User:Dante the Ghost/Sandbox

I: Half-Truths
Princess Aurash gazed out into the storm.

Helium and methane clouds raged furiously, great winds whipping the deluge into a frenzy, neon rain pelting the surface. Somewhere out there in the midst was a gigantic maelstrom pulling large quantities of chemical water and spewing it across the ocean, twisted about by the moons' influence. Such storms threatened the floating worlds Fundament's civilizations lived upon, notably the Court of Osmium, her father's domain.

Ever since she could remember Aurash had been afraid of storms like these. The lightnings would burn out unprotected eyes, the acidic rain melting through unguarded skin; she remembered, barely four days old at the time, seeing a retainer dissolve into a puddle of slush when an unexpected downpour rolled through the Court. Others were just as lucky, screaming as they died. In the midst of all this Taox had gently taken her arm and pulled her into safety before the doors closed.

Inside Taox then told her that no matter what the krill could do it was inevitable that the weak would die, and the strong and smartest benefit. Then she, in her usual manner, used this to contrast the krill with the storm. They could not influence the storm's passage, nor alter it; all they could do was endure until danger had passed. There was nothing that could be done. Aurash remembered asking her what could be done about it—surely they were not so helpless as to let themselves be kicked around, otherwise they could not have a Court. Taox smiled and led her to her studies, and began instructing her on what can be done during these times of crisis, all part of her education as heir to the Throne.

But the memory of that man liquefying remained, even in her dreams.

Since that time she pushed herself, looking to discover ways to protect her people. With the help of Xi Ro and Sathona and Vinri and Betox, young Aurash facilitated the construction of rain-proof umbrella-like coverings for the general populace. Taox initially disapproved until Aurash pointed out that if another sudden storm escaped the diviners the people should be able to protect themselves until they could reach safety—that way, less would die and more would survive to make the Court stronger. The King thought it was a wonderful idea and had it implemented immediately.