The woman kissed the girl's brow. "There you are."
The girl looked up, confused. "Mama, why are you crying?"
The woman smiled through her tears. "It is nothing," she whispered. "I only heard that you must take a long journey one day."
"A long journey? Where will I go? Will I come back?"
"You will always find your way back to me, when the moon rises, when you are ready."
Narielle frowned. "What do you mean, Mama? Are you not going with me?"
The woman brushed a strand of golden hair from Narielle's face. "Some paths you must walk alone, little one. But remember, your heart will always guide you, and my love will follow you, even when we are apart."
Narielle hugged her tightly. "I don't want to go anywhere," she whispered.
"You will not be afraid," her mother said softly. "For the light will find you, and you will carry it with you."
Narielle looked up, eyes wide and curious. "The light… what is it?"
