561 Turan



Back in the game, Ren and Elena resumed their expedition deeper into the White Queen territory.

Ren tried to force out from his brain about what Joker and Angelica told him a while ago. He needed to keep his private life separate from his gaming life. In that aspect, he excelled.

He didn't want to worry himself about the consequences of pushing his body to the limits. Something like a hastened evolution didn't concern him. Not seeing Evie forever concerned him.

As they made their way through the wilderness of the Fey Realm, they found themselves in a swampy area. Tiki was quick to shake its head and cowered. Without warning, it disappeared and went back to Elena's storage.

"Looks like we have to walk from here on out," Elena said. "Tiki doesn't like wet areas."

"Is the White Queen's lair still far?" Ren asked.

"No," Elena answered. "Just pass here, and we will arrive at her borders.

"Let's go then."

Ren looked over at the scenery. The air was thick with humidity, making it difficult to breathe. The ground beneath Ren's feet was soggy and muddy, making every step a challenge. The tall, thin trees that surrounded him were covered in moss, their trunks and branches twisted and gnarled.

The swamp was filled with murky water that stretched out as far as the eye could see. The water was dark and opaque, and Ren could see the outlines of strange, twisted plants and trees beneath its surface. The water made a gurgling sound as it flowed sluggishly through the swamp, and the air was filled with the croaking of frogs and the buzzing of insects.

The smell was pungent and unpleasant, a mixture of decaying plants and stagnant water. The ground was covered in thick, slimy mud, and Ren had to be careful not to slip and fall. The plants in the swamp were strange and alien, with twisted, gnarled branches and leaves that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light.

"After you," Ren said, gesturing for Elena to take the lead.

Elena sarcastically smiled. "Why, how gentlemanly of you."

Elena taking the lead, they ventured into the swampy area, their footsteps sinking into the muddy ground with each careful step. The atmosphere was heavy, and a sense of unease hung in the air.

Ren squinted his eyes, scanning their surroundings. "This place is so quiet . . ."

Elena nodded, her face reflecting a mix of curiosity and caution. "Indeed. There are only two things why an area is this eerily quiet."

"One . . . a powerful beast resides here," the Princess said as they waded through the murky water, the squelching sound of their footsteps echoed in the silence.

Ren felt a shiver run down his spine as he glanced at the twisted trees and strange plants around them. "And the number two?"

Elena's eyes darted from one shadowy corner to another. "A god is residing in this place."

A god? That got Ren thinking.

Turan was the only High God he knew that was here in the Fey Realm.

Could it be that she was really here? Ren thought, excited at the prospect of getting another Golden Fruit to boost his life skills.

Ren's grip on his staff tightened his senses on high alert. "Right, we can't let our guard down. These marshes seem to hide more than just mud and water."

Elena stepped over a gnarled tree root, her voice steady. "The Fey are elusive and possess powers we may not fully comprehend. We must navigate this swamp with caution, staying attuned to any shifts in the environment."

As they continued their arduous journey through the murky swamp, the dialogues between Ren and Elena became whispers until they turned to a halt. They exchanged glances, each sharing an unspoken understanding of the sudden shift of atmosphere.

Ren broke the silence, his voice barely audible. "There's something here."

Elena nodded, her eyes scanning the surroundings with wariness and caution. "I can't shake off this feeling of being watched. Do you sense anything, Ren?"

"There's definitely something here."

"My . . . visitors . . . ?"

The both of them jumped on their toes when they heard a low purr from a sultry, somewhat horse voice of a woman.

When they looked over their shoulders, they spotted a woman. A naked woman with swan wings at her back.

['The warm breath of love; to demolish the most stone of hearts. Oh, Turan! Melt the icy crust around the center of mankind; so that we may find each other.'

Turan, the radiant goddess of love, vitality, and the intricate dance of relationships embodies a distinct realm within the pantheon. Unlike Ishtar, the celestial goddess who encompasses all life and its diverse domains, Turan's focus lies on the profound connection between two individuals, transcending the boundaries of mere childbirth.

However, their contrasting natures often lead to conflict, and it is rare for people to honor both deities simultaneously.

In her youthful form, Turan takes the shape of a winged woman, her presence exuding an ethereal charm. She is often accompanied by a majestic retinue of swans and her loyal attendants known as lasae. These spirit guardians accompany individuals throughout their lives and stand as eternal sentinels, safeguarding their resting places in the afterlife.

Each person is blessed with their own lasae, entrusted with mirrors that serve as vessels for treasured memories, capturing the essence of their most cherished moments.

While her primary duty revolves around uniting kindred souls, Turan's methods extend beyond simple matchmaking. With a touch of enchantment, she entices hearts to entwine and orchestrates the fateful encounters of destined lovers. In matters where the forces of destiny require a nudge, she wields potent magics to ensure the union of those meant to be together.

Turan's unwavering dedication to the cause of true love makes her a formidable protector. Tales abound of her fierce defense against any who dare obstruct the path of those destined for profound affection. She is not hesitant to employ her powers with righteous wrath, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to preserving the sanctity of genuine love.

Yet, Turan possesses a more enigmatic aspect: the art of seduction. Her followers, shrouded in secrecy, possess a clandestine understanding of the seductive arts. Through their knowledge of persuasive tactics and compelling magic, they navigate the delicate tapestry of desire and intimacy, subtly guiding the currents of passion toward the ultimate expression of true love.

Turan's domain is one of tenderness, allure, and a steadfast commitment to the bonds that intertwine souls. Within her captivating presence lies both the gentle touch of a matchmaker and the fierce defender of love's sanctity.]