The Trials

Chapter 3

"I know that an all-wise Heavenly Father's perspective is much broader than is ours. While we know of our mortal problems and pain, He knows of our immortal progress and potential. If we pray to know His will and submit ourselves to it with patience and courage, heavenly healing can take place in His own way and time."-Russell Nelson
~*~
Grace Luna of Celestial arose early with new purpose: to find father.

She quickly prepared braiding her hair and dressing myself--The usual sleeper was up even before her scrub.

Abigail walked in and gasped, "What? Grace you are up before I? What happened? Do you need the healer?"

Luna cracked a smile.

"Your witty comments never cease to amuse me," the grace commented as she fiddled with her pearls.

Abigail's laugh lightened the room. Making it appear vibrant and full of light. "I could not very well have resisted that surprise," she said with a mischievous smirk, "'Tis six after morning why has the grace risen at this time?"

Luna Gaganvihari paused, contemplating. Should she tell her scrub? Could she be trusted? That was a ludicrous question. Of course she could, perhaps Abigail was the only one she did trust.

While the grace was busy deciding whether or not to tell her loyal scrub, Abigail had already begun making the bed and getting the room spotless.

Luna hinted at a smile as she looked at Abigail with admiration. Abigail never pressured Luna or asked for things the grace was not yet willing to give. Luna sighed, "I have a assumption. It is bizarre and invalid, but t'would explain past occurrences. I believe Father Time is--"

Is what? Alive? In the kingdom? Still has his powers? Luna did not know. How could she explain to another something she does not yet understand herself?

Abigail kept working. Either she did not hear her mistress speak or heard the hesitation and did not want to pry, but for either one Luna was greatful.

As she stood, she decided that the best place to begin searching was the library. History of Celestial. Maybe then she could find out how it was possible for Father Time to be in the kingdom after he was banished.

The grace walked with sureness and purpose and she made her way through the labyrinth that was her home. The hallways were brightly lit with paintings and masterpieces hanging promptly on the walls.

Luna stopped at one she never noticed before. Had it always been there? She was not sure. The painting showed a battle. A terrible heart-wrenching war. There was light on one side and darkness on the other. One huge personage was in each of the two sections.

The one on the right--representing the light--was a man with pure white robes and long dark hair. With quick easy strokes Luna could see laugh lines around his eyes and mouth. He carried a gold circular shield that had the word "Protector" written on it. In the background there was beautiful scenery and birds flying in a blue sky. The grass was green and flourishing.

On the left, however, the man was red. His eyes shot out anger and hatred. His body looked as if it had burned. On his forehead, two thick horns curled up. His smile looked venomous. He carried a sword with "destroyer" engraved on it. Behind him the clouds were red and black. Volcanoes erupted and shot lava from its core.

Where the two contrasting sceneries met in the middle, there was a storm. Great and powerful. Where dark and light mashed together and fought.