Autumn, it was a season of change. The change from summer to autumn was so drastic it was hard not to notice the change. The temperature continues to fall, going from smoldering to crisp and cool. Rain becomes less frequent, the clouds staying dark and gloomy. The leaves were no longer green and full, turning to shades of red, yellow, orange, and brown. They fall from the trees as the wind shakes the branches, the leaves falling like confetti around Denocte.
And with this season of change, comes a change in Katniss. The death of Metaphor feeling less and less numb, her son weaned and coming into his own. It produces a hole in her heart that she so longed to fill. She tried to throw herself into her work, preparing the armies and keeping busy with her rounds. But no matter what she did, it never felt like quite enough. That emptiness was still there, still longing to be filled. But with what?
The night was crisp and clear, the stars were out in full force. For a moment Katniss looks up at the stars, watching as they twinkle. She wonders for a moment if Metaphor is up there, looking down on Denocte and helping to guide their son. The boy needed a father, someone to guide him. She was not a good mother, but she was trying. She simply did not know how to raise her son, to help him come into his own. She needed guidance but she was afraid to ask.
Looking down at the docks, Katniss sees a ship coming to port. She wonders what it carries and so, the warrior picks up a quick trot, leaving behind her thoughts of Metaphor and Kibou and instead, focusing on the task at hand. As she comes upon the dock, she sees only one individual emerge from the belly of the ship, looking a little rough and shaken. Had the waves treated her badly? Was she injured? Was she friendly? So many unanswered questions guide the made further towards the docks to intersect the stranger.
It does not take her long to come across the stranger, her appearance that of a warrior. She can see the way she stands, the way her muscles hang tight. She knows this because that is how she stands. She comes towards the stranger, her hand hanging a little low, a submissive gesture for now. This was a stranger and she would like to hope she meant no harm. So until it was decided whether or not she was friend or foe, Katniss would bring forth her best welcoming attitude. After all, she had been new once. “Welcome to Denocte.” Her voice is soft, welcoming, and she tries to offer the stranger a soft smile. “My name is Katniss.” Never did she introduce herself as Katniss, Champion of Battle. It was a mouthful and far too formal. Yes, just Katniss would do just fine.
@Castalla
