Canary
"And that's Iter Spinosum." Nebula explains as she points at the tapestry of light she's created. We lie on top of one of the upper roofs. She's showing me stars and moons. Astrology is craft created by Lunarie. They do everything according to it - rituals, blessings, bring decisions. Parents even make sure to birth their child in certain sign, if possible.
"And what does that mean?" I ask, hands under my head as I lie on my back, enchanted by the stars that do not exist in this underground realm.
"Fae born in this sign are hotheaded. Heroes of their own fate. Yet, they do not believe in fate - they deny it, but fate is exactly what leads them. Sha'ai knows exactly what it's doing when it leads them through thorny paths."
I never understand all the wacky beliefs Lunarie hold. They believe in multiple gods and goddesses, often related to stars and planets. Sha'ai is a great snake that decides on the fate. Or well, it doesn't decide - it is fate itself.
I don't believe in fate. I wish I did - maybe then all of this would be more endurable, if only I knew there was some grand plan set for me, for all of us… but I don't. My brother, however, is a staunch astrology-believer, even if he had never seen those stars he thinks decide his life path.
"What sign is my brother?" I ask. I already know I'm some Beatus something Bovi something. It doesn't matter much to me.
"When is his birthday?"
"Second athos of Libate."
"He is an Anguis."
"What does that mean?"
"It's the sign of goddess Anguis. Goddess of burdens. She holds entire Vilaria on her shoulders and is never allowed to move, for the entire planet might fall into despair. She carries it dutifully and does not complain - she silently endures all the burdens of our world. When fae die, they meet her, and bow to her, to thank her for her efforts. In the Court of Stars and Moons we pour libations to her every Saturday, when the world was created, to keep her strong with our faith and offerings."
"Ah," I nod.
"Is your brother worrying you?"
"It's just business as usual." I don't plan to tell her about all the rebels he's been hanging out with. "You know that he is delusional. I just wish he'd grow up."
"I don't think that's matter of growing up." She patiently smiles and looks at me.
Whenever she looks at me I feel goosebumps, butterflies flying in my belly. I wish so badly to touch and kiss her, but I cannot. I work in the mines and she is a Lunarian delegate.
Marriage between fae isn't common, but it's not forbidden or anything. It's, however, social suicide. Halflings are never accepted, by neither family of the parents, or the societies they grow up in. Except in the Court of Sand and Fire, the domain of Salamanders. I've heard they're very accepting. No wonder many fae decide to risk their lives in the cruel desert just to live in peace.
Personally, I don't care for such prejudices. Duna, a half-Kobold-half-Salamander is pretty cool, if I had to admit it. She works as a foreman and I enjoy when she is on the duty. Her wings look pretty neat too - meaty bat-like Kobold wings burning with fire.
Part of reason why she isn't allowed in the mines themselves. If there is gas and she spreads her wings, we will all die.
No. That's why Canary goes first. Me.
With my excellent sense of smell combined with the curse of finding ores, I am the leader… though just in sense of me going first. I am no leader in any other sense. It has been a couple times I've fainted as well; and I'm sure it would be more profitable to get me off that horrid duty. What use are my talents if I am unconscious? But Kamia has something against me, and I'm not sure what.
Maybe it has to do with my eldest brother. Who knows.
He's escaped this dreadful place.
Would I escape?
I'm not sure. This is my home after all.
"Nebula?" I inch closer to her.
"Yes?" She smiles at me, her eyes bright like those stars she speaks of.
"How do you withstand it here? I mean, you are far from home… Far from the night and stars."
She laughs. "Why do you think I'm far from them? They still exist and watch us from the surface. I can never be alone, Canary." She puts her hand on mine.
I feel sparks run through me. I wish so badly I could kiss her - I wish I was brave enough. Maybe I should take my chance and-
Just as I am about to lean over and finally do it, an explosion goes off in the background.
Debris falls around us, burying us under rubble.