Cosmic

Field Trip At The Aquarium & The Presidential Campaign

Skye, Selene, Estella, Nova, Halo, Faye, Callisto, Juno, Maia, Rhea, Vela and Lyra all crunched over fallen twigs as they made their way to the park. Skye took in a deep inhale of the fresh earthy scent of the trees and sighed.

"I actually like the walk to the Wish-House." Skye said. "It's so relaxing and peaceful. Lyra nodded in agreement.

"Lady Celeste chose the perfect place for the Wish-House." Lyra said, picking up the hem of her gypsy skirt as she stepped over a fallen log. The girls walked in in silence, taking in the fresh air and the trees and flowers and fungi as they walked. Halo casted a glance to Faye and took a deep breath before speaking.

"Faye, I just want to apologize for how I behaved earlier this morning at breakfast." Halo said. Faye turned to her, surprised.

"You do?" Faye asked. Halo nodded.

"Nova was right. It was unfair of me to get annoyed about hearing about the farms in Orisha when you listen to me talk about science and my latest experiments day after day." Halo said. "I'm sorry. From now on, I promise to listen to all your farm facts without complaint."

Faye smiled warmly and linked her arm with Halo's.

"You're forgiven." Faye said. Halo gave her a warm smile back.

"Give me an Orishan farm fact?" Halo asked. Faye looked thoughtful.

"Some farmers clear a plot of land and then set it on fire." Faye said. Halo scrunched her face in confusion.

"Why?" Halo asked. "That sounds like a fire hazard." Maia nodded.

"And dangerous to the other crops." Maia said.

"The ashes fertilize the soil in the short term." Faye explained.

"Though, the technique also kills off all the soil life which also disrupts the soul's natural balance and fertility." Nova said, putting a finger to her chin in thought.

"Honestly, it kinda seems like a waste of effort. Why set the plot on fire? It'll take several staryears for the soil's natural balance to reestablish itself, so you can't use the plot in the meantime."

As Faye and Nova started discussing Orishan farming techniques with Halo, Estella gathered her courage to apologize to Selene.

"I'm sorry for this morning, Selene." Estella apologized. "I didn't mean to be so insensitive and hurt your feelings. I should have figured that the reason you were staying up so late was to look at holo-pics of your family. I don't know why it didn't cross my mind."

Selene gently bumped her and offered her a sincere smile.

"I forgive you. I wasn't mad at you, just upset. Thank you for the apology." Selene gave Estella's hand a soft squeeze and Estella smiled back at her. The two girls' hands stayed linked together as they began talking again. It really put a warm glow in Skye's heart to see everyone making up. Skye turned her head when the sound of a branch snapping back sounded behind her. She saw Callisto using her Wish Energy Manipulation to pull branches out of Juno's way as she passed them.

"I got it!" Callisto yelled, lifting another low hanging branch out of Juno's way. The look on Juno's face was the perfect picture of annoyance.

"Thanks, Callisto." Juno said, sarcasm heavy in her voice. Skye, Lyra, Maia, Nova, Rhea, Selene, Faye, Halo, Estella and Vela all winced. Juno was still (understandably) miffed it seemed. Callisto winced as well. Callisto took a deep breath and ducked under the branch and fell into step beside Juno.

"Juno," Callisto began. "I... I am so, so, so sorry for how I treated you this morning and half the school day and for what I said this morning and my petty little comments."