(no subject)

[hold-r1.livejournal.com]

[As usual, Wendell is in his makeshift archery range, practicing. It's mostly to keep his mind occupied, this time. The shortage of food wasn't that far off from a harsh winter after a poor-yielding harvest, so the hunger wasn't what was on his mind, but it had brought up a familiar memory.]

[The winter was bitter, cold, and nearing its slow death into spring. The small supplies had dwindled to scraps a few weeks ago, and the scraps were pretty much gone by now. Mana, however, never complained. Never said a word when Wendell came home empty-handed from the forest. Only smiled, and assured him that spring wasn't far off. It was just a little while now. Not to be too hard on himself, even the wolves of the forest were hungry. It's okay, she found some salt and fat, enough for a small soup. Wendell smiled back, knowing that Mana hadn't eaten lunch, contributing it to the dinner they both could share. Maybe if she would be angry at him, it would be easier. Now, it just felt like he failed her...]

[Pulling back into the present, Wendell's hands began to shake. Loosing the arrow, it flew wildly, landing nowhere near the target. He stared down the range, hands still shaking faintly, even without the strain from the bow's string.]

Such a failure...