Moon’s Rain 1
#1 of Moon's Rain
Updated.
Comments are Always Welcomed.
On a cold, foggy, autumn night bathed under the light of the full moon. A vixen was holding her kit tightly as she rode down a dark dirt road. She was facing a difficult decision that most mothers couldn't dream of doing. Sadly she had no means to care for herself properly nor could she afford to raise her son. She's going to a nearby nobleman's home hoping they would take care of him. Also she had heard they were hoping to have a son of their own one day.
Once she arrived at the main gates she pulled the rope that would make a bell ring at the main house. When she heard the bell she simply left her son at the gate. Along with the only token she had left to give him. She then rushed back to her horse and rode off before being seen. The gate keeper wasn't too far so he went over to see who called. When he opened the gates and looked around he saw nobody.
As he started to walk away he heard a mewling sound coming from behind him. So he turned around and looked down at a moving bundle of cloth. Also noticing sword perch against the wall behind the bundle. The gate keeper picked the squirming bundle. Carefully pulling back a piece of the cloth to reveal the damp fox kit. The gatekeeper immediately rushed the wet kit to the house before it caught a cold. He knocked on the door fiercely until the lady of the house answered.
"Franklin, what is, it why are you here at this hour of the night?" She asked opening the door. "Milady, this child was left at the gate, it looks like his mother abandoned him. I guess she didn't want or had the means to raise him." He said. "Was there anything else left with him, Franklin?" She wondered taking the child from him. "Yes, indeed milady this sword was next to him when I found him. I believe it might be a keep sake of his family." He replied holding it up.
"Very well, then you may return to your post, Franklin. I'm grateful you brought the kit here to me." She stated. Franklin bowed as he left the house and returned to his station. She quickly got the kit a fresh set of clothes then she went to wake her husband. "My dear, Fulcan please wake up, I have something rather important to show you." She announced shaking him from his slumber. "What could be so valuable this early in the morning, Lorna?" He said, as he sat up.
"Take a look at what I'm holding in my hands, dear." She replied. So he got out of bed and walked over to her to see what the fuss was. As he peeled back the cloth revealing the child. "My word, I have never seen such a coloration on a fox kit before. Could be the reason why his mother abandoned him? So what are you planning on doing with him my dear?" He asked. "I would like to raise him as our own, he'll be a good playmate for, Vienna." She answered.
"I know we have always wanted a son but, I don't know." He said. "Fulcan, look at it this way he was given to us for a reason. So you're telling me, you want me to just let him fend for himself." She stated. "No, dear if this is what you want then you have my support. You may be right the spirits allowed him to live so he could be part of our family. He will be treated as such now let's see if the boy is hungry." He replied as she left the bedroom.
She brought him downstairs into the kitchen and prepared a warm bottle of milk. The boy drank the whole bottle down rather quickly. "My, you were certainly a hungry my little one." She smiled grabbing a wash cloth. After she cleaned him up the child looked up at her his eyes were as blue as sapphires. She knew the small void she felt had been filled by this little fox. As she held the little fox kit close to her heart she heard someone coming towards the kitchen. It was her husband coming to check on the two of them.
"Did the boy eat my dear?" He wondered sitting down besides her. "Yes, he did though he rather inhaled the milk I gave him." She said glancing back at him. "I see, well now those are quite the eyes you got there my boy. Have you thought of giving him a name?" He asked. "I have, I'll call him, Moon." She replied. "That's a strange name to give the boy. May I ask why dear?" He replied. "His eyes are big like the moon not only that he's special. I can feel it deep in my soul." She said. "That shall be your name my son." He said, picking him up.
This made the boy smile he knew that he was in a very loving home. "I think we'll have our doctor come up to the house check him out to make sure he's healthy." He informed as she agreed with him. Before he went to bed he looked around for a crib to place his new son in for the night. Then he remembered where his daughter's old crib was so he went to get. Once the child was placed safely inside he slowly but, quickly fell asleep.
Seven years have past since the night the boy was becoming quite the young man. He spent most of his early morning hours doing his chores before his family awoke. "Good morning, father how was your night?" He said as he entered the kitchen. "It was peaceful, Moon have you finished with all your chores, already?" He replied turning to face him. "Yes, father I just finished them a moment ago. I'm going to get cleaned up before I go to school with, Vienna." He replied. "Very, good my boy, don't let me keep you then." He stated. Moon, bowed to his father and walked up to his room. Along the way to his room he politely greeted his mother and sister.
"I'm ready to leave when you are, Vienna." He announced as he grabbed his school bag. "Yes, I'm coming so keep your fur on brother." She replied approaching him. Once they left for school their father felt it was time to have a talk with his wife. "Dear, may I have a word with you in my study? Of course when you're finished here in the kitchen." He said. After a while she joined her husband in his study.
"Yes, dear what's on your mind?" She smiled sitting beside him. "I think it's time the boy knew how he became a part of our family. He's old enough now to find out the truth don't you think." He stated. "I agree with you but, don't know if he really wants to know. He's perfectly happy with the way things are now. Why ruin things by telling him about his past?" She stated.
"I know but, he should know about everything including this." He replied, pointing at the sword. "Of course you do what you feel is best. I just hope it doesn't change his feelings towards us." She said concerned. "I agree but, it has to be done. When I present this sword to him he might want to begin learning how to use it." He said. "Who will teach him then?" She wondered. "That's something I'll do besides it's another good father, son thing." He replied. "True, just be careful." She replied.
She figured it might be handy when he leaves for business a month or two during the year. This way there's someone who can protect them mean while, Moon and Vienna arrived at school. "I'll talk to you after school, Moon, okay." She said as she walked inside her school. "Alright, be careful sister I'll see you later." He said. So they went their separate ways, he didn't like going to school. Since all the local children teased him about his strange fur pattern.
None of the teachers nearby never bothered to put a stop to it. So he simply let them have their way. When they had their fill they would always walk away. He never understood why they singled him out. He was no different then they were except for his fur color. That's one thing stills bothers him every night but, he simply ignores it. He already knew that he was adopted by his current family. He's very grateful they adopted him, the only question that may go unanswered is. Why his birth mother abandoned him when he was just a kit?
When the school day came to an end he waited for his sister at their meeting spot. Little did he know that her school was released early, so he went in search of a teacher. Once he found her teacher he waited until she was done talking with someone parents. "Excuse me madam I'm looking for my step sister, Vienna Meadow is she still here? I was supposed to wait for her and walk home." He asked. "My class left twenty minutes ago I don't think she went to far. From what I can recall she went with her friends into town." She replied. "Thank you, madam." He said walking away.
Moon, has never gone into town by himself before he feared the townsfolk. Considering what would happen due to his unusual fur color. So he stayed away unless accompanied by his parents. He knew if he didn't bring her home his father would punish him. So he had to find her quickly and without being harassed by the townsfolk. Which didn't take him long to find her scent so he followed it. Until he could hear her voice or see her walking around.
The scent was strongest near the town store so he went inside to ask the clerk. Hoping she was still there getting something sweet for herself. "Hi, Moon how are you, son? It's not like you to be wandering around town without your folks." The clerk stated as he approached the counter. "I know Mrs. Cory I'm looking for, Vienna was she here by any chance?" He asked. "She's upstairs playing with my daughter they got here just a minute ago. Wait, here for a minute I'll go get her." She smiled walking away.
After a few minutes she came back down with, Vienna in tow. "Is everything alright brother?" Vienna wondered. "I waited for you when I got out but, you weren't there. So I went looking for you before father got mad that you weren't with me. I understand if you want to stay and play with your friends. Please, tell me a head of time this way I don't panic like that again." He said.
"Sure, if you want you can stay and join us, Moon." She offered. "Thank you but, I'd better get home before he starts to wonder where we are." He replied. "I'll have my husband go with you this he can tell your father she's here." Cory stated. "As you wish, Mrs. Cory." He said as I waited outside for him. Once her husband returned from the storage shed he went to their home. After being let through the front gates they made their way up to the house.
"Moon, where's your sister?" Father asked as we entered the living room. "She's playing with my daughter lord, Fulcan. I'll bring her home before the sun goes down." Mr. Corey replied. "Very well, David I thank you for telling me. We have much to discuss son, please come with me." Father stated. David took his leave and Moon followed his father into his private study. The only thing going through his mind was is he in trouble for something.
"I'm sorry father I'll finish whatever chores I didn't do." Moon said. "You're not in trouble my boy I have something to tell you. So please have a seat, alright." He said, sitting in his chair. Moon, did as he was instructed and sat across from him. "What is it father?" He asked. "As you know you are not my biological son. We adopted you when you were a just a year old." He said. "Yes, father I know and I'm forever grateful." He replied. "When you were brought here this was left with you it's about time I returned it." Father said. He turned around, grabbed the sword sitting behind him and handed it to Moon.
"For some reason I know this belong to my birth parents. Why would they give me something like this? If they wanted nothing to do with me?" He wondered. "I'm afraid I don't have an answer for you my son." Father replied. "Why should I even have something like this?" He stated shaking the weapon angrily. "Because it is part of your past, Moon. Since you're old enough, I shall teach you how use it to protect this family. When I leave for business of course I'll leave the decision up to you, Moon." Father said. "When will my training begin father?" He asked.
"Think this over carefully first son this isn't something you should do impulsively. Also keep this in mind you mustn't let anyone influence your choice understand." Father informed. "Yes Father. Winter is almost upon us father and school is done until spring. So how much could I learn in the mean time?" He wondered. His father leaned back in his chair to think about it. "Judging by how you're holding it I'm not entirely sure. I took the liberty to carve you a wooden copy. This once you make up your mind you and I can spar safely." Father replied.
Moon, looked down at the sword intently as he thought deeply about learning swordsmanship. "I'll do it father." He replied looking at him with a clear look in his eyes. For the next seven years, Moon trained hard when and where he could. One day after their afternoon session together as his father put his wooden sword away. "Your training is complete, Moon. I'm proud of you son. I almost forgot there's a surprise waiting for us at the house. We better get cleaned up and head there. Before your mother gets mad at the both of us." Father said walking up to the house.
As they made their way into the house, the kitchen and the parlor. Where Lorna and Vienna were waiting for them to arrive. "So what's this surprise you have for us?" Fulcan wondered as they sat down. "I've been accepted into, Pine North Financial Academy." Vienna said happily. "That's wonderful dear when does the school term begin." Father replied. "In three weeks I'm hoping that I can leave soon. I'm already packed the only thing left is to get your approval father." She said.
"Then you can leave as soon as your things are loaded into the carriage." Father stated. "I'll take care of that father." Moon replied standing up. He bowed then left as he did that for his sister feelings of loneliness began surfacing. He knew she would return someday but, then again she might not. She may find the right man get married and start a family while away. Though the house will seem so empty with her gone but, at least she was happy.
All of a sudden a strange rain began to fall, as he put the last bag into the carriage. Moon, stood there as if he was at the very center of the storm. When his family came outside to see what was keeping him. They stood there on the porch and watched him stand there. So they left him be until he was ready to come back inside. It didn't take him long return but, he simply went up to his room. They figured that what went on with him was his business.
After a while he came back into the parlor he didn't say much. "Moon, are you upset with the fact that I'm going away." Vienna wondered walking over to him. "I'm going to miss you very much big sister. I hope you find whatever you're searching for there. May the great spirits keep you safe from harm." He replied, giving her a strong hug. He stepped back and allowed everyone else to say goodbye. Once everything was said and done he escorted his sister off the property.
His father teared up watching, Moon follow her carriage to the front gates. After he watched the carriage fade from sight he returned to the house. With tears rolling down his muzzle as he stepped onto the porch, his parents embraced him warmly. They took their time returning inside the house. Every three months, Vienna would send them a letter. Telling everyone how she was doing in the state capital. Until the day their father caught a rare illness that eventually took his life. After ten long hard months of fighting his disease. With their father gone, Vienna returned as quickly as she could to attend his funeral. She sent a letter saying when she be there to attend it.
When she returned home everyone was surprised that she had found a man. That would one day be her husband all but, Moon was happy to find out. He didn't like the vibe he felt from him when he introduced himself. Moon, kept it to himself it might be his instincts to protect his family. So he left him alone until he made a mistake then he would deal with him accordingly. The first thing she thought of doing was wrapping her arms around her brother and mother.
"Moon, I'm so happy to see you my brother, how are you? You've gotten bigger since I last saw you." Vienna said, letting go of him. "I'm glad to see you've returned home safe, milady. Please, allow me to take your things along with our guests." He said in a neutral tone. "Moon, what has gotten into you recently you've never acted this way before. Aren't you happy to see me after being away so long." She said. "I'm grateful you have come home, milady. I've kept your room the way you left it. Please, don't hesitate to summon me." He replied, bowing to her.
"Mother, what has gotten into him he's never behaved like this. Did this occur recently or when father passed away?" She wondered. "No, dear we figured it's his maturity setting in." Lorna replied. "I don't like this one bit and I'm going to get to the bottom of it." She stated. "It's best to leave him alone I was expecting this for quite some time. When he's ready to tell us he will and not a moment sooner." She stated. "Yes, mother as you wish." Vienna replied. She didn't enjoy having to agree to her mother's terms but, she knew better.
As the night came, Moon's behavior didn't change that bothered her even more. Once dinner was served she decided to confront him directly about it. "Moon, I'd like a word with you in private." She said. "Of course milady please follow me." He replied. When they entered the parlor she sat down on the couch. He simply stood in front of her waiting for what she had to say. "I want to know what's going on?" She asked. He remained quiet for a moment before he gave her an answer.
"There's nothing wrong with me milady if you would. Please return to the dining room your meal will get cold." He replied politely. "I'm not moving from this spot until you tell me the truth." She stated. "I shall bring your meal to you." He said, leaving the room. She sat there surprised at how calm and distant he was. It felt like it was a problem that she couldn't even begin to fathom. The only question left to ask him was who caused you to act like this? If that's the case you have to settle the score or make things right.
"Here's your meal milady it's still warm." He said, as he reentered the room. "Moon, did something happen that was beyond your control. I order you to tell me everything." She demanded. "As you wish milady I took the life of someone trying to harm the family. I was brought to court because it was a human life I took. Luckily, the jury was understanding enough to let me live. They told the master and mistress that I was better off being treated as a servant than their son. If something like this were ever to happen again I wouldn't be executed. Should I ever the need to raise my sword to protect this home again." He informed.
Vienna, sat there shocked at what he said yet, deep down she knew what he did was right. "I see no fault in what you did, Moon. This will always be your home brother no matter what. You were raised by our parents the same way I was. Don't let anyone tell you differently do you understand." She pointed out. "I understand fully milady but, I will never be a part of this family. We aren't bound by blood only through adoption and nothing more." He replied.
"That makes no bloody difference to me brother. So what if you're not part of this family by blood. Mother and father raised you the same way they would raise their natural born son. I'll always consider you to be my brother no matter the reasons." She stated. "I'm sorry milady you have been away for too long. You don't fully comprehend what transpired the day you left for school." He said. "Alright, then why don't you fill me in, I'm all ears." She replied.
Moon, inhaled and exhaled deeply then he began to tell her everything. Since they day he killed that intruder a few years ago as she sat there listening. At first none of it mad much sense but, as he continue she felt her blood boil. Some of things he said and the accusations the government filed. She couldn't believe politics would go over her father's head like that. Yet, it didn't surprise her in the least but, her father had earned their respect. Why didn't her mother step in and voice her opinion after dad had passed away.
Vienna stood up and stormed back into the dining room to confront her mother. "Mother what happened to him this behavior is not like him at all." She stated. "Dear, why don't you settle down a little before this gets out of hand." Thomas replied. "This matter doesn't concern you, Thomas." She said firmly. He did as she told him and sat back down before she really got mad. "You can thank everyone in town for this after that day. He was tossed out of school refuse employment. Despite your father and my best attempts to resolve the matter in house." She informed.
"That's discrimination and if I'm not mistaken that is against the law." Vienna stated. "Yes, I'm very well aware of that but, they figured a way around it. Which made things harder for your father and I to beat. I'm afraid the town will be happy once he leaves. To find himself a new place to call home. The worst thing about is we can't do anything to help him start over." She replied. "That's foolishness he's a part of this family whether they approve of it or not. Don't accept things on their terms father wouldn't stand for it and neither will I." She pointed out.
"Your father tried diligently until the day of his death to straighten things out. The townsfolk simply wouldn't listen to him or our friends. They stated if he continued with this they would strip our family of everything we owned. They would then force us to leave this town with nothing but, the clothes on our backs. So your father unwillingly backed off to protect our livelihood. Though he didn't do it quietly he tried to find a way around them but, had no success." She informed. "You have just as much pull among the people. Why didn't you at least try for our family's sake?" Vienna demanded.
"I was given the same ultimatum still haunts most nights." She replied, as she began to cry. "Here you go mistress for your face." Moon said, as he handed her a cloth. She calmly took it from him then cleaned her face. It only made her cry even more knowing she couldn't do anything about the past. "Thank you, Moon I'm fine you may go." She said. "Of course mistress please call if you need me." He replied bowing then leaving the room. Once he was gone her tears continued falling, all Vienna could do was comfort her mother.