Arcaea/Dining Hall/Arista's Aresting Articulations
Twilight, the blue hour, caught in between night and day. Outside, the snow began to melt, drops of mercury on the trees. The first animals rose, waking from their long, winter sleep. Modest plants began to sprout their way out from underneath a blanket of white. A warm wind blew by and by, bringing tidings of a new season.
After hours, at the library, Arista packed her belongings and headed out the door. There was much work to be done, and soon, the roads to battle would be clear. The gallant warriors were already well on their way, preparing to march forward, after the cold season. The resting time had given their spirits the rejuvenation they needed, and the invigoration to press ahead.
Still, no one was going to argue, that in the hours between midnight and dawn, most people should have been sleeping. And most people were…save a few. As she walked quietly through the hall, Arista noticed a light in the Hall of Heroes. A soft, lulling voice could be heard, singing sweet notes of solace.
Fear no more the heat o’ the sun, Nor the furious winter’s rage, Time cometh for everyone, At the end of their age,
Brave lads at heart, Faithful girls too, All must depart, But life starts anew,
Calm be thy soul, Through thicket and hail, Your journey’s come full, Renowned be thy tale.
“That was beautiful,” said Arista, standing in the doorway.
A young girl turned her head. Her bright blue eyes shined brilliantly in the light.
“Did you lose someone too, milady?” she asked.
“A dear friend of mine,” Arista replied. “He was a true hero.”
“Mama said we’re all heroes. Especially when we eat our veggies.”
The young woman chuckled.
“Papa was in the battle at Talex. Said the Southrons were getting too confident about themselves. He and some other men from our village went to help the Arcaean army. Mama and I haven’t heard from him since, but I know he’s coming home. He promised he would.”
Arista felt a gentle tug at her heartstrings. “My grandfather once told me, the human soul is a wandering bird. And when it fulfills its purpose, it grows its wings and flies up to the Aenil.”
“And then it sings with the other birds?”
“And then it sings with the other birds. Can you hear them now?”
The young girl closed her eyes and listened to nature’s sounds. She could hear the first tweets of the season. Light, high-pitched cheeps and chirps. A melodious euphony floated in the air like a song of awakening. The sun began to rise and the clouds cleared from the sky. Sharing a moment in time to send off the brave souls they had loved and lost, Arista and the young girl watched the sunrise in remembering silence.
Arista Lavonne Imperial Chancellor of Arcaea
