Fairspell Meadow swarm the belly, swelling to a blaze

The voice brought her from a slumber marred by nightmares, thank Jaes. Her eyelids popped open to reveal Scarab standing nearby, his blue eyes cutting through the fog of sleep. Poppies. . .she'd taken poppy seeds. Everything seemed slower, heavier. Her limbs felt jellied. Yet now she was not alone, and had to keep up appearances.

Appearances. What even was her appearance, now? Fearless leader? Grieving mother? Muttering witch?

Scarab, she murmured, turning her double-hued gaze fully on the boy. She made no effort to rise, although she did uncurl herself slightly, lifting herself on one bony elbow. She blinked for a moment, hastily gathering her scattered thoughts. Plucking some semblance of civility from the chaos.

Do you think your family could be alive somewhere? Maegi asked abruptly, the ice of her son's body not yet settled in her heart. Do you think you may be reunited with them here in this world, rather than after death?