A Star's Element - 4. Proper Introductions?

Luno

Why must that dragon be so smart? I mean obviously he can’t boss me around like I am his own child, but he pretty much did!

He did not say much but I know he decided to ignore me for running away from the human with the horns on his head. It’s not my fault he looks scary.

This whole time I thought I was talking to a spirit. I wanted to blame mother for allowing a human to get in here. What if he tries to hurt me?

I immediately make that thought go away.

Mother is strange but she keeps watch of all gateways into the Sanctuary. If he wanted to do harm, she would have kept him from getting past the portal.

The man is tall and wide. Scary muscles and even scarier clothes. He constantly has an angry look on his face. I hope I haven’t offended him.

He has the prettiest blue eyes I have ever seen though.

They are just so bright and it makes me think of the skies. I love the sky.

The man also has strange horns in his hair. They are dark and scaly looking. I think they might actually be attached to his head.It’s the same horns that were on the tiger.

Well...of course they are. He is the tiger.

His skin is pale and has bright pink scars all over his face. They slip under his leather armor.

I believe his whole body is the same. Then again, his arm doesn’t have any scarring. It isn't covered by any armor but I won't judge!

His hair is a dark brown that is choppy and swept backwards. His bangs would probably hang over his eyes but he keeps a bandana wrapped around his forehead on to keep them up and off his face.

He won’t tell me his stupid name!

“Please?” I lean forward on the bed and pout, “I told you mine when I first met you!”

“Yeah well, you were stupid to do so.” He crosses his arms and continues to glare at me.

“You’re mean,” I frown. His gaze goes up to my hair and then he sighs.

“Fine,” He rolls his eyes, “It’s Tobias.”

“Oh! That’s a nice name!” I smile.

He just snorts, “Yeah I bet it is.” He rolls his eyes and look out towards the autumn trees.

“Well Tobias,” I get up to stand in front of him.

I have to look up. He’s a bit of a tall one.

“It is very nice to meet you!" I extend my hand.

I think humans still greet each other this way. I hope so or this will just be awkward.

He narrows his eyes at me, almost like he thinks I am going to do anything. He ignores the handshake.

Ok then!

“Now; I can heal your leg and then you should leave.” I give a tight smile.

He makes me nervous.

He just raises an eyebrow at me. “What if I want to stay? You going to hurt me?” He teases.

I wrinkle my nose and shake my head.

“Why would I do that?” I walk back to the bed and sit cross-legged. “If I am healing you then I wouldn’t want to hurt you.”

He looks at me as if I am some annoying child before shaking his head.

“You are the stupidest person I’ve ever met.” He says. “You are just going to let me,” He points to himself, “a stranger, stay in your house? What if I were to attack you?”

I have thought about that. Plenty of times since seeing him shape-shift.

“If you were going to attack me, wouldn’t you have done it by now?” I say, my voice cracking.

I cross my arms and raise an eyebrow to seem more mature. I feel my eyes starting to water.

Dammit! Why am I acting so weak?

He lifts his hand as if he is about to say something but he just opens and closes his mouth for a second. His eyes widen all of a sudden and he pulls an evil grin.

“Oh yeah? What if I decided to tell other people about this place? I know plenty of people who would just love to get their claws on a place like this.” He smirks motions his hand out to everything behind him.

I don’t say anything for a moment; just sit there and start trembling with fear.

“Why would you do that?” my voice shakes. I lift my arm to wipe at my eyes. “C-can you please leave now?”

Stop crying Luno!

Tobias stands in what looks like shock; almost as if he is surprised I am crying. That probably is the reason in all honesty.

Gods I am an embarrassment.

Enfi flies down from her nail and lands on my knee. She leans forward to rub her head against my cheek. I push her away gently.

“I’m fine, Enfi.” I sniff.

She chirps before turning to Tobias. Her wings begin to spread and fire begins to bloom on them.

I quickly grab her and hug her to my chest.

“No, Enfi! Do not hurt him!”

I manage to calm her down but she hisses at Tobias before flying back to her nail.

Tobias looks a bit scared. I guess that serves him right.

“Please leave.” I whisper. I turn away from him and just stare out my window.

A few of the creatures are hurrying to their homes.

Mother is supposed to make it night time soon.

Why did she allow this man to come into the Sanctuary? He clearly doesn’t have good intentions.

I don’t hear his boots move to leave. He is just standing behind me in silence.

“Please don’t tell anyone about this place.” I say over my shoulder but don’t really look at him. “It’s the only place that is safe for everyone here.”

I feel a tear fall and wipe at it in anger.

My first interaction with a person in years and I am crying? I guess I have a good reason but still.

I am acting weak. Mother will definitely say so later. I wouldn't really blame her.

“I…” He whispers, “I wasn’t actually going to tell anyone anything.” I turn to look at him.

“You promise?” I frown.

He sighs before nodding.

“I promise,” He says before he catches my eye, then he shakes his head. “You really shouldn’t just trust random people that you meet.”

His glare returns.

I just shrug. “I haven’t met anyone in forever.” I poke at the blankets that cover the bed.

The sky behind Tobias begins to slowly fade it’s yellows and blues until fades into a purple and then it slips into a pretty dark blue.

Thousands of stars pop in and then they twinkle. Not a cloud in the sky.

Where clouds once were over the winter section, instead there is an aurora of colors that wave around in the sky.

Green and pink lights begin to dance together.

Tobias turns to look at the sky. There was a hint of a frown when the sky changed but when the lights in the sky came out to play, it vanished.

He finally looks at me again. His expression is no longer the glare but instead it is something more warm. Almost friendly.

I smile at him.

He blinks before the glare is back again and he turns his gaze to the floor.

“I wouldn’t mind any of that healing.”

I bounce out of bed and grin. “Ok! Just lay down on the bed.”

Tobias steps back when I move towards him but he quickly dodges to go and sit on the bed.

“It’s just my knee and down.” He says before kicking his boots off and rolling his pants up.

I was right about there being scarring everywhere.

Strange how there is not a single one on his arm.

Perhaps that is his best arm?

I could always lie to myself and say he got those scars from tripping into a thorny bush but I am not stupid, as much as he apparently thinks I am.

He is a warrior. A scary warrior with horns.

He was right about there being fresh scars from his knee and down to his foot.

A zigzag of scary red lines travel around his leg.

It is kind of pretty but I know how he got the scarring so it makes my stomach feel all queasy.

I open my hands and concentrate on things that make me happy.

Avric’s cuddles, Setunya’s clumsy messes in the Sanctuary, and I shouldn’t forget cute Kulu with his numb tongue.

Poor thing has never had control of it. No matter what I do, I just can’t seem to bring the feeling back to him.

It is probably bad that I think it is the cutest thing ever.

The thoughts bring the magic to life and then my hands begin to glow. It is a soft yellow light that I make sure warms whoever I am healing.

As soon as I bring my hands to Tobias’ leg, he gives a sigh of satisfaction.

Well at least I know my healing still works on humans quite well!

“What is this place?” He says around a moan.

I can’t help but giggle at that.

He gives me another of his glares that immediately makes me shut up and keep my eyes on his injury.

“It is a Sanctuary. Like I said. Multiple times today,” I smile to myself.

And he said I was the dumb one!

“I know that, idiot.” He grunts as my hands fidget a bit, the magic cuts out for a second.

I quickly whisper my apology and he continues talking.

“I was asking what kind of place this is. Why are there so many creatures here and why are you here? Are you alone?”

I purse my lips before talking.

“That’s a lot of questions.” I say before glancing up. He just rolls his eyes and wait for an explanation.

“Why do I have to tell you anything about me?” I turn back to his stupid leg.

Tobias doesn’t say anything. Just a small awkward silence.

I try to stay silent. Honestly I do. I just hate not talking when there is someone other than me in the room. I get bored so fast and I almost always have someone to talk to. None of them ever complain. Well, not to my face at least.

“It’s just a place for creatures that want to hide from the real world.” I say and smile at my progress. I am just halfway done now.

“I pretty much offer them safety and then they stay with me. Spirit creatures usually try to find their way to me. I think the animals spread news about my Sanctuary!” I grin and glance up at Tobias. He is just staring over my head.

I wait for him to say anything but he doesn’t so I continue.

“I am just like all of them I guess. I want to hide from whatever is out there.” He looks down at me finally. “I...used to want to go out there. I did go out, actually. Mother told me it would be a bad idea. I just wanted to meet other people, you know?”

I glance down and see I have finished.

I lean back and pull a pillow to hug.

“So what made you decide to stay here?” Tobias asks as he inspects his leg. With a nod he turns back to me, waiting for my answer.

I bite my lip, “I...well, I met people. Some very, very mean people.” I reach a hand up and pull on the curls hanging over my forehead. “I also met two nice ones. They are... or...were-” I frown at the memory.

Well, memories.

Memories of Viktor fill my mind. He was just the absolute sweetest. He was a small flower that was hidden in a bush full of thorns. He and his little sister, Monie. Little Monie. Just a small bundle of sunshine.

I loved them. I still do, even if I am sure they would not care for me now. I wouldn't blame them for it either.

I haven’t thought of them in a long time. I miss them greatly. I also feel the guilt beginning to grow again.

I killed them. I hurt them too much. All because of me being...well, me.

If I had just stayed in the Sanctuary then I never would have ruined their lives.

Mother says it wasn’t my fault but I do not believe her. I know it was my fault. I felt the anger that was boiling inside of me. It had wanted to lose control. It did lost control.

Never again.

I will never make that mistake again.

Now that I am thinking about it, I wonder what the village people are even doing. No doubt they are celebrating everyday since I’ve been gone.

They hated me. They had called me a demon and wanted me dead.

I am not a demon. At least, I like to think I am not. Maybe those past deeds were demon-like. I sure felt like a demon. Do demons even have feelings? I doubt that they do. Maybe they are just-

“Luno?” Tobias’ voice cuts into my ears.

I blink twice before looking up.

“Yes? Do you need more healing?” I paste on a smile and move to sit on the bed. The wooden floor was hurting my legs a bit.

Tobias looks at me, or glares rather, for a few seconds before shaking his head.

“Are you fine in the head? You are possibly the strangest person I think I’ve ever met.”

I grin at that. “I am happy to take that title then! Now, would you like something to eat? Drink? Are you sleepy? You can sleep on the bed if you want.”

He raises an eyebrow at that. “On your bed, eh? Wouldn’t that be weird if we shared a bed?”

I just give a small confused smile. “Of course not! In fact, my bedmates should be on their way.”

I smile and glance behind me.

Sure enough, I see a few creatures making their way over here. Avric is sprinting faster than anyone.

The big old sweetie!

I glance back at Tobias and see his eyes widen in fear. I can’t help but snort at that before turning to bring some blankets out from under the bed.

~~

I decided to let Tobias take the bed with everyone.

Much too crowded, and I usually love the cuddle party.

Avric can’t really fit on the bed but just sits with his back against a wall.

I decided to sleep on his furry lap. Kulu and the horse sprites decided to join me.

Avric’s belly pushes on my head with each deep breath he takes. I would probably laugh and end up tickling him to have a tickle war with him but instead I don’t feel so happy right now.

I haven’t thought of that little village in a long time. Varen was its name.

Of course I could never forget that name. It has burned into the back of my mind; constantly there if I ever think of Viktor and Monie.

I swear if I close my eyes, I just hear echoes of their laughter. Then I would see their faces.

They both had blonde hair and brown eyes. Freckles were absolutely everywhere. Every time I think of them, I just see their smiles.

They never seemed sad when they were around me. I know that they were happy even before I met them, yet even with the other village people sending us dirty looks, they still smiled.

Of course, thinking of them just makes me think of their faces burning away like paper.

I frown and turn to look out the window behind Arvic. I can’t really move because I have Horse Sprites resting on my stomach and legs.

I rub my fingers along one's head and they squeak in their sleep. I smile before turning back to the window.

The stars twinkle, but I know that is not at all how real stars twinkle. I barely remember seeing them before, but they don’t twinkle. They just kind of...shine.

I love watching the stars. They get to forever fly in the sky.

I wish I could do that. Flying makes me happy.

Yeah that should work. I should just think about flying.

I close my eyes and pretend Arvic’s breathing is the wind rushing against my face.

It’s a bit smelly but hey, it doesn’t kill the vision!

No never mind. This isn’t working anymore. All I see when I close my eyes is smoke, fire, and Viktor.

I open my eyes again and glance at the bundle of creatures on the bed.

The polar bears have decided to join me tonight.

Well, I guess join Tobias tonight.

A baby cub has decided to curl under Tobias’ arm. I smile at the sight.

Tobias doesn’t glare when he is sleeping. For once, he doesn’t look quite as scary. Maybe even handsome. I just don’t understand why he has horns.

They make him look scary. Why would you want to scare anyone when we can all just have little cuddlefests like this?

Arvic snorts in his sleep and a small bit of snot begins to drip down his nose and into his mouth.

His tusks keep his bottom lip open so he is stuck eating his snot.

I cover my mouth with my hand to not wake him from giggling. It wakes Kulu, however.

He lifts his head from my chest and looks up at me with his small black eyes then tries to stick his tongue out. It flies out and swipes onto his eyeball.

I can’t help but snort at that.

After helping push his tongue back into his mouth, I move Kulu to wrap around my neck. He loves sleeping there. I think it’s because my neck is warm?

Once he sleeps there, nothing can wake him.

Pretty sure if it weren't for me, he'd be dead.

I don't blame him. He can't help that he is so helpless.

He falls asleep and I turn back to the bed.

Tobias’ hand is slowly scratching the little cub’s fur.

Oh my gods! So cute!

I guess the big scary man is a softie after all.

I really shouldn’t let his rudeness mess with me. It is probably all an act to scare people off.

Hmm, I will just treat this as a game then. I will try and get Tobias to like me! I am sure he could use a friend. It must be lonely just walking around out there by yourself.

Why was he out there anyway?

I frown at that.

He isn’t a spirit animal so obviously he wasn’t trying to get to me. Yet, he did come out to me. Perhaps it was just a chance encounter? I doubt it honestly.

You don’t just meet random humans that can turn into pretty white tigers.

What if he is like me and just isn’t human?

I have heard of werewolves, but those are just human’s who made a bad deal. Maybe Tobias is a human who made a good deal? Not that werewolves are bad!

Well...I’ve never met one so to me they aren’t that bad.

I’ll just have to ask him tomorrow. That is, if he will even answer my questions. He’s a weird one.

I glance down at Kulu and see he has fallen asleep with his tongue over his eye again.

Silly snake.

I pull it off gently and try to go back to sleep against Arvic’s warm fur.