RISHIMA:
When Mirage told me that the moon walked upon the earth in this strange land, I did not at first believe it. The idea that she, the Lady of the Moon, my own mother, would wander the land.... it both scared and excited me, filling me with elation. I could still dimly recall seeing her, all those years ago, when I was born in the desert, a child of moonbeams and sand. My family would always be my family, shadow and fire of the moonlit oasis, but she, the moon, she was my mother, and I wore her mark upon my hide with the utmost pride and devotion. I had traveled miles and years... and now, to find a land where she lived... it was almost too much to believe.

I followed the trail that wound its way to her altar, shivering in the cold night and gasping as the great volcano came into view. Anticipation made me shiver, excitement picked up my steps; quick and silent, I made my way up; until I was there, looking at my shrine. The home of my mother.

I let my head drop in respect, silvery mane falling about my face. "Mother," I whispered into the night. "I beg of you, come to your daughter on this evening. I have missed you."


GODDESS OF THE MOON:
The stars above you begin to dance and twirl.

A purple shape forms in the night sky, mirroring Rishima's equine body, but graced with flowing wings. The stars swirl around her form as she appears to pull her body directly from the darkness - a deep lavender hue. Silver eyes open to look at the mare bowing her head below, and a silver threads splash away from her nape and face with ecstatic energy. The stars bands together to form silver tips on her purple feathers, shining brightly.

Then, she falls. Gracefully, of course, down toward the earth. Her speed is quick, her movements fluid. Slowing as she nears the glowing volcanic islands, the lady appears in front of the girl who the Goddess thinks may be a bit delusional.

Silver hooves click on the ground, a light tap in the night. With a sway of girlish hips, the Moon God walks toward you, folding her wings gently on her back. "Welcome, child," she says, her voice a cool whisper into the night air. "What can I do for you?"


RISHIMA:
I could do nothing but stand in awe as she appeared, materializing out of the air into a figure more breathtaking than I could have imagined. She was beautiful - but I had expected nothing less. Her voice tickled my ears and made me smile, soft and sweet like the star's whispers. I stepped back to let her land, dark form mirroring her lavender one.

Now that I was here, what would I ask? I wanted to know the secrets of the universe, the truth behind all the mysteries I had encountered during my travels. Where did the sun go when it vanished behind the mountains? Where did magic come from? Why could horses grow wings, but not wolves and otters? What became of us when we died? So many questions, and yet looking at her, I doubted she would give me the answers. I was a mere mortal, left on earth to fend for myself.

"I would that you could tell me of the world's secrets," I replied, deep voice low and respectful, "Yet I cannot help but suspect I must learn those for myself." I smiled ruefully, awaiting her judgement of my desire, expecting refusal.[/b]