Today, Miranda woke up quite early—just slightly earlier than usual—but nothing seemed out of place. The air was fresh ..slightly cold but sharp...as usual.
The sound of animals in shelters crowded the morning with noise of nature...
The light from the Great City of Astrea rose as usual, filling the whole land inside the city and beyond its towering gates with unwavering radiance and warmth. It stung the skin in soft cadence that bellied a happiness that many could not fathom.
They said the radiance originated from the power of the Great Diearch of Astrea, his might and splendor ensuring that the city never went without light.
As for how true this was, she was not concerned. They had shunned her and her family; for generations, her ancestors had never been allowed to set foot in Astrea—a decree that had withstood the test of time.
