Riverdew looked at the night sky, knowing that in a moon’s time, the hundred year star would show itself again. Nearly a hundred years had passed after Star had been born, and it was almost time for the new black foal to be born.
Riverdew didn’t care about the new black foal. She was worried about Star’s birthday itself.
“Oh look! There she is!” Cometflame hissed, shoving Riverdew. “The stupid mare who believes that Star was a Snow Herd pegasus!”
Riverdew was fed up with being bullied by Cometflame and his friends. “But Star was of Snow Herd decent! His grandfather was a Snow Herd pegasus!”
Cometflame snorted. “Next thing I know, you are going to tell me that Lightfeather was a Mountain Herd pegasus becuase her brother Frostfire was!”
Riverdew hung her head, embarrassed. While she wanted to change her beliefs because everyone thought they were wired, deep inside, she knew that she didn’t want to give in yet.
“Go home idiot!” Cometflame reared.
Riverdew walked back to her home, a small cave she shared with her parents, without looking back.
~
Riverdew entered the cave, hiding her sadness, something she had learned to do many moons ago.
“I have good news!” Riverdew’s mother, Petalflame, nickered.
“What?” Riverdew asked a little reluctantly. Her mom’s idea of good news was much different then hers. She shuddered, remembering once when her mother had organized a day for her and Cometflame to hang out.
“A messenger told me that your Aunt Lilypetal and your cousin Nightray are coming to visit!” Petalflame exclaimed.
Riverdew squealed in excitement. Nightray was her only friend in the whole wide world! He lived far away, in the Interior of Anok, and he didn’t get to visit often.
A pang of nervousness struck her heart. She hadn’t told Nightray about her beliefs. What if he found out? Would she lose her only friend?
~
Nightray flew with his mother, Lilypetal, heading towards Crabwing’s Bay, where Riverdew and her family lived.
He was so excited to see Riverdew again. She wasn’t his only friend, but by far the closest.
Nightray looked up into the sky, pleased to see the Hundred Year Star shinning in the sky. It was his favorite time of the year, and he got to spend it with his best friend!
~
After a few days of traveling, Nightray and Lilypetal arrived in Crabwing’s Bay.
“We’re here!” Lilypetal called in her squeaky voice.
Nightray swiveled his ears, listening for what came next. A squeal of excitement, the thumping of hooves, and the pounding of wings.
A moment later, Riverdew stepped out of the cave, her face flushed.
“Hi Nightray.” Her voice quivered.
“Hi Riverdew!” Nightray responded happily, but then he frowned. “Is something wrong?”
Riverdew was shedding feathers like crazy, and the tips of her wings were wet like she has been wiping away tears. She nodded quickly, a slight bit of panic flashing in her eyes.
“Why don’t we go on a walk?” Riverdew suggested.
Internally, Nightray shrugged. Riverdew would tell him when she was ready.
~
Riverdew’s cheeks felt white hot as she led Nightray away from everyone else. She was acting so silly. Nightray must think that she liked him or something.
But how can I hide it from him? Cometflame is bound to tell him sooner or later!
Riverdew looked into the distance, nearly gasping in shock as she saw Cometflame flying over the sea, but a closer look revealed that it was just a feather floating in the breeze.
I must be going insane!
Riverdew trembled, and Nightray looked over at her, worried.
“Are you sure that you are okay?” Nightray asked again.
No, no I am not okay. What should I do? Either way, I may lose my only friend. If I tell him, he will hate me like all the others. If I hide it, he will lose trust in me and also hate me.
After a moments pause, Riverdew had made her decision. “There is something I have to tell you.” She nickered, to Nightray, feeling the burden of the secret come off her shoulders.
~
Nightray sat back on his haunches, shocked. “This is what you were hiding from me?”
Riverdew bit her lip. “Yes.” She nickered. “Do you hate me now?”
“Hate you?” Nightray snorted. “Why would I hate you?”
“Because you think I’m weird.” Riverdew scuffed dirt with her hooves.
“I don’t think your weird.” Nightray nickered, his eyes soft. “Your my friend, and you beliefs don’t change that.”
Riverdew sighed, relieved, happy that she still had her friend. Nightray smiled back.
The two friends watched the birds soar over the ocean, finally at peace.
AWEEEEE! SO CUUUUUTE! :)
YASSSSSSSSSSS So good!!! RIVERRAY! Or NIGHTDEW?