I lost the old me that knew how to trust, crossed over coldly burned hope into dust

Whoever it was outside the cave, she wouldn't be unprepared. She left Insomnia with her staff, cloak, and companions in tow for this exact reason, and she wouldn't allow herself to falter now. Even as the man came around and into her view. He was certainly not a deer, nor was he anything else harmless. Instead, he was a large man, though he seemed a bit shorter than her. That would be good, should things turn more sour than she had already made them with her defensive, yet ready to launch, stance.

"What's your problem?" he asked, as if it wasn't obvious. He had effectively trapped her in the cave with little effort, though Widow felt anything but trapped. Perhaps a bit cornered, but she had confidence she could fight this man off if she'd need to.

"You," she snapped back in response to his silly question. Why was it always the cute ones that asked stupid questions? She felt silly for thinking he was attractive, especially considering Cryptis had been taken by some unknown man and while he was skinned and making a lovely throw rug, she wasn't sure who she could trust. Would this man now try to take her away from her daughter? At least Cryptis would have Medusa then, but she would be returning home to her daughter today, though perhaps with another pretty pelt if she were so lucky.

"Speech!"

Art © LadyAmaris & Code © Skelle 2022