heart and head

She felt dirty.

Even after the events of the challenge, Wren had turned her back on her first real friend in Boreas since arriving. Why? Because she was scared of Armada disapproving? No. Because of Voodoo, being allied with Habari? No. She didn't care what others thought about her personal alliances, but... Menagerie had to come first. She had to stand with her disapproval and trust her gut about Medusa slowly unhinging. Maybe - Maybe - the woman had always been unhinged. Wren just refused to see it.

Habari had pushed Medusa over the edge, and Recluse's cowardice about fighting for her freedom... That had sent it over the top. Medusa deserved closure, but Wren thought that there could be other ways around it. Talking, for once, wouldn't help. Both women were stubborn and set in their ways. If she stood vocally with her once-friend, Medusa would have one ally against the whole of Boreas and Auster. But if Wren stood against her vocally, Menagerie remained untouched - for now.

She had to think about the guild, not herself. Even if she felt disgusted with herself. Why didn't Medusa just stay here? She could be sheltered and safe, instead she was facing the world. Alone Wren started, flinching at her own cruel words you left her alone, against the world alone. You're terrible at friendship. You're so scared about losing alliances that aren't even there that you lost your friend. She wasn't wrong. A tear dripped down the Warden's face, then another -

Until they threatened to fall in waves. She gasped, clutching at her chest, feeling emotional pain manifest as physical. Wren gave a low groan, taking back the sob that tried to slip out.

"Speech"