• Mantle Of Solidarity

Hours had passed.

After the usual chaotic display of the day clouds being devoured, night had fallen completely, casting the island in deep shadows under a blanket of stars.

Being high in the heavens as they were, the air was cool, and a soft breeze stirred the grasses and leaves that surrounded them. The gray butterflies that had been fluttering playfully were now resting quietly on the stones and plants.

Spheris sat alone by a large rock, his eyes were staring at the horizon and beyond, but his mind was far from the peaceful night around him. Naturally, his face was impassive, the usual unreadable expression on his features as he stared out into the dark sky.

He could hear Ackledge and Calla muttering to themselves in the silence, they were so worn out from grief and exhaustion that they had even forgotten to eat. Calla was lying beside Ackledge, head resting on his chest as they both looked to the stars.