| The Beginning of the End | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 10 2012, 11:01 PM (301 Views) | |
| Marluxia | Jun 23 2012, 09:23 PM Post #21 |
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Marluxia trailed a respectful distance behind Fiore, though close enough that he could reach him should the other stumble once again. He was reluctant to risk insult again, as Fiore seemed to have been very annoyed with him for attempting to aid him. He lowered his own gaze for a moment, thinking. Well, he had to admit that he had overstepped his bounds on that one. He'd forgotten himself. No wonder Fiore was angry. He quickly returned his gaze upward, though, since he needed to keep an eye on Fiore for now. Perhaps he could not insist that the other take care of himself, as he had in the market. But he was not going to let his master fall. Fiore could hate him if he liked. Marluxia was simply not the type to let that happen. He schooled his expression in case Fiore were to glance back and see worry on his features, because he felt sure the man would just become more upset at seeing that emotion. Every time they so much as touched Fiore had jerked away and reddened. Marluxia had assumed it was unwanted closeness that the other disliked, that that reddening of Fiore's face was due to embarrassment at being so close to a human, or slave, or even just a male, because Marluxia was catching bits and pieces about Fiore's pair bond.. He had thought that Fiore might be feeling unfaithful somehow. Now, though, he wondered if that redness was something more understandable after all. Was it anger, perhaps? Did it annoy Fiore when he drew so close? Was it possible that, despite everything the other man said, he still hated humans for everything they had caused him to suffer? Marluxia would completely understand that, if so. He himself had... conflicting feelings now. It was in no way easy. But he decided that if he pulled back, gave Fiore as much space as he required, perhaps it would make the other man feel a little more at ease around him. He would be more careful from now on. Fiore seemed to calm down after a small time and dropped back to speak to Marluxia. Mar made sure not to get any closer to Fiore than the other came toward him, letting Fiore decide the appropriate distance between them. He nodded as Fiore proclaimed the obvious: that Marluxia had liked the family they had just met. He had indeed liked them. But he turned weary eyes toward the other when Fiore asked if he still viewed them as monsters. "Hyacinth and her family are very likable. I would do anything in my power to protect them. But the fact of the matter is.. I still close my eyes and see visions of Makaiju warriors rushing me, slaughtering my comrades, attempting to kill me as well. As I am sure Hyacinth dreams at night of her husband dying at human hands. And I suspect you also have your own ghosts reminding you that your... pair bond died at my soldiers' hands as well, Fiore. I am not going to be able to simply accept all Makaiju overnight.. But I do accept you, Hyacinth, and her children. That is a start, am I correct? Perhaps, some day.. you might be able to fully accept me as something more than an ally. Maybe, if enough time passes, you and I will be true friends." He shrugged his shoulders, as if knowing that time would be the only measure of the truth to his hopes. But he smiled anyway. "I already like it here so much more than I ever did my own home.. I am not homesick at all for my own room, my family.. I only miss the townspeople, the very soldiers that rode out with me time after time to fight the 'monsters' that threatened our way of life and our security. Townspeople who have lost husbands, friends, children, wives, siblings and fathers and role models just as that family has. And all this time, I have been helping to cause such suffering in equal measure to your people. I still fear your race, Fiore.. the same way they will likely always fear me, deep down. But no, I do not think you are the monsters in this.. I think we all were. Myself most of all, because I did nothing to stop the bloodshed. I only added to it." |
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| Fiore | Jun 24 2012, 08:06 AM Post #22 |
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Fiore gave Marluxia a tired smile, "I don't expect you to accept them all over night, I was just hoping you'd see the civilians differently. Hyacinth would do anything to keep Basile from becoming a soldier," he told the other softly, "She told me, if the time came, she would leave-- I told her I would allow her to, in order to protect Basile." The young prince shook his head, "My people mean more to me than my own life. Especially those three-- I am particularly close to them." As they kept walking, they neared the tree and Fiore paused-- he changed course and headed over to the gates, peeking through them. Inside, there was a woman standing under the tree, weeping. It was the same woman they'd run into on the way to the tree, with her faded carnation pink hair, sky blue highlights and flawless fair skin. She was lovely, even in her age. ( Makaiju didn't age as humans did, they forever looked young; never older than a human in their thirties. Wrinkles? Never. ) "Oh no. . ." mumbled the prince under his breath, "Artemisia. . ." He could not quite feel her pain, but he understood, at the very least. Artemisia was a member of the heavenly choir, and when she wasn't singing, she wept under the tree. She prayed there for an entire day, once, and Fiore had watched from afar, as he was now, with tears in his own eyes, but he was too afraid to approach her, too afraid to share her pain. He would never know the pain of losing a child, let alone two, but he understood what it was like to lose a loved one. They shared that, if nothing else. He felt the tears pool in his own eyes, but he blinked them back and beckoned Marluxia over. "That is Lady Artemisia," Fiore explained, "The mother of my pair bond," he then admitted after a short pause. It became difficult to swallow, and one of the tears escaped, trailing down his cheek, leaving a wet trail in its wake. "She's hurting so much. She left her husband and both sons in the war." He rested his head against the vine-covered iron gate, "This is why I need to put an end to this war. I don't want anyone to suffer that way-- my people, or yours." He blinked back the tears again, "This is no way to live." After a moment, he drew back, wiped away the tears and then, at all once, the softness left his face and he hardened; he looked almost like a soldier staring into the eyes of his enemy, though this was quickly explained when a tall man, more extravagantly dressed than Fiore, approached. "Good afternoon father," he mumbled with a respectful bow. The man looked down at the both of them-- he was exceptionally tall and built in stature. "Hello," came his gruff response. The man looked older than most of the Makaiju, and tired. He had bags under his eyes, but even with this weariness, he did not look old enough to be Fiore's father. "I trust you're. . ." he glanced over at Marluxia, then back to Fiore, "taking care of things?" "Yes sir," Fiore looked down at the ground, as if he were afraid to look upon him. "I expect you to have your plans by the new moon," which meant he had just over a week to figure out some sort of strategy, or his father would take over. That was the absolute last thing Fiore wanted. "Of course, sir. I will have a plan ready by then," he gave another bow, then glanced over at Marluxia, nodded towards the castle, then headed off in that direction without looking back. The older man, Fiore's father, gripped Marluxia's shoulder before he could follow. He gave him a stern look, "You're their Prince?" He sounded surprised; perhaps this was a petty jab about the man's hair. "You had better be as trustworthy as my son thinks you are." And with that, he let go, and turned to leave, heading towards the tree, perhaps to comfort the weeping lady. -- The sun was setting over the Makaiju lands, and Fiore was thoroughly worn out. The day had been far too eventful, and his weak body could not take much more of this. He was having trouble getting up the stairs-- he thought he might collapse. However, he managed to reach the top, but his vision was blurring, and just before he reached his door-- his finger tips brushed the handle, but he couldn't take another step. Down he went, crashing to the floor. |
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| Marluxia | Jun 24 2012, 09:06 AM Post #23 |
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There was not much to say on the way back to the castle. Marluxia thought things over thoroughly as he listened to Fiore speak. Of Hyacinth, he worried for her. And especially little Basile. If there was one thing he was never going to allow it was for that child to turn into a monster. And if he could help it, he would make certain that no child Makaiju or human, ever went through that transformation, the way he had. But if all else failed, he could at least help Hyacinth to escape. Perhaps find her a safe place to raise what remained of her family. That was the least he could do, and he was determined to do it. He followed Fiore to the Tree once more, and watched quietly as things unfolded there. He could only imagine what Fiore was feeling.. He had a fiance--a pair bond, really, back home. He'd been betrothed at two years old to a newborn girl of a noble family. The difference being that while Fiore apparently knew his pair bond well, Marluxia had met his one only once, and very briefly for a hasty introduction at the celebration of one of the battles he had managed to win. She seemed a nice enough girl, but only when she spoke to people besides himself. To him she was cold and stiffly polite. She had not smiled and her congratulations was obviously rehearsed. He had known then that she felt the same a he did. Neither of them wanted the union. They were forced into it like soldiers recruited for war. And that was exactly how it was going to play out in their marriage. At least something good had come of losing the war.. He refocused his attention as Fiore's entire presence changed, morphing him nearly into one of the creatures he had fought so often. The strange thing was that, had this been any other Makaiju, Marluxia would have reacted badly. This being Fiore, he turned to see what was wrong. And found the one man he had no desire to be near.. Fiore's father. Marluxia did his best not to seem hostile. He put his act back together from the market earlier and stood silently as the two spoke. He listened to talk of plans and a time limit, and knew Fiore was under more pressure than he had thought. And then Fiore motioned toward the castle, and Marluxia moved to follow. But he felt a strong grip on his shoulder and tensed, soldier's instinct kicking in and readying him to retaliate. But he held still and looked back at the taller man. He nodded in the affirmative to the man's question, not caring what the insult was below his words. Either he was calling him the Prince of heathens, or remarking on his hair color as so many others, most of them human, had done before. Either way, Marluxia ignored it. He felt no shame for either. And he said nothing as the man walked away. He had no idea how right Fiore was.. -- He caught up to Fiore quickly and began the climb up the stairs behind him. Fiore's appearance was far worse by now, and Marluxia watched him closely for any sign that he might fall. The only thing that kept him from reaching out to steady the man, to help him reach the top, was the memory of Fiore's reaction in the Marketplace. So Marluxia reluctantly kept himself in check. It seemed as though Fiore would make it back to his own room when he managed the stairs, and Marluxia silently hovered behind him, uncertain of what he should do. Fiore looked terrible. What would happen if he made it within his room and to his bed, and yet there was truly something wrong? Marluxia was reluctant to leave him alone like this, but Fiore was already reaching for hid door. There was nothing he could do.. Unless.. "Fiore-" he began. The word had hardly passed his lips when the Makaiju collapsed and Marluxia had to make a lunge to get his arms quickly beneath the other and keep him from hitting the floor. He paid for the unplanned grab, though, as Fiore's smaller weight managed to yank down in just the wrong way and painfully pulled the muscle in his left arm. Cursing quietly at the pain, Marluxia knelt, propping Fiore against him as he checked his breathing and felt his pulse to be sure the other man was not in any true danger. He was debating whether he should call for help, get a doctor to check over his friend. But that seemed unnecessary. It looked like Fiore had simply overstressed himself with everything that had happened today. He needed rest, more than anything. So Marluxia arranged his arms a bit more carefully and lifted the unconscious Makaiju up. He had to bear most of the weight on his injured arm while he fumbled for the handle to Fiore's door, but pain was part of life for him. He managed well enough and soon had Fiore resting in his own bed. Marluxia found a chair swiftly and set it by the wall near the head of the bed so he could watch the other without being too uncomfortable. He barely scanned the room he was now in, since he was tired as well. His gaze remained on Fiore, watching the man's breathing deepen into a peaceful rhythm and his color slowly return to what Marluxia considered normal for the Makaiju. Soon it was as if the other had simply fallen asleep there. And though Marluxia wanted to wait and make sure, it had been a long, arduous day for him as well. He really needed to return to his own room, he thought groggily. He needed a shower, needed to redress the wounds he'd obtained that morning before they had time to acquire infection, needed to be gone before this Prince woke to find him here. Fiore would not be at all pleased. It was this last thought that had Marluxia at last out of his comfortable position in the chair. He stood, checked Fiore one last time, and then stumbled out of the room. He managed to locate his own (which was only hard to find due to his own weariness) and closed the door behind him. He would likely have thought to check for a lock had he been more awake by that time, but as it was Marluxia had only one thought, and that was to find somewhere he could rest. Forgetting about the shower, the wounds, even changing into something more comfortable, Marluxia simply collapsed onto the bed and fell instantly asleep. |
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| Fiore | Jun 24 2012, 10:09 AM Post #24 |
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Sunlight flooded through the parted curtains; the light woke Fiore, who groaned and turned over, face buried into the pillows, desperate for a few extra minutes of sleep before he had to get out of bed. His body was rejuvenated, mostly, but he never had much energy to spare. There was a light knock on the door and one of the maids came in carrying a tray with breakfast-- the divine scent gave him the strength to heave himself into a sitting position. "Good morning, little prince," she cooed with a warm smile, setting the tray on the bedside table. There was a cup of tea, sweetened with three cubes of sugar ( just the way he liked it ) and a plate of warm blueberry scones with strawberry jam on the side. They also brought him a small bowl of pomegranate-- the fruit already extracted from the shell for him, since they knew how it frustrated him-- it always took so long, but ever since he was very small, pomegranates had always been his favourite. "We've brought you breakfast-- I left another tray in your guest's room." With that, she bowed, and turned to leave. "Lily, wait," He called out before she could leave. "Please, can you fetch Marluxia and bring him to me? I need to. . . speak with him." Fiore stretched and gave a soft yawn. When he looked himself over in the vanity mirror, even from a distance he noticed that he was still in his dress clothes, and he was a mess. "Just, give me ten minutes." -- The young girl nodded and tucked a lock of wavy brown hair behind her ear. "Of course," she said with a soft smile. She was a little older than Fiore, but very short with a nice figure, fair skin and freckles. Instead of Makaiju, she was human. "I'll send him in. Lily turned and left the room, hoping the prince would eat, though she wouldn't count on it-- he skipped meals far too often but she always kept quiet about it. She knew his health was poor and he never had much of an appetite. Once more, she crossed the hall, tapped on the other man's door, but assumed he was still asleep and went in without waiting for permission. Seeing that he was indeed, still asleep, she rubbed his shoulder in a soothing way. She was well aware that Marluxia was a solider, and she didn't want to startle him. "Marluxia," she cooed, "Marluxia, wake up please. The prince would like to see you." -- While he waited for Marluxia, Fiore ran through a quick shower, scrubbed himself down, rinsed off, then hopped out and dried off. For today, he dressed down-- just a pair of white slacks and a white tank top with a powder-blue turtle-neck sweater over it. Although most would consider the castle comfortably warm, Fiore was always cold. His hair was still damp when he combed through it, but he was well groomed so it looked nice, and the lilac scent that naturally drifted from him was unusually strong. It tended to be when Fiore was, 1) happy, 2) stressed, 3) very close to someone. Their alluring scent had multiple purposes. The Makaiju prince picked up the tray and set it on the small table set up by the bay window, and began sipping at his tea and picking at one of the scones, patiently waiting for his guest. |
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| Marluxia | Jun 24 2012, 10:40 AM Post #25 |
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It was fairly easy to ignore any sounds in the room while Marluxia slept this morning. He could hear them: a soft knock, the door open, a clink as something was set on a nearby table, then the bump of the door as it closed again. Even the smell of breakfast failed to rouse him and he only buried his head beneath the pillow, blocking out the sunlight that kept calling him to near wakefulness. He did not want to wake up. Not ever again. His dreams were bad enough. He certainly had no desire to live them again. But eventually there was yet another knock, another bump as the door was opened. And this time a hand was gently calling him out of the shadows of sleep. Marluxia sat up, the pillow shifting to the side with no resistance as he looked to the maid. At first he thought himself at home. The nightmare must have begun even further back than he'd thought, because it was a human, not a Makaiju, who greeted him now. But a glance around him cleared away all doubt: this was not his old room. It was the new one. Marluxia studied the woman before him, trying to figure out why a Makaiju maid would choose to appear as human. Was it to appease him, make it easier for him to wake an not harm her perhaps? But no... He could sense Makaiju from their faint flower-like essence. And this was no Makaiju. "You-" He began to ask her all of the questions that were assaulting his mind in that moment. But something more pressing had just washed them all away. "Fiore wants me? Alright, I will be there shortly then." He gave her one last curious gaze, then forced himself out of the bed. His body was tight, refusing to move easily. He was not used to the softness of the bed, nor to the clothing he had fallen asleep in, nor had his previous day been easy on him. He excused himself to the bathing room and stretched until he felt a semblance of ease in his body again. A warm shower did wonders to revitalize him, and soon he was presentable. He'd rushed through the efforts in order to keep Fiore from waiting long, but he'd done a thorough job non-the-less. He headed to Fiore's room immediately, forgetting to even glance at the breakfast as he passed it. He had no time for that anyway. He would eat it latter if the opportunity arose. He was used to cold food on the field, and even more used to skipping meals. He moved to Fiore's room and knocked before entering, finding Fiore at the window with his breakfast. He nodded toward the other man, curiosity in his eyes. Fiore appeared much better for the rest. That put him a little more at ease, but he did wonder what he had been summoned for. "I was told you needed to see me?" |
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| Fiore | Jun 24 2012, 05:01 PM Post #26 |
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Lily watched him leave, then gathered up his tray and brought it into Fiore's room, already assuming the prince had counted on the two of them having breakfast together. She followed the pinkette in, and set the tray down on the table across from her Prince. "Have a seat," she offered with a gesture towards the available chair. "Bon Appétit." The girl then gave a bow and left the room. Fiore picked at the bowl of pomegranate-- the taste was tart, but he loved it. They were little bubbles of juice that exploded in his mouth-- something he had always loved, ever since he was a child when his "mother" had first let him taste one. He took his time in giving Marluxia an answer-- truthfully, there was no immediate reason that he needed the other man here, he'd just. . . wanted to see him. Plain and simple. Of course, he wasn't going to tell Marluxia that, so he took a moment ( or three ) to come up with an answer. Finally, he lifted one fair hand and gestured towards the two trays, "Have breakfast with me. That's what friends do, isn't it?" 'What a terrible excuse. . .' He knew he should have allowed Marluxia time to himself, but instead, he decided to be selfish and requested his attention. The younger man took another bite of pomegranate, then a sip of his tea. "There is much to do today, and very little time," mumbled Fiore with a sigh, "I know you heard what my father said yesterday. . . if I don't come up with a plan by the new moon, he's going to take over and. . ." he looked up, meeting Marluxia's eyes. "That will not be good for your people, and I do not wish to see them suffer simply because I failed to come up with a peace strategy. I need your help. . . . and you need mine. We can work together and come with with a plan, can't we?" He looked up and once more, met eyes with Marluxia, pleading. 'Time is running out; it's like a hourglass with too big of a hole, all the sand is spilling into the bottom too quickly-- what will I do, if I can't come up with something? I can't let them down. Hyacinth, Basile, Kannella, Marluxia, Artemisia-- everyone. They're counting on me. I can't let them down.' Fiore picked up one of his scones and spread a bit of strawberry jam over it, then took a big bite, chewing slowly, mulling over a few different ideas. 'What if we-- No, that's stupid. Oh! We could-- . . . no. That's stupid, too.' He sighed softly and shook his head. He had no idea what to do. 'Keeping people from killing each other should not be this hard. . . why can't they just get along?' Maybe he would never understand, but he tried. "Do you. . . . have any ideas?" |
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| Marluxia | Jun 24 2012, 05:27 PM Post #27 |
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Marluxia looked at the girl, giving her a strange expression as she followed him in and set the tray down. He was still trying to figure her out, but that was a mystery for another time. He chose to let it go, but he did not sit until Fiore eventually answered his question. Of course, he assumed there was more on Fiore's mind than having breakfast with the likes of him, but he only smiled and sat. Trying not to display the fact that he was worried, he began to methodically consume the breakfast. It was much better than the food he normally had access to outside of his own home, but to Marluxia the opportunity to eat had become less of a joy and more of a necessity. He listened as Fiore spoke of the impending decision he had to make. Some sort of plan that would provide peace to both races. Marluxia sighed and tilted his head. "As far as I knew, the battle yesterday was supposed to finally bring about peace. Admittedly it was a one-sided peace, but the end of war was important to all of us.The best-case scenario in that understanding is that your people would police mine, keeping them from mounting any sort of attack now that the war has ended. But none of my people expected that sort of leniency from yours. They assume even now that something terrible awaits them. If you only restricted them, they would hate you for it. They would see it as the end to their freedom, and many would for small factions and fight back. Small-scale battles that would be unending, though easily dealt with. If you took them all into slavery, that would eliminate the possibility that they could fight back, and that is the path they are expecting, truthfully. That was the only path that could lead to a true peace without need of fear for your people." He looked up at Fiore then, knowing how averse the sound of that particular plan would sound to Fiore. "I know that you do not choose that course. I know that you would rather there be a true peace between us all. Getting there is going to be next to impossible, however.. Our first problem is our fathers, neither of which truly believe that peace would be obtainable. My father would rather fight to the death of himself and every one of his subject before he would allow peace between our races, his prejudice is so strong. If peace were going to be possible the leaders would have to make that first step and make a peace treaty, but he will never go for that. If only I were the true ruler, perhaps I might have the influence to accomplish it, but it would still be very difficult. I would likely have to take a wife just to inherit, and that was before I ceased being a prince and was taken by your people. Regaining that status.. that would be as tricky as accomplishing peace itself." With a large sigh, Marluxia took his cup and drained it or tea. He was trying to think strategy. But he was mission a few pieces to place on the board.. "I wish I knew what to do, Fiore.. My people will follow their leader, but currently their leader is the worst possible person, and the best protected. Even if you took extraordinary measures and tried to have him killed, you would have to go through the entire Kingdom to get to him. That would be war, all over again. Do you have any ideas that I have not come up with? Any at all, Fiore.. I feel as if there is something there. We simply have not come up with it yet." Situations like this always drove Marluxia insane. It was always something fairly obvious that his eyes or mind just skipped over. But he had no idea what it was. It was right there, and it might take him a little while to figure it out. But he was determined to find the answer. |
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| Fiore | Jun 24 2012, 06:42 PM Post #28 |
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The younger prince sat upon his "throne," ( which was actually only a wooden chair ) and and listened to what Marluxia said. An idea was forming, but it sounded crazy, even to him. He had no idea if it would even work, let alone if Marluxia would go for it. The thought was enough to make him blush. 'I wonder if. . . no. But maybe. . . no, no this is crazy. No.' Fiore sighed, and waited for several long moments after Marluxia finished, still contemplating the idea. He couldn't be sure how he felt about it yet. "Do you have any ideas that I have not come up with? Any at all, Fiore.. I feel as if there is something there. We simply have not come up with it yet." Perhaps Fiore's solution was the answer, but if it went wrong. . . both he and Marluxia could end up dead. In fact, it was very possible. He opened his mouth to speak, but instead filled the gap with another bite of his scone, which was becoming cold in his hesitation to eat. His tea suffered the same fate, but Fiore lifted the cup and drank from it regardless. "I. . . may have an idea," mumbled the hesitant Makaiju, who only grew more nervous as he thought over the idea a few minutes longer. "But it would be risky," Fiore told him, speaking very slowly. "Very risky." After a moment, he pushed the tray back a few inches, sat up straighter in his chair, and met eyes with Marluxia for a moment, "I was supposed to take over the kingdom already-- when I turned eighteen, I was supposed to announce Zafeíri as my pair, and then I'd have been crowned as king and taken the reins with my kingdom," he informed him, wondering if Marluxia had taken the hint yet. "I am nineteen now, and I have yet to take a pair-- most Makaiju do not ever take a second pair, because the bond will never be as strong as the first, if you understand." He did not know much about humans and their customs, so he could not compare their kind in that way. "But, my father grows weary, and he wishes me to take over, but so far I have refused any suitor he has presented." Fiore hesitated for a moment, then lifted his gaze and met Marluxia's once more. "What if I. . . announced you as my. . . pair bond instead?" There, he'd said it. He could scarcely swallow past the lump that had formed in his throat, but he tried not to look or sound as doubtful as he felt. |
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| Marluxia | Jun 24 2012, 07:35 PM Post #29 |
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He had asked the other if he had any ideas, and the way Fiore hesitated so painfully, Marluxia could tell it was not something Fiore would have considered if not absolutely desperate. It made Marluxia nervous. Whatever it was, it must be difficult. Fiore informed him that it was indeed a risky venture. And Marluxia found himself nodding. If it was dangerous, Marluxia would still be willing to go through with it. He'd risk his life for this. He hoped it would not be as great a risk for Fiore, though. Whatever it was.. Then Fiore began to speak along the same lines as Marluxia had: of his pair bond and how he would have become ruler had he already taken one. Marluxia was beginning to sense where this was going, but surely not.. He kept his expression under control, reluctant to let the thought manifest into any sort of emotion that might show on his face. It was a very good thing he had, or when Fiore actually came out and spoke the theory Marluxia was not sure what reaction he might have provoked. Having nearly considered it himself, Marluxia looked down at his half-finished meal but did not touch the food. His gaze focused on what was left, though he was looking past it.. considering. Thinking over the madness of the proposed plan. He had so very many reasons for it not to work... But he did see a slight chance there. Very small, but there. "Fiore.." he said softly, knowing that this was not something he could simply say yes or no to. It had to be discussed and planned. They had to both be certain it was the path they wanted to walk. He sighed and looked up, ready to debate. "I know that some of your people are willing to put up with me for your sake, but would they truly allow such a match? ..I know my father would never accept it, unless I made a large show of doing it to save my people from slavery. I could possibly convince him and the majority of my people if I did so. It could work for my side of this equation, but would it work for yours? Is it worth the chance?" He shook his head, the real question taking precedence now as he moved his hand to take Fiore's in his own. "Besides that, could you accept it, Fiore? Could you really stand to be paired with me? This is a huge sacrifice you are proposing. This is something that will make your life hell if it goes wrong. Could you really be happy with me as your pair bond? Because if not, then do not agree to take the chance. The very last thing I want in the world is for us to reclaim peace and yet you still be unhappy. We should take some time and think this through. We still have some time, and I want you to be sure. I will go along with it, should you decide to go that route. I will do it happily. But only if you know for a fact that you would not regret it. Being paired with someone is something you will live with for the rest of your life. Do you really want that someone to be me?" He did not really expect an answer right then. Marluxia withdrew his hand and went back to finishing his breakfast, content to leave Fiore to think on the option. It could be their backup plan, he supposed. If they could think of nothing else. Marluxia had to admit, the plan was favorable to him. He was much more at home here than in his own castle, and much more comfortable with Fiore than his own fiance. His old life was not at all desirable now. But.. the truth of the matter was that he already respected Fiore too much to wish to make the man suffer. This was a match of convenience, a sacrifice to bring two warring races together after centuries of fighting. In the grand scheme of things, it was perfectly acceptable. It was their duty, as he could view it. But, even if Marluxia could accept it, he could not look at Fiore and wish to force the man into something that could make him more unhappy than the war itself had. Because it did not make sense for the world to be at peace due to Fiore's suffering. The Makaiju deserved more than that. He deserved to be happy along with the rest of them. |
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| Fiore | Jun 24 2012, 10:55 PM Post #30 |
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Marluxia had reacted much better than Fiore had been anticipating-- in fact, he seemed to actually accept the idea as an option. He knew this was no simple solution-- it would take so much careful planning, and even then there was the possibility of failure. However, it was an option, and that's all he wanted. "Is it worth the chance?" The young prince shook his head, "Peace is always worth the chance." But of course, that didn't mean it would ever be easy. 'Nothing is ever easy, and this is no exception. If my people do not accept Marluxia as their second king, he could end up dead. As could I, though I have more confidence than that. If his people do not accept me, they might kill and and enslave my people, and I simply couldn't bear that. . . But. . . Marluxia would not let that happened, would he?' Fiore didn't think so, but he couldn't be sure. At the moment, he trusted the pink-haired prince, but part of him, a very small part, perhaps less than one percent, was afraid. That small part worried, as it always would. Then Marluxia was holding his hand. He was asking if Fiore would be happy with the union. He wasn't sure if he could answer the question honestly. His own happiness did not matter nearly as much as the lived of his people. Sure, it was a sacrifice that most would be hesitant to make, but Fiore. . . he knew what had to be done, and if that as it, he would do it without question. Could he love Marluxia? He wasn't sure. Their marriage would be a convenience, right? Nothing more. They would sleep in separate beds and only feign passion for the public-- right? PErhaps his pair would find a lover on the side to occupy his bed on cold nights. . . Oh, what a sad life that would be. Fiore let out a heavy sigh and drew back when Marluxia finally released his hand. "I can't give you an accurate answer just yet, but I need you to understand a few things if we do decided that this is the best option." He looked down, fiddled with his fingers, and sighed. "I loved my pair, and part of me. . . no matter what, can never belong to anyone, because part of me will always be his. Secondly, my people will only accept you if they believe we are truly, madly, deeply-- and perhaps the most important, desperately in love. Although my people are not overly hands-on in public, they will need to see you with your hands on me at all times-- in respectful ways only, of course." His cheeks became a rosy shade of pink. "Even if its a lie, you need to make them believe it. An arm around my waist, holding my hand, fiddling with my hair-- anything that a young couple about to have a "shotgun wedding" would do. You understand?" Fiore glanced over, hoping he was keeping up. |
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| Marluxia | Jun 24 2012, 11:20 PM Post #31 |
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He could only shake his head. "I am not asking you to love me, Fiore. I know that may very well be impossible. What I am asking is that you not even consider this method if you could not be happy with it. I will do whatever it takes to save my people. But I know that I would not be in the least miserable if I agreed to be your pair bond. I want you to be able to say the same, that is all. The rest, the risks we take and the act we put on, it will all be bearable if we do not end up hating each other in the process." In other words, he did not want another match that was doomed to fail from the start. Even if they were only acting and would only be a unit when others were around to witness, he did not want those moments when no one was around to be forced and resentful. He wanted to at least get along with the man if they were going to be forced to spend that much of their time pretending to be in love. "My own people, as I said, will only accept this if I, as their Prince, am seen to be making a sacrifice for their benefit. It will not be necesarry to put on such a show in front of them. They need only think that I arranged a deal that saved them, and they will gladly accept that they have freedom and peace at last. My father is another story.. but I could certainly undermine him should I invite some of the more influential people under him to the wedding, assuming you have those here. If not we would need to hold one for their benefit. Introduce them to Makaiju who are anything but monsters, and their doubts will be soothed. They will call for a change of leadership and my people will finally be under my control.. in the best-case scenario, of course, but I see no reason it should not work with them." He leaned back against his chair, studying Fiore for a moment. "If we choose to go through with this option, I assure you I can act my part. And if anything should go wrong and I die in the attempt, I want you to know well in advance that I understand the risk it will call for. So we can keep this plan in consideration and plan it out if need be. But for the moment, I should not terrorize you with scenarios. If we decide to put it into action, though, we may need to consider working on our act gently among your people, let them somewhat guess at what is coming so that it does not shock them if the announcement is made. We should consider whether that becomes necessary when we grow close to making the decision." |
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| Fiore | Jun 25 2012, 04:29 PM Post #32 |
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". . . We still have some time." Fiore looked down at his unfinished meal, suddenly feeling a bit sick. He did not mind making sacrifices that would benefit his people-- or Marluxia's people, for that matter. However, part of him felt as if were somehow cheating on his original pair bond by initiating this match. ( Even if this was not the case, it weighed heavily on his conscience. ) Even so, his duty was first to is people and then to his heart. "Perhaps we could spend the day together, and. . ." It sounded very childish to say "get to know each other better" so he avoided using those words. "I could teach you more about your culture. We may even run into Basile again at the market." After all, there was no better was way to learn than to observe. The shy Prince offered a small smile to his companion, then tossed a fleeting glance back towards the door, almost praying Lily would walk through and interrupt. 'Can I really go through with this? For my people, yes of course.' But the idea of being caged in a loveless union for the rest of his life. . . it was terrifying, to say the least. Of course, he didn't mind Marluxia's company. In fact, they would probably be a good pair of friends-- but as feigned lovers? He couldn't imagine. 'He's lovely. . . but I cannot say the same for me.' Fiore was suddenly very aware of his appearance-- his green skin, the pointed tips of his ears, his outrageous two-toned hair and rather frail body. As far as he was concerned, he was the absolute last thing anyone ( let alone a human ) would desire as their partner. Not to mention other technical issues he wasn't sure Marluxia's people would be able to over-look. 'Like the fact that I am male and cannot bear children. This could be quite. . . problematic.' "It is. . . as you said, something we need to ease them into, just in case. So they need to see us together as much as possible, and they need to see us happy." He paused and formed a small smile, "I'm sure we can at least accomplish that, can't we? Besides, there is still so much I need to show you! Places for you to visit, food for you to taste and plenty of people for you to meet!" Fiore tucked a strand of teal hair behind his ear and cleared his throat, "There will be a festival coming up soon. I am sure they will want my help with some of the preparations. As I'm sure you can tell, I am very involved in the community." 'So much to do. . . so little time.' Which meant there was no time to waste, "Finish your breakfast and we shall go." Fiore got up from his chair, stretched, and walked over to his vanity-- his informal clothing was dressy enough that he could wear them to the market ( he was not going to bother holding up his princely air today-- his people knew of his condition, and they never expected him to stress himself ) but he still wanted to make sure. |
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| Marluxia | Jun 25 2012, 05:53 PM Post #33 |
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"..." Well this should be interesting, Marluxia thought with a somewhat mischievous smile. He turned his attention to finishing up his breakfast, and although everything was cold now he finished it easily. It was considered rude back at home to leave anything uneaten on your plate, save for at festivals and celebrations where there was always too much food to be eaten. So if one sat down to a meal, he generally cleared his plate. Marluxia was one of the few that would sometimes rather leave a meal untouched than have to eat all of it, but he abided by the general rule. Once he was finished he stood and moved toward Fiore, trying to get the other's full attention once again. He could not seem to keep the playful smirk from his face as he aimed a challenge at the other. "If we are easing your people into accepting us as a pair if need be in the future, than I suggest we finish negotiations before we leave this room on how I am allowed to treat you. You had better fill me in so that I do not do anything wrong, or not do anything essential. Since we are only getting to know one another for this stage of the plan, and perhaps we need not go to further stages but we have to begin it immediately if we only have around a week to accomplish it, I understand that we are going to act almost completely natural for the next few days. However, I do believe one who is beginning to fall for you is allowed to worry a bit. So I want your agreement not to become angry if I act just a little overprotective of you. I think that is the most logical first sign affection. Don't you, Fiore?" He was truly hoping that Fiore could not argue this point. Because Marluxia was already feeling a bit protective of the man, and while it would be easy enough to act it out, it was not going to be easy to hold back if Fiore refused. Marluxia was just end up looking after the other prince and risk his anger anyway, so there was no harm in asking to make it part of the act. It might keep Fiore from getting so upset if he thought Marluxia was putting on an act instead of genuinely concerned. And if that was what it took to keep the other from overexerting himself, then so be it. It worked in both their advantages. Well... he hoped it would. "I will not object to anything you wish for me to do, even if I should find it odd, if you agree to this. Is it a deal, Fiore?" |
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| Fiore | Jun 25 2012, 07:42 PM Post #34 |
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Fiore sighed and looked away, " . . . I suppose you're right." He was not happy about this-- he did not want Marluxia fussing over him all the time. Heaven knows he got enough of it from everyone else because of his health. "Though, I really wish you wouldn't." Ever since he was a child, those around him worried; whether it was a scrape on the knee or the flu, they treated them both with the same amount of worry. In Fiore's mind, it was incredibly unnecessary and it made him feel as if they though he was unable to care for himself. He turned to face his guest, sizing him up, "We are not easy to offend," he told him with a hint of a smile playing at his lips, "They expect respect, and they will give it in return. But there is one major rule," now he turned very somber, serious. "The Heavenly Choir will be our worst enemies-- they will protest this union more than anyone else. However, you must treat them well, no matter what. No. Matter. What." Fiore gave him a look that was not to be reasoned with. "In all aspects, they are above the law. The only laws they abide by are their own, and the laws of Nature. They are regarded like royalty-- in fact, a member of the Heavenly Choir could insult the royal family, or even bring them injury-- not that they would, but they could, and they would receive no penalty for doing so. They are above our law. This is why not just anyone can join the Choir. --Another rule; if you receive any sort of formal invitation from them, you are not allowed to refuse." Finally, he looked away, breaking the serious air with a soft yawn. "Other than that, just. . . be polite. Small touches are okay, but public displays of affection are limited-- kissing in public is a bit taboo." 'Not that it's ever stopped me before. . .' -- "We can't! We're going to get caught," Zafeíri whispered urgently as he was ushered into the garden, down the pall and through the gates that surrounded the Tree. He smiled and shook his head, picking one of the fully bloomed roses from the gate and carefully removed the thorns by hand, then placed the small flower in Fiore's hair. "You're going to get me in trouble." But there was no trace of anger in his voice when he spoke. "So? I can't believe you're leaving. . . Promise me you'll come back?" Fiore gave his pair a soft smile, and accepted the flower. "Promise me." Zafeíri frowned and cupped the younger Makaiju's jaw and ran his thumb over his cheekbone, "You know I don't have a choice in this-- I'm eighteen now, I must serve our people." He leaned in a little closer and whispered to him, "I will do everything in my power to return to you as quickly as possible." Fiore's blue eyes filled with tears, "This war is so stupid! Why do you have to go? To Hell with them!" "Fiore!" ". . . I'm sorry. But it's not fair!" He pushed out his quivering lower lip and frowned, "I'll miss you." The older boy smiled lightly and leaned down, gently pressing his lips against Fiore's, moving both arms down to wrap around his waist. A warm breeze moved through the trees, bringing with it the scent of the sea. The young prince stood up on his tippy-toes and wrapped his arms around Zafeíri's neck, kissing him back passionately. "I love you, Fiore," whispered Zafeíri when they finally broke apart. "I love you, too, Zafey." He mumbled back and wiped away the tears. "Please, come back safe." "I will. I promise." -- After a moment, Fiore realized he was spacing out once more, and shook himself into full consciousness. It took him a moment to realize what had happened but once he understood, he was able to grasp onto reality. He mumbled an apology under his breath and looked up at Marluxia, blinking into full focus. These flashbacks were happening more and more frequently-- could it be because of Marluxia? 'No, no it can't be. . . what the hell is going on with me?' "You were saying?" |
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| Marluxia | Jun 25 2012, 08:32 PM Post #35 |
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Marluxia shrugged. "I'll try not to overdo it, but if I were to let anything actually happen to you it would be a poor start to this hypothetical union of ours. Besides, you remind me of--someone." He cut himself off from remembering and skipped ahead. "I would be a rather cold and uncaring friend if I let you tire yourself out so much you could not manage the stairs on the way back. Just expect me to make sure you do not reach that point of exhaustion, because I do not think you pushing yourself until you pass out will be any more pleasant for you if I have to carry you back." He said all of this gently, not trying to upset the other. But warning him. Because Marluxia could not take much more of watching Fiore pass out on the way back to their rooms and nearly hit the floor. His shoulder still hurt from the last time.. Besides, he doubted the Prince wanted that little scene to reoccur in public. "Just try not to wear yourself out, alright? You've been under a lot of stress. It's not at all unthinkable that you might be slightly tired from it.." Fiore had that strange look on his face by this time that said he was lost in the past somewhere, and Marluxia sighed heavily. Had a word he had said made it through to him, he wondered? "Fiore? .....Fiore!" The other finally shook himself out of it and asked what he had been saying, and Marluxia gave an even larger sigh. Apparently not... "Only that you shouldn't push yourself as you seem to be doing. Take it easy or I promise you I will be carrying you back here whether you or any other Makaiju approves." He let the threat hang for a moment before adding, "And alright, do not mess with your Heavenly Choir people. Understood. I'll just have to win them over with my charm and good looks." Complete sarcasm, since he rather doubted Makaiju tended to think of humans as good-looking at all. Much less charming. He let his teasing smile stay in place as he tilted his head. "Are we ready to leave this room, then? I think you owe Basile a game today, since you so rudely refused him yesterday. I'd like to watch the children have a little fun, truth be told.. I miss the days when children were only children and you could almost believe the world was at peace from watching them.." Edited by Marluxia, Jun 25 2012, 08:33 PM.
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| Fiore | Jun 27 2012, 10:20 AM Post #36 |
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'Get it together.' Fiore shook his head and looked up at Marluxia, "Yes, I think we're ready to go. Though, I warn you. It's going to rain today." He had yet to step foot outside, but he already knew; The Makaiju were very in tune with nature. "Shall we?" And with that, the young prince opened the door and left the room, leaving Marluxia to follow. 'I have a feeling we're going to run into Artemisia again, and she is not going to be kind. . . if she catches wind of this hypothetical union.' He couldn't lie to her, no matter what and it worried him-- he valued her opinion more than most, so he was heartbroken at the thought of her scorn. The staircase always seemed far too long-- he'd counted them multiple times as a child, but he always ended up with a different number. Either he was terrible at math, or the staircase kept getting longer. Truthfully, he felt terrible and was in no mood to go out, but perhaps the best remedy would be to go out anyways. Besides, he had much to look forward to. 'Marluxia is right, I owe Basile a game and perhaps Kannella will be awake today. Marluxia needs to meet here, even if she is very young. She's got such lovely eyes.' Right on the last step, he halted, took a deep breath and forced himself to focus. 'You're out of it. Focus. Focus!' Part of him was still somewhere else; in another time, perhaps. "Marluxia, are you coming?" He looked over his shoulder to see if the other man was following. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't pay attention. There was that little voice in the back of his head, taunting him. 'You keep getting distracted. Sooner or later he's going to notice. It's only a matter of time until he sees that you're not normal. There's something wrong with you, and once he realizes it, he won't like you. In fact, he'll hate you and your people. You know it's true, so why fight it? No, that couldn't be true-- could it? 'You know it is. Sooner or later, he's going to realize you can't leave, and he's going to wonder why.' "We need to stop by the tree first," Fiore said, attempting to keep the conversation off of himself. "I visit there every morning-- it's an old habit," he informed the human, who, no doubt, would not understand their strange ways. Their rituals and daily lives surrounded nature, and more importantly, the Tree. "Then afterwards we can go to the market and play with the kids. Then perhaps we'll browse the arts, then get some lunch. Sound good?" The Makaiju tucked a lock of hair behind his ear and continued walking. Outside, the air was warm and humid-- the sky was overcast. Indeed, it would rain. |
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| Marluxia | Jun 27 2012, 01:30 PM Post #37 |
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Marluxia followed Fiore, attentive but without seeming so. His thoughts were on other things, probably nothing the Makaiju would wish him to be thinking about in their current situation, but could it be helped? He watched Fiore and kept himself ready to react, just in case anything should go wrong, because he'd had an acquaintance once who had stumbled over every stone and stair he'd come across and had become accustomed to being ready to react, while his mind continued to roam back to his own home for some reason. Likely because he was beginning to accept that he would not be returning to his old life, no matter what they chose to do from here on. Marluxia was not quite sure it was a bad thing. But there was something sad about it even so. The crumbling of his old world, knowing that he could never have it back the same as it had been before.. They reached the last step and Fiore glanced around at him, asking if he was coming. Marluxia nodded, though he was barely a step behind Fiore. The other must be lost in his own thoughts as well, which seemed to be happening quite a lot really. Was this normal for him, Marluxia wondered, or was he really just stressed from everything that had been going on? For all he knew it could be common among Makaiju as a race.. He was not going to assume anything just yet. He would learn the answers as he went and try to accept whatever came his way. That was all that was left for him to do. The Makaiju did not seem any more willing to give straight answers on anything he thought he needed to know than his own race.. Was it a trust issue, or perhaps just a dislike of speaking of things such as that? Marluxia shook his head as he continued to walk behind Fiore. "First the tree, then a game with the children, then browsing, then lunch.." he repeated. "Sounds very.. scheduled." Not that he had anything against schedules.. His entire life had been scheduled, save for the timed when he would escape and venture into the nearby town from his castle.. then he could do whatever he wanted as the urge struck him. That kind of freedom was something Marluxia had always craved, yet never fought for. After all, with his lineage it was never to be allowed. He had taken the brief moments he could snatch, but at the same time known not to hope for more than that. "Rain does not bother me," he commented casually, since he had spent weeks in the rain on the march.. He doubted he would ever mind it. It had always made him feel actually alive, honestly, but if the Makaiju took shelter during rainstorms he supposed he would have to do so as well. "But if it is going to make it difficult to do these errands of ours then we had best hurry." |
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| Fiore | Jun 28 2012, 09:39 AM Post #38 |
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"I like the rain," Fiore mumbled softly, "But if you do not like the rain, I'm sure we could find you an umbrella." Without another word, he stepped outside, turned his face up towards the sky, and soaked up the last bit of sun-- he thrived in both sun and rain. He was thankful that the walk was short and they were outside the gates of the Tree in no time at all. Fiore lead the way in and stopped just an arm's length away from the tree. He then closed his eyes, clasped his hands together and prayed. 'Please, let everything work out. Assist us in our crusade for peace. Let our people accept out decision.' After a moment, he turned to look at Marluxia but found no words to speak. He parted his lips but no words came out, so instead he turned and walked back towards the gate, his fingertips brushing against the vine-wrapped-iron. The Makaiju remained silent the rest of the way to the market, his gaze lowered to the ground. They just barely made it into the designated area before three small children rushed upon them and nearly knocked the sickly prince over; Basile was one of them. "Prince Fiore, prince Fiore!" They chanted in almost-unison, except the taller boy, who was slightly off-beat. The two unfamiliar children looked a little older than Basile, both the boy and girl were a little taller. "Play with us, please?" Camellia, the little girl, asked with a slight pout. " 'Sille said you wouldn't play with us yesterday, so you owe us!" "Yeah!" commented the older boy, Sage, crossing his arms over his chest, giving Fiore a stern look that almost made it seem like he was the adult and Fiore was the child. Especially when Fiore wore that guilty look on his face. Fiore looked over at Marluxia, then back to the three children. ". . . Yes, of course." He took Basile's outstretched hand and followed them over to the raised platform used for dancing. "Give us a show! Give us a show!" The shy Makaiju blushed furiously and shook his head, "N-no, I can't." He swallowed and attempted to back away, but they took hold of his hands and continued pleading. "But you're the best, Fiore! No one dances like you do!" At the point, some of the other Makaiju took notice and flocked to the stage, interested to see what was going on. Hyacinth, holding Kannella in her arms, was among these people. Two women, who wore flashy clothes embedded with jewels-- more than likely dancers, flocked over as well. "Yes, Fiore, give us a dance. You learned from the best-- why don't you show our guest what you can do? After all. . ." They both looked over at Marluxia, "He is pretty lovely." The flustered prince looked around and he finally gave in, letting out a heavy sigh. ". . . Alright. I'll do it." He gave Marluxia one last pleading look, then let the two dancers take him around back to get ready. -- "So who is that guy? --And don't lie, you know we'll find out if you don't tell us." Dahlia said with a knowing smirk. "He's very cute, you know." "Is her your new pair?!" Chrysanthemum ( who was more commonly known as "Rys," ) exclaimed, giving Fiore and accusing look. Though, if he answered that Marluxia was, indeed, his new pair, she would not disapprove. However, the dancer's tended to be the city's "all knowing eye" and, as expected, they wanted to know everything, especially when the gossip was hot. Fiore blushed, "His name is Marluxia. Well. . . he's their prince." The two gasped, looked between each other, then made a hand motion, urging him to continue. "And. . . he might be. --I don't know yet!" The rest of the time while getting ready, they fawned over him, making him "extra lovely" to impress his so-called "human suitor." Once they finished, they shoved him in front of a three-angle mirror so he could look himself over. He was dressed in a pair of loose white slacks and a silver top that exposed his stomach and arms. They adorned him in jewelry of both silver and gold-- dangling earrings, necklaces, bangles, a head-piece and painted his face-- then, to finish the look, placed a small tea rose in his hair, holding it behind his ear. He was astonished, to say the least. -- Hyacinth spotted Marluxia and headed over to where he stood, "You're in for a treat," she commented, shifting Kannella in her arms. "Fiore is a beautiful dancer. . . Perhaps Dahlia and Rys will take you as one of their students. That would be a high honour, you know." The beat of a drum provoked everyone in the crowd ( which had become rather large ) to look up; their prince stepped out onto the stage and a flute accompanied his entrance. Although he was usually very shy, he looked confident and more sure of himself than he usually would. As if the stage belonged to him and no one would take it from him. He felt into stance, raised onto the balls of his feet, arms positioned above his head. He waited for the beat, then began his dance. It would be surprising, to a non-Makaiju, just how flexible he was. By human standards, he could almost pass for a contortionist at the circus. The way he twisted and moved was comparable to a serpent, or perhaps something less. . .tangible; like smoke. Dahlia danced onto the stage, holding a golden scarf with silver embroidery and silver pieces and wrapped it around his waist, tying it loosely so each movement of his hips provoked a soft jingle from the scarf. Once finished, the woman left the stage, watching from behind the curtain. "Isn't he beautiful?" Hyacinth looked over at Marluxia, gauging his reaction. She was quite certain he'd never have seen anything like it-- but then again, she knew nothing of human culture. |
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| Marluxia | Jun 28 2012, 03:43 PM Post #39 |
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He made no comment on the statement about the umbrella. Fiore would figure him out eventually, and he would do the same where Fiore was concerned. Perhaps they simply needed to watch each other and learn their reactions and habits vicariously. So Marluxia put that thought into practice as he followed the Makaiju prince outside. He watched Fiore take in the bit of sunlight, watched him pray to the giant tree once more, and wondered if Fiore had been unable to say something to him or simply had nothing at all to say in the moment before he turned without a word and left the tree behind. Marluxia followed silently, noting that Fiore's eyes were downcast. So much he did not understand yet.. He had to find a way around the barrier that was blocking him out.. But before he could think too much on that subject Basile and two other children assaulted Fiore, and Marluxia had to hold himself back from trying to steady his friend, not to mention keep the smile from spreading too far on his own face as he watched them coerce Fiore into dancing. Two decoratively-clad women approached to help the children with their mission, and they seemed to use Marluxia to their advantage in convincing Fiore to perform. Marluxia tilted his head to the side as he heard one of them state "After all... he is pretty lovely." Not understanding the compliment, or maybe the hidden insult, Marluxia let it go and tried not to think on it too much while the women escorted Fiore off to get ready. He was left to stand amongst the gathering crowd, alone among Makaiju for the first time. Before he could get too uncomfortable though, Hyacinth appeared with the beautiful little girl still held securely in her arms as before. Marluxia smiled and greeted her, happy to have someone at his side now. He had to count her as a true friend now. It was much easier to pretend comfort when he was speaking to someone he trusted. And for now, that meant Fiore, Hyacinth and her children. She suggested that the women from before might accept him as a student, but Marluxia's attention was now on the stage as Fiore appeared. He hardly seemed like the same man--sure, his physical appearance was stunning, but it was the air of confidence that surprised Marluxia. And then the prince began to dance, and Marluxia watched in complete awe. "...an honor it may be," he said quietly to Hyacinth, "but I doubt they would mistake me for a creature so graceful as could perform those moves. My people have not danced more than the simplest slow dance for centuries. I doubt they ever had the technique to match the beauty of this performance." They watched for a while longer before Hyacinth asked him a question. "Isn't he beautiful?" He turned to see her watching for his response, and smiled. "That isn't surprising to me," he murmured back, head turning back to watch the rest of Fiore's performance. "He was the most beautiful person I had seen before he ever stepped onto that stage." Of course, he meant that quite literally. The way he said the words hopefully made that clear. Marluxia found it difficult to imagine that others of his own race might not think the same. No, they would be so in awe of Fiore that they would likely forget to breath, he thought. Why was Marluxia a little proud of that.. |
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| Fiore | Jun 28 2012, 05:14 PM Post #40 |
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Hyacinth looked over at Marluxia with a secretive smile; as if she was seeing something that no one else could. It was the type of knowing smile that only a mother could wear. "You're fond of him," she observed. Kannella finally shifted in her arms and opened her pretty magenta eyes and looked up at Marluxia. She gavw a soft yawn and stretched a little, then tugged on her mother's hair. "Mama," she mumbles, "whossa' pretty man?" Kannella's words were difficult to understand-- her voice was, as Basile had said, just a soft mumble. "This is Mar, a friend the prince." Kannella's eyes lit up and she peeked over at Marluxia, giving a shy wave. "Hi Mar! I'm's Kannella!" Just like her brother, he "r"s and "l"s came out as "w"s. -- The dance lasted about seven minutes; when the performance came to an end, Fiore fell into the same stance he'd started in, the stopped, the drum followed and then the only sound was the crowd. Most of them clapped or whistled, the rest helped the breathless prince down off the stage, offering compliments along the way. Dahlia and Rys flocked over to their young protégé before he could make his way over to his companions. "You did well," commented Dahlia, ever-present smirk upon her cherry-red lips. "Very well," agreed Rys, who was at Dahlia's right hand, as always. They were the dynamic duo, no to mention twins. "Thank you-- both of you." The Makaiju prince gave a quick bow, then tried to peek around them at Marluxia, but they blocked his view. He let out a sightly aggravated sigh and crossed his arms over his chest, "What is it now?" "You know the rules," said Rys, who nudged her sister to explain. "If he's going to be your new pair, he has to pass our test." Dahlia tucked a lock of fuchsia hair behind her ear and crossed her arms, "We want to take him on as our student. The pair bond of our prince should at least know how to dance. After all, who else will be your partner at the festival?" 'Oh, damn it!' Truthfully, Fiore had forgotten all about that. Apparently it showed on his face, because both sisters gave him disapproving looks. "I don't know if he'll be up for it," he mumbled, fiddling with the silver pieces on his hipscarf. "But I'll ask him." "Good boy," concluded the twins before then turned to find another poor soul to sucker onto the stage. Now that Fiore had escaped the clutches of the dancers, he quickly made his way over to Marluxia, Hyacinth and the children who had come to compliment him. Basile was the leader of his fan-club, apparently, despite being one of the youngest, he was exceptionally outgoing. "You did great, Fiore!" The older man waved off the compliments with small "thank you"s here and there before he was finally left alone and able to get close to Marluxia. For the moment, he allowed himself to smile-- some of the confidence from before had faded, but some of that spark was still there, like a rainbow after the rain. "What did you think?" He asked, brushing the bangs out of his face, looking up at Marluxia, who was a fair bit taller than he was, especially now that he was barefoot, but he'd yet to change back into his "normal" clothes. |
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6:56 PM Jul 10