[RE] Strike up the band

MELITA

Melita always held an affinity for fire: maybe it was the Sun God’s intentions all along, to have his compatriots sizzle across the hot sand, the molten desert, and become their own infernos; maybe it was because it burned and scalded, destroyed and obliterated. But this, after she and Jigano had worked tirelessly on breaking apart flinthoppers in hopes that destruction wouldn’t be imminent, was difficult to savor.

She was lured into the forest by the song – curious, inquisitive, always a little too bold, she and Fangorn followed the nuances and noises, pondering over who or what could make such intriguing music. It could’ve been a siren swell for all they knew, high and glowing, serene and tranquil, luring them straight into a trap: except, when they finally made it to the designated area, the sight before her wasn’t tantalizing, tempting, or even the least bit enticing. Her eyes widened, her jaw dropped, and her breath inhaled sharply, only ending on an “Oh no,” and she stared into the abyss.

The flinthopper was enormous, far larger than any of the ones they’d trapped outside of Rory’s farm, along the intertwining fields of grass and wheat – much like a steed with its bulk and mass. This one wasn’t something they’d be able to catch and rip apart, and the damage was already done, it’s notes and melodies brimming chaos into the fold, catching upon the dried wood, crackling, popping, and sending it up in smoke. She could hear her companion hissing and growling, both uncertain what to do – they didn’t have anything water related nearby. Was there any sand? Water? A stream? A brook? And how were they going to get the liquid there, quickly enough?

Thank goodness for Ronin and the dragon – icy blasts unfurling over flames while the girl swallowed and leapt towards the demigod. Her voice was a determined shout, despite the trembling along her fingers and spine. “Is there anything else we can do?”

This is a gift, it comes with a price
Who is the lamb and who is the knife?
Midas is king and he holds me so tight
And turns me to gold in the sunlight