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She was tired, Vilemina could see it. In the way her expression faltered when she entered and left Kapy’s residence. In the way she spoke after a day’s long work. In the way she existed, as though she was simply going through the motions, waiting for something to happen. It was painful to see Lauma like that. She was their leader—she’d always been strong, had held her head up high despite the burdens placed upon her as a child. But she could only do so much alone, and sometimes—in the quiets of the night, in the moments when they were alone and in silence—Vilemina wished to be the one to carry a part of the weight on Lauma’s shoulders. To see her smile brighten in a way it hadn’t in a while. Not the same way, at least. She’d always loved seeing that smile. But it had been so long since it had been the way it was before.
There were times Vilemina yearned to take Lauma by the hand and run far, far away with her. They couldn’t do this forever. She was doing so, so much, and Vilemina wanted to do the same for Lauma, but she could only do so much, and the Frostmoon Scions… they were practically sucking the energy from themselves. From Lauma. Oh, Lauma.
She was so busy all the time. But still.
Vilemina caught her at a time of rest. Lauma was gazing at the sky, a small bird chirping beside her. She was speaking quietly it, though her attention was glued on the moon above. Vilemina approached her carefully, and though she tried to be quiet, the bird noticed her, chirping its surprise. Lauma turned, and— Her smile made the breath catch in Vilemina’s throat, and she swallowed, offering a small smile back.
“My Lady,” she murmured.
Lauma hummed, whispering something to the bird and watching it fly off before turning her attention to Vilemina. “Yes?”
“May you accompany me somewhere?” Vilemina asked gently.
There was a light strain in Lauma’s eyes, as though she expected more to worry about. But she nodded either way, shifting to face Vilemina fully.
“Where to? Kaarina…?”
Vilemina shook her head. “No, everything’s alright.”
“Ah. The Fatui?”
She had so much to concern herself over. Sometimes, Vilemina wondered whether Lauma ever had time to focus on herself. But, of course, the people she lead were so ignorant to things that they allowed problems to continue despite everything. It was doubtful she had time for anything at all.
“No, my Lady. I simply wished for you join me on a walk,” Vilemina assured her. She’d made sure there was nothing that could tear Lauma away from this moment. Not now.
“I see. Then I would love to accompany you,” Lauma agreed, bowing her head. Vilemina wanted to correct her; she shouldn’t bow to her, she shouldn’t… But she couldn’t say that. So she smiled, stepping aside to give Lauma room. They began to walk.
Their footsteps clicked on the stone, then grew muffled along the grass, the breeze shifting around them. They didn’t speak much, but the silence was comfortable enough that it didn’t matter. Vilemina glanced at her Moonchanter on occasion, fretting quietly at the way Lauma’s brow remained creased no matter how far they went.
Eventually, she spoke, thinking that simply being there wasn’t quite enough.
“Is something concerning you, Lauma?” she asked, softening her voice as to not startle.
Even so, Lauma snapped to attention, blinking several times before responding. “Am I worrying you? Apologies, I… I’m quite alright, thank you,” she sighed, shaking her head.
Vilemina frowned. “I don’t mind worrying about you.”
Lauma stayed silent for a long moment. Vilemina wondered if she’d stepped too far, but then Lauma laughed softly, and she looked up.
“I suppose I do seem more off than usual, don’t I?” Lauma hummed, bringing a hand up and running it through her hair. Her fingers paused at the base of her antler before she pulled away, shaking her head.
“I’m alright, we’ll get through it all eventually, I have… faith in the Frostmoon Scions. Thank you for asking,” Lauma said, smiling something quietly strained. “And for the walk. Thank you. I needed it.”
Vilemina shook her head, bringing her hands up, gesturing. “No, it’s my pleasure, my Lady. I… You can tell me anything, if you need it,” she murmured.
She wished she could say more. Wished she could tell Lauma how much she could see she was hurting. How she understood. How the Frostmoon Scions didn’t deserve Lauma. But she saw how tired Lauma was, and… she didn’t want to place more on her shoulders. So she backed off, taking a literal step back as her hands fell back by her sides.
“Thank you for joining me,” she said, pushing back the thousands of things she wanted to say instead.
Lauma smiled again. It looked as exhausted as ever.
“It was an honor.”
They did not deserve her.
Vilemina knew. She knew that there was no going back after this. But… if the Frostmoon Scions couldn’t do what had to be done, this was her only choice. Her only regret was not having helped Lauma out, too. She would miss whatever they had had. But it was time to let go of that, now. No more looking back.
The Moon Marrow was in the Fatui’s hands, now. And Vilemina was, too.