regency au } { of saying goodbye and leaving friends

[impetere]

Stiles: I don't have much to pack, you realize.

Cora: Still. I'm sure you're anxious to get back to your family. I will help it go faster.

Stiles: I am but... at the same time it is hard to leave.

Cora: [nods, glancing down at what her hands are doing as she does] We will all miss you. But family is important. You should be with them.

Stiles: Until you took me to Austria, m'lady... you were all the family I had. That is why this is so hard.

Cora: [she smiles softly at that] Perhaps. But sometimes family has to do things that are hard to make sure they do what's best for those they care for.

Stiles: [nods] I guess I will start to learn more about these kinds of things now.

Cora: [nods] I'm sure you'll love it there. Austria is beautiful.

Stiles: It will at least be a bit warmer. [smiles]

Cora: [laughs] That is true.

Stiles: [he looks over at her, biting his lip. But no, it's still not the right time to tell her. His uncle and father have a plan. He has to go with the plan] You will write to me though? Tell me how things go with your sister and brother?

Cora: [nods with a small smile] Of course. You are still my friend - that won't change.

Stiles: Good. I don't want to lose that. [smiles] And maybe I could see if I can tag along with my new cousins when they accompany the knights to tourney.

Cora: Yes! Then we could see each other there. I would like that.

Stiles: Of course, I would need to remember how to dance.

Cora: It's easier than it seems.

Stiles: I'm sure, but make sure you wear strong shoes just in case.

Cora: I will.

Stiles: [and it's not a lot of things at all. He looks at the single trunk, then her] I was thinking... I know you don't have many horses and if you wish... you could keep Thor.

Cora: [glances over to him] He's your horse, Stiles. I wouldn't want to take him from you.

Stiles: Technically, he's yours. Lord Peter bought him. I just care for him.

Cora: But you ride him the most. You should take him. [small smile] And when you spend time with him, you can think of me.

Stiles: Alright. [bites his lips] I'm going to miss you most. Don't tell Lady Malia that.

Cora: Your secret is safe with me.

Stiles: [deep breath] I guess this is goodbye for now.

Cora: [nods, before giving him another small smile] Until we see each other again, then.

Stiles: [he wants to hug her, but he knows it's not proper, so he gives her a small bow and goes to pick up his small trunk to carry it out where his uncle and the small caravan are waiting. Scott has already saddled up Thor, and they say their goodbyes as the trunk is loaded onto the carriage with his uncle inside]

Cora: [since she's already said her goodbyes, she'll just return to her room and try not to think about how much this hurts. Putting a name on it makes it real and she can't have it be real]

Stiles: [and then he will be gone, off to get a whirlwind education on being a proper noble and heir to a family]

Cora: [and Cora will slowly pick herself up and let things get back to normal]