never to meet again

OLIVER

Within the eye, mysteries of the soul burn deeply beneath the fiery chasms of love

and patiently wait for an awakening

It may seem like a short time to Loren, but a season was long. It was so long to be apart and Oliver wasn't sure if he'd even be able to maintain any kind of communication with his friend. Already it felt incredibly strained now that Loren had moved to Halo, but being literally unable to see his friend for an entire season felt like too much. Oliver knew Loren was strong... but bad things always came from nowhere and it could easily get either or both of them.

The hand against his shoulder only helped somewhat, grounding Oliver and giving him the closest thing to a hug he'd probably get out of Loren. "I cant go to Halo- I cant just leave everyone here. Already I'm doing a horrible thing by considering to not stay around and help during LongNight... I have to stay here for as long as I can to help prepare." It wasn't an attack against Loren, far from it, it was an attack against himself. He had a duty to fulfill and it meant that he would have to stay here, rather than joining his friend in Halo.

His words struck Oliver in the heart and he shook his head, biting down on his lip and hoping that Loren couldn't see the pain on his face, the worry and fear in his eyes. "And... what if it is? I have to make sure that I say something to you... I don't want to lose you, Loren." And I don't want to die. It went unsaid that Oliver feared death, feared dying alone without those he felt closest to. Already, it seemed that his life was shifting. Losing friends he felt safe around and instead becoming a protector himself with no one to save him. "Please just- take this box. If I die... open it, otherwise leave it shut." He held out the box with one hand, the other reaching down to give Astra a light rub on her head, seeking the comfort of someone.