Vagabond 703: The Great Divide

Zahra’s small form shrunk back even more as Shale’s gaze fell upon her, the words, though not directed at her, striking deep at her gut. She knew the malice, the anger, the hatred- none of it was directed at her, but she could feel it festering in the air. It hung in an oppressive tension that threatened to break at any moment, like the ominous presence of dark, swirling clouds just before the onset of a storm. It coiled around her, squeezing the breath from her lungs as the tears slid down her cheeks, and she pressed herself ever closer to the adults, desperate for some form of familiarity.

Then, Dinah was there, the Paladin placing herself between the child and the fallen King.

The Paladin she recognized as one of authority in the Bunker. Her mother trusted her explicitly, with a hint of reverence, and by extension, so did Zahra. There was something innately comforting about having Dinah between herself and the confrontation that was unfolding, even if it was easy to peer around her legs to watch. Zahra’s gaze was drawn upwards as she spoke, and she gave a short nod at the Paladin’s words. A small sniffle escaped her as bent to shake away a few of the loose tears.

More than anything she wanted her mother to be home, but for now the close presence of V and Dinah was enough to ease the worst of her panic.