And Yet

Armor clanked as the legion marched through the streets of the Fralione capital. Tridane stood in a doorway, hidden in shadow and yet as vulnerable as any watching from windows, doorways, and balconies.

Their army had fallen. None of them were safe.

And yet…

And yet.

“Hope is lost.” The voice came from the shadows next to Tridane. Though no form appeared, and the door remained heavily closed.

“And yet.” She said watching a child dart out from a building across the way and the soldiers came even with it.

The girl extended a hand with a single flower clutched in her fingers, trembling as much from her as the wind.

The lead soldier paused, forcing those behind him to pause as well. Reaching out, he took the flower before the child darted away again.

“Interesting.” The voice beside her said. “Why would he…”

“Because that invader understood kindness.” Tridane said.

Silence remained as the soldiers marched beside her house before continuing up the street. In the distance beyond Fralione palace sat as regal as ever as if uncaring about who occupied the streets.

“Any yet Fralione is still fallen.”

Tridane gazed away from the soldiers to the girl now clinging to her mother’s skirts. “And yet,” she repeated feeling the of possibility in the air. She could shape possibilities.