He wasn’t sure what the crying creature was, but he knew it couldn’t be human. Their eyes were bright, and in the moonlight those tears glittered as if liquid diamonds themselves spilled from her lids. What could have made this creature become so overburdened they'd cry, alone, beside the clear lake, and underneath the stars? They appeared to be alone without anyone near to guard or protect them, as fragile as they appeared. He, an old painter of 50, approached the distraught creature with careful intent.
"Excuse me, but whatever has you so sad?" The painter inquired, then sat down their satchel and easel before approaching any further. He took a slower step towards them as the creature looked up at him. At first, he was taken by surprise, but with quick composure he was able to sit near them with on a stump.
The creature looked at him confused and obviously didn't understand him. He gave a slight nod then sighed out, "Ohh. I see. You don't speak as I do." He chuckled to himself, then reached a hand out to wipe away one of the tears. Upon his finger sat an opaque substance, that was like silk, and looked precisely as he had suspected. Liquid... diamond.
"My word. You really aren't of this earth." He muttered, then looked at them one more time. Upon further inspection, he still couldn't tell if it had a gender. Just that it was a beautiful creature, with such extraordinary tears.
"Hmm... Yes, I suppose I shall find another way to communicate then. I do love a challenge." He nodded, then looked around to spot a long stick with a pointed end. He gave a nod, then picked it up to begin drawing in the dirt. Two eyes, and a frown, with a question mark.
The creature looked to the earth and then sniffled. They sat in silence for a moment, but this was good. It meant they weren't sobbing as they had been previously. Then their gaze went to the stars and gave a wistful sigh. The painter, too, looked up and wondered what they were thinking. He was startled when he felt the stick being taken, and then watched as the creature began to wipe the earth clean to create a new slate. They drew what looked to be the solar system, and then stars, and finally a shooting star. They wiped the earth clean once more, then drew that same shooting star landing onto a planet. Then, with the pointed end of the stick, they directed the painter's attention to an indentation in the bottom of the lake. The waters were pristine and clear, so seeing to the bottom wasn't difficult.
"Oh. Oh, my. You fell... from..." He pointed to the middle of the lake, and then looked up to point to the stars. When looking back to the creature, they gave a nod and tears began again. Their hands fumbled, so they could reach into their pockets, to retrieve a broken amulet. The front, supposedly a bracket, was broken, and inside was empty.
"Do you need this fixed then?" He inquired, putting a hand out, so he might ask to see it.
The celestial creature gave a nod, then handed over the necklace, so he could inspect it.
"Hm, yes. I think I might know just the trick then. But first, let us get you somewhere warm." He gave the necklace back, standing as he did so, then waved them on over. "Come then. You shall rest at my home until we can get you to your own, yes?" He spoke, though he knew they wouldn't understand. After picking up his gear, the elder began a slow walk back up a familiar trail. The being followed, seeming to trust this human, as they could sense the good in their heart.
They arrived back shortly after midnight. He'd lit an oil lamp he had just outside his door, then picked it up after opening the door. Setting the lamp on the table, he then went to light the fire just underneath a large pot with a heavy lid over it.
"I suspect you are hungry. I think." He guessed, then went to his small cupboards to fetch a cup and bread he'd made earlier that day. The creature sat at the table, looking at the fire. It intrigued them so much so, they reached out to touch the flame, only to hiss and withdraw their hand. So beautiful, yet angry.
"Ah, ah, ah. Careful now. I suppose experience is the best way to learn, then, isn't it?" He set down the cup he had filled with fresh milk, then set the roll of bread down, so they might eat. For trust's sake, he also sat down with his own cup and piece of bread. He showed them, drinking from their own cup, and then tearing off the hardened roll to eat. The creature seemed to understand, and followed suit.
After a small sip of the milk, they stared at the glass and sniffed it. After the bite of bread, they sat up and looked between the food and drink in their hands. A smile hit their lips and the painter was happy then too. They ate again, and drank leisurely, before seeming to ask for more. The painter inhaled deeply, looking over his shoulder to his cabinets, knowing that he only had a small portion left. "Well, I..." He sighed then gave a smile and nodded.
"Of course. You must be hungry." He took up his own plate to give them his portion of bread, then stood, so he could fetch them more milk. The being ate happily, and after the second cup, was satiated. After, they seemed tired. He didn't know how to speak their language, but often body language spoke louder than words themselves.
"Come. Rest." He retrieved the plates and cups to set near a cold bucket of water, and then made his way across his small home to a bed. It was poorly constructed, and had very little padding anymore, but it was what he had. Besides, he'd be up all night fixing that necklace for the poor creature.
The being sat, looking at the length of the bed, and then the pillow. It was inviting, but they hadn't ever known sleep. They hadn't needed it before tonight. In fact, they felt most alive at night. Yet, here they were, tired, and ready to sleep for the night. And it wasn't long before they were off to sleep.
The old man nodded as they rested, then hobbled back over to the opposite end of the house. He would do a quick wash of his dishes, then set them aside. After, he retrieved his small toolkit, along with some wire. He sat at his worktable, lit up by a few candles, and worked the night away.
By morning the being was rested. They woke quickly, noting the sun in their eyes, and then looked abruptly around for the old man. They noted he had fallen asleep at a desk, then looked to the side near his hand to see their necklace. The painter wasn't very proficient with jewelry making, but he was ingenious. They created a front latch, with a door that could be fastened closed. This was a crude fix, and stuck out horrendously against the dainty bracket that once had been in its place, but the being was happy nontheless.
The old man woke when he felt a strange notion of being watched, then opened their eyes to see the being nearby.
"Oh, you are awake then. And you've found the necklace. I hope it suits you, or at least, will work until you can find a proper metalworker." He acknowledged the poor craftsmanship of the item, but was happy with the work he had done. The being was thrilled, having found someone so wonderful and kind, that would give their food, bed, and hard work out of the kindness of their soul.
The being smiled, urging the man to come outside. He nodded, standing with a cracking of his knees, then followed them out.
As they got outside, the being's hair began to shine brightly, and their skin radiate brilliantly.
"You have shown great kindness to me, without even knowing who, or what, I am. For this, I offer you a gift." Their voice was feminine, yet held an innate echo in their tone. The man looked to the being and stared up at them like they'd seen the face of God themselves. His own eyes began to water, and tears now fell at the beauty that had revealed themselves before him.
"Fear me not as I wish you no harm. Instead, I wish you youth, riches, and eternal happiness." They offered, and the man gave a quick nod, too flabbergasted to speak proper.
"Very well. You shall join me by my side." They spoke, and a brilliant light had shown down around the both of them. It was hot, scorching the earth where they stood, and when the ray was gone, so were they. All that was left were a pile of garbs, scorched by heat, and shoes embedded into the soil.
That night, when anyone looked above, a new constellation would appear beside the constellation Virgo. Stars formed the rough shape of a man, standing strong, with a star seated where his heart once was.