Space.

It was funny, being a knight. One of the first things she learned was that she was a knight of Pluto, specifically, which came with the following implication that she, to some degree, was of space. Or her soul was, anyway. All people were of space, technically; everyone was made of stardust, and she knew that to be true from the theories and studies that she had read. But this was different. There was somewhere out there called Richtersveld, not just the place that she knew existed on Earth, and that place was where she had once resided. Or someone had once resided. In a past life. Before she was Nkosazana Shikora Mjoli.

And she had known, instinctually, that it was a place she could go.

It had never been a place that she had a deep desire to go to. She had so much work to worry about on Earth. Fun trips into old space wonders could be delayed ad infinitum until things on Earth were calmer and she didn't have to worry that too much time away would cause her to miss someone who could have used her help. But every time she powered up, she felt the pull. And each time she powered up, she swore it became stronger.

Eventually, it became irresistible, and Richtersveld found herself staring at the sky from her backyard, wondering if she should finally give up and let herself be pulled to it. Her wonder wanted her. Her planet needed her. Destiny City needed her. Not many of those who donned a powered uniform seemed to have the background and the training that she had.

But perhaps Destiny City would be alright for one night?

She sighed deeply. Perhaps if she went once, it would get out of her system and she could move on with the more important things. Not that her place in space wasn't important -- she was certain it was -- but if she was here, she could make the logical conclusion that up there contained no life. The problem was on Earth.

Richtersveld let out a deep breath.

"I pledge my life and loyalty to Richtersveld, and to Pluto. Grant me your protection, so that I may grant you mine."

One moment, she was on Earth.

The next, the sky was considerably clearer.

Richtersveld. She knew the place on Earth that used this place as a namesake as a desert with a unique ecological system that was found almost nowhere else on the planet. She could feel the same strange vibes here on Pluto--silvery branches with a few leaves in colors she had never imagined possible, ground that should have seemed desolate but seemed to shine in the low light above, a large pool ahead that reflected both the sky above and a cloudy murk she couldn't understand.

Her steps were slow and reverent as she approached.

The water was about as odd as it looked from a distance. If it was on Earth, it was so clear out that she imagined she would be able to see the sky reflect upon the waters. That wasn't what she saw. A massive pool of silvery water with cloudiness she was unable to source. When she placed her hand in the water, it moved through her fingers like it would have normally, though she couldn't see her fingers beyond the clouded silver barrier. She couldn't help her curiosity. What used to be under the surface? Was this just because the wonder had been abandoned for as long as it was?

"Lady Richtersveld," a voice called for her, and she turned her gaze away from the waters, where she saw -- people? were those people on the other side? -- and turned her attention to a young individual that asked for her. "I'm sorry. It can be hard here, sometimes. We're so isolated from everything out here, and I was hoping I could use the pool to maybe reflect on some times behind me?"

"You mustn't focus too hard on the past, young liege," Richtersveld patted the spot next to her, letting them sit next to her. "But you are welcome to reflect as you wish. I can get you something to drink? Perhaps some tea?"

"That would be lovely, thank you." Richtersveld got up and walked away from the young person, moving to a small cabin nearby -- a cabin, Richtersveld realized, that was old and falling apart now -- and searching in her cabinets for the brew she had promised. She made it, carefully, steeping the tea for what felt like a thousand years and yet no time at all. It was poured into two separate cups, and Richtersveld put the rest aside.

She returned outside to the youth looking very determinedly into the waters.

"Here," she offered, gently, pulling their attention away and offering the cup. "Perhaps you'd like to talk about it? I know the post of Pluto can be a painful one, but I'm here to help. Even if that requires me to stay with you here all," she paused, looked at the sky, and joined the youth in laughter as she stated, "night."

Richtersveld shook her head, coming to her feet.

Was that her? In the past? It had to have been, right? Felt like she was in that person's body, and that person was called Lady Richtersveld. She was called Richtersveld Page, but assuredly it was the same, right?

And, it seemed, even then, she was caring for people.

Idle curiosity took her as she decided to make her way to the cabin she had seen in her thoughts and behind her in the wonder. The cabin looked like it desperately needed some TLC, and perhaps the next time she came here -- ah, she was thinking of a next time already, a next time when so much of Destiny City needed her attention -- she could maybe nicen it up just a bit. Add some new blankets, maybe. Give it a bit of a vacuum or a dusting.

Something sparkled on the table where she had seen herself set the teapot, and she couldn't help her curiosity, nearing.

As she got closer, she better understood what was in front of her.

A ring?

That was definitely a ring.

She picked it up. A ring with the symbol of Pluto on it, a symbol of Pluto that was perhaps twined with something that looked like mother of pearl. Carefully, Richtersveld traced her finger over the grooves.

This felt like hers.

Perhaps she should take it with her?

Richtersveld slid the ring onto her finger, decided it felt right, and took a deep breath.

This was hers. A signet ring, something told her. A way to communicate with her fellow knights and other members of Order. Perhaps it was too bad that she hadn't come here earlier.

A peaceful place with a cabin and a clouded pool of water to look into that held an ancient item of her own.

Not perfect, but something worth cultivating, perhaps.

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