Congratulations to Ashton Etheredge on winning the inaugural Pluot Prompt writing contest!

Swan Song

by Ashton Etheredge

There, beneath the peach tree, that was where we first met. I, a lost and angry teen, and her, a curious enigma. I was looking for an escape, a way to get away from my overbearing family and live a life I could call my own. Imagine my surprise when unbidden, she suggested that I run away- that she take me with her on her journey.

Why, it was love at first sight.

And love her I did. I trailed along behind her for days and weeks. Months and years. Never once did she treat me like anything other than an equal. We argued sometimes. Fought occasionally. But we always made up in the end. We loved each other, after all. We could always find a way to work through any problem that came between us, come hellfire or brimstone. Because at the end of the day, each of us had the other’s best interests at heart.

This time, however, I do not think we can make up. I am not certain we can overcome the gulf that has separated us, not when I stand in the ruins of my old home, set aflame by she who held my heart. I cannot say I didn’t dislike my family, but they were still mine. I didn’t want them dead, I just needed… space. Space to think for myself. The last conversation I had with my parents was an argument, you know. A shouting match that could be heard clear across the estate- I inherited my father’s voice and my mother’s temperament. I never was suited to an aristocratic life, and I told them as such in no uncertain terms. They told me to be grateful for what I was born having. I told them to go to hell.

Fitting, that they burned to death.

I find the one responsible in the place we first met, waiting for me. A cloak is drawn around her, obscuring her features. But I know that form well- know the way she stands with her arms crossed and her eyes cast out to the distance, as if she were peering into the future. She made no movement as I approached. Fifty feet divide us. Then thirty. I stop ten feet distant, though from the set of her stance and the ice in my heart, we could’ve been miles apart. She’s a Manasinger- she could slay me at any distance, might as well be close enough to finish her with my blade.

“Thetis,” I utter haltingly. Her head doesn’t turn but I know her eyes flitted in my direction, the way they always do.

A long pause. Then a slow response. “Marianne.” I always loved the way she said my name, dragging out the syllables as though she considered them carefully when she spoke them. Even now, my heart wrenches as she says it

“Stayed to watch the fire burn out? Or waiting here to finish what you came here to do? ” I blurt out harshly, surprising myself. I hadn’t wanted to say anything, had intended on staying silent. That would make this easier by far. What I didn’t want to do was talk about it. About the betrayal that stings down to my very core.

“I’ve done it this time, haven’t I?” is all she says at first, sighing heavily and withdrawing her hood. She has the gall to remain beautiful despite all she’s done- a villain ought to look the part. She adds, “I was always meant to do this, you know. It’s just, you caught me off guard. Intrigued me. So I put this on hold so I could explore you. Your smirk, your grin. The way you stretch your arms with that cute little yawn in the morning. The way you watch the stars at night…”

A short pause. My vision suddenly blurred- I think she’s cast a spell on me already and my hand jumps to my sword before I realize that there are tears in my eyes. Embarrassment floods my cheeks red and my voice goes thick as I reply, “I didn’t believe them, y’know. When they told me you were a spy I have you the benefit of the doubt. I *trusted* you, damnit! You didn’t have to do this! We could’ve-“

A helpless sob escapes my lips. Thetis began to cross the distance between us, hand outstretched to cup my face, like she always did when I was distressed. I draw my sword a hand’s width from it’s scabbard and scream, “Stay right where you are!”

Tears flow freely down my face, in such a torrent I don’t bother to stop them. Through them I see her, see she has the audacity to look hurt in this situation. She speaks quietly, as though that hurt could possibly be real, “” I loved you, y’know. Our love was real- don’t ever think otherwise. I had a duty, however. This was long overdue. I put it off for as long as I could- us getting caught was the proverbial wax seal on that letter. I didn’t have a choice – if I hadn’t followed my orders you and I would never know peace. At least now-“

I interrupt her. “STOP IT! Don’t pretend like you care for me, not after all… this! Don’t you dare lie to me and say you love me.” I pour every ounce of venom I can muster into my next statement; “You’re half right- *you* will never know peace so long as I draw breath-“

I wasn’t prepared for her to close the short distance between us- when had she gotten so close? My plan worked against me. I lurch backwards, drawing my sword but she’s already inside my guard, hands on my temples and swirling with mana. The spell rolls off her tongue at a whisper. The last thing I see is her own tear-stricken face, taut with resolve as though doing something she couldn’t stomach.

I awoke to the stench of smoke, an unknowable amount of time later. Sitting up, I search the area for her- she’d escaped. Ran, like a coward. Something falls into my lap. She’d covered me with her cloak. I ball my fists in the fabric, will myself to rip it in my grasp, but the strength didn’t come. Instead I curl up into it- despite the warmth of spring, it suddenly feels so very cold.

“Damn you, Eti…” I cry into the fabric. I stay like that for a long time- There, beneath the peach tree.