Something wild calls me home

Maea

And I hope that you don't suffer
But take the pain

Hesitating, as though to give Theea the option to change her mind for even a fraction longer, it was clearly difficult for the pale woman to accept the simple reassurance. Despite her need of the rose, despite the clear, honest purpose of curing someone of the Void, somehow it seemed greedy, to pluck it without first asking, first making absolutely sure that the girl wasn't just putting on a brave face...

"His name is Liam," she replied, finally moving towards the rose as though answering the questions was payment. Maybe it was; in this moment there wasn't much she wouldn't give this sweet, generous child who'd be giving her best friend and lover back to her. "He is... my partner. Someone I thought I could never have... Someone I'd do anything for."

Kneeling beside the flower, she plucked it gingerly, reverent before this miracle. It felt too light in her hands, the thorns too sharp, the petals redder than blood. Somehow she was holding back her tears, despite the quiver in her voice. "You should come and meet him, once he's cured. He's wonderfully kind - I'm sure you would get along." Someday soon - she would have to figure out how to do this swiftly, without struggle or pain... Ah, her hands wouldn't stop trembling. 

Finally he would be free.

Hope if everybody runs
You choose to stay