@deathleads has requested. ╳
SEND FOR MY MUSE TO DIE IN YOUR MUSES' ARMS (ALTERNATE VERSE EDITION!!)
When she was a little girl, Aurora dreamt of flower fields. Untamed and overgrown with endless amounts of color. Every night, she’d roam those grassy knolls, dirtying her dress as she rolled in the dirt, building flower crowns for her to wear, and bossing her sister around. ‘One day, I will be a Queen!’ she would declare. But as she grew older, the field became more tamed. Laid at her feet were cobblestone paths, organized flower beds, and soon enough, a fountain. Instead of being Queen, she wanted nothing more than to be recognized.
A garden built in her name for her to roam long into her golden years of this earth.
Is it truly bad that she can see the fountain again?
Qistina has been pressing her wound, unable to stop the flow of blood. One who prized the cycle of life and death like a precious stone was gently reassuring her that she would be okay, and that all would be well. Aurora knew much better than that. Behind Qistina and Atlas, she can see her beautiful garden. No, this was Windborne’s grand finale. How fitting.
The Major can’t bear to look down at the fatal wound, opting for a more pleasant crimson within her Mistress’ eyes. She can see the fear and hurt; could she blame The Belladonna? It’s becoming much too difficult to concentrate on anything. Qistina and Atlas’ words are starting to blur together in a fit of panic.
Her breathing is slowing. It is hard to move, but she manages to place her hand on top of Qistina’s. “Stop… Qistina please- Atlas, make her stop.”
Her grip tightens, attempting to slip underneath the other woman’s palm. She can feel the force on her wound lifting. Though Atlas remains close, her field of vision can only focus on the one person right in front of her. She must’ve been poisoned by this deadly nightshade, for it’s only in Qistina’s arms that she feels safe enough to say, “Qissy, I need you to hold me. I’m scared.”
Tears have begun to stream down her cheeks. Her body rattles and shakes without care. Still, she continues to stare into Qistina’s eyes, mustering her strength, “Sergeant Serrano of South HQ has my last will and testaments. Make sure they’re given to my family.” She pauses. There’s blood in the back of her mouth. She tries in vain to swallow, only for a cough to lay the damage out in full view, “My research… take it. It is yours now. It’s not your field, I know- but you built me. Is it not right for this to be our parting gift?”
One last movement of a hand-painted by her own blood. It brushes a stray piece of hair from Qistina’s face, staining beautiful snow white, as she gently guides her Mistress to come closer. Then as gently as a summer breeze, she pleads in her ear, “Don’t let… don’t let him know… not until it’s all over. He doesn't need to be distracted…”
It’s a promise that perhaps is far too much to ask for, but who could deny the wishes of a dying woman? (It's all well-intentioned. Perhaps Roy will forgive her someday.) From what she can see, there’s a nod in response. Thus, Aurora begins to allow her body to rest. “Thank you.”
Is the sun shining? She’s sure it is, even if she can’t see it. Her body is incredibly warm. As her muscles all begin to relax, and she is left with nothing but a feeling of contentedness, she asks with her last breath, “Poppies… would look lovely in the garden of the manor… don’t you think Qistina?”