King Elk Forest Salt and Pepper

it is funny that the white-cloaked woman said she didn't care.  in a way, she reminds brienne of how she was before the incident, back when she had life and love and a soul.

but she doesn't know if she trusts her.  he cannot find out.  it is a demand even though it escapes her lips strained and breathy.

and it's a long story.  she trembled, gathering her breath.

i was a founding member for tindome.  i was, actually, the first recruit.  i traveled with mato to find this forest.

i was in love.  i used to be such a kind person.

as winter drew near, our numbers were getting dangerously low.  we were worried, but we had each other.  we became husband and wife.

and one day, as i traveled outside the borders, i was captured.  i was away for maybe a month.  i don't know.  i came back and was met at the borders like a stranger.

he was exceptionally cruel to me.  he did not seem to think it was a stretch for me to have just left like everyone else did.  no matter how much i loved him.

he has hurt me.  and all i want to do is be over it, to move on, but he is here and he is angry with me for disappearing.  and i do not ask for his love.  because i don't —

she chokes. i don't think he ever loved me.  not like i loved him.  i don't think he's capable.

but i do want to be able to live in peace.  i'm suffocating.  he has created this.