Ch. 1: Goddess of the Dawn
The whole sky was alight with stars…-
I had awoken the son of the chief of the Toura nomadic people, Lian. At his invitation, I had come to accompany the tribe as they began their migration.
(The stars are so pretty…)
Lian: “Sorry. I couldn’t think of anything better to show my thanks. And as a result you’re forced into taking a journey you’re not accustomed to. I guess it’s not really showing gratitude in that case…”
OO: “It’s fine, and this is the first time I’ve seen so many stars. It really is beautiful…”
The stars I could see from here were so beautiful that I could gaze up at them for hours without growing tired of it.
While I stood there, I caught sight of a single bright star, giving off a brilliant red light.
OO: “What is that star…?”
Lian: “The Goddess of the Dawn.”
OO: “The Dawn?”
Lian: “This time of year, this is the only place you can see it. The Goddess of the Dawn…the people of my tribe are the ones that call it that. It is sacred to my people, and its light protects us.”
OO: “That sounds wonderful.”
Next to Lian, we both looked up at the starry sky.
OO: “Lian, thank you for showing me this beautiful sky full of stars.”
I smiled at him and…
Lian: “It’s nothing…I’m glad you like it.”
It was dark, and I couldn’t see very well, but I thought his face looked a little red.
Ch. 2: Lian and the Infant
For some time after that, we moved on with the migration, then finally arrived at a village.
Lian: “There, we’ve arrived. We’ll spend some time here.”
The village was quite peaceful, full of a verdant green and dotted with various homes.
The hills were cultivated into fields, and vast plains full of grass spread out around it.
Village Man: “Master Lian!”
The villagers approached us all at once, having noticed our arrival.
Lian: “Everyone, it’s been a while.”
Village Man: “It is good to see you well Master Lian.”
Lian: “We’ll be imposing on you again for a little…hm? That infant…”
Village Woman: “The child was born only a few days ago. I wanted you to meet, Master Lian.”
The village woman brought the baby close to Lian and…
Infant: “WAAAAAA!!”
Upon seeing Lian, the baby burst into tears and started crying quite loudly.
Lian: “……”
OO: “Ah…th-there! You’re a good little one, there, there.”
I panicked and comforted the infant, and somehow got it to stop crying.
Lian: “It seems it can relax with you.”
OO: “L…Lian, I’m sure it’s just hungry!”
I spoke out to Lian in a panic when…
Lian: “Don’t worry. It’s true that I have a frightening face.”
Lian looked at me kindly and put his hand on my shoulder.
Lian: “Well then…now, let’s see to the horses and sheep. How are the pastures this year?”
Villager: “W-well…-“
Lian: “…?”
At Lian’s question, a shadow fell over the villagers.
Ch. 3: An Uneasy Night
Lian: “Well then…now, let’s see to the horses and sheep. How are the pastures this year?”
Village Man: “W-well…-“
Village Man: “The truth is…before you arrived, another nomadic tribe stopped by the village…they pillaged our land and took our supplies.”
Lian: “…what?”
Village Man: “And their livestock devoured the grass in the pastures that was meant for you. We are so very sorry…”
Lian: “…no, it’s not your fault. More importantly, was anyone hurt?”
Village Man: “No. Somehow they left behind a small quantity of supplies, but they might come again…”
Lian: “…”
(Lian…)
That night…-
(The stars are beautiful tonight as well…but…)
Remembering the conversation this afternoon, I couldn’t find that sense of calm.
Lian: “So this is where you were.”
I turned and saw Lian making his way towards me.
Lian: “…”
Lian stood beside me and looked up at the stars without saying anything.
Slowly, the distance between us grew smaller, and his gaze turned from the night sky to me.
Lian: “…OO.”
OO: “Um…is everything alright?”
Lian: “Don’t worry.”
Lian looked down at me with a kindness in his eyes.
Lian: “According to the villagers, it seems the other tribe will return here in another week. We’re always reliant on this village. We can’t just let this go. And…I will not allow their plundering.”
A piercing light was there in Lian’s eyes.
OO: “…are you going to fight?”
Lian: “Yes. That’s why…I’m sorry for bringing you along all this way, but you must return to somewhere safe. I’ll make the preparations for someone to go with you.”
OO: “…can you win?”
Lian: “Yes, don’t worry.”
OO: “…I want to help.”
Lian: “Don’t be ridiculous. It’s dangerous.”
(I’m sure Lian will be alright…but…)
For some reason, my heart filled with unease.
OO: “I’ll stay. Besides, I don’t want to be a burden. Please, let me do something to help.”
Lian: “…OO.”
Looking up at the night sky, the first star to appear was colored red.
Yet it seemed to give off a dazzling light meant to encourage us.