the Bridge

Long before you were born, your father promised his firstborn to otherworldly beings in exchange of power. In a twist of fate, your mother also promised her firstborn to dark gods. 

I was raised on the sound of thunder and the smell of brimstone; the feeling of heavy rain on my skin and the weight of crowns made of bones on my head. I grew up surrounded by battle and blood and carnage, but came home to soft bedding and sweet, comforting words. I was trained to slay my enemies and outwit my rivals. I was taught to be kind and mindful. I learned to protect my people. I am meant to be a bridge between two worlds.

 

But I am an outsider in both of them. 

My homeworld didn’t want me. I was exchanged for power and for wealth. Two secret bargains that collided on my birth. On a normal Sunday afternoon, I came into my world screeching and was handed over onto eager hands collecting their prize. Eager hands that refused to let me go when other collectors showed up. But gods and chimeras are kinder than humans. And so I was raised by both. And both new worlds cherished their new pet. 

In Alamia, chimeras tucked me in with furs and purred softly when I cried. I learned to walk and run through the maze of caverns my guardians called home. I tug at tails and ears and wings and learned to snarl and growl as best my human throat allowed. My hair was braided in flowers, and crowns of bones were placed on my head when in public. I developed my body into a weapon of its own. I tasted blood for the first time and saw the horror in others’ eyes as it dripped down my chin. They named me Cantara. 

In Terra, the gods sang me to sleep. I became versed in a universal language that allowed me to read everyone. I learned about wars and strategy and mercy. I was showed how to use a dagger, a sword, a bow and arrow. I sang the melodies that had soothed me to sleep. I read about the history of my adoptive homes. I swam in cloudy lakes. I discovered the pleasure between my legs and shared it for the first time. They named me Ponti.

I was raised to be the Bridge. And I earned the respect I am due.