A M A L I A
Starstruck and overwhelmed, Amalia can do little more than smile, her pious heart singing at the promise of more knowledge, and a task. It is enough to make her momentarily forget her last foray into the Underground, and her loathing of the unyielding darkness within. "I do," she answers eagerly, "I will." She would brave any terror, overcome any trial in the name of her gods - or so she earnestly believes in this moment, invigorated as she is by the affirmation of the goddess, the fervor of her worship.
Somehow, unbelievably, the gifts do not end there. The gentle careless of the goddess' fingers is matched in comfort only by her words, and when she speaks Amalia feels starlight wrapping around her like an embrace. 'You are good,' Safrin whispers, and behind closed eyes the girl feels tears of elated relief, of wonder and hope. And when the goddess extends her hands and promises to show the face of a god, of her god, what can Amalia do but laughs, a choked and joyful sound that rings out through the glittering twilight as she slips her fingers into the goddess' grasp, her youthful face lit by eager fervor, ardent adoration.
For once, when the world falls dark, Amalia isn't afraid.
