Writer's Note: This was a prompt from Urania Calliope.
Warning: Occurs post-series and contains spoilers.
Once it was clear that the Beast Planet wasn't going to show up again in some kind of ambush, there was a sense of confusion, almost bewilderment, really. That first day was a landmark, one that everyone would remember for the rest of their lives.
Jade awoke like she always did - with her eyes snapping open and her body already tense in preparation for the day. It was only when her body finally caught up with her mind that she relaxed, moving slower than her usual lightning-quick pace, taking time to get dressed and eat the morning meal. She found a kind of therapeutic comfort in these menial tasks, and it took her a moment to realise why; because she knew, without a doubt, that it wouldn't be the last time she did them.
Cryos also woke like he usually did - slowly, with a hand outstretched to his left side as if reaching for something - or someone - only to find the space empty. His eyes opened slowly, as if not wanting to take in the reality of the empty space and they focused, only to give him a sense of deep peace instead of melancholy. That side of the bed was empty, but the peace that was new still remained.
Pyrus leapt from his bed like he had been shoved, a silly grin on his face and a wild eagerness in his chest. There was so much to do, so many things he had to work on, so many people he had to help...and finally, finally, there was time in which to do it.
Femur slept in. Late. He didn't wake up until Pelvus barged in and shouted something about feeding Planty. It was only that that got him out of bed. To him, if the planets were at peace, why should he get up early anymore?
Zera didn't sleep at all. She spent the entire night practicing her warrior forms or sitting in front of the security screens, eyeing the new and empty space, and occasionally finding herself in the Palace kitchens for a snack. She would never admit it, but she was making sure that the Beast didn't come back while she slept. It was only when the daily alarm went of signifying the new standard day that Zera got to her feet and returned back to her personal chambers, sleeping deeply and well into the afternoon with a small smile on her face.
Zuma and her Kindred also spent the night in a sort of reconnaissance, keeping their minds open for any changes and fluctuations in the cosmic pattern that they now found themselves in. It was only when Ramset meekly requested Zuma's presence that they stopped, and even then Zuma found herself without much trepidation. Now that peace was spread over their worlds like a fluffy blanket, anything done to further it was akin to her duty.
Tekla emerged from her slumber mildly confused - she felt strange, like she had never felt before, perhaps in many, many decades. It was alarming at first, especially since she wasn't used to feeling confused when it came to herself - she was firm in the belief that she knew herself - but it was only when she realised what that feeling was that she laughed and laughed. It was relief .
Graveheart spent his morning in a kind of distant and moving meditation, his thoughts straying all over the place and never more than once. He thought of the people who were dead, given back tot he fires and never to be seen again, all for the sake of the peace they now had. He thought of Jade, who now has so much on her plate but who loves every single moment of it. He thought of Mica, who was long dead, now, forever a child casualty to what was then an endless war. And then he thought of himself, what he was going to do now, and he realised that there was so much to do. And yet, without the spice of panic and fear, the weight felt...normal, almost. Welcome. Wanted.
It would take time, but once it was clear that every morning ended up peaceful, instead of being met with wariness, these mornings would be met with joy.