Goddess of Avenmor

By Lauren Tapinekis

Alurna was used to being a fiery redhead with blood-orange eyes. Suddenly a quick glance at her reflection now showed a calming blue in her eyes that shocked her into silence. Within the world of Avenmor, there are sections divided by various elements called the stellaseors. Of these elements comes Igni, a place of ill-tempered and stubborn people, and where Alurna grew up. Her new reflection hinted at an unfamiliar but similar characteristic to the people of Aquanese, the water stellaseor. Could this be the only unfamiliar similarity, or is there something of her past finally breaking through to her? Nevertheless, when Alurna tries to explain these newfound deviations to her family and friends, they immediately dismiss them.

Yet Avenmor's very own council members let her in on a little secret, which further changes the course of her life. Gradually, she's no longer taking her typical college class; she will have to endure the vigorous expectations of her new hand-to-hand combat classes, leaving Alurna to wonder if she's doing the right thing by leaving her home or if it was never her home to start with.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798889603535

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Goddess of Avenmor

Lauren Tapinekis

Copyright © 2023 Lauren Tapinekis

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2023

ISBN 979-8-88960-342-9 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88960-353-5 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

About the Author

I want to dedicate this book to everyone who stayed by my side and loved me for who I was. My family, godparents, and all the great people I've met and come to love working at my job. For Mrs. Amuso and Mr. George, who helped my love for writing, and Maddy for being my best friend all these years.

I hold a special place in my heart for each and every one of you.

Chapter 1

The air breezed through my gold-trimmed windows, ruffling my pristine white curtains. I listened to the soft music playing from my music box while I walked around my room. I took in each part while I gazed around, every picture and knickknack holding a small piece of me and a memory that followed it. I think that was what I loved most about this room. Everywhere I went, I found a happy memory I've tried to hold on to. Walking over to my nightstand, I smoothed out the comforter on my bed and sat down. My gaze landed once more on my nightstand handle. Pulling open the drawer, I pushed the random items I saw out of my way. I lifted the false bottom of my drawer and grabbed what I was searching for. A beautiful hand-painted picture stared back at me. Caressing the frame to delicately wipe off any dust it may have gotten over the years, I smiled to myself. It seemed perfect just like the day it was given to me. Although it was hard for me to remember that day, I still try to imagine that moment each time I got to see this picture. A beautiful woman had given it to me, that much I remembered. I couldn't place her face as I grew up, but I always wished that one day I would be able to find her and thank her once more.

The colors were so vibrant just like I remembered them. Avenmor stared back at me. The seven colors of the stellaseors swirled in a brilliant way to create a gorgeous handcrafted painting. The whites and blues created a bright sea border. Greens and brown created the grounds Avenmor was forged on. The small touch of moss ran up the sides of the heart of Avenmor, the castle. Outlined in black, the castle itself was a mirage of all the colors symbolizing its unity. Red-and-purple fireworks that grazed the sky was something I could only dream of seeing in real life. The border was a delicate but bold gold to tie it all together. The frame was beautiful like the piece itself, graceful and elegant. There was a pink-and-gold flower frame, one like I'd never seen before. Any other painting in the house was modern silver. That was something else I envied about this painting: it was like no other.

Flowers weren't common in my house growing up. Thinking back, I wasn't sure if I'd ever had any, not real ones at least. Memories of fake flowers at celebrations or paintings of real ones crossed my mind, never the scent or feel of a real flower. I wondered about the reasons why. I focused back on the castle. The swirls of color left a warm and cozy feeling throughout my body. The stellaseors on their own were beautiful, but together they were something entirely charming and magnificent. I ran my finger along the curves of the colors that blended into one another, wondering how long it took to paint.

If only it was that easy. I scoffed at myself. I had tried to paint in a similar way when I was a child but could never get it just right. Through my teenage years, I discovered that the amount of skill and time that went into each and every paint stroke to create the painting in my hands today was astounding. Although I had still tried to recreate something even half as amazing, I had no luck on my part. Painting just wasn't for me.

I sighed that I had to eventually put the painting away to get ready for the day. Lifting the false drawer once more, I gently placed the frame back into its rightful space, checking that the cover was on properly before covering it once more with the knickknacks I had accumulated over the years. Closing the drawer and getting off my bed, I went to fix my comforter, still humming the now-slow melody. Twirling my nightgown around, I stopped at my closet and opened the double doors dramatically. I hummed the melody while I ran my hand along the fabrics I had known most of my teenage life. It wasn't much of a choice after all. I had memorized every article of clothing long before today.

What shall we wear today? I whispered quietly to myself. I pondered the thought while I imagined what each style would look like on me. Most of the colors ranged from pale to bright reds. Fiery like me like I'm told.

Maybe I should ask for a different color this year. I let my mind wander to what other colors might look like on me but quickly stopped.

I could always go back to light gray. I scoffed at the thought. Light gray was a symbol used mainly in childhood before they were taught about our world. Most people in my town knew me by my pale-red choice anyways. The bright-red clothes I only chose to wear on important events in my life—days I needed to be a little bit braver and strong or days I didn't feel like being messed with. A power symbol if you will, one I took with care. Sighing, I grabbed a pale-red dress, a modern yet conservative dress. One of my favorite parts of this dress was the pattern, a slick top, and zigzag lace on the bottom half. I almost forgot to grab my accessories when I heard my name called.

Alurna, my mother called. I rushed to put on my earrings, trying not to accidentally stab myself in the process.

Almost ready, I promise. Opening my drawers to find where I'd misplaced my belt, I spoke quickly. Shoot, shoot, shoot. I know it's here. Aha gotcha. I sighed in relief, draping it over my arm. Shoes, shoes. I quickly glanced over my choices.

You'll do. I grabbed my white wedges and checked if my necklace was still on. I was lucky that we were allowed other colored shoes. It added a little brightness to my outfit choices. Without the time to recheck my appearance in the mirror, I hoped I looked all right. Today was not the day to be late.

Now I'm ready. I placed a quick kiss on the necklace I was still holding, and I shut the lights to my bedroom and closed the door. I rushed down the stairs. I stopped on the last three steps to put on my shoes. I used my hand to smooth down my dress when I sat down. I unbuckle my wedges and glanced up to my mother.

Is Bella here yet? I asked while I redid the buckle. I sighed in relief that I grabbed a matching pair and that they balanced out my dress so well with the white lace. On a day I couldn't recheck my outfit, it seemed like a good choice. I stood up, trying to straighten my dress once more.

Ms. Bellatri has yet to arrive, lucky for you, my mother replied. You're beautiful, my girl. I figured you might be late, but don't worry. I packed you an extra snack for the journey.

Thank you most graciously. I went to bow in our normal customs: one foot stepped forward, in front of the other no more than a foot apart in width with a slight bend at the knees, head bowed until we were acknowledged, which was a custom in our country. What we did with our arms differed with the occasion of the bow. More formal events and reasons provided that we each would stretch out one arm while the other was tucked in by your waist. It was a preference which arm we preferred to keep out, though most went with their dominant arm, something I thought was silly. It had become so common for me that I forget I do it at times. It was strange to me why it had to be so precise each time.

Stabitum. My mother nodded at me, and I lifted my head. Such a proper girl you've turned out to be.

I've tried my best. Giving her a small sad smile, I walked away to grab my belongings for the day. I peeked into our kitchen in hopes of finding my bag, but when I didn't see it there, I went off to the study room. The silver table in the study room beckoned me to stare into the reflection I saw. My quick glance turned into a longing gaze. When I realized that I never got the chance to check the mirror this morning, I watched my dark-auburn hair bounce happily at my movements. I ran my hand through it, feeling the silky texture fall through each finger. I should have left, but I couldn't help going over each of my features. I used to wonder who I appeared more like, my father or my mother. My mother has the same fiery hair color. Squinting at my reflection, I tried to see some of the resemblance in any of my other features. My nose, smaller than my father's. My eyes, wider than my mother's. My eyes. What color were they again? Leaning in a touch closer, I tried to decipher for myself what color I saw. A burnt orange? Dark auburn? I was always told the same two colors yet different shades. Shaking my head, I thought about how it was always hard getting a straight answer half of the time. Rubbing my eyes, I took one last glance. My eyes widened at my reflection that seemed different than just a moment ago. Pulled back by fear, I ran my hand through my hair, pushing my hair away from my face. My breath caught in my throat as I stumbled back. My wedges caught on the hem of my dress, and the next thing I knew, I was falling down. I let out a groan of pain and surprise. I quickly tried to process what I had just seen. I reached for my necklace and turned it back to its rightful place. I tried to calm my racing heartbeat as the sound of my pulse pounded in my ears for a few seconds. I pulled myself into a sitting position on the floor. I rolled out my shoulders and stretched out my arms and neck in hopes of calming myself.

Calm down, I'm sure everything's fine. You were just seeing things. You probably didn't get any sleep last night. That's it. I'm… I'm sure I didn't get any sleep. I sat there making excuses for myself as though it would change what I saw in my reflection. Letting out a big breath in hopes of calming my nerves, I stood up on shaky legs. I fixed my dress for what I hoped was the last time today. I picked up my fallen bag, cleaning up the mess I made. I gathered up all the belongings that I saw on the floor, placing them back in my bag. Curiosity won me over; I glance over my shoulder, weighing my options.

I have nothing to lose. I mean, if what I saw wasn't real, then it would also help to calm my nerves, and I wouldn't be worrying all day, I reasoned with myself.

One more time. Just to double-check. I quickly glanced over my shoulder once more to ensure my mother wasn't there. Slowly walking over to the table, I hovered my head over the surface. I held out my hand, searching for the edge with my eyes closed. Once I was happy with my placement, I peeked one eye open. I looked back to the same reflection I saw just moments ago.

How is this possible? I whispered, opening my other eye. I stared at the similarities in both eyes, back and forth, back and forth.

I can't possibly be seeing this right. I'd seen my reflection a thousand times, seen my eye color more than I could ever count. And yet…

They're blue.

Chapter 2

This isn't possible. This can't be real. I paced back and forth across the room while I tried to come up with a logical explanation. A reflection maybe, some kind of trick being played on me. There was no way that I could have blue eyes. My eyes were red. They had to be. I was born into the Igni stellaseor. My whole life revolved around that fact. My eye color couldn't just change. A fiery red should be staring back at me, not a calming blue. Blue.

My eyes are really blue. Shaking my head, I glanced around the room.

A mirror. I slowed my pace. That's it.

A mirror. That's all I need. Thank Kala it's so simple. I took in the modern furniture surrounding me. Silvers and shades of reds wherever I peered. If I wasn't so used to reds by now, I sure had to be by living in this house. Now where had I seen a mirror down here? Besides the one I was allowed in my room, I wasn't sure of any others. I wasn't even positive that my mother had her own. Keeping a mental note to ask her about it, I continued my search.

Alurna, my mother called out all of a sudden, startling me from my thoughts. Mother, school, stellaseor class. How was I supposed to focus today of all days now? My heart raced again at the thought of what lay ahead of me today if my morning was already this eventful.

I'll be right there. I dropped my bag. I finished my sentence in a quieter voice than I had started with. I knew there wasn't a mirror in our main hall or any by the front door. This may have to wait.

Alurna, what in Avenmor are you doing? Did you not hear me the first time when I told you you were going to be late? my mother said, looking a bit concerned with me.

I did, I promise. I'm sorry, Mother. I had to pick up my stuff when my bag fell. Why was I lying to my mother? I didn't understand just what I was doing. Should I not be asking her what was wrong with me? Maybe she would be able to help me if I told her what I had seen. There might be something she could do to help me if I ask.

Honey, what's wrong? It's like you've seen a ghost, she asked, reaching out her hand to hold mine, something she would do a lot when I was a child. That was something she did to calm me down and make me feel grounded when I was scared. As I glanced down at our conjoined hands, I wondered if she would believe me. I had no reason to lie after all.

Honey? she asked once more.

Mother, do I look different to you? I asked with a slight hesitation in my voice, lifting my head to reach her eyes.

She gave me a quick glance. Beautiful, my love. You should know that by now.

I do, yes. Thank you, but seriously, do I seem any different to you? I asked with a pleading gaze in my possibly blue eyes. I wasn't sure how to convey to her just how much a reflection had freaked me out.

Oh, I think I get it. You know I was very happy for you when you never asked me this as a child. My mother started fixing up my hair with a twirl of her hand. Whenever she did, I was reminded of all the times she did my hair—braids and fancy updos I would always need help with. She did these all with the help of a small handheld mirror, one I still had in my drawer mixed in with my random knickknacks. I remember seeing it when I placed everything in the drawer so perfectly so it wouldn't draw attention to the false bottom. Drawing back into the present, I thought over my mother's words.

You knew? I was shocked that my mother had never mentioned this to me before. How could you forget to mention to your child that her eyes could magically change color once she was nineteen? It seemed like a hard detail to forget, something so drastic in your daughter's life.

Of course. After all, I was a young girl too once, she said with a happy smile.

Not catching on to what she meant, I asked the first thing that came to mind. It happened to you too? I mean, why us? Is this normal? Will I be treated any differently? Words and questions spilled out of my mouth as the hundreds of possibilities flashed through my head. I wasn't too sure how to process such a surprising event.

My sweet girl. My mother pulled me into a tight hug. She wrapped her arms around me like I was the only person in the world. If there was something in this world I loved, it was a relaxing hug, something to hold me together if and when times got tough, to remind me I wasn't alone in anything and that I always had people to stand by me.

People will love you for who you are. You are absolutely beautiful today and every day. You will never have to worry about how others will treat you. One day you'll realize your true potential, and so will the rest of Avenmor. My mother always knew what to say. At times, I found it annoying, but others it filled me with comfort and love.

Mom, I'm not sure we're talking about the same thing. I took a deep breath, enjoying our hug for a moment longer before pulling away. I kept her at arm's length, glancing eye to eye at each other. Being only an inch or two shorter than her, my heels gave me a bit of an advantage today. It was a nice change of pace to see things from her level even if it was only two inches.

What do you mean? Is it the other girls? Is anyone bothering you? my mother asked, her voice laced with concern. She gave me a once-over, searching from head to toe and back again for anything wrong with me. Guilt filtered through my body when I realized just how worried I made her at times.

No, nothing like that. You really don't see anything unusual about me? Not even my eyes. Opening my eyes a touch wider, I tried to get her to glance at me.

They're the same as always. Are you feeling okay? It's not like you to act out on a school day, she asked with a hand on her hip, a typical concerned mother stance for her.

I… I feel fine, I suppose. It's just that I saw something in my reflection, I said, quickly realizing how bad this may seem. I could see the change in my mother's face into an expression I'd never seen on her.

She quickly replaced it with a hint of annoyance. This may have been a slight mistake on my part, having already been late for class after all.

Your reflection? Really, Alurna? You know you shouldn't scare me like that. Maybe you should try to get to sleep early tonight to avoid these hallucinations you're seeing. Disbelief flashed on my face as I realized that she wouldn't believe me no matter what I say. The look on her face was one of complete dismissal. I knew instantly that there was no room to negotiate once she was like this. I sighed to myself over not getting heard once again.

I should get to school, I said quietly while I ducked my head down to avoid her gaze. It was probably in my best interest not to fight with her before school.

Alurna, don't be upset with me. Her voice was less stern than it was before.

I'm not. I'm just late, Mother. Have a good day, I say with a quick goodbye bow.

I love you.

I love you too, I said, turning away. Waving my hand over the silver, almost holographic door, I allowed myself to pass through. With a small hum or click, I was never really sure what it was, the door faded to let me through. It faded back into a solid door as I walked down the path, nearly bumping into someone as I did so.

Sincerest apologies fell from my mouth before I got the chance to glance up. A quick bow was shown in respect before peering up to a smiling and familiar face.

Although I love the politeness. My fiery friend started her sentence with a fake sincerity, one that quickly fell into one of newfound annoyance.

You're late. Very late, to be exact. We're going to miss the first lecture completely if we don't get a move on. Come on, I kept a rota waiting for us.

Oh, you are the best, Bella. If we had to walk, it would surely mean we would miss the second lecture as well. My voice hinted with sarcasm at one of my closest friends. We had grown to love our sarcastic back-and-forth relationship. Being an Igni made it easier to do so, I suppose. After all, we were supposed to be more ill-tempered than most.

Yes, yes, I'm amazing. Now please get in, Bella said with a slight push to my shoulder. Laughing at our old antics, we stumbled into the rota together. Putting my bag on my lap when we sat, I sighed, closing my eyes for a second as Bella's voice filled my head. I stayed silent while Bella called out our destination.

Pristinam higher education, please. She turned to me, and she started to speak once more.

Now you know I'm not one to gush over small things like this, but how excited are you to learn about the stellaseors from the palace court themselves? This seems like a huge deal for them to leave the castle for our school of all places.

That's today? Oh no, I totally forgot. I got so distracted this morning over… I fumble with what to say next as I noticed Bella staring out her window, eyes following the mix of shapes and shades of colors flying by.

Ultra speed, please, I tell the rota, trying to distract Bella. I stared out the half-closed window, not having the energy to pull down the shade anymore. I didn't mind not seeing the whole town for the thousandth time. The amount of hours I spent as a teenager memorizing my routes to school while I waited for it to be over was more than enough.

Over what? she asked halfheartedly. I was afraid she was still upset with me for being late.

Something strange is all. Silly me, I suppose. Bella gave me a questioning gaze before I shut my mouth. Still reeling from my mother's dismissal, I was concerned with Bella's rejection too.

"You know that's not going to fly with me. Tell