Evenstar and Shadow

   Drowning. He was pulled down by the current. He knew not where he was, nor how he came to be there. Where were those who he loved? Should there not be someone to save him? He cried out, though he knew that none would hear him.
   Dreaming. She walked along the bank, lost in her own world. She heard a cry, pulling her from her fantasy. No longer in her own world. She reached out her hand, begging him to take it, hoping that he would.
   Giving in. He at first heard nothing. Or perhaps he did not truly wish to. He heard her pleas, the fervent prayers of a stranger. He did not know this maiden, why did she care? Who was she to call out to him?
   Pleading. She watched him, pulled down by the current, “Take my hand, dear stranger, all is not in vain. You are no longer alone, I can help, I shall ease your pain.” Tears stung her eyes, beseeching him to take her hand.
   Struggling. He saw her tears, saw that she cared. He took her hand, so small and delicate, and held to her. He held her hand, striving to stay above the current, striving to break its grip. He held, though he did not understand why.
   Pulling. She held him tightly, her small hands strong beyond their size. She pulled with all her might, endeavoring to break the river’s grip, begging him not to let go. She was not sure why she cared so, but she knew that she must hold on.
   Free. He sat beside her on the bank, their hands still held tight together. Looking to the friend he thought he would never meet, he wondered at her. “Dear friend, what is your name?” he asked, his voice returning with a new strength.
   Smiling. She gazed at him, still unsure of why she felt such a desire to hold on. She gazed intently into his eyes, searching out what she knew in her heart. “Evenstar, and what is yours?” she asked him, her voice soft with love.
   Wondering. He stared at her, marveling that one such as her could love one such as him, marveling at his healing wounds. “Shadow.” He replied with a grimace, though he thanked God for her gift of a new life.

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