Scribe Taliandriah Flamesurge

Seven Nation Army

Trigger warning: Baby complications

The magic spilled from her fingertips, arcane wisps dancing and forming in the air before her. Runes along her wrist were long devoid of her trademark glow, faded and unbecoming as the scars came into full view. The woman had literally carved these things into her skin, some appearing more jarred with the non-dominate cuts. 

The two wisps broke apart, wrapping and contorting themselves into an intricate rune design. It floated lightly in place as the woman hummed, “I’m gonna fight ’m off…” She pressed a finger to the conjured rune that danced in the air in front of her. It began to descend towards a bright glowing rune that sat on her lap, the ornate figure began to flicker as it crept ever closer.

The light was extinguished immediately, the rune that she’d made was devoured by the mark near her lap. “They’re gonna rip it off…”

She’d hum again, shifting her weight on the bed. Eyes slipped over the sparse room that had been her home for a week or so now. The walls were covered in thick colorful banners and scarves. Pillows having been brought in by the handful to try and make the room seem homier. Tali’d never been one for empty rooms. Too impersonal. If she was going to lose something, she’d want to keep the surroundings away from future triggers. No point in being the woman scared of white rooms…

“And I’m talking to myself at night because I can’t forget…” The woman’s breath was softer, rolling on her side. “Back and forth through my mind, behind a clinic bed…” 

The female attendant came in for the second time that hour, knocking at the frame and offering a half smile. It wasn’t Sylrissa yet, but she could be heard down the hallway. They’d likely catch up during evening rounds. 

The attendant, however, Tali liked; quiet- smart. Didn’t make much of a name for herself, but at least she was quick. Tali rolled on her back, pulling up the side of her gown with a deep breath. Cool hands met the side of her stomach, pressing lightly as the redhead grimaced. “Still the same, yeh?” She looked over, taking a slow breath as she dropped the gown back in place. 

Same conversation, same nod- same sad look as she made her way to the door. 

Could be a few days, the cramping isn’t good. Get more rest, we’re working on a solution…

The redhead leaned her head back on the bed, rubbing her brow with her fingertips and closing her eyes, “And the message comin’ from my eyes says ‘leave it alone’…” 

Hand moved over her eyes, relishing in the darkness for a moment. Everything was starting to hurt again- why was it that she never made it a point to find out where Thaleya lived…or where Abra was…how to even do this- or whether she should just stop trying.

She pulled a tight breath, leaning up on her bed and discarding her hands to her lap. She still had time, she had to have bought herself time this go around. She went to the damn Light, after all, wasn’t that it’s thing? Postponing the terrible for folks that ain’t convinced they’re full of shit? 

Fingers began to weave again, swallowing hard as she looked back to the design that sat in her lap. She wasn’t going to give up. Not this time, not with this kid. The arcane pulled from her skin, moving into wisps that once again found a unique design and began to descend towards the malice rune. “Find a home…” 

She may have found a home near the edge, but at least she was aware that it was only down from there. And if there was some sort of demonic rune carved into her body that was causing all this, you can bet your ass she was going to work herself past that edge to find a way to fix it.

@ashenmorn @abraaxas @laceandhalos for mentions!

https://youtu.be/sB6HY8r983c for inspiration cover.