That Sort of Winter in Summer [Elora/Nicole]

[Shoki]

76.01.21
Midday

Outside of wing practice, this was going to be the first time D’ziel had talked to Elora, at least properly since the incident. He didn’t particularly like it for a couple reasons. One, he had sent a few people through the wringer with his spread out meltdown, or at least that’s what he saw it as. The other things had to do with his role in all this, which would probably give Elora a bad taste in her mouth. However, above all that he knew it had to be done. Not for the reason of being ‘proper’ which he now could not stand to hear. No, it had much more to do with the fact that despite all of this he still thought of Elora as his friend. Even if now she didn’t feel the same.

He was keeping his head upright this time, as he walked to where her weyr was. Hocteth was, at request, staying at their weyr. The Moonlight had known that there were human things to be left alone, and apparently this was one of them. Pounce was on top of him, some measure of keeping him where he was. He could have done without that. So alone D’ziel found himself at the door of her weyr. He didn’t look dead inside anymore. Still, he didn’t have that sense of peace in his features either. Maybe it had to do with the present conversation he was going to begin. Still there wasn’t much hesitation on his part.

He knocked on the door.

[Nicole]

Elora did not want to open the door. Because, generally, opening the door meant interacting with people, which was something she had become increasingly terrible at as time went on - at least people who already knew her. Strangers she could still trick into thinking that she was the person she used to be, who smiled, whose heart was more fire than ice.

But she knew she had to open the door, so she stretched her legs out, leapt up from her bed, and made her way over to the door.

And sighed, and pulled it open.

Her lip curled up at the sight of him. She said nothing.

She just stared, and let the anger seep into her gaze.

[Shoki]

She opened the door. Her gaze, oh it hurt him. Was that anger, or hatred? Hard to say. Probably both. His mouth twitched up, a humorless smile. More sad than anything else. He let a moment pass just to absorb the atmosphere. Then he spoke.

“Hello Elora. I would like to apologize for my actions. At least the ones of late. I have not acted appropriately and I’m afraid that these actions have done more harm than good. I regret that most of all.” He somehow looked even sadder then before. This was harder than he had thought. Still, he wasn’t going to stop. The moment she had looked at him that way… well he felt that everything he had thought through had been exactly right. Especially the thoughts that told him where to go from here.

“And, most of all, I wanted to come here and wish you well from now on.” He had to stop there, there was a lump in his throat. He hoped that him trying to swallow it away wasn’t noticed. He let the words hang though. After all, if she wanted to yell at him, or respond, he would let it happen. After all, he’d been a pretty horrible friend recently. He had to give her that she might need now.

[Nicole]

There was a lump in her throat.

She wanted to slam the door in his face.

Instead, she nodded mutely. From her spot outside, Saphireth lifted her head and sighed, hoping that the dragon she had Flown with would not come and try to do the same.

Both Rider and dragon avoided using names, of those who had killed or those who had been killed. It put a distance there.

Elora lingered in the doorway, uncertain of what to do next as she turned her gaze back to another part of her room. She should slam the door in his face. It was his fault - no, she couldn't think about it, couldn't couldn't couldn't couldn't - it hurt too much.

[Shoki]

D’ziel watched her nod and the smile faded to a quiet look. She didn’t have to say anything, he supposed. The moment lingered and he just found himself looking at her. Well, it was, presumably going to be the last time he saw her. She wouldn’t want to see him again, and he was going to make that easy. So he had come, ultimately to say what he was going to say next. Because it wasn’t running. Truly it wasn’t that. However, he was hurting with his presence. Best keep things short. Even though that hurt just as much.

“Well then. I’ll s- … Ah-hem. Goodbye Elora.” He put that sad smile back on his face, and with a little nod, turned to leave.

Hocteth at his weyr, looked frustrated. He supposed…he supposed he could wait. But he would not leave without saying goodbye to Saphireth. Sure, D’ziel wouldn’t let him say the words anymore, but he would do what he thought he should. So the Moonlight settled down, somewhat pained at the thought. Still, there was much to think about, what with them moving to a new Weyr. He’d make sure D’ziel packed warm. Although it would be warmer in a different sort of way.

[Nicole]

Elora watched him turn, and the rage simmered hotter in her chest.

"Goodbye, D'ziel."

And her voice was cold as poisonous venom.

She shut the door behind him.