[SWE] Festival of Lights - 312 PC

Hush now children - it's time for a feast. The sound of laughter and delight blows through the festival on a crisp and cool breeze, and though it might seem ridiculous given the events of last year, it is indeed to Mabel that the spirits swarm. Then again, perhaps this is not an act of kindness from Ludo. Perhaps it is spite - a this is what you could have won. Mabel may take it however she wishes, either way. She will feel little hands clasping at her own, and the giggling of children with warm cheeks and full bellies will echo throughout the Barrows. And though the soul is not there for Ludo to pluck out, the memory is intact, and so Mabel will feel the press of Evelyn's embrace against her back. Mabel has been chosen for this year's Festival! Please feel free to post again in the next 24 hours before the thread is archived. LUDO Braved the forests, braved the stone Braved the icy winds and fire Braved and beat them on my own

All expectations make her heart feel numb

In truth, Mabel didn’t know how to take it. There could’ve been spite and vitriol, hatred and vehemence, for showing her things she’d never be able to have again. There could’ve been gratitude, surprise, shock; the uncertainty weighing in over her shoulders, rounding out past her mind. Of mistakes and tragedies sorely granted and given.

But not now. She could reflect upon everything else later.

Her siblings hands clasped into her own and she could feel the warmth of their delight, laughter, merriment, as if it might’ve echoed down the halls of their now empty, hollowed out farmhouse. She didn’t stop the tears rolling down her face because it would’ve meant letting go of them (again), and maybe they could glide together, round and round in a circle of glee and exhilaration they barely had on this plain, on this earth. Even Evelyn, against her back, pulled together in united souls, loomed large and encompassing.

And it told her the many things she wanted to hear. That her methods wouldn’t be in vain.

That everything would be okay.

“Thank you,” she whispered into the sanction, with her head bowed and no pride left in her body.

MABEL