Thank the Goddess

An extremely worried Tinsae is looking for Hati

Every part of me wishes that you’re gone because you left back home. However, everything in me tells me it isn’t so, that I should look for you.

I hasten my step, fully knowing that your monster of a friend is involved. If that thing did something to you, I will curse them to the depths of the Underworld. I will rid this world of its evil.

It is what the Goddess would want me to do. Through her will, it shall be done.

I let out a deep breath to calm myself. For now, I will need to keep my head clear. I will find you, my dear.

“My lady,” someone says. I halt my steps to see your soldier friend jogging up to me. He seems agitated, almost panicked, but he relaxes when our eyes meet.

“You’re Hati’s friend, aren’t you?” I say with a smile. 

“He ran that way, my lady. Could you–”

“Of course, dear. I will take care of it. Please tell your good Lord Centurion that everything is under control.” Marcus’s nerves will be calmed if he knows someone is taking care of things. This will hopefully prevent him from acting like a fool he can be.

“Thank you, my lady, I–”

“You’re freezing,” I say. The shaking in his frame isn’t caused by the cold alone. Something else happened. “Do as I asked,” I say as I give him one last reassuring smile and continue forth.

I try ignore the wet snow sneaking its way through my shoes. For if I am cold, what does it make you? You've been out since before the morning horn, your friend told me. The thought makes me hasten my steps until I'm running.

Then, there's the sight of your back. But the sight doesn’t fill me with glee, for you are completely unmoving.

“Dear?” I ask, waiting for you to turn to look at me. But you don’t. 

Peace has taken over your features. It’s as if you’re in an eternal sleep and this world’s cruelty cannot reach you anymore. 

“Darling?” I say again, as if it would make a difference.

The faint smell of your friend lingers in the freezing air, sickening smell of something rotten and sweet seeps out of your frozen pores like pus.

They did this to you, of that there is no doubt. Their touch has tainted you, and robbed you of your life.

Darkness clouds my vision and I close my eyes. Goddess, grant me the strength and the will to–

Then, I feel your gaze on me. Oh, thank the goddess.