Luna’s head jerked up as the sound of hoofs broke her out from her small island of grief and despair that taking a life had left her. Despite her fear of a renewed attack from the slavers, Luna found she could not move her legs, she was weak, tired and emotionally drained, her soul filled with a gaping void from the loss of her innocence. Eyes bright with tears she sat on the forest floor, moonlight spilling down upon her like a beacon and she looked up to face her on coming attackers with a hollow emptiness. The minutes stretched on as Luna gazed towards the noise with her face set and tears still flowing silently down her cheeks. Then she heard a sound amongst the hoof beats, a voice calling her name like a life line to save her from a stormy sea.

“Luna! Luna!” It was Illyce, riding into sight through the trees atop Goya and to Luna she looked like the knights of legend, glorious and noble, her face shining in concern. Luna found a jolt of strength flow through her like an electric pulse which allowed her to gain her unsteady feat and wobble over Illyce who had thrown herself from the saddle at the sight of her. For the space of a heartbeat the two made their way towards each other, Luna’s face full of relief and joy and Illyce’s bright with anxious excitement to see her again. Then their arms found each other, wrapped each other in a tight embrace sinking in weary delight to their knees Luna clung to Illyce like she was drowning. For a few minutes Luna nuzzled her head against Illy’s shoulder her voice ringing out in a combination of teary laughter and repeating Illyce’s name like a mantra. However the laughter and elation could not last long for Luna who after a few moments once again broke down into heartbroken sobs. Pulling away from Illyce she held out her blood soaked hands to show her knight.

“I killed him … I killed him Illyce … I … I didn’t mean too…” She gulped a shaking breath as her eyes were unwillingly drawn to the sight of his dead body, laying in a heap on the forest floor, the dagger glittering in the moonlight. Luna tore her eyes away and tried to explain herself. “I know … I shouldn’t cry … he tried to … to kill me … but … I never … never meant to kill him…”