sparrow

hounded by the mercurial drizzle's sudden change in precipitation, caiaphas sought shelter. it was balmier today than it had been in a long time and she had spent most of the morning inspecting the lowlands from the cliffs. the sting of salt and water was one thing, but caiaphas knew that wetness and cold had the uncanny ability to seep to the bones and wither comfort away.

she took refuge under the gentle hang of a sequoia's bough, quick to shake herself and roll in the pinestraw. when she looked up she saw the female leucothoe -- if ever there was a pleasing sight to eye it was the blood that their family bore. she was striking in the manner aktaie and psamathe had been, though she possessed a character unlike them. the siren queen ventured from her respite to follow the youth wordlessly -- eventually once proximity had been breached she imagined the two would enjoy the miserable weather in company.

this house was my flowered heart,
but my petals have fallen.