Tari and the Light

[moonshadows]

“You do not accompany your lord husband to service,” the priest says, concern evident on his kind face. “There are those – you must understand, your Majesty, I mean no offense – there are those who are concerned that you are a demon in human form or somesuch nonsense. May I administer a blessing to you to lay such fears to rest?”

“You may.” I lower my head as he chants, hands raised, and hide my scowl as the Light flows over me. “Are you satisfied, Father?”

“All doubts have been laid to rest, your Majesty, but in their wake more questions arise. If I may – since you have no inherent aversion to the Light, why do you not accompany the king and prince to service?”

I turn my scowl on an innocent tapestry. “I suffered things no woman – or man, for that matter – should ever have to endure. Where was the Light to comfort me then? To ease my pain, mend my wounded heart and mind? To even heal my battered body?” Expression cool and distant, I face the priest again. “In my hour of need, Father, only orcs stood by me. The things I suffered have forged me into a blade, and the spirits of my clan have given me their blessing because of it. The elements rose up to protect me, and the ancestors embraced and welcomed me when the Light withheld its comfort.”