With no numbers on the Monolith illuminating the space around only the sunless halo served as a dim source of light if one chose to step away from the campfire.
They left the Monolith soon after the flag was planted and set up a camp at their usual place. As celebratory mood faded, they all got quiet. Lune felt overwhelmed with thoughts and dreams about the life ahead of her. The span of years that used to be unreachable now seemed endless. Their one and only grasp of immortality. And even that might not be enough to learn every secret about the world around them.
Not wanting to burden companions with her brooding, Lune sought out a place to be alone. She stood ankle deep in chilly water; the soft purl of the brook soothed her thoughts after the whirlpool of the day's events.
Lune turned to the sudden sound behind her and saw Sciel swinging her arms, trying to find her balance on stones that peaked near the shore. Lune thrust out her hand and caught the hem of Sciel's jacket, steadying her friend upright.
Sciel grabbed Lune by the shoulders and breathed a sigh of relief, "You're truly a saviour, ma chérie."
"And you're a lure for troubles," despite the remark Lune kept her hands on the young woman's waist, making sure she didn't slip on the wet stones again.
"Am I?" Sciel smirked, "I don't mind. If it means I'll lure you in as well."
"Right," Lune turned her head, hiding the reddening cheeks behind her hair, "Come on, let's get you on solid ground."
She offered Sciel her hand and together they reached the shore — with Lune's support Sciel jumped over stones confidently and gracefully.
"Why did you decide to interrupt my time alone, anyway?" Lune asked.
She wasn't sure she liked the look Sciel gave her — all too knowing, seeing right through her. The next words only confirmed that impression.
"You don't enjoy solitude as much as you like to pretend."
Stated like it was a fact. And the worst of it — Lune couldn't deny it. For years she's known she couldn't afford so-called distractions. For years she couldn't help but crave them. The harder she tried to resist, the harder were her defeats — her guitar and drafts of her never-finished song, the nights with Gustave spent not just on their work.
Avoiding Sciel was the hardest. But at the time Lune managed to convince herself that it was necessary.
Now all the reasons have lost their power over her. Now that Sciel didn't let go of her hand and lightly stroked the tattoos with her thumb. Now that she kept looking at her like this — with a warm smile and mischievous glint in her eyes.
All her life Lune has been racing against time towards the only goal she deemed worthy.
And now they've succeeded. They've defeated the Paintress.
They've survived. Her lifework has ended.
She could do anything she wanted. The new freedom filled her with pure excitement and dread.
"Does it bother you?" Lune asked instead of acknowledging her companion's remark. "This gloom. On the day that should be the brightest."
"Why? Do you think it's some kind of an ill omen?"
"You tell me. You're the master at this sort of thing."
"It is too dark to read the future in the stars. But I don't need to," Sciel took Lune's other hand too and interlocked their fingers. "The future will be bright because ma lumière is right beside me," she leaned closer and winked, "And she's prettier than any celestial body."
Lune's breath hitched. She looked into Sciel's eyes and at last let herself believe the assurance she saw in them.
She smiled and leaned forward too, pressing their foreheads together.
Their lives haven't ended. Neither has the uncertainty of their future.
The future Lune didn't have to face alone if she didn't want to.
