Katniss listens quietly, listening to where it was taught to read. In a world with so many material items, books amongst them, she would do well to adapt to here. Perhaps reading would help her better connect to the people here and to it’s history. After all, Novus was her home now. No longer did she live in the shadows of Beta Corvi in Nocturne. No longer did she rule over Elysian in The Rift. She was here now and she would do well to at least try to blend in. She makes note of Terastella – perhaps she would visit there. And she locks away the location of the library in the Dawn Court. Admittedly, Katniss is not well traveled. And yet, she plans to change that now. Something tells her that she will be visiting the Dawn Court very soon – for a reason still unknown to her.

The conversation shifts, but Katniss does not forget what they have talked about. She wants to excel in her attempts to please Isra, to try an strengthen Denocte’s boarders as she has sworn to do. But she needs Asterion’s help. She need him to help her spar. By the smile that appears on his face, she is certain that he will agree to such a request. And when he finally does, she lets her gaze soften, a grin spread across her lips. But it is when he warns her that he is dangerous that her grin broadens. “Do not underestimate me, Asterion.” She has a few tricks up her own sleeve. She may not be filled with magic as some of the others here, but she has brute strength and wit in excess.

He states that they will do this soon, because he must lead his people home. She only nods her head, completely understanding the timeline with which he must adhere to. She understands what it means to be homeless and want nothing more than to lead your people to a safe haven. She knows that song all to well.

His parting  gesture feels foreign to her, but not completely unwanted. It has been some time since someone has so softly touched her shoulder in this manner. It makes her think of Metaphor and for a moment, she feels that ache in her heart return. But she pushes it away as she thinks about the battle that is to come. But unlike Asterion who disappears into the crowd, Katniss heads in the other direction, towards the exit. She needs to prepare. It has been some time since she has battled anything or anyone but her own ill thoughts.

@Asterion