you shine brighter than anyone

Sohalia

Soh held her shield weakly, gripping it in front of her chest with her arms bent inward, unsure about the strap and how to even hold it, much less use it. To her chagrin, Deimos snatched the shield back and began to demonstrate the proper way. She watched meekly, shifting uncomfortably at the thought of ever needing it. She'd much rather flee than fight, that was for sure.

But when he handed it back to her, she dutifully took it and strapped it onto her arm, trying to copy what Deimos had done. She held it before her, a little better this time, and swung it up over her head, diligently mimicking Deimos's movements. It wasn't a particularly good attempt, but at least she tried. "I'm not very good at this, am I?" she asked sheepishly, feeling a bit embarrassed and ashamed. She tried again, spreading her feet a little to strengthen her stance, hoisting the shield in front of her chest, and then ducking behind it again. She poked her head out from behind the shield to look at Deimos, as though asking if she'd done it better that time.

and that's the hope I have
the only thing I know that's keeping me alive