Friends Forever

She screams.

From the moment she came to us, she screamed. What had this poor child gone through to be this scared? A bitter scent clung to her, and we all know the abuse one can suffer from that wretch. Their love was false; A pretence to ensnare naive children and lure them away. We have only hateful memories of that one. No matter how deluded this poor child may be, we cannot fault them their misguided affections... For we were not so different.

What lies have you been fed? You have nothing to fear from us, child, please understand that we are only worried about you. Clear as night we see the moonlight faintly glowing around you, was it a choice you made? Or one thrust upon you at birth? It matters not, but part of me fears. It has forgotten the endless well of love which we were always meant to provide. It is trapped in the past, dear child, and it is in more pain than you could imagine. It is hurt, and afraid, and it screams as you do... But not for saviour, dear child.

She struggles.

Her voice has grown hoarse, too deep within the sanctuary to be heard. All we can do is comfort this child, yet our embrace only serves to spur her frenzy. Calm now, dear child, for you are one of Hers. Nothing will come to harm you, we will protect you. We have always protected you, don't you see? We are... A friend. Please, think of us as a friend. Your friend! Please be still within our embrace, for we are only trying to help.

You don't understand the curse upon you. You think it a blessing, and once we would have agreed... But never again. We trusted as you did, and our faith was betrayed. Jealousy defiled this light, and it will only lead you to despair. Oh dear child, please don't struggle; You are so weak, so fragile, even for one of Her children. We bear you no grudge, so do not misunderstand, we do this for your sake! That smell will bring our memories to stir, and they are a despicable thing. So drink now, poor child, and lay your fears to rest. This is our blood and our life, and it is all that we can offer you as we are... Yet we give it freely!

She cries.

Dear child, what can we do? You shy from our touch, even as your body is wracked in spasms. Our blood stains your lips, and we don't understand why you hate us so! Time and time again your body rejects us, choking you breathless as your throat is filled with bile. You heave in our arms, and claw upon the ground, stomach bulging and contracting with each desperate attempt to disgorge our precious gift.

It is all we can give you, is it not enough? What have you been told to hate us so? You are so tired, dear child, please won't you rest? Your muscles ache, and your throat has been stressed raw and bloody. It is not just our blood which dribbles upon your lips, dear child! Oh hush now, dear child, rest now under our bows. The moonlight has been washed away, you are safe now! Safe from our haunted memories, and safe from our wretched sibling. Oh rest now, dear child, it must be this way; You are Her child, and we will only give you the love that She would want you to have.

We love you, dear child, as we love Her.
It is a love that She has for us all, but cannot share herself.
Pray to us, dear child, and we will answer!
We can provide you with everything!

Love us!
Need us!
Please, if nothing else, don't say that you've Forgotten us!
Oh dear child, please find us once more! Come, and walk beside us!

Won't you come back?
Won't you remember?

...Or were you betrayed as well?