Alhena
"Shhh," Brad whispered to his companion. "You'll scare her away."
"Scare her away?" Jimmy laughed. "Dude, there's no such things as gods and goddesses, or stars coming to life."
"Yes there is," Brad answered softly glancing up at the night sky. "It's almost time."
Jimmy shifted next to him. Brad knew he was uncomfortable. The sand was cold and damp under them, but this was the only hiding spot on this section of the beach.
"Hey, man, it's getting dark and I don't have a flashlight."
"Shhh," Brad hissed a reminder. He patted his pocket. "I have one, but we won't need it. Do you see that star?"
Jimmy's eye followed his hand. "The really bright one?"
"Yes. That's her." Brad tried not to blink. He loved to watch his goddess descend from the heavens. "She comes every night. The goddess Alhena descends from her throne to mourn for her lost love."
"Love?" Jimmy snickered. "How do you know all this?"
"My mother told me. She's our local legend. Now shhh." Brad kept his eyes on the glowing orb. "Look."
With his eyes still trained on it, Brad watched as the glowing star grew closer and closer, floating out of the night sky. Alhena grew brighter as it took the form of a woman as she drew near the beach. Soon he was able to see her familiar features. The deep sapphire blue of her eyes, the smooth graceful line of her nose, and the way her golden hair flowed around her, like a halo.
"Holy Sh-"
Brad elbowed Jimmy, silencing him before returning his attention to Alhena. She had already descended onto the beach and walked slowly, her feet leaving indents behind her.
The two boys watched her silently from behind their rock. Within minutes a young man and woman walked toward the goddess. Brad held his breath and motioned for Jimmy to listen.
"Goddess Alhena, please hear our plea," they spoke in unison and kneeled before the goddess, lowering their heads in respect.
"Rise children and tell me what you seek." Her voice, soft and melodic, drifted across the sand to their ears. Brad felt the compulsion to walk to her but he remained where he was. It wasn't his time yet.
"We seek your assistance. We would like to be married, but her parents refuse to give their blessing. With your consent, we'd like to marry."
Alhena smiled at their lowered heads for a few minutes. Then she laughed and said, "Rise my children. Go wed and be happy."
"Thank you, thank you." They fell even lower, and reached out to touch the hem of her simple white gown.
Alhena laughed. She watched the two lovers leave before she turned to face the sea. Brad’s heart clenched in agony as he watched her shoulders lean forward, and her head bow. His heart pounded in his chest, and sweat broke out along his forehead.
"Brad?" Jimmy grabbed his arm.
"Shhh," Brad growled, never takes his eyes off Alhena.
She turned slowly at the sound of their voices and faced the rock. A single tear escaped and trailed down her cheek. Alhena began to shimmer and glow. Slowly she walked into the ocean, disappearing below its surface. After a minute her body rose out of the water and floated up to the heavens.
"Why does she cry?" Jimmy whispered, even though she was gone.
"She weeps for her true love." Brad dropped onto the ground and leaned back against the rock. "Once, hundreds of years ago, she was mortal like you and me. When she was seventeen she fell in love with a soldier. He loved her as well, and asked for her hand in marriage. Her parents denied the request because he wasn't of noble birth. Heartbroken, he rode off into battle."
"What happened?" Jimmy poked Brad when he grew silent.
"He was killed by invaders when he led a small group of soldiers to lead the attackers away from the village. He died a hero, but it was too late for them.
"When he died, Alhena was overcome with sadness. She walked the beach, mourning for her love, until grief over took her and she flung herself into the ocean. Zeus had fallen in love with Alhena's beauty as he watched her walk the beach night after night. When she drowned herself he mourned her loss and offered her a chance to help others where she herself had been denied. So she walks this beach offering blessings to mortals in love while she waits for her soulmate to find her."
"When he does?"
"He will join her in the heavens and their love will shine down blessing us all."
* * *
Fifty years later Brad sat on the rock and watched the sun set. Soon she would descend to the earth to walk the beach. Brad's heart raced in anticipation. The time had come. He was ready now.
Alhena drifted closer and closer, her eyes widening as she landed on the ground. "Why do you seek me mortal?"
Brad stared at her for a moment. Her beauty struck him anew. Never in all the years that passed, had he ever seen anything as lovely as she.
"I have come for you, my love," Brad answered, watching her eyes as he rose. They flickered with an emotion he couldn’t read. "I've accomplished what I needed to, and now we can be together again."
Holding out his hand, Brad approached her slowly. When he reached her, she took his hand in hers. Bright light enfolded him in warmth as her soul sighed.
"It is you," she whispered.
Brad nodded slowly. "I am ready, my love."
Alhena's lips trembled as she murmured the words Zeus taught her so long ago. Brad cried out in surprise as he felt his soul slipping free of his mortal shell. When the spell was complete Brad looked down at his crumpled form on the beach. He returned his gaze to Alhena and smiled. Hands still joined, this time she made the trip back to the heavens with her love.
