Aurora's Tears. Chapter 4. The Shadow of Lior'vaen.
The aurora was calm that evening. Wide ribbons
of light drifted across the sky in slow, patient
arcs, painting the cliffs of Luminara in hues
of silver and pale blue. To most, it was a comforting
sight. To Sheerith. It felt like a held breath.
She stood alone in attention, within the grand
chamber of the Liora Saen, or the Tigress's Eyes,
the head chamber of the Scout Division. At the
far end of the room, Captain Ethorn stood with
his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze fixed
not on her, but on the dusk sky beyond the open
archway. Sheerith cleared her throat. Sir. The
captain finally turned around, noticing her.
Thank you for coming this late in the twilight
hours, Sheerith. He said slowly approaching the
wooden desk between them. Sheerith remained still.
Of course, sir. Ethorn's sharp eyes settled
on her. I need you for a specific mission starting
at sunrise. You have more than shown your abilities
on the field. I need that light once more for
this task. Sheerith looked to the ground in slight
confusion. She didn't realize she had been noticed
by her captain or by her team at all. I know
you've seen for yourself the human bandits on
our borders, he said calmly. Sheerith's ears twitched
subtly. It hadn't been a week since she faced
down the rogue bandits on her watch. You must
not speak of this to anyone, Sheerith. The bandits
have become organized, strategic, and worse.
Their efforts are becoming noticeable to the
people. Sheerith's eyes became sharp as her stripes
pulsed to glow brighter. I need eyes on this
matter, Sheerith, he continued, but not eyes on
our borders. At the heart, the city of men. Sheerith
stood frozen, but from her lips escaped. The
Vanira'il Saiyan. Yes, the captain echoed. The
Towers of Light, the capital of humankind. They
are holding a large festival that will be easy
to disappear into. I know this has given you
little time to prepare, but Lior'vaen needs its
defenses strengthened. The flame of man has reached
our doorstep. Diplomacy has gone on for months
now with no further light. It is time for us
to look to our own claws. Sheerith gave a salute
and a slight bow of respect. Remember, Sheerith,
not a word to any. That is an order. Understood,
sir. I can't do this! Sheerith was pacing back
and forth. Zorith had been waiting for her near
the outer walkways. He was leaning against the
stone rail, arms folded, eyes following Sheerith
as she quickly darted left and right. You have
that look, he said. that one that means you're
about to disappear. I can always come with you.
Sheerith stopped beside him. I have orders, and
no, I couldn't let you do that, she said, and
she rested her head on the stone rail. He sighed
softly, clearly in deep thought. So, Zorith said
at last, Vanira, the great city of men, it's
temporary, she said, though the word felt fragile.
Zorith glanced at her with an eyebrow raised.
Please be careful, Sheerith. Humans burn bright
and are chaotic, especially if it's the Festival
of Firelight. Humans and flames are a proven
messy combination. Sheerith smiled faintly. I've
never really been around humans. You think they'll
be weird around Felora like us? He chuckled.
Just keep to the shadows. Stay quick on your
feet. and they will never see you coming. He
said as he nuzzled his forehead against her shoulder.
You are a Shadow of Lior'vaen. You can do this.
They stood together in silence, watching the
aurora ripple overhead. When you return, he said
warmly, bring me something from the great city,
like a trinket or a coin. Sheerith nodded with
a smile. I will. Their tails intertwined. Hours
passed. The morning light always seemed the brightest.
Sheerith looked to the northeast towards Vanira.
No ceremony. No fanfare. Just a lone figure walking
north beneath a sky that never darkened. This
has been Aurora's Tears. The story continues.