Contract with a Star (On Hold, Possibly Forever)

The Green River Valley and the Star

            Rena was asleep when they got into town, even though it was day. She had been sleeping more and more, but Rena told them it was an anticipated result of taking in that energy. A lot of people recognized them, but none came near the two teens that were basically raised in the capital. It was not often that country children went to the Academy, and very few ever came back after they graduated. In the middle of town, they stopped before the seamstress’ and the blacksmith’s. They tied Eleian and Miv to the post outside, knowing Cheval would stay if he felt like it, and Aiden took Rena in his arms. Then, they went inside the homes they had only had for seven years.

            The blacksmith’s was quiet and empty when they entered, but there was a door that connected the two shops and they went through there. They found everyone in the kitchen behind the main store, about to eat breakfast. Tanya’s mom was making breakfast with one of Aiden’s brothers as the other brother there set the table. Aiden’s mom and dad were deep in conversation with Tanya’s stepfather, who had the silent Mivaya on his lap. None of them noticed the newcomers as all of them were making some kind of noise except the little girl. When Aiden set Rena in the nearest chair and loudly pulled out his own chair, everyone stopped and turned to the pair.

            Tanya’s mother whispered, “Neverix.” As Aiden’s mother screamed, “Everin!” Then there was hugging, and more hugging, and eventually no one was quite able to move from all the hugging and the silent appreciation until there was a very loud and wet crunch. Rena had woken up and managed to grab an apple from the center of the table without lifting her head. She continued eating as the families stared at her. Rena turned to look at them and settle her gaze on Mivaya, who stared back.

            “Ha. Ha. Horse.” Rena’s head fell down again and she was asleep, snoring softly. That opened up a load of conversation as the mothers wanted to know all that had happened since they had last seen their children. Tanya and Aiden told them everything from their new names, which their mothers did not approve of but amused the others, to Rena’s kidnapping; they left out Rena’s true identity though, and their purpose for being there. Those were Rena’s secrets to tell, and she had more than earned their discretion.

            After breakfast, which Rena had woken up for without any prompting, Tanya’s mother kidnapped the three children and forced them into the clothing shop. The materials were not as good as the capital’s seamstresses, and Tanya worried that Rena might find them uncomfortable. It was all for naught as Rena was in love with the clothes on hand. Tanya and Aiden were being as difficult as they had been the first time and Tanya’s mother said they had always been. Rena had a suggestion for that.

            “Why don’t you make them Guardian uniforms?” Rena had that mischievous look on her face Tanya had grown to hate and Aiden only liked when he was in on it.

            “What?” All three of them exclaimed.

            “I thought you knew. You survived an entire year with me, and none of us died. In addition to the million Kydels you will receive, you have the option to become Guardian of the king or the star.” Rena winked to the other two, but then there was a thump. Tanya’s mother had fainted at the mention of a million Kydels.

            When the woman awoke, Tanya made her promise not to tell. She didn’t want her family to make a big fuss about the money in case she didn’t get it. Rena looked very concerned about Tanya’s mother.

            “Miss-” Rena paused, not knowing the woman’s name.

            “Lirel. My name is Lirel.”

            “Miss Lirel, you have to be careful when you’re pregnant. You could hurt the baby if you fall badly.” Rena’s scolding face was adorable. Then, Tanya realized what she said.