Smoke and fire surrounded her, the sound of combat filled her home as she ran haphazardly, trying to be quiet, trying to be unseen. She rounded a corner and saw her father at the other end of the hall.
She had never seen him so scared before, although the high elf had clearly attempted to put on a brave face, mouthing the words “run”.
Then the blade came through his center, blood staining his clothes and pale hair.
She had bitten her tongue and grasped her mouth with her hands, the scream in her throat barely muffled to a whine. Something wet was on her cheek, but she could focus as she ran further, fast as she could.
She suddenly was in some sort of catacomb, an infernal device spewing smoke and enemies abound. They were going to kill her, just as they had killed her family. There was a hiss at her ear, and she felt the scream come back, before something struck her own chest.
Mari woke in a cold sweat looking around in a panic, before she looked down to Orion, flapping madly for balance. She forced herself still, and immediately pulled the pseudodragon in for a tight hug, letting herself cry in the quiet. Yet Orion still seemed to fuss slightly, although less immediate as before, the creature torn between providing comfort and his intended purpose.
Hesitantly she released the creature, who gently pulled on the sleeve of her patched sleeping gown, and began to lead her quickly towards her small backyard. Despite the startled wake, her eyes still felt heavy with sleep. Mari was barely able to pull on her shawl to protect against the autumn night air but walked barefoot on the cold earth.
The tears and sleep were still in her eyes and she tried to figure out what on earth her familiar needed at this hour. Mari then realized that her backyard was now coated in a gentle and warm glow, a bit of sanctuary in the dead of night.
Her Godmother had come to visit.
She was of indeterminate age, looking at times barely older than Mari, to perhaps eons older depending on the view. In all of them she was beautiful, appearing as the form of a woman with golden skin, eyes like the night sky, and her head covered in a veil of constellations and starlight, while in a gown of gold and silver. It was here, sitting on a small stump in her yard that she seemed to shine above all.
Mari ran to Godmother, kneeling at her side before laying her head on her lap, wrapping her arms around her. Orion, nestled between the two.
“I’m so glad you’re here. I know you’re with me...but...but I missed you”
Godmother studied her ward carefully, putting a hand on Mari’s head.
I know, I hold our time together dearly, child. You’re doing so well, but what causes you so many tears?
Mari attempted to rub her tears away, and yet she could not stop.
“..I almost hit one of my friends yesterday with my magic, I almost did something evil. I...I wasn’t strong enough to resist that foul thing’s device”
Godmother was quiet, gently stroking her hair still in contemplation and to soothe Mari, before lifting up her face.
You’re still training, child, and there are dark forces afoot. However, your strike missed...perhaps something deep within you recognized that you were not surrounded by foes. Even if not the case, you would have not been evil if a blow had landed while that abomination gripped you. You fought valiantly...but unfortunately you will not win every fight...that does not say less about your character.
Mari sniffled a bit but considered her words carefully, hugging Godmother for a moment. “It reminded me of that time we fled home, it was so terrifying. I just didn’t want to be that way again, helpless”
You never were, and now you have a greater boon of strength. A community and friends who will aid you, and keep you on the path, as you hold them up as well. You are their guardian.
Mari nodded, sitting up now, and bowing her head. “Thank you, Godmother” She said, before Orion chirped cheerfully. Her Godmother smiled at the small creature, briefly rubbing its neck
Yes, you are a guardian as well, Orion, you are doing your duty diligently. A fascinating form you’ve chosen. Come, my guardians.
She rose, towering over Mari easily, and Mari moved to her feet as well.
I know not when I’ll be back, but I trust you two to continue your work here. You’re only going to grow stronger. Until then, pleasant dreams
It was then that Godmother faded into starlight, Mari noticed the mark on her hand had been glowing slightly in her presence, before Mari only felt the lingering light she always felt. She gently hugged Orion, looking out at the night sky.
“You too... love you”
And then Mari woke up to a bright and beautiful day, still in her bed.