they tell us how to live

By the light of the new dawn – the sun still low to the horizon – Shahrazad stood alone atop a tall dune, and watched as a slender, pale figure trekked across the sands. There was no hesitation in the Teke’s movements, not once did he slow, or look back, even though he knew the red and white mare would be watching for him. And it hurt. Despite it all… Despite the fact she’d always known this was coming.

“I do not think he’ll be coming back for me,” the mare said with the softest of sighs. Kahraman hadn’t been the first to leave her, and Shahrazad wasn’t convinced he’d be the last. After all, there was still so much she didn’t know about herself, and how could fragments be good enough for anyone? But, for the moment at least, the Stars of Mira seemed settled, daughters had been born Antares and a new season was upon them.

And the truth was, she was happy here. Though much of her time was spent in quiet solitude, and her evenings frequently consisted of deep conversations with Rigel beneath the stars, she was slowly getting to know the others of the Sadim, and had been privileged to witness the wedding of Atair and Eness. Even now, Shahrazad shifted where she stood, turning her back on the vanishing figure of Kahraman to cast her eye over them. She felt her heart lift at the sight of faces so familiar to her, but not the souls themselves, not yet.

Perhaps this was for the best, the destined departure that injured her ever-damaged heart. Kahraman had been important to her, and maybe he always would be in a way. But he was right in claiming that this was where she belonged. And maybe it was a kindness, his leaving. Perhaps she’d not feel ever torn now, and wounds long left open might begin to heal.

Shahrazad;