Finally the second fanfic is out! Took a lot of doing this one. Anyway, if you're not reading my other fanfic I tried to write this story so that you don't necessarily have to read the other to understand what's going on. I mean there's a few references to the other story, but I bet you're a smarty who'll get what's going on without an explanation. For those who are reading my other story, things for joining me on this one too!

I don't own fire emblem.

Words Only the Goddess Hears

I killed a man today. Slashed his thick and sweaty throat with my talons and watched him gurgle to my feet. I savored it, enjoyed it, and spat on his wide-eyed corpse that looked remarkably pleasing painted in blood with that surprised look on his face. He hadn't seen it coming, but I had. The moment the pig worked to take my dear friend Reyson, his life was on borrowed time and I already knew I would be the one to take his last seconds.

The spineless Duke lacky wasn't the first human I've killed, I'm sorry, I shouldn't use that word anymore, but let's just say, weak flesh like his is not unfamiliar to the grip of my talons. But it wasn't his death that sticks with me, it's the words he muttered as his pitiful life ended.

They were something unnecessary, little more than a desperate cry for protection from a goddess he'd never seen. Something like 'help me,' or 'rescue me', I could barely register his exact verbiage over my own disgust.

Why the scenisism, you may ask. Why the contempt for the goddess who gave us our lives?

Because I'm not a priest, a senator, a saint, or some pawn to be moved about by the mere premise of a goddess who I believe is nothing more than a selfish creature no different from the rest of us. The goddess, and all her other companions, who bask in the worship of mindless living creatures, do little more than watch like indifferent bystanders.

Maybe you find this hard to believe, worship of the unseen deity is part of culture passed down for generations. The custom is strongest among the Beorc, but from the time I was a child, respect for the goddess was still instilled in Laguz young ones.

I was taught the history of creation, learned songs about the enigma we revered, though these never stuck with me. The opposite in fact. It's been a very long time since I believed in the goddess or the things called miracles that her worshippers swore by my whole life.

My faith was never very strong to begin with, but my life has taught me to not have any at all. I know the world, what it can and does do to a person. Along with that, I've seen what your goddess can and still won't do.

Many have told me I need more faith; to believe and beg from my heart for guidance by her hand. But I have. I've been chest deep in filth with nothing on my mind but a desperate plea for help of any kind. Smoke billowing before my eyes with a dangerous glow of a creeping fire I could not see, and my whole world lying limp in my arms. I prayed that night, prayed with words I didn't think I knew, with feelings I could barely formulate and only one wish that I wanted answered.

Yet those cries were not heard. There were no miracles to brag of that day. Only a hole in my heart that could never be filled and certainty that no heavenly entity can help you the way a pair of good wings can help; or legs and feet in your case, I suppose.

And that's how I've lived my life for all these years, because I'm not the kind of fool who needs to learn a lesson more than once. And I learned my lesson well, far too well.

There isn't a particular reason why this story should be told; but it's been running through my mind all day. Not that I could ever forget, but it's been forced to the front of my mind recently. Visions of my childhood, of laughter, and the days of my wild youth and young adulthood. I know it's hard to believe, but I was even less heedless when I was younger. Only one thing ever calmed me; or should I say one person.

I can still see her face clearly from that one night, our first night. A crown of navy colored satin splayed beneath my attentions and skin that gleamed like the nightly guardian from which she took her name, and lips that meekly called my name like it was a prayer that only I could answer.

I used to feel like a god under her heated gaze, completely unstoppable. I know now that my illusion of invulnerability was far from the truth. Of course hindsight is the best kind of vision. Although at that time, I needed better than hindsight, I could have used Janaff vision.

But back then Janaff was young too. We were both eager kid hawks in a rush to go anywhere and be anything, at least as much as our wings could take us through. He was a nestling with me and was under the command of our former king.

Almost a century ago we were bright eyed and reckless as we dove below clouds daring each other to push our bodies to the limit and see who would turn first before we hit the ground.

That's what young hawks did then. We dared one another and pushed ourselves to the limit. Phoenicis has always been a land that trained warriors from youth. My people are the strongest of the birds and that was our pride and glory that was instilled into our hearts from birth.

As we were traveling I had breached the seam of a thick cloud, it dusted my wings with moisture, and let out a high screech as I stripped of my hawk form. Janaff was close behind, laughing hysterically at my expense as he shifted and wrapped his hands around his gut.

I glared venomously at him, Janaff was a poor winner but I was an even worse loser. The harder I scowled the brighter his laughter became. I began to charge him with my fists already balled up before Tal grabbed the collar of my olive tunic, easily stopping me mid-charge.

"Let go of me Tal." I'd squirmed and kicked in the way any twelve year old boy would who was too proud to let anyone control him.

Tal wasn't the kind to be intimidated by a few small hawk fists being thrown around. He was six years my senior and every much a boss as any older brother could be. Of course why wouldn't he be? Tal was fast, strong, the secret, and not so secret, desire of every female hawk in my country. He was a self-assured broad shouldered, sandy haired hawk that couldn't be told that he was destined for anything but greatness.

Not that I resented my brother; quite the opposite. Tal was not only admired by other hawks but by myself as well. He was on his way to be king as far as I or anyone else could tell.

Well, technically, I was also in training to become the king of Phoenicis. Our country doesn't choose kings by birth right; the strongest become rulers to ensure that our leader can fulfill his obligation to protect the land and people.

For that reason each king would pick three to four nestlings, in a span of about ten years, to be brought up under his tutolage and raised to take his place when the time came. The king at that time, King Garik, was a strict and firm ruler who focused on tradition and history. And he was picky, he'd only chosen two candidates to be king. Tal and I.

I'm not sure why I was chosen. I was unruly, undisciplined, and relatively small compared to the other hawks. Most people in Phoenicis were sure that I had no chance of surpassing Tal; not that I was bothered by their comments, I honestly didn't think I would either.

But my king saw something in me that not I or anyone else saw, because he favored me for the position above my very, almost annoyingly talented brother. So despite my misgivings I preformed my tasks to the best of my ability and with minimum snarky outbursts.

At least with the king, I should add. With my brother, it was a different story. I fought with Tal as often as I possibly could.

"Stop struggling or I'll deck you across your head Tibarn." My brother had warned.

His threat did not chasten me, it only stirred my desire to fight more. I swung my foot back violently and clipped the edge of his knee. With a sharp grimace through clinched teeth Tal released me and I flew away with a taunting laugh.

He might have yelled something at me, I don't remember all the particulars, but I do remember the sharp sting across the back of my head. True to his word, Tal had overtaken my escape with ease and knocked me clean across the back of my skull with vengeful accuracy.

It hurt, badly, and black spots danced in front of my eyes like a swarm of bees on the offense. I managed to look indignantly at my brother's toned figure that was flying in front of me as he was shaking his head disapprovingly.

"What's all this about?"

Tal looked ashen at the sound of our king's voice that was both a question and a demand. He turned at attention as Garik flew up to us three hawks, Janaff had joined a few moments earlier, with his arms folded over his chest and a typical severe scowl under his shoulder length auburn hair that he had combed back away from his face.

No one spoke to meet our king's address. But he stared us down purposefully. Tal finally cleared his throat, Garik would not be denied, "I was just getting ahold of Tibarn." He cast me a menacing glance, "He was acting out again."

Garik brought a hand up to stroke the copper colored goatee he wore. He made a low thinking sound before turning his head to look at me. An eyebrow arched in demand of a response from me.

When I didn't answer right away the king took a wing beat closer to me. Before I received a well-deserved tongue lashing from Garik, Janaff placed himself in front of me. He managed to look sheepish. "It was my fault. I was teasing him because he lost a game of chicken to me."

"Is that so?" The question was poised to me but after my silence Janaff answered again.

"Yes sir. It was just a little fun that we were having." My tan-winged friend shrugged with a guilty smile, "Harmless hawk fun."

Tal clicked his tongue, "You guys are too old to be playing games like that." He looked at me sharply, "Especially you. You might be king someday Tibarn, you can't afford to get yourself hurt by playing these silly games."

I clicked my tongue in annoyance. If I wanted to play a game I would play it. "What's it matter, everyone knows you're going to be king anyway Tal!" I blurted venomously, tired of the interrogation and scolding that I was receiving.

My brother actually blanched at my words. That was the first time I'd said something to make my brother look so pallid. He actually had nothing to say in response and I regretted saying what I had because it sounded too much like I was bitter. That wasn't true of course. Being the king, just wasn't an aspiration of mine. Seeing Tal rule was just what I had expected to happen and I was happy to support him.

But Tal didn't like when anyone said that. He was definitely an advocate of the best candidate ruling Phoenicis; be it me or him. In fact, of the few people who thought I had some potential, behind my stubborn and rough exterior, Tal was the most adamant.

I tried to soften my last outburst, "I'm just saying what everyone thinks."

Tal opened his mouth to same something more but the king was there before our brotherly squabble continued. "Enough of that. You're both candidates that I chose which means either one of you is completely capable." He looked pointedly at both of us, "You aren't doubting my decision?" With one eyebrow raised, daring us to defy him, Tal and I tightened our lips. No one questioned the king further and the subject was dropped quickly.

Garik looked past us and squinted at the three other hawk attendants following behind us. He made a disapproving sound, my King wasn't a fan of those who lagged behind and he was very strict about arriving at places in a timely manner.

I'd turned over to look at the growing wings as the men drew closer to us then back at Garik who was already flying away from our group. It seemed that his patience had met an end and he was ready to continue despite my childish outburst.

My brother gazed at me with a scowl, but whatever scolding he was thinking about giving was lost in the sigh he blew out before he followed after the king. Janaff made a similar expression as my own confused one and then shrugged cheekily.

That's right; you're probably wondering where we were all flying to at that time. We were going to the home of the herons. As part of every king candidates training, we were required to spend at least six months in Serenes as a learning process. Kings were to be well educated and balanced and the hawks often made trips to the Serenes forest; at least every few years, for something like cultural exposure.

When I was young it didn't make sense to me to fly all the way from home to a forest of weaklings. At least that's what I thought then; the stories of the heron homeland had been passed down and exaggerated all throughout the mountain peaks of Phoenicis.

My own mind was probably the worst. A young 12 year old mind had a way of taking a small fact and expanding it into a new world all on its own. The herons were weak cowards who hid themselves from the rest of the world behind a maze of overgrown trees and grasses.

That was the only impressions I was able to form. Of course I'd never been to the Serenes forest; but for a hawk who'd been raised in a world where strength and fighting skills were everything, I was in no hurry to rush to a land of birds who couldn't defend themselves. Especially not to learn philosophy that couldn't do anything to build my young muscles.

But I couldn't disobey the king or his whims. So I was on my way, begrudgingly, to the forest. Causing a little trouble with my childish games against Janaff and the mild bickering with Tal.

Not that the trip was entirely unpleasant. I loved the open sky and the feeling of wind between my feathers. Going to Serenes meant I could taste a new sky and see more of the world.

And that day was exceptionally beautiful. Clear, with a horizon that went on forever it seemed and a blanket of azure above my head with a smattering of clouds that washed over our wings like a cape.

I hardly noticed when the ocean below us morphed from its teal to sandy shores than to a lush and vibrant forest green. "I can see the middle alter!" Janaff shouted with his hand over his eyes as his excellent sight brought into view a world unseen by the rest of us.

My king grunted in acknowledgement and picked up the pace of his flight. I had to take a deep breath, the extended flight had drained me a little, and hustled to keep up with Garik and my brother.

Janaff was lagging a little, probably distracted by something he noticed beneath the hazy cloud of trees below us. I checked on him and watched his quick eyes shimmering excitedly and found that there was an inkling of anticipation growing in my own mind.

Soon our group had dipped beneath the tree line and we were weaving between robust and crooked branches. You'll remember, of course, that my first visit to the Serenes forest was long before the massacre and the fire. All the legends of its unmatched beauty were completely true.

I think I gasped, or possibly yelped when I could see through the outstretched branches. Maybe I was more surprised because I always thought that nothing could match the high reaching peaks of my gold dusted mountains or the majestic bow of copper cliffs etched by the gurgling waves of the sea below our marble homes. I was very wrong.

A lush landscape of every varying hue of green burst before my eyes like a shifting colidiscope of emerald and chartreuse that took the forms of trees, bushes and ferns. What light could break through the net of thick greenery above us descending hawks was sprinkled over the ground that was heavily carpeted with ripe colored grass and any myriad of flowers more vibrant and lively than the sun.

Birds and insects were singing and chirping and mixing with the alluring and pungent smell of oak and pine that practically wrapped you in invisible arms. I was hardly aware when my feet met the inviting crunch of the healthy grass as I spun to see a forest that was as alive as I was, moving and breathing, as I was.

"Tal! Tibarn! Look sharp!" Garik barked in our direction, not bothering to address Janaff. He rarely did; Janaff wasn't a candidate to be king and so he rarely received the king's direct attention. Although he also didn't' receive the king's ire either. Janaff was a hawk I'd chosen personally to stand by my side if I became king. If any commands were given, I gave them to him.

"Yes your majesty." Tal responded quickly as he dusted a stray glossy leaf from his golden strands.

Our king looked at both of us grimly, obviously mulling over the words he was going to say. He then folded his arms over his chest and started scowling, "Now things are a little different here where our heron brethren live. King Lorazieh is a personal friend of mine."

I snorted haughtily in disbelief; how could herons be friends with hawks? We were fundamentally different in every possible way. Garik noticed and turned sharply to me, "Behave yourself."

Even if Garik hadn't been look directly and distinctly at me when he spoke those words, I would have known the warning was for me. Of the three young hawks within the king's prescense I was the most likely to cause trouble.

I gave a flippant shrug, and despite seemingly non-compliant gesture, Garik visited the subject no further. My brother, however, discreetly flicked the back of my head as the king turned. With as much venom as I could muster in my face I glowered at him as he tightly mouthed the word, 'brat.'

Then we were walking instead of flying. Easy, unhurried steps in the enamoring forest that was teaming with such life and sound that we almost didn't hear the arrival of two birds from behind us.

Janaff and I were quick to be defensive; young and hot headed, we were eager to find a reason to fight someone. But our zeal was stifled by the large and strong hands of our king that were placed over our shoulders to suppress any unwanted actions.

Once Janaff and I had sized the situation up we realized that our readiness to fight was out of line. Emerging from beaten path, lined with bushes spotted with small crimson berries, were two bird Laguz.

Their thin bodies that delicately strolled, practically gliding, over the grass startled me. I'd never seen a heron with my own eyes and my imagination had not done them any justice. I expected crippled and limp but what I saw was a bird every much as proud of its own feathers as I was of my own. Weak though they might have, and they certainly were by the look of their underdeveloped muscles, there was an ease in their body and movements the boasted of a confidence that could match my king's, or Tal's.

"Prince Rafiel!" Garik began in a firm but warm voice, "It seems you've come to meet us; but you didn't have to come all this way. I know where the altar is without a guide."

The bird named Rafiel had wings as white as a first snow and skin a gleaming ivory to match. His young face was set with eyes the color of ripe honey dew and a veil of lightly waving long hair the color of morning sunlight. His cloths were as pristine looking as his luminous skin. A deep white, maybe pearl, colored robe with long netted sleeves that were covered in emerald piping that complemented the sapphire ties and tassels that kept the flowing material closed went down and to his feet.

I think I started gaping at this point in my introduction and, unable to reign in my impulses, blurted, "You're a boy? You're prettier than the girls in Phoenicis!"

Janaff snickered, Tal grimaced, and my king thumped the back of my head. I shot Garik a surprised glare. I hadn't meant to speak out of turn but what I'd said hadn't been untrue. The prince before was nothing like the hardened and muscular men I'd grown accustomed to seeing.

"Forgive him Rafiel, this young one has a tendency to speak without thinking. I'm hoping a few months here will cure him of that." He then raised his eyebrow skeptically at me, "Though, maybe not."

Finally the prince spoke and interrupted the feud between my defensive face and the king's disapproving expression, "No it's quite alright." His voice was calm and soft, almost like a whisper, "I assume that this is one of your king candidates?"

Garik grunted in response and the prince smiled warmly at me; seemingly not disturbed by my outburst.

"This mouthy child is Tibarn and this is his brother, Tal." Garik placed his hands on each of our shoulders and nudged us forward in introduction.

Tal was quick to offer the right kind of pleasantry by bowing slightly, "It's a pleasure to meet you your majesty."

From the corner of my eye I could see Tal glaring at me in a silent demand for me to follow suit. I made a disgruntled sound before offering an awkward dip of my head and a disgruntled hello.

"And your friend?" Rafiel questioned with a glance toward Janaff who was a short distance behind our group. I looked up at Garik who returned my stare with a bored one of his own. It told me that Janaff was supposed to be my servant, and therefore, my responsibility.

I spoke with little enthusiasm, "This is Janaff. If I become king, he will be my right hand."

Janaff brushed his bangs down quickly and bowed abruptly, lower than I or Tal had. "Your majesty." He murmured shyly.

"And what of your men, Tal?"

My brother looked temporarily uncomfortable, a rare sight for someone so on top of things, "They fell behind a bit. My men, Steel, Jock, and Russel, should be arriving shortly.

At the mention of those names Janaff and I exchanged a quick secretive glance where I scrunched my face in disgust and he mirrored my expression. We both felt equally underwhelmed by Tal's choice in companions. To us those three birds were known only as, Lazy, Dumb, and Squinty. The king cleared his throat and frowned at us after noticing our expressions, but there was little malice, he was of a similar opinion about the 'stooges,' as he called them. Despite that, he signaled for us to show respect with a sharp flick of his eyes. We did as we were told but made one amused pump of our eyebrows before retraining our attention on the prince.

Rafiel, content with all the introductions given, inclined his own head with a regal delicacy I had never seen and his eyes sparkled happily as they arced along with his mouth. "It's a pleasure to meet you all as well. I'm glad to have found you so quickly."

"How did you find us?" Tal questioned as he gestured toward the dense forest, "It seems difficult to maneuver in this place."

"My Abba and I were taking a short stroll when the forest informed us we had guests." He nodded to the heron standing silently behind him, "It wasn't hard to find you then."

"The forest told you?" Tal said without the ability to hide his disbelief. Rafiel did not respond verbally but nodded his head with gentle grin.

Garik laughed as he shrugged and crossed his arms, "Don't question it Tal. There are some things only the herons understand. I'd just take his word on the matter."

Tal nodded slowly like he understood that the matter would have to be left alone. I however was much less interested in a talking forest and more so in the bird that was like a shadow behind the prince.

The heron had navy blue wings and hair to match that was braid all the way down his back. He was standing wordlessly with his hands clasped tightly as they rested on his gray colored robe. I wondered why he hadn't spoken a word since he and the prince had arrived. "What's he doing?" I asked gruffly.

Tal opened his mouth quickly, probably to scold me for my abrupt and mannerless speech, but Rafiel shook his head gently. The prince gestured for the bird to come forward and the heron obeyed immediately; keeping his eyes trained on the ground beneath his feet. Rafiel placed a hand on the small of the blue bird's back, "This is my Abba, Zuke. (Zoo-kay) He is my oldest and dearest friend."

"He doesn't say much does he?" I chirped sardonically.

Zuke's head lifted slightly and I could see him shiver uncomfortably and his cheeks flush a little. But his response was brief as he shot his gaze downward again.

"Indeed." My king began with a dangerous twinge in his tone, "Perhaps you should learn from him Tibarn."

There was a promise and a threat in those words. I knew I'd do better to drop the subject. "No I don't mind; it's nice to have such lively visitors." Rafiel commented.

"Is that so? You may get sick of it very quickly." Garik responded dryly.

Rafiel let off a short trail of hushed laughter; Zuke looked at him like he was insane. "I look forward to it your majesty. Now, shall we head to meet my father?"

"Yes, I've been eager to see him."

Rafiel looked pleased and he pointed ahead, "He's just ahead if you'll follow us." The prince glided past us hawks, bringing the scent of pine with him. His companion avoided walking between us and scurried after the prince without a word.

Janaff and I exchanged eager glances; finally we were moving again. "Straight ahead?" Janaff asked as he squinted through the trees.

I knew why he was asking; he was thinking what I was thinking as we saw the prince turn slightly and nod. Our voices rang together excitedly, "Race you there!" we said and charged through the grassy terrain.

Tal called after us in weak protest, "Don't leave on your own. You'll get lost." But we were already past him; forming another competition. Our boyish laughs sang past by prince Rafiel who looked genially at us as we disappeared into the bushes, "Don't worry, if they get lost, the forest can help us."

Maybe my brother sighed or rolled his eyes, but Janaff and I were long gone, focused only on our current battle. We weaved and crossed each other, over branches, under branches, catching the tips of each other's wings.

I was breathless as the leaves rustled past my wings, excited and still bitter from last defeat. I caught Janaff's attention as he ducked below some low hanging twisted vines. With a confident smirk I taunted, "You're going down Janaff!"

"Not a chance!" he retorted with equal confidence. "And you know why?"

I snorted through my nose haughtily, but responded to his goading, "Why?"

Janaff spat out his tongue, "Shortcut." He quipped before turning sharply to my left and out of my sight.

I moaned in protest and turned around to see where he had disappeared. Then I said something fowl under my breath. I cursed his good sight that had shown him a quicker route than the one I was on at the time. "That's cheating Janaff!" I growled, but he was already out of the range of my voice. With a rough grumble I turned sharply to regain some headway on a race I was sure I'd lose.

But my progress was stopped abruptly when I collided head first with a branch that had the nerve to sling me roughly in the opposite direction. I hurtled through twigs, leaves, trunks, crashing into every tree on my way to the ground.

My body ached in protest as I landed harshly flat on my back. I groaned as I slowly opened my eyes to see the sky above spinning like a top. My hands flew to my face to let my brain catch up with what I was seeing.

When the urge to throw up subsided I eased myself up and squinted through the clearing. Crossing my legs below myself, I shot my hands through my disheveled hair angrily, upset that I had definitely lost to Janaff again.

Slowly and gingerly I turned to get my bearings of the surrounding area. I could tell what was 'straight ahead' anymore. As I scanned the forest I caught a glimpse of something and realized that I was not alone.

I yelped on instinct not in actual surprise. Squatting in a patch of bright yellow lilies was a girl who leaked to be a few years older than me. She was resting on her knees with a woven basket at her side and her hand still inside it as if I'd disturbed her in the middle of her task.

That was the first time I saw her, and I remember that first impression as clear as I remember a memory from just a day ago. Long straight hair that lightly brushed over the flowers where she sat with one lone braid in the front that fell sideways and was tied with green bow. It was the color of twilight, a rich blue matched only by her ebony eyes, tinted so deeply that I could swim in them.

She drew her hand from her basket and eased it into her lap and flexed her navy wings tightly. "Hi." I said uncomfortably as I made a short wave.

The girl didn't respond to me; she offered me no more than an expression that was made both of curiosity and suspicion. It didn't seem like she would run but I could tell she wasn't eager to get any closer to me.

Wanting to break the silence I attempted to draw her into conversation, "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. This branch just came out of nowhere!" I threw my hands up, "Seriously, it had like some sort of vendetta against me." I laughed lamely at my own joke.

Again the bird didn't answer, only tilted her head. I cleared my throat, not used to be stared down for so long. With a short tug to my unruly brown hair I tried to look anywhere but her. "Anyway…" I began again with obvious unease, ready to make an exit, "You wouldn't happen to know where the middle altar is? When the tree…uh attacked me…I kind of lost my way."

Finally after an agonizing pause, she responded softly but firmly. Unfortunately I couldn't understand what she was saying. She spoke with words I'd never heard in my life and only then it dawned on me that the herons spoke their own ancient language. I could understand prince Rafiel, but I didn't know how fluent the rest of the herons were in my mother tongue. It wasn't like Zuke had spoken at all.

"So, I'm guessing you and I don't speak the same language." I offered with a sigh. "Which means you probably don't understand what I'm saying."

She said something again but it was lost once more. "That's just perfect." I complained, "I guess you guys either don't talk or we don't speak the same language."

I breathed out through my nose and leaned back on my elbows in resignation. If I couldn't find my way to the center there was no point in moving around and getting more lost. Janaff would find me eventually; that's what I was hoping for at least.

Suddenly, as I was on the verge of falling asleep, the sharp voice of a child came through the tress. My eyes shot open just in time to see a pair of white wings running by me. "Abba!" the child called.

The girl stood quickly, no longer immobilized by her fascination with me, and rushed to the boy with blonde hair. With her arms out the white heron jumped into her protective embrace.

She held him closely in her chest while stroking his golden hair that went just passed his chin. With a gentle sweeping motion she brushed a lose strand from in front of the birds large peridot eyes, but it rebelled and fell back into place right in the center of his forehead.

With eagerness the heron rattled something lively to the girl before letting out a childish cheerful laugh. She smiled gently at him and said something back that calmed the boy. Then he turned in her arms and looked at me. A wide toothy grin spread over his face, "Abba…" he began as he pointed at me while he went on another long tangent.

Her response was calm and short and the little boy seemed content with what she'd told him. He squirmed in her arms until she let him down, though she watched him attentively. His little legs ran toward me as he laughed and then he stopped breathlessly in front of me.

In his little voice he said something that I could only determine was a question, though not the meaning. I raised in eyebrow in question and then shrugged, "Sorry little man, I don't know what you're saying."

He frowned and repeated the sentence with more vigor and a small frown. I was at a loss and my face must have showed that because he began to speak louder and faster.

"Reyson." The girl called firmly. The little boy stopped and turned to her with a pout. She shook her head gently and said something softly to him as she approached us. Her hand went to his hair and she stroked it affectionately.

He chirped something back happily then grabbed my hand insistently. He wasn't strong but I stood to appease him and let his little hand guide me. "Abba!" he called to the blue heron and finished his sentence with an imperious tone.

She inclined her head and went to retrieve her basket. "Hey wait, where are we going?" I called in confusion. He didn't respond with words just a short chuckle and kept pulling me. "You're a forceful runt." I lamented but didn't fight.

"He's taking you to the altar." I heard from behind me.

I looked and saw it was the heron behind me who had spoken. She had already gathered her basket and was walking with that same gentle ease as Rafiel. When she passed me she took the child's other hand, "That's what you wanted, isn't it?"

A grin stretched across my cheeks, "Well yeah! Of course! You're really saving me kid." I rubbed my hand through my hair in relief, "I would have had to hear an earful from Tal if they had to come find me." And then I chuckled for a short bit until I had a sudden realization.

I stopped dead in my tracks and the blue and white herons pulled ahead of me. "Wait! You can speak my language!" I shouted as I pointed accusingly at her.

She turned slowly with her eyelids cast coyly downward and offered me an amused smile. I couldn't do anything more than stutter at first until my brain could overcome its shock, "Why didn't you tell me before hand?" then I mumbled, "I looked like an idiot."

"You didn't ask." She responded succinctly.

There wasn't anything I could say in protest. I knew people who could turn words against you and that talking only made it worse. With a defeated sigh I smiled; I should have asked.

"Well, now I feel like a jerk" I said and laughed, "Anyway, since you can understand me, my name is Tibarn." She let the words sink in but said nothing in response and started to turn away from me.

"Hey!" I called with my hand stretched toward her, "Aren't you going to tell me your name?" I asked feeling oddly flustered and embarrassed.

"You didn't ask." She said in her soft voice; that if I focused on made me think of a thousand butterfly wings flapping.

I bit my lip, chagrined after falling for the same trick for a second time. But I let my pride go, "What's your name?"

I'm glad I found the nerve to let a little nettling go because I was rewarded with something worth my embarrassment. She covered her mouth and giggled softly before flashing a sweet and playful smile that made my mouth dry. Her fingers then ran through her hair and pulled it completely away from her dancing dark eyes, "Luna. My name is Luna."

I was temporarily dumbfounded. I had to look away to gain a fraction of composure, "Well, it's nice to meet you." I said as I scratched the tip of my nose. "Luna." I added at the end, savoring how her name felt on my tongue.

Luna's eyes crinkled and she smiled warmly, "It's nice to meet you too, Tibarn."

And that was it, the start of the greatest and worst parts of my life. I think there are people out there who call it fate, or my destiny, or wheels of life that can't be changed. Of course you know that I don't believe in any other worldly forces being the master of me. I know for sure, that if I could go back and stop myself from meeting her that day, from speaking to her, or hearing my name called in her velvet voice, all the pain we both suffered wouldn't have happened. But although I'm sure of that, I'm even more sure of this fact, if there were wheels of fate, they'd already started turning, spinning, and barreling, and couldn't be stopped; because the moment she said my name, my Luna, I was already in love.

Thanks for reading. I'll be updating my other story next. Reviews and thoughts always appreciated.

PG