originally posted in:The New Dojo
[b]Dues[/b]
Snow was kneeling by the Cherry Blossom tree, weaponless, staring at a single name. The sun was shining, the sky was clear for once, and everything was still. She wore a simple white dress and slippers, her hands folded neatly in her lap. Her thumbs dragged across the pads on her palms gently and slowly, as if she was trying to comfort herself as she fought back tears. Her ears drooped as she kept staring at the name, thinking of how she let her friend down, how she wasn't there to save him. Kari's death meant more to her than others knew. To her it meant she failed something. Failed someone. Mari was in Sapphire's care now, so repaying what she thought she owed Karishad would be near impossible. She sniffled, her left hand eventually resting on her swollen stomach. She sighed shakily, curling her tail around herself as she shivered, despite it being warm outside.
(open)
English
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"It feels...nice. But its also stressful. Well, here anyway. There's just a constant worry something terrible will happen and...yeah.."
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[i]Arty rolls her eyes. [/i] "When you live in the forest like I do, you don't have to worry as much."
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She giggled. "Yeah, maybe I'll ask Vorim about moving to the woods. Maybe the glade? I mean, nothing ever happens there, and it's always nice."
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[i]Arty's ears perk up.[/i] "Yeah! You can come live next to Sasha or something, but the woods I'm talking about are rather dangerous without a guide."
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She giggled a little. "Im talking about that really peaceful place with the lake and the bench. Remember? When I bandaged you up?"
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[i]Artemis laughs a little and nods.[/i] "Yeah, I remember that place. Good times?"
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"Better times. I think..I mean, no invasions went on, so I guess it was more peaceful." she said with a mild laugh.
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[i]Artemis weakly laughs.[/i] "Yeah, I guess."
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"So, how are things with you? Its been a while and, well, I haven't heard from you that much."
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[i]Artemis shrugs and plays with her hair a little.[/i] "...Umm...Not much really. I was really upset for a little while, but...it's fine."
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"Well, why were you upset?" Snow asks in an almost motherly tone.
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"It's nothing, Snow. So, have you decided on a name for your kid?" [i]Arty tries to change the subject.[/i]
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"Arty, until we see if its male or female we cant pick a name. And dont go and try changing subjects on me, my memory's screwed up enough."
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"Well, have you thought of names at least?" [i]Artemis gives a convincing smile to Snow.[/i]
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"Arty, I can tell when something is bothering someone. If you were fine with it you'd be okay with talking about it." Snow said, her voice firm.
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[i]Artemis makes herself look confused.[/i] "What are you talking about? I was just asking if you've thought of possible names for your kid."
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"Arty. Im a telepath. I know you know what I'm talking about."
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[i]Artemis genuinely gets terrified.[/i] "You're in my head?!"
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"No. But i can sense things. I'm no monster..I wouldnt just invade your mind...without asking.."
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[i]Artemis sighs in relief.[/i] "I forgot you could do that for a second."
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"Now come on, whats the matter."
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[i]Arty's ears fall flat and she hugs her tail.[/i] "I....I-I may....I tried t-to....I tried to commit suicide multiple times."
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Snow's ears flatten as her tail almost freezes, little shards of ice forming in her fur. "Oh...Are...Are you okay? Why would you..why?" she asked softly, scooting closer as she became empathetic.
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[i]Artemis scoots away an equal distance and looks the other way.[/i] "I-I'm...fine. S-Snow, lets drop it."
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Snow whimpered quietly, concerned anyway. "You're sure you're okay..?"