Sailors

The new star appeared in the sky, outshining the moon and her Handmaidens. The people of the city spoke in hushed tones when they spoke of it, as if it would hear them. But I had read the ancient weaves. The Void Sailors were returning.

Tall they were, and furless, with ancient eyes. I knew they came from other worlds, circling other suns, so far away they were pinpoints at night. They would come to Hearth, every few hundred seasons, and choose a new servant.

I was lucky to be born at the right time. I had lived in hope of this moment from the first time I opened up the sacred tapestries. When the elders announced the news, I had long since been prepared.

My name was at the top of the candidate list. That night I watched the sunlight glimmer on gossamer wings, as the Sailors sent their emissaries down.

The day arrived! I surveyed the other candidates. I wasn't the oldest, but I was by far the smartest. We were led one by one to the chamber. I gazed into the eyes of the alien, without a trace of fear, or awe. I recited the life cycle of stars. I showed my understanding of relativity. I showed them the plot I had made, of Hearth, the Sun, and the Moon and Handmaidens.

I waited outside, breathlessly, for the response. The sun was high before the name was read. "Kirna Yarlsdotter."

Even as I heard her girlish squeal of delight, I felt the words come rushing out. "No! It should have been me!" I could see the elders rushing towards me. But the Void Sailor lifted its arm, and gazed at me with eyes older than time.

"The Void is a place of dreams as well as numbers. If your children's children's children can look to the stars with the wonder of this girlchild, then maybe they may sail with us as well." I watched the lights fade into the night, carrying away my dream.

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