Do I Believe In Myself?

Cayden wasn't expecting that answer at all! So many people had told him his clinic smelled like ash and the smell was too strong. Some even rather sat outside his clinic instead of inside. His blue eyes took in the female, so strange and yet, there was something about her that made him glad she was there.

Someone finally understood him.

"Thank you, Miss Moon," he thanked, "You must be from Rosemount. Is you Sir Charles Anthony's mistress? Why were you walking in the rain? Did he send you to retrieve something?"

"You… are asking a lot of questions," she laughed softly and placed the cup down, "You are not the first to mention Rosemount."

She wondered if that city was so desirable that Ryton and now Cayden believed she lived there.

"I am no mistress and I have not met a Sir Charles Anthony. I enjoy the rain, so I walked in it."

She finished answering and saw his shoulders relaxed. He was searching her eyes for a moment and she observed his features. Pretty blue eyes behind lens, long white hair, and a lean build. A doctor represented kindness, altruistic motivation, and intellect in her mind, so she was happy to have met Cayden.

However, there was still one thing she needed to know.

"You never answered me, Sir Cayden. Do you believe in the Moon Goddess?"

"Well…" blue eyes looked away from her for a moment, "Is there a reason why you are asking me about our Goddess?"

'Our…'

"Many hate her now, scorn her for their problems. I am… just curious."

"Miss Moon, you should know the leader of Flathand forbade any and all people to pray to the Moon Goddess. None of anything with her face or symbols are allowed," Cayden stated and saw her purple eyes widened so wide, he though she was going to pass out.

"What! How… Why?!" Moon cried out as her hands shook, "That is… terrible!"

For an entire city to ban her existence! This was not good. If more city were this way, then she would barely be able to live any longer. All of her purpose would be no more and the moon will become nothing but a shadow. She couldn't let that happen again!

"Miss Moon, are you a believer?" Cayden questioned and walked around to touch her hand, "I will not turn you in or anything, but from your reaction… Please tell me, do you believe in the Moon Goddess?"

'Do I believe in myself?'

She took a deep breath and dropped her head. She wasn't sure anymore, but her brother was counting on her. Without a moon, her brother would end up burning the world of Nevrisea. All the people, all the animals, everything would be gone. Her brother would be in despair and she would be lost.

"Yes," she whispered and expected the kind man to frown at her, maybe even turn her away, but Cayden smiled into a grin.

"Come with me," the doctor whispered and held her wrist gently.

She followed him upstairs to a closet in a room. A tingling feeling touched her skin and she found her eyes widening. Cayden let her wrist go and opened the closet to find it with his clothes, but… she could feel it. Her powers, the faith, somewhere behind the walls.

The doctor walked in and pushed some clothes aside. Once he pulled the wall away, he turned to see the female in tears and eyes sparking with awe. Moon walked closer and fell to her knees, seeing her statues, her pendants, her markings on fabric, and pictures of her.

She touched one of her fan, a favorite of hers so long ago. Cayden knelt down and pulled her hand away.

"I'm sorry, but please don't touch them. It is very ancient and I don't want them to break."

"Why… Do you have these? Will you not get in trouble?" She whispered and he let out a chuckle.

"I would, yes, but my grandparents love her. Their devotion and faith in her were boundless," Cayden held up a jade pendant, "I was taught to always have faith in her, that she will protect us again."

She… There was nothing for her to say. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged tightly. This man… This beautiful man believed in her! He even risked getting into trouble by collecting her items hidden away in a city that disliked her!

"I thank you Sir Cayden," she laughed wetly, "Thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?" The doctor laughed and patted her back, "I should thank you for not telling on me."

She giggled and sighed in his arms. She was tired, but she felt so happy, so safe, that she accepted the comfort of sleep. Sleep she had not needed since she woke.

When she sleep left her, she heard voices. Slowly pushing off the bed, she walked to the opened door and noticed she was upstairs. Her dress was still hanging from where it was pinned, so she went to it.

Feeling that it was still wet, she tightened the strap to the bottoms she was wearing. Walking down the steps, she could hear the giggling of a woman and Cayden's kind tone.

'Hm? Lovers?'

"Moon, did you sleep well?" He walked over and helped her down the last bit of steps.

"Yes. Thank you," She smiled and bowed to the female, "Hello."

"Hello, my name is Samantha. It is nice to meet you Moon."

"Likewise," she smiled back and stood beside Cayden. She watched him used the mortar and pistol, grinding herbs that smelled wonderful to her.

"So… Cayden told me he saved you from the rain like the hero he is," Samantha sighed with a smile, "Is that what it takes to be wearing your clothes, Cayden? I shall do so next time."

"Please don't," the doctor wavered his smile, "Being sick is not a fun thing. Your health is not a game, Miss Samantha."

"Ah, then when can I get in that perfect golden heart of yours," the female pouted and walked around touching his hanging herbs.