Shell

[Athena Fire-in-Snow]

I don't feel anything, but I know I will.

I've been here before, had Sean ripped from my mind in one blinding instant. He's at my flank and beneath me, but there's no point in going down to him now; it's just an empty shell, spirit fled. I note his absence in my mind.

But I don't feel it. Turtle's Gift protects me, solid ancient reptile that he is; I know, but do not feel.

No, I am wrong. I may feel it, not will. Minotaur is still standing strong. If I die before this battle ends, I will be spared ever feeling anything again.

Shell to shell, blood to blood, dust to dust. The fight goes on.

[Athena Fire-in-Snow]

Sorrowsbane is in conference with the Grand Elder, and my sister is wrapped up watching some drama over the spider; no one notices when I walk off, off the bawn, into the Umbra and further in, further up.

We will hold the Gathering for the Departed later that evening, and I must be clear to perform the Rite. Sean and Uruz both lie fallen, and I know a storm lies raging beneath the shell, a storm more potent for its delay.

This place will do; the land is rocky and thin, and nothing and no one watches me except Blaze. She circles high overhead, understanding this necessity.

The inevitable tide waits, black and red, hotter than the sun; I point my muzzle to Luna and open the floodgates....