[Edited 5/1/21]

It has been several decades since I sat here, waiting for people to join my solar system of dreams. Over time, little by little, others had arrived. Some for the thrill of exploring, others seeking a home. It has been a fulfilling presence, as I watched many come and many stayed to live on my star. It's been peaceful and rewarding these last few decades, as civilization began to form. They called me their "Sun," whatever that means... Many are so formal to the point where it has become a habit to remind them to use my given name. It has become a game in a way, to see how many times I had to remind them. The record was 5 times before one Demon started calling me by my given name. Soon after, many followed in the Demon's steps. It was a relief, so in return for such good examples, I gave the demon the title of "Devil." There was joyous laughter and cheers that day.

Soon came a Lumerian of great knowledge, they spoke of stories filled with great journeys and thrilling adventures. Many of the others called them a "storyteller," or some of the different beliefs called them an "elder." And so, I took up that title to refer to the Lumerian as "Elder." Many were joyous once more when I announced the two who would come seeking little help as the major requirements will be judged by myself. Life was peaceful on my star, though even then it felt a little lonely once in a while. I knew that because I had no other higher celestials such as planets or moons, only Lumerians and Demons. Maybe I was unable to see past my solar system because of how dim my light was. Many Demons and Lumerians told me that it was difficult to find me due to how dull my light was... but how can that be? I followed the Creator's instructions and example... So how was I dull? Why am I not bright enough to see from afar?

Is there something wrong with myself to not be able to shine brightly for all to see? Was I lied to by the Creator? No, they would never lie to their creations... would they? Oh, nonsense. I overthink such trivial things. "Kur! There you are!" The absent voice of the "Devil" brought me out of my thoughts as I looked over towards the approaching figure. "Burakku, is there some matter that needs my immediate attention?" I asked as they approached me. The Devil gave a confused look before shaking their head. "There has been an accident... And I fear that the Elder is critically injured. Their core was ruptured, and before they pass they wish to see you one last time." Burakku sighed deeply. So that disturbance I felt a moment ago was important. This is not a good omen... I nodded my head, "Lead the way, and I will follow." There was a solemn frown engraved on the Devil's lips as they nodded their head and walked the other way.

I knew not many got to see the Celestial Stars since my kin are rare and filled with power. Yet I wish to give the Elder one last visit, especially if they are critically injured. Following Burakku closely behind as they led me to the home of the Elder, they stopped at the door before bowing to me, "they are inside with their two daughters and the healer... I cannot bear to see them like this. I will wait out here until you are done." Burakku is heartbroken, their core reflects their emotions... Though I know not how I can sense this, it's always been a given power. Taking a deep breath, I stepped over the beam of the doorway and entered the home. The room was lightly lit, with shades covering the windows as a still figure was laying in the center of the room, an array of furs and feathers surrounding them as if they were on display. The healer was kneeled beside the makeshift bed, citing prayers of old for the forgiveness of the injured and the recycling of a Lumerian soul. I could hear the faint whimpering of a girl in the corner of the room, as I looked to see the twin Lumerian daughters bowing their heads as the red one held back tears and the purple one tried to console the other.

My condolences are very high as I kneeled next to the healer. The pale reflection on the elder's skin was clearly shown as the ghostly glow before death. The Elder slightly opened their eyes before looking over to me. "Kur? Is that you I lay my dying eyes on, right before I join my ancestors and rejoin the sea of souls?" The Elder spoke in rhythm trying to lighten the atmosphere. "It is I, Elder" I spoke lightly as I settled my weight onto my knees and let the Elder take hold of my hand. Their face was joyous before placing a hand over mine. I could hear the uneven breaths they took as they mumbled quietly. Seeing the faintness of tears, I raised my other hand and wiped the stranded tear away. "Elder, please do not cry. It saddens me to see others weep," I whispered.

The Elder opened their eyes once more and gave a solemn smile. "My precious Star, please do not be burdened by my departure. My life is one taken away not many lives that would have most likely have happened if I had not taken the damage. It'll get better from my departure. Take care of my girls, help them heal their broken hearts. They lost their mother at a young age and now they lose me as well." the Elder spoke in quicken breaths, "I would like another to take my place as the Elder... A young chap that has been learning under me for quite some time. Very wise and educated." I gave a hum before asking, "and what may this fellow's name be?" The Elder gave a weak chuckle and whispered to me, "Seimi." They began to choke violently. The healer immediately jumped into action and tried to soothe the Elder's violent coughs. It was shocking, to say the least.

The coughs and gags soothed down enough where the healer sighed heavily as they began to gather the bloodied and soiled rags they used. They are suffering, it saddens me to see this happen to a very dear subordinate. "Very well, Elder, I will grant your final request. Is there anything else you wish to be done?" I asked as the Elder weakly looked up at me. "My precious Star, Kur, Star of the neverending dreams, please let me be buried in your burning star to keep your light shining for those seeking need and comfort away from wars, illnesses, and those who wish to corrupt others," the Elder's weak voice spoke. I gave a weak smile back as they closed their eyes once more. It felt unnerving as I watched the Elder's chest rise and fall with slight pausing before the Elder's chest fell, never rising again. The healer began reciting verses again while I heard the broken sobs of the one twin.

Is this what death looks like? Is this what it feels like when you lose someone close? I feel uncomfortable, conflicted, a burning need to shed tears for a lost one. I gently picked up the covering over the Elder's body and pulled it higher to cover their head, fully announcing their departure. It felt wrong to lose them, they were barely 900 years old, so why did they die so early? Does being wounded cause death? "Kur?" I jolted, before looking behind me seeing Burakku standing at the doorway, their head bowed showing the full view of the deer skull that was on top of their head. "Yes, Burakku?" I stood up and looked over to the twins as one was crying loudly while the other wept quietly trying to comfort the other. "Shall I prepare for the ceremony?" I gave a nod as I approached the two girls. Kneeling in front of the twins, I gave a deep exhale before lightly placing my hand on the weeping one's hands.

It was a mere pause in their weeping as they both looked up at me. I gave the small smile of comfort and spoke softly, to give some condolence for the loss of their parental being. "Is dad really gone?" The red one's voice sounded very ragged and broken. It pained me to hear such a tone. How do I even speak to them? "He's not fully gone, girls," I turned my head hearing Burakku's voice, "He has merely lost his physical form. His presence will remain with you forever. And forever may he be with us." Is this one way to show condolence with others? To say that one little made-up lie of being forever with them could heal such a deep wound? I looked back to the two and saw the red one rub their eyes and give a weak smile. So it does work... Very interesting.

"Kur, can we speak outside for a moment?" Burakku asked as the healer came to the twin's side and began to rub their shoulders and whisper in their ears. I nodded before standing and walking towards the exit. Burakku kept the door open until I fully left the home. The outside was surrounded by the residents of my star. So they wish to hear about the results. Taking a deep breath before speaking, "It is a very sad evening as the Elder has departed from our domain, but will forever remain in our memories as we grieve tonight and celebrate life tomorrow." Everyone else bowed as Burakku gave a quick clap as everyone else moved away and created a walkway to our exit. Walking past the gathering, I looked back at Burakku as I saw the strained facial expression. Was he holding back his emotions?

"Burakku," he looks over to me, "Is everything okay?" His eyes widened a bit before he tried to mask his facial expression, "No... Everything is fine" I knew he was lying right from the start. I stopped, and he stopped at the same moment as I turned around. "You are not fine Burakku, I can feel the overwhelming sadness around you. Come." I opened my arms and held them out, like I see so many do to comfort the other. His eyes widened before he shook his head, before coming closer and embracing me in a tight but firm hug. I felt his body shake for a few seconds, before I could feel the slight dampness upon my shoulder. The emotional water I hear from so many once in a while. I started to rub his back, something else I have noticed others doing to comfort the other. "I am sorry for showing weakness, Kur," I could hear Burakku muffledly say as he squeezed onto my clothing before releasing me and rubbing his eyes.

"There is nothing wrong with showing emotions, Burakku," I pat his head, "Emotions are what drives the living to make decisions... There is nothing wrong with showing emotions." Burakku gave a faint smile and a weak chuckle before shaking his head. "I shall start tonight's grieving ceremony, if you may excuse my leave." Burakku bowed before backing away, leaving me alone as I stared up into the vast space. Oh Creator, why must those who are loved and cared for must be taken away in tragedy?