a long cold walk after midnight

Amalia

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stop thinking so much

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As quickly as she inflated in rage, the girl deflates down again, finding that the wall that is Roana is not something she has it in her to throw herself against. Fighting is pointless. Arguing is pointless. Trying is pointless. Amalia should know that by now, should have learned her lesson from the last time and the last time, but she is not a wise girl. She is stubborn, and ardent, and yes, a self-righteous fool.

But she is tired, too - tired of failing, tired of being blamed. What Roana does not know, as she hurls her insults and accusations, is that the Shield has heard them all and more, that they are her mantra. That the soldier cannot be more disappointed in her than Amalia is in herself. Amalia is too exhausted from fighting her own demons to have the energy to take on Roana's, who apparently is also in love with Ronin, which is apparently relevant to this.... somehow.

Amalia shakes her head and steps back, dark eyes dull as she stares ahead. "I never wanted anything from you," the baker murmurs softly, sighing. Remi seems to be done at last, and as she follows him out the front door Amalia turns back to Roana one last time, something broken in her face. "And I never wanted this. I'm... I'm sorry."

Then she follows her friend out into the cold, more lost and exhausted than ever.

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you're breaking your own heart

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