Timeline: TC1853.02.11 (Afternoon arrival through evening)
Location: City of Veiled Winds (border city between Federation and Empire)
The morning brought renewed purpose. Camp broke with practiced efficiency, everyone moving through routines that felt natural after weeks of travel together. Elian woke curled against Raven's side, small face peaceful in sleep despite everything he'd endured.
"Morning, little one." She brushed dark hair from his forehead. Golden eyes blinked open, focusing on her with that mixture of wariness and trust that broke her heart every time.
"Are we going home, Mama?"
The word still struck her chest. Simple. Absolute. He'd claimed her as mother without ceremony or discussion, and she'd accepted the role with equal certainty.
