Anju
I see what lies heavy on your heart
Riya gives a mournful croon at the empty hands, before rebounding as swiftly as always, turning and plunging into the snowy woods like a runaway bear to Gods knew where now. Anju rolled her eyes fondly after the scaly wrecking ball, knowing she’d circle back in time.
The compliment makes color wash up Anju’s face, turning brown skin into deeper shades around her cheeks, ears, and neck. “Thank you Lena,” she manages to gruff out through a throat gone stiff with awkward, but sincere gratitude for the sentiment. “With how it floats now, I think we’re just harder to get to, and that doesn’t encourage immigration. And Abandoned still cannot visit.” Though numbers seemed to be down, they were still individuals who might have otherwise stepped up to leadership.
Straightening, Anju dusts her hands off with a sharp brush against her thighs, wondering blank-faced why Lena had apologized. “Sorry for what?” It dawns late, only after remembering that Lena often apologizes for being a nuisance when she never is, and Anju snorts a small laugh. “Oh. You are my friend - you don’t count.” Spoken with the simplistic confidence more befitting a child than a soldier. Moseying closer, Anju’s eyebrows rise in clear interest. “Useful. What are your tasks?” Lena has never minded her brevity and stoicism, and it leaves Anju far more relaxed, content with her own state of being.
The compliment makes color wash up Anju’s face, turning brown skin into deeper shades around her cheeks, ears, and neck. “Thank you Lena,” she manages to gruff out through a throat gone stiff with awkward, but sincere gratitude for the sentiment. “With how it floats now, I think we’re just harder to get to, and that doesn’t encourage immigration. And Abandoned still cannot visit.” Though numbers seemed to be down, they were still individuals who might have otherwise stepped up to leadership.
Straightening, Anju dusts her hands off with a sharp brush against her thighs, wondering blank-faced why Lena had apologized. “Sorry for what?” It dawns late, only after remembering that Lena often apologizes for being a nuisance when she never is, and Anju snorts a small laugh. “Oh. You are my friend - you don’t count.” Spoken with the simplistic confidence more befitting a child than a soldier. Moseying closer, Anju’s eyebrows rise in clear interest. “Useful. What are your tasks?” Lena has never minded her brevity and stoicism, and it leaves Anju far more relaxed, content with her own state of being.
and the strength you still keep inside
