[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/yxK9VOX.png[/img][/center]
[sub]Location: Outside the Temple of Seluna (Before the tree of remembrance)[/sub]
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Even as Orion approached her, Céline’s eyes remained fixated on the freshly carved name. Her ear was the only acknowledgement, twitching outward reflexively to the crunching snow. His footsteps fell just a few paces short behind her as he resumed his place as her vigilant steward. She wondered if others felt his presence to be an omen with how stoic his demeanor was. How his eyes, almost gargoyle-like, pierced through the very soul. Even now, still feeling as little from him as she did, Céline felt no doubts about the enigmatic soul who took her under his cloak. His words, however, did give her pause.

As he finished speaking, she turned her head towards him, truly looking at the man and considering him. What had Orion been before he became a lightborn? Was he of nobility and always had been an advisor? A leader? Did he make enemies and if so, who would want him to disappear? Before she could speak, Elara began to approach from the other side and requested Céline’s knife to add another name. WIthout hesitation and an encouraging nod, Céline respectively over the blade and watched as the name [b]Lena[/b] was carved into the bark. 

Unfortunately there was little time to appreciate it as another disturbance nearby caught everyone’s attention. A red-headed woman had fallen nearby, more than likely slipped on the ice. Instinct directed Céline to help this woman, but Orion was on her faster, ready to render her aid. Fortunately to her relief, upon inspecting the woman from a distance, her pride seemed far more damaged than her body. This was only made more evident as the maiden quickly rose to her feet only to lower herself back into prostration.

The anxiety emanating from this woman was palpable, strong enough to make Céline wonder if Orion could feel it too as he seemed to shift uncomfortably. The whole situation reminded her of what he had said to her earlier that morning about titles and polishing egos. It was ridiculous enough to elicit a light-hearted laugh, one she tried to stifle behind a gloved hand; rather poorly. She didn’t feel alone though, she could almost hear laughter beside her, and as she turned her gaze towards Elara, she realized the voice was not her own.

The blightborn processed Elara’s emotions, somewhere between happiness and melancholy; not quite bittersweet, but fragile as a rose. It seemed whatever was there was too much for the young woman though as she stuffed the memory down with abandon. It felt like the equivalent of packing a bedtrunk haphazardly, unsure of where to put the memory, just so long as it was out of mind. Who had caused her such pain? Was it related to the name carved on the tree or were they still here?

Céline wasn’t left to ponder it for long as the sound of two more pairs of boots began to approach their entire group. Two soldiers, one from each nation, first approached Orion, undoubtedly with some kind of important business. Then the two made their way towards the rest of them, directing their attention towards Elara and announcing they were to be her new chaperones. Given the severity of everything that happened yesterday, it was warranted, even the stares Céline was receiving from the guards. Fortunately her guide doubled back to save her one last time before saying his farewells. 

As Orion’s crimson eyes fell on her, Céline smiled and nodded, [color=60cf11]“I imagine we will as well.”[/color] she paused, staring at him, she confirmed she still felt no doubt about him, no hesitation that he wouldn’t offer recourse. [color=60cf11]“Thank you, for being such an amiable and informative guide, I look forward to our next meeting.”[/color] Turning her attention towards the two handmaidens she asked, [color=60cf11]“If you’re heading back to town, perhaps I could join you, seeing as my guide has been whisked away,”[/color] her gaze wandered over the two guards, [color=60cf11]“Assuming your guardians hold no objections of course.”[/color]
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[sub]Interacting with: Orion, Elara [@Qia][/sub]