The wind lilted through the trees, sifting their leaves and bringing whispers of peace to the air. Three small children chased each other through the grass, their laughter ringing high and bright, blue skin shining in the warmth of the sun. Falere was the first to collapse, fits of giggles bubbling out of her chest even through the exhaustion. Rila fell second, Mirala's smaller form latched onto her back, ferocity and determination to win reflected against the broad smile on her face.
Tenacity.
The lightning crashed around them, rain pelting the ground with heavy droplets. Falere clung to Rila, who clenched her arms around her mother's legs. Thunder rumbled across the grey of the sky in booming waves, prompting them to cling even tighter. Mirala pulled away from her strong grip as they made their way home, and tilted her face to the sky, rejoicing in the cold chill of the water and the intimidating thrum of the storm.
Bravery.
Mirala's hand flared blue as she leapt high, her hand smashing into the silvery sheen of the ball and launching it away. It flew across the court, far beyond the line that marked the previous record. Cheers tore from the throats of the crowd in an uncharacteristic display of rowdiness, but none were louder than the cries of her mother and sisters.
Strength.
Tears streamed from her eyes, leaving slick tracks down her face as her first mate was given to the Goddess, her body so still and perfect, masking the terrible wounds inside her skull. Mirala fell to her knees, leaning into the embrace of her mother as she cried out at the injustice done to her and her sisters.
Love.
She fled her family and fate in the night, finding passage off world in the hold of a cargo ship and finding refuge in the name of Morinth. Her steps were longer than her mother's, quickened by fear and a deeply held lust for freedom.
Intelligence.
Another burned-out husk awaited her in the quiet of the apartment, the life long since lost to her daughter's desire. Affection driven by addiction. Death the price for Morinth's selfish passions.
Defiance.
Her head cracked against the wall, momentarily stunned by her mother's assault. A desperate pulse of biotic energy hurled her mother away, tossing her to the ground and halting the justice that awaited her. She seized the advantage and fled once more, as swift as the girl her mother had once known.
Power.
The mercenaries concealed her daughter's destination to their last breath, terror of the horrors she could inflict steeling their spines.
Presence.
Morinth fell to her knees before her mother, strength drained, fear in her wide blue eyes. They turned empty as she was given to the Goddess, her long-fought fate fulfilled in death. Samara stood quietly by the body of Mirala, blue eyes weary in their acceptance of the end.
Peace.