Eyes of Mirrors (old)(#Wattys2017)

ii. set ablaze

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"From a little spark may burst a flame"
— Dante Alighieri

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THE SUN ROSE with fire. It brought heat and light to the city of Enchrig, it brought warmth for the people of Nullim.

The sun rose high while his words froze Navalis in place, turned her blood to ice, and her tongue to lead. Fear forced her to her knees, her hands gripping the door frame.

"We are at war..." she trailed off, her eyes unfocusing. Her thoughts wandered to Gardenia and Èderin. Pain stabbed at her chest as she imagined their smiling faces, ravaged by war.

"Proceed to the Stronghold," the aged soldier grunted, taking a step back to turn away. "Pack your belongings."

"Wait!" She lurched forward. "Please come in, Master—Fujre—will not believe me, the words of a woman, no less."

He paused and looked at her over his shoulder.

Navalis raised to her feet, keeping her hold on the doorframe in case she would feel like collapsing again. "Please, sir. Otherwise you may find yourself without soldiers from this household." She closed her mouth as if burnt, it was a bold move.

The seconds ticked past. Maybe she would get a beating for such words. Finally, the old combatant's grimace softened and he nodded, slinging his rifle over his shoulder. "Quickly."

She allowed herself to feel the sliver of relief before leading him past the staircase and left, into the parlour. With a customary bow at the waist, she asked him if he would like anything to drink. When he refused, his leg shaking and his fingers tapping, she excused herself.

Up two flights of stairs, she almost crashed into Gardenia, who was garbed in her school uniform. She looked slightly disgruntled and cranky to be awake.

An amused smile played on Navalis' lips as she smoothed down the little girl's wild mane. "Have you brushed your hair yet?" Though the answer was clear as the blue sky.

Gardenia dodged her sister's hand when she went to reach for her teal locks.

Navalis frowned. "Will you not wear a shawl?"

"Will you?" Gardenia replied, eyeing Navalis' bare head.

With shaky hands and an image of a fire in her mind she felt her scalp, the scars a rough contrast on her softer skin. Finally, she spoke with a faraway look in her eyes, "I-I suppose I will."

Gardenia's smile dropped, "I didn't mean to upset you, ma Navalette, I'm sorry!"

A beat of silence passed between them. Inhale, exhale.

Navalis blinked to the present and smiled reassuringly, her hands still and the fire in her mind dying. "I best wake up Fujre-"

A loud bang echoed across the cramped hall.

"Wake up Fujre?"

Rin sprinted towards them, his bag spilled open and forgotten behind him. He moved as if he was about to take off and fly far away from the orphanage.