Before the Last Snow

Chapter 18: Se pondrá mejor (It will get better)

It is 6 in the evening and although this is the most wonderful time for dinner, it isn't today. Crystal has been dreading to get out of her quarters, Nebula is filled with shame to the brink of tears, Hedwig is confused by his own actions earlier in the day, and Lurnara has been trying to get everyone for dinner.

She knocked at Crystal's door first, unaware of the storm brooding inside of her friend's soul.

"Crystal? It's almost dinnertime. I was wondering if we shou-"

"That will not be necessary, Lurnara. I think I might sleep early."

"But you have not eaten a single bite of food since breakfast!"

"Then I'd consider this a day of starving myself, to fit in my dresses I suppose."

"You silly lady! One mustn't starve themselves."

The numbing silence made its way through their conversation.

"Crys? Please, for the love of magic, speak to me. I know you're hurting and I cannot possibly see you this way!"

"Oh, Lurnara. Hurting is nothing new in my fate. Being betrayed, perhaps, is. Or not."

"What do you mean of that now?"

"Nothing that concerns you."

"So, will you come and join us, then?"

"Only if you promise me to not force a conversation amongst Neb and me, or Hedwig and I, for the matter."

"All right, I give you my word. Now, hurry. Food shouldn't be waited upon."

As she closed the door, Lurnara took a breath of relief, her chest puffed, she had no clue of how the dinner would go, just that it had to. She was well aware of what had happened earlier, but still confused about who to choose. On one hand, Lurnara had her childhood love and friend- Crystal, and the other hand was a motherly figure, Nebula. Although she was sure of their eventual reconciliation, she didn't know how long it would be. In her heart, she had made her mind to bring back the only man who could possibly reason the two women, Lexon. Yes, she would leave the next day and look for him. But, now she had to go to Nebula's. Another hard one, perhaps, because she lost some form of respect for the Queen Nebula.

"Nebula."

"Lurnara. What brings you here?"

"Dinner is ready. Come and eat something, pray."

"So, you've forgiven me?"

"Forgiven you? Nebula! I do not know of the intimacy you and Affron shared, but I know how much this hurt Crystal. I am not judging you for the actions you've done, I just need some time to understand why you did what you did. I hope you can respect that."

"I'm so sorry Lurnara. I will respect your decision here."

"Thank you. Now, please come and have dinner with us."

"Us?"

"Yes. Crystal is coming, I have yet to call Hedwig to the table."

"Does she feel upset still, with me?"

"I suppose, yes. I will not force any communication between the three of you, but I hope you initiate some. I really hope you do."

"Thank you, Lurnara. I will be there in a few moments."

And so, the hard ones were convinced. Onto Hedwig, now. Lurnara opened Hedwig's door only to find vacancy there, and rotten smell of old unwashed socks. She didn't wish to go into the smelly quarters, but she assumed Hedwig was inside and thus, it was necessary.

"Oh, Lord, why does this man never wash his socks? Hedwig? Hello? Are you here?"She said, in a singing tone. He wasn't there, after all.

"Oh, well. I suppose I must look for him elsewhere."

As she further entered the room, her eyes noticed something peculiar. Or someone, rather.

Hedwig was standing, in front of the mirror, staring at himself. He was pondering about what he did to Crystal, what he was going to do to all of them soon. His heart was aching as if someone had placed a rock on it. He could tell the battle was to come soon and he had to be ready! He had been preparing for this very day since the beginning, but somewhere in his half dark soul was a part of light still left. The bliss from Crystal's company, from being in a real family somehow, broke through his thick, dark skins. He was beginning to care for the very people he swore to destroy, no, he was beginning to love them.

His foggy thoughts were strayed by Lurnara's gaping mouth. Wouldn't you want to know why she was doing that? Oh, well. The man was without a shirt, of course!

The fragility between their glances, verbal cues, and subtle hints could have led to steamy moments or awkward ones. Embarrassment was sure either way. So, when the slight gap of decision and spontaneity came upon the two, Lurnara very wisely made it an awkward one. 

"Oh, sorry. It's ju- Dinner's ready. I thought it best for everyone to try and eat together this night"

"Right. If you would give me a moment, I will be right there with you.""Yes, of course. Sorry again about earlier."

"No you're alright, please. Things like that happen all the time, no need to feel ashamed of it. It's just human nature, Lurnara."

She began exiting the room when Hedwig interrupted, "Oh, will Nebula and Crystal be there?"

"Yes, I was able to convince them somehow."

"That will be one interesting dinner, then," he smirked at her.

"Yes, it will."

A/n

yay! i updated everyone! I have begun to enjoy writing again :)

ALSO we're closing on the BIG point in this book. The climax is coming ahhhhhhhhhhh

Characters are going to die, love relationships gone, heroes will turn braver, some will turn evil. I don't think y'all are ready for what's going to come, but I sure am!