Moira

Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight ….

Moira stared up at the night sky blanketing Sornieth, her prayer the same as it had been each night for the past year. I need to find a place of safety, a place where I can live my life as it should be….

It all began with a misunderstanding. A difference of opinion between two friends after a friendly day in the Coliseum. Tension grew and a curse was uttered. Within a week, her father was gone, called to the Earthshaker’s side well before his time and leaving her mother, herself and her siblings alone. Her mother tried to move on, but eventually, she too was called. Slowly, surely, her siblings were as well. Two each to the Windsinger and Stormcatcher, one to the Lightweaver, and two more well on their way.

When they came for her, she fled. But still, the curse followed, taking several of her children and tempting several others as well. Moira, determined not to heed the call, fled again. And still they found her. It was impossible to miss the stares, the knowing looks, the judgement by those who didn’t understand. Neither of her previous mates, she found to her dismay, could find a way to stop it and left before they could be pulled beneath its gaze.

Soft steps approaching from behind pulled Moira’s attention back to the present. “Something troubles you?”

She shook her head, but did not turn away from her purpose, her eyes lingering on the sky above. Is this it?

His presence drew nearer. Leaning in, he nuzzled her neck gently. “Darkness breeds fear,” he advised. “Come back by the fire so the light might chase them away.”

A smile at her lips, Moira glanced over at Brightwell, her fondness showing. He’d burst into her life unexpectedly, protecting her from that which would consume her before leading her to safety. Eyes filled with concern for her and her alone watched intently. You are that light, not the fire, she thought as she lowered her head slightly in agreement. In that moment, she knew her prayers had been answered.