Exdeath
Tonberry
All returns to the Void...
Posts: 44
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Post by Exdeath on Aug 11, 2012 19:50:30 GMT -5
The sun began to drift below the horizon in the distance, casting an orange and purple hue over the sparse clouds that covered the skies across the flat-lands. Various clusters of trees blanketed the earth as far as the eye could see. At times it was separated by large rivers of water that flowed to the south in sprawling webs of blue. One could only imagine the immense time it took for nature to carve these life-bringing tears into the land. A large silhouette rose out of the trees suddenly like an ominous and unnatural obstruction which towered over the serene environment.
It was Castle Baron. A magnificent and imposing structure of stone and wood, housing the kingdom and the market area. The town sprawled out before it's gates and had grown since the Merge. There were cleared fields around the castle that sprawled out for a decent amount of space. Oh how it had changed since the old days.
Kain Highwind stood motionless against the forward mast. The navigation specialist seemed a bit restless as he seemed to shuffle his head about with a bit of tension. It was obvious they were close to home. It had been nearly seven months since they last stepped foot upon the familiar ground they called home. The spotter yelled out the report all wished to hear for so long. "Baron, due North Commander!" Kain remained silent for a moment before making his way to the stairs leading up to the helm. As the Holy Dragoon ascended them, his gaze moved over the bow and took in the sight he longed for so long. They were home after all this time. His grip tightened upon his lance expectantly.
The staging area for the airships was commissioned just outside the town beyond the general populace. The force had grown in numbers and now exceeded the previous 'high' before the events regarding Golbez. As they made their approach, Kain could make out the front of Castle Baron in the distance. The large doors were opening to reveal the contingent of soldiers being deployed to welcome the Red Wing unit. His voice finally emerged loud and clear; holding a strong and commanding tone that seemed to reach everyone aboard. "Prepare to disembark. We are home..." All of the men responded in unison as a powerful and collective, 'Yes sir!' sounded.
The cross-winds barraged Kain as the airship began to descend. At their flanks the others followed quickly. The updraft sent the tail of his helm up into the air, revealing the long blonde hair beneath which seemed to flutter elegantly in the breeze. His ears caught the muffled yells of the Red Wings to the rear of the ship as they called out miniscule adjustments to the helmsman. The whirr of the engines deepened as the RPM of the rotors lessened. When they touched down, the supports creaked slightly from the weight applied. Others touched down to their sides with an easy approach. Everything went smoothly. It almost felt too perfect; as if something should have happened. This long peace they have encountered wasn't normal to Kain. Constant conflict had racked his youth and now left him with an internal thirst for a reason to fight again.
For now he would remain calm and hold his post. The engines began to cease operation one by one all around, until nothing but the clamor of armor and wood was heard. Men ran to and fro as they prepared to disembark the airship. Kain turned with a faster pace toward the boarding plank that now lowered itself to the ground. The navigation specialist and his 2nd Lt. moved into pace behind him. Others lined up behind them as a small operating unit. The group descended the plank quickly; bringing the approaching welcome party into view. Kain made his way up to the dirt road that lined the Airship keep before halting his unit in wait. The other crews began to lower their planks at this point and began to exit in a similar fashion. All were silent and knew that was how Kain wished it to be. His version of discipline was instilled in every man under his command and would be such as long as he lived.
Thoughts began to roam his mind. Cecil, Rosa, Ceodore. What had changed in his lengthened absence? Usually the welcome party was a small unit accompanied by Cecil Harvey himself. This looked larger and not as extravagant as his old friend usually liked.
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meliarna
Cactuar
By the Elder Dragon..!
Posts: 9
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Post by meliarna on Aug 12, 2012 0:00:49 GMT -5
Meliarna had donned her blue and gold armor, helmet resting over her eyes. Seven months since Kain had left, and now he was returning. So much had changed in those months; she’d taken up the mantle of Commander, wearing the ceremonial cape over her right shoulder, glimmering spear resting in her left hand with the red summon spirit’s essence in its iron cage at the base.
A slow wind breezed through the courtyard as two Dragoons flanked their Commander, who looked radiant in her armor. Long red hair was undone and flowing to the side as the wind carried it, and when Kain stepped down and looked around, expecting the Royal Family, the Dragoons stood at attention, spears at their sides. Meliarna herself straightened as well, coming to a salute as well. Technically they were the same rank now, but he’d been her Commander for so long it was hard for old habits to die.
Moving forward, the ceremonial cape shifted and she extended her arm to him for a greeting, as the traditional greeting was to grip each other’s wrists,
“Welcome home, Commander.” She spoke formally, dropping his arm after the initial greeting. Her voice had aged and deepened somewhat, though it still carried the lilting tone it always had. Raising her head somewhat, the helm would tilt upward to let him see her eyes, and they glinted in the torchlight,
“I am afraid the Royal Family is off on a diplomatic mission to Fabul. They left a few days ago; the King told me to convey his apologies that he could not be here himself, and thus asked me to stand in his place.” She gestured with her spear, “I assume you want to eat and rest before beginning the talks of what you have learned?” The woman questioned. In Cecil’s stead, she was handling the affairs of state that the Regent Cecil had appointed hadn’t done, such as speaking with Kain.
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Exdeath
Tonberry
All returns to the Void...
Posts: 44
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Post by Exdeath on Aug 12, 2012 0:31:46 GMT -5
Kain didn't recognize Meliarna at first as she approached. The armor of this person titled them a Commander like himself; which there was only one before. The Holy Dragoon took her arm with a rough and determined grip. Surprise took over him as her head tilted back and became immediately recognizable. The revelation left him bereft of words for a moment as she informed him of Cecil's absence. This worried him, for Fabul currently was in turmoil. The Crystal had been taken there and led to conflict with the surrounding 'new towns' of the merge. But this should be addressed later.
Kain replied immediately with a sense of purposeful surprise at her new rank, "Greetings....Commander. I believe we must speak of this diplomatic trip soon. Fabul is currently in hardship as we found in our own travels." Before they continued, Kain turned to the airship crew behind him and curtly said, "Dismissed." The group saluted before dispersing quickly in all directions. Some made their way back to the ship, most likely unloading their personal belongings. The Dragoon turned back to Meliarna and nodded in agreement to her suggestion. "I must say, I am excited to see someone such as yourself leading the Dragoons. My worries were for naught as to who it would be passed on to." His tone was deep and monotonous despite the apparent compliment. those who knew Kain well would know he meant well by it.
Kain started a slow pace past her as he laid eyes upon Castle Baron with a sense of humbleness creeping over him. It was refreshing to see this place again. "So what has happened here in my absence?" His gaze moved to her as he awaited her response. She had changed so much and seemed to have grown up so fast. The armor fit her well and she seemed to hold an inner pride over it despite her professional demeanor on the outside. There was a time when they were just children here in Baron and all but innocent despite the happenings with his father's demise. Her strength had grown over time and made her into what she was before him. Commander of the Dragoons.
As they moved through the main street leading up to Castle Baron, citizens stopped and stared with a familiar surprise. The Holy Dragoon and the Red Wings had returned. Their reputation here was positive at least. Elsewhere they encountered small skirmishes and made a bad reputation due to misunderstandings and quick-witted schemes. There were new horrors and delights that surprised them; technologies also were vastly superior with some of these places. Kain saw a way to advance the Kingdom of Baron to something more with these new opportunities. They had no choice as it was. The various political wars they came across and 'imperial' crusades worried him. Vastly superior numbers and weaponry would mow down their legendary forces with ease.
But for now, things were simple again.
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meliarna
Cactuar
By the Elder Dragon..!
Posts: 9
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Post by meliarna on Aug 12, 2012 1:32:20 GMT -5
The look of surprise on his face made her crack a tiny smile. So, he had apparently expected her to remain fifteen years old forever. Over twenty years and he -still- thought her a child. Her head tilted as he spoke, also with a minute tone of surprise in his otherwise monotonous voice, and her heart flipped as it always did when he was close by. Upon hearing of Fabul, the military mask was back in place, and she would dismiss her Dragoons as well,
“To your posts, friends. Commander Kain is clearly no threat.” The men chuckled before dispersing to their downtime. Turning to walk alongside him, she would chuckle to his words,
“Well, the ‘temporary’ Commander was being stupid and leading us to ruin, so the King bade me take Command. So .. I did. I’m glad I did .. These past few months have been the best ones of my life. I never thought I’d find my calling in a position of power.” As they walked, people stepped reverently out of the way. The two greatest Commanders of their time, aside from the High King himself, definitely cut two powerful figures as they walked. Kain, at six foot, towered over Meliarna and was intimidating as it was. Meliarna was shorter, but just as powerful, and the way she walked demanded respect.
She looked at him, then looked forward again,
“My scouts have seen .. Well, other scouts. There are neighboring kingdoms, Commander, and they are just as wary of us as we are of them. They are fortifying their defenses, but making no move to attack. So, we are doing the same. As we speak, the blacksmiths are making lighter but sturdier armor for the Dragoons and soldiers, stronger weapons, but yet we are no closer to finding out anything of this new world.” Her eyes looked to his, “I haven’t seen the Queen look as nervous in almost twenty years as I have these last few months. Though we had no knowledge of Fabul‘s hardships, else I would not have permitted them to go, royal family or no.”
At the castle, those milling about before the stairs stared at Kain. Gone many months, the man was a sight for sore eyes. The Red Wings, the pride of Baron, were the greatest accomplishment yet. Thus, the Baronians were proud to be associated with them, and to have them back was like having an old friend at your side once more. Cheers went up as recognition rippled through the crowd that had gathered, and some even bowed reverently. Meliarna smiled as they walked.
Entering the castle proper, the Dragoon Commander leaned against the wall and removed her helmet, breaching protocol for old time’s sake. Running her fingers through her hair, she focused her gaze on him,
“Are you all right, Kain?” She asked tiredly. On top of commanding the Dragoons, she’d also been worried for him as well, and had made no attempts at hiding it. Her blue eyes were ever iridescent, watching him with the look she’d given to many of her Dragoons. It bade no backtalk and demanded answers.
Baron was on the razor’s edge, and to have any foothold in this new world they would have to be at their best. To be the best was all the Baronians had ever known, and the Dragoons and Red Wings were the greatest warriors and fleet in the land. They would need Kain’s reconnaissance knowledge.
But for now .. She was just glad to see him again. The man she loved and who did not love her.
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Exdeath
Tonberry
All returns to the Void...
Posts: 44
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Post by Exdeath on Aug 12, 2012 2:27:58 GMT -5
Kain felt at ease and a bit overwhelmed by the amount of reverence the citizens showed the two as they moved. She spoke of political change and the path to her promotion. It would seem the people still held fast in his absence. Kain knew that Cecil would be more than able to handle himself with Ceodore at his side in Fabul if anything were to arise. The Commander remained silent as they entered the castle. She halted to remove her helm behind him as he stepped slowly forward in thought. With his back to her he finally spoke.
"The things that lay beyond these walls are of nothing I have seen before. Magic is more center-point and manipulated to do simple tasks that we would never think twice to do manually. Even the various military systems we came across. Their vessels outrun our airships with ease and their soldiers are armed with powerful weapons that make even the weakest of men into something worth fearing. We crossed blades with various privatized combatants who held their own selfish agendas. 'Pirates' would be an accurate term for them. They seem to think they own the skies now. I'm not sure if Baron will have as large a roll as we did before. It seems in order to compete with the powers that now roam these lands we will have to evolve the way this kingdom runs. Perhaps Cecil will see when he returns from Fabul. Already the foreigners poor into their markets and have completely changed the wares for sale and the faces you would usually never see roam the streets."
Kain Highwind lowered his head slightly as he reached up to his helm with a slow and meaningful sigh. As the Dragoon piece came loose in his hands, the long blonde hair revealed itself as it fell down the back of his armor. His fair complexion seemed to glow slightly in the torchlight that covered his form. Blue eyes slowly revealed themselves as he turned to face Meliarna. "This world....has changed far too quickly to have the ability to peacefully resolve the aftermath. There is a storm coming." His eyes were sincere and almost dreary despite the light blue shine that seemed to become even more vibrant in the light. "I must say despite what I have seen, I am glad to be home Meliarna. Nothing eases a mind like this."
The Dragoon slowly stepped toward her as he tilted his head slightly with a discrete smirk. She dropped the professional appearance as soon as they were out of sight and treated him like a regular person despite the traditions of the Dragoons. Kain appreciated the down-to-earth interaction at times. "I'm not sure what will happen with Baron, Meliarna. Whatever comes though, I am sure we will be ready." His helm was rested under his left arm casually, whilst the familiar lance remained wrapped in his right arm with the double-pike end tucked behind his shoulder.
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meliarna
Cactuar
By the Elder Dragon..!
Posts: 9
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Post by meliarna on Aug 12, 2012 7:17:52 GMT -5
Meliarna listened to him as the wind tousled her long hair, blue eyes never leaving him as he spoke. Both of them were world weary, and it showed in subtle ways. A sigh here, a wince there from an old wound, it could add up over time,
“Baron will always have a role to play, Kain, so long as we do not lose our way as we did during the days of the two moons. As for Fabul .. I doubt His Majesty will allow anything to befall the castle again as it did before. And you .. You don’t have to bear the world’s burdens on your shoulders anymore, Kain. You’re getting too old for that.” She teased tenderly.
He removed his helmet, and her heart skipped a beat again. The torchlight did cast an eerie glow on the man’s blonde hair and pale skin, and he did look like the Holy Dragoon that he was. She leaned her spear against the wall, feeling Bahamut’s questioning warble in her soul. Touching the spear, the summon was quieted at the knowledge that she was close by, and the woman would move a bit closer to him as he spoke, caught once again by the sheer blue of his eyes. Her smile was small, but serene and real,
“It is good to have you home. You have been in our thoughts and prayers, Kain.. Some more than others.” Her hand itched. She longed to touch him, like a mortal touching the god they’d worshipped all their lives. Listening to him speak, her heart ached for him. He loved Baron. It was his home, his everything, just as it was to her. Baron was, and forever would be the greatest nation in the world as long as they lived. Slowly she raised her hand, taking a chance on an old hope that had long since squashed itself, he brushed her soft fingers to his cheek, brushing a strap wisp of hair out of his eyes,
“We will be.. We’re Dragoons. It is what we do.”
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Exdeath
Tonberry
All returns to the Void...
Posts: 44
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Post by Exdeath on Aug 12, 2012 12:00:16 GMT -5
Kain listened to her speak with a bit of informal banter. The Dragooness approached him suddenly with a more personable swagger in her movement and watched the arm rise. The tips of her middle and index finger graced his cheek as she seemed to move a hair from his tired face. His own arm shot up as it grasped hers at the wrist gently. The blue eyes moved to meet hers as he immediately recognized that look. A grunt escaped him as he turned to pace once more, releasing her arm. "Meliarna, I have seen that look before in your eyes. It's been a long time but I would recognize it anywhere."
The Dragoon stopped at the base of the east stairs leading up into the interior of the castle. The spires were the tallest point in the castle and gave an incredible sight over the Kingdom of Fabul. "Rosa used to look at Cecil that very way..." His steps seemed to echo off the stone walls and accompanied the clank of his armor. The Dragoon moved up the staircase, pondering how to take what he just realized. As he entered the upper level, his eyes noticed the stationed guard who remained posted before the Hallway to the throne. They remained silent and still despite the long hours of post. Kain eyed the large wooden door leading to the eastern spire as he waited. Meliarna had always been there, even as children. She was always following him and Cecil around. After seeing how Rosa cared for Cecil even then, he didn't even fathom how Meliarna acted so similar toward him.
When he took his oath, he knew he had to remain alone throughout his duty. This conflicted the veteran even more. His duty to the Dragoons and the preservation of their beliefs; or personal endeavors which were to ease his own lonesome mind. It would seem that many more things were changing in the merge than initially thought.
Kain Highwind leaned against the wall casually as he called out to Meliarna with a slight smirk, "I think I shall get some fresh air. Been too long since I have looked out from the Spires of Castle Baron." How long had she held this secret of hers? Never had she spoken a word of it. Most likely out of respect to the Dragoon way. One of the guards seemed to divert his gaze to Kain despite his discipline. The Dragoon caught his eye with his own side glance without another word. The man straightened up immediately and kept his gaze forward. Kain examined their equipment momentarily in a curious sort of judgement. Heavy armor with the standard broad sword and shield were their immediate options. Versatility and the ability to move freely is severely stunted by their wares. This would have to be addressed soon.
There it was again. He could never focus on simple matters in the moment. He was always thinking of how to further the Kingdom and strengthen their defenses. This cold and seemingly careless approach created a sense of 'mystery' about him. Of the group of friends who grew up; he was the least open and forthright of them all. No wonder Cecil was in favor...
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meliarna
Cactuar
By the Elder Dragon..!
Posts: 9
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Post by meliarna on Aug 12, 2012 15:47:37 GMT -5
His hand gripped her wrist, so small when compared to his hand, and he looked into her eyes, staring in them as recognition flitted through them. Her heart leaped with hope; hope that he might understand just how much she loved him. And then he mentioned the Queen, and he made his way up the stairs. Her eyes followed him as she realized that she would never take the woman’s place in Kain’s heart and that perhaps she shouldn’t even bother trying anymore,
“She still does. She loves him now as much as she did almost twenty years ago; I doubt she’ll stop loving him.” Her heart was twisting in her chest and her stomach was in knots and for the first time in her life, she hated the power this man had over her, and he didn’t even know he had it. Still he pined for the Queen who loved him only as a friend, a brother, while he overlooked someone who had loved him from the start.
Not just a simple crush, no. It had been that way in the past, yes, but when you crush on someone for four years straight, chances are it is more than a mere crush. When he had disappeared, ultimately into Golbez’s service, many of her nights had been spent crying in fear that she would never see him again. When he returned, briefly, she wanted to throw herself at him .. But he overlooked her and went straight to Rosa and Cecil. At the time it had hurt, but she’d gotten over it in hopes that maybe he’d finally see -her- instead of looking for Rosa.
He hadn’t.
"I think I shall get some fresh air. Been too long since I have looked out from the Spires of Castle Baron."
She withdrew into herself and nodded slowly, gripping her spear in a grip that was tighter than it needed to be. If he wanted to be alone, it was fine by her.. She’d always be in the shadows making sure he didn’t get a blasted arrow in the back,
“By your leave then, Commander.” The brisk military mask was back in place; the woman in her retreating behind the Commander persona to deal with her misery alone. She saluted and made to put her helmet back on and leave him to it.
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Exdeath
Tonberry
All returns to the Void...
Posts: 44
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Post by Exdeath on Aug 12, 2012 16:20:13 GMT -5
Kain just realized she didn't understand what he meant by his analogy. With a quick tilt of his head he called after her with a low and casual tone. "Are you not going to accompany me?" The silence that followed was like nothing he had experienced before. For a few brief moments he could hear the slow beat of his own heart as if it were struggling to get out. "After all, the night is still young. Being alone upon my arrival defeats the purpose of missing it to begin with, wouldn't you say?"
The Dragoon turned to the door, unlatching it as he swung it wide. A loud screech could be heard from the weathered hinges which filled the halls with a melody of old and decrepit metal. It was a familiar sound that had always been so since he was a child. Cecil and himself would often climb these stairs and play at the top away from prying eyes. Of course it always ended up in an angry spar-session by the end. To which Rosa always intervened. Now that he thought about it, Meliarna had always trailed Rosa and appeared whenever she did. It was strange to think how she seemed to vanish from the group of friends and it bothered him as he tried to recall why she was distant to begin with.
His memories began to flood as he remembered the last time he came out onto this very spire. After he had defeated the dark incarnation of himself he remained alone here for a while in thought and grievance. His failure at Mt. Ordeals had left others in serious danger. It wasn't until Cecil found him out and tried to explain to Kain it wasn't his fault that he chose to return to the ranks of the Red Wings. When he descended the stairs, he remembered seeing Meliarna just outside, waiting by the nearest torch. Now that he thought about it; she was always around in some way or another.
With the door open, the port-hole windows inside the spire interior let the sounds from the village below in. Cheers of happiness and yells of content reached his ears. No doubt his men were reuniting with their families in celebration. They had so many people who loved them and hoped for their return. Who did Kain have? Not many that he could think of to be honest. The people knew him by his mask and his deeds, but nothing of his personal life. He was a husk of a warrior. Empty from years of solitude. What would it take to bring back the innocence he once knew as a child?
Surely Cecil and Rosa would be glad to see him upon their return. But again he tended to stay to himself during celebration. The type to simply stand on the balcony whilst the party rages on inside; gazing out as if expecting something to come for him. The simple guise of 'Commander' gave a general presence tot he public. But it hid his conflicted emotions within. Even his rivalry with Cecil Harvey still burnt strong within. There may be a day when they can settle it. But for now he would wait and try to find his happiness he so longed for.
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meliarna
Cactuar
By the Elder Dragon..!
Posts: 9
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Post by meliarna on Aug 12, 2012 17:06:08 GMT -5
Her heart slammed in her chest as she stopped mid-way into putting her helmet back on. He was … asking her to come to the Spires with him? Images of her life flashed into her mind. Following Rosa, then only a girl, up to the spires in hopes of seeing Kain, only to find he and Cecil Harvey sparring. The blonde girl would intervene for them, usually telling Meliarna she’d take care of it. Rosa had meant nothing by the words, as there wasn’t a cruel bone in the mage’s body, but Meliarna, then still two years younger, had taken it to heart. And so, watching the three friends and feeling isolated, she’d left them to it.
Turning to him, she’d watch him unlatch the door and just stand there, a distant look in his eyes. He was remembering something too, apparently. Moving up towards him, she brushed her hand along one of the cold stone walls. So many memories of watching Kain and Cecil and Rosa, apart of their group and yet not, always isolated. Even as an adult she’d never really been -there-. The Dragoon would follow him as he walked through the spires, helmet resting under her arm.
She listened to the cheers, and smiled softly. It was good to see and hear joy throughout the city again. Too long it had been silent as sad families longed for their family members to return home. Now tears of joy were shed at such a homecoming, and it was hard to be sad as she listened. Many nights had she been as they were, watching the skies and praying that Kain would come home alive. Coming to the spires, she would lean her spear against the wall again and rest her helmet on it, focusing her eyes on him.
Somehow, she felt it better to just speak to him instead of dancing around the facts. He was a hard head.
“ … “ She choked. She couldn’t say it. After all these years, she couldn’t say it. The fear that he wouldn’t love her in return, or worse, replace her face with Rosa’s every time he looked at her. The terror that he would … -settle- for her. Meliarna watched him for a long time as he stood there.. Before moving up behind him yet again. Here she would rest her hands on his biceps, throwing herself at the mercy of the heart,
“I have loved you for almost twenty years … even when you didn’t look at me, I loved you. When you pined after Rosa, I loved you … I have always loved you.” She closed her eyes, tears sliding down her cheeks as her forehead leaned against the space between his shoulder blades,
“I gave up long ago trying to get your attention, to show you that she wasn’t the only woman in the world.. That there was another out there who always looked past Cecil to see you, who only saw you.. But in this new age, I don’t want you to leave again without knowing that .. I’m always waiting for you to come home, to come back to me alive. Even if you think all you’re coming back to is a castle that you’ve known your whole life … you're coming back to me in the end.”
A weight lifted off her heart and shoulders as she took a half step back, looking up to him. The moonlight glinted off her red hair, turning different strands of it gold. Making him face her, she slid her hand up against his cheek and into his hair, standing on her tiptoes and pulling him down towards her. Her lips connected with his as her eyes stared into his, misty with tears she’d refused to shed in front of him. The kiss went on for a few seconds before she leaned away, and she smiled a sad, crooked smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
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Exdeath
Tonberry
All returns to the Void...
Posts: 44
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Post by Exdeath on Aug 12, 2012 17:57:13 GMT -5
Kain allowed his eyes to fall over the sprawling view below. The moonlight bathed the land with an eery luminance that seemed to bring it even more alive than in the midday sun. It was serene and beautiful to say the least. When Meliarna spoke, he was surprised at the blunt and desperate words that seemed to leave her lips. She laid her all on the line before him and explained of her devotion to a chance of him returning the feelings she held for so long.
Her embrace was unexpected as she leaned her head against his back. His head tilted to gaze over his shoulder at her as she spoke. The silence was constant all throughout as he thought over what she said. All this time she remained silent in the shadows and said nothing. If he had known perhaps things would have been different for the two of them. It was a difficult thing to process. Here she was admitting her love; yet he had no idea what to do. Only now was he truly appreciating the fact that she had waited for him when none others had.
As Meliarna turned him around to face her, he knew what she was doing. For the first time in his confident and determined life, the Dragoon was frozen with hesitation. Her lips met his before he even had time to think. A rush of emotion raised the hairs on the back of his neck as she held him close. Shoulders and arms tensed for a moment before they relaxed. A familiar feeling started to rise within him. It was something he never could describe but very few times in his life warranted it's reaction.
His form leaned in to hers as he allowed it to take over for that moment. It seemed much longer than it actually was and a sense of regret took over as she pulled away. His eyes closed as a deep breath escaped his lips before his face turned down slightly. "All this time, I thought there was nothing for me to return to. Why didn't you tell me Meliarna?" After he spoke, the baby blue eyes slid open to meet hers. Her smile seemed less planned and more a result of mere relief. The Dragooness looked happier than he had ever seen her before. Kain's brows lowered as he seemed to look upon her with a new found emotion. Someone finally cared for him. Slowly he lifted his right hand up to gently touch her face as he simply remained silent. How could he not have seen it before?
The celebration below seemed to strengthen as large fire pits were lit all around the streets, making a warm and welcoming glow. All was well in the kingdom. Still, something inside him stirred about the new cities that lay over the land. War would be upon them soon, if he didn't relay his information soon to the Dragoons.
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meliarna
Cactuar
By the Elder Dragon..!
Posts: 9
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Post by meliarna on Aug 12, 2012 18:15:19 GMT -5
His eyes were .. different, now. He then spoke, and she said nothing for a while, too shocked by the touch to her face. He’d never touched her before, aside from a grip on the shoulder or a greeting wrist grab. This .. This was a touch she’d dreamed of for years and had never once dared to hope for. Her head turned to nuzzle her cheek into his palm, her own coming to cover it and slip her fingers between his,
“Kain, can you tell me honestly if it would have made a difference? You pined after Rosa for years … I couldn’t compete. After a while I stopped trying.” The fires below sent a welcome warmth throughout her chilled body, and the sounds of song and dance went up. A celebration akin to that of a festival. She turned her dark blue eyes up to his. He was studying her, as if trying to see something.
“You’ve always had something to return to … you just never thought about it.” She brushed her fingertips against his cheek, ghosting over his skin before settling on his chest, “I love you … and that’s all that matters to me.” At this moment in time, Baron could wait. All these years she’d put everyone else’s wants before her own .. Now she was attempting to grasp that which had eluded her for so long. The only thing in her life she’d ever truly wanted. The man she loved, who was so close to her, whom she’d laid bare her soul and everything she was in one last desperate grab for the edge of oblivion.
His hand on her cheek was warm as she nuzzled it, closing her eyes and just enjoying it in case it never happened again.
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Exdeath
Tonberry
All returns to the Void...
Posts: 44
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Post by Exdeath on Aug 12, 2012 20:10:36 GMT -5
Kain Highwind was at a loss for words as she seemed to soften her voice with answer. Her touch was so foreign yet so welcome at the same time, it sent a shiver down his spine. He answered with a low and whispered tone, "I did love Rosa, true. She did not show the same feeling in return Meliarna. If I had known that someone cared for me as I did for another....there's no way to predict what would have happened. But you are an honorable Dragoon. I have always respected you as that. I never would have thought you of all people would have something this passionate locked away for such a long time."
The Dragoon seemed to pull her closer still as he paused for a moment, taking in all he saw before him. She was beautiful. Even more so than he had noticed in the past. The thought never crossed his mind as to why she hadn't married as of yet. There were other able men who had pursued HER attention. Some even were of the Red Wings. "Such devotion Meliarna.....is unheard of these days. I would be a fool to ignore it any longer. What happens now Meliarna?" A slight smirk prayed upon his lips as he awaited her answer. Would they spend their time here? Or perhaps join the celebration down below.
Either way it didn't matter. Kain didn't want this sensation he felt in his chest to vanish any time soon. A cheer erupted suddenly and seemed purposeful somewhere in the distance. Most likely a drunken game of some sort. Not much time had passed and already Kain felt at home again. Perhaps the new revelations unfolding tonight were the cause. Her fair red hair seemed to bellow elegantly as a strong breeze rushed over them with chaotic effect. His own flourished off to the side and seemed to wave wildly in the barrage.
Another thought crossed his mind at this point. Kain was getting old and knew he only had so much time left in his service to the Red Wings. What would become of him down the road? Years passed like days to the veteran and seemed to mesh upon recollection nowadays. Life was going by too fast. Tonight would be a marker on his legacy that he would never forget; of that he was sure.
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meliarna
Cactuar
By the Elder Dragon..!
Posts: 9
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Post by meliarna on Aug 12, 2012 22:38:46 GMT -5
Leaning her head forward some, her forehead rested against his and she smiled softly, gently combing her fingers through his hair. It was a dream .. It had to be. So many years of hoping and praying, of lonely nights spent with nothing but the comfort of the occasional stray cat that came into her window.
“Big things come in small packages, Kain … you should stop underestimating me.” She took a chance and nuzzled her nose to his before looking up at him again. He pulled her closer, and she would close the gap, her arms encircling his middle. Slowly she relaxed and rested her head against his chest, smiling softly. Some had pursued her yes, but she’d always gently turned them down. After a while they’d all come to realize that she was a one-man kind of woman, even if the man didn’t know she existed at the time.
His words startled her, and she raised her head to him. Tilting her head, she ran her fingers against his lips gently, as if memorizing the lines of his face,
“I … do not know, Kain. I have never dared hope for more than to be at your side. To be here now, to have told you finally of the love I’ve carried for nearly all of my life… I am truly at a loss for words. I .. I have never thought beyond this moment.” She shook her head and moved away from him, standing at the edge of the spire. The wind tousled her hair again and she brushed it out of her face and behind her ear.
Her heart felt lighter than it had in many years, and it was flipping end over end. Anytime she expected to wake up from a too-real dream, and roll over to begin crying anew. Raising her hand, she would brush it against her cheek, feeling wetness on her fingers. Shaking her head, she would stare down at the people as they laughed and danced and sang. Even gripped by the uncertainty of this new world, they could find joy in the arms of their loved ones.
She smiled as a couple reunited late, sharing a kiss and embrace. The man lifted his wife and spun her around before beginning to dance with her, much to the amusement of their friends. After a while the music and laughter died down as people simply sat around the bonfires, sharing stories of being abroad as well as stories from home.
Closing her eyes, she would speak, after several minutes of silence,
“Kain. I want to be with you, forever. It is all I’ve ever wanted, or dreamed of. But … I’ll only be with you if you truly want me. If you’ll see only me and not a phantom from the past.” Even now, she was terrified he was living his dream of being with Rosa through her … replacing her face with the Queen’s. It was stupid, but it was a fear that couldn’t be squashed alone.
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