[Training] In the dark of the night

M  A   E    A I talked to God to no avail Said, "If you won't save me, please don't waste my time." Lips pursed in thought; it was a good question. This had been an impulse request, without much consideration put into it. Explaining every sentiment behind it to this person, whom she neither knew nor trusted, did not appeal to Maea, and yet... For such a favor, some explanation was probably owed. Buying time to think, she threaded the bow over her shoulders, and returned the undamaged arrows to Melita. "A lament," came the reply, slow and reluctant, "over lost potential. There was a time when I caught a glimpse of a path... offered just to me. Despite everything I was. But..." There was an intake of breath, completely unnecessary; brought on as memories of the past briefly overshadowed who - and what - she had become. "I squandered it. I chased after love instead, like a blind idiot, and failed to listen to wisdom or warnings. And it led me so far from moderation and the Old Gods that I don't know if I can ever find a way back." Not that she deserved it. Her choices, while stupid, had been made in full awareness of what the costs would be. It was too late for regrets, and yet she harbored them all the same. There was a tendency for shoulders to sag and bend, but while Melita was looking the pale-faced forgery of a woman refused to succumb to self-pity. Keeping her back straight, she met the girl's gaze head on. Ready to face laughter, scorn or mockery, whatever judgement that might be passed. "It's just a token. I'm not asking for anything, or expecting anything, and if you don't want to do this, that's fine."