To Touch the Stars

[ferdaboy 3472]

 

 

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Crash!

 

Only moments before had the Oracle-Prince and his wife stood within the Kastell Lesanov, palms grasped tightly in preparation for something entirely unknown. Their bond had allowed for little questioning of the other’s thoughts or desires, though allowed much more room for debate and stubborn bickering. Thus, this decision had been a mutual agreement, come upon after days of discussion. Josef wished to see the stars, and Milena desired to explore those realms beyond that had haunted her dreams since her childhood.

 

The wind howled in their ears, a forceful rush of white noise…and then quiet. Breathless did they both arrive at this unknown destination, unsure if they had been successful or had been cast into some eternal darkness. As their eyes adjusted to their newfound surroundings and their clinging grip loosened upon each other's arms, they realized they were standing within a darkened forest. Towering fir trees stretched towards the sky, which was streaked with an endless array of those stars the young Prince found so entrancing. Underfoot was a blanket of pine needles and softened soil, the air scented as if a fresh rain had only just recently fallen. For the Haeseni pair, it reminded them of home, yet something entirely unfamiliar. It was exciting, their first true adventure as a wedded pair.

 

“Where do you suppose we are?” Milena queried as they warily began to trek. Josef only frowned, something Milena had noticed he was prone to doing whenever he was at a loss for words. He had hoped to see the stars, but they still seemed so far away. For a long while, they continued to press along through those trees.

 

Day and night blended together here, those celestial bodies above always sparkling no matter how long time ran onward. In their exhaustion, the pair sought refuge amidst a collection of tall stones, arranged in a great circle and laden with markings unknown to either Bihar. Amidst the collection of fallen sticks for a fire and the gathering of moss for bedding, Josef realized how famished he had become. He knew Milena, lithe and willowy as she was, would likely be wanting for a meal sooner than late. She was more than content to allow him his husbandly venture, more intrigued by those ancient runes and desiring to mark them down. Thus, did the Oracle-Prince take up his sword and dagger, to conquer for them some worthy game.

 

 

 

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Hours passed, though still it felt that the day had never come to an end. Milena had long concluded her studies of those etchings by the time Josef stumbled back into their encampment. His countenance was splattered with blood, his armor equally stained. His breathing was labored, his blackened hair clotted with dirt and mud. Within his fist was gripped, by the tail, the corpse of a slain wolf with reddened eyes. An unnatural creature he had caught prowling that mysterious plane. But for Milena, she was greeted by a greater horror. Those icy blue eyes she always found such comfort within–lacked its other. A bloodied socket, empty and devoid. “By Godan,” His wife uttered then, almost at a loss for words, “What have vy done?” Josef had no excuse, nor did he seem proud. Within, he felt ill at ease, feeling some consequence had finally been delivered, punishment for their excessive curiosity.

 

It was only strips of fabric torn from Milena’s gown that concealed the Prince’s loss, a makeshift patch. The stinging is what kept him keen to press on, almost a reminder of why they had come this far. A hasty meal was had, all the while Milena providing a lengthy lecture about his foolishness in the face of his ambitions. He knew she was right, but he would never admit it to be true. His goals had gotten him this far in life–he would have what he desired.

 

They finally departed that clearing and trekked further. For weeks, it was much the same. They had made half a dozen camps, though now Milena often accompanied her husband when they desired food. His lost eye did haunt him, but not so much as to weaken his resolve. Months had passed to that lonesome pairing, though it gave them plenty of time to further strengthen their bond.

 

Finally, they arrived at the foot of a colossal mountain at the end of that second or third turn of the season–or what season they could discern. It seemed to reach endlessly upward, practically touching the stars themselves. Infact, the Oracle thought he could almost make out some of their lights knocking against that far-off summit. A weathered, rocky path seemed to spiral ahead of them. It was all the sign he needed.

 

“It is just as I said, Milena. We shall touch the stars.” His voice was firm, assured. Something compelled him from within to press onward. Any reluctance Milena had was washed away, in quiet admiration of his sudden willingness for leadership. A true prince, set on building his legend.

 

 

 

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The ascent was thrilling, if not perilous. Neither had ever been much afraid of death, so the thought of falling sidelong off those sheer cliffs did little to deter them. Halfway up, they sought a few hours of rest in a hollow cave, painted with further runic symbols as they had seen in that stone circle down below. Whomever had marked them down was long gone, but a certain energy remained that was palpable to both noble travelers.

 

Finally, they made their final push to reach the summit, feet sore and legs aching. The soles of their shoes were worn entirely through, their features drawn from the exhaustion. The sight they beheld was all the more exhilarating to that beleaguered couple.

 

Above, those stars gleamed and glinted like thousands of diamonds. Hues of amethyst and verdant green, deepened blues and bright streaks of silver made up the canvas upon which those heavenly lights were strewn. It was all Josef had dreamt of, all that he had begged his mother to allow him to study as a child. Now, the expanse of the heavens was laid out before him, awaiting his exploration. Their secrets would be revealed, for him to keep alongside his wife and share with their future children.

 

But as he reached to hold one such star in his hand…its light singed at his palm and fizzled out, only leaving behind reddened flesh to signify its existence. He tried once more, only to be met with the same result. That eagerness turned to ash in his mouth, a greater sense of disappointment filling the void it left behind within him. Standing aside him, Milena seemed to be watching her husband, paying witness to the result of this long journey and the impact it held for Josef. Her darkened eyes filled with some sort of unspoken apology, though it did little to uplift him.

 

In that moment he realized, it was only he and Milena who would remain undiminished. She who was tangible, who would not falter or burn out at his touch. He, who would shine down brightly upon her and give her hope for their future. A strange lesson to learn, after such an arduous trek and the reality of his childhood fixation coming to nothing but disappointment, but one learned nonetheless. Stars are fleeting–but true connection was worth more than the entire night’s sky. It was only a shame they could not remain on that summit for eternity.

 

 

Spoiler

The contents of the post are only known if you have been informed INRP.

 

Thank you @MunaZaldrizoti for all the help in writing this

 

[MunaZaldrizoti 8037]

Somewhere among the stars, the dreary Milena found reason to smile. Finally, she got to spend some time alone with her newlywed husband, away from the painful truths and burdens of their world. She knew it would not last, but she savored it all the same.