The young woman leaned against a tree, not hiding herself, but not quite actively immersing in the clear festivities as she might once have. Cel bit at her lip gently, discomfort from nerves tying her stomach in knots. She found her eyes glossing over the beauty displayed upon the lanterns, landing on the burning fire, which cast flickering shadows and a beautiful glow over the surrounding area.
Her soul felt painfully drawn to the flame, a yearning that would go unsatisfied, as she no longer could dance with the element. Cel finally tore her gaze away from the firepit and glanced around the surrounding area, spotting a few familiar faces, including Remi and Archebold, who brought a soft smile to her face even if he didn’t see her. He seemed immersed in his own conversation, so she opted not to intrude.
Spurring herself slightly, she forced herself away from the edge of the woodlands, walking with silent steps as her ruby cloak trailed at her ankles. She took a drink from someone with a small nod to them, then continued. She didn’t drink the mead, not exactly wanting to rid herself of the contents later on in the evening, but she held onto it, running her finger along the rim of the mug. Maybe she just needed something for her hands to do. Nervous energy and all that, something she hadn’t experienced in a very long time.
Cel’s hickory eyes found another familiar figure sitting in front of a lantern with a stare that seemed far too intense. She looked at the mug in her hand and started approaching quietly. She’d heard about what happened between Alistair and Ashe, though the details were nonexistent, and it brought a pull of sadness to her unbeating heart. She wasn’t there to pry. She didn’t need to know if he didn’t need to tell, but he seemed immersed in the lantern with a boat design.
”To put meaning in one’s life may end in madness,” Cel said quietly, approaching Alistair from behind, her eyes on the lantern he looked at, ”but life without meaning is the torture of restlessness and vague desire. It is a boat longing for the sea and yet afraid.” She looked at him with a gentle smile and settled next to him. ”Hope this seat isn’t taken?”
celosia
Bride of Darkness
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