Haomi

The white bandana on Haomi’s head was still crisp, the knot tied with a purpose their trembling hands did not feel. They stood before the water pools in The Crystal Highlands of Armaria, the magical hum of the spinning monoliths making their teeth ache. Horoguramu did not speak, simply waiting as the sunset painted the water in shades of orange and violet. Haomi had practiced their question for the entire journey, but now the words were gone, replaced by a wave of pure inadequacy. Their reflection wavered on the surface: a shy chimp, far from home. But their fingers found the rough cotton of their bandana. It was a promise made in quiet desperation. In that touch, the fear did not vanish, but it became smaller than the need to know. They opened their mouth and spoke.