The Crucible by Radiarc

https://www.deviantart.com/sharpieboss/art/The-Ugly-Mare-Speed-Paint-468134249

She held the bird gently amidst cries and screams of accusation, the town alight with torches, the smoke of the bonfire obscuring the very path forward, and she walked, steadily, and carefully, every step its own challenge, an eternity of anguish and torment. She knew many things, especially of the bird, but she remained silent and resumed, as reason had left long ago. Step after step, the shouting surrounding her sharpens in waves to a piercing dissonance, the warmth of the fire turning to a hell inescapable, and she opened her eyes.

There was nobody, nothing. Only her, and the bird, though hatred lingered in distant murmurs. She stared out into the distance, face void of expression, still holding on. The sun peered from behind uncertain clouds as a bittersweet twilight washing over the field before her in a sea of glimmering potential, and again, she walked. Wherever she walked, the grass withered beneath and around, twisting and contorting in fear of her touch. There was no other direction than forward, and all grew to loathe her presence, corruption seeping from her through the flora, strangling it, though the bird was still held so gently. Death lied in her wake, a soft amble of rot and decay, leading to the end, and to the end she walked. Upon a cliff, she stopped, and closed her eyes in resonance with that which was, that which has been done, that which is no more, and in acceptance, she bowed her head.

She opened her eyes, and the bird was no more. Party of one, and the fire loomed wildly in the distance, though the voices rang out still, unending. The path ever veiled beneath the smoke and dancing shadows, she began to walk again, in sincerity, and in understanding. The blaze no longer provided illumination, only the promise of that which was to come. The air became as a plague, the ground itself shifted in turmoil, but despite all, she continued, and from her blossomed life in abundance, an echo of beauty from the ashes springing forth with every careful step. In silence, she kept on, and held onto the hope of something beyond the flame. There was, and would be for all eternity, but the crucible, too, remains, and all must walk forward.

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