Despite the simplicity of her life here in the Night Court, Katniss felt like there was a piece of her soul missing. Yes, she had found Metaphor again and he had filled her heart with so much joy and love, but it was something else that she yearned for. At one point in her life, that hole could be filled by war and battle and protecting. But then, as she grew and mature, that hole was filled by her ability to lead. She loved leading Beta Corvi and even Elysian. Both places had been a gathering of those who had no where else to go. She had offered a life to any who wanted it, and her ability to maintain the peace had been her calling. But here, she lacked that leadership role. Soon, though, she would serve Isra as her battle champion. Perhaps that would fill the hole she so desperately wanted to fill. She said none of this to Metaphor, however, knowing that for this moment, he was happy just being with her. She would have to be happy with that for now.
For now, the mare focuses on showing Metaphor where he can call her home. While it is in the central of the court, it is just far enough away that she doesn’t feel claustrophobic. She can still hear the bugs chirp and feel the wisp of the wind as it blows through the open windows. While she normally could be found sleeping just outside her home beneath the shade of a large oak tree, she was slowly growing used to the more modern lifestyle that the court life offered. Perhaps it was a good thing that she was finally embracing that life. After all, she had to help Finnick heal.
As he leads Metaphor in, she chuckles at his need to wipe his feet. She has never been that sort of individual that cared about keeping the dirt out. There was something far more homey about the dirt-stricken floors. It felt more natural. “You don’t have to wipe your feet. I don’t keep the cleanest home.” Some where known to spend hours cleaning the floors and the walls. Katniss on the other hand, she had far more pressing issues to think about. Cleaning simply was not at the forefront of her thoughts.
But she turns away from him, stepping closer into the home and moving to stand beside the far. As the temperature continued to drop, the fire kept this place relatively warm. The shutters could be pulled during the night to hold in the heat, but during the day it was still pretty enough to have them open.
His words catch her attention and she looks to him with a soft smile. “I hope for us to build it together.” She pauses a moment as she looks into the quaintness of the home. “I want you to live here with me.” Now that she had Metphor back, she was entirely unwilling to let him be anywhere except right by her side. That was where he was supposed to be.
It is then that she introduces Finnick, an eagle which she has only recently found. She feels the bond with him and it is unlike something she cannot describe. It’s much like a mother to her child and yet, like a best friend. This must have been what Metaphor felt with Keres.
Katniss can see the worry and uncertainty that washes over his features when he thinks of the opinionated fox. She steps closer to him, pressing her muzzle against his shoulder in a comforting manner. “I’m sure he’s alright, Metaphor. Perhaps he will find his way here.” She offers him a tender smile, hoping that he might take comfort in it.
@Metaphor
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