Falling Debris
"My head! Someone, help me! I'm bleeding!" shouted Sindri. "Hemming, Simueal, come to me now!"
Lady Sindri had been hit upon her temple, by falling debris. As the chaotic motion of the worlds finally came to a halt under the force of gravity, objects, people, hybrids, and more began to descend from the sky, seeking any solid ground available beneath them. Those who didn't fall remained suspended in the galaxy. The earth's breakup left Montana as a solitary island, adrift in its isolation. On this small island, Havardr, Arvid stood tall alongside the caves of Hellir and Vidar's newly established settlement, which they called Vidorian. Tragically, the only city that was swallowed by the void was Fljot; the waters had vanished entirely, taking the town with them as it sank into the cosmos.
Army style
Rising Wolf Mountain could clearly still be seen, the human suburbia was safely attached not far from the base of it. Still remaining solid on the island was the rubble of Nexus and the solid building of Severance. Gibbs and Anderson were far away from both settled in a house close to Delilah's parents' home. They had retired from helping Scientist Hopkins any further. Reporting her actions to their chief of staff and head general of his branch they rewarded them with bravery and placed their orders on pause for now. They were off until further reassignment. Every week the two of them made visits to look in on Delilah, prior to giving birth to Zardeliah Rose. They had stopped by on her final week of the third trimester. Gibbs had his army men from the corps bring a baby shower gift, army style. They delivered a tanker full of goodies for the new arrival. Delilah was thrilled and overwhelmed. Her father was annoyed to see it all, while her mother Vivian was relieved that Delilah had such great help. She knew having a baby was very expensive and exhausting. Sadly, the time to give birth had come and gone and her loss was still hard to handle. Her baby blues had stayed around weeks after Zardeliah Rose was born. Most days Delilah lay motionless on her bed, staring out at the rose bush, her father had planted in memory of his beautiful granddaughter. Gibbs had stopped by off and on to see if Delilah was up for company. She hadn't desired any connection during those times, only she desired that of her child and lover, which both were far from her. A week went by, and Gibbs decided to try again and drop in, fortunately he had come at a good time. Delilah had been up tending to the rose bush and forming a beautiful garden around it. She told her mom it gave her purpose. That particular morning the baby blues didn't seem to be too heavy upon her. She was carrying about a smile, that she hadn't worn in a long time. Her father Edward had even been helping her tend to it. He would stop and watch her with his warm brown eyes. A tear of course would fall as he thought how it wasn't fair for her to not experience what he had, parenthood.
"Good morning, Delilah! How are you today?" Gibbs asked with a smile as he looked down at her.
Taken aback by the sudden appearance, she squinted to catch a glimpse of a familiar face. Elated to see Gibbs, she sprang to her feet and rushed over to embrace him tightly. He held her snug, not releasing her until she was ready. Tears streamed down their faces as they embraced, overwhelmed by a rush of emotions. So much had occurred, and a wave of cherished memories surged back all at once. Finaly, they pushed apart and went indoors to enjoy the cool ac unit. Gibbs followed Dee over to the Livingroom couch to have a seat.
"You look good, kiddo? I've missed you," Gibbs said, observing Delilah's expression.
Feeling a surge of joy at his words, she brushed away a tear that threatened to fall. Turning to him with a tender smile, she contemplated her response, striving to find the right words without breaking into tears.
"I've missed you as well. I apologize for not being myself lately; it's been really difficult. I feel like I've lost a significant part of who I am. It's such a strange sensation, but my dad and I have been putting a lot of effort into creating a beautiful garden for Zardeliah Rose," Delilah replied, struggling to hold back her tears.
She allowed them to tumble down, no longer bothering to hide them. Gibbs wrapped his arms around her once more, reassuring her that it was alright and that he was there for her if she needed his help.
"It must be tough not having Zarda around to comfort you during this difficult time. I really wish I knew if he was okay. The last I heard, a major battle erupted between the Severance soldiers and the hybrids after they found their hiding place and destroyed it. They must have put up one hell of a fight, as only a few soldiers made it back alive. And no one has seen Hopkins since then. Damn, I really miss Zarda," Gibbs replied.
Gibbs pictured Zarda's response to all of this. How would he have handled it all? Probably with a calm demeanor as always. He probably would have approached it in an intelligent manner, knowing him. Unfortunately, Zarda understood all too well the agony of missing those miraculous moments. Fate had already robbed him of witnessing the first birth, and now, due to unforeseen circumstances, he found himself destined to miss this one as well—not by choice, but by chance.
Nova on High
Hemming reached for the left arm of the high lady, while Simueal took hold of her right. Together, they helped her regain her footing. She felt slightly dizzy but was otherwise alright, apart from the blood trickling from her temple. Hemming called for slave Hrutr to fetch bandages and attend to her injury without delay. Simueal recommended that she find her throne to rest on, until Hrutr returned with the medical supplies. Nova of all beings had visited quite often; Sindri and she had spent time teaching one another. Now that the world was flipped around. Nova entertained the skies above. Her Galaxy had been pulled down to their world. Now she held them cradled in her loving embrace. Nova possessed the extraordinary ability to dictate the movement of the islands, drawing Sindri and her world close to her essence. Few could grasp the true magnitude of her being she resembled the cosmos itself and encompassed the intricate complexities of the galaxy. Although she was not tethered to its vastness, she frequently descended to Earth in her celestial form to keep Sindri company. Following Asger's departure, Nova sensed her friend's heart was lonely and shattered. All she yearned for was companionship. Thus, she took it upon herself to fill that emptiness, rarely straying far from Sindri's side. However, this particular morning was different. When the debris began to stir, Nova left to assist in addressing the aftermath of gravity's pull. Many other celestial beings from the galaxy joined her, all appearing as women from what Sindri could see—a universe led by industrious females.
"Sindri! Sindri! where are you friend? Ah there you are." called out Nova.
Seeing her friend in distress, she approached to offer comfort. Nova softly placed her shimmering hands-on Sindri's face, tenderly stroking her skin. Aware of the need to be gentle, Nova ensured she was cautious, mindful of not inflicting any harm. Her hands were so substantial that they could completely wrap around her friend's head. Nova had the ability to shrink down whenever she pleased, but she preferred to remain her naturally large size. She found comfort in knowing that her presence reassured others, giving them strength in challenging times. Sindri began to communicate in Nova's native tongue, addressing her recent concerns about the world's changes. The journey had been difficult enough with their transformation into hybrids, but now they faced complete isolation from everyone except those residing on the island. It was unfortunate that Hopkins, trapped in her cell, hadn't experienced the separation into the abyss like everything else. The ground had come perilously close to severing into when it cracked, nearly taking a piece just to the brink of the division between the cave and the rest of the land still connected to other parts of the earth. Recently, Sindri opened up to Nova, sharing her fears, desires, and tears. It became clear to her why Zandy the Zaney raven held such affection for her. Lately, the eccentric raven had ventured out from the dark cave of Hellir, feeling safer above ground and among the stars, and closer to his friend Nova. She had a natural talent for entertaining him, bringing out a sense of childlike joy. The little ones from Havardr and Arvid often joined in, filling their time with laughter and games. Nova's gentle spirit radiated a sense of protection, like a watchful guardian or angel, always looking out for the beings of Sanctuary.
"Don't worry, Sindri. I can be wherever you wish in this world. If you're seeking answers, I have them. What is it about this change that frightens you?" Nova inquired.
Sindri let out a sigh, a faint smile touching her lips as she acknowledged the truth: Nova could vanish into the galaxy and merge with it if she desired. In the midst of chaos, she had offered her a comforting sense of hope.
"I realize that I fear being trap here, before I know I had isolated myself away, but I also had the option to travel if I so desired to, now it's like, how is any of the multiple planets going to visit each other. not everyone had a Nova." she stated.
Nova giggled," Yes, they do. I am for everyone not just for your kingdom, Sindri. although you and Zandy are my most beloved. I am faithfully loyal to you, yet there are many others like me. We are the Yllaqirith, bright spirits." replied Nova.
Sindri felt puzzled; she had never encountered the name Yllaqirith, bright spirits, before, even though she was well acquainted with the spirit realm. Perhaps that was who she had met, though she didn't know their names or titles. "May I ask what they are?"
"My sisters and I make up a total of five. I am the second youngest. The eldest is Nebula, the wisest among us. Her aura is white, shimmering like diamond dust. Nebula is also the most serious, adhering strictly to laws and principles, following the statutes of Elohim. She connects only with those who believe in the creator, and if you were to gaze into her eyes, your heart would shift from what she deems wicked to a desire for goodness. But fret not, dear; I don't perceive you as wicked—you're truly one of a kind. Next is my second sister, Moonbeam, who shares similarities with Nebula. They were born close together and have spent countless hours in each other's company, so it's no surprise that Moonbeam has been influenced by Nebula. However, Moonbeam is more approachable and less judgmental. Perhaps Nebula is strict with me because we're family. The best part about Moonbeam is her resemblance to the glowing moon. Her presence is radiant, and she oversees the phases of the moon, changing them at the appointed times. Her favorite moment is Rosh Chodesh, when she brings forth the new moon. Our third sister, Suntwist, radiates with the brightness of the sun. We haven't seen her since the earth was split; she seems preoccupied with ensuring the sun remains steady in its orbit. As you might have guessed, she governs the sun just as Moonbeam governs the moon—or moons, in some cases. It's hard to look directly at her for long, as her form shines a brilliant yellow. She is the fiercest among us, often harsh and difficult to approach. Suntwist prefers solitude most of the time. Then there's me, followed by our youngest sister, Lantana. We share a special bond, spending our time together just like Nebula and Moonbeam. Beautiful Lantana has the gift of caring for clouds, rain, and snow, much like I oversee the galaxy, stars, and universe. She brings rain when you need it, she offers shade during the heat of Suntwist's kindled anger and blankets the earth with snow. Her aura is silver, and she walks in that form, or at times, becomes as clear as glass, unseen to the naked eye. She moves among you and may caress you with a gentle breeze, a subtle touch from her hand. We are the Yllaqirith, bright spirit sisters," Nova explained.
"I can check with my sisters to see if they know what has transpired, if you need me to. Nebula constantly observes and documents events on Earth in the scrolls of the heavens. She may have insight into what led to the earth's fracture, as she is the guardian of such knowledge. I will seek her wisdom and return to you, my friend. Farewell for now," Nova stated.
In the blink of an eye, Nova disappeared, vanishing into the cosmos above Sindri. At that very moment, Hrutr returned with bandages and medicinal supplies. He swiftly set to work, tending to his lady's injuries. To his surprise, she expressed her gratitude with a rare, gentle touch of approval—a sign that was completely out of character for her towards her slaves. Bashfully, he let out a nervous "bah" before stepping away to head back to the medicinal shed.
"Are you feeling better my Lady?" inquired Simueal.
She was feeling particularly generous, almost magnanimous, to the point where one might say it was a new side of her. Gently, she took his hands and expressed her deep appreciation for him and his so Hemming. In her heart, she felt a stirring desire to amend certain rules regarding her slaves. Both amazed and delighted, they listened intently as she instructed them to draft a new document. Once Hemming completed her wishes, he presented her with wax and a candle for her to imprint her crest upon the new covenant. He then went to announce this significant change to the other slaves. This brought a sense of peace to those who had spent years in her service, now under the protection of the high Lady. However, for the newly enslaved, there remained only the hope of surviving past the sacrificial holidays.