❥Coraline✿

Wide eyes stared out from underneath a rock, watching talons rake against the ground outside of her hiding spot. The silent flap of wings disturbed the loose dirt before the talons returned and the little cub tucked herself further into the darkness. Come morning she would be able to scurry onto the next rock and the process would repeat. Smaller than her siblings she was targeted by every predator in the savannahs and because she was so easy to lose in the tall grass, she had been left to fend for herself. During the day hawks tried to take her. At night it was the owls. She barely got rest. Barely the chance to eat. She had to always be moving and running and it was wearing her down. But she had no other choice. It was this or...or she was a meal and she didn't want to die. She didn't want to be eaten. She just wanted to sleep...

❥Coraline✿ had nearly given up that night when it seemed like the stars descended to stand before her hiding spot. The ground was shining and a scolding rumble echoes around her as the owls hooted and darted off. Or she thought they darted off. She couldn't hear them anymore at least. Then a bright, shining eye lowered and looked at her and the little cub scurried back. Kaguya cooed softly, laying down before the rock the little dwarf under. She spoke calm and gentle. Her voice the soothing dance of the wind through the grass. ❥Coraline✿ was scared, but the Celestial queen reassured her that she was safe. If she came with her, she would be taken somewhere she would be cared for. Given food and rest. A place where she would never be hunted again. A promise that almost sounded too good to be true but...

Exhaustion won over her hesitation and the cub slowly crawled out into the open and curled up against the Queen's paw. She didn't remember being lifted or the journey to the stars. ❥Coraline✿ awoke curled on the softest furs with food and water nearby. She was given time to eat and rest as Kaguya came to see her and play. Letting the little one chase her around or pat at her tail. Being gently rolled so her belly could be nuzzled and the cub squealed with laughter. But the game she was the best at was Hide and Seek because she could get into places other cubs couldn't. And she was fast if she had something to crawl against.

So the Queen made her an offer. In addition to spending all of time in her kingdom, she could me the messenger of the heavens. Taking notes through the stars and realms. This would at times mean she would have to return to earth, but Kaguya offered her a sign of protection. Feathers to wear behind her ear. All who saw them would know she was untouchable. Lions would bow before her. The owls that once tormented her would now be her 'steeds' if she wished to fly above the plains. And after every mission, she would have time to rest and play.

Thus began her role in the stars. ❥Coraline✿ became the personal messenger of the Queen and wore her sign of protection everywhere she went. Those who shunned her now treated her with respect. She could travel about freely and know she was safe. And true to her word, every time she returned home she was given food and soft furs and the Queen would play with her. And she got to play with the other lost hearts that Kaguya had saved and given freedom and love to.

So if you see an owl darting overhead or the flash of fur through the grass, tread carefully. You may have captured a glimpse of ❥Coraline✿. And she is on a mission for the Celestial Queen who gave her life and purpose.

(Lore by #416498)