@50yds said: you were right there ! don't tell me you did nothing !
the guilt rattles in her chest. a trembling hand curled around her bow, an attempt at steadying herself as she steels herself to meet her nephew's gaze. she'd told herself she would not cry in front of him, that she would be the adult presence he'd needed – the unwavering rock he'd undoubtedly need in the wake of hearing of his father's death. but she'd not been prepared to hear him accost her so. deservedly, alysanne decides – her arrow too late to save her brother's life, his child now left to her; and who was she, but barely old enough to be considered a woman herself?
the shaky exhale that precedes the heavy footfalls of her boots across the floor is one she hopes he does not hear, her hand pressing out onto his shoulder. “ i did all that i could do, benji. ” lips made into a thin line, a chant in her head over and over again that she would not cry. “ an eye for an eye, lord bracken no longer breathes. i – should have been quicker. ” it was not often that aly admitted to her own faults, that she took measure to state her own faults, but now was as good a time as any. for the only person who would ever deserve to hear them.
“ i'm sorry. ” a sniffle, before she brushes the back of her hand against her cheeks, and muscles benjicot into her arms for a hug, whether he is willing or not. “ if it is your wish, i will slaughter every last bracken until my fingers bleed. ”