Off the garden path [relic contest]

[Rostislav]

I'm broken, lying helpless, shattered, surrounded by the world I ignore the sassy mare's retort. Her attitude should put me off, but it doesn't. Instead I stay light-hearted and smile at her, certain that my resolute calm will annoy her even further. Despite the lady's OBVIOUS irritation, she stays. Who knows what kept her - boredom, curiosity? It would keep me, too. I turn my attention away from the no-named creature (for that is how she wished to stay), and instead back to Victorina. I find myself immediately shocked when she mentions Helovia. I choke on air and my body stiffens as I take a step closer to her. "Helovia?!" Did she really say that? I thought that for sure I was the only one that survived that madness. And Damaris, who I was sure was still alive somewhere, somehow. An ache began to fill inside me, but I couldn't put it into words. "I am from Helovia, but I was gone for along time before.... the end." I sputter a little bit, and feel shame at my inability to contain my emotions, to speak clearly. Am I a man or what?! I glance toward the mare, knowing that I've left myself open to ridicule. But didn't I just say I don't care? And though I feel a twinge of.. something... inside, that remains the same. I glance back to Victorina and chapping lips part again. "I do not know of Novus the way I knew of Helovia. Obviously I am as fresh a face here as you are." I throw a slightly judgmental look at the mare. "Does your ladyship have any knowledge of Novus? Or are you just a pretty face?" That'll light her up - HA! The pain and sadness inside me does not fade, though I've pushed the conversation. Where are some painkillers when I need them? Emotional painkillers, of course - Prozac, Zoloft.. something. "." WC: 307 Tag: @Victorina

_{image credit}