The water flowed peacefully, a constant presence that always managed to fill her with serenity. As she gazed out over the river, she felt peace pervade her, spreading through her limbs and infecting her like a disease. All at once, she wished to become closer to the water; she wished for it to fill the emptiness in her heart so that she would never be lonely again.

In a matter of heartbeats, she had joined its currents.

The gentle flow of water bubbled up around her, and she felt the comfortable sway of currents move her to the opposite shore. In just moments, she was transported to her childhood. She remembered all the wistful moments when she had gazed out at the water. The other apprentices had been taught how to swim, but she had never been afforded such a luxury. Instead, she taught herself, training her muscles to move with the water.

Now, she was hit by a sudden realization. It had been moons since she had last swam, and her muscles were hardly as strong as before. She had gotten weak after the thistle's intrusion. He had never encouraged her to swim and had helped her with everything. He had taught her what it was like to be lazy, and foolish.

Well, there is no one left who cares.

With a shuddering smile, she stared into the river and let herself sink into its depths, until she could drown quietly, effortlessly, with no one to notice.