The
first thing I noticed was her smile. Her
grace was such that,a swan,being
graceful;is put to shame. Never have I
known anyone like her,and it's doubtful
I will again... We lived in a time of
uncertainty.My brothers were causing
trouble for everyone,and my sisters,for
all their genteel demeanor,were even
worse.Especially Luna! Vain sister!I
hated her for a long time.I came near to
destroying her!If she had been mortal I
think I would have,but that was long
ago,and we must forgive,even if
forgetting never happens. I loved my
lady,my wife,and as I have said,she was
beauty personified.This is where our
trouble began.A mortal woman with eyes
that,to this day,sparkle in my dreams!
Envious were my sisters,with Luna most
of all.I thought it would pass,but I
reckoned not with the cruelty of some.
One day I was visiting my brothers when
my sister took the form of a crow,and
landed upon our well.She asked my lady
for a drink to quench her thirst.Do not
be amazed that a bird would talk.Times
were different then,and many things new.
My wife drew a pail,and set it before
her. "Here is water"she said"take what
you like". The bird,drank deeply,and
asked"Oh woman.Where is your man?Do you
not know that a storm approachs?"and
indeed the sky was darkning,with wind
whipping the trees. My lady was
unafraid,but she was concerned for the
crow."Will you not spend the night
inside?"she asked"My husband will likely
be gone until tommorrow,and I would not
have any harm come to you." This is
exactly what my sister Luna wanted,for
she had raised the winds herself. "You
are very kind"she replied"I will just
rest upon the mantel until morning",but
she had no intention of resting,for
night is her time,and her powers rise
with the moon. When all was quiet,my
sister resumed her own form,looking down
at my wife as she slept,speaking very
softly"So,you would be as one of
us,would you?This cannot be,and my
brother will soon forget you."Then she
opened the door,letting in the light of
the full moon,and pronounced her
curse"By this light will you exist.Never
may you see the Sun's rays again.You
will not die,but neither will you live
life as you have;mocking your
betters!"she then changed back into the
crow,and flew away.At this saying,I
felt,even from far away,a spear thrust
into my heart!I knew that power had been
used,for we know it well. I returned
that very night to an empty house.Or so
I first assumed,for in the moonlight was
the silhouette of a woman without
substance.I tried to hold her,but my
arms passed through her like the air.I
called her name,but she looked through
me as if I was a ghost.Then I cried out
in anguish"Luna!What have you done!This
is your work,for I still feel your
prescence!Run!Run far,and fast,for I am
coming!"With that I called upon the Sun
to lend me strength. I knew where she
would hide,and spoke these words"Oh
moon,fairest of other worlds?Be
burnt,and blighted!Let no living thing
dwell on you again!",and the Sun reached
out,scorching the moon,until it became
the dead world we see today. I was far
from finished with my little sister,but
thankfully I had many brothers to
restrain me.I was chained for
years,insane with grief;but slowly,after
a while,my mind returned.I had no love
for my sister Luna,but she,in her own
way,had suffered as well.We were all so
young then,and our deeds were those of
children.We understand this now,and
peace has been restored. I could not
bring my wife back,but when I grew
able,I determined to place her
above;where all could behold her
grace,and beauty;for she is not dead.
Even my sister's curse couldn't destroy
her,nor is she in pain...,but,to my
loss,she is changed.... Now?...When
you look up at the Northern skies,you'll
see my love;my life shimmering in
perpetual splendor...for her name
is.....
"Aurora"
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