STEER CLEAR OF THE SUN | OBSERVATORY EVACUATION

[Grimm]

the child with a heart of glass

For a time there had been little within the walls of the observatory which drew them closer, which permitted them to enter beyond those doors, heart seized by something they could only call fear each time they tried. Yet time had worn at their feelings towards it, until it was little more than a faint thread, a sense of unease when they had been cooped up for all too long. It had begun in those hours, too much time spent alone within the dark space of their room, sleep hovering about the edge of their mind, never strong enough to fully take them.

Upon the edge of sleep the acidic tang of smoke found them, cloying and overpowering, each breath becoming strained, a gasp which seared the lungs. As they lay sprawled upon the mass of soft fabric and pelts they could do little, heart pounding in their chest, shuddering breath escaping with strings of drool, mind slow to be brought back from the brink of sleep. It seemed their decision to stay near to the basement, out of the way of those who slept within the higher rooms, had proven a bad one. Limbs ache faintly when finally their eyes opened, blurred and given a haze, the thick smoke about them stealing any shred of light.

A mumbled groan, shaky movements proving too unsteady to lift their weight the first time, the cub struggled to rise, wiping at their chin and mouth, for a time confused. Slow was the realisation that something was wrong, their mind going into over-drive as they moved about their room, gathering the few things they would need. Cinched about their waist the satchel was filled with their journal, writing utensils, necklace and a somewhat disgruntled Juron, cushioned by the herbs already left within.

What if i just stay here. The thought entered their mind for but a second, bringing with it a flicker of fear, yet they seemed strangely unresponsive beyond that, movements mechanical as they draw themself through the observatory. Faintly Art registered the presence of others, absorbed in their own thoughts until they bumped into one, mumbling a soft apology before they finally snapped back to reality, the threads of worry strengthening until it became fear, churning in their stomach.

This wasn't right, they shouldn't be doing this. Quickening their pace they came to a faltering halt when a voice rose through the smoke, a child such as they were. Turning their attention towards the source Atreus slowly moved closer towards Aaliyah, tone soft and light to announce their presence. “Hello? Where are you?”

atreus "art" averim — the ascended — fireball — lion cub — information

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