‘NEATH THE LIGHT OF A GRATEFUL MOON
The
sun had set over Eollorah, yet no moon appeared.
“Our glorious moon has died of unknown
causes!” the townsfolk lamented. At the sea’s edge where their once-faithful Moon
had always hung like a lantern, they lit funeral candles, memorializing her
honorable service and friendship, then trundled off sadly, in search of new
light.
Only fairy Primrose, Moon’s nightly
confidant, remained unconvinced.
“Surely, Moon would have mentioned her dying,”
Primrose mused. Then, a faded moonbeam dappled the
water, “Moon’s in trouble! She’s left a clue to follow!”
“I’m strong! I’ll help!” A friendly Hipplegrath
volunteered.
Primrose and Hipplegrath launched a
boat and followed Moon’s thread-bare beam to the Shadow Islands, where ruthless
Straggaboolies abide.
“It’s dark here,” Primrose shivered.
Straggaboolie drums filled the air. Their cadence, mingled with magical chants
led to a clearing where Moon hung, wanly, trapped in an enormous net.
“They’re stealing her light!” Hipplegrath
whispered.
Rising to full height, Hipplegrath leapt,
bellowing from the bushes, scattering Straggaboolies like marbles. If loosed
here, Moon would rise to shine dimly above Shadow Islands, so Primrose severed
the anchor rope, trusting Hipplegrath to hold fast as Moon bucked the whole way
home, so ardently wishing to be free!
Within sight of Eollorah, Primrose freed
Moon, who shot straight into the sky.
The townsfolk rejoiced, “How did you
know she lived?”
~by taree Belardes
NYCMIDNIGHT 1st round 2019 Microfiction Comp.
Genre: Fairy tale or fantasy
Action: Attending a funeral
Word to include: "Unknown"
Word limit: 250
Time limit: 24 hrs.
(Honorable Mention 1st Round Micro comp)
(Honorable Mention 1st Round Micro comp)
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