cold in the violence after the war
hope is a fire to keep us warm
It’s comforting, in a way, to have found another who can understand the ache that comes with a family so overcome by dedication to something that is not family. Brazen had never questioned her parents love for her, but their absences had made her question herself. It’s silly, she knows. She’s not that important in the grand scheme of things. But she did sometimes wonder if it wouldn’t be too easy for them to forget about her. Were it not for Dagen, she might have lost herself to the misery of her own musings long ago.
Lilli’s question about her father brings a faint half-smile to her lips, though it is colored by sadness. “My father is wonderful,” she replies without hesitation. “He’s the only reason I think my mom isn’t worse than she is.” Her smile slips then, and she glances into the distance, a small frown unconsciously tugging her lips. “But… he’s been gone a while. I miss him.”
Abruptly recalling herself, she shakes her head sharply, before turning back to Lilliana, a lopsided grin quickly masking the sorrow as she laughs softly. “I’m sorry, that was maudlin.”
It’s so easy to fall into stride with her, their amiable companionship as natural as if they’d known each other for years rather than only a short time. They offer comfort without thought and support without question. Were Brazen a more introspective sort, she might realize she’d never really had a friend like this. Might even realize that perhaps this was exactly the kind of friendship she did need right now.
Lilliana seems so uncertain that her path is the right one, but Brazen had never been one to question such things. She understood the need to pursue truth and knowledge, even if it caused you pain, and when her newfound friend asks if she thinks it’s the right path, Brazen peers at her for a long moment with furrowed brows, considering the question with the full weight of it’s import.
“I don’t think it’s foolish at all,” she replies slowly. “I think you need to do what will bring you the most peace. And if that’s this, then…” she ends the sentence with a shrug, the simple gesture saying all she needed to. She’s silent for a moment, gaze turning to take in the passing scenery, a small smile toying with her lips. “I went on a fool’s errand once,” she finally continues, a thread of amusement coloring her tone. “With my brother. But… I think it’s really what made me who I am now. Sometimes there’s nothing to do but try and see what happens.”
Brazen
Hi yes I'm sorry I'm literally the worst for making you wait so long :|