Home.

Terrastella has not changed much since the group of them left for Denocte what seemed like months ago. Signs of trauma were still everywhere. It would take longer for the holes in the ground to settle and fill, to no longer be dangerous for an equine to step on. But here, just outside the court walls, overlooking the ocean, one could almost trick themselves into thinking that no disaster had befallen their world.

Fiona stood among the others bravely, far more bravely than she actually felt. She thought not about the truths that lingered within those same walls they stood not far from as her eyes watched Asterion. Fall was nipping at their heels. Soon the air would cool, nights would grow longer. But for now there was still a warmth in the breeze and the sun was still a comfort as its light cast itself across her skin.

Asterion spoke and Fiona’s gaze wandered, resting on the ocean as the waves moved rhythmically onto the shore, again, again, again, like breathing. Never pausing. It managed to bring her some measure of peace, to watch the way the sun shone off its dancing surface, to listen to the way it crashed and swayed. But the announcement of new Champions drew her attention back to the matter at hand.

The roles had been long absent, it was no surprise that they might be filled now, especially since they were no doubt most needed. Theodosia, to be their Champion of Battle. The Halcyon cadet she was quite familiar with, though they had never had a formal conversation. She thought of the way the pale woman had vehemently spoken out against Vespera for her people and decided it was a good fit.

Euryale, however, Fiona had no knowledge of, but to be given such a title from Asterion meant she must be a fit for the position. She would have to get to know the other soon, but she wondered just how such a newcomer would take to the mute Champion of Community. Some days Fiona thought she still wasn’t sure why Florentine had given her the role, but she had made the commitment and would do her best to live up to the expectations of her court.

When Asterion opens the floor for discussion of Dusk’s next step, Marisol is quick to speak up. Her words are sharp as her steel eyes and they speak of the inevitability of war. Fiona is not so sure, however. The rogue of Denocte who attacked their queen is not Denocte as a whole, and surely Seraphina would know that. It is not Solterra’s war with Denocte nor vice versa, but their mutual war against a traitor. Regardless, she had no way to speak up against Marisol’s claims.

All she’d like to see of her people is for them to heal—for their physical wounds may have healed for the psychological ones may yet take some time—for them to become comfortable in their home once more. Perhaps, she thought, what was best for Terrastella was for them to move on and to grow and, maybe, to find comfort and joy in each other’s presence. Maybe what they needed was a reminder of their strength and their kinship.

Not much had changed from the last time she was in Terrastella, even though her nice little getaway to Delumine had been a wonderful, well-needed reprieve after the general hell that had been the last year. She would definitely be returning to the north as soon as possible, if only to get an eyeful of a certain golden eyed Warden. It was no surprise when a meeting was aptly called shortly after her return home; there was much to discuss, after all, because much had happened since her departure with Theodosia to deliver Atreus to Delumine.

Arriving in time with the other members of the Court, the Warden dipped her head towards each of them in passing as she traipsed through the crowd. Most of the faces she knew; Asterion, Marisol, Fiona, and Theodosia, but a few had to be fresh blood among Novus. With Solaris perched upon her croup, Israfel knew she was an intimidating sight; tall, poised, and proud with a massive Phoenix roosting upon her very spine.

Standing a few paces from Asterion, the Sun Daughter dipped her head in a curt, acknowledging nod when the Dusk King recognized her for her exploits. She held a neutral expression, listening with half an ear as their sovereign went about the usual repertoire that came with these sorts of things, vermilion eyes slowly switching from citizen to citizen. Promotions were made, some deserving, others questionable.

There was no one else Israfel would rather have as Champion of Battle than Theodosia. The pale woman deserved it with her tireless efforts back when their home had literally been falling apart around their ears and how readily she had thrown herself between danger and their home. That, and, Israfel remembered fondly how Theodosia had been brazen enough to smack Vespera herself atop the head. Well deserved, indeed.

“I second the promotion of Theodosia. In my opinion, her promotion is long overdue.”

Euryale as Champion of Wisdom, however? The Sun Daughter did not even attempt to hide her snort of amusement. Sure. The Warden still did not trust the lurking viper, but perhaps she just hadn’t given the multi-colored woman a chance. It didn’t matter, not really. Only time would tell if Euryale was befitting the position.

Letting the conversation flow along with no further interruption on her part, the shield maiden listened far more intently as Marisol gruffly explained the recent happenings within Denocte and, by result, Solterra. Her eyes narrowed into fierce gems of irate vermilion, and she snorted once more but this time in derision. Hearing about sneaky little shit-birds trying to steal crowns was not how she wanted this meeting to go.

“Then recruit we shall. Commander, I know that I’ll have your assistance in testing the mettle of our soldiers, and you as well, Theodosia… And anyone else who would like to volunteer your efforts, let us know.” One already did; a rich bay fellow of the likes that Israfel did not recognize, yet with his magic of manipulating the very earth around them, his efforts would be appreciated. Turning her gaze to focus on Asterion, then, Israfel continued effortlessly. “If that little shit stain is keen on robbing Seraphina of her crown, I imagine that he will be met with a mutiny within Solterra. They are loyal to their queen; not to lurking ravens. Just as well, I’ve become fast friends with Delumine’s Warden, and he is close to King Somnus. If war is brimming on the horizon, we will not be alone in facing it.”

It was not the first time that whispers of war were carried on the breeze. It seemed like no matter how close they were to grasping peace all across Novus, one little blight had to go and ruin it.

"Speaking."