"Morning is here, the day is new.
Perhaps this is where the light breaks through."
Perhaps this is where the light breaks through."
Home.
Terrastella has not changed much since the group of them left for Denocte what seemed like months ago. Signs of trauma were still everywhere. It would take longer for the holes in the ground to settle and fill, to no longer be dangerous for an equine to step on. But here, just outside the court walls, overlooking the ocean, one could almost trick themselves into thinking that no disaster had befallen their world.
Fiona stood among the others bravely, far more bravely than she actually felt. She thought not about the truths that lingered within those same walls they stood not far from as her eyes watched Asterion. Fall was nipping at their heels. Soon the air would cool, nights would grow longer. But for now there was still a warmth in the breeze and the sun was still a comfort as its light cast itself across her skin.
Asterion spoke and Fiona’s gaze wandered, resting on the ocean as the waves moved rhythmically onto the shore, again, again, again, like breathing. Never pausing. It managed to bring her some measure of peace, to watch the way the sun shone off its dancing surface, to listen to the way it crashed and swayed. But the announcement of new Champions drew her attention back to the matter at hand.
The roles had been long absent, it was no surprise that they might be filled now, especially since they were no doubt most needed. Theodosia, to be their Champion of Battle. The Halcyon cadet she was quite familiar with, though they had never had a formal conversation. She thought of the way the pale woman had vehemently spoken out against Vespera for her people and decided it was a good fit.
Euryale, however, Fiona had no knowledge of, but to be given such a title from Asterion meant she must be a fit for the position. She would have to get to know the other soon, but she wondered just how such a newcomer would take to the mute Champion of Community. Some days Fiona thought she still wasn’t sure why Florentine had given her the role, but she had made the commitment and would do her best to live up to the expectations of her court.
When Asterion opens the floor for discussion of Dusk’s next step, Marisol is quick to speak up. Her words are sharp as her steel eyes and they speak of the inevitability of war. Fiona is not so sure, however. The rogue of Denocte who attacked their queen is not Denocte as a whole, and surely Seraphina would know that. It is not Solterra’s war with Denocte nor vice versa, but their mutual war against a traitor. Regardless, she had no way to speak up against Marisol’s claims.
All she’d like to see of her people is for them to heal—for their physical wounds may have healed for the psychological ones may yet take some time—for them to become comfortable in their home once more. Perhaps, she thought, what was best for Terrastella was for them to move on and to grow and, maybe, to find comfort and joy in each other’s presence. Maybe what they needed was a reminder of their strength and their kinship.
