Hope.

It was odd how a gesture, a word, a sentence could nurture this action. The act of hope, in essence, is truly graceless. It only ever mattered most when the world appeared darkest, when the spirit is most crushed. And even then, hope can give out for any occasion to inflict any manner of destitution. Lasting a day or two, or a split second to tear open the deepest of pains, or no pain at all - to have carried no hope in the wake of a lonely world. Or perhaps a world rich in people.

The youth’s ire over her foolish decision on the Basin appeared to be melting. She could relax her eyes, let out her breathe as her companion ignored the urge to reject her. Fear was noxious, creative in the dark; its loathsome stay was at once disrupted by Roland’s contact. Somehow Sia, as tentative as she had been, could trust the shoulder beside her, the heat and the voice that had deflected her most recent fears.

“Of course not. If you ever need something, I’ll be here.”

As if he himself were invincible to the world around her. It was almost believable, the thought, only fools starved of all necessities would hold on to such claims. And while starved of a simple life, Sia understood the traps in such a feeling; the feeling to cling under the protective watch of her guardian, to never stray too far lest the animals, feral bands snatch her tiny frame away. Perhaps it was all about growing up; having at least some certainty behind oneself regardless of how sure they were. To forge ahead without certainty, to live despite loss… finding purpose, or perhaps one built purpose as well.

Her eyes lifted up as he smiled. She would have protested, you don’t have to. Certainly not. And it would have been final. She would have grinned despite the constant, boosted thread of hope that had radiated out from a mere shoulder and thereon. She would have had her reasons, knowing, having some sense what it was like to make a promise and being physically incapable of fulfilling it. It wasn’t a feeling she wished upon anyone; it was as though pieces of her had truly died, rotting with regret. Precious life appears to have its consequences on the living. His voice had deterred her however, the resolution sounding out from his vocals on which she found herself standing upon. And she believed him, not because it was something one felt obligated to do. Certainly, strangers hold no qualms for the wandering even if they’re at the odd age between child and adult.

Her eyes beamed, a smile followed; was she happy? Was this happiness? If Roland had found it perhaps she would too…? The expression was neither big nor small; what had changed subtly reflected the greater change she felt entirely. Her brow ceased to vex in sharp lines, her breathe just a bit easier than it was before, and as briefly as it may have been the darkness didn’t appear so heavy, uncouth and wicked. It was just a thing, it had no life outside of her body; just air.

“It will rise.” Because she would be damned if it didn’t. “One day.” She wasn’t alone, and it helped; more than it certainly appeared. “I will never curse the sun’s heat for the rest of my life… I swear on my grave.” Her smile crooked, as she felt inclined to embrace Roland from where they stood.

Although she couldn’t qutie escape death’s echos, the family she had lost and the grieving that inevitably followed suite. It was with some sense of this hope that perhaps, peace might be formed within the Basin’s core. She allowed her head and neck to gently press against his neck while her smile had faded.

“Thank-you.” And she was so sure of it. Despite the audible tremble in her vocals, a chord that had struck too thin that it had nearly become a whisper- her sentiment, while in excess of what was required was deemed neccisary for Sia to express.