Post by Kypriotha on Jun 16, 2012 20:51:47 GMT 10
Title: Reminders
Rating: PG-13
Summary: What would have happened if the pox had splashed someone who didn't have anyone to follow him into death?
Warning: References character death.
Notes: Written for Decathlon's AU Hammer Throw, but not finished in time.
Niko crested the hill near Winding Circle and reined in his horse. He gazed at the Temple below with sombre eyes. It never got any easier, no matter how much time passed. He needed this moment to collect himself; to prepare.
This was the longest he’d been away since the plague. As much as he was still needed in Summersea, it hurt to stay too long. He knew he should be grateful that everyone was so understanding and didn’t pester him with questions, but sometimes the pity in their eyes had a sharper sting than their kind, but misplaced, words.
Niko sighed. He knew he couldn’t loiter on the hill forever. He was already feeling guilty for how often he was leaving Tris and Moonstream’s sympathy could only stretch so far.
***
The first few days weren’t so bad. Niko kept busy catching up on Tris’ lessons and meeting with Moonstream and occasionally the Duke. But the meeting of the Dedicate’s Council on the third day almost broke him. He carefully avoided looking at the empty chair and escaped as soon as it was over.
Later that evening he found himself outside the greenhouse. He had known it would only be a matter of time before he ended up there, but the sight of it – cold, dark, empty – still took his breath away.
He wasn’t sure how long he’d stood there, gazing listlessly at the empty building, when someone spoke behind him.
“I thought I’d find you here.”
Niko didn’t turn around as Rosethorn came to stand beside him. He didn’t want to see to see his grief mirrored in her eyes. They stood in silence for a time, which, if not comfortable, was at least not uncomfortable.
“He shouldn’t have gotten sick,” Rosethorn said abruptly. Now Niko did look at her. No one had been this frank with him since the plague and he found he welcomed it. “He was the most careful of any of us. He never went anywhere without his gloves and mask. It was a accidental spill – a stupid, stupid accident.”
Rosethorn’s voice cracked on the last word and she brushed a hand across her eyes. Niko laid a hand on her arm and she gripped it tightly.
“I’m sorry Niko. You don’t want to hear this, not from me.”
Niko shook his head. “No,” he said softly. “It’s alright. You loved him too and it’s good to remember him, even if it hurts.”
Rosethorn smiled wanly. “At least he was able to do some good before he went. We can remember that, when everything else is too painful.”
Niko inclined his head slightly and they both fell silent, gazing with linked arms at the erstwhile home of their beloved friend.
Rating: PG-13
Summary: What would have happened if the pox had splashed someone who didn't have anyone to follow him into death?
Warning: References character death.
Notes: Written for Decathlon's AU Hammer Throw, but not finished in time.
Niko crested the hill near Winding Circle and reined in his horse. He gazed at the Temple below with sombre eyes. It never got any easier, no matter how much time passed. He needed this moment to collect himself; to prepare.
This was the longest he’d been away since the plague. As much as he was still needed in Summersea, it hurt to stay too long. He knew he should be grateful that everyone was so understanding and didn’t pester him with questions, but sometimes the pity in their eyes had a sharper sting than their kind, but misplaced, words.
Niko sighed. He knew he couldn’t loiter on the hill forever. He was already feeling guilty for how often he was leaving Tris and Moonstream’s sympathy could only stretch so far.
***
The first few days weren’t so bad. Niko kept busy catching up on Tris’ lessons and meeting with Moonstream and occasionally the Duke. But the meeting of the Dedicate’s Council on the third day almost broke him. He carefully avoided looking at the empty chair and escaped as soon as it was over.
Later that evening he found himself outside the greenhouse. He had known it would only be a matter of time before he ended up there, but the sight of it – cold, dark, empty – still took his breath away.
He wasn’t sure how long he’d stood there, gazing listlessly at the empty building, when someone spoke behind him.
“I thought I’d find you here.”
Niko didn’t turn around as Rosethorn came to stand beside him. He didn’t want to see to see his grief mirrored in her eyes. They stood in silence for a time, which, if not comfortable, was at least not uncomfortable.
“He shouldn’t have gotten sick,” Rosethorn said abruptly. Now Niko did look at her. No one had been this frank with him since the plague and he found he welcomed it. “He was the most careful of any of us. He never went anywhere without his gloves and mask. It was a accidental spill – a stupid, stupid accident.”
Rosethorn’s voice cracked on the last word and she brushed a hand across her eyes. Niko laid a hand on her arm and she gripped it tightly.
“I’m sorry Niko. You don’t want to hear this, not from me.”
Niko shook his head. “No,” he said softly. “It’s alright. You loved him too and it’s good to remember him, even if it hurts.”
Rosethorn smiled wanly. “At least he was able to do some good before he went. We can remember that, when everything else is too painful.”
Niko inclined his head slightly and they both fell silent, gazing with linked arms at the erstwhile home of their beloved friend.
Maybe once we'd have seen it during Smackdown!