source, window, fierce, tether, revised, ear, Queen, night, time, weep
Outside the window a fierce wind could be heard howling through the intermittent darkness of the night. Star squeezed her palms over her ears as another clash of thunder followed the blinding lightning.
Pacing the small room, Star began counting
'I terrifident, 2 terrifident, 3 terri...'
A small gasp escaped her mouth as another crack shuddered the glass in the window frame.
'oh please, please, please.'
It had been such a long time since Saline had slipped out the front door, promising to return before the storm hit.
Rain grew heavier and sounded like the hoofs of wild beasts galloping across the tin roof.
Closing her eyes, Star forced deep breaths into her lungs. Her breath was warm and gentle against her barely parted lips. Light lit up the inside of her eyelids.
'I terrifdent, 2 terrifident, 3 terrifident, 4 terrifident, 5 ter...'
Star allowed herself the smallest of smiles, which quickly disappeared as a new sound ripped into her hearing. Spinning on her heels, short blades taken from her belt and held in strong knowing hands, Star found the source of the sound. Quickly returning her blades, Star helped Saline push the heavy door closed against the wind and rain.
With backs against the now closed door, Star looked over to find Saline laughing as she pushed herself off of the door, shaking her short blonde hair. Drops of water sprayed Star whose teeth were now clenched, lips puckered up.
"Now is not the time to be laughing." Star felt her fingernails dig into the palms of her hands.
"Oh please my Queen, you needn't worry so much."
Star's scowl lost its hard edge as Saline's hand cupped her cheek. She pushed against the familiar smooth skin.
"It's nearly time."
"Time?" Star was not impressed with the squeak in her own voice or the sudden weakness threatening her stance.
"I've revised the plan," Saline took a deep shuddering breath, "and you have to go tonight."
"And my tether?"
Saline smiled and gave a wink.
"No, Saline, I will not have you stop living for me."
"Oh you have definitely been around the council for too long. It's all doomsday."
"Tethering is dangerous."
"Then don't be long in bringing me through."
The storm around them grew louder, the pain wrenching through every nerve in Star's body.
"Everything is set. The chosen world is still loud, but it will seem like a dull muffle compared to here."
"And what do they call this new world?"
"Earth!"
Star played with the word on her tongue, tasting it, hoping it would be the last jump they would need to make, hoping she would find the strength to bring Star through.
"Are you ready?"
She could not speak to answer, in fear that she might weep.
She cupped Saline's face in her hands and kissed her, not sure if it were her own or Saline's tears that she tasted.
Reluctantly pulling away, Star stood tall, legs slightly apart and gave a short quick nod.
Saline's smile left her face and the light of her shrunk in on itself as she stepped toward Star.
The light exploded. Outside and inside of the small room, when the brightness dulled, Saline stood alone, frozen in a silent scream.
THE END
YOU ARE READING
Echoes Ache
Short StoryA spec-fic, flash fiction ... based on 10 random words given as a writing exercise.
