Contents
1: Grave Circumstances
Overview
On the eve of major change, Aurora secretly prays at the First Starmaker’s grave for her sister Elsie, who has been struck by the Frost. Aspen finds her, and they share a quiet solidarity before returning with market treats. Aurora weighs postponing her wedding, clings to her mirror-born light, and resolves to keep praying as fear for Elsie deepens.
Summary
Before dawn, three days ahead of her wedding, Aurora Finch leaves her family’s dark, mountainside cottage to visit the grave of the First Starmaker. She prays awkwardly but earnestly for her younger sister, Elsie, who was touched by the Frost a fortnight earlier and has not improved. Aurora offers daisies and promises she would give anything to heal Elsie.
As the market awakens near the monument, Aurora’s brother Aspen arrives with his own daisies. They share a silent vigil, then decide to bring home cider and biscuits for the family. Light spreads over Reverie as the Starmaker draws the day, and Aurora briefly feels hope.
Walking home, Aspen urges Aurora not to delay her life or wedding, believing Elsie needs inspiration, though his wavering voice betrays his fear. Aurora, who has engineered a network of mirrors to reflect sunlight onto their shadowed land, reflects on their dependence on the future marital glare lines that strengthen a household’s magic.
Back home, amid familiar warmth with their mother and Elsie, the treats lift spirits. Yet Aurora’s dread deepens as she observes Elsie’s alabaster, cracked skin and persistent fatigue, recalling how the Frost altered Elsie’s mood before subsiding. Afraid of what another loss might do to their mother, Aurora repeats her graveyard prayer inwardly and resolves to return every day until Elsie recovers.
Who Appears
- Aurora FinchProtagonist; prays at the First Starmaker’s grave for Elsie, buys market treats, debates postponing her wedding, and resolves to keep praying.
- Aspen FinchAurora’s brother; joins her at the grave, offers support, urges her to keep living, and brings home cider and biscuits.
- Elsie FinchAurora’s younger sister; touched by the Frost, fatigued with alabaster, cracked skin, remains optimistic while the family worries.
- MamaWidowed mother; keeps the household running, shares a warm breakfast despite lingering grief and concern for Elsie.
- Mrs. SparrowMarket vendor; provides cider and biscuits, adding extras to cheer the Finch family.
- The First StarmakerLegendary figure honored by a grave monument; the focus of Aurora’s plea for Elsie’s healing.