The Heartwood Ashen Remains

She was sweet. Bridget was absolutely caught by it, the same way she was caught by the dark offset of her golden eyes and the way she moved when she spoke, like every word was simultaneously effortless and the truest thing she had ever said. It was an air that Bridget typically tried to carry herself and it wasn't often that she had the pleasure of meeting someone who matched her. If she wasn't careful she'd be tripping over words here soon.

Collecting herbs was usually the punishment, I just didn't let on that I enjoyed it until it was too late. I guess they thought working with the healer would put my energy to something useful, and they weren't wrong. Bridget laughed too, remembering her mentor fondly. She wondered what had happened to her, if she was still in the Court with her parents.

That was a hard question. Well, not a hard question, but a hard one to answer without the proper context. Closure, I think. Bridget looked at Vale again, then shook her head, her smile turning a little playful. I made the mistake of falling in love with my best friend. She wanted a family, got married, and got the life that she wants. Deserves, honestly, and I'm happy that she's happy. But that isn't a happiness I can find for myself if I'm just watching her and getting it secondhand.

Bet you didn't think you'd be getting complicated secrets from strangers this morning, did you? She added after a moment's pause, chuckling. It wasn't a huge secret, or something she was even ashamed of anymore. But it wasn't something she could discuss with the wolves of Brecheliant for obvious reasons, and maybe that space was something she needed too.