the scent of dusk is strangely nostalgic

[vogelbauer]

It was almost humorous how much could change as the years progressed. No longer was Elisabeth confined to her chambers as she had been during her younger years, having been granted (admittedly reluctant) permission by her older brother, who had become King during that elapsed time, to stroll through the castle and the surrounding area. While it was a refreshing change, and she was undoubtedly grateful for it, she still couldn't help but feel like the caged bird she had always thought of herself to be. So long as she bore this burdened name of 'von Wettin,' she would forever be held captive inside this birdcage.

However, there was no reason for her to dwell on that when she had the chance to enjoy the world around her. Having escaped from the guards assigned to her once again, she visits a special place that she knows the guards will never find her - a well, the very one that claimed her beloved's life. Sometimes she couldn't help but wonder if it was silly that she visited his grave every day, but if she closed her eyes and imagined, it almost felt as though März was actually there by her side.

She offers a bittersweet smile as she approaches the well, kneeling down beside it. "Hello again, Mär," she says, closing her eyes and resting her head against the cold stone. She falls silent, almost as if she expects to hear his voice speak back, but she knows it's nothing more than wishful thinking. She opens her eyes again, brushing gloved fingers against the dirt below her. "Even after all this time, the roses I planted still haven't bloomed, have they...?" She chuckles emptily, fighting back tears that threatened to spill. Crying would do her no good; she's already shed innumerable tears over losing März, and shedding more still wouldn't bring him back no matter how hard she wished it would.

However, while she knew that was true, she could no longer resist the urge, allowing a few droplets to trail down her cheeks before dabbing at her eyes. "Goodness, look at me..." She chides herself and shakes her head, giving another hollow laugh. "You wouldn't want me to cry, März. Yes, if you were here now, I'm sure you would wipe away my tears and tell me to smile, just like when we were children..." She continues on reminiscing, speaking to the well as if it were März himself, but she knows she's doing it to distract herself from her looming sadness.