"you tried. that’s what matters." / artemis!
@nighternal , blood and darkness.
BAREFEET PUSH THROUGH WATER, slow in their rhythm back and forth. the breeze, ever moving, is almost taunting over the fact that she, for now, is not. nails dig into earth perhaps a bit harsher than she intends, for it is not the reason she has failed. the elements are all around her, bountiful, full, going on, but it is the one which has dimmed that the princess finds her concern with — the fire which is meant to burn in her chest, lick at her heels and urge her onwards with all the rest? tonight, she cannot seem to stoke it towards former brilliance. it seems she's not the only one aware of it's loss. perhaps there are those who look to her like a light upon the docks, who count on her to guide them home. no, not perhaps. certainly. so then is it so shocking that they, too, notice when it has gone?
all melinoë can offer is a nod, to begin. it comes slow, alongside the stilling of her legs, weighted by shame. ❝ and i suppose there is something to be said for trying? ❞ but rather than raise eyes to artemis, they are raised skyward — her light shines on, too. it illuminates her all the same. even she retreats, however. she has nights where she is quiet. why should she not follow suit? SHE KNOWS WHY NOT, pushes off child's wants. she looks, now. faces one of many let down, her smile tight as she rectifies petulant attitude, ❝ — of course there is. i'm grateful for the reminder, as i always am. ❞ because artemis does not give up; she hunts whether the moon is full or waning or hidden. another lesson she has yet to get through her head, it seems.
but she'll take it to heart until then, and though miniscule, her smile does reflect that she is truly appreciative that she has remained firm through every darkened night she haunts. if she cannot be of further value to their cause this eve, she may at least still find some with her, ❝ and as it seems i'm free for the night, if there's anything so-ever i can do to pay back your ever stalwart company… ❞