Crescent Moon

And So They Meet: Ana and Elizaeth

Upon the magical world of Lunaria, under the warmth of the Firestar stood the mighty kingdom of light called Saelen. From the heart of Saelen, the realm was ruled by the good King Tor-El Landin, who kept vigilant against all evils against his people. Within his domain rested a magical haven for elves known as Lunamorn. The largest of elven settlements, Lunamorn stood proudly as an example of valor for all in the great kingdom and realm of light.

The ivory walls of Lunamorn practically shimmered in the Firestar light. The pride of the elves could be easily seen in the kingdom's architecture, from its graceful arches to its stoic towers. The only contrast to the glistening span of white was the gentle green vegetation spanning the kingdom. Perfectly tended, it offered a pulsing life to the unswerving dignity that was Lunamorn.

Inside the vast walls of the kingdom, the elves lived with peacefully within their home. But while they were beings of goodness, sometimes they judged outsiders harshly, especially those different from themselves. Very few non-elves ever ventured within Lunamorn, save for the greatest allies of the elf Rangers. And even then, such heroes were often looked upon with distrust. For most elves believed that being different was a cause for suspicion, a trait they attributed to their longevity and prosperity.

This belief brought Lunamorn to its current predicament, for it was a problem they had no idea how to resolve. Presently, two elves escorted a youngling through the streets of Lunamorn amid a slew of curious eyes. The two adults ignored the attention, while the young elf in their care cast back angry gazes to those that looked at her. Shrouded in a blanket, the little elf attempted to shrug off the blanket and have words with the onlookers, yet the adults that guided her stopped her quickly, nudging her onward.

The male elf put a hand on the young elf's shoulder as they walked, never taking his eyes off the road ahead. "Do not encourage them, Ana. It only makes things worse," he said, obviously distracted by the eyes upon them.

The young girl looked up at the elf speaking to her. And while her skin was like pure moonlight and her eyes shimmered like the stars, currently she held an anger that darkened her features. Her mood was as wild as the long hair upon her head as she replied. "I don't care, Handuin. I have done this too many times to bother with what others think of me anymore," said Ana.

The female elf patted young Ana on her back. "Take heart, Ana. I am sure this time will be the last time for such a change. And in time, the other elves will accept you too," she said.

Ana crossed her arms in a huff. "There is a very fat chance of that ever happening, Deeva," said Ana. The young girl's response prompted the three elves to continue in silence.

As Ana walked, she tried to remain calm, but it was not easy. She could see the other children pointing and whispering about her. Some of them were even giggling. From the day she had been brought to Lunamorn, Ana had been passed from one family to the next, many times over. She realized quickly that she was unique, so unique in fact that there was not one in all the kingdom like her. And it was a fact that made others gossip, fear and laugh in her direction.

Ana tried to not let it bother her, but in the end, it simply made her feel deeply alone.

It wasn't long before they reached their destination. Ana waited silently behind Handuin and Deeva as they gazed upon the immaculate home before them. Making sure it was the right location, Handuin motioned for Deeva and Ana to follow him. Ana sighed at this, for she'd almost lost count at how many times she had done this routine. Somehow, in her heart she knew it would never end.

Handuin wasted not a moment, rapping on the door soundly three times. The door was quickly answered by a stern looking elf who bore his bold eyes into all three of the visitors at his entrance. When the man's eyes met Ana's, she found herself taking steps away from him until Deeva placed both hands on her shoulders to keep her in place. With nowhere to go, Ana held her ground, swallowing hard as she tried to remain brave.