Our Ladies Tears

New Life

Gregor Huntsmen was a kind and gentle soul. He didn't have much in this world and what he did have, he would give away without a second thought. The only thing he cherished was his daughter. She was the lantern in the window when it became too dark. 

"Shh baby girl." Gregor wrung the wet cloth out and dabbed Luna's head again. "This fever will break and you will be healthy again." Grabbing a wool blanket he wrapped it around his shivering daughter.

Luna had fallen ill suddenly the week before and had not woken up since. Gregor called priests and healers to come, yet none came. He only had knowledge of sick horses and tried his best to cure his daughter. He was not much of a praying man, but he found himself on his knees by her bed side praying to any god that would listen.

"I just want her to wake up. I just want my baby back." He crumpled at her side and sobbed.

The next day was the same routine as all the others since Luna got sick. He started a kettle of tea and opened the curtains for the morning light to come through. He would take meticulous care with the cream and sugar, so it was just how she liked it. Taking small spoonful's and parting her lips. She drank as if it was a reflex and not a desire.  He would then change her clothes and sheets. Leaving her for only a few hours to get medicine from the city.

Belrun also most commonly known as Port City was an ever growing wonder. It had remained neutral since its creation all of 511 years since its founding. No war had ever dare tread on the holy land and its people. The first ever city to have all races take part in its creation. Elves, Humans, Werefolk, Dwarves, and Dragons. A miracle city. However a city so great can not be perfect. Radicals of all kinds riot on occasion and discrimination can be found in the back alley of every street.

The Great Horn of Belrun was crafted by Belrun himself before port city was established and it sits at the center of the docks. The surrounding mountains had always kept wind from dipping into the valleys as if claiming this place unlivable. Yet Belrun crafted relentlessly until the mighty object was complete. With a simple whisper a great wind would be conjured and the sails and valleys would be filled. Belrun and his companions made great efforts to build the city in peace and with love, yet now in modern times it seems that is impossible.

Gregor found his mind wondering as he made his way through the outskirts of port city. The walls around the city were lined with banners that were promoting the upcoming spring flower festival. The fields surrounding had just turned ripe with wheat as if the land it self had been bathed in gold. The fields were empty of people because they had all made their way inside the city to celebrate the flower festival parade. The spring flower festival was a pre celebration of the harvest that was to come, and Gregor seemed to be the only one that was not looking forward to the necessities.

"Gregor?" A tavern keep by the name Missy Bags had always had a soft spot for the recluse hunter. She made her way through the crowd and waved Gregor toward her.

"Lady Bags how may I help?" Gregor bowed his head and waited for a reply.

"I'm a lady no longer Gregor." She reminded him for what felt like the thousandth time. Placing a hand under his chin she lifted his head. "You know better then anyone how unladylike I am." She winked yet the usual blush that crept along the hunters neck refused to surface. "Is Luna still unwell?"

"Plague and famine will return as punishment from the gods!" As if on que the radical preacher called to any passerby that would listen. "Sin runs deep in this city of peace!"

"They never stop." Mrs. bags sighed and lead Gregor away from the frantic crowd that was gathering.

The church of Velena was a church that given shelter to those that had been shunned by the imperials. It prayed to the cursed sister of Valaria, the sister that had been cast out of heaven to live on the mortal plan. Velena was a god who encompassed all things dark and dreadful. The new church had been scoffed at when it was formed but as years had gone by, more and more followers joined. The wicked and wounded were many and they started to unite under Velena's banner.

"So I assume you are here for more herbs and potions?" Mrs. Bags pushed open the tavern door and nodded to the bartender.

"Yes my lady." Gregor also nodded at the dark elf behind the counter.

"Argh." Mrs. bags glared over her shoulder. The tight red bun in her hair started to come undone, a wisp framed her bright blue eyes as she blew it out of her face. "Well I have your supplies packed up, I'm expecting a full return in elk."

"Of course." Gregor watched her as she slipped behind the counter and into the kitchen.

"How is Luna?" The dark elf who held an affinity for the hunters daughter asked.

"She still has not woken." His grim expression told the elf to stop asking.

"We just miss her." He said "we" but no one else seemed to have a care besides the two tavern employees.

"I know Corin." Gregor reached across the counter and patted the dark elves shoulder.

"Here we are!" Mrs. Bags returned with more then just medicine and potions. The box contained blankets as well as jarred berries and jam. "For the girl when she wakes up." She smiled up at Gregor.

"Thank you." He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, which made her blush. 

"Always Gregor." She glared at Corin who had chuckled and also at the occupants of the tavern who were grinning. 

Dark Ends Tavern was the only bar and inn that accommodated dark attributed creatures. Its occupants were those among the people that had abilities the imperials and the holy church of Valaria found undesirable. Miss. Bags, Gregor, and the others in the bar either had a dark attribute or looked as if they did. They were the only tavern in Port City that accepted them, so Dark Ends never were in need of coin.

"Be safe. I must head back." Trying to gage the time of day through the tinted windows Gregor headed for the door. He wanted to be with Luna when she woke up.

"Be safe as well." Mrs. Bags gave a light wave and watched as the door closed behind the hunter.

The rest of the day had gone by slowly and Gregor couldn't help the anxiety that nipped at his heels. He moved faster. Passing the pregnant mare that was grazing he gave it a once over to make sure she hadn't given birth yet. This horse had wondered onto their property from the woods in it's pregnant state, the same day Luna had fallen ill. He wanted to blame the horse and have it sold but he didn't have the heart. Luna had always wanted a horse and when she woke up, it would be the best surprise.

A crash sounded inside the cabin, pulling Gregor attention away from the horse. He practically dropped the box of goods and ran to the lodge.

"Luna!" Gregor threw open the door. Luna stood by the window with her hand gently placed on the glass. She stood staring off at the sun as it was setting. The cup of tea that was placed near her bed laid on the floor shattered. "Luna?" She turned slowly making no noise, like a ghost. Her eyes were not the blue he remembered, they were a bright gold.

Gregor remembered the day Luna had been born. She did not scream or kick. She lay in his arms just breathing. She sighed and her eyes were the same as they were now. A bright gold that rivaled the imperial throne. Almost like a trick of light they changed to blue and she began to cry. A part of Gregor new his daughter was special and her fate was out of his control. Her mother had died giving birth to her, since that day Gregor vowed to always protect and cherish this child, Even if she wasn't his blood.

"Father." Her voice was hoarse and she winced. Clutching her head she crumpled to the ground. Gregor moved forward and caught her before she completely collapsed.

"Shh it's alright." He rocked her back and forth as she sobbed. He felt her forehead and sighed in relief. The fever had broken.

"I'm sorry." She grabbed his arm and sobbed into it until she fell asleep.