She fell silent. Lacking thought, or words – a poverty of feeling – while the rest of the world muddled in the background. She failed to notice the little black shadow sweeping beside her. Unawares of the moisture in a breath, or the warmth of the body next to her.
“Psst… who’s that?”
The voice is quiet, its proximity sharp and startling. It snaps Nöelle back to the courtyard, to sea green eyes and a delicate face. Nöelle nearly bumps her nose with the stranger.
“Uhm…” Her voice wavers. Avoiding the stranger’s snout by looking back on the statue. Shuffling her feet in an unsettled gesture. “Vespera. Goddess Vespera…,” Nöelle raises a brow at the strange mare – realizes she appears much younger than she initially thought. Beset with jewels on her forehead, earrings paired to inquisitive ears.
She forces a small smile at the edges of her lips. Finds her voice again, as it rises steady into the air, “It’s my first harvest, here in Terrastella… It’s a time of celebration, of – equilibrium and balance. Or so I’ve been told.” Her voice levels off, eyes trail back to the statue. Blinking and quiet for a time.
The mare suddenly opens the satchel attached to her side. Turns her head to the right - mechanical in her motions - searching its contents for something worthwhile. She pulls out a small wildflower that had fallen from the wreathe, prior to her arrival.
“People pray to her, offer gifts.” She shrugs as her smile dissolves. She fixates on the flower instead of the statue. Admiring the simple design of purple petals. The subtle scent reminds her of unyielding fields. The sky kissing the ground, the wind against her breast.
She dips her head closer to the youngster, whispering, “Here, take this if you want.”
Gestures to the floating flower between them.
There was the possibility Nöelle wanted to feel something, other than anger and wanting. To feel lighter in any way imaginable. Even if it meant trying this. Even if religion meant very little in the way of believing in some higher power. At least there was the power between people, of fellowship and communion - love.
Noëlle
