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Chapter 4 - Chapter Two: Ni

Lage stayed on the ground until nightfall. When she opened her eyes she was greeted by the shining sky. She marvelled at the beauty of the night sky. 

Slowly she got onto her knees and bent her head low to the ground.

"Father," She whispered, "I'm all alone, I miss you."

She looked up at the stars and saw one streak across the sky.

"There's so much work to do here, Father," She said, "I don't know how to do it alone. Please help me."

She waited, wishing to hear his voice, but she heard something else instead. 

Quiet footsteps padded toward where she sat.  She looked around to see a figure half-hidden. It wasn't either of her sisters. Whoever it was was watching her from behind a rock.

"You can come out, I won't hurt you," She said gently.

When the figure stepped out Lage gasped. She had only ever seen her father, never a younger version. This being was young like her.

Lage smiled softly at him. Under her breath, she thanked her father for sending him her way.

"Hello," He sounded uncertain, he kept fiddling with his tangled hair.

Lage bowed her head, "I am Lage."

He returned the gesture, "I am Ni," He said quietly. 

His skin and hair were a rich green. His eyes glowed softly and Lage felt a flutter in her chest.

He stood padding from one foot to the other.

"Come, Ni," Lage said softly, "Would you sit with me?"

He nodded with a shy smile.

The two sat under the stars looking up at the sky.

"Where do you come from?" Lage asked.

"The ground," He replied, "I was awakened by the stirring of the soil."

"I come from the sky," She said.

She studied his face and noticed a faint burn mark on his skin.

"You're hurt," She reached for his cheek, "May I?"

He nodded.

She held his face in her hands. They began to glow and slowly the burn mended.

"Thank you," Ni said quietly, "You are kind, unlike others."

Ni stood up and closed his eyes. Around Lage the ground seemed to open and large plants began to grow, they formed a roof over her. Ni walked to one side and the plants parted, and then the whole structure hardened.

"You shouldn't have to be alone outside," Ni said, "This is my thanks for your help."

Lage marvelled at what Ni had created. The small structure was warm and cozy, Lage put a hand to the ground growing herself a bed of moss.

She watched as Ni headed for the door.

"Wait," She called. She could already feel the loneliness coming back.

He turned back to her.

"Stay," She said.

He stopped in his tracks.

"Are you sure?" He asked.

She nodded expanding her moss bed.

He lay next to her and in her chest, she felt a spark. Little flowers began to bloom all over the house. They stayed together side by side all night long until the sun rose again.