Night Travels

[Izznet H'unar]

Planetary alignments were such a rare gift that when they are revealed it is impossible to ignore. Izznet had never considered celestial events of any value; raised in a cave she rarely caught them. When she was introduced to the priestess was when her eyes were opened and suddenly became aware of events.

She knew the risk of traveling to Moonglow, but they held the telescope that could peer deep into the heavens. She was determined to witness the event, and hoped it would not be her last. The alignments were falling into place. Oh how she wanted to be witness.

Planets and moons were lining up to grant a silent concert of heavenly beauty. It would be a spectacular and rare event that would most likely rend the veil between worlds. A double blood moon and eclipse would turn the night sky a deep crimson then plunge some into darkness and perhaps chaos.

Quietly she traveled the forbidden grounds under a hooded cloak. If she could hide her ice white hair perhaps the guards would not bother to notice her. Remaining in shadows she moved with the elegance of a great cat on the prowl. The hour was late and chances were good there would be none awake, but it was never good to be careless in such things.

Regardless of the fact her true nature remained quiet, there was always the threat of guessing. The ‘old tricks’ were always an option when push came to shove, but she rarely resorted to such tactics unless absolutely necessary. The mortals were simply not worth the bother. They paid her little enough close scrutiny to warrant such measures.

Should she be stopped, she would simply answer as an emissary to New Magincia out to witness celestial phenomena. She was a high titled citizen of New Mag, they would not have any grounds to hold or question her motives. Assuming any who would stop her would be satisfied with her answer, the trip would work out flawlessly.

Each night the alignments shifted ever closer. She could not be certain, but the last trip she could almost feel a presence watching her. She was so close. It would be horrible to miss watching the finale due to a simple guard. This was Moonglow, though, and simple was never a word to describe anything Penrose did.

Altering the path chosen she would walk the long way and remain in the shadows. There were only a few more nights it would be seen in such a manner. If it became too hazardous, she promised herself she would be satisfied to sail out with Isabella and use her glass instead.

She was fairly certain Aedon would be quite irritated were he to discover her missing due to carelessness just to see some random event. In truth, she would be quite irked as well. They had traveled a long way together, jeopardizing it all for a peek into the heavens seemed trivial and frivolous. Maybe he would be able to offer an alternative.

She nodded to herself approving the decision to share with him the uniqueness of the events. He would enjoy the sight too, she was certain. She found herself smiling to herself at the prospect of having another to share such events, he was a delight to her. Nothing she wanted was so important as to lose him.

 

[Izznet H'unar]

Midnight meanderings through the quiet starlight forests and meadows covered the dark elf in a blanket of silence. The birds slept and the night creatures stopped their uttering at her approach. Her bare feet spoke to ancient pain that made the ground moan.

She had stood with John, for the sake of Aedon, until he asked to be alone with his thoughts. His pain was obvious and to her, as an empathic soul, felt the depth of loss. Willing to share her quiet peace with him she remained. She could not allow him to stand alone in this hour or sorrow.

Her own interaction with those of Silverwood was limited, the nature of who she was prevented her from their lands. Reluctant respect for their beliefs kept her from entering where she was not invited. With the passage of time the ward was lifted and she was able to, at least, stand near.

The depth of loneliness was something she understood and had grown accustomed. Many years she walked alone, in truth she remained alone even still. She knew her love and affections were far from sufficient to take away his pain and replace it with comfort, but she was well aware of the emotions involved.

Wandering the night was her way of tapping into the Universe. The power and expanse of the greatness that quietly twinkled above her let her feel small and at the same time connected. Whatever reason she had been allowed to continue walking the world may never be revealed, but she knew that were her footfalls to cease an element out there somewhere would feel the absence. That belief carried her through many dark times.

Continuing to wander through the night a feeling of helplessness flooded her heart and mind. The heart that beat in her chest danced to the rhythm of his, but the dance had changed. It knelt at the hearth of a living burning soul and wept. She had given herself permission to connect with another again, and it brought her to her knees.

The silk tie that was braided around her wrist made a slight sound of silk on silk. The look, feel and sound of it jarred her from the waking dream. Bringing her wrist to her lips she kissed the cord tasting his touch and smelling the remnants of his presence.

No longer was she allowed to walk in her own pity and doubt. He gave her a new purpose. She needed to be strength and quiet resolve. The shadows of lingering doubt held no place in her heart, she would no longer allow them. His promise was wrapped around her wrist, and that was all she required.

Making her way to the Knight’s Rest she resolved to be present, regardless of mood or words. She had made a promise of her own and fully intended to keep it.

 

[Izznet H'unar]

Life, for one who is neither alive nor dead, can become a playground for power or a bittersweet reminder of all that could have been. For centuries Izznet trod through daily routines secure in the knowledge that power was the only avenue left for her. A day that spoke of harvest and celebration told her in blatant terms that was all a lie.

Life was meant to be fragile. In the delicacy of existence gave it the beauty of precious gems. Faced with the potential for great loss shone a light brightly on her unworthy heart and soul. The darkness of the pit she rested scoffed at the futile efforts to find peace, love and joy.

In the light of all the recent events one comment rang with the most truth. “I would like to be free to choose my own path.” Her path was no more one of her choosing than his was. The dye had been cast and the waters swirled mixing, forever inseparable, lives and choices. For her, free will was a hollow concept, yet she grasped at it in the vain attempt to save from the depths of her damnation.

The darkness of a new moon, with heavy rains, she went to her sacred circle to dance. To beseech those divine powers to hear her felt like foolishness, yet out of obligation and duty she obeyed. Laying aside her clothes she danced naked under a starless sky. The rain glistened on her skin as her heart cried.

When the dance was spent, she fell to her knees. Exhausted from the efforts and anxiety to find favor of another she knelt in the center to let the whisper of her soul fly.

“Find favor in me and spare us from your wrath. My offering is pitiful but I give all that I have.”

Kneeling, with forehead to the ground, she remained until the heat of day broke the horizon. Lifting her eyes to the east shafts of sun broke the mist bringing a stunning array of light and color. For that brief moment she felt... alive.