[PQ] This Little Light of Mine

I am my mother's child, I'll love you till my breathing stops
I'll love you till you call the cops on me

There was no leaping or bounding today, no skipping, no merry whistles under her breath. Instead, there was a hint of exhaustion, a tired, fatigued essence she very rarely carried; Fangorn was the one launching from side to side, from grass to grass, striving to manifest exuberance where hers was lacking. The youth couldn’t even remember a time where she approached something so listless, so languid; she felt lifeless, floating, without thoughts or cares, a strange nonchalance that threatened to pitch her overboard. The only reason she’d even rolled out of bed had been to assist in making lanterns for the upcoming Festival of Lights; barely holding down the toast she’d managed to make. When she arrived, her gilded eyes took in the scene, everything painstakingly laid out by Jigano, and then she winced at that thought too – because she’d mauled him with her staff, because she’d been remiss, because everything hurt. If she felt better, she would’ve launched and stared and been beholden to the wooden lathes, to the fabrics, by the flowers, feathers, stones, and every other beautiful artifact. Instead, she felt like crumbling. The girl couldn’t even recall being this sick before – perhaps because her mother had been a healer, eager and ready to remedy at the first sign of a spring cold or winter fever. She wasn’t sure what this was though. There was another individual near, a complete stranger, but she waved anyway, a weary smile plastered to her mouth – tilting her head to address Jigano as well. “Sorry about the trials.” I don’t feel myself hovered on her tongue, but then again – maybe that had been her, trapped and cornered once more, revealing her more savage nature, the hint of beasts and monsters she’d always dreamed of becoming. Maybe it had just been one more step towards demons and infidels, towards losing a greater part of her virtues. Melita sighed, then offered her abilities, which seemed less and less at the moment. “I’d like to help.” M e l i t a But in our darkest hours, I stumbled on a secret power I'll find a way to be without you, babe