The Loss of Hope

[Sethron]

For Your Consideration
.There are no flowers, no not this time,
Setting: The bedroom of a House in Kent
.There'll be no angels gracing the lines,
Pawns: Aristat and Jazz: Ophelia Tempest
.Just these stark words, I find.
Time: Sunday Morning, 3 30 am
.I'd show a smile, but i'm too weak,
Status: Barely holding on
.I'd share with you could I only speak,
Writing Assignment: With a Feeling
.Just how much this, hurts me.

Blood poured over Aristat's arm as the body slumped passively over her, the stake in the chest of the slight woman holding her inert. Jazz laid as a bloodied and broken child against Aristat's shoulder, the arms limp, the cries silenced. The paper that had been the cause lay inert on the floor, and Aristat dare not look upon it at the moment as her temper rose to her cheeks and flushed them.

She felt an overwhelming sensation of helplessness and frustration. Hopeless. It was a feeling she didn't experience often--she always had an answer. Always had a way.

Who am I, that I cannot protect anyone? With my vast wealth of connections, and my power, and my name; I am nothing.

Aristat picked the young girl up in her arms as if she were a feather, easily maneuvering her to the bed without anything out of place. Jazz' eyes were closed. Aristat's hands took hers and placed them to either side of her body, leaving her there a moment as Aristat stood quietly, alone in her thoughts, in the dim light of the room.

She moved to the closet, pulling down a towel and brushing the blood from her hands. It stained the front of the corset she wore, staining into the deep blue fabric as it filled the room with an iron musk. She put the towel to the side and left, coming back moments later with a clay sealed jar and pulling back the wax lid. She pulled Jazz to a sitting position gently, feeding the contents into her mouth as a mother might feed an ailing child.

I mustn't become bitter. They ask me to be a Harpy, then tell me my duty is to allow others to betray the traditions.. My duty is to protect the Kindred of this domain... and I will adhere to that duty, even if this city is so backwards that it would see my name besmirched for it. Even if no one would mourn my going.

The jug became empty, the blood flowing through the other woman. Aristat pulled the stake free and watched the damage heal as the younger blonde curled against her and wept. The woman pulled her close, beginning to hum a soft lullaby as she rocked her back and forth and let the sobs continue, tears spilling forth onto her clothing as the other rocked in her arms.

I swear.. I'll find a way to keep you safe.

But even as she thought it, she felt that strange bubbling feeling of guilt.. in that moment, she was worse for her introspection...

She was a liar.