Hadama had made good use of the Court's healing fountain upon his return, and spent his time recovering in the Underwater City until he was well enough to make the trek over land to the shrine beside his co-ruler. If his steps were slower than usual and he had new scars that had yet to receive their gilding on his skin, they did not speak of it. Instead there was discussion of the Flowerbirth weather and the state of the monsoon shield. Of a request for a new order of clay tablets for the Court of Stars, so that laws and proclamations could be taken down to the Underwater City when they were posted in Haulani. Of some recent graffiti that had appeared on the Lucky Rum Fountain, and whether some form of punishment was warranted.
But eventually they reached the island, and Hadama joined Flora in placing his offering - hair sticks carved from ebony, brushed in diamond dust and lacquered to a polished shine. Exquisite silver stars hung from their ends on chains as delicate as lace, each one a chime tuned to a different harmonious note. He brushed his hands reverently through the black sand of the isle and then rose, a little slower for the lingering aches in ribs so recently pummeled by Void-borne stones, and moved to help Flora light the candles.
"Safrin," he rumbled quietly in the wake of Flora's more casual request, solemn and reverent in the wake of the planting of another Lily on Starfall's soil.
But not proud. The Lily had been planted but the Mirewyrm had escaped them. For now. And his work, both there and here in Torchline, was far from finished.
"We seek your blessing for our home."
But eventually they reached the island, and Hadama joined Flora in placing his offering - hair sticks carved from ebony, brushed in diamond dust and lacquered to a polished shine. Exquisite silver stars hung from their ends on chains as delicate as lace, each one a chime tuned to a different harmonious note. He brushed his hands reverently through the black sand of the isle and then rose, a little slower for the lingering aches in ribs so recently pummeled by Void-borne stones, and moved to help Flora light the candles.
"Safrin," he rumbled quietly in the wake of Flora's more casual request, solemn and reverent in the wake of the planting of another Lily on Starfall's soil.
But not proud. The Lily had been planted but the Mirewyrm had escaped them. For now. And his work, both there and here in Torchline, was far from finished.
"We seek your blessing for our home."
