NOCTURNE

CHAPTER 5

The first day of the month was the busiest for the habitants of Kaszanka. It was the date chosen by their ancestors to pay homage to the goddess who protected them from the ravages of the Scarlet day. On that day, the villagers would wake up earlier than usual and make their way toward the top of Słony wiatr, where the red church stood, ever so alone. No one in the village remembered how this tradition came to be. It had been that way since Luna was born, since her parents were born, and probably since their parents were born.

Finally reaching the top of the hill, Luna and Mythe left the earthly path and progressed  through the saline prairie until they reached the front of the church. Looking at it gave Luna chills. No matter how many times she had come since that awful day 7 years ago, the pit she felt in her stomach while looking at the run-down church never left.

The red paint that was once as vivid as blood was now merely a dull brown. Luna could see the rotten wood peeking underneath the cracking layers of paint, she gagged at the thought of the smell once everyone would be locked inside for the celebration. Maybe she could ask Father Heide if renovations were in order... But she was pretty sure this wasn't the village's biggest priority. Winter was coming after all.

While waiting for Father Heide to open the doors, the villagers were engrossed in their discussion. The two sisters quickly gave their greetings before joining in on their conversation. As Luna was making small talk with two of her clients, she glanced over each face while counting. "20... 22... 25... It was true then..." Just as Myrthe had said, everyone was present. Could she really have dreamed the figure after all ?

As Luna was pondering on the state of her mind, a large hand grabbed Myrthe's shoulder and harshly turned her around.

"Ah !" She squealed in surprise.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." The man withdrew his hand immediately and apologized profusely.

"My my Hans, this isn't how you salute your future wife !" An old woman intervened with a chuckle before turning back to her husband.

"And who are you calling his "wife" ? Myrthe inquired "I sure hope it wasn't me, or else that ointment you needed could take me an additional month to make."

The old woman chuckled again "Oh Myrthe, don't get so angry. I just wanted to tease you two lovebirds."

"Who do you think you are you old-" Luna covered Myrthe's mouth just in time before dragging her away while Hans meekly followed along.

When they were far enough, Luna released her from her grip. It didn't take long for Myrthe to erupt in insults.

"Damn it ! Who does she think she is ! I'm the closest thing to a Doctor here, why is everyone only interested in marrying me !" She turned around to face the cause of her anger: Hans, whose face was now beet red from embarrassment, ruffled his messy blond hair before looking back at Myrthe's angry eyes. He swallowed hard before talking.

"Um, I'm really sorry... I called you several times but it didn't seem like you heard me. I-I just wanted to say Hi."

"Hans, by the Goddess, don't tell the reason you caused... THIS... Was just to say hello ! So tell me what you want and be quick ! " 

"Well, that is-" The young man struggled to formulate his words. Luna felt bad watching him unable to communicate, so she took the initiative for him.

"Oh come on Myrthe, don't be so mad ! I'm sure he didn't mean harm, just look how embarrassed he is."

Myrthe frowned at Luna before sighing. "Oh alright, I'll forgive you this time Hans. Now, stop being so miserable and tell me what you want."

Hans was bust shuffling his hands around, he reminded Luna of a kitten playing with a ball of yarn. "It's just" He said, barely looking up. "We made too many loafs this morning at the bakery, there's still a whole batch of bread left. I was wondering... If you're interested, I could give them to you after the celebration ?"

"Sure Hans, I'll take the bread." Myrthe answered coldly, "How much is it though ?"

"Oh, well I wasn't planning on making you pay. Eurm... Instead, if you have some time later... Would you like to go on a walk with me this afternoon ?"

Luna didn't have any experience with romance, but she wasn't dense. Hans probably lied about the leftover bread, and all he really wanted was a chance to talk to Myrthe. Luna observed her sister's expressions intensively.

"I... I'm sorry Hans, I have to make my rounds this afternoon... I don't really have the time to walk around the island." She said, blushing.

"Well that was to be expected" Luna thought. But Myrthe wasn't lying about the amount of work she had. The colder times were coming, and illnesses would spread if she didn't maintain a strict schedule. For the past weeks, she had been busy either viviting the villagers, or concocting ointments and sirups in her shack.

"Oh I see... I, I understand. Sorry to have bothered you !" The young man cried as he ran away with his head down.

"Wait ! Ah, he's already gone. Damn !" Myrthe shouted.

Luna patted her defeated sister's shoulder in support. "At least you weren't too mean about it."

"Argh ! This is so embarrassing. I'm not lying, I really don't have the time for this !"

"I know, you wouldn't lie about your work to get out of a situation."

She smiled, "Thank you Luna." Her face relaxed and both of them went back in the crowd.

"A shame we won't be getting any free bread now." Myrthe muttered to herself.

"Oh Myrthe..." Luna sighted in response. But as she was about to reprimand her, the church's doors opened slowly and Father Heide emerged from the darkness. He stopped at the entrance and opened his arms wide.

"Brothers and Sisters, the time has come for us to pay our respect to the savior of humanity. Please, take a seat in this sacred temple and show your sincerity to the Scarlet Moon.

One by one, the villagers entered the church, swallowed in its dark belly. As Luna and Myrthe stepped inside, the lonely bell rang solemnly, its echo swallowed by the wind. The doors then closed behind them and only silence remained.