The Sunspire there were floating flocks of small white swans

casual birthday mention

She and Cassiopeia shared more than blood; they shared a spirit, one that was quick to rise  up and boil over, despite an exterior that appeared delicate, or even serene. It was a vivacity that results from a tendency to feel things very strongly — and at the same time, an inability to conceal their emotions, or their intentions, not even a little bit. It struck a volatile juxtaposition, so when Cassiopeia lashed out against her father and his whore with words like venom, Olive understood. 

She wished she could say them too. In fact, she had —

but Olive was also the adult in this situation, and knew the example she must set for her daughter. She released a heavy breath, drawing close to the onyx girl once more and speaking to her kindly. “I will not let him near you again.” If the two were lucky, they would hopefully never encounter Dakarai again. If he ever arrived at their doorstep, as the man was wont to do, Olive would not hesitate to raise alarm and shoo him away, lest he tear down the careful balance the mother and daughter had struck upon the mountain sunspire. Her most recent encounter with him, bringing the man back from the brink of death yet again, only confirmed this. “He does not deserve to know you.” Her rosebud tongue slipped from between her lips to nudge at the girl’s sweet cheek. 

The druid herself was only just beginning to know her, but Olive was proud of Cassiopeia for her surviver mentality. During their short time together during the winter, Cassiopeia had told her briefly of the experiences that befell her during their separation, but the mother expected she did not know the full extent of the girl’s story. It did not matter though — she was alive. A smile simpered upon Olive’s finespun maw, and she raised her brow questioningly. “Oh, do you know? Your birthday is soon,” she said laughingly, thrilled at the prospect of shepherding at least one of her children through their first birthday. “You were born beneath the Pisces moon.”