The walls of Camelot ached to their very core as the darkness tightened upon the castle like a noose. Within the center of Camelot, the Prophet fought back, offering his belief in the form of pure, mystical light. The night sky burst open for the moment like day. Thunder cackled through the skies as good and evil swirled in unrelenting combat throughout Camelot. The darkness cried out. The Prophet cried out. Soon the skies covering Lunaria were met with the storm of this conflict as all was briefly drawn to the darkness and light.
SAying Goodbye
Ana and Elizaeth
Ana soared quickly over the little pond she had grown to love. Around her, the little lily fairies that called the pond home chased after her, tickling her when they got close enough. The whole pond was filled with laughter as the group continued to play. As far as Ana was concerned, things were going wonderfully. She had so many friends at the pond and at home she had the best sister anyone could ask for.
Ana was happy.
Using her new wand, an item she kept hidden from her foster parents at all costs, Ana sent surges of water flying upward as she and the little lily fairies darted between the magically created founts. The position of the Firestar above indicated that she would have to go home to check in soon, and while Ana was reluctant to leave, she was excited to grab Liz and have her join in on the fun. Ana continued flying and playing till her wings hurt. Around her, her little friends were more than happy to continue the dance of fun.
“Ana.”
The sound of her name being called did not give Ana pause, for she was used to Liz’s voice. But how Elizaeth said her name made Ana halt immediately. As she looked to her sister waiting on the shore, the little lily fairies moaned their disappointment to the end of their festivities. And at the sight of her adoptive sister, Ana’s heart lurched painfully.
There standing on the bank waiting was Liz with sadness in her eyes. Elizaeth was wearing the uniform of a Ranger initiate. Upon her back rested her bow and quiver. Liz’s hair was tied back as she stood with her hands behind her back. The day that Ana had been dreading ever since coming to live with her older sister had finally arrived.
Putting her wand in her belt, Ana flew quickly to the shore. Placing her bare feet upon the sand, she looked at her older sister in disbelief. At first she had no words, yet she opened her mouth many times to utter them. Liz waited patiently for what had to come, content to hear out her little sister’s pain.
There were already tears forming in Ana’s eyes as she began to shake her head. “No, Liz! No! It’s not time yet! It’s too soon,” blurted the girl as she looked agonizingly at her older sister.
Liz took a long and painful breath before replying. “You’re right, sis. It is early. I am to be the youngest Ranger to have ever been allowed to train. It is an honor. Mother and father are quite proud,” she said softly.
Ana’s head shook again. “It’s too soon! You know it. They know it too,” she countered.
Liz shook her head. “I am ready for this, Ana,” she replied.
Ana pointing a finger at her. “Your mind might be ready, but your heart isn’t! You are still a kid, Liz. You are supposed to do kid things!”
Liz looked at Ana firmly. “We all have to grow up eventually, Ana,” she replied.
Ana turned from her sister, crossing her arms. “Those are not your words. That is your father talking. He rushed this because of me,” said Ana. The tears did begin to fall then.
Liz took a step toward Ana, but the elf fairy stepped further away. “That’s not true, Ana. And he is our father,” said Liz only half convinced.
Ana turned back toward Liz. “You know it is. And as soon as you are gone then so am I!” Ana was crying fully now and covering her eyes.
Liz rushed to her sister then, throwing her arms around her. It was then that they both cried as Ana wrapped her own arms around Elizaeth. The sisters both fell to their knees, still sobbing and knowing that their time together was at an end. And while both understood it could not last forever, neither could have predicted the end to happen so soon.
“I don’t want you to go,” whispered Ana.
Liz nodded, still hugging her adopted sister. “I know. I don’t either. But we both know that I must. This day would have found us one day regardless,” she replied.
“I don’t know what else to say,” Ana sobbed.
“I do,” said Liz as she stood slowly and helped Ana to her feet. “Come with me. I don’t have much time and I can’t do this without you.” Without looking up, Ana nodded to this before Liz took her by the hand and led her home.
The two sisters traveled in silence. It was by far the most painful walk Ana had ever endured in her life. Neither of them said a word, for no words were left to say. They simply held hands the entire journey. And with each passing step their grip on one another became tighter.
Reaching home, Ana helped Liz fetch the last of her things. Both did this with slow reluctance, stretching out their last moments together as long as they could. With no other excuses to use, Liz took Ana’s hand again and they walked back to the gates. There Liz found a contingent of Rangers waiting for her as well as her parents and some of her friends.
The time had come for goodbyes.
Ana watched as Liz bid farewell to friends and family. She remained silent as she watched the faltering of her world before her eyes. At last, with her parents’ farewell settled, Liz turned to Ana. The looks in both of their eyes equally pained the other as Liz walked over and hugged Ana one final time.
“It’s only temporary, you know,” said Liz as she squeezed tighter to Ana. “I will see you again.”
“I know,” said Ana as she sobbed. “But it will never be the same. You will be a Ranger the next time I see you. The time and distance will change us.”
“Don’t say that,” said Liz.
Ana nodded in their embrace. “I won’t, but it makes it no less true,” she said.
It was then that Domas cleared his throat. “It is time, Elizaeth,” he said sternly, but with swelling pride.
Elizaeth slowly pulled away from Ana, looking to her adoptive sister one last time. With reluctance, she went to the elven Rangers waiting for her on horseback. Climbing upon a horse herself, Liz waved to everyone as the Rangers headed down the road to their training camp.
Waving to Ana one last time, Liz placed a hand across her chest. “No matter where I go, Ana, I take you with me. Never forget that you always have a sister who loves you. Goodbye for now,” she said before goading her horse forward.
Ana watched Liz go, still unable to stop her tears. Those present waved as the Rangers grew fainter in the distance. After a few minutes, the gathered group slowly dispersed. Yet Ana lingered, still looking on with longing sadness. She wished Liz the best, yet also she wanted her to turn back around.
Finally, the voice of Domas startled Ana from her sadness. “It is over now, Ana. Let us get you home,” he said.
“We know you are tired,” added Myriah. “You need rest.”
After a long moment, Ana finally did look up at Domas before glancing about. There at the gates of Lunamorn stood Handuin and Deeva waiting patiently. Ana then looked between her adoptive parents as a slow, painful anger rose within her. Clenching her fists, Ana got to her feet and distanced herself from Domas and Myriah.
Ana pointed a finger at both parents. “I knew it. I knew that the love I received was only sincere from Liz. I was only for her, not for the both of you. And now my usefulness is over,” she said.
Myriah stepped forward, but when Ana drew back she stopped. “That is not true, Ana. We simply want what is best for you,” she replied.
Domas placed clenched fists at his hips, impatiently. Ana had never once seen him exhibit a true depth of emotion. “It is a logical step and necessary. Handuin and Deeva will take you to the next part of your journey,” he said.
Ana shook her head. “No, they will not,” she said angrily. I am done with people deciding my course and it is time
I did it myself.”
Domas pointed angrily. “You speak nonsense! Do not question us, child, for we know what is best for you,” he responded impatiently.
Ana shook her head again as her wings fluttered with agitation. “If that were true, I would still be with you, waiting for Liz’s return. No, you both are merely thinking for yourselves,” countered the young girl.
It was then that Handuin approached, holding his hands out to calm the elf fairy. “Ana, please! Let us not make this more difficult than it needs to be! We are here for you,” he said.
Ana shook her head a final time. “No, Handuin. While I am thankful for what you have tried to do for me, it is my turn. I must do what is best for me and go somewhere where I am accepted and loved. And that is not a place I will find in Lunamorn,” she said as her wings raised her off the ground. “Goodbye. Know that I will not be returning.”
“Ana!” Domas called out as he reached for the little girl, but it was too late. Ana was already into the air and flying away from the elves and Lunamorn.
Ana could hear the adults calling for her in the distance but paid them no mind. She simply concentrated on the forest and trees before her as she navigated her way through tears. In her heart, something changed in that moment, for Ana. The young girl knew that she would not rely on others anymore, especially those afraid of what was different.
Returning to the pond she had grown to love, Ana brought herself down to the shore. Taking a few moments, Ana let out the last of her sobs as the little lily fairies gathered, concerned for their friend. Collecting herself at last, Ana wiped her eyes clear as she looked about the pond. Her heart ached more deeply, for even the beautiful waters were not the same without Liz.
Without a word, Ana procured her new wand. With determined eyes, the little elf fairy guided the wand as magic poured from its tip. Ana focused as she drew mud and clay from the waters before her, bringing them to land before making use of it with her magic. The little lily fairies watched as Ana’s work began to take shape.
As Ana strained, a small house began to form out of the mud and clay. Ana pressed further as the details revealed themselves into a cozy little home for one. Ana focused on what she wanted, something that would keep her warm and safe along the little pond. She continued despite the toll, for it was something she desired more than anything, a place to call home.
Thus finished, Ana dropped the wand and fell to her side. As she caught her breath, the little lily fairies rushed to her. Ana stayed with them for a moment, accepting their hugs and support as she finally brought herself to her feet. Taking a moment, Ana looked again upon the pond and the little cottage she had just created.
Walking toward her new home, the little fairies watched her as she spoke. “This is it, guys. This is my home now. And by my heart and word I shall remain here and protect you however I can. You are my friends. And you shall be my family.”
The lily fairies talked amongst themselves before nodding in approval. “We are with you, Ana of Lunamorn!” one of them called out.
Ana shook her head at the fairies softly. “Thank you. but I am not Ana of Lunamorn. Not anymore. I am no longer a stranger looking for a home. I have found it. You may ever call me Ana, or Ana of the Lily,” she said.
At this, the little lily fairies cheered before rushing Ana again. Ana opened her arms as they swarmed her. In that moment, Ana began to feel the first warmth of the day since Liz had brought the chilling news. And while she still hurt and ached for her sister, Ana knew that a true and desperate desire had at last been filled.
Home, at last.
Repercussions
Elor and Marin
Elor walked back toward his home as happy as any imp could be. His heart was full of love and contentment and his hands full of wood for the fire. His newfound life was more than he could have ever asked for and the little imp was completely enjoying his routine. He even whistled a little tune as he carried forward, excited to be finished with his chores and ready to cook with Marin.
Young Elor could not believe his good fortune. It was not long ago that he was the runt in a village with others of his kind, unloved and shunned for his short stature and unending compassion. His heart had made him more of a weakling in their eyes than his size ever did, yet the feeling of alienation had stung him deeply and without end. But now things had changed infinitely for the better and every day was better than the last. In his mind, nothing could steal away the feelings he felt in that moment.
Yet suddenly, young Elor realized he was very, very wrong.
Deep in his own thoughts, Elor at first did not hear the distressing sounds in the distance. Perking up his long ears, Elor stopped and listened intently. Soon, he made out cries of pain coupled with familiar, impish laughter. Immediately, he knew what was transpiring. Elor dropped the firewood in his hands and rushed toward home and Marin, knowing that his adopted mother was in danger.
Elor ran as fast as his legs could carry him. The sounds of discord grew stronger as he neared home, and it was as bad as he feared. His old imp comrades had found him. Elor could see Midsyr, Ockwell and Cutley, yet this time they had brought half the village with them. The imps looked fully cured from their itching affliction and hungry for revenge. They carried with them magical items they now used to torment Marin. Marin’s legs were encased in the ground as it had risen to claim her. At the sight of this, Elor’s chest tightened.
Elor quickly realized this was more than revenge from the imps. They had obviously been assisted by Seark, for the items they possessed were not simple spells for mischief. Marin had to fight off the imps’ clawing and taunting strikes as magic tormented her as well. Unable to escape and surrounded, the stone troll had little time. Elor wanted nothing more than to rush to her aid.
And yet he stopped, for a revelation dawned upon him swiftly. He could not help Marin alone. If he were to run to her aid now, he too would be overwhelmed and vanquished as she was set to be. Instead, the young imp turned and fled for all he was worth, away from the torment and away from his fellow imps.
He had to find help.
Despite his burning lungs, Elor ran even faster than before. He was not far from the Great Road, and it was his hope that he could find help there in some fashion. Time and urgency pressed upon his chest and his pounding heart, for he knew that Marin’s time was waning. If Elor found no one upon the road willing to help him, then all would be lost.
Elor could see the Great Road now and the sight gave him further purpose as he continued his unyielding pace. Gasping for breath, Elor placed his feet upon the road as he looked about. He could see no one that could offer him assistance and his heart instantly ached. Still looking about, he then noticed an incoming group from the east. Not knowing or caring who they were, or even for his own safety, Elor rushed to the small band of travelers.
As the little imp drew closer, he realized that the traveling group were elves. He was even more overjoyed to see that they were in fact Rangers. This revelation brought him some relief, for even imps knew that Rangers were protectors of the realms of the entire Saelen Kingdom. As he neared the group, they came to a halt as he waved his arms for their attention.
“Rangers! Thank goodness I found you! I am need of your help!” Elor gasped his words as he tried feverishly to regain his breath.
The lead Ranger held up his hand for the others to hold their position as he regarded Elor sternly. “What is the meaning of this, imp?” he demanded.
Elor pointed in the direction of his home, still fighting for air. “Imps. They’ve attacked my home. Need help. Please,” he rasped.
The Ranger’s proud features never waned as he gazed impatiently at little Elor. “I’m sorry, imp, but we have no time for ploys and mischief. If you have a problem with your kin, I suggest you take it up with the chief of your village. Now I urge you stand aside so that we may be on our way,” he commanded.
Elor shook his head, partially to deny the allegation of mischief on his part and
partially to disbelief. “No, you do not understand, sir. I mean no ill-intent. I am part of no tribe and someone very important to me is paying the price for it. Please help us!” He almost cried these words out of desperation.
Elor could see that the lead Ranger was unmoved. “You will have to find your fun elsewhere. Rangers are not to be trifled with lightly,” he said before motioning to the others. “Keep moving,” he instructed.
Elor could only stare in disbelief as the mounted Rangers proceeded to pass him by. He didn’t know if it had to do with not believing him or a genuine mistrust toward imps, but the pain Elor felt in that moment was great. His eyes welled up as the passing elves looked sternly forward, paying no mind to his pleas. What he did know was that the stakes were too great for him to give up without a fight.
“You must hear me, Rangers, please! A stone troll is in great peril! She requires your assistance! Please help us! I promise that my words are true!” Elor continued his pleas despite the odds and time against him.
The end of the Ranger line was approaching quickly with Elor unable to gain attention for his cause. Elor noticed then that the Rangers at the end of the line were younger and wore a slightly different attire than the others. His guess was they were in fact the trainees of the group. One of these stood out to him, for unlike the others she looked at him from the corner of her eye with true concern.
Elor saw his chance in that and stood in front of her horse. “Please. I mean you no harm. I truly seek help right now,” he said softly.
Bringing her horse to a stop, the young elf hopped to the ground swiftly as she knelt before Elor. Her long hair was tied back and while she was beautiful, her eyes were marred with sadness. “I am sorry that we cannot help you,” she said. Elor believed her words.
Crescent Moon Page 17