It had taken her some time to find this place. She’d never traveled to the grotto before, but she had a purpose as she moved past the waterfall and into one of the most beautiful caverns she’d seen in her short life. The fireflies that lit the path she walked upon would have been an easy distraction in her younger days, but she ignored them as she traveled in deeper. She paused to examine her reflection in one of the scattered pools. She was going through a phase of rapid growth. The reflection staring back at her was becoming less round and more hardened as time marched towards her first birthday.

Lyla pulled her attention away from the reflection staring back at her and turned her attention back to the cavern. Lifting her head high she called out, "Miaran? Miaran are you here?" she wondered if her friend could hear her. She could have gone back to the gardens to look, but here felt more sacred, more right.

@Miaran

art

Sorry I get so in my head and it's hard to let you close
But when I let you in I'm codependent that's not me
It's the girl who's still in pain
Who never watched them stay

It had been far too long since Miaran had shared a moment with Lyla amidst the enchanting beauty of the Gardens. This sacred haven, where so many had encountered the Idol, resonated with memories, and when Miaran heard her name reverberate within the depths of the Cavernous Grotto, a thrill of anticipation coursed through her. It was a summons she could never resist, a voice imbued with warmth that she had come to treasure during her days among the living. With a radiant smile illuminating her ethereal form, Miaran glided closer to the girl she had watched grow, a poignant reminder of the day Khadija had welcomed her beloved daughters into the world in Caladan. Now, Lyla stood tall and graceful, almost unrecognizable in her newfound stature. @Lyla? Miaran's head tilted slightly, a blend of affection and curiosity sparkling in her eyes. What brings you up this way? Surely Lyla understood that the Gardens were a sanctuary where she could have summoned the Idol, yet here they were, fate weaving their paths together once more.

And watched them walk away Cause people leave
Hate that I've always believed Letting somebody love me
Means they'll be somebody i'll grieve

code by scorpixia ♡︎

The voice she’d been seeking floated towards her. A whisper from a ghost, a caress of warmth that wasn’t there. It didn’t matter to the girl that her friend no longer moved amongst the living. That she no longer lived and breathed. If anything Miaran had some things to be thankful for. She no longer had to worry about food or shelter (ah, but she could no longer fill the thrill of the hunt!)

Lyla took quick steps to where her friend had materialized and called her name. "Miaran!" she greeted with an excited squeal that showed despite her increasing height she was a child still. "I came to see you of course! How have you been?" she had a million new things to tell her friend, but needed to check on how she was doing before she filled the ghost in.

@Miaran

art

Sorry I get so in my head and it's hard to let you close
But when I let you in I'm codependent that's not me
It's the girl who's still in pain
Who never watched them stay

The Idol woman regarded the girl with a gentle smile, her specter heart swelling with warmth as she observed her transformation from a timid cub to a spirited yearling. And then, hopefully, from a vibrant yearling to the wise embrace of adulthood, eventually reaching the status of an Elder. When the question floated through the air, Miaran shook her head slowly, a sigh mingling with the whispers of the Grotto as she lifted her paw, her graceful gesture encompassing the serene beauty surrounding them.

I simply exist, she admitted, her voice a tender murmur that embraced the stillness. Days meld together for me. Sometimes, I am graced by a visitor's presence, while other days, I stand witness to the sun's breathtaking ascent and descent, all alone, she confided softly to @Lyla, her words laced with a bittersweet ache. A phantom heartbeat passed before a playful brow arched, curiosity lighting her gaze. You seem so full of enthusiasm about something, she noted, her ghostly ears catching the infectious squeal that had slipped from the girl’s lips, igniting joy in her own spirit.

And watched them walk away Cause people leave
Hate that I've always believed Letting somebody love me
Means they'll be somebody i'll grieve

code by scorpixia ♡︎

The wisp that remained of Miaran stated that she simply existed - but that was all that mattered to the girl, that she still did in fact exist in some for of reality. If she had simply been gone? This would have been all the more difficult.

She giggled as Miaran said she seemed enthusiastic about something. "Well…" she looked around the empty grotto, as if searching for any hidden eyes or ears, before edging closer to the spirit and whispering the great secret she held, "Miaran," her voice was hushed, full of a softly controlled jubilation held in a tone suggesting only her friend was worthy enough to hear, "Mama’s getting fat!" she giggled again, wondering if Miaran would know what she was implying. She definitely wasn’t just trying to be rude to her own mother, there was a much deeper meaning to her announcement. Even if her parents hadn’t confirmed her suspicions yet.

@Celeste @Miaran

art

Sorry I get so in my head and it's hard to let you close
But when I let you in I'm codependent that's not me
It's the girl who's still in pain
Who never watched them stay

It was the magnetic pull of someone who truly wanted her here that held Miaran captive on this island. In her heart, she sensed the warmth of a caring soul, and right now, one out of two stood before her, radiating affection. As Lyla leaned in closer, Miaran felt the rush of connection and instinctively mirrored her gesture, only for the moment to be hilariously interrupted when the girl squealed that her mother was getting fat. Miaran's brow shot up in bewilderment, but in the next breath, a radiant smile broke free, illuminating her face. Oh, @Lyla, I simply don't see it that way, she replied, her tone laced with warmth and tenderness. After a heartfelt pause, Miaran continued, Do you remember right before I had my babies? I could hardly recognize myself back then, not a shadow of how I looked when we shared our days in Caladan. What you call 'fat' is merely a reflection of the life that blossomed within me.

And watched them walk away Cause people leave
Hate that I've always believed Letting somebody love me
Means they'll be somebody i'll grieve

code by scorpixia ♡︎

Lyla shifted her weight, fidgeting with excitement as Miaran picked up what she was hinting at. As the spirit broke into a smile the girl was sure she knew what she meant and giggled again. "Miaran, do you think I’ll get a baby brother?" she couldn’t help but wonder out loud. She loved her sisters, and more would be ok, but she really really really wanted a little brother, or four. Four would also be good.

As Miaran asked if she remembered how she looked right before she had her babies a thoughtful expression crossed her face. She remembered fondly moments of searching for gourdes and learning French with Miaran - and now that she thought back the woman had possessed a certain, waddle, at the time. "Oh my mama is beautiful even fat! She’s the prettiest lady I know!" she declared - not meaning to insult the spirit but showcasing her affinity for awkward unintentional snips. The white lioness at the hollows, Genesis, had gotten more than her far share of those from the girl in her lifetime. "I met my grandma too! She’s pretty, but mama is prettier." she lowered her voice to a whisper again at that last past.

art

Sorry I get so in my head and it's hard to let you close
But when I let you in I'm codependent that's not me
It's the girl who's still in pain
Who never watched them stay

As Lyla's infectious excitement radiated through the air, Miaran couldn't help but smile, the warmth of the moment brushing against her heart. Yet, deep within, a sorrowful ache lingered, a poignant reminder of the vibrant life she was so painfully missing. When @Lyla, bursting with enthusiasm, fired off her question, Miaran seized the brief lull in her spirited chatter. I can't predict what wonderful siblings you might receive, but I know they will be treasures, cherished beyond measure. The words dripped with a discreet melancholy, a flicker of grief that might elude Lyla's innocent gaze. Then, with a wistful sigh, Miaran continued, Oui, your mama is undeniably beautiful. I'm overjoyed that you had the chance to meet your grandmother. There’s something magical about family.

The word 'family' struck Miaran like a cold wind; it was a concept she had never fully embraced. Adeline and her older sisters had always kept her at arm's length, their lives intricately woven into the Mob’s fabric while Miaran’s remained a lonely thread. She was pulled back to an ancient conversation with Reti, questioning whether a soul could truly live again in another form. The thought danced in her mind, reverberating with the impossibility of reclaiming what was lost—the precious moments and connections that seemed forever out of reach. The haunting memories of souls being torn back from the abyss echoed in her thoughts, a painful reminder that some circumstances could never intertwine with her own yearning for belonging.

And watched them walk away Cause people leave
Hate that I've always believed Letting somebody love me
Means they'll be somebody i'll grieve

code by scorpixia ♡︎

Lyla nodded enthusiastically, lost in her own excitement and joy to the point where the sadness and pain behind the other woman's words were faded and lost to her ears. She wiggled where she stood, dreaming about what siblings she might get (and not the least bit worried about the disappointment she'd feel if she were wrong - clearly mama wasn't just eating a bit too much in preparation for the winter.)

Turning her attention back to @Miaran she began to prattle on again, "I actually have TWO grandmas, but no grandpas. I'm not sure how that works, but my second grandma is as big as mama and me! I haven't talked to her yet. My first grandma is little like papa.“ She offered, before grinning, "I'm taller than papa now!“ yup, and she was proud of it too. She could protect him better that way.

art by alo/made for alo by Skelle !

Sorry I get so in my head and it's hard to let you close
But when I let you in I'm codependent that's not me
It's the girl who's still in pain
Who never watched them stay

The weight of the girl's sorrow evaporated like mist in the morning sun, transforming into vibrant daydreams and bursts of joy, igniting the air with her infectious spirit. Lyla's voice rang out like a sweet melody, weaving tales of her family that danced around Miaran’s heart. Miaran couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, intrigued and a little amused by the notion of two grandmothers and no grandfathers — such a unique tapestry. The world of wisp cubs was a still mystery to her, and the thought that souls could be reborn into a lively litter had not tugged at her curiosity. Surely Reti had been lying about that.

A radiant smile blossomed on Miaran’s lips, and she spoke with warmth, I am truly happy that you've discovered more of your extended family. And regarding your height—well, your mother towers above us like a graceful tree; of course, you would share in that too! Miaran’s gaze lingered on @Lyla, her heart swelling with nostalgia as she recalled the magical day when this beautiful girl first came into the world. How swiftly time sped by, carrying with it the precious moments that shaped their lives!

And watched them walk away Cause people leave
Hate that I've always believed Letting somebody love me
Means they'll be somebody i'll grieve

code by scorpixia ♡︎