The Lights That Bind Us

The Northern Lights

A crisp breath left the lips of the young observer and briefly lingered in the air like a lost spirit. Aurora snuggled closer into her scarf, protecting her flushed face from the cold breeze. The wind howled and nipped at any bare skin it found. The frigid air tried to suffocate her, but her eyes and smile radiated a warmth that couldn't be snuffed out. She stopped her shambling walk and gazed up at the night sky; her smile stretched wider in response. The phenomenon was faint at first. Wisps of green and blue light twisted through the air like small serpents. An invisible dam burst, and suddenly the wisps increased in intensity and speed. The luminous teal shades reflected on her pupils were like pools of water as the lights streamed throughout the winter sky. Aurora's weak and tired body begged her to find shelter and rest, but ultimately lost to the girl's determined heart. This was it, her destiny. Her late and beloved parents, both once avid astronomers, frequently proclaimed their love for the alluring beauty of the Northern Lights. At long last, she could see the origin of her namesake. Her eyes were glued to the sky, taking in every shade. Clumps of snowflakes caked her hair and lashes.

A quick streak of light pulled her out of her thoughts: a shooting star. Her eyes welled with warm tears and her vision blurred, but the smile remained permanently frozen to her blue lips. She staggered forward with the last of her fading strength and fell into the numbing embrace of the snow.

Rory pushed forward through the blinding white wall and ignored the shouts of his parents. He had not known why he had such strong urges to brave the icy weather tonight of all nights, but he was just drawn to it like a compass needle pointing North. He had wandered far from the warm welcoming walls of his family's cabin, and the desperate calls of his family had long since been drowned out by the frigid gale. He slowed his pace, exhaling a puff of chilled air, before coming to a complete halt. Time froze. A glimmer of chartreuse caught the boy's attention as he turned his head to the cosmos. He half-heartedly chuckled to himself. Rory was exceptionally familiar with the universe and its agenda. On countless occasions, he'd felt the tug of the universe on his sleeve, egging him on to drop his current duties to fulfill its wishes. One minute he'd be shoveling snow, the next, he'd be saving a young child from falling into a frozen lake on the opposite side of town. Rory hadn't known why he was the stars' chosen candidate, but the thought never really mattered to him. Even his name seemed to indicate some sense of importance. "Rory" translated from latin into "aurora" or "dawn", and here he was, standing under the prismatic Northern Lights.

His watchful eye caught a glimpse of a falling star as it trailed across the opalescent sky. His gaze followed it until its light burned out. A small thud reached his ears. He turned towards the sound: the lump of a person lying in the snow.