Sidus' steps faltered ever so slightly at the word and a small smile curved his lips as he spoke in a musing tone, "Now I see why he constantly crows about his child," he laughed lightly, "It is quite a unique feeling," falling back into step beside her, he directed his next sentence to Ash, "It occurs to me that I had not informed you of your recovery…At least a bit because I wanted you to take it easy for a little longer," he admitted softly, his voice swept away in the chatter around them so no one was likely to overhear.
She smiled slightly, grateful for how he always looked after her health. She'd had a feeling her mana circulation was back to how it should be but had decided to continue following Sidus' advisement. While for most she would have pushed back against restrictions as soon as she started feeling better, Sidus and Luna were both people that she'd always listen to the advice of.
"Thanks for that," she said softly, "I probably needed the rest, if I'm being honest."
"Like someone else I know," Umbra's gentle voice cut into their conversation, "You do very much have a tendency to shoulder everything and try your best to run on regardless of your condition. It is an admirable trait when it works out, but it is far better to lean on those around you."
Ash nodded in response, not really able to say anything in defense of herself or Lord Sidus.
Sidus, on the other hand, tried at least, "Love, I take care of myself well and call others when I need help," he grumbled.
"Now," she responded a little sharply, "It was not always so and that dear child picked up the habit before you were able to break it," her expression and tone both softened, "But you are doing well in teaching all the things you have likewise learned," she leaned against him slightly as they approached the door to the starseeing pond, "Take good care of yourself," she said softly, "There is much that relies on your good health."
Sidus reached out a hand to brush Ash's cheek fondly, smiling softly, "Would that I could stay, but there are many such celebrations ongoing and I cannot be found to favor any of them," he said in that soft voice that faded out before it made it to any but her and Ailanthus, "Take care, my daughter, and do not strain yourself."
They stepped through the door into the courtyard together, though only Ash and Ailanthus walked through the other side. Sidus and Umbra were gone, back to the realm the gods called home. The temple did not change, of course, still alight with beautiful starry lights floating around in the night.
Paying attention to what was going on around her once more, Ash heard the mixed reaction to the new plants growing around the pond.
She was contemplating whether or not she needed to step in when the elder of the Starlight Unicorns spoke up loudly, his voice cutting through the chatter with an ease born of practice, "Why should the temple pond not be graced with the presence of all of the divine plants? It is not as if our Lord Sidus works alone, or as if this world would be near as beautiful if he did. In nature, every starseeing pond is decorated in such a way whether or not a Star Ash also grows there. If it was against the will of the gods, I doubt the plants would be able to grow in such a place."
The chatter died down after that and they quickly moved on to the next part of the ceremony. Ritual spells were crafted and cast by the members of the temple and the Starlight Unicorns using parts of the Star Ash that guarded over the town. The intent of the spells was general warding against ill intent along with a blessing for good health and prosperity interwoven into it. When it came time for the spells that used the water of the pond, something no one in Fantastoria was able to touch, they made use of a goblet much like Ash's own.
The remaining water in the goblet after the spell was given to the Star Ash at the center of the small island and its leaves shimmered with light. It was a beautiful sight and quite peaceful as well. After all of the spells were done, some people took their leave while others settled to watch the stars reflected in the pond for a while. Ash glanced towards Ailanthus, realizing that she had begun to lean on him at some point during the serenity, lulled into resting against him by the peace that filled the courtyard.
With a slight flush creeping on her cheeks, she offered a light apology.
Ailanthus' lips curved slightly into a smile, "No need, as there was no burden to speak of. Despite how powerful you are, you are also light enough I'd think your bones hollow if I didn't know better," his grin turned a little joking towards the end, "Truly though, this has been a marvelous day and I have enjoyed your company and hope you have enjoyed my own."
Ash nodded, turning away from the starseeing pond and heading out into the main part of the temple. It was much quieter within the temple since all of the worshipers would be spending most of the night around the starseeing pond in hopes of glimpsing the lord of the Stars should he visit. They walked in amiable silence to the nearby teleportation array, where Ash decided it was time to make some plans.
"I have to figure out the duel with Ryn," she said a bit musingly, "But before that, I think I'd like to have that match with you."
His demeanor immediately brightened, his eyes practically sparkling at the idea of a fight against a powerful opponent, "That would be quite marvelous, though I know you'll likely think over it again after speaking to the priestess that is always at your side. I think that would be for the best, truly, as I doubt he bothered to check again to see whether you were a worthy opponent or someone he could not hope to fight."
Finding herself curious, Ash decided to ask a question, "Starborn are paired with a follower of Sidus upon our birth, someone whose soul is linked to our own because of how weak we are for the first little while. Is it so with Blazewings?"
He shook his head, "No, it is not so. I feel as if the bound races crafted by the unicorn gods are somewhat unique in the level of care they need right after their birth. While young Blazewing do require some guardianship, it is generally for a very short time, only a year or so at most, before we are able to be self-sufficient in our true forms at the least. That same competence takes a fair bit more time for this alternate form, particularly for those that do not lean on the temple to learn as I once did."
Ash nodded her understanding, "I will see you tomorrow, then, at the temple of Virtus," she frowned slightly, "I cannot say what time, though, so I hope that is not too troublesome."
A slight shake of his head was his response, "No trouble. I am free from duties tomorrow as well as today, by my own design," he grinned a little sheepishly, "In truth, I was thinking it would be far harder to convince you to spar against me," with a light laugh he released her and bowed ever so slightly, "May we be fated again to meet under the light of the stars."
Ash responded similarly as she stepped into the teleportation array to head home.