Ezra 7:26

Modesty had been on the shore, watching the chestnut kite drive for fish, his sharp eyes seeing what she could not just below the surface of the water. Much like her brother, she had heard her mother’s summons for their cousins, and aunt and uncle. She contemplated what possible outcome there could be of such a meeting while she watched the bird enjoy his catch. What she hadn’t expected was a call for herself and her siblings so soon afterwards. The kite seemed quite attached to her now, and when she moved to answer the call, he too, took wing.

Pontifex had arrived first, and she offered a companionable bump to his shoulder as her mother began to speak. Leave? This place was all she had ever known, it was only recently she had even dared to leave the island. Her recent visit to the Armada still standing out clearly in her mind. Although, she supposed, how ever were they to spread the word of their god if they were holed up behind pack borders? They would be more accessible this way, and the word could spread further with their aid. The girl was inexplicably excited. Surely this was a better purpose than rotting away with heretics?

When Pontifex moved to be loaded up with bags, Modesty moved in behind him, to take on her own load. There was much to be done, and talk of ascension. She was ready.

"Speech"