Come home {open}

[Dympna]

xx

Dympna heaved heavily as she dragged her small boat upon shore. Once the sand of the beach held the bottom of her vessel with an iron grip, she stalked back to a sturdy tree and tied a rope around it to hold her precious boat safe. When she was confident that it wouldn’t leave her stranded, Dympna grabbed her bag and disappeared amongst the leaves and branches of the small bush that occupied a fair part of the island. She wandered about silently, staying on the path that she knew by heart. Even with her vision compromised due to the blanket of darkness that surrounded her, she could easily point out where every rock, twig, and root that lay on the path she had created so many years ago by memory alone.

Finally, the dense foliage started to break to reveal a small clearing. The floor of this sanctuary was nothing but thick grass, save for the occasional flower here and there. In the center was a large, smooth rock, which flattened out near the top, making it the perfect place to sit the hours away. But even with the moons’ soft rays making the space seem magical, it was not what Dympna came to appreciate. For, you see, this clearing was perched upon the edge of a cliff and it’s mouth opened to reveal nothing but the ocean. No matter how many times she may come here, the sight always took Dympna’s breath away. For something so vast and powerful to look so frail and delicate under the night’s shadow and decorated with silver streaks from the moon still was something that Dympna could never wrap her mind around.

Calmly perching herself upon the rock, Dympna place her sword behind her and began to rummage through her bag. She pulled out a candle and lit up a match by striking the head against the bottom of her boot. She let the flame engulf the wick and waited for the wax to start melting before sticking it on the empty space beside her. Tucking her knees up to her chin, she then cast her emotionless gaze upon the horizon and prepared herself the long night that awaited her.

This hasn’t been the first time she has waited here. In fact, Dympna has always visited this place since her relatives left for the war. She would sit up here every night and light a candle to greet the ships for when they return home victorious form the war. Well, the war has long ended, and yet they still haven’t come home. But that was long ago and Dympna has peacefully come to terms with their death and accepted that fact. Slowly, her vists became less and less until she never returned at all. However, as of late, Dympna has found herself become a bit nostalgic about it all and has started the habit of lighting the candle all over again.

She gave a bitter sigh as she perched her chin upon her knees, letting her hair fall over her shoulders. If she couldn’t bring them home while they were living, maybe she’ll be able to guide their spirits home instead?