Never before had it been like this. So close, so immediate. Tied into his heart like his blood beat to the time of the pulse of the City itself. And he wasn't alone, nor would he be ever again, he was certain.
It was so incredible to be home. The City stretched out before him, the green valley, the stunning streets lined with gemstone buildings and polished doorways of the clearest stone reflecting back the sun to the flawless blue sky. It hurt his eyes and burned its way into his mind and he loved it, embraced the joy of it, letting it in like never before.
This time felt like freedom. He was in control rather than out of it. And he loved it even more because he was free. The City had an added luster, the song extra vibration. Tears welled and spilled over his cheeks, the diamond prisms of them falling to shimmer on the palm of his hand when he reached up to catch them.