location: the grounds of summerhall, the days after the wedding of lenora and jae
@calla-lefford
in the days that followed the wedding, cerissa couldn't shake the feeling of someone missing already. lenora would remain behind in the crownlands, safe and with a husband ceri hoped she would come to care for deeply. yet, the absence of her sister left a void that cerissa keenly felt. just when they had begun to feel whole again, having both her sisters by her side, the small fight with lenora weeks ago now tugged at her heart, making her regret any moment spent on such trivial matters with her beloved siblings.
summerhall's gardens were a sight to behold, a testament to the place's enchanting beauty. renovated to its former glory, she could understand why so many kings and queens had used it for their summer home for years. amidst the lush colors of the garden, ceri couldn't help but glance over her shoulder from time to time to ensure their vigilant guards were close behind. their understanding and indulgence in her worries were a source of needed comfort. today, she was grateful that her sister, calla, had accompanied her for a leisurely walk. the idea of traveling alone, even just within the confines of a garden, still felt foreign to her.
"oh, calla, look!" ceri's voice burst with an unusual excitement, another thing that still felt foreign to her. the ability to be happy, to express it outloud without fear that someone would ruin it. it was strange how one could grow to fear happiness and now ready to seek it out once again.
ceri hurried over to a bush adorned with delicate flowers. perched atop it were nearly a dozen butterflies, fluttering gracefully. with utmost gentleness, cerissa extended her finger, coaxing one of the beautiful creatures to alight on it. a genuine smile, rare and precious, graced the lefford's face—reminiscent of the times before. "they look just like the butterflies in mother's garden. do you remember how there used to be a hundred of them there sometimes? we must tell nora. it would be so lovely for her to see. a little reminder of home.”