Post
by Drucilla » June 3rd, 2021, 1:13 am
Josephine wasn't sure if what happened could be considered a victory. After all, the twenty five or so heavily armored men meant to ambush them now lay lifeless in rows, committed to the pyre. Among them, men then she had no love for. One she had threatened over scathing words written in a gossip rag, for the sake of her family. The other, just a man who seemed too cantankerous for his own good. And while there was a modicum of relief that they were gone, given the threats thrown about, it was eclipsed by the sympathy she felt for those who survived. They arrived as Graelynn had began giving final rites to the men and weren't shy in voicing their grief. Rightfully so. How could she possibly blame them?
And yet, there was nothing she could do to provide any comfort. Josephine had hoped to avoid bloodshed that evening. That perhaps someone could talk sense into one another. But it hadn't ended up that way. Whatever the reasoning was, there were men dead. "This is the reality of war." She murmured to Graelynn, who had stopped her sermon as Samara had found the scene and drawn her blade, screaming at those who were still gathered. "I've seen it many times." People would die, if they went to battle. It was every warrior's expectation, but there was always the hope that you would survive to see the next day. And it always left behind those who mourned. Death was cruel. Death cared little if you were young or old, frail or healthy. Perhaps that was why it was important to live one's life as they pleased. Josephine hadn't been able to, but it had been her greatest wish for Graelynn. For Laurent.
The sound of the woman's voice, as well as Lucien's suddenly became hard to understand and her sword, the Talon that Nicolien had so carefully crafted for her, dropped to the ground. She thought for a brief moment how strange it was that her strength had suddenly left her before she collapsed upon the ground near her sister, the clanging of her armor announcing her impact. There were a chorus of screams, many calling her name. She was rushed by her siblings, Nicolien, Laurent, Graelynn, as well as others, panic written across their faces. She peered up at them for a moment, then glanced to the ground, where a puddle of crimson blood surrounded her. Oh. Her heart had been beating so fast, adrenaline coursing through her body, that she had failed to notice the fatal wound delivered to her when she had been engaged in battle.
It seemed as if Death had come for her. Another casualty in this battle for the arsonists who had destroyed Highfield.
What they were saying was lost on her, but she could tell they were screaming. Crying. All she could think about was how she wasn't ready to die yet. There were plans in place after this battle to move in with Graelynn at the vacant house near the ruins of Highfield and play things by ear. She'd already prepared her belongings, packing up the entire house, save for two chairs which she used to speak to Violetta before the battle. Nicolien had made it clear where she stood on involving themselves in battle, should it come to it. They weren't welcome home, nor were they welcome to be de Ravins. Still, she didn't hold it against her. Nicolien knew how to lead well and her desire to remain neutral would avoid the Parish hardships in the future. She excelled at leadership and had a sharp mind for dealings. Still, Josephine had spent her better years living as her family wanted her to. She wanted to make sure Graelynn wouldn't be given the same fate. Laurie did as he pleased, anyway. Josephine didn't need to worry about him.
Then there was Thaddeus. The man she would love, even after her dying breath. Due to difficult decisions made, she hadn't even been able to tell him that she loved him. There were exchanges, however, and her only task he'd given her was to be safe and stay alive for one more day. He'd just given her a token of protection. Looks like Josephine had failed at that. How would he react to this? She regretted all of things she was unable to tell him, all of the things they weren't able to do. Maybe it would have been better to simply run away with him, as she had thought to do once before. But it was too late. The ifs and maybes would be left for another lifetime. Hopefully Thaddeus would forgive her for leaving early.
They were making desperate efforts to save her life. Koss did his very best amidst the panic. Josephine looked between her siblings and comrades, feeling the pain from her wound easing and a stillness beginning to take hold of her. "I love you all." She said to them, eyes closing. Her beloved siblings and friends would have to learn how to say goodbye on their own. Josephine couldn't help this time. Darkness washed over her as she breathed her last.
Then? Sands and silence.