#fell first

You remember when you first met her, in that sea grotto, a lifetime ago. A voice, reading to you the history of the plinth you were reading, telling you of its history. A voice that carried strength and knowledge and care.

And what you felt there was a childish infatuation, nothing more.

After all, how ridiculous would it be. To have fallen for this woman so soon after you had met her?

She was smart, to be certain. Confident and self-assured, well-read and well-educated, her dark voice carrying much knowledge, her demeanor strong and intimidating and her will could have pushed you over if she had tried.

She could have anyone she wanted, you were certain. That she had chosen nobody told you all you need to know, and certainly, nothing that she has seen fit to share with you.

But her only interest was in her duty. In this, were you both the same. And so you held yourself, much as she held herself, and all was well.

You tended to the mission, same as her. You tended to the Scions, same as her. And your first duty was to the truth, forevermore, same as her.

Do you love her? Does it matter?

You believe in her. She believes in us. What more is needed?

And what is love, anyroad? You are not sure you understand it. Is it dedication? Than you are dedicated to the work of the Scions, as it is your work as well, as dedicated as she is. Is it a willingness to die for another? You would die for any one of them. You would put your life on the line for the star or for the one, for that is part and parcel of your duty.

So what is it? And does it matter?

No, you decided. You were happy to be in her presence, happy to share her mission, happy to count her as a comrade true. You faced terrible odds and terrible things and terrible people, and led the way to a better tomorrow, next to her, next to them all.

After all, that was more than enough.