Captain Olathia Windgrave

Stained Glass Heart

Rare is the sight of the brilliant paladin without her armor, rarer still to catch her standing in the dancing light cast from stained glass walls. Glistening golden tresses lacking their usual blue headdress. Reverent steps on cobbled stone carry her forward, vibrant colors dancing across the bare arms and face of the woman with every movement. Chilled fingers trailed along the ends of wooden pews, worn from years of kneeling and tears.

A pure devout to the light, lost and wandering when presented with a second chance at life. 

Jade eyes cast themselves down to the stonework beneath her footfalls.

Pure.

Was this a word she could even use to describe herself anymore? Most days she couldn't even recognize who she had been before it all. Glancing around the empty chapel, the question seemed as though it took form, standing above her like a weight. Baring down on her until the glint of tears threatened to blind her. 

The second pew drew her in, deftly slipping between the wooden benches and lowering herself onto the abused seat with care. Fingers laced in silent prayer to a power she had once blindly believed in, much more reserved in words as thought towards the light.

The light was her everything in those days, the supplier of warmth and strength, a barrier to the outside forces who would claim her soul for evil. An object that brought her heart to another's and the very same that guarded her when the gentle hands vanished from beneath it, leaving it to shatter on the floor. The light mended the chipped and dented armor both internal and material. 

And yet. 

Tainted light had gathered shattered pieces from the damp ground, brought her back into dim cozy warmth. Piece by piece, showing her the life left inside her. Showing her that worth she so desperately sought. 

Face aimed once more to the shining glass, brows upturned as she sobbed at the happy memory, allowing it to fill her with warmth. Quietly she slumped forward, hands covering the soft sounds of mental release. 

What she wouldn't give for the chance to start over, perhaps change an ending or two. 

But would she? 

Her mind wandered to the dark haired brawler, his grin and strained hushed words playing through her ears as if he were right there beside her. Unable to deny the fluttering of a pounding heart and the choked breathy laugh that dared to escape.

No, the woman she was before is gone. The weight easing from her shoulders as she worked though the nagging doubts clouding her mind. Almost as if its footsteps were real. leaving the chapel and the paladin within.

She's imperfect, but she tries. The light would accept that would it not? 

If it wouldn't...

Then she didn't need it.