Activity

“He’s alive,” The man stammered, “We were both lost…wherever here is…”

Alive. Leana closed her eyes and her whole body sagged in relief. He’s alive… My father’s alive! 

“I don’t know where he is now. But I’m looking for him too–“

She smiled back at him, eyes sparkling. That is still more than she’d heard for a year. Nithel was alive. Or at least had been, recently.

“Your brother wasn’t with…” His voice trailed off, and he looked away.

Her stomach flipped, and the smile faded away. Oh, no… Dad- Dad wouldn’t-

The man swallowed and lifted his eyes, fear in them. “…I’m so…so sorry. I…” He looked away, and the silence was as firm as words.

Dad would never leave him. Oh, no… Star Breather, how? He’s… just a boy… 

The man bit his lip, struggling to force more words out, “From…in all likelihood, he’s…” He looked up, and she respected him for holding her gaze, even as her heart was crushed. She almost couldn’t hear his words. “As far as I know he died in battle.”

Leana pressed her lips together, and leaned her head back against the wall. She wanted to slide to the floor, but that wasn’t wise. Not here. Leana squeezed her eyes shut so tightly tears barely leaked through. <i>My precious little brother… </i>She’d had hope. Until now.

“I’m so so sorry…” His voice was tight, but kind. Like he wanted to do something to help.

She breathed in slowly, pressing a fist against her forehead, and looked at him. Then this gathering of men. Her position was precarious. She had no idea what to do. She wanted to hear more about her father, from him. But she also wanted to get as far away from here as possible. Find out where she was. How to get back to Farran.

Poor father. Bearing this alone. Imagining what all this war was doing to his soft soul, no matter how strong he was, cut her every time.

“I…I’m so sorry…” The stranger, who knew Nithel, tried again.

Leana wanted to burst forward and pull him to her chest. She hadn’t hugged anyone in so long. But there was a reason for that. “What’s your name?” She whispered, voice scratchy, still pressing her forehead.

Still aware of those around. That this was an inconvenience to them. But that was good. Maybe they’d leave and she could find someone that looked half normal. This man, who knew her father, did.

—–

@this-is-not-an-alien @ragnarok @ethan-leonard