Constellations

A few had truly glimpsed what half of her body had become. What had occurred since she’d twined herself with Fortune ever closer. She was so much stronger for it, but that always came with a balance to check it. But this night, that held such wonder in those who had gathered’s eyes was the perfect time for her to stop hiding it and truly embrace it. Giving her feathers one last smooth over, Manaia took one step forward into the night air and gazed appreciatively over those who had gathered to celebrate and tell stories and just generally be with each other without fear - which mostly was organic and not orchestrated by Manaia’s own hand for once. Quite a large gathering had made their way and booked their stays at Moon Glow, it would seem a island separated off the mainland made for a relaxing spot to sit with loved ones and new friends and stare up at the stars. The resort’s lights had all been dimmed or turned off and just a few scattered  light sources gave a soft glow to the area where visibility was at its lowest. People were laying around and on top of each other, everyone seeming to bathe in the serenity this serendipitous event. Whether people actually cared that it was caused by a monster at the right moment was hard to see, even more whether they knew their host had a significant hand in slaying that monster. Her fingers gave a little twitch as she thought about the power that monster had held, what it tasted like. The magic within gave a tug at the prospect of tasting such power again - Manaia shook her head to rid herself of the thoughts and bring herself back to the present. Under the evening sparkle, she walked out proudly, her ceremonial robe of deep royal blue stitched with small twinkling stars hiding most of her left side, but her face was bared to the world and in the deep light it might have seemed like it was reflecting the sky above, swirling with the same deep hues and glittering miniature stars. As she walked the masses, she could feel their stares, but where she might have expected gasps of horror all she could see was awed looks in her peripherals. Something akin to nervousness held her back from looking at them directly. 

Finally at the front of those gathered she turned to face them with a sweep of her robes and let them have their whole look. With a commanding, passionate voice she welcomed them all and thanked them for choosing her humble resort to enjoy the grand phenomenon above them. Then sweeping her left arm out she gestured to the older looking person next to her, announcing them with their well-renowned storyteller credits and let them take the floor to entrance everyone with the great stories that were virtually unfolding above them while she took the seat they had occupied, letting herself be immersed just as everyone else was. Though a tendril of her magic did snake out beneath those sitting on the ground, testing for any unwelcome thoughts. (525)