who we are and all that we're trying to be
Last year’s gathering had been something of a relief: abducted, beloved individuals freed, liberated, gifts extended, granted, and prospered – and now they were back within the Wildwood, amidst lights and boughs. A part of him remained rigid and taut, too immersed in the tragedies and treacheries of Fiat Lux’s end, eyes narrowed and guarded along the haze. Zuriel followed suit and close behind, suited to the forest, to the wilderness, a calming, balming essence as they strode and paced their way through.
He nodded towards several he recognized instantly, Adam, Loren (and a sigh flickering through, recalling the luxere fiasco in the copses), Libbs, Oliver, and the like. His bag held a few more gifts and artifacts than previous circumstances, gilded palms once keeping his thoughts busy on what to make companions and loved ones, instead of contemplating all sorts of other conflagrations and dangers. He’d made and anointed one for Rexanna, Hotaru, Amalia, and Kiada, each different, unique, for the cherished individuals. So for now, he lingered along outskirts, searching through his bag.
It takes dying to know
How to live as ghosts
