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Janai felt odd, standing here. It wasn’t due to the rain and constant absence of the sun.
There was so much history here. So much pain and death. And hate. Some of these people had been killed by Xadian forces. It was after all, the Valley of Graves in Katolis.
It was interesting to see how humans honored their past monarchs. In Lux Aurea, past Kings and Queens had gold carvings in the Hall of History. Unlike there, here there was no pattern Janai could discern. Or maybe she just didn’t know enough about Katolian history.
The statue Amaya had led her to had its own quiet majesty though. Janai recognized the similarities between the woman standing at her side and the representation of the dead queen in front of them.
Sarai in life was likely just as beautiful as her sister. Janai regretted that she couldn’t meet her. Another senseless death, in a cycle of violence too long perpetuated.
Amaya squeezed her hand before heading to kneel at the altar in front of the memorial. The woman, who had quickly moved from prisoner to friend to - something more, pulled a candle from her belt.
There was already a white candle there - from what Janai understood it should’ve been lit. Something about keeping the flame of memory alive even when the person was gone. Janai thought it was a bitter sweet sentiment.
Even worse, this was the only time they had managed to carve out from meetings and diplomacy. Not that the weather hadn’t been unfortunate this entire visit. This was the best day of the visit.
Amaya tried a few times to light the candles before giving up. The flintstones were too wet, as were the wicks. Janai’s heart ached at the sight of the proud woman hanging her head. She had done so much for the elf. Been her support for so long as Janai struggled to find her place as Sunfire Queen. As she struggled with her sister’s death.
Janai wished that she could do something for Amaya. Something more than standing uselessly in the slight drizzle.
But maybe there is.
The thought had barely formed before she was moving. Janai laid a hand on Amaya’s pauldron.
The elf hesitated a moment before carefully signing, “Me. Help.”
Kazi and Gren, along with Amaya, had been teaching her signs. It was slow going but Amaya smiled at every attempt. That made it worth the effort.
Janai knelt down at Amaya’s side, feeling her curious gaze. She didn’t catch everything the human signed, but considering the slight smirk, it seemed to be something facetious.
Janai grumbled, turning towards her companion, “Just you wait. I’m sure you’ll be surprised.”
The elf returned her gaze to the unlit candles. She may be able to use heat-being mode to light them temporarily but that defeated the purpose. Janai didn’t want temporary. Janai drew in a breath and recalled her magecraft lessons. It had been decades and magic had never been her forte. It had always been her brother’s domain.
That did not mean she had no grasp of Sun magic, however. It was merely a matter of channeling it. Hopefully, she wouldn’t lose control and singe the statue. Amaya would be very upset if that happened.
Janai traced the glowing runes around the white candle on the altar. They burned gold through the grey of the day.
“Parva ignis aeternus.” She made sure to speak clearly. And to focus very hard on the small part of this spell. It was a simple spell. Or rather, the basis was simple. The fact that Janai was trying to ensure this candle would never die out made it more complex.
The candle flared up, a lick of flame as tall as the wax itself. It subsided until it was a normal candle. Instead of burning yellow or gold though it was pure white. It sizzled and smoked when rain hit. But it did not flicker out.
Janai felt her strength fade as she swayed slightly. Simple as it may be, the power requirements - especially when the sun wasn’t burning bright in the sky - made this spell costly. Janai gave Amaya a tired smile.
Amaya was astonished. Staring at her with wide eyes and parted lips.
“It should light your candle now, Amaya.” Janai said with a smile. She blushed when Amaya kissed her cheek before returning to her ritual. The elf was content to wait now.
She would kneel as long as Amaya needed.