Floating Stars

Chapter 31: The Floating Stars

The rush of refreshing air and the familiar smell of pine engulfed Astrid's senses as she strolled peacefully amongst the trees that she knew so well. She missed those towering giants. Seeing them again made her heart soar.

Her mind was transported to years ago as she sauntered along the uneven, spongy earth. She pictured herself holding a basket like the one she held that moment. It was not holding masses of picked blackberries, like in her memory, but her beautiful baby girl. The soft, delicate, cream blanket that Naomi made, was tucked cosily around her tiny form.

"This is a special place, my lamb, I'm delighted to share it with you," Astrid spoke gently into the wicker cradle hanging from her elbow. "Your father and I spent many happy days here."

Tiny Amber responded with a slow blink of her eyes, as the rocking she was experiencing was lulling her into her morning nap.

A dull ache grabbed at Astrid's arm and the need to have a quick rest took over her bones. She found a moss covered boulder, one that she and True visited often in their various walks as teens. She gently placed the basket on the ground, in front of her feet, and made sure that it was completely steady before letting go of the woven handles.

A peaceful sigh left her chest as she let the boulder take her weight. The hushed chirping of birds and rustling leaves sang their serene lullaby, as Amber lay fast asleep.

Astrid could not take her eyes off her child. The modest beauty the infant possessed kept Astrid in a moment of overwhelming calm.

Then bright sparks gleamed and distracted Astrid's vision, making her look up to the tops of the trees. A shining beam, twinkling in streams, lit up the wicker basket, like a trained spotlight. It had a power that Astrid could feel within her soul. It also radiated a pleasant warmth that embraced her from top to toe. This light filled her with a sense of hope that was far beyond any feeling she had ever felt in the past.

She knew who it was. He only ever appeared to her once. Never did she think that he'd return to her. Not without True by her side. For she was the girl prophesied to destroy his very essence.

Her breath caught in her throat as she heard a strong, deep voice fill the air around her.

"Blessed are those who seek and defend the truth."

She blinked her eyes. Then witnessed balls of light energy, slowly make their way into the open basket. These balls of light looked like tiny floating stars and they were a gift given from the great power himself.

Astrid looked away from the painting that she held steadily in her hands. She glanced over at her daughter and smiled.

"That picture is of me and Illuminare-Trabem?" Amber whispered in awe, before excitedly grabbing the page from her mother's grasp. She stroked her fingers along the painted, white and pale yellow lines that represented the power that blessed her that day in Strelle Forest.

"That painting doesn't really do the day justice, but yes, that's right," Astrid responded softly. She looked at her daughter's face. The magic that Amber failed to remember, but truly wanted to believe, lit up her features and shone within her eyes.

"You girls look happy."

Both Astrid and Amber's heads snapped towards the living room doorway, where a kind older gentleman stood, smiling joyfully at them.

"James!" Amber squealed. She then jumped to her feet, ran to him and flung her arms around his middle.

"Are you alright, Amber, my girl?" James said with a light chuckle.

"I missed you!"

"I missed you too, kid." James looked down at the red-haired girl. The laughter lines  etched in his cheeks became more prominent, as his mouth stretched with gladness.