And I Will Still Be Here, Stargazing

The night is young and, as her family and friends begin to gather around the great fire to share stories but, tonight, Andromeda has a different plan. Her purple form slips quietly through the hallways, the girl exiting the castle as noiselessly and quickly as she can. No matter how sneaky she thinks she is, there is always a companion watching and a shadow detaches itself from the darkness of the castle’s exterior to silently stalk after the pup. She does not see Bast but Bast sees her and that is all that matters.

Since they had arrived, Andy had heard tales of the plains that adjoin the castle, their name immediately drawing her curiosity to it. The stars have always called to her and this place is supposed to be the perfect spot for stargazing. A gentle autumn breeze rustles the stalks of grass as her paws quietly pass and the girl thanks anyone that is listening, that the sky is clear with no clouds mar the beauty of the heavens.

Finally, the pup reaches the spot she had staked out during the day, deeming it a great place to sit for the show. Folding her haunches, the pup lightly takes a seat amongst the grass and tilts her head back. At last, Andy lays her pale blue gaze on the millions of shining stars that glitter in the heavenly firmament. Her breath hitches at the sheer majesty of the night sky; from sparkling stars to the silvery moon that hangs among them. The wind blows and, while gentle, there is still the bite of an autumn chill in it.

But Andromeda does not notice anything on the earthly plain anymore because, for the first time since she was born, the girl feels at home.


"Andromeda Fatalis"