Neledh || ONC 2023

Epilogue

"I don't know what it is you want? Go left, go right. Save this, see them."

The wind softly moved the leaves of the trees Themis was hiding in.

"Yes. Yes, I know. For the greater good, your greater good."

The three women had finally met, no thanks to anyone's help.

"You were really not helping much, by constantly keeping them apart, and yes, you mentioned the greater good before. I'm not your person, don't look at me like that, Heron is. She'll help you with her bleeding heart the moment you show up, and then we aren't even talking about your shared history."

Of the four of them Themis was the youngest, though the most successful. They hadn't died nor lost everything, that was they told themselves every single day.

"You're a meddling old fool, and I'm an even bigger one for helping you."

The breeze tried to tangle Themis copper hair, in a feeble attempt to annoy them. It was soft, so soft, to feel cherished even in jest.

"You know I have a soft spot for that, and are mercilessly abusing it."

Themis wasn't actually angry, but they did need to save some face.

"I won't help you hide the trace. No, I won't. It's your problem, her secret. I'm not doing anything for that."

Helping a companion in need was not unusual for Themis, but there were lines.

Murder could be excused. Themis was more than capable of hiding a body, if that was needed.

Secrets staying that way, was one of the easiest things for Themis to do.

"I won't tell them about you, no worries. I know better than to say I'm talking to the wind. I won't tell them your secrets, though Heron would love to hear them."

Heron had secrets of her own, though they weren't very secret for the ones that had been present since the beginning of time. Or the ones that used their brainpower to actually think, something many people were in fact incapable of.

"You two would make great friends, both old lovestruck fools. Burning down the world to avenge your loves, though that is not really your style. You're the one who will drench it with water. And then disguise your Lover's crime, taking their fall for them."

Themis didn't belong in their duo of righteousness. Of being right, with unwavering morals.

"It was nice talking with you. Don't worry about your secrets, I stay true to my word."

The breeze fluttered through the leaves, showing their trust and happiness in ways she had come to know over the years. Yet one her Love was unable to decipher.

"The next time you have a problem, do go annoy Heron. I'm not powerful enough to solve everything, nor do I have eyes everywhere. Especially if it is about the end of the world, the only person that can save you both then is Heron."

At that time, if they were still alive, they would be far too busy for any secrets. Their own nor others, especially not the ones of the breeze's Love.

"Because I'll be on my way to hell. I'll tell your Love you're safe, when I meet her there."

Themis jumped down from the branch they had hidden on, scaring the cluster of people surrounding the three women. They gave a salute to Heron before disappearing within the surrounding shadows.

Their secrets would stay safe with them.

-

April 27, 2023