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Description
Once there was a girl who was born from a stone and she had star for a heart. One day she met a boy and put her heart in his hands. And it was magic.

Starfall’s Child

Once upon a time in the land of Ungalla, next to the Sapphire Sea, lived an honorable and munificent Lord and Lady of good heart and generous soul. They were loved by the populace, for the people knew they were blessed to be ruled by such an admirable and just couple.

Lord Cheval of the House of Ilkar was known for his courage and fairness. In their tongue his name meant ‘man of chivalry’, and rightly he was called. Lady Kindra was recognized for her compassion and gentleness of spirit. Her name meant ‘woman of kindness’, and she too was worthy of its meaning.

However, it was not all happiness within the realm, for the Lord and Lady long desired to hold a precious little one, a baby to complete their loving family. The fates can be cruel though, for they refused to grant the pair their simple wish. The sands of time marched on and their lone desire remained unfulfilled.

*

The knock at the door barely sounded before the maids bound into the room in a whirl of dancing curtsies.

“Lord Cheval, Lord Cheval, pardon us Master, pardon us.”

“Excuse us for waking your slumber, Lord Cheval and Lady Kindra, but there is Starfall this night. There is Starfall.”

Lady Kindra bolted upright, brushing long strands of graying hair away from her face. Her hand grasped her husband’s shoulder with a bruising grip. “Wake my Lord, wake.”

The excitement that fluttered inside her heart as well as her voice could not be contained. She hopped from the comfort of the warm feathered quilt, ignored the fuzzy lamb skin slippers, and bound for the closed window. Whipping the curtains aside, she hefted the wooden plank free of its brackets and threw the shutters wide. A swirl of snow-kissed wind gusted into the room.

Looking into the net of twinkling points, stars streaked across the heavens. One after another, brilliant trails chased toward the night’s horizon. Clasping her hands in delight, she called to her husband. “My Lord, hurry. It is true. Bless us, for it is true. Come… come look at the Starfall.”

He padded over and silently slipped behind her. Cradling her in his arms, he gazed past her shoulder and into the distance. Lord Cheval lightly whispered into his wife’s ear. “My Delight, My Lady, it is declared, a time for Starfall… a time for wishes.” He swept gray locks behind her ear, and placed a tender kiss. “We pack in the morning.”

*

In contrast to the melancholy gray of winter, a great rejoicing filled the lands of Ungalla. Blest was this generation, for the erratic and unpredictable event of Starfall had not occurred within living memory. Legends spoke of dreams fulfilled beneath a Starfall sky.

Many throughout the realm attempted the arduous journey to Wishing Point, nestled high amidst the Ice Reaches. Piercing, frosty winds and treacherous terrain discouraged countless wayfarers from their goal. Inhospitable Mount Demise, with her snow clogged passes and swift, deadly blizzards culled all but the most dedicated, leaving few to dare her temper.

But the Lord and Lady would not accept defeat, not when life-long dreams lay in the realm of realization.

*

A glacial haze of white swirled around them, blinding them to the sheer drop-offs that begged one misplaced step. Fur-lined collars, upturned, masking nose and mouth, failed to halt the tempest’s ravaging bluster. Frigid air scored their lungs with sharp and burning pangs, stealing their breath away. Lord Cheval clasped his lady to his side and held her erect, trying to shield her from the biting wind.

A whimper slipped from her lips. “My Lord, forgive me. I can go no farther. I fail you and shatter our dreams. I am… I am sorry.” As quickly as it was shed, a tear froze at the corner of her eye.

Lord Cheval swept his wife into his arms and trudged forward. “Then I will dream for both of us.” His words were almost torn away by the gale force currents that whipped around them.

Day had nearly set, before he twisted upon a tight bend in the path to discover a sheltered alcove carved into the mountain’s side. Runes, gouged deep into the stone, marked the entryway. Safe across the threshold, the howl of the storm closeted against the command of an ancient magic. Not even a single flake dared trespass into the haven. A pleasant welcome greeted them for unexpected warmth coursed throughout the cavern. Near the opening, a raised stone jutted from the cave’s floor. Broad and flat, it invited the spread of bedrolls upon its surface.

*

That night, in the land of Ungalla, high atop Mount Demise the first falling star of the evening arced across the heavens. Hand in hand the hopeful couple spoke their life-long desire, letting their words chase the streaking glow across the deep expanse. The bed prepared, the Lord and Lady of the House of Ilkar crawled beneath mounds of blanketed fur. Curled in each other’s arms they begged for sleep to quickly overtake them, that they might dream… dream their wish alive.

*

Starlight broke in a thousand pieces, blinding, filling their minds with radiance. Lord Cheval and Lady Kindra might have covered their eyes had they not been asleep. The dream burned with brilliance and a deep voice echoed in their thoughts.

‘You ask much, for you are long past the time of children, and we cannot give you a child of your own. Perhaps, you might accept a Starchild, made from the very stone you wished upon.’

And in their dream they answered, ‘Yes, birthed from stone or naught, it will be our child… always and forever.’

‘Alas no, for a Starchild is bound to the heavens, drawn to what was once their home. Unless you find a way to break the enchantment, her star will burn out, and you will lose her. Do you still wish for this Starchild.’

‘Yes,’ they replied in thought.

‘Then, ten thousand days you will be blessed.’

Morning came, and except for each other, they found themselves alone. Lady Kindra snuggled against the comforting embrace of her husband and sobbed bitterly.

“But the dream seemed so real.”

“I know, My Lady, I know,” he said, and held her all the tighter.

*

In the land of Ungalla, the perilous climb up the Ice Reaches was lengthy and grueling. However, the passage down, beleaguered with sadness, felt far worse on both counts. Three quarters the way home, Cheval and Kindra came upon one of the small serf’s from the kitchen. Half-frozen, crying from the cold, Willis slowly trudged upwards on his expedition. Stalwart in his desire, he refused their pleas to turn around and forego his travels. Unable to sway his decision, the lady, true to her nature, gave the boy the last of their food, and an extra bundle of warm furs. She had always felt sorry for the young lad, abandoned at birth, left by the side of a poor house. She couldn’t help but wonder at the wish that drove him. Perhaps he wanted nothing more, than to be reunited with his mother.

She waved farewell, and they continued on. Just as they rounded a curve in the lower steps of the Ice Reaches, with the high mountains at their back, they spotted a patch of pink amid the frosted ground.

*

Lord Cheval sprinted across the vast whiteness, before dropping to his knees, sending small puffs of snow bursting into the air.

“My Lady, hurry. It is a baby,” he called.

She raced to his side to gaze upon their dream… their blessing.

Blanketed flakes puddled beneath the cooing child, melted by unnatural warmth. With a star for a heart, the babe lay impervious to winter’s bluster. Her pudgy limbs flushed a shade of healthy pink. Not even the slightest tinge of blue kissed her little lips. Lady Kindra picked up and cradled the darling baby. She rested her cheek amid the honey hair and wept with joy.

“She is so beautiful,” she said.

“As beautiful as her, mother,” the Lord replied. And with that he planted a firm kiss, first on his daughter, and then the beaming face of his Lady.

*

Sadness was driven from the land of Ungalla for the Lord and Lady declared a year of jubilation. Debts were forgiven, crimes were expunged, and indentured servants were set free. Among them, young Willis was granted his freedom. However, he refused, for the gifts from Lady Kindra that day, allowed him to reach his destination high atop Mount Demise… and his own dream. His heart knew great gratitude, and he would not hear of leaving them. Often the Lady asked of his dream-wish and if it had been fulfilled. However, he would only smile.

In the house of Ilkar, the young babe grew in great beauty. Curls, as bright as the sun, cascaded down her back, and clear blue eyes sparkled with the depth, brilliance, and clarity of the star that burned within. They named her Starla, for the word meant ‘luminance of heaven’. She was a good and loving child, obedient and truthful. She loved her parents dearly. However as the years past and time flew by, the night sky of sparkling gems called to her and she felt their passion.

*

The maid flourished a low curtsey, and begged, “It is well in on the day, My Lady.”
She crossed the room and threw back heavy curtains only to find the latch undone, and the shutters open. She turned towards the crumpled sheet drawn high over Starla’s head, masking the golden waves that hid below.

“Come my lady, it is well past time to wake. Breakfast is long over, and our Lord and Lady await your appearance for a mid-day meal.”

“But, I’m still so tired,” she moaned.

“Watching, the stars again, Ma’am? You really must learn to rest.”

“I cannot bear to tear my eyes away from the twinkling net. Their beauty calls to me. I tell you, I can hear their gentle whispering. They beckon my name.”

“Please My Lady, won’t you go and at least have a small bite. Afterwards, our Lord has arranged for Willis to take you on a horse ride throughout the countryside. You can find great splendor there too, Ma’am, for our land is magnificent to look upon.”

*

For many years in the land of Ungalla, the young Lady Starla could be seen on horseback, charging the rolling plains, sweeping past the Sapphire Sea, and galloping along its forested roads. Willis was always at her side. He pointed out the mesmerizing glints of sun that danced off the Sapphire Sea. He spoke of the whispered melodies sung by the wind, fluttering through the canopy of leaves swaying above their heads. He paused at the heath that they might drink in the rich perfume of the wildflowers in bloom, catch their bright colors splashed against a canvas of green. He was the ambassador to the land.

But at night, the legion of stars summoned her, called to her, begged her return, and each day she grew a little weaker. The day came when she lacked the strength to mount her steed. Willis though, refusing defeat, still took her on the daily outings-by way of carriage. They continued to tour the land and its greatness.

However the malaise grew stronger, until one morn she could no longer rise from her bed. In the afternoons, Willis would come and throw open the window. From there he would point out Ungalla in all it loveliness.

It was then the words of their dream came back to Lord Cheval and Lady Kindra. The blessing of ten thousand days was nearly spent. Their daughter was twenty-seven. Less than a year remained for them to break the enchantment.

A declaration was issued throughout the land of Ungalla. Whoever could sunder the bonds that threatened to steal their daughter away would be granted any riches their hearts desired.

They came in droves, with presents, satin slippers, golden music boxes, and necklaces made of the finest gems. They came with elixirs and potions in a rainbow of colors and tastes. Some tried flowing words of sweetness and praise, while others sang dulcet tunes. Sonnets and poems filled the air, gracious words describing Starla’s unearthly beauty. Yet, on the ten thousandth day, the chains remained.

*

A light rapping sounded on the door, and a whispered plea hung in the air. It was Willis.

“My Lord, might I interrupt your sorrowing. For one last time I wish to share the joy of our lands with your daughter.”

Cheval nodded, though his head hung down, weighed with the greatest of grief.

Willis went to the window and threw the shutters wide. He pointed to the azure blue sky painted in bright colors of a fiery sunset. “For years I have revealed the beauty of this land, all the while gazing upon its finest treasure. Today I will tell you of a wish I once made on a Starfall night. Abandoned as a child I always wondered how a true undying love must feel. However, that was not my wish. My wish was that when the day came that I fell in love, my feelings would be so pure and strong, that to whom my heart was devoted would never question… never wonder how it felt to be loved with such an enduring passion. I give that gift to you now.”

He reached for her hand, “I love you with the breadth of my heart, and cannot bear this passing.”

Weakly, her fingertips stretched out to find his palm. At his warm touch, the bond broke; the iron grip of enchantment melted. From a heart revealed, a resilient strength washed over her. With a trust unbound, she knew it was safe, and she placed her heart in his hands… and it was magic.

Description
Once there was a girl who was born from a stone and she had star for a heart. One day she met a boy and put her heart in his hands. And it was magic.

Starfall’s Child

Once upon a time in the land of Ungalla, next to the Sapphire Sea, lived an honorable and munificent Lord and Lady of good heart and generous soul. They were loved by the populace, for the people knew they were blessed to be ruled by such an admirable and just couple.

Lord Cheval of the House of Ilkar was known for his courage and fairness. In their tongue his name meant ‘man of chivalry’, and rightly he was called. Lady Kindra was recognized for her compassion and gentleness of spirit. Her name meant ‘woman of kindness’, and she too was worthy of its meaning.

However, it was not all happiness within the realm, for the Lord and Lady long desired to hold a precious little one, a baby to complete their loving family. The fates can be cruel though, for they refused to grant the pair their simple wish. The sands of time marched on and their lone desire remained unfulfilled.

*

The knock at the door barely sounded before the maids bound into the room in a whirl of dancing curtsies.

“Lord Cheval, Lord Cheval, pardon us Master, pardon us.”

“Excuse us for waking your slumber, Lord Cheval and Lady Kindra, but there is Starfall this night. There is Starfall.”

Lady Kindra bolted upright, brushing long strands of graying hair away from her face. Her hand grasped her husband’s shoulder with a bruising grip. “Wake my Lord, wake.”

The excitement that fluttered inside her heart as well as her voice could not be contained. She hopped from the comfort of the warm feathered quilt, ignored the fuzzy lamb skin slippers, and bound for the closed window. Whipping the curtains aside, she hefted the wooden plank free of its brackets and threw the shutters wide. A swirl of snow-kissed wind gusted into the room.

Looking into the net of twinkling points, stars streaked across the heavens. One after another, brilliant trails chased toward the night’s horizon. Clasping her hands in delight, she called to her husband. “My Lord, hurry. It is true. Bless us, for it is true. Come… come look at the Starfall.”

He padded over and silently slipped behind her. Cradling her in his arms, he gazed past her shoulder and into the distance. Lord Cheval lightly whispered into his wife’s ear. “My Delight, My Lady, it is declared, a time for Starfall… a time for wishes.” He swept gray locks behind her ear, and placed a tender kiss. “We pack in the morning.”

*

In contrast to the melancholy gray of winter, a great rejoicing filled the lands of Ungalla. Blest was this generation, for the erratic and unpredictable event of Starfall had not occurred within living memory. Legends spoke of dreams fulfilled beneath a Starfall sky.

Many throughout the realm attempted the arduous journey to Wishing Point, nestled high amidst the Ice Reaches. Piercing, frosty winds and treacherous terrain discouraged countless wayfarers from their goal. Inhospitable Mount Demise, with her snow clogged passes and swift, deadly blizzards culled all but the most dedicated, leaving few to dare her temper.

But the Lord and Lady would not accept defeat, not when life-long dreams lay in the realm of realization.

*

A glacial haze of white swirled around them, blinding them to the sheer drop-offs that begged one misplaced step. Fur-lined collars, upturned, masking nose and mouth, failed to halt the tempest’s ravaging bluster. Frigid air scored their lungs with sharp and burning pangs, stealing their breath away. Lord Cheval clasped his lady to his side and held her erect, trying to shield her from the biting wind.

A whimper slipped from her lips. “My Lord, forgive me. I can go no farther. I fail you and shatter our dreams. I am… I am sorry.” As quickly as it was shed, a tear froze at the corner of her eye.

Lord Cheval swept his wife into his arms and trudged forward. “Then I will dream for both of us.” His words were almost torn away by the gale force currents that whipped around them.

Day had nearly set, before he twisted upon a tight bend in the path to discover a sheltered alcove carved into the mountain’s side. Runes, gouged deep into the stone, marked the entryway. Safe across the threshold, the howl of the storm closeted against the command of an ancient magic. Not even a single flake dared trespass into the haven. A pleasant welcome greeted them for unexpected warmth coursed throughout the cavern. Near the opening, a raised stone jutted from the cave’s floor. Broad and flat, it invited the spread of bedrolls upon its surface.

*

That night, in the land of Ungalla, high atop Mount Demise the first falling star of the evening arced across the heavens. Hand in hand the hopeful couple spoke their life-long desire, letting their words chase the streaking glow across the deep expanse. The bed prepared, the Lord and Lady of the House of Ilkar crawled beneath mounds of blanketed fur. Curled in each other’s arms they begged for sleep to quickly overtake them, that they might dream… dream their wish alive.

*

Starlight broke in a thousand pieces, blinding, filling their minds with radiance. Lord Cheval and Lady Kindra might have covered their eyes had they not been asleep. The dream burned with brilliance and a deep voice echoed in their thoughts.

‘You ask much, for you are long past the time of children, and we cannot give you a child of your own. Perhaps, you might accept a Starchild, made from the very stone you wished upon.’

And in their dream they answered, ‘Yes, birthed from stone or naught, it will be our child… always and forever.’

‘Alas no, for a Starchild is bound to the heavens, drawn to what was once their home. Unless you find a way to break the enchantment, her star will burn out, and you will lose her. Do you still wish for this Starchild.’

‘Yes,’ they replied in thought.

‘Then, ten thousand days you will be blessed.’

Morning came, and except for each other, they found themselves alone. Lady Kindra snuggled against the comforting embrace of her husband and sobbed bitterly.

“But the dream seemed so real.”

“I know, My Lady, I know,” he said, and held her all the tighter.

*

In the land of Ungalla, the perilous climb up the Ice Reaches was lengthy and grueling. However, the passage down, beleaguered with sadness, felt far worse on both counts. Three quarters the way home, Cheval and Kindra came upon one of the small serf’s from the kitchen. Half-frozen, crying from the cold, Willis slowly trudged upwards on his expedition. Stalwart in his desire, he refused their pleas to turn around and forego his travels. Unable to sway his decision, the lady, true to her nature, gave the boy the last of their food, and an extra bundle of warm furs. She had always felt sorry for the young lad, abandoned at birth, left by the side of a poor house. She couldn’t help but wonder at the wish that drove him. Perhaps he wanted nothing more, than to be reunited with his mother.

She waved farewell, and they continued on. Just as they rounded a curve in the lower steps of the Ice Reaches, with the high mountains at their back, they spotted a patch of pink amid the frosted ground.

*

Lord Cheval sprinted across the vast whiteness, before dropping to his knees, sending small puffs of snow bursting into the air.

“My Lady, hurry. It is a baby,” he called.

She raced to his side to gaze upon their dream… their blessing.

Blanketed flakes puddled beneath the cooing child, melted by unnatural warmth. With a star for a heart, the babe lay impervious to winter’s bluster. Her pudgy limbs flushed a shade of healthy pink. Not even the slightest tinge of blue kissed her little lips. Lady Kindra picked up and cradled the darling baby. She rested her cheek amid the honey hair and wept with joy.

“She is so beautiful,” she said.

“As beautiful as her, mother,” the Lord replied. And with that he planted a firm kiss, first on his daughter, and then the beaming face of his Lady.

*

Sadness was driven from the land of Ungalla for the Lord and Lady declared a year of jubilation. Debts were forgiven, crimes were expunged, and indentured servants were set free. Among them, young Willis was granted his freedom. However, he refused, for the gifts from Lady Kindra that day, allowed him to reach his destination high atop Mount Demise… and his own dream. His heart knew great gratitude, and he would not hear of leaving them. Often the Lady asked of his dream-wish and if it had been fulfilled. However, he would only smile.

In the house of Ilkar, the young babe grew in great beauty. Curls, as bright as the sun, cascaded down her back, and clear blue eyes sparkled with the depth, brilliance, and clarity of the star that burned within. They named her Starla, for the word meant ‘luminance of heaven’. She was a good and loving child, obedient and truthful. She loved her parents dearly. However as the years past and time flew by, the night sky of sparkling gems called to her and she felt their passion.

*

The maid flourished a low curtsey, and begged, “It is well in on the day, My Lady.”
She crossed the room and threw back heavy curtains only to find the latch undone, and the shutters open. She turned towards the crumpled sheet drawn high over Starla’s head, masking the golden waves that hid below.

“Come my lady, it is well past time to wake. Breakfast is long over, and our Lord and Lady await your appearance for a mid-day meal.”

“But, I’m still so tired,” she moaned.

“Watching, the stars again, Ma’am? You really must learn to rest.”

“I cannot bear to tear my eyes away from the twinkling net. Their beauty calls to me. I tell you, I can hear their gentle whispering. They beckon my name.”

“Please My Lady, won’t you go and at least have a small bite. Afterwards, our Lord has arranged for Willis to take you on a horse ride throughout the countryside. You can find great splendor there too, Ma’am, for our land is magnificent to look upon.”

*

For many years in the land of Ungalla, the young Lady Starla could be seen on horseback, charging the rolling plains, sweeping past the Sapphire Sea, and galloping along its forested roads. Willis was always at her side. He pointed out the mesmerizing glints of sun that danced off the Sapphire Sea. He spoke of the whispered melodies sung by the wind, fluttering through the canopy of leaves swaying above their heads. He paused at the heath that they might drink in the rich perfume of the wildflowers in bloom, catch their bright colors splashed against a canvas of green. He was the ambassador to the land.

But at night, the legion of stars summoned her, called to her, begged her return, and each day she grew a little weaker. The day came when she lacked the strength to mount her steed. Willis though, refusing defeat, still took her on the daily outings-by way of carriage. They continued to tour the land and its greatness.

However the malaise grew stronger, until one morn she could no longer rise from her bed. In the afternoons, Willis would come and throw open the window. From there he would point out Ungalla in all it loveliness.

It was then the words of their dream came back to Lord Cheval and Lady Kindra. The blessing of ten thousand days was nearly spent. Their daughter was twenty-seven. Less than a year remained for them to break the enchantment.

A declaration was issued throughout the land of Ungalla. Whoever could sunder the bonds that threatened to steal their daughter away would be granted any riches their hearts desired.

They came in droves, with presents, satin slippers, golden music boxes, and necklaces made of the finest gems. They came with elixirs and potions in a rainbow of colors and tastes. Some tried flowing words of sweetness and praise, while others sang dulcet tunes. Sonnets and poems filled the air, gracious words describing Starla’s unearthly beauty. Yet, on the ten thousandth day, the chains remained.

*

A light rapping sounded on the door, and a whispered plea hung in the air. It was Willis.

“My Lord, might I interrupt your sorrowing. For one last time I wish to share the joy of our lands with your daughter.”

Cheval nodded, though his head hung down, weighed with the greatest of grief.

Willis went to the window and threw the shutters wide. He pointed to the azure blue sky painted in bright colors of a fiery sunset. “For years I have revealed the beauty of this land, all the while gazing upon its finest treasure. Today I will tell you of a wish I once made on a Starfall night. Abandoned as a child I always wondered how a true undying love must feel. However, that was not my wish. My wish was that when the day came that I fell in love, my feelings would be so pure and strong, that to whom my heart was devoted would never question… never wonder how it felt to be loved with such an enduring passion. I give that gift to you now.”

He reached for her hand, “I love you with the breadth of my heart, and cannot bear this passing.”

Weakly, her fingertips stretched out to find his palm. At his warm touch, the bond broke; the iron grip of enchantment melted. From a heart revealed, a resilient strength washed over her. With a trust unbound, she knew it was safe, and she placed her heart in his hands… and it was magic.