Nightmares

[Thalia]

When he flung himself at the demon, Nimeda sank down onto her heels, hands over her face. She didn't want to leave, but neither did she want to watch. If it ever occurred to her to interfere, she didn't act on it; it was only when the noises of battle ended that she slowly peeked out, wrapping her arms about herself, still crouching. Her face was solemn, wearied at the edges like she had seen enough of blood and death to last a thousand lifetimes. For a while after she only watched the dirt and leaves under her feet, shifting at it with each squeeze of her toes. His was a grief she did not wish to share.

Eventually, once she felt she had given him enough time, she stood and pottered carefully over. She did not expect to be welcome, but she plopped down next to him anyway. Her arms folded over her knees in a childlike posture as she stared at the dead wolf. In this world she need not feel any of the things around her, but she chose to embrace the heat of blood and tears. Still, for a time she said nothing. One hand wavered as though she was going to pet the cooling body, but she refrained from the familiarity, tucking the hand back on her lap. She didn't know what the brother would do. But she felt... sad.

"I could take this away. If... you wanted."
The words were sincere and soft, the offer she made not fully comprehended in her own mind, but she knew anyway that it was why she had come.