Play It Again

As late summer ticked over into early fall day by day, Stolas grew more and more excited to return to the northeastern corner of Boreas where he had met the eccentric Fiametta at the bonfire festival for Samhain. He hadn't forgotten the promise he'd made her—in fact, he thought about it often!—and now that the autumnal sky was becoming clearer every night, he was eager to give her a more in-depth reading into her horoscope and astrological prophecies. The adolescent Abraxas prince carried his grimoire with him in a rustic leather satchel adorned with pieces of obsidian and garnet, styled to match his fur, as well as show off a little bit of the opulence that came with being a prince of the Ashen Empire. Stolas wasn't one to flaunt his family's standing or wealth by any means, but that didn't mean he didn't enjoy it.

The evening was cool, but not cold, and still carried with it some of the mildness of summer. The sun had just crept out of view on the western horizon, blanketing the world in the darkness of night. With it came the appearance of the stars, celestial bodies out in droves and sparkling like diamonds in a spotlight. The evening was clear and calm; a perfect night for stargazing! Stolas couldn't wait! He didn't often get to indulge in sharing his passions with anyone else like this, save for Widow, but for all he knew she was dead and gone. The thought hurt his heart after the time they'd shared, which is why he did his best not to think of her. Instead, he thought of the fire-marked crimson girl he'd met. She was a chance for a fresh start; a potential new friend for him to make.

And speak of the devil, there she was! Keen graphite eyes widened with a smile on his face when he spotted Fia moving amongst the crumbling stone pillars and ruins. She came! Had she been coming out here every night since fall started looking for him? The thought both saddened him thinking he'd kept her waiting for so long but also gladdened him to know she liked him enough to seek him out. "Fia!" he called out to the girl, his gait kicking up to a brisk trot to catch up to her. "I'm glad you're here! Tonight is a perfect night for reading the heavens." He turned a brief glance up to the starry sky, then back down to his newest friend. "Would you like to pick a spot we can get comfy in and we'll get started?"

"Stolas"