Starlight
#5 of Short Stories
My good friend Camo was telling me about another one of his strange dreams and happened to inspire this piece. I hadn't managed to write anything in a while, so it feels great to once again put pen to paper. Anyway, hope y'all enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it~ ^w^
The uneven, oddly rhythmic snap of the campfire's tongues lapping against the firewood carries through the thick night air, the quiet hum of crickets buzzing in my ears. The vibrant dance of orange and red seems to hypnotize me, occasionally prompting me to shift my gaze to the heavens, allowing me to bask in the breathtaking sight of the star smattered sky. A most dazzling array of glimmering gems nestle themselves in the velvety fabric that stretches as far as the eye can see; a truly awe inspiring sight.
"'s a lovely view," I coo before taking a deep breath of the refreshing country air.
The canine next to me gives a soft grunt of confirmation.
"Ever heard the legend about the stars?"
I glance over at the shepherd, tilting my head curiously.
"Is it a canian story?"
He nods.
"One I remember particularly well from my youth."
A rousing tingle flutters in my chest as a soft sigh parts my lips.
"Could you... tell it to me, Master?"
A soft chuckle parts his lips before his steely silver eyes lock with mine.
"Of course I can, pup. A true warrior must know the world as well as he knows himself."
His statement takes a moment to sink in, his stern but welcoming tone drawing me into a state of attentive silence.
"It is said that each and every being in existence possess a spark that drives them; an ember that resonates within their bosom."
He pauses, a thoughtful smile forming on his lips.
"Those who are passionate and do what they love possess embers that glow with a light matched only by the stars above. Noble warriors, brilliant artists, revolutionary scholars, and devout priests all share in common the vigor that makes their flames burn so brightly."
The canine taps a particular spot on his chest-plate, his whole suit of armor shifting as he does.
"You and I have got that same spark, pup. We both pursue our goals with the tenacity that makes our fires shine bright. That's why I picked you above all my other students, Benjamin; you and I are alike in our pursuits."
"Alike in our pursuits?" I parrot.
"Indeed, pup. You and I are both men of the blade. We live to protect those who cannot fight for themselves. You told me that this was your reason for joining my academy; to be strong for those who cannot bear the weight."
The sheer scope of what motivates me seems hit me all at once, stirring a queer tingle in my stomach.
"That's exactly why I study under you, Master."
The shepherd lets out a hearty chuckle, patting my shoulder encouragingly.
"See? We're one and the same, pup."
One and the same...
"The fire that burns inside us," he pauses and points to the stars, "Is what lights up the night's sky. When we pass on from this life, our body becomes one with the earth and our flames become a star. However, those who have brighter flames become brighter stars. Valiant warriors like Kenro Valentyne and Master Eversynn shine brightly in the heaven's fabric."
He points toward two distinctly shimmering stars, one slightly red while the other was tinted a curious hue of blue.
"Valentyne and Eversynn were partners of an age long before my own. They were honorable warriors who fought in the name of justice. They were the catalyst for us fighting this war, you know. Even if their stories are forgotten by most, we still remember. If not for them, we'd not be righting the wrongs that had come to pass."
The canine draws a long, deep breath, his expression seeming to lighten as a faint smile forms on his lips.
"The great movers and shapers of our times, in whatever respect they so choose, are forever preserved in the span of the heavens. The look down on us, like ethereal eyes watching over the eternal flow of time."
He pauses, shifting his gaze to the heavens above.
"At least, that is what I believe. I simply hope that you and I may bear the honor of finding ourselves among their numbers one day, as brilliantly glowing stars in the night's sky."
I hesitate a moment before speaking ever so softly.
"Your fire burns more brightly than any I've ever seen, Master."
The old dog allows himself another hearty chuckle before glancing over to me and giving me a soft nudge.
"I could say the same 'bout you, pup. You've got an aura about you that I haven't seen since my own youth."
A soft sigh parts his lips, his expression seeming to shift ever so slightly.
"Never lose that spark you've got, pup. Your passion will take you places that few ever dare to wander; you'll leave legends in your wake."
His lips part as the edges of his mouth curl into a smile.
"Maybe you'll even take someone with you on your journey. Perhaps a certain tiger from the temple, hmm?"
The red hot flush of embarrassment paints my cheeks a deep red.
"I d-don't know what you're talking about, Master."
"Oh come now, don't play coy. I know that you and Mina have been making exchanges when you thought I wasn't looking."
He shakes his head, an airy chuckle slipping through his teeth.
"Take good care of her, pup. She might have a hot temper, but being a temple priestess doesn't equip you for the rigors of the unwalked path."
I silently nod, trying to divert my gaze to the fire, still burning brightly.
A warm, quiet drape settles upon us, my mind buzzing with thoughts I'd hope to soon lay to rest.
Leaving legends in my wake... and traveling with Mina... it's a long shot - no. It's far more than that. To leave tales of my feats behind, to be immortalized by spoken words and the light of stars is... a fantasy... one I'd be willing to chase to ends of the world... and to chase drifting plumes of this phoenix tale with my darling Mina... I could ask for nothing more.
"Thank you, Master," I sigh, bowing my head politely as I thank him.
"Of course, pup," he chuckles, ruffling my already untidy mop of hair.
I don't think I'll ever be able to really tell him how much I cherish his lessons and the time I am able to spend at his side. Perhaps he knows that I value them and needs not a single word to be sure of that. Who knows besides him, really. Regardless, I will keep these lessons with me until the day I am able to have my own students. I will teach them as I was taught: life is a grand tale yet untold, so write a legend of a soul that bore compassion for the world and its people. Thank you, Master... for everything that you do.