That was my mother. Always working. She was the top Archivist in Caelestis, responsible for maintaining the village records and history manuscripts.
Delani and I had been visiting the library since we were young, but only I stuck around long enough to assist my mother in her work. I enjoyed the quiet that the archives offered, and often used the space to write in. Delani, on the contrary, had no interest in manuscripts and quilling.
My mother pulled us into a deep hug, then stepped back, letting us go and directing her attention to just me.
“Happy Birthday, my star.” Her red lips curved into a smile as she unfolded my palms and placed a small black pouch into my hands.
“You didn't have to get me any?—”
She cut me off, “It's not every day that you turn twenty-one.”
I smiled and accepted the gift, working my fingers to undo the knot of silver ribbon tying the pouch together. I peeled open the bag and pulled out a silver star pendant, dangling from a dainty chain. It shimmered when I held it up, swirling in tune with the wind.
“It's beautiful,” I praised, marveling at the gift.
My mother took the chain from my hands. She brushed my hair to the side so that she could clasp it around my neck. She backed away when she finished, and I clutched the necklace against my chest.
“It's absolutely perfect. Thank you,” I voiced my appreciation.
Though she smiled at me in acknowledgment, I could see the sadness in her eyes. My birthday was always difficult for her. The day was just another reminder of how I never knew my father.
She rubbed my shoulder for a moment before letting her hand slide off. Then she trailed away into the festival of lights, leaving Delani and I to our own devices.
I turned to my sister, and a devious look appeared on her face almost instantly. Her eyes lit up and she spun on her heel, directing me further into the gathering.
Sweet scents filled my nostrils as we passed by astounding buffets of sweets and plates of the freshest fruits. We came to a halt in front of one the tables—the amount of food on it being enough to feed my entire village for weeks.
Delani plucked some berries from the display and plopped one into her mouth. I took a handful, as well, savoring the tartness of the fruit as it coated my tastebuds.
I maneuvered to the table next door and swiped two goblets of wine from the surface. I passed one to Delani, thensipped on my own and familiarized myself with the space I’d be spending the rest of my birthday in.
I shouldn't have thought too hard about it, but my anxiety fought me once more. It blew through me like a gust of wind, the breeze whispering its doubts to me and scrambling my thoughts into disarray.
Though the air was flat, I still shivered.
“You are fine. Everything is going to be fine. You won't be gifted. Today is just like any other birthday,” I breathed the affirmations into my glass, letting them tame the storm inside of me and settling on some peace in knowing that no matter what happened tonight, Delani would be by my side.
Never mind.
Delani’s hand shot into the air, waving at someone across the courtyard. I followed my sister's gaze, making eye contact with one of her friends who gestured for her.
“I'll meet you by the statues in a few minutes,” Delani informed me. Sheclinkedher glass against mine before hurrying off to greet her friend.
Great. Just myself and my thoughts.
I picked a few more berries from the buffet and downed my goblet of wine, then swiped another glass before wandering off. I strolled through the courtyard leisurely, sipping on my drink and making small talk with familiar faces along the way. A few wished me a Happy Birthday, and I faked a smile as I thanked them.
My legs stopped moving when they stood before the eight statues of the gods and goddesses. I looked up and around, taking note of their size, which in return made me feel incredibly small.
The statues were varnished with various floral arrangements, the color of the buds representing the gemstone that the god or goddess cherished. Flowers hung around their shoulders, resting on top of a lustrous cloth draping, which would sparkle in the starlight as the sun set.
I turned in a circle, dropping the arm that held my glass to my side as I admired each statue. Hidden by some shrubs and other greenery, the statues and I were detached from the rest of the party.
My wandering came to an abrupt halt in front of the sculpture of Blythe, the Goddess of the Mind. Drawn to her glass-blue figure, I planted my feet firmly on the ground in front of her. My skin prickled as my fingertips slid up the stone, stopping to caress the cloth that hung from her shoulders. I ran the fabric through the gaps of my fingers, admiring the glossy sheen of silk that covered a good portion of the goddess’ pure constellastone body.
Her sculpture must have taken the longest to craft, as the crystal was incredibly rare. I honestly doubted that the statue was made of constellastone at all, but the king claimed its truth.
The stone was only found at the crash site of fallen Jewel-Light meteors. Even then, it was a gamble on whether or not there would be any. The conditions had to be flawless for the stone to manifest from the remains of a dying star, and more often than not, the conditions were not optimal. Regardless, I couldn't fathom the amount of time needed to gather the amount of stone required to create something so detailed.
