Every step and leap moved her further from everything her life had been built of. The world she'd been restoring, been learning from. The career and following that felt on the cusp of something truly momentous. Something that could change the world. There were friends that were cherished. Wealth that was convenient. Perhaps family negligible, and Algol...well, there Hestia had found herself to be negligible.
But the cost had been high. Important work, a fated duty that should come at a high cost. It cost her one life, and surely, hopefully it would one day cost another. A bright, and shining sacrifice to the light within the dark. Only so much kindling to a life greater than her own.
Stopping at the final rooftop, she recalled the first breath of this new life, the pain and fire and fresh new flesh of it. Fresh new mind and life. And here she was, once again feeling rather...negligible. Ah well. It was her birthday, she could let herself have her cake and her brood.
The lacy ironwork table and chairs were still there from the last two years, and soon covered in a crisp white tablecloth and cushion. The tea set followed, along with a tiered tray of delicate treats, and a large thermos of hot water. Bending down over the table to adjust the arrangement, a small, squeaking form emerged from her hair, quickly expanding to float nearby like a furry balloon with tiny wings.
"And a Happy Birthday to you as well."
xrejam
