Hotaru
nothing's fair in love and war
Hotaru is little more than a passive watcher of this particular spiral. Feeling all that Maea is pouring out like a broken fountain, a gushing wound that never slows, but unable to cauterize or clot the stream. Only as she watches the physical changes happen indicating some measure or semblance of control does the Valkyrie reach out. Projecting more than sharing, crafting an intentional haven of calm. Something almost beautiful in its tranquility. Leaning on the crutch of the bond which allows the sharing of emotion in its purest sense, and the strength of emotion human beings were capable of. Letting it reach and wrap around the broken woman in a gauzy shawl of understanding. There were no words necessary. Only a poignant convalescence. A room crafted, created, and shared - opened and aired for Maea to hide in, to focus on instead of her own emotions. Peaceful and accepting. Free of judgment or assumptions. So that even when the words do come, there is no ripple or shift in the surface of the lake, the steady thrum of emotion that reaches from inside Hotaru's breast to the beast beside her. "Yes, it did." A fact Maea cannot hide from. Needed to stop trying to. Folding her twice-bloodied hands on her lap, Hotaru watches the lioness cleaning herself and breathes slowly. "But broken things still have their purpose. And they can be healed. Forever changed and set into their new shape, perhaps, but whole once more." Pausing, she tilts her head slightly, blood-streaked golden hair tickling over her shoulder. "If you want to be." Ru would never do it herself, but she'd similarly never condemn Maea for choosing the easy way out if that is what she desired.
