Attanya

The Child

Melody

Sitting in the tavern, drinking some type of tea, Melody stares at the wall thinking intently. All she can think of are the last words and the child that was hard to remember. She stood behind her mother the entire time however almost everyone forgot she was there. Kali.

            Finally she reached out to Kaleigh’s mind, a trick that became easier to do now that Naif teaches her how to center herself. :Kaleigh, do you know what is going to happen to the child?:

            :Mmm, as far as I know she will be sent to the local temple. She will not have anywhere to go but there. Why do you ask bright hair?:

            Pinching her brow, Melody groans. :It’s something the woman told me. Save one girl to save two. I think this girl is the other I’m supposed to save but sending her to a temple just feels wrong. I don’t know how to explain it but when I think of the girl I just can’t get rid of the feeling that I’m not done with this yet.:

            :If it troubles you so then do something about it.:

            :But what, I don’t know what to do about it. It’s not like I can just take the girl with me.:

            After a long pause that only grew pregnant, Kaleigh answers. :Why can’t you?:

            Laughing she rolls her eyes. :Why can’t I? Really? I’m fifteen, I’m from another planet, I don’t even know how I’m supposed to become what has been set before me and I’m being dragged around by Riders, Flyers and a freaking animal that can change shape and talk. I can’t even take care of myself let alone a kid.: She thought so quickly that her words had no spaces between them.

            Kaleigh quietly laughs. :Do you honestly think that this would change anything Melody? Just listen to yourself for a moment and then answer my question. Why not?:

            Melody resists the urge to scream but does as she is told. She is too young, inexperienced, weak, and fearful. How can she take care of a kid like that? She doesn’t even know what she is doing. All she has been doing since Kaleigh showed up at her school is winging it and hoping she didn’t just commit herself to death.

            Why not? She thought sarcastically. Why not? Her irritation grew until one thing broke it in half. Why not? :You can’t be serious. You want me to wing it? Take responsibility for a child and hope for the best? That’s your plan?: She practically growled at her Dragon.

            Chuckling she nodded mentally. :Isn’t that what you have been doing so far? Don’t deny it, you even came to the same conclusion. So, why not one more sporadic decision?:

            :Why not?: She asked in a much quieter tone. It felt as if the decision was one she had made the moment she walked into the house. Jumping up, she chugs the last of her tea and runs out the door. :Why not!?: She repeated for the last time.

            By the end of the night, Melody convinced the temple to release custody of the child. It fell into place as if it were meant to be, no one put up much of a fight including the child. After being introduced and brought back to the tavern to sleep for the night, Kali fell asleep as soon as she was finished with her bath.

            That night, Melody was thrown back to the Moon-Lands without a purpose. She found herself walking among a field of glowing lights. Some were as big as a person while others were the size of her pinky finger. The colors and brightness were different as well, however there was one that drew her but it was the size of her head. She walked to it and touched it, a wave of energy washed over her that she didn’t recognize but felt familiar.

            :Well hello, I wasn’t expecting a visitor from the Moon-Lands.: A soft masculine voice spoke to her, startling from her sleep. She felt like she was in two places at once, her body was lying against Kaleigh and her mind was still in the foggy land.

            :Who are you?: She reached  out and grabbed one of the larger scales near her hand.

            :I should be asking you the same, you came to me.: After a probe he chuckled. :Kaleigh’s half, what a sarcastic mind.: He paused again, another probe told her that he went too deep. :Ahhh, I see. Well, your secret is safe with me.:

            :What secret?:

            He brought in another mind, one that felt the similar. :I won. The child can mind-speak.: Melody heard a grumble but a reluctant agreement. :So what is your name anyway?:

            :Melody.:

            The Dragon waited for a few moments but she didn’t continue. :Short and to the point… ok. Then when you find me I’ll tell you more.:

            :About what?:

            :What you want to know.: He cut off the connection before she could answer, leaving only his laugh behind.

            Melody was forced back in her body like a flood. The dim light from the fire glared at her. Sighing she rests her head against her Dragon’s leg. It’s just the beginning and there are so many complications. Yet, somewhere deep inside a feeling is telling her that she is finally where she belongs.