Space

All that could be heard was my weary whistling. An offkey rendition of The Maiden of Coranis whose melody was now strewn about the swaying grass in pieces, courtesy of my empty chest. Only starlight fell on the prairie tonight; my lantern's oil had long since burnt away. Before me, many more miles of lazy green waves gently lolled in a silent breeze. Behind me, many miles of the same. In vain, I unfolded my map once more and hopelessly tried to find myself amidst the endless verdant sea. Despite my exhaustion, I urged my aching legs to push forward: movement was all I had left to fend off the night's frigid chill. Shaking steps pressed onward.

"Tomorrow she leaves from the harbour." My fading voice muttered.

Foolishly, I hoped my tenacity would be rewarded with fortune. A shepherd's hut, a farmhouse, even an animal den: just somewhere warm I could rest. Or at least somewhere I could stop repeating the melody. If I ever escape these forsaken pastures, not even the greatest bards of the Empire could ever please me with this song again. Or perhaps I would hold it fondly, should it keep me safe tonight. Regardless, my luck remained as useless as ever. Acres upon acres of untouched grassland spilled out beneath the deep black sky. Even in the darkness, their lush green is still unmistakable. I suppose this would not be the worst place to die.

"Her sisters watch on by the sea."

Ralome cannot be far now. It was surely impossible to miss, with its many lights and sprawling vineyards. Yet doubt began to entrench itself in my heart. Above, I could feel the stars glaring down, imploring me to use their radiant constellations to find my way, but I knew better. I had heard the tales. So long as I kept walking, I would eventually find a road. When I found a road, I could find an inn and then I would finally be safe. For a few brief moments, my whistling was enthusiastic, until raspy coughs snatched its tune. A moment of whispering silence. On every God that is true I prayed what I heard was the delirium of a sleep-deprived mind.

"Tomorrow she leaves from the harbour."

The words fell from my lips like curdled milk falls from the glass as I pushed them from my lungs. This deep in the plains, there was no trail left by man nor beast to follow. Scratching grass reached above my waist and grasped at my neck. Irritated, I clawed at my skin to sate the itching, rubbing the skin red and raw. In my frustration, I failed to notice a small mole hill ahead. My ankle buckled from an awkward step and pain shot through my aching leg. With a grunt of pain, I fell to the ground.

"This sunrise seems fainter to me"

Gasping and groaning, I laid on the floor. How long I was there I cannot say. Perhaps seconds, perhaps hours. But as I opened my eyes and rolled to my back I saw the cosmos above. Glistening nebulas and sparkling constellations illuminated the sky. Vibrant hues of scarlet and amber tumbled across an otherworldly expanse of muted indigo: beyond the sky, where even Gods feared to tread. I was enraptured by their beauty. My eyes traced their many shapes: the Witness, the Hangman, the Guilty and more. Each one stared silently back with a gaze that pinned me to the earth.

They were honest. Without words they laid their intentions bare. Out there, where all is cold and dark, they offered light and warmth. When those divine few plunged us into shadow, they offered us light. Where we must plead and beg for decades to gain their attention, the stars sought after mine. Together, we could be something special. I felt my aching body and weary heart. Abandoned and alone, it would be foolish not to welcome their aid.

"Tomorrow she leaves from the harbour,

a stranger's bride she will be.

Queen of o'er horizon,

Muse of my sympathy,

A new life before you, so bid me farewell

A line in the sand and a chorus of bells

Your father's forgotten, your sisters as well

But I'll always remember that sweet pretty belle."

As the chorus died on my bone dry lips, silence enveloped me. I drew a deep breath of the cool night air and turned to the stars. I knew they could see me.