the whole world ran for cover

melita

and she recklessly plays with matches

Melita had a long time to think on her flight home. About death. About foolishness. About admitting something had been preposterous and borderline insane. In fact, the ride was mostly silent, with just the wind whipping about her ears, uncertain if she should cry in relief or recklessness, grateful that in the end, they were all alive.

Save for one.

For Sascha’s heroic sacrifice, she didn’t leave the little ursur behind. It would’ve been beyond cruel to strand him amidst the damned yeti, as if he didn’t matter. She’d taken the time to wrap him in some fine cloth she’d found in Halo; ceremonial and pretty – and then pondered over leaving a note with him.

In the end, she found out where Alys lived, and unfortunately Talyson as well, and opted not to bang on the door or knock or anything else. It wasn’t worth it. Instead, once she’d landed the Firecracker, she sighed, lifting the little parcel out of the skyboat and carrying it over, intending to leave him gently on the doorstep.