Ea
Sela has been a wonderful light in her life. Ea had never expected to love children – she had always found others’ children to be simply an annoyance, another thing to worry about. Ea had always been self-involved – from an early age, her mother told Ea that she was important, the most important, and of course she believed it wholeheartedly. Even in her relationship with Ramiel, she was guarded, protecting herself. But Sela had changed her life. She was just like Ea and just like Ramiel, all at once. She was almost a yearling, now, and Ea had begun to let her wander. She was protective of her daughter in a way Scorch hadn’t been with her. Scorch had begun Ea’s training early – taught her how to speak, how to walk, how to channel her powers – but Ea wouldn’t do the same to her daughter.
The past few winters in the Dale have been difficult for her. She had grown up in the unbearable heat and humidity of the Jungle, where the winters had been mild. “Sela, Sela,” she calls to the young silver-girl, “not too far. It’s too cold.” But the young girl continues on, determined to keep playing in the snow, despite being freezing. “I’M OKAY MOM THIS IS FINE!” She yells back to Ea as she lies down in the thin layer of snow. She begins to flail, in some attempt to make a snow angel, and then gets up again to survey her art. She is less impressed than expected.
Sela trots back to her shivering mother, shaking the snow off her thick coat as she comes to a stop next to Ea. “Thank you,” Ea says, softly, nudging Sela closer. Then, she sees her gray ghost-king approaching them, and her heart flutters. An embarrassing automatic reaction for Ea.
“Hello, love,” she says quietly, stiffly, still uncomfortable with affection. She loves him – touches him, sleeps next to him – and yet, she is still not sure she trusts him. She isn’t sure how she could trust anyone else with her own well-being.
“DAD I’M ALMOST A WHOLE YEAR OLD!” Sela yells – her natural state is loud. Ea smiles as Ram presses in closer. She noticeably relaxes against his side. “You know I like it here,” she pauses, “it’s just different.” She falls silent, not elaborating.
“I was thinking Sela and I might drink from the pool,” she says, moving away from his side momentarily to look at him. She knew of his vultures, knew that the pool would reveal her soul to him as long as she was truly loyal to the Dale. Ea couldn’t be soft for him like she knew he wanted her to be, but perhaps this would be enough for him. Perhaps it would be enough to show that she, too, loved him and would be loyal.
ea
now you're staring at a queen.