Orion

I don't have anything to do here. I help where I can, but I can't do much. Since Artemis apprenticed Lakshmi, she no longer needs me to gather supplies for her.

She... doesn't speak much to me anymore. Not since we lost our most recent nest.

When she cries at night, finally off her duties, I do my best to comfort her, but I don't know what my best is anymore.

I haven't told her, but I made a decision.

I'm going to be a warrior.

We will never. Lose. Again.

---

Arty came to me the other day. It's the first we've spoken in, oh Windsinger, possibly months. It's been months. In the same lair. Her claws were glowing green, her wingtips tinged with the same.

And she was panicking.

"Gladekeeper spoke to me."

"We're in 'Singer's territory. That's... a bit odd. Are you okay? Is everything alright?"

"I've been wasting my talent, Or. I've been languishing about. I haven't been trying to further my skills. I haven't been trying to do anything. I just... I haven't been..."

I moved to her then, I don't know why. I enveloped her in my wings and held her there. Neither of us had coped with her depression very well, and I could have done more. She folded into me, resting perfectly in my embrace.

"I've missed you, Arty."

She stirred, and I let her step away and step free. "I feel my magic again. I feel my purpose again. And, Or, I feel again."

"What does this mean, then? I mean, I'm happy for you. But what does this mean?"

She didn't answer, but she held my paw and smiled. Oh, Singer, I have missed that smile. "Let me show you."