the ghost of a girl that i want to be mostthe shell of a girl i used to know well
The threat of the Chamber – and the pressure of war – hangs over their heads like a thundercloud. Camelia can feel it in the nature around her; she’s always had an acute, intense connection to the nature around her. Perhaps the Mother Tree and her parents instilled that deep within her from her youngest memories. But nonetheless, the knowledge that the Chamber holds her adopted sister captive lingers over their heads like a storm about to break. Camelia knows it is only a matter of time before the thunder, lightning, and hail rains down between the Gates and the Chamber.
Camelia has found herself sticking close to Mast. If anyone knew his heart and his intentions, it would be her. And although (with the determined look in his eyes) she knows she won’t be able to stop him, she hopes that if he tried doing something unreasonable she would at least be able to persuade him to do something more rational. Especially lately she’s found herself sticking close to her lover, feeling the fluttering and swelling of pregnancy in her womb.
She already knows their child, better than she knew Finner before he was born. Their growing child communicates in short bursts, still sleepy with the exhaustion of growing. But when she stirs (yes, a girl), she speaks and Camelia listens. She’s yet to tell Mast about their daughter – mostly because he has been drowning in the Chamber and its possible war and what to do about everything that has happened.
Nonetheless, the girl sleeps as Mast calls the meeting. Camelia curls herself into his side, both for the warmth and the comfort. Her belly is already swelling and she notices Wichita’s own pregnant stomach as well. However, perhaps more noticeable is the grimness of everyone’s faces. Something big is about to happen and everyone within the Gates borders knows it. Camelia remains quiet as everyone gathers, her senses finely attuned to Mast, waiting for his word.
camelia
