Prologue
Racial differences have always been a problem in the town Luna grew up in. It wasn’t a surprise if there were occasional looks of hatred or fear at one another in the streets. She was lucky she was able to conceal her true identity from this cruelty of opinion and words, but it is unfortunate for her own daughter.
Midnight was born differently, where her hair was a dark shade of blue, and her eyes shone like the afternoon skyline. Since she was an owl shifter, a blue owl is extremely uncommon, almost impossible, which is where Luna worries.
Every day after school, her daughter would carry a sense of dread on her poor little face, and when Luna would ask about it, Midnight would break down crying instantly.
“Why am I so different and weird, mommy?” Midnight would sob through tears.
Luna took a moment to collect her worried thoughts, kneeling to brush away her daughter's tears. “You are not just different, my little star, but you are special, and far from weird. And even if others can’t see that, then you should know I think you look absolutely beautiful, no matter what.”
She states this very sternly, finding that Midnight had barely even made any friends. She only wondered about all the possible options to help her daughter with the ongoing problems.
This didn’t help seeing Midnight’s father refuses to even interact with his own daughter the majority of the time.
Luna noticed something rather sad, though. No matter how disconnected he was, Midnight was always determined to find a way to have him regard her with any sign of love or care. He, however, shed none. She would draw or paint him pictures, tell about how she accomplished a recent goal, or even try to hug him, but anything she tried, nothing seemed to work.
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Today, it was a warm day in Autumn, and Luna wanted to take Midnight out to a field to train her flying since her youngling plumage was shedding, her flight feathers were just growing in.
She watches as her daughter shrinks down to a young owlet and hops up on the fence. It took Midnight a second to balance herself on the perch before glancing up to her mother.
“Alright, I want you to try to keep yourself aloft for as long as you can,” Luna states as she stands up near the fence. “If you are about to fall, I will catch you.”
She sees the confidence and determination build in Midnight’s little blue eyes. Without any hesitation, her daughter stretches her wings and flaps in a frantic horizontal motion. Luna would be nearby, encouraging Midnight to keep her body straight and wings slightly tilted to help stay in the air.
It took a few attempts before Midnight was able to keep aloft for about a whole minute. Once she landed, panting, Luna clapped.
“Amazing job! You stayed up for a whole minute! At your age, owlets and other fledglings struggle to even get up in the air at all. You are really proving to them that you are capable!”
Midnight fluttered over to Luna’s arms before shifting back, clinging her arms around her mother in happiness. Luna had a sense of pride, knowing her daughter was getting stronger by the day.
“Again!” Midnight piped, and Luna chuckles.
“Alright, one more, but don’t tire yourself too much, you have your first training lessons with someone special later today,” Luna notes.
Midnight nodded her head excitedly before she jumped down from her arms and went to hop up on the fence once again. Before Luna could say anything, her daughter was already in owl form, ready to go. Luna chuckled again as she got into position to catch Midnight if needed again.
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Luna took Midnight through the side path of the town towards a section of isolated houses on the outskirts. Her daughter was happily skipping along, singing in a sweet, high-pitched voice. She had to smile as she adored that her daughter picked up on her own talent of song.
"Where are we going, mommy?" Midnight would ask for the fifth time now.
"You will see, my little star," Luna would repeat as she grins.
They finally reach the house, which was covered with overgrowth on the sides, and a large field in the back, having a few straw bosses set up. An older elven gentleman was waiting on the side of the house, waving to the two as they approached.
“Good afternoon, ladies,” he grins in greeting, once they were in range. Luna noticed Midnight blinking up at the man in curiosity. The older man also took notice. “You must be the newly grown warrior, Midnight, eh?”
A flash of surprise and happiness shone in Midnight’s eyes. “Yes!” she squeaked.
“This is Valas, or Mr. Rotoris. He will be your teacher,” Luna introduces him.
“Hi!” Midnight piped up.
“Now, shall we start our first lesson?” Valas announces as he puts his hands behind his back.
“Yes, yes!” Midnight answers, bouncing over to the field where the range was.
Valas watches her hop over as he leans to Luna. “She has your jumpy personality when you were a tad younger,” he reminds with a grin.
“Oh, Mr. Darris,” Luna groans, rolling her eyes with a smile.
Luna made sure to say goodbye to Midnight before leaving. She would come to retrieve her daughter before sundown. She was generally happy that Midnight was excited to learn new skills, but it was finding new friends that was the challenge.
Luna took a breath. She had to stop being paranoid. As much as Midnight was sensitive to the criticism of her appearance, she was a strong girl at heart. It was hard for Midnight to be mean or cruel, considering all the situations she had to go through.
“Because she is a great and wonderful girl,” Luna reminded herself out loud. “I just wish someone could understand her as I do.”
Luna would make her way to her work, which was a small farm that contained fruit trees, ground crops, and vine crops. She would take the time to collect the soon-to-be-ripened produce and set it in the basket. As she did, she thought about whether to approach Midnight’s father about possibly moving her to another school. Luna remembered having that sort of conversation with him a while ago, but he merely said that she was fine where she was, and all that mattered was that Midnight was getting the education. She generally did care that Midnight would get the proper education, but her feelings also mattered to Luna.
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Luna arrived at Valas’s house after she had done the work for the day. The sun was reaching the horizon, so she came to retrieve her daughter from the first day of training. She noticed Midnight attempting to steady the arrow on the bow of what seemed like the hundredth time, considering the number of arrows scattering around the target in front of her. She smiles as she comes to the field and watches as Valas continues to fix Midnight's form, holding her arm gently.
“Aaanndd…..now”, Valas gestured.
Midnight released the arrow, but it shot a little too far to the left of the target. She pouts when she lowers the bow.
“No worries, youngling,” Valas assured, “This takes much time, patience, and dedication.”
Midnight’s gaze met Luna’s as she beamed. “Did you see me, mommy?” she pipes up.
“I did,” Luna gives her a soft smile, “You did absolutely wonderful, but Mr. Rotoris is right, it takes time to master this sort of thing.”
“I want to be as great as him!” Midnight hops into a spot.
Both Valas and Luna chuckled at Midnight’s excitement and determination.
“Thank you for doing this,” Luna ushered Valas, who nodded in regard.
“She is definitely one to master this in no time, for how well dedicated she is, even through her losses,” Valas reminds her.
“Well, I did say she could come here every day after school if you like,” Luna half says to Valas, peering at Midnight.
Midnight’s eyes widen like two big moons, “Really?!”
“Of course, I know I am old, but not that old. I would love to teach you, Midnight.” Valas grins.
Midnight celebrates by hopping and skipping around Luna, humming happily.
“Well, I need to bring her home, she needs to sleep for school tomorrow. Say goodbye, Midnight?” Luna gestured.
“Bye, Mr. Rotowis!” Midnight mispronounced his last name, but he could only chuckle and wave them goodbye once they were off.
On the way home, Midnight couldn’t help but explain all of the things Valas taught her, even in as much detail as she could provide. Luna enjoyed listening to her ramble on and on, as it distracted her from the outside worries. Midnight was such a wonder, a brilliant little soul that was too precious and kind to wither away.
