Danu

For many years, I remained dormant in the vastness of the Bile, sleeping soundly and undisturbed, tucked into the roots of the majestic tree known as the Tree of Life. The river's water splashed against the smooth stone walls of the caverns that surrounded my resting place, creating a music so serene and calming that it was almost hypnotic. I was content to rest in the arms of the Tree forever, but the call of my name was too strong to ignore.

Danu.

My eyes snapped open, and I felt the breeze wafting past my face as I sat up, bringing the world into focus. The wind continued to swirl around me, and my nostrils flared as I inhaled, my senses flooding with the spice of man; the odor of sweat and blood. It pervaded the air like a thick smog, overpowering the earthy aroma I was accustomed to.

Tied to the very fabric of the Bile, I felt the familiar hum of power stir in my veins, a pulse portraying my connections to the arteries of this ancient place. It warned of the intrusion of man, disrupting its tranquility. It'd been a long time since a mortal had dared to set foot in the Bile, and my protective instinct surged to life, ready to defend my territory.

Like the wind, I flew through the trees, following the trail of their scent. Leaves kissed my essence as I passed them, worshipping me for their existence. My entire nature demanded that I return their affections, but I ignored the compulsion, the urgent call of my other darlings taking precedence.

From behind a majestic oak, I observed a group of men trudging through the woods, their heavy footfalls echoing and disturbing the tranquil ambiance. I trembled with each of their careless steps as they ruthlessly trampled delicate flowers and forcefully struck branches in their relentless pursuit of an unknown target.

I could feel the pain of the fragile flora as their bodies were mercilessly crushed under the weight of their heavy boots. I could hear the dissonance of their voices as they cried out in agony.

Enraged, my eyes flicked from one man to the next, assessing their every move as I pondered how I should deal with them. Being the Tuatha Dé Danann of nature, it was my duty to protect this land and its inhabitants and to punish any trespassers that might threaten the balance of life in the forest. Each species was essential for the survival of the woodland and its thriving ecosystem. Even the most humble of creatures had a purpose, and I couldn't allow any harm to befall them.

Using the air as my medium, I began to whisper to the wind, sending it to the men's ears, causing them to stop in their tracks. "Leave."

Their eyes widened in shock as they searched the trees, looking for the source of my voice. A few shouts broke out in fear and confusion, and they drew their weapons, as if they thought metal could protect them from a goddess.

One man, more decisive and valiant than the rest, stepped forward, his rough baritone voice cutting through the gentle symphony of the thicket like a wood-saw. "Who's there!?"

I smiled, a wickedly amused expression creeping across my face. It had been quite a while since I had experienced the exhilaration of striking fear in someone's heart with my name. "Danu. Mother of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and guardian of the Bile. You are not welcome here, mortals. Leave."

"Danu?" As the men whispered to each other, their expressions revealed a combination of recognition and astonishment.

But the fearless brute shook his head firmly. "Danu isn't real. She's a myth told by bards for entertainment." Despite this foolish man's assertion, he clutched his blade tighter, betraying his apprehension.

A laugh built up in my throat. "Oh, I can assure you, I am very real." The trees around the men began to weep and groan in agreement, attesting to my proclamation.

"Then show yourself!" The same man demanded, his dark eyes scanning the timbers from beneath a dark scowl.

With a sneer on my lips, the wind suddenly picked up, creating an eerie hiss as it rustled through the leaves.

How dare this inferior mortal make demands of me!

The man's colleagues jolted at the unexpected gale, their heads on a swivel as they trembled in fear.

Undeterred, the man with the dark eyes merely lifted his blade, holding it over a sapling and challenging my power. "Reveal yourself, or I'll uproot and hack this infant tree."

Indignation ignited my life force, sending a violent ripple through the earth.

Foolish mortal.

A man didn't threaten a goddess and live to tell the tale.

In a flash of divine fury, the air crackled as the ground beneath the man's feet split open, revealing a seething chasm. Roots ensnared his ankles, dragging him into the yawning pit, and he was forced to release his grip on his useless steel blade to find purchase.

The sound of a depraved laugh left my lips, filling the air with a chilling song that intertwined with his pleas for salvation. He desperately clung to a root, the only lifeline I had graciously left for him to remind him of his insignificance.

His colleagues stumbled back, their faces contorted with horror as they understood they had trespassed into realms beyond their comprehension, and turned to flee.

Too late for that.

With a flick of my wrist, the trees surrounding them transformed into towering sentinels, their gnarled branches reaching out with menacing intent. The men abruptly recoiled, shuffling back to the safety of the clearing.

But somehow, amidst my chaos, the man with the dark eyes remained defiant. "Danu! If you are as nurturing as the lores claim, then you will not harm us!"

I merely snickered at his ignorance. He clearly knew nothing of my legends or my fierce devotion to preserving this land and its inhabitants. I'd fought formidable Fomorian enemies in countless battles, whose race possessed a superiority far beyond that of mere mortals, and won countless victories.

Nothing-human or Fomorian- could take the Bile from me.

With a scornful smile, I summoned a tempest from the heavens, whipping his dark locks into a frenzy. Lightning crackled across the sky, illuminating the darkening forest, while thunder roared, drowning out the man's feeble threats.

But still, he persisted, unyielding. His eyes locked on a point above him, a flicker of determination burning within. It intrigued me.

In a surge of ethereal energy, I materialized before him, cloaked in moss and vines, my physical form radiating with divine light. The air grew heavy with anticipation, as if the universe itself held its breath, awaiting my verdict.

With a voice that echoed through the cosmos, I spoke, my words filled with ancient power. "You dare enter my home and threaten my creations? Threaten me? I could bury you in soil and let my children thread their roots through your flesh to feast upon your bones while you still breathe!"

His gaze widened ever-so-slightly, revealing his fear, yet it never wavered, holding mine steadfastly. "I seek resources, goddess. My people are starving, cold, and diseased. This is flourishing land, full of the elements I seek."

I tilted my head, inspecting him with interest. A King? He wore no crown, yet it was obvious now that it'd come to my attention that he was. No wonder he acted like an arrogant, brave idiot. He was burdened with the duty of ensuring his kingdom's survival. I could empathize with that. But he threatened a sapling, provoking my ire with his barbaric disregard of life.

I raised my hand, ready to let the raging elements converge upon him, when a whisper of doubt crept into my mind. Was it worth extinguishing a mere mortal's life for a momentary act of defiance when he claimed he was in desperate need of aid? How far would I go if my creations were suffering, relying on me to sustain their lives?

Slowly, I lowered my hand; the storm dissipating around us and the roots releasing the mortal King's feet. He gingerly stood, battered but unbroken, his gaze never faltering as it bore into mine.

An interlude of silence settled over us as we held each other's stare. Words were unnecessary. I had made my point, and he had made his.

"Leave the way you came," I said, my tone leaving no room for negotiations. "Provisions will be sent to the edge of the Bile by nightfall. Trust that it will include everything you seek before trespassing again. This act of goodwill is a testament to my sympathy, and it comes with a warning. I might've shown you mercy today, King, but I will not be so forgiving next time."

With a regal nod, he turned on his heel and led his men back out of the forest, but not before having said, "Thank you, Danu. To repay your clemency, I hereby swear an oath that'll stand for generations; if the Fomorians shall ever return, we will join your fight and help defend your prospering land."

As the King and his men retreated, his pledge of debt hung in the air, the magical qualities from the Bile binding him and his bloodline to his vow.

With their departure, the forest regained its tranquility, and a shadow of a smile danced on my lips at having gained an unlikely ally. The probable event that I'd need to protect my land against my inherently evil adversaries was inevitable, and when that day came, I'd collect on the King's debt.

Perhaps there was more to mortals than met the eye.