Yonni looked across the city of Prodigium as the sun rose from behind the wall. The sounds of the city folk starting their routine began to trickle up toward the tower. She pressed herself against the barrier and felt the breeze against her face. It didn’t sting anymore.
The petals of the water lily tickled her palm. She held it up, careful to grip it tightly in the wind. Its scent, soft yet sweet, drifted against her nose. Her hand ran across the leather of the tome beside her. She picked it up, opened it, and re-read the words scribbled across every page.
“Bear the Monarch’s Child.”
Yonni slammed the tome closed and placed it back down. I’el was right: fifteen years was a long time. Things could change, or misconceptions could be revealed. That said, if she ever had a child, it would be on her terms and with the person she chose.
Her thoughts wandered to Anqua and her family. She would have to tell them what it said eventually. They wouldn’t let her get away with carrying such a massive secret. A blue orb lifted out of the tome.
“I know you probably don’t want to talk to me, but I’m here if you should ever find yourself in need of a listening ear,” Drinex offered.
Yonni remained silent, but gently patted the tome in response. Despite her anger, Drinex had become a part of her. The two were bound for a while. Fifteen years, it sounded like.
The flap of wings sounded from below the tower’s edge. She peered over, and caught sight of Silban making his way up to her. She stepped back as he rose in front of the barrier.
“I was searching for you,” He said quietly. “I didn’t know where you had gone.”
“I wanted to get some air,” She explained. “Or needed to, I should say.”
“I’m sorry about Utic,” Silban expressed. “I don’t know how best to say it, but I feel like he was the strongest of us.”
“Is,” Yonni corrected. “I’m still holding out hope.”
Silban flapped his wings and looked out across the city. “You said you needed air right?”
Yonni stepped forward. “What are you suggesting?”
“A leap of faith,” Silban stated, hand outstretched. “For the future.”
Yonni took his hand, stepped onto the barrier, and stared deep into Silban’s eyes.
“For the future.”
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End of Season One: "Prodigium"
I wanted to take a moment and say thank you, dear reader, for making it this far into the journey. After more than 60K words, the Tomekeepers have finally collected their tomes, but they have so much more ahead of them. If you enjoyed this season, and are excited for more, please feel free to review and comment! Let me know who your favorite Tomekeeper is, if you have a favorite ship so far, or even which of the nations you'd rep.
There will be a short break as I prepare for the next segment of the journey, but I look forward to seeing you again when Season Two: "Mirnaset" begins!29Please respect copyright.PENANAfZZJj0tkTe
-C.S.G.