Emberwood got no time, got no mind

Usually, she would have been in a better mood.  The sky was grey and the wind was frigid but ah, she would think, at least she had her lover.  Or her children.  Or her friends.

But the weight of carrying Elysium alongside the influx of new patients was heavy, and the encounter with Wraen had bled her dry.  She had always thought that the Sunspire had resented her.  But now she knew.  

And somehow, knowing was worse than fretting about it.  The actuality of it was worse than the anxiety of it.

She moved through the woods with solemn grace and only stopped as she thought she saw a flicker of flame.  As her eye focused, she realized it was only a wolf —

but it wasn't a comfort.