~ where innocences burn in flames.
As he settles beside her, he allows the silence to spread between them. He does not know what ails her or what has sent her hurtling through the woods. All he knows is what he sees before him, the heartache that clouds her crystal blue eyes and the sobs that rack her body. The silence fills the air and he waits; he allows her a few minutes to gather her thoughts. He knows that in this moment it is best not to pry but to let her speak when she is ready.
His eyes momentarily widen as her lips faintly brush against his face, this is something he does not expect nor her words of appreciation. But he does not speak as she presses on. I came upon my mother’s grave. His heart clenches in his chest. "I am sorry, Xiomara," he whispers his condolences to her. And she continues and reveals the burden that now crushes her beneath its weight.
She reveals that she was born in the Forest and that her last words were words that Xiomara has lived by her entire life. Don't be weak. Finally the pieces fall into place that explain how Xiomara has lived her life. As she turns her head away, the shame burns through out her body. He can feel the warmth beneath her onyx skin, and he can no longer hold back. He dares to press his body into hers, as he tries to comfort her.
"The only time you fail her is when you give up," he says aloud, his words meant only for her ears. "You are no failure, your strength and skill is known through out the Isles, take heart my stríðsmaður," he whispers the last word in his thick northern accent.
Translation:
stríðsmaður: warrioress
Björn - Icelandic mutt - 10 years old - Grullo Sabino
Bera Konung of the Ridge