Stellaluna

Everyone knows the story. How the Sun and Moon are star-crossed lovers, destined to catch fleeting glimpses until they can finally meet during an eclipse. With each long awaited encounter, all creatures are at their most powerful. What few know, is that this time, the Goddess had a purpose. As the Moon and Sun embraced for the last time, a drop fell from the heavens. Sparkling power, shimmering gold and silver, only to fall upon a young woman deep within the arms of her lover, as they too said their goodbyes. “Please don’t go!” The woman cried, after they had finished and lay under the sky watching two celestials bodies drift to their designated sides of the cosmos. “You know I have to! I have to fight for my country. If I don’t go I will be arrested for desertion,” the young soldier knew she was worried but if he made it back he could finally afford to marry her. They made the best of their time together, lying under the sky until twilight was well underway. The Goddess’ heart broke for the woman, as she saw herself in her. As she saw in the many before her. For she knew that the young soldier would never come back to his love, and that without the Goddess, the woman would succumb to her grief. She gave a quick prayer to the fates as she whispered her blessing on the woman, now alone staring up at her. “Goddess protect him,” the woman said as she peered up at the moon. ————————————————————— 18 Years Later “Two hundred bucks tonight! Great job Evie,” Sarge yelled, “You showing up at my doorstep was the best thing that has ever happened to me!” I smiled and rolled my eyes at him. It was true. When I first came to this tavern it was pretty run down. Sarge had just come back from war to find his village ravaged and his home destroyed. With his earnings he moved to the edge of New Serpentide, a neutral human village located on the side of a winding trade path between the Northern and Southern territories. “You say that every night Boss,” I told him. He ruffled my hair affectionately and ran away before I could take a swipe at him. It had been five years since he gave me a bed and a place to work. I had gotten run out of one of the northern villages. The Silvermine pack, just like most these days, were trying to expand their territory and kick out rogues left and right. If I hadn’t of found Sarge I would probably still be on the run. A sudden clattering of dishes made me jump. “I got it,” I said and I shook my head and grabbed a rag. The man that dropped them was human and a bit drunk. “So sorry! That was all me!” As I bent over to grab the fallen cups I felt him slap my a**. “Mmm. That is all you though, gorgeous,” he drawled. I jumped up and held a hand out to Sarge who actually did growl and was about ready to pounce on the old man. I took a deep breath and grabbed him by his collar and dragged him across the tavern and out the door. “If you ever lay a hand on another woman in this village I will personally beat the sh*t out of you before throwing you off the Black Cliffs”, I spat at him, making him look me in the eye when he tried to shrink away. I could see the fear in his eyes. I roughly pushed him away in disgust, and turned back to the tavern.“Get out of here old man. Learn some f*cking respect.” It wasn’t the first time this has happened but it was just as annoying. Don’t get me wrong, I liked how I looked, for the most part, but that doesn’t justify constantly being groped. I had long wavy, dark brown hair that I kept braided out of my face, and violet eyes. I was pretty slender too. Lean from years of surviving on scraps, and constantly running, climbing and escaping. I was only 5”3 which was annoying. I hated having to look up to people. But I always found a way to bring them to their knees so I wouldn’t have to for long. Like Old Skeevy. I smirked thinking about it and went back to work. When I got inside, Sarge, seeing my expression, just shook his head and ran his hands through his dark hair. “What am I going to do with you kid?” he chuckled. “Come on then. We close at sun down. We’ve got a few hours left.” I nodded and the patrons whooped and cheered for me. Laughing I took a bow and quickly got back to work, falling into my normal routine of serving drinks, food, and smiles - Keeping the crowd happy. “Eve dearie! Sing us a song!” “Ayyeee sing! Sing! Sing!” I laughed and went to the musicians corner where Arnie, a local rogue, played a popular tune. As I sang, I felt my stress dissipate and slowly I forgot all about what happened earlier. Singing always put me in a better mood. By the end of the night I got a lot of sympathy tips thanks to Ole McGrabby. I was splitting them up to give have to Sarge when I noticed him in the corner with a tan, curvy brunette draped over him. Aw sh*t. I didn’t think he could actually pull her. Ugh! I saw him peek out from behind her head and wink at me. I stuck out my tongue at him and added fifty dollars to his half of the tips. I don’t know how that mangy dog manages to constantly win our bets. We bet on anything and everything. Tonight was if he could get a certain visiting werecat. He is one of the biggest man whores I’ve ever seen. I guess he was relatively attractive. I mean all werewolves are. It’s in our genetics to be physically appealing. He was 6'1, and built like a powerhouse-wide shoulders, thick arms, and a head of dark brown hair, full beard included. The women seemed to love him, but growing up with him as a big brother of sorts, I didn’t quite understand it. After we closed shop, and Sarge took his newest conquest to his room, I went to upstairs to mine and fell face first onto my bed. Flopping over, I lookout out the window and gazed at the sky. The moon was full and rising. Moonlight gently caressed my skin and I could feel something inside me stirring. I felt pulled to the moon and moved outside to my balcony. By now the moon was nearly at its highest point and not only was it bigger than I’d ever seen it, it was blue. I shivered as I felt a rush of cool run through my body. I felt alive. More alive than I’d ever felt before, and somehow whole. Hello Evie, a soft voice said. I gasped and covered my mouth, my eyes tearing up. Are you my wolf? Yes, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you, my name is Amaris. Hello Amaris! You don’t know how long I’ve waited for you. Probably for as long as I’ve waited for you, she giggled. I couldn’t help laughing too I suppose you’re right. I can’t wait to get to know you more! I suddenly felt a pull even stronger than before and looked out at the moon, high above the forest below. I smiled and jumped off the balcony, landing smoothly on the ground below, before following my instincts and taking off towards the forest. Evie, shifting is going to hurt the first time. Are you sure you’re ready? I have been ready since I first learned I was a werewolf. I trust you Amaris. I finally got to a clearing that Amaris thought was perfect and far enough away from the village. It housed a small pond fed by a small stream. The moon was now directly above me, almost comforting me. I undressed, neatly folding my clothes and setting them aside and closed my eyes, letting Amaris guide me through it. Sarge had told me a bit about what being a werewolf entails, but most had their whole lives to prepare. I've had only a few years. Relax and keep breathing. You can do this. I’m here and will try take on as much of the affects as I can. Even so, he pain was unlike anything I’ve ever felt. Every single bone broke at once, only to lengthen and rebuild itself. My skin stretched and I felt hair thick and coarse grow everywhere. After a while the pain subsided and I opened my eyes taking a deep breath in. Everything was MORE. Just more. I could see every leaf on every tree in the distance, could see cicadas as they rooted themselves to the bark. And my sense of smell was so sensitive I could smell rabbits in their den a few miles away. As a werewolf my abilities were already well above human, but with my wolf? It was amazing. I walked to the small pond that was in the edge of the clearing to stretch my new found legs and peered at my reflection. My wolf was beautiful. She was white with almost a gold shimmer in her fur, and one of her eyes was a glowing gold color, the other a shining pale blue. Almost like the blue moon above was captured in it. Amaris Yes Evie? She was just letting me experience everything and admiring herself as well. It’s time. I’m ready! Amaris whooped with joy and took off running, taking full control. She showed me what we could do, what was possible together. Tonight we would become one and get to know each other fully. Amaris ran and ran, and I could feel every step, every muscle pull for every jump. It was exhilarating! We raced around, Amaris showing me how to take control and how we could both work together. Hunting, we tested our speed and strength, and the sharpness of our teeth against our prey. Whatever we put our minds to, we could do. It was a dangerously wild and freeing feeling. Around 4am, we shifted back and returned home. Sarge was waiting for me in the kitchen with a small cake and a single lit candle. I froze, covering my mouth with my hands. “How did you know?” I asked “Arrow told me. He sensed the goddess and a new presence. Happy birthday Evie. I guess we finally know how old you are!” We both started laughing at that one. All werewolves get their wolf on their eighteenth birthday, once their soul and body is matured enough for the shift. But because I am an orphan, I never knew my actual birthday, just a general age range. I didn’t even know I was a werewolf until I was eleven and someone recognized me as an unclaimed rogue. I just thought I was just super fast and strong for my age. Ha. “How was your first time?” He asked, slightly concerned. “It wasn’t bad,” I said, bluffing. It was pretty bad honestly. But I would never admit that to him. He smirked at me and ruffled my hair again. “I’m proud of you kid,” he said smiling at me. "So, what's with the hair?" "My hair?" I asked, pulling my braid over my shoulder to see what he was talking about and gasped. My hair was now a silvery blonde. "Um is this normal?" "Let me see.." he quickly yanked on my braid and flinched away laughing as I punched him. We spent a little while longer talking about the changes I now faced, and ate the cake he had somehow procured. I gave him a hug and after cleaning up went back to bed. I laid in my bed and for the first time, closed my eyes and almost fell asleep immediately. Goodnight Evie Goodnight Amaris. I sighed and slept peacefully, dreaming of running through the forest.