flora
For a moment—just a breath—hope flutters up in Flora’s chest. It catches her off guard, light and foolish and so deeply hers, as Sohalia begins to speak. The words brighten something in her, casting light into corners that Jack’s absence has left in ruin. If Soh’s not going to lead, does that mean she might stay in Torchline...?
But then—I’ll still serve on his council—and just like that, the hope folds back in on itself. Not cruelly, just quietly. Soft and inevitable as the tide pulling back to sea. Still, Flora forces a smile as she listens, every part of her heart aching and blooming at once. Because she is happy for Soh. She is. And this is what love looks like, isn’t it? Choosing to hold space for someone else's joy, even when it leaves your arms empty.
She inhales gently, pressing it down, and reaches out to squeeze her friend’s hand. "I’m really glad you put yourself first," she says softly, her voice still thick from earlier tears, but steadier now. "I know that wasn’t easy. At all, especially for you."
Her thumb brushes against Soh’s knuckles, the gesture grounding as much as it is affectionate. "But honestly, maybe now…maybe it’ll be easier for you to help Stormbreak, y'know? Without all of that weight on your shoulders." A pause, and her smile turns faintly wry. "You can still guide the city, but now you’ll be able to breathe while doing it." Now that every single decision and puzzle piece wasn't solely up to Soh.
But then—I’ll still serve on his council—and just like that, the hope folds back in on itself. Not cruelly, just quietly. Soft and inevitable as the tide pulling back to sea. Still, Flora forces a smile as she listens, every part of her heart aching and blooming at once. Because she is happy for Soh. She is. And this is what love looks like, isn’t it? Choosing to hold space for someone else's joy, even when it leaves your arms empty.
She inhales gently, pressing it down, and reaches out to squeeze her friend’s hand. "I’m really glad you put yourself first," she says softly, her voice still thick from earlier tears, but steadier now. "I know that wasn’t easy. At all, especially for you."
Her thumb brushes against Soh’s knuckles, the gesture grounding as much as it is affectionate. "But honestly, maybe now…maybe it’ll be easier for you to help Stormbreak, y'know? Without all of that weight on your shoulders." A pause, and her smile turns faintly wry. "You can still guide the city, but now you’ll be able to breathe while doing it." Now that every single decision and puzzle piece wasn't solely up to Soh.
& someone else lights up the room; people love an ingénue
will you still want me when i'm nothing new?
will you still want me when i'm nothing new?
