the darkness falls around me at night
I listen without interrupting, and give him a wry smile of agreement. There’s something in his voice—not heavy, with that grin of his, but shaped by years I haven’t lived yet. Like stone worn smooth by storm after weathering wind and storms, still standing.
He’s right. There will always be something.
For people like him. For people like my uncles. For my cousins. For people who step forward so others don’t have to. Maybe that’s what being one of them really is—taking on the endless so someone else can have a moment that feels quiet. Safe. Ordinary.
I had those quiet, safe moments growing up. It’s people like Deimos that fought and sacrificed so that I could. I will repay that debt them all one day.
I swallow, eyes dropping to the snow. Even they are struggling with the gardening. The ones with magic and mastery and titles. If they’re still clawing their way forward, then I have a long road ahead of me. And that’s fine. I didn’t come here looking for shortcuts.
I glance back up at him when he finishes. He seems steadier now, something lighter woven into his words. Less burden, more purpose.
”Yeah,” I say quietly at first. Then firmer. ”I’d be glad to keep looking. I found that one already with Elizabeth—it made me feel like maybe I could do more than just stay out of the way. Like I belonged in the fight, even if I’m not swinging swords yet.”
I kick gently at the snow near my boot, watching a few flakes scatter.
”I’ve got an acquaintance to visit in the Greatwood anyway. I could bring him along, maybe.” I offer a small smile. ”He’s a lot better with the place than I am, so between us we might actually convince a few flowers to show themselves.”
He’s right. There will always be something.
For people like him. For people like my uncles. For my cousins. For people who step forward so others don’t have to. Maybe that’s what being one of them really is—taking on the endless so someone else can have a moment that feels quiet. Safe. Ordinary.
I had those quiet, safe moments growing up. It’s people like Deimos that fought and sacrificed so that I could. I will repay that debt them all one day.
I swallow, eyes dropping to the snow. Even they are struggling with the gardening. The ones with magic and mastery and titles. If they’re still clawing their way forward, then I have a long road ahead of me. And that’s fine. I didn’t come here looking for shortcuts.
I glance back up at him when he finishes. He seems steadier now, something lighter woven into his words. Less burden, more purpose.
”Yeah,” I say quietly at first. Then firmer. ”I’d be glad to keep looking. I found that one already with Elizabeth—it made me feel like maybe I could do more than just stay out of the way. Like I belonged in the fight, even if I’m not swinging swords yet.”
I kick gently at the snow near my boot, watching a few flakes scatter.
”I’ve got an acquaintance to visit in the Greatwood anyway. I could bring him along, maybe.” I offer a small smile. ”He’s a lot better with the place than I am, so between us we might actually convince a few flowers to show themselves.”
Theea
and covers me in silence so bright
