The Queen of the Underworld smiled, and I saw a glimmer of sadness in her eyes. I have been waiting for you, God of Death, she said. I have been waiting for a very long time.
I was taken aback by her words. Waiting for me? I asked. Why?
The Queen sighed, and her smile faded. Because I know what you seek, she said. The Crystal of Souls. And I know why you seek it.
I frowned, unsure of what she meant. How could she know? I asked.
The Queen's eyes seemed to bore into my soul. I know because I once loved the God of Life, she said. And I know the pain of losing him.
I stared at her, shocked. You...you're the God of Life's past love? I asked.
The Queen nodded. Yes, she said. And I have been trapped here, in this underworld, for eons. Waiting for him to remember me.
I felt a pang of sorrow for her. And now? I asked. Now that he has been reborn?
The Queen's eyes filled with tears. Now, she said, he does not remember me. And I am left with nothing but my memories.
Ariana stepped forward, her eyes filled with compassion. We can help you, she said. We can help you be with him again.
The Queen looked at her, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. How? she asked.
Ariana smiled. We are on a quest to gather the ancient artifacts, she said. And with them, we can control the balance of the universe. We can make it so that you and the God of Life can be together again.
The Queen's face lit up with joy. Really? she asked.
Ariana nodded. Yes, she said. But we need the Crystal of Souls. Will you give it to us?
The Queen hesitated for a moment, then nodded. Yes, she said. I will give it to you. But only if you promise to help me.