[ The sensation is a pleasant one. Something in her knows that touches like this are intimate but welcome, the sort that reestablishes a bond between two people. Is this woman someone she has known before? For a long time? She could be, even stars apart.

She raises her brows at that admission. ]

Really?

[ Himeka's smile only warms. How similar they are. ]

I felt the same. Well, not afraid, but I didn't see the sky until I left my home.

[ That tracks, like the bits and pieces of her life are settling back into place. She can follow that path as well. ]

It was...blue. And constant.

[ She points up with her freehand towards the fading image of the underwater world. ]

Change didn't come quickly nor was it welcome, but it was home.

[ The image explodes prettily, like a bubble bursting into little flecks of lights. When she turns to look at Aerith again, she gives the other woman's hand a squeeze. ]

And you? Why were you afraid?