---MORALS OF A GUARDIAN---
Writing Challenge: Shame
Timeframe: Before and after the eclipse
Mentions: Willow, Eirlys, Rhodri, Emrys
Triggers: Mentions of blood
I stirred awake with a jolt to my spine, it seemed I had shifted through my sleep. My evening started as a hare but ended as a bear. For the past few nights the same dreams plagued my rest, as with any repeated night showings you could never be quite sure whether they had any value or not. It was a short journey, the same one. The moon gripped by shadows, a man surrounded by blue lights, like snuffing out candles their lights go out and he laughs. Hands dripping in thick globs of crimson.
I refused to believe it at first. Why would he go so far? Where had we gone wrong? It can’t be him. In recklessness and disillusionment I ignored the warnings. Arguably the one thing that drew us all closer to fate. The warnings came faster and more vivid each night willing me to do something, so I did. We had never been close except perhaps when we were young obviously a time where things mattered less and the sands ran slower. We played and fought like siblings but it soon became increasingly clear as we aged that our intentions differed greatly.
Eirlys’ questions. Emrys’ contempt. Rhodri’s innocence. I am aware it does no good to withhold information but there is never a good time to tell them. My family.
After the eclipse, others tell me he is gone. Once again, I refuse to believe it but this time with some reluctance. Similar dreams tell me he is alive and I am unsure if it is a relief or a pain. I wonder if I am still mourning or have I let go. Sadly there is never time for either.
My brother is my shame. I let him almost entirely wipe out a species in Arain, their blood is on my hands as much as his. Guardians. Known to be good, raised to be good. What happened to the brother of the leader? His name threatens my position of power, his actions shake the foundations of what it means to be a Guardian and only I can bare his responsibility. Under all circumstances, I will protect the last wisp and perhaps before I leave I will find a way to return the wisps to Arain. It would do them no justice to forget.