a day once dawned

Hotaru She rises with the light of the sun peeking over the horizon, restless and aching in ways she doesn't care to dwell on. LongNight is over, and though she has survived she is ill at heart, frustrated and burdened by her own weakness. No matter how many times Hotaru tells herself that it will come with time, that her magic will strengthen and broaden with practice, she can't help but despair over this fragile body she has been trapped in. Though she had been more sleuth than soldier in the past, she had been a formidable warrior in her own right. Had driven her Generals into the icy tundra to remind them of their place when the slack grew too apparent. Had defended against challengers, had won those she had instigated. Now, she cannot even pull her niece away from roaring flames. Had to manipulate, beg, blackmail until the girl came along to safety. And while she was grateful for such honed talents, a part of her raged against the unfairness of her childlike state. Unwilling to remain still a moment longer than necessary, the maiden slips out from her small temporary abode and sucks in a sharp lungful of crisp air as she emerges. The sun is weak but beautiful, and it reminds her of the way the golden light would make the frost-tipped peaks gleam until you could scarcely gaze upon it. With such a reminder Hotaru hums to herself, tucking her furs tighter and striking out at a brisk walk. She had many loose ends to tie, and while talk of the portal in the Mathair was certainly one, the deposed Queen is also concerned about how Deimos has settled in after the blaze. It's easy enough to navigate to his house with how she had strategically placed herself equidistant from Rexanna and Deimos. Needing them close even as she set up her own space. She wouldn't be surprised if he was already up, far too much like each other in that aspect. Though perhaps he was still warm in bed with his lovely Amalia? Hotaru grins to herself as she advances upon the door, rapping her knuckles smartly against the grain and awaiting either an answer or a mental note to return later.