Moonstone Witches

The night was chill, and the moon rose high above the village. The night was calm and peaceful as the town lay sleepy, only the wind blowing across the land. That peace was not to last though, as the piercing cries of a baby broke the silence. In a small hut on the south end of the village, a young girl had just taken her first breath. This birth had been long awaited, and the entire family held their breath. The baby’s mother was the village mystic, and after many years of trying, she and her husband had finally conceived. What joy her mother felt as she gazed down at her daughter and then closed her eyes. Sadly, the young girl would not know her mother. Pregnancy and labor had taken their toll, and after seeing her daughter safely into this world, the woman closed her eyes for the last time. Fifteen years later With a flash of black curls and hurrying feet, the young girl dashed through the forest. She had spent the day hiding amongst the trees to avoid the chores awaiting her at home. Sadly, it could not last. She heard her father calling for her, and by the tone of his voice, he did not sound happy. She grudgingly turned and headed back the way from which she had come. As she neared the hut, she saw her father standing by the front door. At one time, she thought he must have been a handsome man. The years had worn on him, though; he was still tall, but he had become slightly hunched. She thought he looked a bit like Father Time with graying hair and a white beard. She knew when he saw her because his face broke into a grin. Even when he was cross with her, he always smiled. His face turned stern quickly though “Maryou had chores to do today.” Marina ducked her head sheepishly and replied, “I am sorry, father. I only wanted to be among the trees.” Her father chuckled and tousled her hair as he said, “Let’s make a deal: you can spend as much time with the trees as you want, only after you have completed your chores.” Marina smiled and hugged him. “Okay, Father, I think I can agree to that.” Her father grabbed her hand, and they walked inside together. Their hut was modest enough. It was initially a one-room hut, but after Marina had been born, her father built an additional room just for her. It was not large or fancy, but it had a bed, a trunk for her clothes, and a miniature painting of her mother sitting on the table by her bed. She had never met her mother, but she loved the picture he commissioned when they married. Marina always kept it by her bed. After setting down the rocks she collected, she left her room to join her father for dinner. Dinner consisted of her father’s homemade bread and a rabbit stew from the rabbit he had caught earlier. After they had eaten, Marina helped clear the table and wash the dishes. She then hugged her father and headed off to her room. In her room, she grabbed her favorite book off the table and laid it on her bed to read. She must have fallen asleep reading again. When she woke, her book fell on the floor, and sunlight filtered across her face. She got up, stretched, and walked into the main living area to find her father was not in his usual spot. Usually, her father could be found at the dining room table, carving something out of wood. Today, He did not seem to be in the hut at all. Marina walked over, grabbed an apple from the kitchen counter, and headed outside to find her father. When she walked outside, she did not see him. It was eerily quiet, which was weird because usually, by now, everyone in the village was doing their morning routines. Walking further into the center of town, she did not see a single soul. Marina started to panic a bit. She thought, “What if they all packed up and left? What if I am all alone here?!” She walked to the tavern and walked in, hoping they were having a town meeting. The tavern was dark and quiet, too. Marina had a split second to get worried before suddenly all the torches flared to life, and every person in town jumped out at her, yelling, “SURPRISE!” Marina felt her heart leap from her chest, and as soon as she realized what was happening, she laughed! “Really?! You folks almost gave me a heart attack!” Her father came towards her with a pie that the baker had made. “Happy Birthday, Sweetheart,” he said. Marina leaned down and sniffed the pie. Elderberry Pie! It was her favorite! Marina followed her father and sat next to him. She sat and ate her pie as people walked by to hug her or pat her back and wish her a happy birthday. As she was finishing her pie, her father took her hand and said, “I have something for you. It is from your mother, but I could not give it to you until your sixteenth birthday.” He then turned Marina’s hand over and placed a leather-bound tomb in her hand. “This was your mother’s” Marina,” He said as she looked at him quizzically. “Your mother was more than just a mystic; she came from an extensive line of witches who draw their power from moonstone. You, too, are capable of this.” Marina paused for a moment before asking, “So, how am I supposed to learn about this if Mother is not here to teach me?” Her father looked at her thoughtfully and replied, “Well, this is the hard part. For you to learn, we must travel to your mother’s village.” Marina stood up quickly and asked, “Wait, are you saying I must leave?” Her father stood up and pulled her to him. Brushing the stray hair from her forehead, he whispered, “Yes, but it is only for a while, and you will return home. I swear it.” Marina held her father and cried softly into his tunic. “I do not want to go away, father. I want to stay with you!” She said as she sniffled. Her father held her for what seemed like forever. As they left the tavern, he told her, “We must go home and pack. We must make it to your mother’s village by midnight tomorrow.” Marina sniffled but did not offer any protest. She followed her father back to their hut and slowly began to pack up her belongings. As she went to leave her room, she stopped and ran back to her bedside table to grab the miniature painting of her mother. She kissed the picture before carefully tucking it into her bag. She looked around her hut one last time before following her father outside. It was dark outside already, but Marina’s father had their wagon loaded and the horses ready to go. Marina climbed up and sat next to her father, tucking her bag behind her. With that, they headed off, but Marina had no idea where they were going or what awaited her when they got there. As the wagon lurched forward, Marina couldn’t help but look back at the place she knew as home and wonder if this would be the last time she would see it. The night air chilled her, and the sounds of the creatures of the night caused her to pull closer to her father. Taking hold of the reins with one hand, her father gently put his arm around his daughter, reassuring her that everything was okay, “ don’t worry, they only sang a night's lullaby,” her father said. As they traveled the bumpy path, the moon showed high in the sky, lighting the way to the village. Relaxing, Marina sat up and started looking around the forest. The darkness was like a blanket covering everything. A sudden gust of wind rocked the wagon, tossing Marina from her seat. Landing hard on the ground, she rolled out of the way of the rear wheels of the wagon. As she started to rise, she froze. In the woods in front of her was a set of golden eyes. They just looked at her in a calming way, she tried to call out to her dad, but her voice wouldn’t make a sound, and her dad grabbed her. “are you alright?” he cried out. Do you see them with golden eyes? But as she looked back, the eyes were gone. Her father helped her back onto the wagon, and they continued their way to the village. The trip was silent for the most part; her father didn’t say a lot, and her thoughts were on the strange eyes. Suddenly, the voice of her father broke the silence. Are you still worried about going to your mom’s village? “No, papa,” she assured him. It was daylight, and they had covered a lot of ground. In the distance, they could see the smoke of the village. Marina was finally happy to be in her Aunt's town, but the golden eyes still haunted her. As the cart stopped, a woman came out of the house in front of them. She looked exactly like Marina’s mother. Marina had just stepped down from the wagon when she was swept into a hug. Her Aunt Stjarna pulled back slightly and beamed at her. “Goddess, if you aren’t a sight for sore eyes!” She said. She tucked Marina under her arm and began to walk forward. “Let's get you and your father inside by the fire. I’ve got a nice stew going for dinner, too.” Marina and Ian followed Stjarna inside the house. Marina and Ian sat at the table while Stjarna started ladling soup into bowls and pouring goblets of wine. Once everything was set on the table, she sat down as well. “Well. Go on! Dig in!” she said, smiling. Marina ate a mouthful of soup and almost moaned aloud. It was delicious! She finished her bit and turned to her Aunt, “Auntie, this is delicious! Thank you for making dinner for us!” Stjarna smiled at her. “Well, eat up. You and I have some things to discuss after dinner.” Stjarna looked at Ian and said, “You don’t mind waiting here while we talk, do you?” Ian shook his head and stood up. “Not at all, you ladies have fun. I need to run out and feed and water the horses anyways.” He leaned down and kissed Marina on the head before walking back outside. After their meal, Marina quickly helped her Aunt clean up, and then Stjarna beckoned her to follow down a hallway toward the back of the house. Marina followed her Aunt down the hallway and out a door at the back of the house. They entered a beautiful garden completely walled off on each side. The stone walls were engraved with moons, stars, planets, and other celestial figures. The garden had trees, plants, flowers, and beautiful scents. She followed Stjarna away before they stopped in a stone clearing in the garden's center. The stone pad was circular, with carvings of moon phases around it. In the center was an intricately designed moon inlaid into the stone with silver. It was on this design that they were standing. Stjarna looked over and smiled at Marina before waving her hand and chanting strange syllables. Suddenly, the ground shifted, and the circle they were standing on began to sink into the ground. When it stopped, Marina noticed that they were standing in a circular chamber, and it was massive. In the center was a glowing fountain made of an iridescent white stone. Upon closer inspection, Marina noticed a statue of a woman holding a water jug in the center of the fountain. The water pouring from the jug seemed to be making its light as it fell into the bottom of the fountain. The remainder of the room was wall-to-wall bookshelves, shelves, and tables with interesting things sitting on them. Marina heard her Aunt chuckle and turned to look at her. Stjarna was looking at Marina, smiling. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? This is my Moon Temple.” She said, “It's where I come to work my spells and charms and pray to Mani, The god of the moon.” Marina stared around in wonderment, “Aunt Stjarna, it’s so beautiful here! she said excitedly. Just as Stjarna began to say something to Marina, there was a blinding beam of light, and then there was a huge man standing in the center of the room by the fountain. Marina guessed he had to be about 7 ft tall. Suddenly, Stjarna was kneeling on the ground and tugging Marina down with her. As Marina knelt, she felt a huge hand on her head. The voice spoke, deep and melodic. “Please stand, my children. There is no need to stand on ceremony here.” Marina and Stjarna slowly stood up, and Stjarna spoke, “My lord, I was not expecting you so soon! Had I known, I would have prepared a feast for you tonight.” The man touched her chin and chuckled. “Stjarna, it is not an issue. When I realized who you had brought into your temple, I had to come.” He looked at Marina. “I had to come meet my daughter.” Marina looked at him with a stunned expression. “Your daughter?” She asked quizzically. The man smiled at her tenderly. “Yes, my daughter. You must understand that gods do have flings with humans sometimes. Though your mother Luna was no fling for me, I fell in love with her, and from that came you. However, gods cannot survive long away from their celestial home, and so I was forced to return.” Marina stared at him momentarily and then said, “What about Ian, though? Isn’t he my father?” The man smiled. “ Ah, Ian! No, he is not biological, but he was friends with your mother and knew of our relationship. When your mother fell pregnant, and I had to leave, Ian offered to marry her so that she would not be cast out of your village. I am quite fond of him. He is a good man and more so for keeping you and your mother safe for me when I could not.” Marina teared up, thinking of her mother, and looked at the man. Taking a deep breath, she spoke softly, “My mother passed away the day I was born.” The man trembled slightly and reached out to brush a stray tear from Marina’s face. “I know,” he said, “I felt her death, and I am only sorry I could not have saved her nor been there to comfort you daughter.” Marina smiled at him, “So, I know who you are, but I do not know your name, I’m afraid.” The man smiled at her and said, “I am Mani, also known as the god of the moon.” Marina looked up at him, startled as he spoke, and noticed her Aunt Stjarna chuckling. She turned to Stjarna and, furrowing her brow at her Aunt. She said, “So wait, you knew? About mom, Ian, and him?” She motioned towards Mani. “You have visited me several times over the years and have not said a word,” Stjarna grasped Marina’s hand and smiled, consoling her. “Unfortunately, I could not say. After your mother’s passing, Ian, Mani, and I spoke, and we thought it best to keep it from you until Mani could return to see you. Especially with you being his daughter, that knowledge could have put you in danger as a child.” Mani looked at Stjarna and then back to Marina. “Walk with me daughter. We have much to discuss, but first, I must give you something.” Mani leaned down and plucked something from the bottom of the fountain. When he stood up, Marina saw a shiny iridescent stone in his hand, and as he closed his hand and reopened it, Marina saw that the stone was set into a silver band. He turned to Marina and said, “ Hold your hand, daughter.” Marina held her hand out towards him, and he slipped the ring onto her finger on her right hand. He held her hand and looked at her. “You are a Moonstone Witch and the strongest of your kind. With this ring, I bless you, keep you safe from harm, and claim you for the moon. Wear it always, and know that with it comes my protection as your patron god and as your father.” So saying, he leaned down and kissed her forehead. Marina looked up at Mani and then down at the ring he had given her, “Thank you for this gift. I will hold it precious for always, Father.” Mani smiled and hugged her. “ Unfortunately, I must leave you with your Aunt and return home. I will return to see you as soon as I can. Go by the light and go with love, my daughter.” He turned and nodded respectfully to Stjarna before disappearing the same way he had come in. Marina stood for a moment before looking at her Aunt, “You know, sometimes you’ll have to tell me the story of my mom and Mani.” Stjarna smiled and placed her hand on Marina’s shoulder. “I will tell you all in the morning, but we should return to the house and rest for now. Perhaps see what Ian has gotten up to as well.” She took Marina’s hand, and together, they took the platform back into the garden and walked into the house together. As they walked into the sitting room, Marina noticed Ian sitting in a chair by the fire. He was sleeping, and Marina smiled at him tenderly. She turned to Stjarna. “Perhaps I should help Papa get to bed. I know he is exhausted from our Journey.” Stjarna smiled in agreement and said, “Yes, let's rouse him, and I will show you both to your chambers.” Marina nodded and walked over to Ian. Gently touching his shoulder, she nudged him awake. Ian smiled at her and said, “I do apologize, darling. I must have dozed off.” Marina smiled and kissed his fuzzy cheek, “It’s okay, Papa, I know you are tired. Let’s get you to bed.” Ian touched her face and smiled before standing up and following Marina and Stjarna up the stairs. Stjarna showed them both to their chambers and after ensuring her father was resting peacefully, Marina returned to her chamber. She sat on the bed, and eventually, she must have laid back and gone to sleep. Marina awoke to sunlight and the sound of her Aunt’s voice, “Marina, it is time to wake up, dear. We have much to do, and your father is packing for his return trip home.” Marina stretched and sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She smiled at her Aunt and got out of bed. Stjarna walked over and hugged her before laying a beautiful dress on the bed. “You must put this on. Tonight is your induction into our coven, and I received a message that Mani will officiate it himself!” She said. Marina laughed. “I am so glad that wasn’t a dream! It really almost felt like it. Give me a moment to change, and I will be right down, Auntie!” Stjarna grinned at her niece, kissed her forehead, and left, closing the door behind her. Marina changed quickly, marveling at how soft this gown was. She turned and studied herself in the mirror. The shift was a deep blue with silver trim and flowing sleeves. It hung just off her shoulders and swept the floor slightly as she moved. Marina found a pair of beautiful star-shaped sapphires set into silver earrings next to the mirror on the dressing table. She gingerly picked them up and put them into her ears. After a last look in the mirror, she headed downstairs. Ian and Stjarna were seated at the table when Marina walked in. Ian looked up, and tears formed in his eyes as he thought about how beautiful his daughter looked. He smiled at her and said, “My goodness, if you don’t look like your mother. You look lovely, Marina.” Marina beamed at his praise and said, “Thank you, Papa!” She walked around the table and hugged her father before sitting down. Stjarna smiled at them both and then looked at Marina, puzzled. “Hmmm, That will never do!” she said. Just as Marina was about to question it, Stjarna waved her hand, and Marina felt her hair disappear from her shoulders. Startled, she gently touched the top of her head. Her raven hair was now wrapped in a beautiful array of braids and curls. Marina quickly stood up and walked to the mirror above the buffet table. She was stunned! Her hair was piled on her head in a mixture of beautiful braids and curls entwined with silver ribbons. She turned to Stjarna, “Auntie, this is so beautiful! I know it was magic, but how did you do it? My hair never behaves!” Stjarna chuckled and said, “Well, can’t you see? Your Aunt had the magic touch!” Marina laughed at her Aunt’s joke and returned to the table to eat breakfast. Not long after eating, they stood on the house's front steps as Ian prepared to head home. Stjarna hugged Ian and reminded him to stay safe. She also promised that she would take care of Marina and keep her safe until the summer when Ian returned for her. After their goodbye, Ian turned to his daughter. Marina had tears in her eyes as she briskly walked over and threw herself in her dad’s arms. “Oh, Papa, I am going to miss you terribly!” Ian held his daughter as his own eyes teared up. “It is only for a little while, my dove, and your Aunt has much to teach you. Soon, it will be summer, and I will be back before you know it.” He said as he hugged her tightly. He pulled back suddenly. “I almost forgot, I have something for you. He walked to the cart and pulled out a black wooden box. He walked over and opened it in front of Marina. Inside was black silk, and a beautiful diadem sat nestled in the silk. It was made of silver and inlaid with star-shaped diamonds. From the center hung a crescent moon of sapphire. Marina gasped, “Papa, wherever did you get this?” Closing the box, Ian smiled and said, “It was your mother's. It was her wish that you wear it tonight during your induction into the coven. It was a gift to her from your grandmother. It is my understanding that Stjarna owns a similar one as well.” Stjarna smiled and said, “Yes, mine is slightly different from that one, but my mother gave them to us as a gift when we entered the coven. With Luna no longer with us, it is fitting that her daughter should wear this one.” She looked at Ian. “I am surprised to see it in such pristine condition, though.” Ian smiled and looked at the box wistfully. “I polished it frequently and kept it nice. I know that Luna would have wanted Marina to have it, and honestly, it made me feel closer to Luna when I touched it.” Stjarna smiled as if lost in thought and said, “Yes, this diadem holds a piece of her within it. She had it added when she found out she was pregnant so that Marina would always feel her near.” After a few more tearful goodbye, Marina watched as Ian pulled away and the cart began its journey back home. It had been two days since her father, Ian, had left to head back to their village. The initiation ceremony for the coven was tonight as it was going to be the full moon. Marina was worried about Ian but was excited for the ceremony and to begin training under her Aunt. She, her Aunt, and all the house staff had been preparing a huge feast for Mani when he arrived. The large table in the dining room was already heavily laden with food, including a large hog that the cook had been smoking since yesterday. Marina had to admit to herself that her mouth was watering with all the smells from the food. Stjarna came up behind her and broke her trance. “Marina, we have only a few minutes before Mani arrives. You need to head upstairs and get changed before he arrives. Do you remember the spell I taught you for your hair?” Marina smiled and said, “Yes, I do, and I will go now and get ready. By the way, Auntie, thank you for everything.” She quickly hugged Stjarna and headed upstairs to change. When Marina walked back into the dining room she looked like a completely different person. Her hair was perfectly coiffed on her head with curls framing her face and small silver jewels adorning it, her slender body covered by a beautiful black dress inlaid with silver designs across the upper part and her face accentuated with light make up. Stjarna stared at her niece and said. "Marina, you look just like your mother right now. I hardly recognized you!" Marina beamed at her Aunt and blushed at her compliment. Stjarna gestured toward an empty seat at the table. "Sit here darling, Mani should arrive soon. No sooner had she spoken than there was a bright light that quickly filled the room and then just as quickly dissipated. Marina looked up to see Mani standing in the room. He looked at Marina and smiled. "Marina! You look absolutely beautiful tonight!" he said happily. Marina smiled and quickly welcomed him back. Mani sat in an empty chair next to Marina and they began to eat. Sometime later they were all stuffed from dinner and sitting in the living room around the fire. Mani was explaining next steps in the process and Marina was trying her best to listen Intently but she had some many questions bubbling though her brain. Marina looked up to find Mani and Stjarna staring at her. Only after a few seconds did she realize that they must have spoken to her and were waiting for a response. "umm, I'm going to be completely honest with you." Marina said." I kind of zoned out and wasn't fully listening." Mani chuckled and Stjarna laughed lightly. Mani then cleared his throat "We were discussing your abilities and asked if you thought you were ready to truly begin your lessons?" Marina thought for a moment. She looked at them both with clear eyes and said "Yes, I'd like to learn as much as I possibly can and as quickly as I can. I think this is something important not just to me but in honor of my mother." Mani smiled proudly "I am thrilled to hear it. Stjarna will begin your training presently. It eill be up to you to follow her instructions and learn as much as you can." He said. Stjarna stood up quickly and walked to the book shelf near the fireplace. She quickly retrieved a wrapped parcel from the shelf and handed it to Marina. Marina stared at the parcel in her hand and looked up at Stjarna. "What's this Auntie?" She said quietly. Stjarna smiled at her. " That, my dear, is your very own tome for spells. It is not filled with spells because that is something you have to do. I can teach you the magic but spells are personal to each witch." Marina looked at her quizzically and asked. "So, I have to create my own unique spells?" Stjarna opened her mouth to speak but Mani cut in. "Yes dearest one, not to worry though. Learning to craft spells is something that Stjarna will teach you during your training. Once she has taught you how to truly access your magic." Marina looked at the parcel and unwrapped it. Inside was a beautiful book, bound in black leather with a Moonstone set into the cover. Marina was startled as she watched runes appear across the cover of the tome. She looked up questioningly at Mani and Stjarna. Stjarna answered her expression. "The tome recognizes you as it's owner. It has now bound itself so that only you have access to it." Marina was about to reply when suddenly a knock sounded at the front door. Stjarna quickly walked to the door and opened it. Outside was one of the villagers, a man by the name of Tom. He was out of breath and quickly said "There was an attack outside the village. We believe it was the wolves again!" Stjarna quickly thanked him and turned to Marina and Mani. "I must leave quickly. The only cart on the road tonight was Ian and I am fearful that it might be his cart." She said Quickly.