Kayse (prime)/Vignette: Loss

She wandered the streets of town until sunrise, the sun casting an orange-hue on the blood splattered snow. Occasional shouts of militia personnel echoed through the streets as clean up of Wehnimer’s continued. She had no authority over them, but seeing as Shinann was--not herself momentarily, Kayse thought the least she could do was keep an eye on things for her friend.

Moving through the North gate and into the forest, the bustle of town faded off. The pink and red snow eventually turned to white again the deeper into the woods she traveled. The aelotoi found herself at Halcyon Hills, a place she often would disappear to and take refuge in the oak tree there.

She sat on the edge of the platform, her legs dangling off the side as she thumbed flower petals between her fingertips. The events of only a few hours prior replaying in her mind.

I couldn’t get there in time.

It seemed to be a constant theme lately and she grimaced at the thought. It was a painful reminder, but then her eyes narrowed.

...But others had and they still didn’t stop him. Why WERE they there? How did they get there so quickly?

Her fist clenched and crushed the flower petals. The secrets over the past year had only caused trouble. It created enemies and mistrust--but it had also helped form alliances. Shinann and her became friends over sharing information and trying to unravel the Kestrels’ plans.

Her pear green eyes became glossy and she allowed herself to finally let the sadness she had felt for months take over her. First for Rowmi and now for possibly her best friend, Shinann.

Everyone I let close--eventually leaves in some way.

Her lungs burned as each inward breath brought the cold sting of winter. The fresh tears that coated her rosy cheeks made her shiver as the wind blew through the treetop.

This is not the time to feel sorry for yourself, Kayse. Maybe something can be done.

A gloved hand tossed the flower petals over the platform and she made her way down the snow-covered ladder. A mix of lilacs and white geranium petals floating quietly to the ground.

As Kayse entered back into town, a new snow began to fall, coating the signs of war with a pure white innocence again. She decided once again to see if Rodnay had returned to the hidden garden.

Upon finding it empty, she decided to stay. At least here felt familiar, the barracks were sterile and dark--with someone who didn’t recognize her anymore. Her pear green eyes scanned the piece of ivory vellum in her hand.

Exhaling a long breath, the aelotoi stared upward, the snowflakes decorated her eyelashes as she observed the wispy clouds in the sky. Taking out her quill, she began to write:

Rodnay,

You have helped us numerous times over and I do need to extend my gratitude for finding Shinann. I do have one more favor to ask of you and it is hard to write this because I am not one to ask for help.

She paused. Her pensive expression turning to one of concern as she contemplated if she should finish the letter.