PSL

[virtuosoweblumexpert]

Coran was called in because as best as the scientists here could tell the energy reading was Altean in nature. Looking at the initial readings he agreed. More importantly the point of energy was ever increasing. This was much too interesting to ignore. With excitement and intense curiosity he heads out to investigate what it could be. Ignoring the suggestion that he should proceed with more caution. Whatever this was building towards he didn't feel like he wanted to miss it.

Comments

[heartofalioness]

The origin? The mountain valleys, the ones home to the out-of-season juniberry fields. Even with the planet reborn, this is where Allura felt most at home all her life, where she spent as much spare time with her father and mother and her beloved advisor as much as she could. It might take searching, but... somewhere in the center of the field is a sprawling cloud of moon white blanketing a patch of green shoots and green-sheethed buds.

[virtuosoweblumexpert]

Coran is a man of many qualities and stubbornness is among the top of the list. Even if it takes all night he keeps searching for the strange readings that he found. Seeing the white hair spread across the ground his breath catches in his throat. "It-- it can't be!"

He runs straight to the white hair. Calling out at the top of his lungs. "Princess! Princess Allura!"

[heartofalioness]

"Nnngh..."

Thankfully she responds a little to the sound of her name, albeit too weak to move even her eyelids. She's somehow clad in a simple, pale pink slip, but her skin is cold to the touch, cells suddenly existing not having had a chance to generate body heat.

"C-coran...?"

[virtuosoweblumexpert]

If the cold bothered Coran at all he doesn't show it. Immediately clutching the princess to his chest in a tight hug. If she was cold? Then she could have his warmth instead. "Yes, princess. It's me. And-- it's you. I can't believe it's really you. Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?"

[heartofalioness]

"I--" A slight flinch, quickly turning her a shiver. "N-nowhere specific..."

Just general pain everywhere from her nerves suddenly existing again.

"W-where are we...?"

[virtuosoweblumexpert]

"We're-- why, you're home, princess." In more ways than one to Coran. "You're in the juniberry fields. Although, they're out of season at the moment." He looks her over again. Still not noticing any obvious injury.

"Do you remember anything? Or, what is the last thing you can remember?"

[heartofalioness]

"The fields? I..." What she last remembers.... "We were in the rift. We talked Honerva down, but..." A wince, once that had nothing to do with the physical pain. "I had to say goodbye to the others..."

She pours every ounce of strength into feebly throwing her arms around his shoulders.

"I wish I could have said so to you... I am so sorry, Coran... I am so, so sorry..."

Sorry! This got away from me!

[virtuosoweblumexpert]

"There, there, Princess." He gently pats her on the back, just so thankful that he was getting to hug her once more. "No need to say sorry. I'm sure you would have come to say goodbye if you could have." He gives her a tight squeeze. "Besides, you were saving the world. I couldn't be more proud of you if I tried."

YOU'RE GOOD, as you can see, I've been glacial with non-game stuff lately

[heartofalioness]

She doesn't say anything for a good long while, just... holds him and cries. She's alive. She hadn't wanted to die, but it was the only way... And now she's alive and here and so in Coran and the war is over. Finally, finally over... It's so much to take in...

Eventually she stills just enough to get some words out.

"We couldn't have done it without you. None of us could have... I'm so glad you're all right..."

[virtuosoweblumexpert]

"No, I don't suppose you could have." Most people might have sounded full of themselves saying something like that, but somehow Coran avoids that tone. Talking as if he was merely stating a fact while knowing how great he is. "Those kids would have gone to pieces without my careful eye and training. But! We should get you inside. Are you sure you're alright, princess?" He gazes her up and down once more with worry. "I mean, you've been gone for some time. Are you hungry? Cold? Warm? Cold AND warm at the same time?"

[heartofalioness]

"F-rreezing..." That's what happens when your cells suddenly exist again without having time to build up energy and heat. Still, she gives him a weak smile through the leftover tears. "And tired."

And food and liquids might be a good idea too, even if those senses aren't registering quite yet.

[virtuosoweblumexpert]

"Oh!" He quickly shrugs off his coat. Surprised he didn't think to do so sooner. "Here, Princess. Put this on." He wraps it around her arms. "And let us get you inside. There is so much to tell you."

[heartofalioness]

"Thank you."

He might need to carry her, at least most of the way. It might take a few days for her strength to return, but at least she's able to keep down warm food and drink, and she really is grateful to see Altea and the rebuilt castle, whole again. She's glad to see Coran again.

[virtuosoweblumexpert]

He is right there for her the moment he sees her even slightly weak in the news. Eager to offer her assistance and carry her. Even if he is a bit older than she might remember and he'll certainly be feeling the strain tomorrow, he can handle carrying her back.

Even more eager is he to show her the new world that her sacrifice allowed to flourish. "I've tried to help guide our people in a way I thought you or your father might have helped to guide them."

[heartofalioness]

"I know you have." A soft smile. "There's a reason Father chose you as his advisor, and there's no one in the universe I would trust more with Altea."