The rain fell in huge cascades of water as Luna ran through mud and small puddles towards her home. At some point, her feet slipped, making her fall backwards to the ground and smearing her with mud.
She moaned in pain and disgust at her condition, wiping the mud from her eyes and touching her hair, noticing how dirty it was, she let out an unhappy sigh and looked up at the sky.
Asking the lord of armies that she would at least make it home in time. She lowered her gaze at the sound of hooves and looked to the side just as a carriage passed right by her side and caused more mud and water to fall on her. She let out another moan and wiped her face again, looking in the direction of the carriage and a few gentlemen passing by. All on horseback and bearing a banner of King Cacius. It was probably some noble who was invited to the castle party.
The rain was lessening, thanks to the lord of armies. She thanks.
She was still calming down a little, but nothing over the top.
She literally heard the laughter of some stupid nobleman who was in the carriage, who stopped a little way in front of the window, the face of a young and handsome boy appeared. This one had black hair and what appeared to be black eyes and pale skin. At least that's what Luna could notice about him.
He smiled, showing perfect white teeth. _ Watch where you walk, commoner!_ In his words he doesn't seem like someone exactly kind.
_ I would even offer a ride, but you're too filthy! It's going to dirty my carriage! _ he shouts amidst the rain, pointing inside his carriage...
Luna sighed and ran her hands through her gray cloth pants and stood up with all the dignity she could. Gripping her bag more tightly over her shoulder, where the squirrel and fish she had hunted and caught were. She didn't have time to deal with arrogant nobles.
She started to walk and went to the side of the carriage, totally ignoring the young man beside her, who yelled, _ Aren't you going to answer your prince?! I'm talking to you!_ he yelled a little behind her as she passed the horses and guards.
She stopped for a moment when she heard what he was called and her heart beat a little too fast. She was surprised and her eyes widened a little at the discovery. But then she recovered and turned away, bowing a little in respect. An act he looked quite pleased with, but he frowned after a moment at her silence. He got out of the carriage, despite the protests of the other man inside _ Prince Andrew! Don't go out in the rain, you can't get there in front of your parents! _
The prince ignored the Council and even got to stand in front of her. Looking rather curious. _ Tell me your name._ He ordered. He was dressed in blue formal wear with gold accents that looked like they were root designs.
Luna looked at him and froze. That would be tricky. She gestured to her throat and shook her head, as if to say, _I can't speak._
_ What ? What's your problem? _ He obviously didn't understand.
An older man emerged from the carriage, also wearing a blue suit with golden roots. He had gray hair and slicked back with white strands, a simple beard and a goatee. She recognized him as the prince's tutor. Tutor who had family in her village. He reached the prince's side, placing a tanned hand on the prince's shoulder. _ Prince Andrew, I think what she means is that she's can't speak, she's probably mute or something. Am I correct?_ The tutor looks at her with his green eyes.
She nodded and pointed to the path she had to follow, making hand signals.
_I can go ? My father expects me._ she said, internally hoping the man would know sign language or understand that she has to continue.
The man understood._ All right, you can go, sorry for the interruption, my young woman._ He pulled the prince's shoulder, who now seemed to understand what he was going through.
_ Okay, okay, I'm already going._ But the shaggy black-haired prince was still looking at her over his shoulder. He looked conflicted for some reason but shook his head and headed into the carriage.
The man nodded to her before entering the carriage and giving the order for the carriage to continue. They passed her again, this time without running, and Luna exchanged glances with the dark-haired youth before the carriage disappeared around a bend in the forest.
She was a little pensive, thinking about this encounter, which was quite unexpected but she continued on her way, turning in the opposite direction of the carriage and following a stone path.
The rain continues to fall, but much weaker, still a simple serene. Her clothes were wet and sticky, making her shiver with cold. She hugged her own body and let out a tired sigh.
After a few more minutes, she could already see her house, which was a simple wooden cabin, wide and a little tall, with a porch and on it, her father waited. He was sitting in a chair, looking at her with his brown eyes. His skin was just as pale as hers and so was his brown hair, but his had gray streaks, with a thick but trim beard. He nodded and got up, walking over to her through the rain. Beside her, a crutch.
Luna frowned at ele._ What do you think you're doing? You could end up sick. He already had a bad foot, he can't take any chances like that. _ She signed, her gaze locked on her father's actions to grab her bag from under her shoulder.
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_ I have a twisted heel, not invalid. _ He laughed, walking beside her back to the cabin. She sighed in frustration but no longer objected and followed him up the cabin's short stairs and into the house.
Her father carried the bag to the side of the kitchen, leaving the bag next to the clay oven and turning to her. That was all muddy and wet, looking like a drowned cat. _ Go take a shower and change, I don't want you to catch a cold._ he said, pointing to the room above.
She frowned._ But-_
He shook his head. _ No, no discussion. I take care of preparing the food, you will bathe and get ready. You still have to go to the king's party._
_ But why ? What's the use of me being there or not? No one cares whether or not a commoner is missing at the King's parties, not even the King. We stay outside the castle most of the time_
She signals, not wanting to go at all. She never was, and if it were up to her, she wouldn't even set foot there.
Her father looks at her seriously._ The king may not mind, but today is a special day. All young people must go, girls and boys. You will understand when you are there. _ He approaches and puts a hand on her shoulder.
_ Do it for me, daughter. And go. Max will accompany you and ensure you return safely. _
She blew out a breath and looked away but nodded.
She definitely wouldn't have gone if she'd known what was going to happen, but this would be the day her life would change, forever.
///
She ran her hands through her short hair. She wore a simple brown leather outfit, brown boots and green pants. Her skin was clean and clear. Her brown hair was tied back in a slightly messy bun, half hanging down on her neck.
The castle was large and white, with patterns of roots and trees in gold on every wall. The standard of the Kingdom high above the iron gate.
A golden tree in a sea of green.
There were guards in silver armor with the golden tree drawn across her chest. The helmet covered most of her face, only her eyes were uncovered. There were guards above the stone walls and beside the gate. Many people went down and up the street, going through the gates or staying close to him.
Luna stared at the gate for a while, her back against a tavern wall as she waited for Max to return with some snacks. She crossed her arms, her expression somewhat disinterested, but there was still curiosity inside her.
Luna saw some elves and dwarfs, there were also caiporas, curupiras and even some lupus and mermaids. It was rare to see so many beings in an event as formal as this, even more considering that it was a feast of the Kingdom of King Cacius. These beings are not known for coming to parties like this or even being among people. Excluding the elves, dwarves and lupines, the others are not ones to walk around among humans. All of them were scattered, some had already entered the Castle, others stayed close to each other in some corners, talking or just watching. People passing by looked at them in fear or admiration.
Luna snorted. Some of these people have never seen these beings in their lives. Unlike Luna, who lives inside the forest, she already came across some of them and even talked. But not all encounters with these beings end well. She scratched the scar on her wrist from the claws of a wolf as she stared with narrowed eyes at a small clan of five wolf who were playing and arguing amongst themselves. Their yellow eyes and gray and black leather clothes showed very clearly what they were.
All these beings, all these guards and even more a party that attracted so many nobles, can only mean one thing...
It's the day of calling.
She almost smacked herself in the face, instead she dropped her head back against the wall and closed her eyes for a moment. Of course. It's so obvious, how can she not notice? Her father sent her here because of that, that was why. The hope that maybe she would be called to be a light keeper and part of the order of guardians.
In her opinion it was ridiculous. Is it over there ? She was skinny despite having some muscles. She knew how to hunt, not fight. She knew how to cook, not purge shadows. She wasn't even brave enough to be a guardian. How does her father imagine she can be called? She is not worthy of being a guardian.
_ It will be incredible._ She jumped, looked to the side and saw that it was Max who had spoken. She let out a sigh of relief and looked at him a little annoyed. He didn't even realize he scared her. Her eyes were on the cloth bag as she took out snacks and smiled dreamily. Her dark brown eyes and black hair fell over her dark brows, her dark skin looked even more beautiful. He wore a green cloth outfit, his long hair was tied in braids down his back. _ Ever wonder? He knows ? Being called to be a guardian is a huge honor. Bringing justice and fighting monsters, protecting people and such. We could be legends._ Great, he knew and didn't tell her. He must have realized that she would find out on her own.
Luna rolled her eyes. "Being a guardian isn't about bragging, Max. It's quite the opposite, you know." She gestured. Max looked at her but shrugged.
_ I know. All honor and all Glory to the creator, I know. I just want to be a part of it, you know? It would be awesome. Being a guardian, I mean. Just imagine, fighting giants, dragons, hydras or trolls. _ He sighed with a still dreamy look. _ It would be incredible. _
She nudged him and he looked at her. _ Many end up dying in these battles, or coming back without members, you know right? Not to mention that to be a guardian you have to train, learn. This takes time and effort._
He smiled._Death has no right under those under the light of life. Do you know. _ He nudges her back amiably.
Luna frowned. _ You're reading the sacred manuscripts too much, aren't you? If you get called and come back without the members, don't say I didn't let you know._
He chuckled and draped an arm over her shoulder. _ You still don't understand, right? _ He kisses her forehead with affection._ You will understand one day, perhaps. _ He says.
Luna rolled her eyes but didn't pull away.
She still didn't understand everything about the light of life or the lord of armies, but she still knew some of his teachings. Not all, just a few snippets. That's why she thinks she would never be worthy of being a guardian.
_ Come on, let's enter. Priest Ellis and Commander Gadrel should arrive any minute now.” He pulled her gently by the hand, lacing his fingers with her pale, thin ones. Luna wasn't much for displays of physical contact like that, so she pulled her hand away, but didn't mind when he stopped and wrapped an arm behind her back, pulling her to walk with him. She was effortless despite being sulky. She didn't want to go to the party. She just wanted to stay home and draw while she watched the time go by. He smiled at her as they both walked through the gates.