Redhawk Caldera starlight

the north star, the constellations, the rings of fairyglow around springtime moons. the way that otters birthed beneath the great orb, the way that the voices of frogs changed by phase. the way that the winterbelts of sprinkled light changed with seasons, and now with spring, how much clearer they were.
she hugged seal close as the young woman prepared to depart, and pressed a small stone forward. on one side, smooth and ivory-hued. on the other, a deep blue was speckled with tiny bits of mica inside the rock itself.
"like stars. so you always remember," teya murmured, strangely moved as she stood back to watch seal go.
boris had gone. ponyboy had gone, though he had returned. bronte was next.
brecheliant expanded with blackthorn grandchildren and a new, younger leader.
teya held no anger nor resentment, nor wistfulness; it was as all should be.
where now, should her own wings carry her?