Elizabeth
Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Elizabeth tries to think about how hard that might be, to be so close yet so far. And for someone so young, she can't imagine it would make things any easier. She doesn't know the reasoning for their separation, but if Theea doesn't want to reach out - or can't - then all Elizabeth can do is be supportive. Smiling softly, the warm heat of her gaze settles on the young woman to imbue her with strength. "I'm sure some days will be harder than others but keep that thought in your heart. You are never alone." Even if her mom isn't near enough to feel her presence, just the knowledge of her possible proximity could act as a placebo to strengthen Theea.
Then she's launching into tales of her parent's interactions, the playfulness, the joy. Her own smile brightens, easily picturing a happy couple that dotes on their daughter and finds every chance to make her cringe with the depths of their affection. It's enough to make her heart ache with admiration for what they'd had. "That's adorable. They must have really loved each other." And it explains the intensity of her mother's loss.
Her voice softens, soothing and reassuring in her emotions. "It's okay to miss him. It just shows how much he meant to you." Elizabeth offers a gentle hand on Theea's shoulder, kind in the offering of validation. "Those little things may hurt, but they're gifts that remind you of all the beautiful memories you built together." Because at least she'd had those moments - had developed enough of a connection for it to matter.
On lighter topics, Theea's confession makes Elizabeth laugh, warm and carefree as she pictures the two of them tangled like schoolgirls at a sleep over. "That's okay. I get cold anyways." Despite all her time in Halo, she still finds herself wearing heavy jackets in moderate weather and wanting five thick blankets on her bed when she sleeps. "Although if it gets to be too much, I'll just give you a little shock." It's a joke, and she gives Theea a playful wink to indicate as much, even as she raises a hand to show a series of tiny sparks darting across her fingertips.
Taking the tenth 'thanks' with a light grin, Elizabeth just nods her head and lowers her hand. "Yep! The Observatory has multiple functions: stargazing, shrine, skyport. It's a really versatile building." She goes to stand, offering Theea a hand and a twinkle in her brown eyes. "And if you want to get a ride to Torchline, you're more than welcome to join me in the morning, but we should probably get some sleep. It'll be a long trip for both of us." Her destination may be farther, but Theea's will most likely involve work, and that makes everything feel twice as long.
Then she's launching into tales of her parent's interactions, the playfulness, the joy. Her own smile brightens, easily picturing a happy couple that dotes on their daughter and finds every chance to make her cringe with the depths of their affection. It's enough to make her heart ache with admiration for what they'd had. "That's adorable. They must have really loved each other." And it explains the intensity of her mother's loss.
Her voice softens, soothing and reassuring in her emotions. "It's okay to miss him. It just shows how much he meant to you." Elizabeth offers a gentle hand on Theea's shoulder, kind in the offering of validation. "Those little things may hurt, but they're gifts that remind you of all the beautiful memories you built together." Because at least she'd had those moments - had developed enough of a connection for it to matter.
On lighter topics, Theea's confession makes Elizabeth laugh, warm and carefree as she pictures the two of them tangled like schoolgirls at a sleep over. "That's okay. I get cold anyways." Despite all her time in Halo, she still finds herself wearing heavy jackets in moderate weather and wanting five thick blankets on her bed when she sleeps. "Although if it gets to be too much, I'll just give you a little shock." It's a joke, and she gives Theea a playful wink to indicate as much, even as she raises a hand to show a series of tiny sparks darting across her fingertips.
Taking the tenth 'thanks' with a light grin, Elizabeth just nods her head and lowers her hand. "Yep! The Observatory has multiple functions: stargazing, shrine, skyport. It's a really versatile building." She goes to stand, offering Theea a hand and a twinkle in her brown eyes. "And if you want to get a ride to Torchline, you're more than welcome to join me in the morning, but we should probably get some sleep. It'll be a long trip for both of us." Her destination may be farther, but Theea's will most likely involve work, and that makes everything feel twice as long.
There is beauty in the journey, regardless of the outcome.
Let's grieve and hope and fight together.
Let's grieve and hope and fight together.
