[open] one day it's here and then it's gone; leliana, any

[leliana]

Magnus had told her of Titus. In their many conversations, her uncle continuing to guide her through her ascension into Queendom, he had told her of those who called Tephra home. He had told her of the families who had taken refuge here during the plague—forming their own small herds within the land—and those who had begun to trickle in, seeking purpose and willing to take up the mantle of the land.

Titus had been one of them.

Perhaps one of the most noteworthy.

So she had not been surprised when she had seen him show up during the war, even though her heart had ached that any had to be there, that any had to feel their flesh split and the blood fall into their eyes. She had tried to protect them, but her magic had limits—and she was still so new to it. Still so unpracticed.

But he had survived—she had done her best to check on him—and she feels as he returns. She feels as he crosses the threshold into the aftermath of the war and she turns her eyes toward the horizon, seeing through the ash that filters through the air and the faint smell of smoke that has yet to leave completely.

Without hesitating, she begins to make her way toward him. As she has lately, flowers fall in her wake, splitting open the hardened magma and letting lush vegetation break through. It is slow, her work to heal this land, but it is steady and throughout Tephra, there are pockets of it already in place. Water that is clean and grass that is sweet and areas where mothers can rest their children without fear of harm.

It is the only thing she can ask.

As she walks up to him, white flowers blooming in her crimson mane and greenery sprouting around her hooves, she gives him a soft smile. Her hazel eyes find his own and rest there for a moment.

“Titus,” she says his name quietly. “Welcome home."

it's only you and me there until the darkness calls
let's face the dawn together; we'll brave whatever comes

@[Titus]