Luna

By Natasha Luepke

Category: Story, Post-“The 10th Kingdom”

Rating: PG-13

Summary: Wolf and Virginia have had their adventures; now it’s their 18-year-old daughter’s turn.

Disclaimer: The majority of this story, while based on familiar tales, I created; Wolf, Virginia, Wendell, Tony and others I imagine belong to NBC. I am making no profit off of this.

Notes: I love fanfic. I’ve written “Remember WENN” and “X-Files” fanfic; hence the format. This is my first time writing fanfic for something as “short-term” as a miniseries. Hope y’all enjoy it! Feedback: Please! Comments, criticisms, questions, magically transport ‘em to [email protected]

Dedicated, as always, to Nat.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Tell me a fable; a story that will never end. Tell me a fable; a story that will last and last.” -Robert Miles, “Fable”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Part I: And They Lived Happily Ever After

When I was seven, I was sent to the counselor’s office for insisting that fairy tales were real.

I sat on side of my chair, trying to decide what to do, to think of what my father might to say to get out of this fix. As Mrs. Wopat, the ancient counselor, peered at me over her tiny half-glasses, I absentmindedly flicked my ear, a habit I acquired from Dad. How could I deny the existence of fairy tales when I was the descendent of one?

“Now, Luna,” Mrs. Old Bat…ah, Wopat, began. She was one of those women whose bones had long ago been dissolved by mounds of flesh. Her multiple chins and jowls quivered with her every breath. Her fingers were so puffy that the extra adipose had swallowed her rings. As she steepled her hands before her, I noticed her watch would be next. She sighed.

“Luna, you must realize the difference between reality and make-believe.”

Of course, * she * had never traveled through a mirror to the Nine Kingdoms. I remained silent.

She decided to try another tactic. “Luna, tell me about your parents.”

I leaned forward in my seat, spreading my palms wide. “Well, the story begins this way: Once there was a beautiful young woman who was named for a queen. And she met a man who was the grandson of one…”

Mrs. Old Bat shook her head, the folds of her face swaying slowly from side to side.

“Luna, Luna, Luna-these stories must stop!” Mrs. Old Bat then proceeded to tell me how fairy tales didn’t exist, on and on and on. I kept envisioning leaping at her throat. After that day, I learned to keep quiet about my connection to the Brothers Grimm.

~*~*~*

I am Luna, first born of Virginia Lewis and Wolf. My father always wanted a large family, but it was five years before another cub was born.

We live in upstate New York. Mom didn’t want to leave the City; she was afraid her father might need her and she wouldn’t be there. As a wedding present, my parents received a magic mirror (it seems to me a lot of their life together revolves around mirrors) that allows only our family through to and from the Nine Kingdoms. We spend every summer and every Christmas with Grandpa. As a child, I liked the Nine Kingdoms more than my life in New York.

I am only one-fourth wolf, but I definitely take after my father. I have the same black hair and dark eyes, the same ear-flicking habit, a similar howl. One thing of which I am glad: the wolf’s tail manifests itself only on the * other * side of the mirror; none of my New York friends know of its existence. None of my siblings, Patricia, Anne, Allen, or James, have a tail; they’re much more human, more like Mom.

Mom never finished college, and Dad…well, never went. They became writers, turning the tale of how they met and subsequent adventures into a best-selling fantasy series. Important names were changed, of course. (It was an editor who pointed out the absurdity of “Virginia” and “Wolf” next to one another.) Dad, however, became active in community theater. His break-through role was as The Wolf in “Into the Woods.”

In our travels through the Nine Kingdoms, Mom and Dad had many adventures, most of which I didn’t learn about until I read their books in high school. Giants, ogres, elves, fairies…But everyone has heard my parents’ tales many times over. Now it is time not only for another chapter, as their books say, but another volume.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Part II: Once Upon a Time…

I stretched out on my stomach against the smooth stones. The moon was full and lit the courtyard below as if it were midday, not midnight. I raised up o my elbows and howled at the moon. Unfortunately, the moon affected me as it did Dad, all fangs and yellow eyes. Of course, the humanized parts of my nature prevented me from attacking the livestock. But, every full moon spent in the Fourth Kingdom brought the familiar cry: “Lock up the animals! Wolfsdaughter is on the prowl!” Of all my siblings, I was the only one referred to in this way; there was no other Wolfsdaughter or even Wolfsson. I wasn’t completely convinced, however, that it was a term of affection.

I heard footsteps below and then voices; I was perched above the front gate. I strained to hear, but couldn’t make out words Two figures, a male and female (distinguished only by the dress) were speaking with the guards. While the girl faced me, the boy had his back to me.

I sat up when he turned around and was able to see his face. I flicked my ear and murmured, “Isn’t this a tasty dish to set before the king?”

I saw the guards nod and let the pair in. I sprang to my feet, hoping to catch them in the courtyard, the boy’s face still before my eyes: broad and dark-skinned, with close-cut, fuzzy black hair-a definite Indian look, though I wasn’t sure if “India” existed in the Nine Kingdoms.

When I reached the courtyard, I was met by retreating shadows. Before I began to stalk them, I howled again at the moon. I heard a female voice ask, “Do you have wolves?”

I heard the guard laugh. “Oh, that’s only Wolfsdaughter. She’s harmless, if a bit strange.”

I slunk back to the wall to wait out the night. As I paced at the top, only one thought fluttered through my mind: “Wolves mate for life.”

~*~

I waited until he’d finished breakfast before pouncing on the new arrival. I discovered both he and his traveling companion were about my age of 18. It was the girl I discovered first, in the hall leading from the kitchen.

She had waist-length brown hair and was dressed in a long skirt, tunic, long-sleeved blouse, and intricately woven belt. She was speaking with a page and I was unable to see her face. The boy was standing a little ways off, consulting a map. I decided to calmly approach.

“Wherever you’re going, take me with you.” I immediately cursed my idiocy-my lameness-while he stared at me quizzically. His eyes were dark brown and glowed-it was hard to look directly at them for too long.

“Are you serious?” he said, chuckling. It was by far the most beautiful chuckle I’d ever heard, deep and melodic.

“Yes-yes. I, ah…doubt you’re staying here long, and I…cripes, I can help you. Maybe.” Inwardly, I smacked myself.

“But you’re a wolf.”

“What? Oh, no, no, no, no. I assure you, I am as much of a man as you are. Ah, as much of a woman as a companion. Cripes.” I could feel myself blushing.

“My companion doesn’t have a tale.”

I glanced back, trying to get a look at the stupid thing. “Well, okay, yeah, I’m part wolf. But my mother is human-from the Tenth Kingdom.” I smiled, finally able to produce a good response.

“So, you are stuck between two species and two realms. So am I.” Before I could ask him to elaborate on this cryptic statement, his companion turned around.

“Good news, Sanum-this man here says Lir’s kingdom is about a two day journey from here.”

“Awesome.”

I had to think fast. “Lir’s kingdom? Oh, it’s very easy to get there. I can show you the way.” The girl raised he eyebrow.

“What is your name?” she asked me.

“Wolfsdaughter,” I said without thinking; it was the only way I was referred to in the Nine Kingdoms.

“Are you serious?” Sanum asked.

“Oh,” the girl said. “We heard you howling last night.”

“No-I mean, yes I was howling-but my name is actually Luna. Anyway, I’ve practically grown up here-I can be your guide.”

The girl shook her head. “We don’t need any wolves…especially female ones who dress like men.” True, my attire more closely resembled Sanum’s than her’s-boots, breeches, long-sleeved shirt, and vest. Truthfully, though, I only dressed like a man because it afforded my tail more freedom.

“Ah, we better be going, Holle,” Sanum said, taking her by the arm.

“No-wait,” I said, trying to make him stay. This love-at-first-sight business was hard.

“Nice meeting you,” he called over his shoulder, Holle practically dragging him away.

Dad discovered me in my room, furiously throwing things into a bag. “Ah, Luna…”

“Are you sure it’s for life, Dad?” I snapped. I wasn’t really sure what to take. Pants, socks…

“Luna, what happened? You were howling more than usual. I was thinking about joining you.”

I sat down on the bed; Dad sat down beside me.

“Oh, it happened. And with none of your internal arguments, like when you met Mom…”

“Luna, you’re only 18.”

I shrugged. “Anyway, I gotta go-gotta go catch him”

Dad smiled; we simultaneously flicked our ears. “Be back before summer’s end; you have college in the fall.”

I hugged him. “Will you tell Mom for me?”

“Are you crazy?”

“Tell Mom what?” Mom asked sleepily from the doorway.

“Aw, cripes,” I muttered. I took breath. “Well, Mom, I think it’s time I went off into the world and…uh, sought my fortune.”

“You’ll be doing that soon enough in the fall.” She walked over to my hastily packed bag. “What is all this? Are you running away?”

“Mom, I crave adventure. I have a sudden taste for excitement…”

She shook her head. “I always start worrying when you and your father begin speaking in food metaphors.”

“Mom, imagine the most delicious boy…”

Dad looked over to Mom. “Virginia, she’s gonna leave anyway.”

“I’ll be careful Mom-and write you when I can. And I promise I’ll return by summer’s end.”

Mom sighed. “Well, you should bring plenty of socks…and food…and maybe something to defend yourself with…”

I jumped up and went to Mom, hugging her. She was crying, a little.

~*~

So I left with my parents’ blessing, with my brothers’ and sisters’ good-byes echoing through my mind. I had plenty of socks, food, and even something with which to defend myself. The bag was slung over my black-coated shoulder. All I had left to do was pick up Sanum’s and Holle’s scent.

I overtook them while they were walking. It had been about two hours since leaving the castle, during which I tried not to think about what I was leaving behind, or possible dangers that might lie ahead. I had promised Mom one last thing, that everything would turn out all right, that I come back perfectly safe. “After all,” I’d joked, “what fairytale doesn’t have a happy ending?”

“Sanum,” I heard Holle ask, “are you aware of the fact that we are being stalked?”

“Say what?” he replied. I was hiding in the trees and could not see their faces.

“We are being hunted like prey at this very moment, by a wolf in the trees.” She turned to me, stared at me through the thick green foliage.

“Wolfsdaughter, I know you’re there, come out.” I sheepishly did as she asked.

“How long were you following us?” Sanum asked, genuinely surprised. “Not long…”

Holle huffed. “Do you plan to keep doing this?”

“Yes.”

“You might as well join us, then. An escort is an escort. I’m Holle, this is Sanum.” She looked me in the eye during the curt introductions. She had the strangest eyes I’d ever seen-the irises were clear, and as a result reflected back all of the colors in the area. It had a very dizzying effect.

Falling in step beside Sanum, I asked, “So, why are you two headed to Lir’s kingdom?”

Sanum answered. “His children have disappeared-there are rumors they are enchanted. He’s offering a large reward for whoever can find them.”

Holle picked up. “I plan on finding the children and pocketing the reward money. I will see Sanum as far to the East as I can, then I can follow through with * my * dream.”

“Wait, wait, wait. I’m more confused by this than by all the scents on Thanksgiving. What’s going on?”

Holle shook her head. “We’ll tell you later. We’re making very bad time. How fast can you…run?” And she took off.

The rest of the journey was spent in silence, save for our panting. Holle was nearly as good a runner as I. Holle would stay and wait for Sanum, but I would grab his hand, hoping to help him along.

After we’d built a fire that night, Sanum took a seat beside me.

“Long ago,” he began, “I was born far to the East. My mother, who was a servant to the fairy queen, Titania, died when I was very young. Titania came to claim me, to raise me as a favor to her faithful servant. This caused a rift between her and her husband, Oberon. He wanted me; she didn’t want to give me up. Eventually she did, after his servant Puck pulled a mean trick on her. I was only just released from Oberon’s service…and I want to find my home.”

“But so much time has passed…”

“I know,” he replied. “But Holle promised to come with me. I’ve known her for a very long time.”

“Then I shall come, too.”

Holle looked up. “What? No. I’m taking Sanum to his home, then I’m leaving to make my own.”

“Where?” I asked.

“I haven’t yet decided. But I plan to take Lir’s money and become a forestwife.”

“What’s a forestwife?”

She rolled her eyes. “I plan to live deep in the woods, helping the poor and repressed and those in need. But you need money to be free.”

“Why not be a witch in town? You are a witch, I take it?”

“Yes,” she snapped, “I am a witch. I’m going to be a forestwife because…Ma always talked about how she wished she coulda’ been one. She was a midwife in a large town; she hated it.” Holle wouldn’t say anymore.

Sanum turned to me. “Can you understand the animals?”

“Sorry?”

“Well, I picked up a bit of magic myself, after serving Oberon so long. It’s a fact that anyone with any bestial blood in them can understand animals.”

“Well, I can’t.”

“How about your father?” Holle laughed. “Her father’d brather eat them than listen to ‘em.”

I leapt to my feet. “Why you little rotten apple--!”

Sanum placed a hand on my arm. “Sit down,” he commanded softly. I complied.

“Look at me,” he said. I stared into his eyes and felt faint of breath. Did he know? Did he realize the extent of my devotion, that I would follow him to the East, to the Sun itself?

“Repeat after me,” he was saying. “‘Beasts without…’”

“Beasts without…”

“‘Beasts within…’”

“Beasts within…”

“’Let me hear language…’”

“Let me hear language…”

“’From the chaotic din.’”

“From the chaotic din.” For a moment, the entire world around me slowed. I could make out one solitary bird chirping. “This is mine, this is mine, this is mine,” he repeated over and over. I drew in my breath.

“Did it work?” Sanum asked.

I blinked hard. “Ye-yes,” I replied shakily.

“Neither Holle nor I can understand the animals; you’re special.” I smiled. A few minutes later, Sanum said he was going to sleep; Holle quickly followed. I had never been big on sleep; I stayed up the rest of the night to keep guard.

The rest of the way to Lir’s was uneventful. Holle wouldn’t speak to me, but she kept up a steady stream of conversation with Sanum. Their long history was evident-she had only to say a single word to him and he would erupt in a gale of laughter.

Lir’s castle was in sight when I heard a small voice say, “Please, don’t cry.”

I stopped. “Did you hear that?” I asked the others.

“What?” Holle asked.

“A child…is crying.”

Sanum shook his head. “There are only some swans over there.”

I stared at them. “Then the swans are speaking-Holle, here’s your chance!”

Holle place a hand on my arm, in a gesture reminiscent of Sanum’s. “What are they saying?”

“They miss their father…”

Holle stepped away from Sanum and I. “Children of Lir, listen to me! From this spell, I can set you free. Come close, come close; I will wait for thee.” Four swans floated above Holle’s head. She reached up and stroked each one.

“Has she done this before?” I whispered to Sanum.

“She’s still a novice witch,” he replied. “Her entire future rests on her success here.”

Holle resumed her rhymes. “Think back to a fond memory. Repeat my words, in strings of three: Feathers of swans begone; human child I be!”

I listened as the four swans chanted Holle’s words; gradually their feathers fell away, revealing four young children. I grinned at Sanum. He beamed a look of pride at his friend. Holle cried as she hugged the youngsters. “Let’s get you home,” I heard her say.

“Now what?” I whispered to Sanum as we lagged behind. “Holle will get her money. Now she can have what she always wanted.” He sighed.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, concerned.

He smiled sadly. “Well, she’ll be leaving me-leaving soon. And how easy. No searching, no questions. She’ll leave me in some unknown country in the East and she can have what she’s always wanted.”

“Listen, Sanum. I may not know Holle…at all, but nothing is ever as easy as it looks. You talk like it’s the end of the world. What’s to stop you two from continuing your friendship?”

That night, amidst celebrations in Lir’s hall, Holle quietly offered me a share of the reward. I refused. “You’re lucky,” I told her. “You can now have what you want.”

She’d had a little too much ale, as was obvious by the arm she placed around my shoulders. “Well, Wolfsdaughter, what is it you want?”

I’d had a bit too much too. “Sanum,” I sighed.

Holle nearly choked. “Sanum? Is that what this is all about? Why you were following us?”

“Yeah.”

Holle stood up. “Sanum-did you hear that? * You * are what she wants!” Then she began to laugh.

“Cripes,” I muttered burying my head in my hands. Sanum was perfectly sober. He laughed a little, but didn’t reply.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Part III: Long Ago And Far Away…

Holle had long since given up hope on my leaving her and Sanum. She was a bit more courteous to me, since I’d had a hand in the children of Lir situation. Of course, she * really * didn’t want to give me credit for what happened next.

We were following a path in the woods. After an argument over which was the best way to go, Holle and I had gone separate ways. Sanum refused to play our little game and remained sitting on a tree stump, I was not about to take off without the love of my life and Holle was not about to leave without her friend, so we were forced to return. Even though I insisted the correctness of my path, Holle decided to stop and ask for directions at a nearby cottage. It wasn’t until Holle had knocked on the door that I remembered what part of the wood we traveled in: the Hansel and Gretel Memorial Wood.

To be sure, the witch who’d dabbled in cannibalism with H and G had been finished off by Gretel, but the occasional practitioner of the dark arts remained.

Oh sure, the old woman who answered the door seemed harmless enough-and her house was of the wood variety, not candy. And over tea, the Old Woman discovered Holle’s desire to be a forestwife, wich she (the Old Woman) claimed to be.

“Deary,” Old Woman said, “I can make you the most powerful forestwife ever. I have nearly a hundred years behind me and no one to pass my wisdom to.”

Holle’s eyes glowed at the promise of power. Holle had explained to me that she wanted to help people-to feel the joy she’d had in releasing Lir’s children every day. She’d said this while painfully slathering my arms with sun tan lotion. (“Who ever heard of a wolf that got sun burn?” she’d asked sourly. “I * am * three-quarters human,” I’d reminded her.)

The Old Woman began explaining some arcane magical trick to Holle while Sanum and I just rolled our eyes.

“Has she always been like this?” I asked, nodding to Holle.

He nodded. “It’s what I like about her-most people haven’t a clue as to what they want; she’s driven by a single passion.”

I stared at him. “Cripes, Sanum…If you want a girl who’s driven by a single passion…” He returned my gaze. We slowly closed in and…were interrupted by the Old Woman.

“Holle is busy reading a few of my books. Would you two please help me?” We followed her into her stable. I sent Sanum regretful looks the entire time, but he wouldn’t look at me.

Once inside, the Old Woman asked, “Tell me children, do you know of Hansel and Gretel?”

“Yes,” I answered cautiously.

“Are you related to them in any way? Or know anyone who is?”

“No…” Sanum replied.

The Old Woman shook her head and snapped her fingers. “No one ever is. Well, I’ve waited so long I’m going to go ahead and get my revenge.” With that, she slammed the door and locked Sanum and I into the stable. We just looked at each other.

“Let me guess, you clichéd old nag-that witch was your mother!”

“Exactly!” Then she disappeared behind a corner.

“Did this suddenly get very strange?” Sanum asked.

I sighed and leaned against a wall. “If Holle had just listened to me-this wouldn’t have happened.”

Sanum shook his head. “That’s not important right now, Wolfsdaughter.”

“No, I guess not.”

Sanum attempted the door, but it held fast. “It’s magicked,” he explained. I knew I wouldn’t be able to break it, so I sank down to the floor.

“Holle,” I said.

“Holle?”

“Obviously she’s been enchanted. If the witch wants revenge, she’ll have Holle fatten us up. So, we’ll have to prevail upon Holle to set us free.”

“Ah,” Sanum replied.

“Well,” I said, “might as well get comfortable.” Sanum sat down beside me.

We sat in silence for awhile; I couldn’t think of anything to say. My heart kept beating faster and my gut felt fluttery. For once I hoped Holle would show up, if only to kill the tension.

Holle came that evening with our meal. No amount of pleading could convince her to unlock the door; she replied she was finally learning the magic she’d always wanted to know and that the Old Woman said we would try to steer her away from her true calling.

“Talk about devotion,” Sanum said.

“Oh, please.” I looked at the feast before us; it made me want to howl. “Oh, cripes Sanum-fairies are all about enchanting people, can’t you do anything?”

He shook his head. “I’m not too good with that kind of thing; it’s one of the reasons Oberon let me go.”

I’d spent most of my nights keeping watch over Sanum and Holle. Sitting on the floor of a crazy old witch’s stable was the last straw; I was exhausted. I wanted to howl at the moon, I wanted to jump Sanum’s bones right there, but more than anything, I wanted to sleep. I had just curled up with my jacket as a pillow when Sanum tapped my shoulder.

“I’m sorry Wolfsdaughter-but I have an idea.”

I opened an eye. “Does it involve us kissing?”

He coughed. “Actually, I was wondering if you could shape shift.”

I sat, flicking my ear. “How do you mean?”

“Well, if you’re part wolf, you should be able to turn into one. Can your father?”

“No more than he can talk to birds.”

“Well, you can turn into a wolf, and then you can overpower Holle or the witch and…save us.”

I stood up and stretched. “I’m game.”

Sanum took my hands. This was getting ridiculous-I nearly jumped for the jolt of electricity I felt. I told myself it was merely static electricity.

“Okay,” he began. “Still your thoughts. Listen to your heartbeat. Then imagine yourself-and imagine * yourself * as a wolf-it shouldn’t be hard; you’ve already got the tail.”

“If you want me to still my thoughts, please release my hands,” I said softly.

I did as Sanum said and soon, with no pain involved, I was a four-legged wolf.

I found that I could still speak with my human voice. “Are there any catches?” I asked.

“How do you mean?” Sanum asked.

“Like, how do I become human again? What if someone steals my clothes, will I still be able to become human?”

Sanum nodded. “You are actually wearing your clothes; it’s complicated and Puck’s better at explaining this process than I. Just imagine yourself human and you will be. Now, I suggest we get some sleep.” He scratched me behind the ears and I fell asleep with my head on his lap.

The witch came for us in the morning. She couldn’t wait the entire month; she’d decided to go ahead and cook us. She opened the door and I was on my feet instantly. She whacked me over the head with her broom; since I wasn’t used to my wolf’s body, the blow knocked me unconscious. When I came to, the door had been left open and Sanum was gone.

When I reached the kitchen, Holle was busy chopping onions, the Old Woman was boiling water, and Sanum was tied up in the corner. I howled from the doorway.

“You again?” snapped the witch. “Holle, you shoulda’ warned me your friend was a wolf.” Holle shrugged.

“Holle! Can’t you see what’s going on?” I tried to enter the room, but the witch blocked the way with her broom.

“Jeez, Wolfsdaughter, we’re just making lunch,” Holle said.

I didn’t want to just attack the Old Woman; it just didn’t seem right. Instead, I lunged for her broom, breaking it in two. The witch screamed. While I ran to Sanum, I willed myself into my human body as fast as I could.

The breaking of the broom caused Holle’s enchantment to break as well.

“What happened?” she asked as she helped me untie Sanum.

“It doesn’t matter!” I snapped as we finally got Sanum free. “Run!”

That night, Sanum rewarded me with a quick peck on the cheek.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Part IV: East Of The Sun

We stopped at a thick tangle of flowers.

“I was afraid this would happen,” Holle said.

“What?” Sanum and I both asked.

“This is called The Path. It appears in the woods at random-and you can never actively find it. There really isn’t anyway to get around it.” Holle looked at me. “Wolfsdaughter, I’m surprised your parents haven’t run into it.”

I shrugged. “Well, it looks so pretty-what’s bad about it?”

“It can steer you off course,” Holle said.

“Well, I want to get home,” Sanum said. And he plunged right in.

Holle shook her head. “Crazy boy,” she muttered and followed.

I stood still for a moment. The Path didn’t look that frightening…

When I entered, Holle and Sanum were nowhere to be found. The path was really a large garden, full of candy-colored flowers. Everything had a hazy red glow, as if looking through a camera covered with gauze. It was beautiful, but I wanted to leave as quickly as possible.

“Holle? Sanum?” I asked the flowers, and then began to yell their names more loudly. After a few minutes of blindly stumbling around, I came across a woman. She was seated on a large open flower, cross-legged, with her eyes closed and her hands in her lap. She was dressed completely in rushes, like those used to make roofs.

Eyes still closed, she said, “What you fear is true: He loves her and not you.”

“Sorry?” I stopped and stared at the woman.

She opened her eyes and unfolded her legs. “Luna, give up now.”

“Who-who are you?”

“I am Cordelia-I spoke the truth once and was cast out for it. Now I wear rushes and live on the Path of Thorns, and continue to tell the truth.”

“Wait-do you mean you’re Cap O’ Rushes? I know how that story ends! The Prince is supposed to fall in love with you and you live happily ever after.”

“Obviously,” she said, standing, “that was not the case. Luna, quit now-go home to your parents. Otherwise you cannot leave.”

“No. I-promised to follow Sanum till the end. I-cripes-I guess I have to stay.”

Cordelia shook her head. “I will make you a deal: Take my place. If they return for you, you are free to go.”

I sniffed. “Holle said you can’t find the path; it’s random.”

Cordelia shrugged. “I know the truth, you’ll be found. Now, will you release me?”

I nodded.

Cordelia chanted, “Cap o’ rushes away, so that my hair may sway. Robe o’ rushes begone, I have been here far too long. Bind Luna so that she may know, the feelings Holle and Sanum are afraid to show. Tell Luna she may not fear; she’s human like her mother and will find love only after many tears.”

I had kept my eyes closed; upon opening I found Cordelia and I much-changed people. Cordelia wore an elaborately embroidered gown of white; the material was criss-crossed with birds and flowers. She ran her hands through her long blonde hair and she smiled. I was wearing her old robe of rushes; my hair was bound up in her cap.

“Good luck,” she said, and left.

I sat on her flower, trying to decide what to do with myself. I could see the thorns more clearly now.

It was two days before I heard a shout of “Wolfsdaughter!” Holle and Sanum had come for me. I had feared that they would not and I had learned the truth, as Cordelia said I would.

“Why are you wearing that ridiculous get-up?” Holle asked.

“Holle, do you really want to be a forestwife?” I asked.

“Of course, why?”

“You’re sure you want to spend the rest of your days alone?”

“It’d be bliss.”

“Sanum…are you ready for what you’ll find when you get home?”

“Of course.”

I shook my head. “Lets go.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Part V: West Of The Moon

The sun glittered before us.

“This is it,” Holle said. “This is where Wolfsdaughter and I leave.”

Sanum took a deep breath. “I can’t believe it.”

I merely sniffed, then howled.

“What are you so worked up about?” Sanum asked.

“Please, stay,” I said.

“What reason do I have for that?” Sanum asked.

“Me,” I said softly. “You could-you could come to the Tenth Kingdom. You should see it! I-uh…oh, cripes…”

Sanum hugged me. “Wolfsdaughter, my place is here. Your place is on the other side of your mother’s mirror. And Holle…will be leaving for the wood.”

Holle was standing with her head bowed. She finally said the words I had longed to say: “Sanum, I love you.”

He stared at her.

She wiped her eyes, those strange clear eyes that reflected back the world, that right now reflected only Sanum. “Do you think…your village will need a midwife?”

I turned away as they kissed. I backed away into the woods and ran. I didn’t turn back when they shouted after me. When I grew tired, I changed into a wolf, alternating between my two forms, never ceasing my flight. It took but two days to return to the Fourth Kingdom. The sharpest dagger in my heart hadn’t been their kiss but that Sanum didn’t call me “Luna” until I’d left them.

Mom said she was sorry that one of my more human attributes was unrequited love. Dad merely huffed and said that Sanum was obviously not the one I was destined to be with, that I would win someone worth the wooing. Or something like that; he’d obviously been reading poetry again and had become incomprehensible.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Part VI: And If They Are Not Yet Dead, They Are Still Living

Thus concludes Luna’s Tale. My parents have never stopped writing down their adventures; I merely hope I continue to have them.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“You might as well be howling at the moon.” -“The X-Files”

“The course of true love never did run smooth.”-“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”