“Columbina Hyposelenia…”
Tracing circles on her back, you could feel the light vibrations of her humming.
“You have a beautiful name.”
The faint laughter of children and adults playing at the moon prayer night festivities echoed up to the two of you sitting on a roof over Nasha town, with the repeated words of “Welcome home, Moon goddess” floating around, lifting anyone’s spirits, be they the moon goddess in question or any ordinary person.
“…say it again.”
You smile.
“Of course, Columbina Hyposelenia.”
She was silent for a moment.
“Do you really like it? Is it too long?”
There was a waver of hesitation in her voice. She was worried that the name she had finally found was not to your liking.
“Columbina, it doesn’t matter if I like your name or not. What matters is that you do, and that you’ve found your own name, finally.”
Her face seemed downcast.
“So you don’t like it…?”
“No, no, that’s not what I said! No matter what, I love you and your name!”
Leaning back into your arms, she tilted her head towards the sky, letting the moonlight fall onto her skin, almost glowing. Her dark hair framed her face as she, for once, opened her eyes.
“I’m glad you do. I was worried I’d have to come up with a new one.”
Normally you wouldn’t notice, but tonight, you somehow manage to catch on to her joking tone.
“I wonder what it could be. Perhaps… Damsel Hyposelenia? Selenia… Seelie?”
Columbina kicks her feet lightly over the edge of the roof, and giggles.
“Perhaps I’d let the Kuuhenki choose…”
“Huh? Not me? I think Moon Seelie is quite nice.”
Columbina winces, and the both of you laugh.
“I’m glad you came back. I was worried.”
“Are you sure you can’t come with me to the moon?”
