Moondance

" Don't worry little one, I have no desire of the flesh. I never have and never will. Now go gather a bunch of berries, then pull in that net. There will be fish in it by now." Still feeling odd Moondance did as told, but only because she knew that he was right and in many ways she was still a seven-year-old child.

After Moondance packed the berries and smoked the fish, she brushed her hair, which was half-dry now. She braided it then put out the fire and stretched in the light of the twin moons. She lay down with Blackmoon near her in order to wake her in the morning.

Moondance's sleep was restless. She dreamt of her parents and of all her happiness with them, then all turned to fear, fire, chaos and destruction. Moondance jolted out of her sleep screaming and crying for her parents. Blackmoon instantly became an elf and held Moondance as she cried herself back to sleep. He remained in this form all night.

Slowly the sky became purple then pink and yellow as the triple suns began to rise.

" Moondance, Moondance it's time to wake up." She shifted.

" Not yet poppa. I don't want to get up." Blackmoon couldn't help but laugh, which woke her up.

" Oh Blackmoon. I'm sorry."

" It's okay. I'll step outside while you get dressed." Moondance asked for soft pants, soft-footed boots, a large shirt and a cape. The bag produced black pants and brown boots, shirt and cape. It also produced a strange looking vest.

" Blackmoon what's this? I didn't ask for it." He smirked.

" It is to keep your breast from bouncing all over the place and becoming sore. Wear it as a regular vest." Still puzzled Moondance shrugged and went to dress.

Soon she returned fully dressed and feeling awkward for some reason. She picked up the water skin and slung it over her left shoulder. She then placed Blackmoon on her right hip. It felt natural as if she had always carried him there. She then put the bag of holding on her back. With everything done and the fire out they left the site and began the journey to find civilization. Moondance walked on and on for about eight hours before she stopped to eat and rest.

" I wonder what planet we're on, or what galaxy we're in. I wish I had some of father's maps." As Moondance reached down to put her food away the bag fell over and three of her father's maps fell out. She looked them over reading the labels out loud.

" Let's see, Desert Planets, Mountain Planets, Green Planets. This is the one." She put the others away and looked at the list of planets. Not a one had triple suns or twin moons. Blackmoon sat in silence knowing she would never find this planet on the map. Moondance disappointedly put the map away and gathered her things.

As Moondance walked on she made mental pictures of all the birds she saw. She didn't see any other animals but she heard them running away as she walked on. Moondance looked up and saw that the triple suns would soon be down so she speeded up her pace. In two hours she cleared the forest and was about to begin across the field.

" Stay near the forest. Set camp over there for tonight." Blackmoon stated.

" Why are we stopping now? There's still at least two hours of light. I can get close to those hills if I hurry."

" NO! We camp here tonight. Please don't argue. Just rest. Those hills as you call them are mountain tops and a lot further than you think."

Moondance was learning not to argue with Blackmoon. She didn't realize how tired she was until she sat down to eat. It was dark before she knew it. She ate two fish, some berries and some nuts she had seen some birds eating. Then she went to sleep.

She slept easier than the night before. This time her dreams were not of death but of life and friendship. An elf befriended her and gave her food and shelter. She introduced Moondance to her mate and their friend.