A season has passed, but it's felt like an entire decade.
The hole left in Corr's heart has only grown bigger since her and Ipomoea found Hāsta's remains. Still the forest haunts her with the memory and the wandering spirit of her dead crow. Since then, she's made Delumine her new home after she vowed to find those who wronged her dear companion. Unfortunately, despite her working tirelessly to investigate, she hasn't gotten any closer to finding out the truth.
Since that day, she hasn't had the heart to bury her friend. With help from the library, she was able to find out more about preservation and she's managed to somewhat stitch Hāsta back together. Corr stuffed the crow's body with herbs and other materials to keep the smell away and it's seemed to work well to preserve her.
But in doing so, it's come with a price. Not only has Corr's heart been broken, but her sanity is slowly slipping away. To her, not much has changed, but to the outside eye, it's very clear that she's losing it. Just looking at Hāsta's mangled body says a lot, but now the mare has begun talking to it as if the crow is still there. She takes her out for walks by strapping Hāsta on her back so she doesn't fall over (or fall apart, for that matter). It's just like where the crow used to perch on her shoulder while they traveled together.
This is what they are doing today as they head to Denocte. For the medic, it's strange to be leaving the Dawn Court at last. She spent quite a lot of time in the confines of her new home in the woods. There are very few others she's talked to, so this is going to prove to be a challenge. She isn't even sure what drew her to attend the festival. It's been hard to feel upbeat enough to join in celebrations. Still, she figured it might be worth checking out and it would give her and Hāsta something to do.
And she certainly talked the crow's "ears" off the entire flight there. As usual, Hāsta remained her grumpy self (in Corr's mind) and it makes the mare laugh. Just like old times.
Before them stands a magnificent structure at the entrance of Denocte. Corrdelia isn't sure if she's seen anything more beautiful in her lifetime. There are bonfires lit and string lights along the trees. The window panes are so intricate and colorful, she could get lost in their design alone.
There are several others walking through, likely attending the festival as well. But there is one in particular that catches her attention. They seem familiar, except now they are accompanied by another creature she doesn't recognize. Although her heart is pounding from the thought of interacting with someone else, she knows she needs to get over it. Being in isolation for so long has taken a toll on her.
"T-thana?" she asks, her voice unsure and a bit shaky. She clears her throat. Get it together! "Is that you?"
If she's right, it's been quite a while since she last saw the mare. Two Dusk festivals ago, in fact. Corr still has the painting she did from that night too of The Tower. It's not currently hung up, but its message still haunts her at times.
On her back, Hāsta is slumped over a bit from the movement. Corr readjusts her and laughs, looking over her shoulder. "This isn't a time for sleeping, you silly bird!"
@Thana <3
