notyetlegend | → IC CONTACT FOR eachdraidh

It was supposed to be better...

[It is pure misery coming out of her rather than a voice, and she starts to shake with the emotions. Trying not to faint's been easier since it happened, but still takes effort, and the only thing she holds back. The comfort she greedily accepts, not having had that comfort even back home.]

Sometimes...things don't always turn out th' way we plan.

[It's as much of an admission as it is a statement. Grainne already knows she tried to change her mother's mind about her betrothal and instead got her turned into a bear, so she doesn't repeat it. It feels like she's comforted a lot of people in the last couple of days, so it comes easily to her as Grainne soaks up the comfort like a sponge. When she starts to shake, Merida tightens her grip.]

But we learn from those mistakes. We get up an' try again tomorrow.

[Grainne pulls back slightly, trying to see Merida through her tears.]

How can I possibly try again when there is nothing left?

[She reaches up with both hands, gently wiping her tears away with her thumbs.]

There's always somethin' left. [Merida hums a little, a soft smile curling.] You just can't see what it is yet.

A long life and an empty home... that is all there is waiting for me back home, if Fionn were not chasing after me yet again.

Then don't think about that somethin' left as bein' back home. [Merida took Grainne's hands in hers.] What about here? What do you have to try for here?

I still have my shard...

[That's not good... does she already consider Diarmuid out of her reach here, too?

She looks down at her chest, where the shard sits.]

I was learning magic.

[Merida smiles just for a moment before she shuts her eyes. A minute or so later, a small, green glow pulses beneath her breast and then it fades, considering she didn't want to hold it for too long in case she felt weak. She wanted to tell Grainne that Diarmuid had taught her before she stops herself short, not wanting to upset her.]

We can do those things together. I was learnin' magic from Lady Rin.

But I have no reason to learn, except for my own amusement. If I were home I might have tried to learn necromancy to correct my mistakes... but I do not know if it would have been worth learning that sort of magic.

[She rubs at her eyes then, giving a shuddering sigh.]

I think I will always feel incomplete...

Grainne...

[She wants to say something but can't. Merida bites her bottom lip, holding herself back from saying anything in regards to Diarmuid and instead just squeezes Grainne's hands again, tighter. It's at that point that one of the puppies comes back into the room, one paw coming up to push the door back a little more and nose his way in. The puppy sniffs around them, then at Grainne. As though sensing her sadness, he raises a paw and touches her leg, a small whine coming from the back of his throat.]

Do not worry yourself, Merida... [Grainne's response is automatic, almost as if she's practiced it a million times before to prompt others not to go out of their way to help.

The pup draws her attention though, and she looks down at him, which makes her tear up again. Dogs were Diarmuid's companions...]

Mac an Chuill...

Of course I'll worry myself.

[Why would Grainne think she'd do anything but? Her brow furrowed into a small frown before she glances down at the pup, then back at Grainne. With a small sigh, she bends down to scoop the puppy up into her arms, even as it tries to squirm it's way out and towards the other woman.]

Sorry. Cu left them with me. [A small smile crosses her face.] Idiot's too afraid to raise pups so I said I'd raise them an' he can take over when they're grown.

[Quickly shaking her head, she tries to hide the evidence of tears that time.]

Do not let him get away with that. A man should have equal raising of... of his dogs.

[There's a pause as the puppy cranes his head to lick at her cheek, Merida hefting him in her arms.]

I offered. [She raises an eyebrow.] They're not kids, Grainne.

To some they may as well be.

[Turning, she goes to sit back on the bed, resting her hands in her lap.]

Merida, would it... would it be all right if I had some time alone?

Aye.

[She gives her a gentle smile, then leans down to kiss her forehead while the puppy licks her nose. Merida turns to leave, then stops by the door.]

Just...call me over locket if you need anythin'. Please. I don't want you goin' through this alone.

I have been alone almost a year now, Merida... it is nothing new to me.

That's what I'm afraid of, but if you truly wish to be alone, then I'll leave you for a while.

[And with that said, Merida slips out of the room and closes the door behind her, puppy in her hands even as he whines and paws at the door when she turns around to look at it before heading off down the corridor.]

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