A Predictin

“I must tell you this, so listen closely.”  The older woman said, her eyes glazed over as if in a trance, “What if there was a life you could not let go of, a man whom you would give your life for but his abilities make him a threat to human and Daeva history.”

     “There would be no such man,” Irti replied.

     “But there is and you will find him irresistible.  His wit and caring nature, will be for you.  He will calm the rage burning in your soul.”  The older woman paused briefly, “What are you willing to give up for your true mate?”

     “If I am understanding you correctly, I will love a human?”

     “Yes,” What a simple answer from the woman’s mouth. 

     Irti got up from where she was sitting.  “I think I will wait by the door.”

     “What bothers you so?”  The older woman asked. 

     “You, to think I will love a mortal, a human, preposterous.”  Irti turned.  “Mind yourself old woman.  For what you say will get me banished from my people.”

     “If that is your choice, then make it.  Happiness is fleeting, don’t throw it away with both hands when offered.”

     A chill went up Irti’s spine. Maybe the woman was right.

Air Combat

     From her side view came the female.  Irti turned quickly mid air to confront the angry Ahriman.  She saw the other woman brandishing a bronze sword.  Reaching behind her back, she pulled the sword she had in a sheath strapped between her wings.   She parried the first blow the woman did, and then she recognized her.  “Peri, you don’t have to fight,” Irti shouted out over the wind that had picked up from behind her.  

     A snarl came to the other woman’s lips.  Then, her white wings opened to their full eleven and a half foot length.  Irti knew then she needed to gain altitude because the woman was about to ram herself and the sword into Irti. 

     Irti bolted up.  She parried another blow.  The swords clashed as both of the winged women climbed and climbed, striving for height.  They were a match in strength.

     Peri, the younger of the two, tried with all her might to out maneuver and out speed her older, more experienced opponent.  Irti watched her flapping her wings almost too quickly, leaving trails of air swirling from the desperately beating feathers.  Irti leaned backwards, opening space between herself and her foe, letting the younger woman tire herself.

     Irti heard her snarl in triumph, and saw her foe aggressively climb, now her foe was just above her, and again they dueled with swords.  Irti spun in the air, allowing a leg to spin toward her surprised foe.  It connected with her foe’s womb, bringing a cry of pain and rage.  But the unexpected maneuver cost Irti altitude.