I Said My Goodbyes [VT/10/Open]

.// olesa eilowyn victore

"Hurry up, Aedara!"

Olesa's irritated voice rang out loud and clear, sound waves travelling to every corner in the Victore house. She was standing just one step in front of the door, one movement from leaving her sister. One look outside the frosted window panes, and you could see that it was another gray day. The large, low-lying clouds were dipped in their usual grey color, bringing in thoughts of thunderstorm and strong gusts of winds whipping from every direction. She was determined to get out of the house before the raindrops once again were released from the heavy clouds in a fury. Mindlessly, she ran a hand through her hair, brushed a hundred times and now gleamed and reflected the minimum light coming from the windows and the fluorescent light overhead. Remembering that time wherein she rode Luna out on a rainy day and her hair became frizzy and disgustingly wet, she shot another scowl at Aedara, who was now taking her time going down the stairs. "What?" Her elder sister smirked.

The annoyed young Victore girl took no other second to reply and headed out the door, and clutched her brown leather jacket closer to her body that she was literally pulling two sides across her torso. Despite another sweater and a shirt underneath her already thick jacket, the frigid temperature still managed to make her shiver, goosebumps appearing regardless of how many times she rub both her hands to create friction and hopefully warming it. She gritted her teeth together in order to prevent in from chattering, and watched as a cloud of breath came out from her mouth. It had snowed last night and topped with rain the morning earlier, and so a thin sheet of ice covered mostly the entire ranch. The trees were stripped bare of their their dying red and brown crisp leaves, now crushed into bits and drowning beneath the layer of ice that covered the ground. Some icicles now adorn the lifeless branches, glinting whatever light that it may reflect. One tiny icicle, not so sharp with its circular point, was in an alarming position that it may drop, and she found herself wishing that it would drop on Aedara's head. Not to cause serious injury, but enough to pick up her turtle-like pace.

What was she doing anyway? Why was she going out in this bone-chilling day? Why was she riding Luna out in dangerous surfaces? Why? Olesa took a deep breath and imagined the icy air energize her lungs, and not freezing every molecule of it. She need not ask why.

The crackly television groaned out static whispers in frustration, and she inhaled sharply, as if commanding the old gadget to clear the black spots hovering all over the screen. It didn't fully work, seeing the pixelated spots remained, but it gradually thinned down to obscure dots. It hadn't got the best state to view the finale, but it was fine.

Everyone in the Victore household was sitting down at the lone couch, all eyes on the final episode of the Hunger Games. It was between Mace Emberstatt and that District Three guy. Sawyer, she remembered the name, mostly because of Aedara's never-stopping shouts of support for the guy. She wanted to plop her fist down her sister's head. What was she doing, supporting the other Districts anyway? But she could tell Mace was winning. He would. He should.

Mace was the eldest Emberstatt brother, and frankly she was surprised that Cygnus hadn't volunteered for his place during the Reaping. Mace may be the violent one in others' eyes, but she knew Cygnus was, well, more fit for the Games. Cygnus... she squeezed her eyes shut, stopping the memories before they come running in again. "Olesa?" She heard Aedara say. "It's nothing." She snapped quickly and opened her eyes.

Mace Emberstatt has won.

It was the day of the Victor Presentation, that's why. Her riding boots walked gingerly on the delicate ice, careful not to slide on the slippery area and slip, or worse, break her back. She reached Luna, who had her reins tied on the gate post. The gates were open, ready for when they were already to leave. She ran a hand on Luna's white, cold body and smiled. Untying the reins, she clasped tight on them until Aedara had mounted herself on top of her horse. It was no hard feat for her, considering she was the fortunate one between the two of them once in was about the height department. "What are you waiting for? I'm freezing," She held out her hand for Olesa to take, knowing she needed a box within these times. Olesa rolled her eyes and grasped the offer, sitting in front of her sister.

The ride was uneventful. Thank Ripred there's no rain or snow. Pulling Luna's reins, the white steed stopped it's clacking hooves against the cobblestone pavement of the Town Square. She had seen the other Districts' town squares during the broadcasted Reapings and it was admittedly more grand that theirs'. But this time it was more presentable, with streamers hanging from above and the stage decorated more festively, with flowers from Eleven. They were one of the early ones, and there were only a handful of people around. She slowly got down from Luna, and tied her reins to a post as tight as she can. Although Ten was a farming district, some were still inclined to steal from others', because its costs less that way.

They both made their way near the stage, clutching to the hems of their jackets, as if tugging will add more heat. The atmosphere was getting more thick now, and she glanced up at the sky, desperately wishing for the sun to come out from where it was hiding. She decided that the Victor would come out later, craned her neck behind her and scanned the crowd, the ones who braved this crazy weather. Her eyes passed by strangers whom she knew nothing about, and some who she have seen in the market, until she locked eyes with someone. Someone who sent guilt banging down her heart's door. With each rap came every bit of the ability to blink. She can't blink ― or look away ― now. Cygnus. So many words that were never said and she found herself wishing for his touch once again. Stop it. You're the one who messed it up. Stop wishing for a chance to rewind your mistakes. You're done. She tried desperately to lift the corner of her lips until her eyes drifted to the girl beside her. Clutching his hand. Her gaze stayed there for a good three seconds, until she could feel her chest caving in, making it hard for her to breath. With a swift turn of her head, she gulped for what seemed was a large lump and focused on the opening door. "You know what they say, you only know what you have until you lose them," Aedara mumbled, eyes straight ahead. Olesa kept her gaze straight, despite her questioning eyes. Aedara knows.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, not caring whether Aedara will comment once again. She didn't care. She didn't care. I don't care. Not at all. I don't. I―Are you sure? She opened her eyes. I don't. I don't. The Victor was now on the stage, and the crowd had grown thicker.

She tried to smile. I do care. For Mace.