Tallis had persevered through and unshakable feeling of not truly belonging... She understood the responsibility her family constraints put upon her, and while Lana knew Tallis's heart trembled and raged at the perceived indignity of it all, she had grown up into a charming, beautiful woman with shoulders that refused to bow to a world that demanded they should.

Tears stung her eyes and threatened to show a weakness she spent years trying to suppress with cheap whiskey and near suicidal jobs.

She was starting to forget which scars she had gotten by Misho’s side, and which would be new to him. Mirrors reminded her too much that she was still here, fearing failure and success alike because it took her further from the man she loved.

The reflection no longer held the image of a woman Ellinor recognized, nor particularly liked. She saw a facsimile of herself, someone who was still unsure how to trust, move forward, to live without Misho.

Tallis is a beautiful and terrible thing. Fearsome and alluring. Just like the forest in many ways... but it's written all over that handsome, pale face of yours; you like her.