(Y/n) had been on the road home for a few days. She had officially lost track of time, but she couldn't yet say that she didn't care whether or not if she made it back; their court day had to be coming up soon, and she wouldn't let Oryn go to prison by himself.
Still, she was cold and too tired to look around. She had a general sense of where she was headed, as she recognized her surrounding from the way there, but hypothermia was getting the best of her, and it was only a matter of time before she passed out.
It was in the dead center of winter, the worst time of the year. Blizzards had a good chance of occurring, and most stayed inside. The weather was quite unpredictable, with some days being sunny, and others being hazardous. (Y/n) staggered down the road. Her head sounded as dead silent as the unmoving air around her, which was a big change compared to what she was used to; the relentless ringing. The only downside to this was that she no longer had powers, which meant when it came to self-defense or staying warm, she was absolutely bare.
(Y/n) hugged herself tightly, wrapping her arms around her worn down dress, and keeping her eyes trained on her shoes, whose soles were starting to wear away from the sandpaper snow. If she cried, asking for help, her tears would freeze on her face, and the sound of her wailing would be drowned out by the howling of snow bearing down on her. (Y/n)'s body shuddered so violently that she felt like she couldn't breathe. Trying to think of a way to warm herself up, she hugged herself tighter.
Picking up her pace, she tried her best to break into a run. It was difficult, due to the cold slowing down her movements, but after a while of running, it started to work. Finally, she reached Castle Town, seeing the welcome sign up ahead. She cried out in happiness, jumping up and down.
Running forward, she knew she had only about an hour left until she reached the castle, but she knew she could probably make it. Trying her best not to sink in the snow, she covered her eyes with one of her arms, shielding herself from any oncoming snow. Her matted hair flapped in the wind like a dried out rag on a clothesline.
To tough it out, (Y/n) thought of things other than her tired legs and the cold. She thought back to her days on the farm, trying hard to remember Cora.
"(Y/n)! Let's go on a ride, yeah?" The younger version of herself nodded at Cora, giving the blonde freckled girl a wide smile and chasing after her toward the horse pen.
Opening the gate, Cora held it open and (Y/n) followed after. They saddled up, then directed the horses toward the wooded area off of the farm. Along the way, Cora and (Y/n) conversed about the future.
"I'm turning seventeen soon... I was thinking about going to work at the castle as a maid," Cora confessed. (Y/n), not much older than Cora, sadly looked at her.
"When do you plan to go?" Cora stared forward, her expression wonderous and dreamful.
"I want to leave on the day of my birthday. I'm sick of this place, I just wanna go out and see the world and live my life, ya know? I can't stay here on the farm for the rest of my life hoping that Ben across the street will like me. I'm ready to move on," Cora explained. (Y/n) looked away and faced forward, nodding.
(Y/n) thought about how she'd cope with Cora's siblings without Cora there. She wouldn't know were to go if she had to leave, though...
"Come on, (Y/n). Don't you ever wish of finding your prince?" Cora asked. (Y/n) moved her hand to her chin in thought, still steering the horse.
"I have too much on my mind to think about relationships. I suppose it would be nice if I could think about that stuff, though." Cora giggled.
"You should loosen up. You're always so tense, silly," the younger girl teased. (Y/n) looked over at Cora with a smile.
"I'll try."
(Y/n) thought hard again, thinking back, and the scene in her head changed to a large farm, with tables and balloons set out. Many people were standing around eating and talking, but Cora was nowhere to be seen.
(Y/n) made her way around the farm, looking for her friend. (Y/n) was afraid that the girl had already left without saying goodbye, but she knew that Cora wasn't that kind of person.
(Y/n) went to the tree behind the house, which was aways away from everybody. There, she saw Cora standing next to her horse, petting its nose. On the horse were a few travel cases and a saddle. (Y/n) approached Cora.
"Hey, birthday girl." Cora looked up and spotted (Y/n) walking toward her. Cora smiled sadly.
"Hey, (Y/n)," Cora greeted. She looked back down, trying to hide the tears coming to her eyes. The bubbly girl barely ever cried in front of anyone, but (Y/n) still patted her back despite her surprise.
"Have you said goodbye to everyone yet?" (Y/n) asked. Cora nodded.
"I decided you'd be the last since you're my best friend," Cora laughed out weakly. (Y/n) frowned and nodded understandingly.
"Well, can I tell you a few things before you go?"
The younger girl nodded, looking up at (Y/n) with teary eyes.
"Cor, you're like a little sister to me. Since the first day I stayed here, you've always been there for me, and so now that it's your last day, I'm going to be here for you. I love you as if you were my family, and I promise that no matter where I go or what I do I will never forget what you have done for me." (Y/n) said as Cora quickly wiped away the tears that wouldn't stop falling. "I know you are excited about leaving, so I want you to promise me that you'll make sure to have the time of your life out there. Go live the life you've always wanted, and don't give yourself any regrets, okay? I love you, Cora."
Cora sobbed and hugged (Y/n) tightly, and the older girl hugged her back. "I'm gonna miss you so much. Let's meet again someday, yeah?" (Y/n) nodded, and let go of Cora.
Cora got on her horse and gave (Y/n) a bittersweet smile before riding off down the road. As Cora rode away, (Y/n) walked out to the road, and cupped her hands to her mouth, shouting, "Goodbye, Cora! I won't forget you!"
(Y/n) knew Cora smiled as her own tears started to fall, dampening the loose gravel.
(Y/n) wiped her tears as she ran, hurriedly. She immediately regretted how she had yelled at Cora, and knew that the first person she apologized to would be her old friend. (Y/n) didn't know why Cora didn't explain to (Y/n) who she was, but there was probably a reasonable explanation for it.
Finally, she reached the castle. It turned out to be about two hours of off and on running, and it was already pretty dark out. The moon shone onto the snow, which glittered back in response as (Y/n) approached the looming building and opened its doors thanks to the guards standing outside.
Making her way up to her room, she noticed Oryn's door was slightly cracked, and the light was on. She walked over and opened the door fully, seeing Oryn and Ellis sitting in chairs and talking. Oryn looked up and noticed (Y/n), immediately jumping up and running over to the pale, shivering girl.
"Oh gosh, I'm so sorry, baby," Oryn comforted as soon as he took her into his arms. "Let's get you warm, okay?" He guided her over to the bed, tucking her into the thick bedsheets, and grabbed her some hot tea that was on the table between Ellis and Oryn. Oryn put the tea up to her mouth, helping her gulp it down to warm her body. As soon as she felt a touch of warmness, she slid into a deep sleep.
___
When (Y/n) opened her eyes, it was midday through the next day. Oryn was next to her, already awake but refusing to leave the bed. A hot breakfast was already ready next to them, its nice aroma finding its way into (Y/n)'s nose. As soon as Oryn noticed she was awake, he put his hand on her cheek and rubbed it, seeing some of the color was back in her face. (Y/n) groaned and sat up a little, looking at the breakfast and hearing her stomach growl loudly.
"Gimme that," (Y/n) ordered, and Oryn gave the meal to her. She ate away, gobbling up a few bites, before realizing that she was already full. After a long time of not eating, her stomach couldn't handle a lot of food at once. She pushed the food away from her, and Oryn put it to the side.
"Do you need anything? What were you thinking?" He asked, all at once.
"Where are Ellis and Cora?" Oryn looked at (Y/n) with a worried face.
"I don't think it's smart to see them after what-"
"No, I need to see them," (Y/n) announced, cutting him off. Oryn nodded, giving in.
"Stay here."
Oryn left, leaving (Y/n) to look around the room. It was in disarray, clothes across the floor, and there was a hole in the wall (presumably from someone punching it). (Y/n) grimaced and scratched her matted hair. Man, she really needed a wash.
Finally, Oryn came into the room with Ellis and Cora after about ten minutes. Cora had a guilty and scared look on her face, while Ellis simply looked deadpan. They both sat down in the chairs near the bed, and Oryn took a seat at the edge of the bed facing (Y/n).
"What did you need, (Y/n)?" Cora asked timidly. (Y/n) looked up at both Ellis and Cora.
"I'm sorry. I need to apologize for what I did to all of you, because it was uncalled for, and honestly was fueled by emotions that I shouldn't have even had towards any of you. I had a lot of rage kept in my heart, and I've finally learned to let it go. Cora, you were a really good friend to me when I needed you most, and I owe you my life, so I really regret saying the things I did to you. Ellis, I came to the realization while I was away that you and I are a lot alike in some ways. I misunderstood you as people misunderstand me, and that's my fault. I really should have taken the time to get to know you before judging your whole being. And Oryn, I shouldn't have hurt your brother. I didn't take into consideration that it would hurt you too, which as selfish of me. I'm really sorry, guys." (Y/n) finished. Ellis's face looked shocked. Cora made her way over to (Y/n) and wrapped her arms around her.
"I'm sorry, (Y/n), I'm really really sorry. I was stuck about telling you about your past because nobody was supposed to say anything. I still think of you as my big sister, though," Cora said softly. Ellis looked slightly confused.
"Hey, (Y/n)," Ellis muttered. Everyone looked at Ellis. "I'm sorry too. I think I misunderstood you, and I said and did some things that I really shouldn't have. You and I both know that shit from the past makes you do stupid things, but that doesn't make us bad people. I think it's best for both of us if we start over and build a real friendship, yeah?"
(Y/n) nodded, and smiled at Ellis. Oryn ruffled (Y/n)'s knotted hair. "I guess since we're all apologizing, I'll apologize for yelling at you. You know I love you, silly girl," Oryn apologized with a soft voice. (Y/n) grinned at him.
"I love you too." (Y/n) paused, remembering something that happened while she was gone. "By the way, two things: I lost my powers, and-" Ellis cut her off.
"Wait, what? How'd that-"
Then, Oryn cut Ellis off. "Let her finish, Ellis!"
Ellis nodded and (Y/n) continued.
"I found your family will, Oryn."
YOU ARE READING
One Eye ||| M.Tsundere x F.Reader
Romance"I thought I told you my room is off-limits." Being pinned up against the wall of Oryn's room was the last thing (Y/n) wanted. After all, she did come here to snoop. ❦❦❦ (Y/n) gets thrown into the mess of a royal family when a prince becomes fascina...
