Page 22 of Dark Shaman: The Lost Treasure
"I'll get her," Syssi said with a sigh and rushed after her daughter.
Amanda smiled at Ogidu. "How are you doing today?"
She'd gotten into the habit of asking the Odus about their day, like she would have done if they were people, because that was what they were becoming.
"Very good, mistress." He inclined his head. "Thank you for asking."
"And how is my mother doing?" She didn't really expect a response because that would require the Odu to understand her mother's mood, which was probably beyond his capabilities at this stage.
"The portraits have stirred memories." The Odu surprised her with his answer. "The Clan Mother has been observing them throughout the day."
Amanda's heart ached for her mother, who'd spent five thousand years mourning a love she'd believed lost forever. And now, with hope so close she could almost taste it, the waiting must be excruciating.
They found Annani in her living room, already being climbed on by an enthusiastic Allegra. The goddess sat on her couch, looking impossibly small and delicate as she helped the little girl onto her lap.
"My darling girl," Annani said, her melodic voice filled with warmth. "Give your Nana a kiss."
Allegra complied eagerly, never shy about showing her affection. "I made a picture."
"You did? What did you draw?"
"A dragon."
For some reason, the answer seemed to startle Annani. "What happened to drawing pictures of Princess Sparkle?"
Allegra shrugged. "I like dragons."
"That's her latest obsession." Syssi sat on the couch next to Annani. "Since she's started watching this new animated series about dragons, she's been drawing nothing else."
When Amanda sat on Annani's other side, Evie demanded to be transferred to her grandmother.
Amanda passed Evie over, watching as her mother settled her little girl on her other knee, balancing both granddaughters with a big smile on her face. Evie reached for Annani's face, patting her cheek with a drool-covered hand. "Nani," Evie said seriously, as if imparting great wisdom.
"Yes, darling." Annani was unbothered by the baby drool now decorating her cheek.
"Can we see the portraits?" Syssi asked. "I'm dying to see them one next to the other."
"They are hanging in my bedroom, but Ogidu can bring them here."
The Odu bowed. "Right away, Clan Mother."
He returned a moment later carrying two large canvases. "Where should I put them, Clan Mother?"
"Against the fireplace," Annani said. "That way we can look at them from here."
The Odu cast a worried look at Allegra, probably thinking of all the ways she could destroy the portrait. He didn't know that Evie was already walking as well, and no less destructive than her slightly older cousin.
Amanda got off the couch and walked over to where the Odu was standing with the two portraits in his arms. "Perhaps you can put two chairs with their backs to the fireplace and prop the portraits on the chairs. I'll hold them for you."
Grateful for the advice, Ogidu handed her the canvases, and she finally could get a look at Tim's newest creation, or rather a copy of it.
The original was with Esag, serving as an inspiration for his carving.
"They are two facets of the same beautiful man," she said.
Annani nodded, her eyes glistening with tears she would never let fall.
Once the portraits were properly situated on top of the chairs, Amanda returned to the couch and sat next to her mother. "Are you okay?"
