Thread: Fallen Star (TheWanderer and darkangel76)

It had been nearly a year since the ordeal, since that horrible and dark time in her life when everything she knew had suddenly changed. Never had she known such darkness, such hate. Never had she expected her people to turn on her so easily. Shed nearly become a child of Eire, the patron goddess of her mountain village of Eirys, so named for the divine lady watching over them all. It had stung deeply at how quickly theyd forgotten. How quickly they could push such notions aside. And all in the name of something she couldnt control Carys heaved a heavy sigh as she looked out into the distance. The air was bitingly cold and the winds blew hard in between the Calder Mountains. Pulling her heavy cloak tighter about her slim body, she gripped her staff hard, her hands nearly hurting from doing so. Shivering just a bit, she knew shed have to turn in soon. Dark would be upon her and with that, she could sense that a small storm would be passing her way. Shed need to find shelter in the cave or something similar, at least for the night, until the storm left the vicinity. Taking in a deep breath, she knew it would be short lived. She could smell it. Besides, Eleni had told her as much. Its a small storm, lady. Wont last but the night. Elenis words were clear in Carys mind and the great bird of prey was never wrong when it came to the weather of Calder. Not ever. The great reptilian like bird was old, had seen many suns and moons in her time. It made Carys grateful to have befriended her. Just then, Carys heard a low growl, two of them to be precise. One definitely that of a wolf, another definitely that of a cat. She turned her head to face the direction of the soft snarling sounds. In the shadows, only feet behind her, she could make out the lean and muscled silhouettes of both Luke and Orrin. Luke was the first to move, his wolf like body slinking stealthily toward the young woman. She gave him a smile as his eyes glowed a brilliant shade of blue. Dont worry, Luke. Itll be all right, Carys whispered as she reached out a delicate hand to stroke the wolfs back. Luke let out a growl of approval and nuzzled against Carys leg. Its not the storm I worry about, Rys. Theres something else. Carys quirked a brow at Lukes odd thought. The wolf is right, came another thought. It was Orrin. Slowly, he stalked forward, approaching Carys from the other side. Orrin purred loudly as he rubbed his strong body against Carys. His black fur shone sleek and silky in the moonlight. Carys then removed her hand from Lukes back so that she could reach over and stroke the large cat affectionately. Her fingers found his scaled back first before they moved over the rest of his body, which was soft and furry and warm. Luke and Orrin had been with Carys much longer than Eleni. The young woman hadnt met the great bird until after shed left her home. For good. Banished forever, never to return unless she wanted to face death. As it was, she still faced it. Every day. The rangers of her home sent out scouts nearly every week to search for her, in hopes to cleanse the mountains of her once and for all. It hurt badly that the people she once loved could act so brashly, out of anger and lack of understanding. She supposed the fear of the unknown could be rather overwhelming. But these people had known her, had loved her. Carys heaved a heavy sigh just then, but quickly pushed her memories of the past aside. There was a storm coming and both Luke and Orrin seemed ill at ease. She needed to know why. Why do you say that, Orrin? Carys asked, her one hand still gripping her staff tightly. Something in the air is off. And it isnt the snows or anything else Ive ever smelled before, Orrin answered. Luke made a gesture that could only come off as a nod. I sense the same as the cat. I see, Carys answered. I guess we best seek shelter for now then. Just then, Carys peered out into the distance, readying herself to take leave of the area. The clouds were thick as they rolled in beyond the horizon, turning the dark sky an odd shade of blackish gray. The two moons that circled the world of Fuin were slowly being concealed and the winds howling between the Calder Mountains were getting stronger. The storm was approaching. At that, a loud shrieking screech resounded. It was Eleni. She was circling the three companions overhead, keeping watch from above. Suddenly, Carys pale eyes went wide. Luke, Orrin, she whispered, her breath catching as she spoke. Are you seeing that? Both the wolf and cat let out growls, letting her know that they were. A bright light, much like that of a shooting star, was falling from the sky. The light was brilliant as it fell. But, there was something about it that seemed different from the other stars Carys had seen in her twenty-three years. Letting out a sharp exhale, her one hand found Lukes back and she gently clutched onto his soft, gray fur. I wont leave you, Rys, Luke thought, moving closer to Carys. The light streaked across the sky, getting closer and closer to the three companions. Eleni let out another shrill cry. A warning. She sensed danger as the star approached. It was going to crash onto the surface of Fuin! And from the looks of it, not all that far away! The star, or meteor, Carys couldnt be sure now what the object was any longer, made a loud roar as it came closer. She wanted to run, to scream. But instead, she just stood there flanked by Luke and Orrin who stood protectively about her. It was clear that the two animals would never leave her side unless death took them, that they cared for and loved the woman they stood beside. BOOM! Oh by the light of Eire! Carys mumbled, her heart pounding. The object had finally crashed into a nearby mountain, Carys couldnt quite make out what it had been or even still was. But, she could see the shadowy silhouette of it and it piqued her curiosity greatly. Pulling at her cloak, she licked at her lips and blinked several times before she finally allowed the tension to leave her muscles. Well have to explore whatever it was that fell from the sky, Carys added. Not until morning, both Luke and Orrin projected to Carys. Their thoughts were stern nor were they a request. They werent asking the woman to stay put, but telling her. All right, you two. Not until morning, Carys sighed. With reluctance, Carys turned away from the scene and began the search for a cave. Luke and Orrin were close behind her knowing full well that she wouldnt disobey their demands. After all, the meteor wasnt going anywhere. Whatever it was would be there once morning came upon the mountains and the storm passed them by.