Posted Feb. 17, 2022, 8:44 p.m. by Fleet Captain Kelly Bordeaux (Commanding Officer) (Kate O'Neill)
A TALE OF TWO CITIES…Life in Vela Astria
BANDI
The morning sky burst into shades of red, pink, and gold as the sun slowly rose on the horizon Dawn had always been seen by countless species as the start of a new day. The sounds of the night slipped off to sleep under the bright, warm sun as birds replaced crickets and insects replaced wolves. The soft glow of sunshine spilled through the windows into the house signaling the occupants that it was time to awaken and begin the day.
Shading his eyes from the bright sunlight, Kotos Vullo woke up with a feeling of peace and serenity. Glancing over at his wife, he felt a serenity knowing the day he always knew would come had finally arrived. Leaning over his kissed his wife. It was barely a kiss with his lips brushing her cheek being careful not to wake her. Slipping from his bed, Kotos looked back at his wife. In the early morning light, she looked beautiful to him. Her hair spilled around the soft silken pillows almost as if she were a princess in some romantic novel. Exiting the room, he made his way to the kitchen. The kids would be up soon and all he wanted was a mug of blutean in peace and quiet before the rush of feet, running down the steps signaled his family was awake.
A small giggle followed by the impact of a tiny body pulled Kotos’s attention to eyes sparkling and bright holding a stuffed Chrisvens mouse so loosely in her hand it was sure to drop to the floor. The smile on the little girl’s face radiated the epitome of being a child and waking up ready for the excitement of a new day. At five, it was clear the little girl knew something wonderful was going to happen but the excitement in her eyes showed it was going to be a grand adventure for her. The sounds of her laughter filled the room, as Kotos hoisted her into the air and smothered her face and cheeks with kisses. Walking with her in his arms, Kotos carried the little girl to a plush, purple, cushioned stool as she peppered him with questions about what they were going to do today. The excitement was almost tangible as she dropped the stuffed Chrisvens mouse into the seat beside her and arranged the toy so that he could also share in her breakfast. Right now she felt safe That was all she wanted: to be downstairs at the kitchen table watching her dad pull out plates and dishes ready to make breakfast in the warm and cozy kitchen.
WINDAR
The evening sky melted into shades of red, pink, and gold as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon Dusk had always been seen by countless species as the end of a new day. The sounds of the day slipped off to sleep under the cool, dark moon as crickets replaced birds and wolves replaced insects. The soft glow of sunshine receded through the windows into the house signaling the occupants that it was time to sleep and put the day behind them.
Squinting his eyes, trying to see something in the inky blackness slowly engulfing him, Shev Ardu, struggled to contain the feeling of terror and anxiety washing over him. Glancing over at his wife, he felt a dread deep in his core knowing the day he always knew would come had finally arrived. Reaching over he grabbed his wife and kissed her deeply. The kiss was not soft or gentle but filled with hunger. As he drew back, he could see the terrified expression in her eyes and felt a rush of anger knowing nothing he could do would alleviate it. Reaching up he brushed the hair off her face. Even with the grime and dirt stuck to her cheeks and forehead, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She was his life. She was his strength. At that moment, Shev knew if one of them had to die tonight, it would be him. Without her, his life had little to no meaning.
A whimper beside him pulled Shev’s attention to eyes wide in terror and clutching a stuffed Chrisvens mouse so tightly to their chest the little hands were almost as pale as his daughter’s complexion. At five, it was clear the little girl knew something bad was going to happen but the fear of not knowing was consuming her. She knew enough not to talk but soothed herself by stroking the head of the stuffed toy rhythmically. Reaching out he gathered the young girl into his arms crushing her to his chest. No child should carry the look her eyes were reflecting from her soul. She did not say anything as she felt Shev’s arms press her tight to his body. Instead of crying out, she turned her head and laid it on Shev’s shoulder. Right now she felt safe That was all she wanted: to be upstairs in her bed and not hiding in the dank, musty cellar of her own home.
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