Growing closer to the fire, ever a symbol of home to her, she saw the slow haze of smoke drifting lazily above the trees. It’s no small fire, she thought indeed it must be large enough for a feast to require such a train of smoke.

She walked closer, smelling the wood as it burned down to ash. Finally, she saw the fire itself, situated in a small clearing. Around it danced 9 women, the most beautiful she had ever seen. They seemed to move together, but each had their own part, making up a large picture. It was as though they could see into each others minds, to understand what to do next.

One of them, seemingly the most beautiful, spotted her and stopped their dance. She stepped toward Mina, her long golden hair still swaying to the music they seemed to hear in their minds. “Child, why do you watch?” she asked gently, taking another step towards her.

“Who are you?” Mina asked, moving back.

“I am Thalia,” she said calmly, reaching toward Mina.