With the ground still moving, all the important people they met started praying, begging their versions of deities to stop. Their efforts seemed to have worked, for, as the last person left the lair, the shaking paused.
Kofi jumped to congratulate mother priestess. Seeing Aidan, he flinched under his stare. He outstretched his hand, saying: "Hey, good that you're back, I was worried you'd-"
His speech was cut short by a punch to the face. He fell down swiftly, grabbing the hurt place.
"Do not try and con me. I know it was you who took my things?" Aidan said sternly.
"What? No," the replied with a nervous smile. "It is not what you think at all! I was trying to do what you did. Yes! I wanted to put the giant to sleep... but then your wife fused with the harp and... I panicked," he concluded with a sad shrug.
"Do not be too harsh with him," mother priestess ran over. "He truly was made for that purpose."
"Well, why have you not done it by now? You saw his weaknesses with your own eyes. With your skills, you could have easily defeated him?" Aidan added annoyed.
"Leave me alone, man. I wasn't ready. I'm only 16," Kofi says.
"Sixteen?" Aidan stuttered.
"It is true. It's been 16 years since he came into this world, from a reptile's tail and a pot of clay," the priestess added, patting her favorite creation.
"Aidan," Zora placed her hand on his shoulder and pointed to the hole. To the relief of everyone, the lair was now completely covered. A moment later, a small bump formed. It moved towards the two, slowly growing. Reaching Zora and Aidan's feet, it grew into a hill and carried them away.
Stunned, they could only hold each other as the ground carried them somewhere with great speed. Growing to the size of a mountain, it stopped, giving them an excellent view of the surroundings. The entire land was carved by huge cracks spread like veins over the dried out soil. Then the shaking started again. Waves of water flew through, instantaneously creating large rivers. The harsh surface seemed to soften. Once its thirst was finally clenched, the sun did not seem so merciless anymore.
Aidan looked in disbelief. "What does this even mean?"
"Can't you see?" Zora turned to him. "This is the deity of this world. She had heard the prayers of her people, but refused to do anything until they got rid of the giant. Now that he is gone, she can finally make their wishes come true."
Aidan looked around. The abilities of this ancient power, to carve out a continent with such ease, filled him with dread. "And why did we need to be here?"
His wife shrugged. "To witness it, I suppose."
By nightfall, the ground had returned to normal, leaving everyone to get used to their new surroundings. The night sky was clear and filled with stars, perfect for what Aidan wanted to do. On a quickly assembled raft, the couple laid down, looking intently at the sky.
"This is it. Now watch closely as that star moves," he told Zora.
Following his finger, she could see a shiny object slowly nudge itself between two larger stars. She gasped, with the form finally revealed. "I see it now! It looks like two people kissing!"
The form was now complete. Starts that formerly resembles blobs now formed the hair and dress of a regal woman. On the other side, the regal man was leaning in with both hands raised slightly above the elbow.
Aidan laughed, pleased. "Did I not tell you? It is a fascinating thing. Ever since I was a boy, I knew I wanted to share it with someone special. I believe it happens only once every twenty years."
"Oh, Aidan. It is beautiful! Thank you for showing me this," she said, pressing herself closer to him.
Aidan embraced her even tighter, pausing for a moment. "The last time I saw this constellation, I was on a boat with my mother. My parents were going overseas to take part in some sort of celebrations, and took me along. It was a nice trip... And. It was the last time before they were both healthy and happy. My mother died some time later. My father did not last long after that."
Zora let out a sad sigh. "I wish I could have met them."
"Me as well. I think they would have liked you," the king replied sad.
She looked at him with empathy, caressing his cheek.
"Um, should I be here? You two seem to be having a moment," their make-shift gondolier replied.
"Just keep rolling, Kofi," Aidan ordered the creature standing on the far end of the raft. "There is still a while to go."
"Apologies," Kofi said, moving a bit clumsily. "I have never sailed before. All this water is making me nervous."
As they passed, they could see the night animals timidly approaching to drink. "You'll get used to it," Aidan replied.
Back at their own kingdom, no one felt at ease. The forest guardian sat motionless, with her hand prompting her saddened face. Luka did not feel like playing either, pacing around and kicking tiny stones. "Godmother, do you know when my parents will be home?"
Viniria sighed. "For the last time, I do not know. All I can say is that they will return once they fulfill their mission."
"But when will that be? What was that thing that made you make my mother go away?" he asked, climbing into her lap for comfort.
She gently hugged him. "An ancient deity from the olden times. One so powerful her will could not be questioned. One of many that almost ended the world."
"Ended the world? How can that be?" the boy's eyes lit up.
Viniria pressed her lips. "Have I ever told you how magic ceased to be?"
The boy pondered. "I think my father told me that it just fizzled out."
"Well, yes. That is what I told him. But, I might have omitted some details," she stuttered.
"Really? Tell me, Viny. Please!" the boy said excited.
The forest guardian inhaled deeply. "Very well. No point in hiding it any longer."