Mana Wells

At least some luck had gone their way in this. Having expected them they had actually chosen a place in the proximity of some agriculture. So they might not have to go far to find something suitable.

The four of them came through, the kitsune stayed behind. Maliki had come to watch over him. They were still constructing some of the last parts.

"Ohh," said Ishtar, coming to the other side, "this is different."

"Yes," said Layla.

"So much less, practically nothing at all here." Ishtar looked to the sky, "It's almost as if…" She smiled.

"It's a rather simple world," said Layla, "the humans seem to be the dominant species, even the only ones capable of complex communications."

Kurt wanted Layla to stop telling her everything and make the trip as short as possible.

"Kurt," said Layla, "you know more about the world."

"Yeah," said Kurt.

"So magic, other than the fae wells," said Ishtar.

"Not really, though we have other means."

"I see. And the gates, how did you make them?"

"I don't actually know. It's sort of been a big mystery for a long time."

"That is unfortunate."

They walked towards the clearing of a farm. It wasn't even theirs but really what was Kurt going to do?

"Hmm, this is very different, a much more organized display of agriculture."

"Yes people dedicate their lives to farming sometimes" said Kurt

There was a bit of an orchard. Ishtar picked one of the apples on the tree "so it is safe to consume these."

"Yes," said Kurt. She took a bite. And gave a smile then threw the apple to the ground.

"It's quite good, too bad it's a tree."

Kurt began to look around hoping they wouldn't get spotted really. But it didn't seem anyone was near this part of the place. He did have some money on him though. Enough to buy anything and keep someone quiet he hoped.

Kurt then saw something in the distance, and he knew exactly what it would be.

"I think I have one you'd enjoy."

"It's not some medicinal herb, I heard about this paste as well," said Ishtar.

"No, I believe it's actually one of the best things our world has to offer."

"Ohh," said Ishtar. "You're sure I'll like it?"

"If you like that apple this is going to blow you away."

It was a bit further than Kurt liked, but luckily it was next to the actual road so it wouldn't look too much like they were stealing. They were basically doing. But off the road is usually something you can get away with.

They came up the road, "Is it much further?"

"You see those bushes," said Kurt, "you said it could be bigger."

"Yes," said Ishtar. "As long as it's not the whole kind of them."

They came up to the bush, which had a red fruit growing off it, Kurt took one off and gave it to Ishtar.

"Try it," said Kurt.

Ishtar looked puzzled at the fruit. "The seeds are on the outside, I don't think I've ever seen the seeds on the outside," she gave it another look, "it does look good somehow nonetheless, red and juicy." And she took a bite out of it, the red juices exploded in her mouth. And her eyes widened, she gave a miraculous smile, and took a second bite, which was the whole rest of it except for the stem.

"What do you call these?"

"We call it a strawberry."

"Straw-berry, such a plain name for something so delicious."

"I never really thought of it that way, just what everyone calls them."

"I guess that's true, you probably didn't name it," said Ishtar. "This would be a very suitable sacred plant." She took one off, looked at it, and then ate it again. "Hmm, Rosie, you're going to have to hold them, I'm afraid I might just eat them all."

Kurt saw ahead that there was a small stall just over the hill. And said he was going to get her a bunch of them. And wait for a second. He didn't want them to be seen actually. At least he felt better buying them and threw in a few extra for the ones they had taken. He had given Rosie two baskets and Ishtar a third. He seemed to think getting some extra would be worth it.

"Ohh they keep them a bit cold, and it might be better that way," said Ishtar.

Kurt explained it was also used in a lot of other ways in cooking, and he could have something made for her. Layla agreed that the humans were superior cooks to most of their species, they had a lot of spices they cultivated. And some interesting techniques for baking.

They made their way back to the gate, seemingly with a very satisfied god.

She took one of the strawberries, took a bite out of it, and placed it in the bowl. It began to decay immediately and quickly.. And the plant began to make a small sprout from one of the seeds.

"Malliki," she said loudly. And Malki turned his head and came towards them.

"This plant is a bush, please try to make a suitable pot for it. As soon as possible."

"Yes my lady," he said.

"My priestess," said Ishtar, and Jessica responded, "You should watch Maliki and learn my rituals."

"Of course my lady."

"And plant some of these around the garden," giving her some strawberries to plant the seeds of."

"As you wish."

"Now, as for you," she looked at Layla. "It seems you have pleased Horus very much."

"I have."

"Two-fold actually, by defending and fighting his enemy. And your request."

"My request."

"You didn't ask for anything. No power, no favor or object. Just a ceremonial presence, one my Archangel could perform in reality."

"Yes, my lady."

"So he has decided to grant your request. He shall crown you queen himself."

Kurt thought about what happened. Her travel to the other world was actually probably part of that whole deal.

"Himself?" said Layla.

"And we are wondering what timeframe you were thinking about? We wouldn't want there not to be an audience. Horus does like his shows. You may not have known that, or perhaps you did."

"I never imagined he would actually," said Layla.

"The fae have never had a queen before," said Ishtar. "He's actually a little happy about the whole bit. He likes the whole idea."

"Umm, we were hoping for about a month."

"That would be suitable," she turned towards Rosie, "Rosie shall be staying."

"Staying?" said Rosie.

"Yes, can't you see this temple is not properly guarded yet, they need to tear the walls. You wouldn't want a temple I personally ordained to be in danger would you?"

"No, my lady."

"And the young priestess is lacking a proper teacher. Do you expect me to do that personally?"

"No my lady, it would be my honor," Rosie knelt.

"And don't scare these two, you are not here for any of that. I don't want to hear about you causing any trouble."

"No, my lady."

"Take this," she handed Rosie a bracelet.

"What is it?"

"Put it on," said Ishtar. When Rosie put on the bracelet, her ring started to fade and then disappeared. Ishtar gave a happy smile, "Good it works as intended."

Ishtar looked at Kurt, "like this, she shall look human. And will accompany you on some of your travels. This should ease your worries a bit. And Rosie you are more than capable without your sword, you will leave it here on these journeys. Act as one of them and observe."

Why didn't she do that before?

Rosie removed the bracelet and her wings started to materialize again. "I understand my lady."

"And you," said Ishtar to Kurt, "is there a place where some of these treats with the strawberries can be made? I shall leave after a meal." She looked back at her temple, I might stop by here and there.

Maybe the strawberry idea was too good though Kurt. Instead of just being satisfied she seemed a bit obsessed with them. Like coming back for more was going to be a common occurrence.