here it comes with no warning; magnus

[magnus]

— find what you love and let it kill you —

Magnus understands what it is like to be here, to make it your home, and to still have it feel foreign.

Even though the humidity struck a familiar chord in his breast, even though he was learning the curves of the land through his admittedly longer border patrols, it did not feel familiar. He did not know this land in the same way that he knew the Gates and the Jungle, or even, in lesser ways, the Chamber and the Dale. It was uncomfortable in some ways, making his skin itch with unfamiliarity. He did not enjoy the sensation.

Still, he was doing his best, because he knew it is what his new family deserved. He ignored the pangs of depression that echoed in his throat when the memories creeped up in the dead of night; he ignored the choking sensation when he thought of that small child curled on the ground, lifeless and cold. He pushed them to the side and focused on the task at hand. If he was slower than usual, if his trips to the field were less frequent, he did not think on it. He just walked, withdrew, and did his best to not think too hard on it.

This day was shaping up to be much similar to the last when he saw her, pale and gold. His expression brightened as he shook the dust from his coat and navigated toward her, picking his path carefully. When he was close enough, he gave her a genuine smile, dipping his head in greeting. “Lucrezia,” his voice was warm, deep and came to stop several feet away. “I am so happy to know you found your way here.” He glanced around them to the land, lush and jewel-bright in areas. “This is Tephra.” This is my new home, he thought, and ignored the tightening in his chest, the darkness around the corner, as he glanced back at her.

magnus