Welina-Grace and the Forest Uglies

WG - Chapter6 - Whatʻs The Plan

Zinah was required to stay with Rissa for 2 weeks. She worried that Duskin must believe that she and Crimson didnʻt make it and how heartbroken he must be. But Rissa told her, he will be pleasantly surprised when she does return.

Zinah was always taken aback by Rissaʻs beauty. Every day was a different color gown and her eye color changed with whatever color gown she sported. Her lipstick and makeup also matched the color of her gown. The only thing that didnʻt change was her hair, though the style that she wore them did, and her crown. Zinah did see that Rissa had a beautiful glass case that ran the length of an entire wall that housed many crowns. Many with different gems in different colors that could have easily been changed out with the black crown she always wore to match her gowns. But it seems Rissaʻs favorite was her black crown.

“Ms. Rissa? Are you a witch or a Queen?” Zinah asked after looking closely at each and every crown, taking in all of the minute details from itʻs precious gems to itʻs intricate placement and design.

“What do you think?” Rissa questioned

“Well, Duskin said you were a witch, and you did cast the spell. But you carry yourself like a Queen and you have many beautiful crowns, so Iʻm…..ohhhh wait a minute! Are. You. Queen. Of. The. Witches?!” Zinah said slowly and Rissa smiled

“I could be” Rissa teased

“Awww, come on! Tell me, please” Zinah whined

“Child there is too much history to my story. Maybe one-day youʻll know the truth. Just know that there are many Queenʻs in different realms. Just because there is one queen does not mean that the realm only has her. Queenʻs reign where there are different kingdoms. Then there is High Queens. Normally, High Queens oversee realm Queens” Rissa explained

“So a High Queen is the highest in a realm right?” Zinah asked

“Well yes, you could say that. But a Goddess trumps a High Queen every time” Rissa said

“Goddess??” Zinah asked with enthusiasm, wanting to know more as Rissa rolled her eyes

“A Goddess is the female entity that is the creator of a specific realm. She created the species to her liking. Incorporates rules to the doʻs and donʻtʻs of her realm and can even pick and choose a mate for her children” Rissa stated and Zinah mouthed with an ohhhhh

Zinah contemplated all the information she just received and played with the thought that Rissa was indeed a Queen. High Queen? Maybe. Zinah was beginning to like Rissa and wanted to learn more. Rissa never showed any ill will or maliciousness toward Zinah. A far cry from Junie. Zinah began addressing Rissa as Queen, Your Majesty, or Your Highness, just as a sign of respect. Rissa didnʻt stop or correct her.

In the 2 weeks, Rissa told Zinah everything she wanted from Queen Dessa. The whoʻs, whatʻs, whenʻs, whereʻs, whyʻs and howʻs. Not leaving any information out, Rissa wanted to know everything.

Zinah was given an amulet in which to communicate with the Rissa but told to always keep it hidden as Queen Dessa would recognize it immediately. The amulet hung from a black chain and was the exact replica of the opal that sat in the center of Rissaʻs ebony black crown, complete with wings, but just a smaller version. Zinah tucked it inside her shirt for safekeeping.

Rissa also answered Zinahʻs questions about Ifrits. Seems Ifrits are a finicky bunch. Keeping to themselves they very seldom, if any, interact with any other species. Rissa said in ancient times they did interact with other realms and they were used as armies for royalty. But they soon realized they were better off on their own and separated themselves from other species. Their features are always of beauty, whether male or female. They are exquisitely easy on the eyes. They are powerful creatures with the capacity to use fire at their will. Zinah wondered if they were like the Phoenix she read about in one of Duskinʻs books but Rissa confirmed they were not and in fact was not a bird at all, even though they had wings and could fly, and if they died could not reincarnate themselves as the Phoenix does. Ifrits by nature are very loyal to each other and those they imprint on. They can be very volatile in their quest for revenge on someone who may have hurt their master or loved ones and will stop at nothing to destroy them. Born with ingrown weapons that can be called at will, Ifrits are the perfect fighting machines and the reason they were sought after for royal armies. Tales of their Warrior spirit precedes them and battles were often left a bloody mess of enemies theyʻd leave in their wake. Kingdoms were brought to their kneeʻs if the opposing side had Ifrit Armies, thatʻs how fierce they were/are. Some of the weapons included blades that protrude from their fingers, swords, lances, spears, crossbow, hidden hand blades, and more. They are efficient in adapting the use of new weapons and can easily add them to their arsenal. Ifrits are carnivores. Infants will drink from their motherʻs milk til age 1 then weaned to fresh raw meat and blood.

“Whoah, whoah back it up. Are you saying I will be a meat eater and drink blood too? I mean, I sometimes eat ʻcookedʻ meat but drink blood? Oh gosh no! Iʻve always been more of a fruit and veggie with water kinda gal!” Zinah gulped while Rissa rolled her eyes

“Well you are an Infrit/Human hybrid now, so meat and blood will become a part of your diet. However, because you are a hybrid you will still be able to eat what you always have as well” Rissa proclaimed. Zinahʻs stomach flipped a few times at the news.

“Is Crimson a hybrid now too?” Zinah asked

“Unfortunately no. She needed your blood for the concealing part of the spell so her body would recognize what she needs to look like. Because she is an Infrit, she will always be a full-blood” Rissa stated

“Can Ifritʻs mate with other species and have hybrid offspring?” Zinah asked

“Yes, there is no inkling as to why they shouldnʻt be able to. However, Iʻve never come across a hybrid of that nature. But hey, thereʻs always a first for everything” Rissa said

Zinah wondered about that.

“Wouldnʻt a Goddess need to okay their children being mated with someone from another realm?” Zinah probed

“It is not for any of us to question the dealings of a Goddess. I would assume, love conquers all” Rissa said in finality and Zinah decided to leave it at that

The days rolled by as Rissa went over what it was she wanted. By the time the 2 weeks ended, Zinah felt she knew what she needed to collect so well that she could do it with her eyes closed.

Crimson played on the castle floor with the big cats for most of the time and Zinah often wondered who cleaned and cooked for Rissa. She hadnʻt seen another soul in the castle since she arrived. She guessed it was one of the perks of being a witch. She had what she needed at the snap of her fingers.

The day had finally arrived for Zinah to head back. She didnʻt look forward to the trek back and facing Junie but she looked at her little baby and knew it had to be done.

She bid Rissa goodbye but Rissa assured her theyʻd see each other again. Zinah was at least happy about that. It was nice to have an older female model that she could talk to. Junie never listened to her and just beat her all the time. Something she vowed would never fall upon her little baby.

The journey back would have been shorter had it not been for Zinahʻs inquisitive nature. She literally sought out humans to observe their mannerisms. She witnessed her first car and was amazed that something so large could move on itʻs own. She even sneaked up to one to touch it and was surprised to find that it was hard and metal to the touch. She just assumed with would be soft, like an animal's pelt. She noticed the constant stare of little flat boxes and she wondered about them. It must be the cell phone Duskin had shown her. She just couldnʻt understand why these humans were so intrigued by it. Even to the point of not paying any attention to their offspring and then was surprised to see the children with their own devices as well. It saddened Zinah to see the disconnection between parents and children. It wasnʻt all bad though. She did find family units that did display closeness aside from the devices. These families were usually sleeping out in the open with cottages made from fine fabric. They took long walks in the forest, swam in the rivers, did some hunting and fishing. Zinah was happy to see that.

Finally reaching the cottage, it was already night and Zinah knew Junie would already be asleep. She snuck into the cottage and her room to put Crimson down for bed. She then went to Duskin's door and knocked. Duskin was so happy to see her and hugged her tightly. He told her Junie was livid when she found out heʻd sent her on a journey. Zinah was happy for the fake story that would make her transition back a little easier.

“Junie will be leaving early in the morning heading to another Ogre camp on the east side of the forest. Sheʻll be gone for a few days so weʻll have a chance to catch up on your visit with Rissa” Duskin said as Zinah nodded while she yawned

“In the meantime, Iʻd suggest getting some rest. Make sure Crimson stays quiet so Junie doesnʻt know youʻve returned before she leaves. Iʻll wake you after sheʻs gone” Duskin said as Zinah smiles before giving him another hug and heading off to bed.