that, yes?’
*She gives Erin a knowing smile and Erin blushes*
‘Not only that, but you have a whole family and friends who love you. And even if I’m going away, I’ll never truly be gone. I will be guiding you and protecting you in more ways than you could know.’
*Aella gives Erin a kiss on the forehead, and she feels her chest become lighter.*
I think…I have to go now.
‘You do. You’re going to do great things, Princess Erin.’
*And then everything snaps forward to reality*