"If I could fly I would never come back", you said
A crow circled above the precedings, unusual only by its size and rare color. Uncertain whether her presence would be welcome or not, Maea had opted to remain on the periphery so that the family could grieve in peace.
She hadn't known Seren. Seen her, sure, but only in passing during social events. They had never been introduced, never exchanged words, and neither of them knew that an odd piece of bone could have made for an interesting discussion on ownership. But right now, watching the wrapped form of Ronin's daughter being laid out on the pyre, Maea couldn't help but feel a connection.
Mostly it was guilt. For surviving when this girl had not. For taking focus and ability away when it could have saved someone else. Was she worthy of life? Maybe. Some said she was. But Safrin's demigod definitely was, and it was a stone in her gut, a weight on her chest, to be here and flaunt the life in herself that could have been given to a starchild.
Twisting her beak around, Maea plucked a feather from her chest and let it drift down, softly settling on Seren's chest.
Thank you. I'm so sorry. May you find peace.
Tearing her gaze away, the shifted ancient angled her wings and felt the wind carry her higher into the air. She would remain there until the funeral was over, unless someone took notice and wished to speak to her. Heart going out to her friends, Maea knew there wasn't anything she could say or do to comfort them right now. Losing your family was not the kind of wound you ever really healed from... and this was the second child to go before their time.
She hadn't known Seren. Seen her, sure, but only in passing during social events. They had never been introduced, never exchanged words, and neither of them knew that an odd piece of bone could have made for an interesting discussion on ownership. But right now, watching the wrapped form of Ronin's daughter being laid out on the pyre, Maea couldn't help but feel a connection.
Mostly it was guilt. For surviving when this girl had not. For taking focus and ability away when it could have saved someone else. Was she worthy of life? Maybe. Some said she was. But Safrin's demigod definitely was, and it was a stone in her gut, a weight on her chest, to be here and flaunt the life in herself that could have been given to a starchild.
Twisting her beak around, Maea plucked a feather from her chest and let it drift down, softly settling on Seren's chest.
Thank you. I'm so sorry. May you find peace.
Tearing her gaze away, the shifted ancient angled her wings and felt the wind carry her higher into the air. She would remain there until the funeral was over, unless someone took notice and wished to speak to her. Heart going out to her friends, Maea knew there wasn't anything she could say or do to comfort them right now. Losing your family was not the kind of wound you ever really healed from... and this was the second child to go before their time.
Maea
