An old citizen returns

[Ileana Leontine]

The robed figure approached the pile of splintered wood and mortar. A pensive expression crossed her face as she gingerly pushed one of the boards with her left foot. As the rotten timber snapped in half, a horde of woodlice deprived of darkness scattered in a dozen directions. Pieces of parchment lay trapped in among the wreckage, many of them stripped from tomes of considerable age and equal value. Sighing, the woman adjusted her long grey hair. It can be rebuilt, she considered, but I really must have someone take care of it properly.

Ileana pulled off the backpack she had been carrying and up-ended it. A blanket rolled out, followed by provisions, other camping materials, and finally a small book wrapped in brown paper. Looking out towards the sea, she shivered. Moongates never allowed acclimatisation, and the coastal breeze came as a shock to someone who had grown accustomed to the moderate temperatures of Moonglow. As if momentarily distracted, Ileana looked back at her possessions now scattered on the grass. Moving over towards the book, she scooped it up before putting it gently back into the backpack, returning to the coast to gaze southwards. The sight of a large stone building appeared on the horizon and Ileana recognised the building immediately. At least those buildings are still standing, she thought.