a sky full of stars [solstice event]

persephone volante.

I'd never had a true solstice experience. When I was little, Papa took on extra odd jobs to scrape together some coins, and Mama sold all of the clothes she crocheted for any amount of money because something is better than nothing. They did all of that just to get me something for Ratmas, so I could pretend we were a normal family and open up a neatly wrapped present with a cute little bow on top when the sun rises like all the other kids.

We didn't have that at the orphanage.

The Volante's gave us so much when they took us in. They gave us a home, a bed, and a last name. I never thought I'd have that again, not after Mama and Papa died. Vee's eyes were wide and drinking everything in around us. We weren't listening to whatever the mayor was saying. Blue and red lights danced on her skin and her smile lit up like the stars in the night sky. My heart fluttered inside my chest seeing her like this, truly happy for once. She deserved this moment, we all did. Aurora was somewhere, probably went straight for the food if there was any.

I wasn't sure where we were. The Volante's told us that we were going out and to get dressed and here we are. I could see all the stars in the sky from here. I used to wish to them before I gave up after nothing happened, no miracle or fantasy fell from the sky, though maybe it was just a few years late.

"Percy!"

Vee appears at my side with a wide grin on her face. She pulls my hand into hers and leads me closer to the center of wherever we were.

"Look at that," she points toward the sky with a euphoric look in her eyes, "Isn't it beautiful?"

The stars ignited the midnight sky, twinkling like tiny little lights draped across the dark canvas of the skies. My mouth opens slightly in awe at the sight. You never got this view from the windows at the orphanage.

persephone volante.

A part of me felt safe trapped in a gaze with the stars, comforted even. The bright, twinkling lights were almost like home. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips. I had seen the stars a million times before, but here they were brighter and larger and they seemed to illuminate the entire night sky. I was entranced by each and every one of them.

"Milady, may you do the pleasure of allowing me to escort you around this event?" A voice from behind me asks. I turn around gently, a small smile still painted on my face. It was the cute boy from the burger shop. Seeing him made my smile grow a little bit wider.

He bowed down like a prince with a cerulean blue rose outstretched in his hands and a hopeful look swimming in his eyes. I laugh a little at his theatrics, it was cute. I could tell his heart is made of gold. It makes my heart flutter in my chest.

"Why, my good sir, yes," I laugh, mimicking the posh he tried to put on. I take the rose in my hands and do one of those things I read in a book, it's something fancy women used to do. I bow gently, putting my left foot forward and grabbing the hem of my dress as I bend my knees. I can't imagine why anyone would do that, it's uncomfortable.

"Let's go over there first, I see food," I point towards a table across the room. I look up at him, a small smile dancing across my lips, and I wait for him to lead the way like the Knight he is.