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Tomorrow

Series: Octopath Traveler II Pairing: Throné/Castti Word count: 13077 Rating: T Summary: It's that thought again, the frightening thought of giving herself to someone else, of baring herself open. It seems like a silly thought to have when they've been with each other for years now.

[AO3]

set a few years after the end of the game and also involves pala and mikka's sidequest so spoilers

friend kept making jokes about throne giving herself five finger discounts and castti being suspicious about gifts

===

Throné jolts awake, blinking owlishly. She hadn't even realized she nodded off; the motions of the train always make her want to close her eyes and hope for them to already be at their destination. She doesn't exactly dislike it, but the rumbling underneath her feet still takes her some time to get used to.

That isn't what woke her though. She glances off to the side, to see Castti's head on her shoulder now, having also nodded off. Always excited to see the sights, Castti makes a valiant attempt to stay awake so she can watch the environment fly right by them whenever they're on the train... and falls asleep not longer after, unable to keep her eyes open. It's not bad; she needs to catch up on all the sleep she's missed out on the past few weeks with all the patients she's seen, but Throné supposes that's what this little vacation is for, the both of them getting the rest they need.

Throné yawns behind her hand now, looking out the window to see where they are. They had boarded the train in the morning over at Timberain and now it's just past midday. The forests that had been rolling by them are sand and desert now. Won't be long until they arrive at Ryu and make the trek to Sai and eventually Ku. These trains are truly convenient, she'll really have to give it to Partitio for seeing their potential. It would have taken them almost a week of traveling by foot to reach Hinoeuma.

These benches could stand to be a little more comfortable though. Throné wants to stand up and stretch already but since Castti's asleep... she'll have to stay like this until she wakes up. With a fond sigh, she leans her head against Castti's, passing the time by looking out the window.

She's nearly ready to nod off again when she feels the train starting to slow down. That wakes up Castti as well, who groans slightly as she opens her eyes. "Throné?"

"Yeah?" Throné moves her head away. "We're stopping in a few minutes, if you're wondering."

"Oh, good." Castti straightens herself in her seat and stretches her arms over her head. Her shirt rides up, exposing a sliver of skin that Throné immediately hones in on. Castti lowers her arms, realizes what Throné had been staring at, and pointedly clears her throat. "Throné, please, we're on a train with other people."

"Then, when we're alone?" Throné asks with a crook of her brow. Castti only answers her with a slight smile—and tucks in her shirt. Throné sighs in disappointment before laughing to herself.

When the train finally rolls to a stop, the two of them gather up their bags and wait to exit. Once they get out, Partitio's waiting for them on the platform. He's dressed as sharp as he always is, still with his father's hat on his head along with that familiar yellow jacket on his shoulders though the color's fading now, nearly washed out of the vibrant yellow it once was. They asked him once if he was going to get a new one but he laughed and said that even if it looked bad, it still felt as good as the day he started wearing it. Throné thinks he's just too attached to get a new one and maybe too tight on the purse strings to spend anything on himself. Maybe they should just gift him one.

"Hey you two!" he shouts as soon as he sees them, the grin on his face nearly as bright as the sun itself. He holds out his arms and Castti obliges him. Throné hears a "oof!" from her; they'd forgotten how much Partitio liked his hugs. And to Throné after they pull apart, he claps a hand on her shoulder. "Heh! Nice to see the two of ya doing good. The rest of the apothecaries didn't come with ya?"

"They need to stay back and watch all of Throné's dogs," Castti answers with a teasing smile.

"Ah, the dogs! How many are there now?"

Castti holds out a hand, counting. "Six—"

"Two," Throné interrupts with a frown. "The others are just some strays that keep wandering around the clinic."

"So six it is!" Partitio laughs. Throné sighs but the smile she's trying to hold back is twitching at her lips. "Well, y'all can tell me more about all them adventures while we get our butts over to Sai first! Plenty o' time to talk while on the way!"

"And I'm sure you've got a lot to share with us, with all the talk of you in the newspaper I've been reading about!" Castti says.

The two of them continue their conversation as they head into town. Throné follows but takes the chance to look around; it's been a while since they've been in Hinoeuma and she barely recognizes Ryu for what it had been years ago now.

Ryu's grown as a settlement since the train's been established here. No longer just a simple outpost for travelers to get some rest before continuing either onward to Hinoeuma or the Harborlands, it's a real town now, with commerce flowing in and actual buildings. She wonders how many people live here now, and how much this town will grow in the years to come as more of these train routes get established, how many she'll see in her lifetime.

Because that means the marketplace must be bustling with all sorts of goods... Throné feels her hands twitching, eager to head off there. Just for a split second, quicker before the other two can notice. Before she can though, Castti grabs her hand in that moment and laces their fingers together and tugs her along, all without looking at Throné. Still conversing with Partitio, Castti squeezes her hand, both a message and warning, and Throné knows she's not going to be able to slip away at this point. She concedes for now, keeping her pace at Castti's side.

After restocking and doing some last minute preparations along with filling their stomachs for their trek to Sai across the desert, the three of them set off. It's going to be sundown soon but the desert will be cool instead of sweltering, which Throné prefers if she wants to be honest. At least at this time of the year though, with snowfall approaching the eastern continent, the temperatures on the western continent are cool and moderate. It's almost like being on their journey again but if there's certainly one big difference between now and then, it's that there's much less monsters than before, and that there are proper roads for traveling now.

"Hikari's sure done a lot of work in this area, huh?" Partitio comments with a grin.

"I wonder if he's had a helping hand with that," Castti murmurs, and all Partitio does is laugh.

It really is almost as if they're back on their journey again, just like all those years ago. They're just missing everyone else but Throné knows they'll see them in Ku. Hikari had mentioned in his letter that he invited everyone to the festival his kingdom has decided to do, a day to celebrate the end of the war. Throné remembers that day; it still feels surreal to her that she'd been a part of that history.

With the lack of monsters and having actual roads now, they make it to Sai in due time, something she'd been worried about. Reaching the town before midnight is good time to Throné, which means they'll be able to rest at the inn with a bed instead of out in the wild. They'll have to set out early in the morning though, if they want to make it to Ku before the hottest part of the day hits them, but it'll be a small price to pay.

When they get to the inn though, not even Throné is sure about the prospect of having a bed. It's crowded since it looks like everyone's traveling over to Ku for the festival. Just like Ryu, Sai has also grown with both Ku and Dolcinaea's help, and the inn building has also since expanded as well, now with its own individual rooms when it had just been a giant open floor. And still, there's so many people that Throné thinks they'll just have to camp out under the stars again just like good old times. The moment Castti had come to the counter though, the innkeeper had recognized Castti and secured a room for them. Castti had felt bad but the innkeeper waves away her concerns.

"Without you, Sai wouldn't even be here right now like this. Least I could do," she says as she leads them to their room. Castti looks like she's about to object again but Throné takes the keys and thanks her before ushering Castti inside. Castti might object but Throné doesn't. And now, after setting down all their bags and changing into the sleep robes of Hinoeuma that's been graciously provided for them, they sit on the floor next to their beds—futons, as they call them here in Hinoeuma—preparing to sleep to make the rest of the journey tomorrow to Ku.

"Throné."

Castti holds out a canteen for her. Throné takes it with a grateful nod, and nearly drops it in surprise, the metal shockingly cold—right, Dohter blesses his apothecaries with the magic of ice.

"Excited to see everyone?" Castti asks as she takes the canteen back, setting it atop the low table that's been pushed aside to make space for the futons.

"... yeah, it's been a while since we've all been together," Throné says, rubbing the back of her neck. It's a habit she's picked up since getting the collar off and she thought it'd leave but it seems to have stayed for some reason.

"It really has. I wonder what everyone's been up to."

"We'll find out tomorrow," Throné says as though they haven't been getting letters from most of their friends since the two of them have finally made a home base for Eir's Apothecaries at a village in the Leaflands two years back. "For now, we should go to bed. Gotta get up early tomorrow."

"Ah! Yes, you're right."

Castti blows out the flames to their lights and settles down on the futon next to Throné's. There's only two separate individual ones that they've pushed together but the part in the middle that isn't connected is a bit... awkward. Still, it doesn't stop Throné from reaching across to Castti, searching for her hand. The blankets rustle and when Throné turns her head, Castti is facing her now. They blink at each other and Castti gives her a soft smile, leaning over now to brush their lips together.

As Castti's about to pull away, Throné slides a hand into her hair, pulling her back for one more kiss. Castti hums against her lips, obliging her for one more time. Throné feels a playful swipe of Castti's tongue across her lips and then Castti pulls back, a teasing smile on her face.

"I thought you said we should go to sleep," Castti murmurs, her breath brushing past Throné's lips. She's about to answer before a more captivating sight makes her slide her eyes down instead, to where Castti's robe hangs open. After a few seconds of silence, Castti follows her gaze and gasps afterward when she realizes, covering Throné's eyes with a hand now.

Throné laughs, low and throaty, reaching out now to pull Castti to her. The desert air makes it too warm for them to hold her for long but Throné still closes her eyes, breathes in the scent of Castti, herbs, and sand, and falls fast asleep to it.

It feels like she's only just closed her eyes for a moment before she has to open them again, the first beams of sunlight already starting to stream through their window. Castti is still asleep, on her back now and face turned toward her. It'll take only a moment before she'll start to wake too but Throné lays there, watching the steady rise of her chest and the peacefulness on her face, relishing this rare moment where she's awake before Castti. She finds herself reaching out, gently moving strands of hair back with the back of her hand, and she sees Castti's eyes, fluttering before they peek open, a blue as free as the sky.

"Throné," Castti murmurs, voice thick with sleep. Her lips curve into a small smile and now Throné is the one leaning over, brushing her lips against the crown of Castti's head, and she hears a sigh against her neck.

It is with great reluctance that they both pull themselves up out of bed. Throné's hair is a mess but all she really needs to do is just run her hand through it a few times; one of the perks of still keeping her hair short. Meanwhile, Castti's hair has tangles even with the light amount of sleep they've gotten and it'll need to be brushed out before she can tie it up into her usual bun. Throné is already reaching for the bag Castti keeps their personal care items in as Castti rubs the last vestiges of sleep from her eyes.

The morning's quiet, a stark contrast to all the noise of last night with all the people that had been at the inn. Throné still feels like wanting to lay back into bed, nearly dozing off again even as she's the one brushing through Castti's hair, but there's much traveling to still be done yet and they might as well get that out of the way before the sun bears down on them even stronger than it will later. When the two of them get outside, the air's cool with a chilly breeze blowing across though, streaks of sun already slipping through the mountains. This cool weather will only last for a few hours, they'll need to make good use of it.

Once Partitio meets up with them and they make last minute preparations along with filling their stomachs for breakfast, they set off just after dawn, trekking across the desert. Just like the way from Ryu to Sai, there are roads that've been kept that make it easy for them to walk through the lands than the sand that Throné remembers. If there had been one part of the trip that she hadn't been looking forward to, it'd been the sand but now all she has to worry is getting it into mouth and nose instead of slipping on the soft ground.

They make it to Ku in due time because of this, also arriving just before the sun peaks. The guards wave them through; perhaps they recognize Partitio since they don't even ask about Throné and Castti. And inside, Ku's as impressive as ever, at least to Throné, for being a place in the middle of the desert. Feels like there's even more buildings than the last time she's been here which... how many years has it been, really? They had come back for the paper lanterns one year and... she doesn't remember now. Truly has been a while, then.

When they step further into the kingdom though, Throné can tell now exactly how different it is now from those years ago. The atmosphere then had been somber and bittersweet; the war was over but so many had perished from it and the wounds were still fresh on everyone. And now, the air's much different. It's lively, homely, peaceful, as Hikari had intended. The people here do not take peace for granted, as tenuous as it can be. She didn't doubt Hikari but kingship is a role that they all know he's never been prepared for, only thrust upon him, but he's seems to have taken it well enough.

Partitio leads them to the palace and before he can even speak, an attendant greets him and immediately heads off inside, all without a word spoken out of Partitio's mouth.

"Aren't you a real bigshot here now?" Throné says with a slight whistle. Partitio laughs but he's clearly embarrassed, scratching the back of his head.

"I always tell 'em not to treat me any different! I'm just a merchant and—"

"One of my precious friends and comrades," Hikari finishes as he emerges through the doors. His eyes sweep over them and though his smile is regal, it's no less warm than Throné remembers him for. "My friends, it is good to see you." He spreads his arms open and though Castti takes a step forward, Partitio is the one who rushes out with the widest grin on his face, pulling Hikari into a hug. Throné hears a soft "oof!" coming from Hikari as he tries to hug back.

Hikari's unsteady on his feet when Partitio releases him, not helped when he also slaps a hand over his back while laughing. Hikari manages a strained smile but he straightens himself as he turns toward the two of them. Castti returns his smile with one of her own as she pulls him into a hug. When they pull apart, they're still holding each other at the arms and though he sends a questioning look to Throné, she allows herself to step closer and he lays a hand on her arm, looking over the two of them.

"I'm glad to see the two of you are well. Was the journey fine?" he asks.

"It went well! The trains are always so exciting and you've also made the roads safer for us to travel. Only other thing you could have done was make the desert not as hot," Castti says.

"My apologies, even I am powerless before the mercy of nature," he says with a small laugh. His expression turns apologetic afterward. "I would love to catch up but there are still some preparations that I must oversee. I'll have an attendant show you to your lodgings." He waves over someone and is about to step away before he turns back to them. "Are you sure you did not want to stay in the palace? I'll be able to have the finest rooms prepared for you."

"It's fine, I don't think you want me in there," Throné can't help the smirk, "unless you'll want to be fostering complaints from your nobles about missing items."

Hikari blinks at her in surprise before he slowly nods, solemn still. "You are right, I thank you for being considerate of me in that regard." He bows to them then, smiling apologetically. "Forgive me, but I really must be going. I'll be sure to see you tomorrow, and please, enjoy your stay in Ku."

Here is where Castti and Throné split from Partitio, an attendant leading the two of them away to the lodgings Hikari's secured for them while he heads off to the hub of the kingdom where all the shops and restaurants are. The attendant leads them to a much quieter part of town noticeably away from all the noise. Well, that might just be better for them; Castti will be able to sleep better away from all the noise. Throné's used to city noise and even if she hasn't stayed in a city for a while, she knows how to drown out the noise.

Their accommodations are similar to the room they stayed in Sai, now just more spacious and with a kitchen that they most likely won't be using. Ceramic pots line the wall next to the entrance—Throné makes a note to see if they can... take some back. Castti had mentioned that she wanted to try underground fermentation, a technique that Ochette had taught them before heading off on her own journey, and these pots look perfect for them to put into the dirt. On the raised wooden platform above the stone floor that's characteristic of Hinoeuman buildings sits a hearth in the middle and floor cushions on all sides. Throné's not sure if they'll use this during their stay or the stove in the corner of the room, but it's nice to have the option for it, perhaps for some tea.

They set their things down and step back outside. It's nearing noon now and though they've been snacking on the various berries and fruits they've brought from the Leaflands on their trek to Ku, they should get a proper meal inside of them. Just as they're about to head off though, they hear a shout and boy crying out suddenly. They share a look and Castti is already running off in the direction of the noise. Throné shakes her head with a slight smile, heading back into their lodgings to grab her satchel as well before following after Castti. Might have something that Castti isn't carrying; better to be safe than sorry.

Throné finds an old man on the ground and clutching at his legs while moaning in pain, a little boy panicked while next to him. Castti is already crouched down next to them.

"Father!" A man comes running out from somewhere and falls to his knees next to them. "I've told you time and time again that your knees are bad!" He looks over at Castti, bowing several times. "Thank you so much for helping him, I'm so sorry for your trouble."

Castti shakes her head. "It's no trouble but allow me to help you. I'm an apothecary."

With the son's help, they help the old man back to their home, gently laying him down on the bed. Castti directs the boy to grab some towels and pillows for her and she turns to Throné, smiling apologetically. "I can handle this, Throné. You should go and enjoy yourself, tell me what's new in Ku!"

Throné frowns at her. "Are you sure? I can also help him as well, you should be the one to—"

"Yes, I'll be sure to join you once I finish." Castti nudges her away. "Please, relax for the rest of the day."

"... don't push yourself, then," Throné tells her, taking off the satchel she grabbed and holding it out now. Castti blinks down at it before taking it with a grateful smile. She leans up to press a brief kiss to Throné's cheek before pulling away to tend to the old man now. With a sigh, Throné leaves the house and heads off to the hub, now alone without Castti. She had wanted to argue but she knows how headstrong and stubborn Castti can be regarding her patients. She'll have to find something worthwhile for her, then.

Ku has grown a lot since the last time Throné has been here. There's a lot more stores than last time, at least. Her fingers twitch—but these are Hikari's people, and they've been through war and hell. She'll keep her hands to herself out of respect for him, unless someone gives her a good reason to... help herself. But maybe when they're done here in Ku, she and Castti can head over to Wellgrove afterward. There's always plenty of opportunity there; she needs some practice to make sure she doesn't get rusty. It'll also be nice to check up on the orphanage there and see how things are.

"Ooh, is that Throné?"

At the sound of her name, she turns around, to see Agnea running toward her while waving. There's two others following behind her—her sister, Pala, and... Mikka, if Throné is remembering correctly. Agnea is about to run into her before she pauses, looking at Throné questioningly, almost the same way Hikari had. "Can I..."

Throné nods, and Agnea beams as she pulls Throné into a hug. Agnea hasn't changed much, still wearing her mother's dress as she travels around the continents. Youthful exuberance still exudes from her, which is more than Throné can say about herself.

"So! How's the Leaflands? Enjoying all the raspberries and peaches in the area nearby?" Agnea asks once they pull apart. The grin still hasn't fallen from her face, and it makes Throné chuckle, seeing how bright that smile still is years later.

"Couldn't have asked for a better place," Throné says, sincerely. She really means that.

"Glad to hear! It's a great place for all the dogs too!" Agnea looks around suddenly. "Where's Castti, though? She's not with you right now?"

"As we were leaving, someone collapsed. Castti's tending to them right now," Throné answers.

"Oh, that's Castti for you," Agnea says with a laugh. "I'm so glad to hear she hasn't changed. And you!" She looks over Throné. "I think you look prettier than before—I-I mean, you always did! But I think... umm... I think you... er, kinda feel different, but in a good way!"

"... do I?" Throné doesn't think she looks or feels any different than she usually does.

Agnea laughs again. "You kind of just remind me of how Pala is."

"Agnie, are ya talking about me?" Pala springs up behind Agnea with a grin. She's grown a lot in the years, now taller than Agnea herself by nearly half a head. It's a little jarring, how much she's shot up, and she knows Agnea's sore about her little sister being bigger than her now.

Following from behind is Mikka, with her hand clasped together with Pala's. Mikka glances over at Throné, nearly startling when she notices Throné looking at her. She bows her head slightly; the people of Ku are always polite, sometimes overly and stiflingly so, Throné finds. Mikka no longer dresses in Ku fashion anymore though, wearing a dress similar to what the people at Cropsdale wear, and of course it doesn't pass Throné's notice that her dress matches Pala's.

"By the way, Miss Throné, take a look at this!" Pala holds out her hand, and Throné sees a ring shining on one of the fingers, a silver band with a red gemstone in the middle that gleams in the sunlight. "Mikka got me this! It's soooo pretty, ain't it?"

"You don't have to show it off like that," Mikka says shyly.

"What d'you mean? 'Course I do! Gotta show it off to everyone! You gave it to me." Pala pulls her hand back to hold it up in front of her face, still awed. "Gosh, I just love it so much! I still can't believe it!" She looks over now at Mikka and Throné thinks she can see the stars in her eyes. She's exactly like Agnea in that way, the way she gets completely enamored, like how Throné remembered Agnea had been when she watched Dolcinaea perform.

This isn't a performance she's looking at though, Pala's just looking at the woman she loves.

... does Agnea really mean Throné looks like that?

"Whoa, Agnea!" Partitio appears out of no where, reaching over to pull her into a hug which she returns just as eagerly though not before Throné hears the "oof!" from Agnea. "I haven't seen you in so long! I gotta get me one of them tickets to your show sometime!"

"Aw, Partitio, you don't need a ticket to come see me," Agnea says as she pulls back. "I'll put on a dance for you right now if you want!" She steps back, getting ready to do just that before Pala slaps a hand on her shoulder.

"Not now, Agnie! You're gonna go out and dance a ton later! What if you trip up and ruin your feet?" Pala scolds, and it's almost comical seeing Agnea shrink back from her younger sister.

"I-I know! But it was only going to be just for a little!"

"Haha! I see Pala's still doing a fine job of managing!" Partitio says with a grin. "You gonna still be touring on this side of the world? I've heard they're building that new theater up in Timberain. And..." here he leans in, looking at all of them, his voice lowered, "I heard they might've finally figured out a way to get to the Outer Lands too!"

"Ooh!?" Agnea brings a hand up to her mouth in surprise. "No kidding!"

The Outer Lands... Throné would be lying if she said she wasn't interested in exploring over there. New, undiscovered land full of treasures... or perhaps she can wait for the merchants to head over first and see what she'll be able to find off them instead. She wonders how Castti would feel about it, heading over to uncharted waters and land, but... perhaps in a few years. They've only just settled down, after all.

They chat and catch up with each other for a little longer until Agnea gets pulled away by Pala, something about wanting to show her something in Ku with Mikka, Throné's not sure. It's just her and Partitio now, and when she mentions that she's looking for a bite to grab, he brings her over to a nearby stand serving Ku food. After she finishes, she picks up some extra food to bring back to Castti. Maybe they might get to finally use that kitchen in their lodging after all.

As Throné walks back to their accommodations though, she thinks back to earlier, of the ring shining on Pala's face... and how radiant she had looked. A ring, huh... Throné's happy for those girls.

But now, the idea's stuck in her head.

She looks down at her hands. As much as Throné is one for fashion and dressing herself up, it's never been good to have anything on her hands; it'd invite thieves and she's never cared for the trouble. Of course, Throné would never be outwitted but to draw unwanted attention to herself is never good... but on Castti, especially of her nature as an apothecary, there's always attention on her. Castti can take care of herself just fine but there are scum who'd attack healers and... Throné wouldn't want to invite a trouble so needless onto her.

Throné arrives back at their lodgings but Castti still isn't back. She leaves the food she'd brought back on the counter and walks back outside, standing there for a moment.

And still... the idea is stuck in her head.

Throné takes a step forward, about to head over to check up on Castti before she stops, coming to a realization. Maybe... this is an opportunity instead, she should take it. She won't have to sneak off and move through the marketplace... and... well, if she gets cold feet about the ring, she can sell it back, if anything. With her mind made up, she heads back to look through the shops.

Partitio's there as well, wandering around, which is exactly who she's looking for. He gives her a grin and waves when he sees her.

"Browsing through the stores?" he asks her.

"Sure," she says.

"Throné, you're my friend, but I can't turn a blind eye if you decide to give yourself a five finger discount!"

She chuckles. For once, she hadn't even been thinking about that. "I'll behave. But, I've got a favor to ask you."

"Oh? 'Course, Throné!" he answers immediately without even waiting to hear her out, beaming at her. "Whaddya need?"

She tells him and she swears his smile gets bigger than she's ever seen it before. Throné has a good eye but it'd just be nice to have a second opinion, and she trusts Partitio's eyes just as much as her own. Hinoeuma steel is something nice but she's looking for something a little more fancy. With all the trade deals Hikari's been brokering with Partitio at his side, there should be something in this town already that'll fit what she's looking for.

They scour through most of the shops but when it's nearing evening and there still isn't anything that satisfies the both of them, Throné thinks it might be a lost cause. Hikari's trying but Ku isn't exactly the capital of trade commerce. Maybe she'll really have to go to Wellgrove, or maybe even brave a trip back to New Delsta... but she'll have to figure out how to do that without Castti at her side...

"Ah, Throné, Throné!" Partitio waves her over to a shop on a corner, a building that she hadn't even realized is a shop. There's no particular sign advertising it as such, but Partitio is grinning like he's struck gold, which she really hopes he has.

They walk into the shop and it's an old woman inside, eyeing them warily. There's no one else inside but Throné thinks the woman is deterrent enough, her arms still rippling with muscle despite her age. Various pieces of ore line the shelves. When they're like this though, Throné has zero idea of their worth. On the other hand, Partitio looks like he's a kid in a candy store. He walks over to one of the walls, examining each ore.

"Mind if I take a closer look?" he asks and though the woman doesn't look enthused about it, she nods. "Thankee kindly!"

He pulls his gloves on tighter and carefully takes an ore, one that looks like a dull piece of rock to Throné. He turns it all over in his hands before he nods firmly, the smile spreading across his face. "A fine piece of silver here, this one!" he exclaims.

"Oh? A good eye you have." The woman is next to them now. Throné nearly startles; she hadn't even realized the woman had come up to them. Throné must really be losing her edge if an old woman can sneak up her now. "What are you looking to do with this?"

"A ring," Throné answers instead of Partitio. The woman turns to her, wrinkled eyes suddenly scrutinizing her. For what, even Throné's not sure. Finally, the woman takes the ore from Partitio and gestures for them to follow her into the back, where her smithy is.

"Better to be made into a pretty accessory than a weapon," she murmurs.

They hammer through the details and when they exit the shop with Throné's coin pouch much lighter, the sun is long gone, replaced by the moon. Throné is rolling her shoulders, feeling as if she's done a whole day of traveling, given how tired she suddenly feels. But it's a relief too, knowing that she'd been able to find something, and though she feels bad about asking the woman to work through the night, the woman had waved away her concerns and promised she'd have it by tomorrow.

Still... she's still unsure of this entire thing. It'd been something she decided on a whim. Maybe she should've just gone with a fancy necklace or something, but...

Her uncertainly must be showing on her face though because Partitio asks, "What's wrong, Throné?"

She opens her mouth to tell him that it's nothing, but he had accompanied her throughout all of this when he didn't need to. "Just... just thinking about whether or not Castti will like it," she confesses, uncharacteristic of her to do. She's not usually like this but doing something this is... it's bothering her. If only this could be easier; if only Castti would just ask her to steal the riches of Timberain for her, she'd do it without hesitation. It'd be simpler than... all of this.

"You kidding me?" Partitio lays a hand over her shoulder and squeezes it lightly. "'Course she will!"

"... you think so?"

"C'mon, Throné, you're not usually like this! You guys have been together for so long so you should know better than me! But I'll tell you for sure, that I know she'll appreciate the gesture!" He almost slaps his hand over her back but instead gives her a thumbs-up.

His pep talk is everything she expected but... it does raise her spirits. She laughs, more at herself than him. "Thanks... Partitio, for all your help."

"Aw, anytime, Throné!"

The two of them walk back toward the main streets of Ku, catching up some more with what they've been up to. There's always a lot going on with Partitio; if he isn't figuring out things with the railroads, then he's off running somewhere, his nose right on the tail end of a surprisingly lucrative deal. Throné doesn't know how he does it; really must be something, being so heavily favored by Bifelgan the way he seems to be. And still, through it out, he's still the same humble man she remembers him as.

They head towards the Palace, and they find Castti and Hikari there, along with his advisor behind him. His name... Benkei? She thinks that's his name, it wouldn't do to keep referring to him as the man with no inside voice.

"Partitio, Throné," Hikari greets with a wave when he notices her. Castti turns around, the smile already on her face.

"How was that man?" Throné asks.

"Well enough, he will heal after a week's rest. His son took over watching him and I told him if he had any further issues, he could come see us while we were still here. Thank you for the food you left in the house, by the way."

"Of course," Throné replies. She looks over at Hikari. "What were the two of you talking about?"

"Just sharing some knowledge of healing methods," Hikari answered. "You two have done much traveling and seen all manners of illnesses and maladies. I was just merely asking if she had some knowledge to impart for us."

"So... just talking about more work instead of doing catch up between friends, then?" Throné says, raising her brow at the both of them. Hikari blinks in surprise while Castti smiles apologetically. Even Benkei makes a shocked face.

"It is hard to remember to lay down my crown sometimes, when there is always so much to be done," Hikari says with a sigh. "I am more than happy to catch up with you all, though." He sweeps his gaze over them all. "I'd like to invite you for dinner tonight. I've heard Agnea is in town as well, I'll see if we can find her."

"I'll find her for you, my lord!" Benkei yells, already dashing off into town and shouting at the top of his lungs. Everyone looks at each other, too surprised to say anything as they still hear him at different parts of town, still shouting. Just as Hikari opens his mouth to speak, they see him running back down the street toward them, waving his arm. From behind him is Agnea, her sister, and Mikka on his heels.

"That is... one way to do it," Castti only says.

Instead of taking them inside the palace where they'll be served by a chef like Throné expects, Hikari takes them over to a restaurant just down the street. Somehow, even with all six of them, they manage to cram inside the tiny restaurant that's arguably just as big as the house Throné and Castti are staying in, all seated around a giant circular table. The staff aren't even surprised that they have the king of Ku inside their restaurant, still smiling warmly and talking to him as if he's another citizen. Somehow, Throné finds herself on one of Hikari's side, Agnea on the other.

"I am more than happy to be able to see you all tonight," Hikari says once he orders for everyone.

"We don't need a festival or celebration to come see each other or have a little get together!" Partitio says.

"Hikari is busy as a king, I don't know when he'd able to sneak out," Castti adds.

"Easy! Jus' tell everyone that Agnea'll be coming around to tour! That counts as an event, right?"

"N-now hold on there! We don't need me coming here to hold an event!" Agnea protests.

Throné listens to everyone, the smile twitching at her lips. It really takes her back now, to their years of traveling together, when they sat around in either bawdy taverns or quiet inns and had a drink or two with each other while dinner was whatever the tavern decided to serve them. If only the others were here with them but perhaps they'll be able to do this for tomorrow as well... before they all split their ways again.

"How are you liking Ku?" Hikari asks her when the conversations between all of them start to wind down. "I know the last time you were here, it was... not for a joyous occasion. I regret not being able to show you all a better side of Ku, then."

"It's... peaceful," Throné says. "Exactly the sort of kingdom I thought you'd rule."

For some reason, he looks taken aback. He stares at her, as if waiting for her to continue or add something else before he bows his head slightly. "I... am glad to hear that, truly."

Out of all of them, his hands have been stained with blood just as much as hers are... but at least he can claim it'd been in self-defense and in greater service to someone else. He wouldn't see it that way though, but it... sounds better than Throné's reasons, killing because she'd been told, because she'd been forced, because it was to clean up the filth.

She remembers telling him once that she'd like to try living here in Ku during his reign. She doesn't know what running a kingdom entails nor will she pretend to, but the fact remains that this place is no longer the desolate wasteland it had once been during the war. Even if it smells of blood here, it isn't a reeking stench underneath everything the way it is in New Delsta; it's trying to fade away with the winds of change. Hikari has done a good job of that.

The rest of the dinner goes well though by the time Throné and Castti take their leave, Partitio is knocked out on the table with several tankards next to him as Hikari and Agnea try to shake him awake, not that Agnea herself looks better, swaying on her feet after sharing a few glasses of wine with Castti. Pala and Mikka watch the scene, with Pala shaking her head the entire time while Mikka leans into her, sipping at a cup of tea.

Throné holds Castti steady as they walk back to the house. She had a few drinks and while she's not quite reached the point where she's throwing off her clothes like all those other times, a few of her buttons from her shirt are already undone and Throné is wearing her cloak instead, as a way to keep track of it. The desert gets cold once the moon shows its face so Throné isn't complaining about the extra layer.

By the time they make it back to their lodgings, Throné is more than ready to crawl into the futon and close her eyes. Even if she's happy to see everyone, she's been on her feet for most of the day. She changes into the provided sleep wear and debates telling Castti to do the same, except Castti is already collapsed on top of the futon, her boots already kicked aside. Throné sighs in exasperated fondness and carefully lifts Castti to make space for herself. Unlike the room at Sai, this futon is bigger and clearly meant for two; Hikari sure had been thorough with his accommodations.

And now, even with Castti snoring in her ear, it's easy for Throné to pass out, tired from all the traveling, catching up, running around town with Partitio, and... well, just everything. She closes her eyes and though it doesn't happen often, she's out like a light. When she wakes though, it's to Castti cradling her head close, stroking her hair back, the morning rays of light streaming through the window.

"Good morning," Castti whispers, leaning down to press her lips to the top of Throné's head.

"Mornin'," Throné says, except it comes out more like a muffled groan since her voice is still thick with sleep. Castti laughs softly, and Throné can feel the vibrations against the side of her face. She cuddles into her neck, basking in Castti's warmth.

With the both of them always busy with apothecary work one way or another, it's rare for them to be in bed at the same time. But, here, when they don't exactly need to get up, don't have patients to check, don't have any other obligations yet that they need to see... Throné treasures these moments, where they're both just barely awake, curling into each other, comfortable and relaxed against each other. There is no darkness that still tugs at the edges of Throné's mind sometimes, no haunted look that still plagues Castti's expression at times when she thinks Throné isn't looking, just... them.

They must have fallen asleep again because when Throné wakes, the room is much warmer now, to the point of them being so close to each other is even starting to feel uncomfortable. Still, Throné's reluctant to pull away, trying to savor each last moment until Castti finally pushes herself up and throws the blanket off of them, a hand on her neck. Throné can see the tips of her fingers glowing with magic as she tries to cool herself down with ice.

"I'm sorry, Throné, it's just..." She smiles, embarrassed, but all Throné does is shake her head, watching in amusement. The desert has both its perks and cons, and though Throné had once thought about living here... she doesn't think she can handle the weather or the sand, not when she's so used to more moderate temperatures.

"I'm going to check up on the patient from yesterday first, just to make sure he's doing better today," Castti says after they dress for the day and prepare to head out back to the rest of town. "Did you want to come with?"

Throné shakes her head. This is a more than perfect opportunity for her. "No, I'll meet you at the market then."

They go their separate ways, Throné immediately making off for the shop. When she arrives, the old woman is standing there and looks at her like she's been expecting her to come at any moment. As soon as Throné comes to the counter, the woman lays out the ring, and after examining the beautiful craftsmanship, she takes it with a quiet thanks.

"My husband and son died in the war," the old woman says, and the lines on her face suddenly seem deeper and her face is no longer harsh and rugged, only... weary. "Whoever you're giving that to... treasure all the time you have with them."

Throné clenches the ring tight in her hand. "Yeah... I know."

She knows exactly how cruel the world can be, and how fleeting both life and time are.

The rest of the day seems to rush by as a blur. Throné still thinks of the ring in her pocket, of when she should give it. Should it right now? Should she wait? What seems to be the right time?

Before Throné knows it, it's evening, which means the festivities are going to start. Hikari, kind man that he is, also provided them wear for the festival. Throné's clad in a dark purple robe with a checkered pattern in varying shades of purple on her sleeves that she doesn't remember the name of right now other than there's so many folds and Castti had to tie the sash in the middle for her, and vice versa. Castti's suits her perfectly, a shade of blue similar to her apothecary uniform with white flowers adorning both of her sleeves and the bottom.

"You look... nice," Throné says, her throat suddenly dry when Castti turns around, the bottom of her dress swishing around her feet. She's opted to let her hair hang loose this time, one side of her hair clipped back by a pin that Throné remembers giving her last year, one to replace the blue flower she had worn when she had been under Sealticge's guidance all those years back.

"Oh? Only nice?" Castti smiles coyly and Throné knows she's being strung along but even she can't help it now. She reaches out, placing her hand underneath Castti's chin and tilting her face up. Castti bats her eyelashes up at her and Throné can't resist the urge now, leaning in and captures her lips.

So much trouble getting into these robes and Throné already wants to unravel it all, her hands twitching to pull at the sash and let it all fall open again push Castti back down to the futon—but Castti quickly pulls away and steps out of her embrace, pulling up her collar and fixing her clothes. She reaches out, fixing up Throné's clothes as well.

"You look beautiful, but I also don't mind it off you as well," Throné murmurs, trying hard to keep her hands to herself for once. Castti gives her a half-smile.

"Let's at least enjoy the festival for a little bit before retiring for the night," Castti says, slightly breathless. "Or else Temenos won't let us live this down."

Ah. As much as she wants to pull Castti back, she also has a point. With a sigh, she finally lets her hands fall away.

"Fine," she grumbles though not before she leans back in to steal one more kiss. Castti smiles against her lips and though the desert is hot, this warmth Throné feels inside of her right now doesn't compare to the heat of the desert.

Castti holds out her arm, and the action comes easy to Throné now, taking her arm and letting their fingers tangle together. They step out and head toward the festival, marked by where all the bright lights are and where all the noise is and the people are running toward.

There's no other word to describe Ku right now other than lively. It makes Throné think of New Delsta, when there had been big events but... these sort of festivities are meant for everyone, not just the rich or those who can afford it. People from all over the kingdom are here and even those from outside, merrymaking and getting along. Sort of reminds Throné more of Timberain's coronation and the parties everyone had, but she knows that memory isn't a good one for Castti.

This, though... this is a good sight, Throné thinks.

Stalls line the streets on both sides, either filled with food, attractions, crafts, and no amount of people in between them. The two of them move through as best as they can and though this is meant to be a time of happiness and peace, the crowd still makes Throné wary, cautious as she constantly roams her eyes around. These crowds are best for slipping away undetected and no matter how many smiles she can see, there are still always those less fortunate, ready for an opportunity.

"Relax, Throné," Castti tells her and Throné wants to but she knows all too well what it's like to be on the other hand, someone hiding in the shadows and biding their time, watching the crowds for an easy mark.

It's a good thing then, that the first person that bumps into them is an all too familiar face that puts even Throné at ease. And by bumping into them, Throné means that literally, because one second she'd been holding onto Castti's arm and the next, someone's barreled into her and she can feel something furry tickling her on her chin—oh.

"Castti! Néné!" Ochette looks up at her with her eyes sparkling. Mahina is flapping her wings above them while hooting, communicating in only that way Ochette can understand but Throné thinks she's scolding Ochette for her behavior, from what Throné remembers Ochette telling her of what Mahina talks to her about.

Perhaps, out of all of them, Ochette might be the one who's barely changed, but that isn't right. Her clothes might still be the same and she still has that same brightness and innocence that only she can achieve, but there's a new worldliness to her now that hadn't been there before. Throné wonders where she's been, if she might have accidentally discovered a way to the Outer Lands the way others are still trying, but Ochette looks up at her with her ears flickering and tail wagging and grin as wide and open like the waters that surround her home, and it's like Throné is back in that time years ago instead. Exactly like that time years ago, when she still feels that same temptation to reach out and run her hand through that fluffy tail.

"Ochette," she murmurs, pulling her into a hug before her hands get other ideas, "I'm glad to see you."

"Aww, Néné! I didn't know you'd miss me that much! I'd stop by more often then!"

"You should. I'm certain that Wooly-Ooly misses you too," Castti adds from next to them. Ochette separates from Throné and all but leaps into Castti now, the both of them throwing their arms around each other.

"You're right! Maybe I can come with you guys when you go back home!" Ochette pulls back to beam at them before she whistles suddenly. "But hold on! You should check out my new friend!"

She steps aside to reveal a small red fox that'd been hiding behind her. When it realizes it's no longer behind Ochette, it seemingly freezes up, ears flickering as it looks up at Throné and Castti. Throné crouches down, carefully holding out her hand toward it. The fox's ears continue to flicker before it cautiously moves forward, sniffing her hand and giving it a tentative lick before dashing to hide behind Ochette again.

"Aw, he's just a little shy! Just give him some time and he'll warm up to you in no time! His fur's so soft, he'll let you pet him before long, Néné."

"I hope so," Throné says, her voice soft. Ochette grins, her tail wagging furiously and Throné can see the fox's tail slowly starting to swish back and forth as well.

Ochette walks with them now but Throné lags behind slightly, still observing the crowds. She sees Castti turn her head toward her but there's just way too many people. At least Ochette might be able to deter any potential thief with her sense of smell though Throné wonders if all this noise and different smells in the air might be overwhelming for her. She knows it already is for her.

Throné reaches into her sleeve, where the ring is secured. She shouldn't have taken such a precious thing out today; it's making her wound up than normal, being careful about guarding it. But... she doesn't want to leave it back at their lodgings either; the chance that Castti might find is low, but not zero. Then... the best place to keep it is with her, but now that means she's holding this. Ugh, why did Throné do this to herself?

Someone runs into her then, and Throné instinctively shoots her hands out, grabbing whoever it is. Normally she'd let them run past her and she'd follow easily but traveling with Castti and dealing with clumsy children running into her has forced a different habit into her now.

She looks down at who she's grabbed, and she's surprised to find not a toddler but an older girl blinking at her, glasses nearly slipping down her face.

"Elena! Please don't run off like that!"

Throné's lips twitch the moment she sees that all too familiar bear-like stature. There's just really no mistaking Osvald, especially with the way he seems to tower over most of the crowd. "Elena! You—ah..." he'd been running up to them and pauses now when he looks at her now, faint surprise across his face, as if he hadn't expected to see her there despite knowing everyone would be here for this festival. He pushes up his glasses as he greets her. "Thank you for catching my daughter, Throné. Good to see you."

"Likewise, Professor," she says back to him, smile curling at her lips. Back in their company, he didn't smile often but it's easier for him now to crinkle his eyes and soften his expression.

"You're one of Papa's friends. I'm Elena." She smiles politely and holds out her hand toward Throné and it feels strange, being introduced to her even though Throné has already seen and known her.

Throné takes her hand, giving it a firm shake. She's Osvald's daughter though so she's a smarter than average girl. "I'm Throné. Your father helped me a lot back then."

"Did he?" A smile nearly spreads on Elena's lips before she smooths it over. "I'm proud to hear that, he's a good man no matter what anyone says."

Is she trying to emulate her father? Almost makes Throné laugh. Elena's older though still not at adulthood but Throné can already see the beginnings of the stern expression she'll inherit from Osvald along with his tall stature, the way she seems to come up to just under his shoulders, nearly as tall as Throné herself. Her hair's pulled back into a neat braid that hangs over her shoulder, no doubt done by her mentor that's walking behind them. If it were Osvald's hands, it would be clumsy and look more like an attempt of some kind was made... but he'd be willing to try for his daughter. And Throné can see her mentor now, looking at their group curiously, almost appraisingly—Throné wonders if she remembers them, their ragtag group following behind Osvald as he stalked forward in his path for revenge.

And Osvald himself... he's cleaned up himself significantly that if it weren't for his always heavy countenance and that he's kept his mustache and beard intact, she almost wouldn't recognize him. He's pulled his hair back as well, tied together with a bright white ribbon that surely has to be Elena's idea. But it's the look in his eyes now, once always so cold and logical, now filled with a love and affection that almost looks foreign to both himself and Throné. He's awkward still around his daughter though, and even as Elena reaches out to his hand, it seems like he still doesn't know what to do even as he opens his hand to welcome hers.

"How goes your research?" Throné asks him.

"Hm, well enough," he answers. He's still trying to look into the source of the One True Magic and though it seems obvious to Throné and the others, his analytical mind still wants to find out exactly what it is, the root and source of it... even if his source is standing right next to him, holding his hand. Surely he should also know this too deep down, but he's a stubborn man dedicated to his studies. But perhaps, since he's here with his daughter, he knows there are things more important than his research now.

"I wish you all the luck with that," she tells him. She's sure they'll receive a letter about it or hear about it in the newspapers, one way or another.

They chat for a little longer before Throné starts to notice Elena fidgeting, clearly wanting to see the rest of the festival before the night is over. A corner of Throné's lips twitches as she recognizes the sight and she steps aside now. "Enjoy the rest of your night with Elena," she tells him, and he seems surprised.

"Yes, of course... enjoy the rest of your night as well. Give Castti my regards as well." Osvald says, and Elena nods at her.

Throné watches them, father and daughter walking off with hands clasped in each others despite Elena being older now. She watches them until the crowd swallows up the both of them. She exhales softly, memories of her youth flashing across her mind and she shakes her head instead. No use thinking about what-ifs... but those moments still flash through her mind sometimes.

Throné looks further down, scanning the crowd until she spots Castti and Ochette standing at one stall. Ochette is pointing at something and it looks like Castti's holding something in her hands—ah, playing on of the games. Throné makes her way over to them until she pauses, a strange sense washing over her—she turns around and comes face to face with Temenos, who only blinks at her.

"Throné, my dearest assistant, your senses are as sharp as ever," he says jovially, sweeping his arms open but it's just a gesture. Still, it makes the smile crack across her lips and she steps forward to pull him into a hug. He's surprised for a moment before he returns the gesture, patting her on the back. "My, I did not expect time to turn you affectionate. Castti's doing, I presume? No, perhaps all those dogs you keep around now."

Throné pulls back, smirking at him. She doesn't want to rise to his provocations so she says instead, "The dogs miss you, you know."

"They miss me, or miss ripping up my robes all the time?" He places a hand on his face and sighs. He steps back, looking at her up and down. "I never thought I would say it, but domesticity also suits you just as fine as well."

"Must you say it that way?" Throné almost rolls her eyes but she can't help the small smile on her face. He only laughs and though his smile is just as easy as it's always felt, Throné can see it too.

They say time heals all wounds. Throné thinks that might be true of her even if she might have moments where she still thinks of all the blood spilled on her path to freedom and the family she will never see anymore, a self-inflicted wound that will never heal. She sees it on Castti as well, when her hands shake sometimes when she grabs certain ingredients to mix her concoctions, when she sits at her desk with her old journal by the candlelight and flips through the pages at the beginning of the book of when her friends stood upon the earth and not buried in it. Despite that, the both of them had pushed forward—they had to, and found their own solace to hold onto.

But Temenos... when she looks at him, it like he's been frozen in time instead.

Throné reaches out, taking his arm and trying to tug him forward. "Castti and Ochette are further down. They'll be happy to see you too."

"Ah, are they?" Temenos flickers his eyes toward them and he opens his mouth—Throné pulls him forward and now she stands behind him, nudging him forward. "Throné, my dear, I was going to go, no need to be so pushy!"

Both Castti and Ochette light up once they see Throné and Temenos, with Castti reaching forward to take his hands. He seems surprised at that, eyes looking down at their joined hands before a wry smile crosses his face. When Castti lets go, Ochette replaces her but she runs into him as she had done with Castti and Throné, arms squeezing around his light frame. For just a moment, she thinks his shoulders slump a little, and she hopes that it might stay like that for the rest of the night.

The four of them chat and travel down the streets to see the rest of the stalls. It's almost like an endless stream of both people and stalls; Throné swears even on her tiptoes, she can't even see the end of the lines. That's fine, though. Castti and Ochette look like they're having fun and even Temenos is starting to let his mask slip. Must be Ochette; she just has that power sometimes, the one that makes them all let down their guards in front of her because her eyes will never judge them.

After some time though, Throné is starting to feel it, the need to rest her legs. She still keeps herself active but she's not as young as she's used to be, a break would be nice before exploring the rest of this festival. She knows Castti is feeling the same way by how she's leaning a little more into her as they walk down the street. She halts her steps, looks down at Castti, and when Castti slightly nods, Throné makes her decision.

"Ochette," she calls out. Ochette turns around, a small tilt of her head and making her ears flop to one side. Throné resists the urge to tweak them but she does allow herself to reach out, ruffling her head. "Castti and me are just going to take a small break for now. You go ahead with Temenos. We'll catch up with you later."

"Oh?" Ochette's tail swishes. "You two need to go off and have some private time like Aggie says—"

"Ochette." Castti smiles at her and Ochette straightens herself, grabbing Temenos' arm.

"G-got it, Ma! I'll find you two later!"

"Don't I get a say in this?" Temenos asks.

"No," they all respond, and Ochette drags him off while he looks on in mock helplessness.

With that done, the two of them slip off away from the main streets, heading through an alleyway and coming out behind the stalls to what looks to be a more residential area. There's also people here but not quite as much, and they all look like they have the same idea as them as well, coming here to get a breather from the crowds, lights, and noise.

Castti leads them over to an empty bench and pats the empty spot to the left of her, not that Throné needs the invitation, already moving to sit down. Their arms brush together and Castti leans into her, resting her hand on top of Throné's leg.

"We should visit Temenos next month," Throné says. "Just... to see him."

"Yes, that sounds like a good idea," Castti says, her voice soft. There's no doubt that she's noticed as well.

"Agnea will be performing later, right?"

"Yes. They should be setting up a stage for her at the palace. We'll have to head there early if we want a good spot to see her."

"Didn't Hikari say he had a special area saved for us?"

"Oh, did he?" Castti shakes her head. "My memory is getting a little fuzzy again."

Throné says nothing but she finds herself reaching into her sleeve again, into the pocket where the ring is kept. Is... is this a good time? Why can't she just hold it out and give it to Castti like all her other presents?

And of course, this is the best time for fireworks to shoot up into the sky.

The both of them look up, seeing the explosions and streaks of light dancing across the sky in various shapes and patterns. The more elaborate ones must be fire magic though; Throné wonders if Osvald might have had a hand in those. Regardless, the fireworks are truly impressive. Throné will really have to give it to Hikari, always manages to outdo himself every time she comes to one of these things. It's hard to get them away from their work for so long and Throné is always more than ready to make sure Castti takes a break, always prone to falling asleep at the desk or passed out in a chair somewhere in the house than the bed. The number of times Throné has had to carry her back is far too numerous.

Castti lifts her head off her shoulder as she looks up at the sky. "They're beautiful, aren't they?"

Throné opens her mouth to answer, glancing over at Castti—and her breath catches instead, seeing the fireworks illuminating the sky also lighting up Castti's face. She's never been good with words, as they all seem to get stuck in her throat right now. Unbidden, her hand clenches tighter around the ring and the urge to just pull it out and show it to her is strong and... and...

Feelings, always a terrible thing, she once thought. She's seen what happens to Snakes when they catch feelings. They're easily exploited, they push themselves too hard, and then... they're gone. It... had happened to Father.

But she's no longer a Blacksnake.

And yet, why does Throné still doubt herself? She's used to taking—ah, but there is is, isn't it? She's used to taking... but giving?

That... alone is terrifying.

"Throné?" Castti is looking at her in concern now, laying a hand over hers and threading their fingers together. "Is everything okay?"

"... Hm?"

"You didn't answer me," Castti answers, voice soft. She leans forward slightly as she looks over Throné, examining her. "Do you want to leave? I know it's been noisy and you don't like the crowds. We'll come back when we hear Agnea's performance starting."

"No," Throné says with a shake of her head, "that's... that's not it."

How does she say this? She's never been one for fancy words; she's always preferred action over talk. But it isn't exactly like she can just... it isn't exactly like she can just slip on a ring, can she? Don't they usually do some sort of grand gesture for that? No, she's just... giving a gift, isn't she? Why is she overthinking this?

For most of her life, she had been under the thumb of others, forced to listen and obey orders. And when she had found herself free... that had also been terrifying, in another way. She had been so focused on her journey to freedom and after... what else had there been for her to do afterward? She had to figure that out now, to fill the emptiness inside of her. Vide had been a threat to the world but a welcome distraction, another thing for her to cut down. And after Vide... Castti had extended a hand toward her, allowing her to travel with her as she sought to find the answers she never thought she'd be alive to ask herself.

Even with all the blood on her hands, all the blood that even Castti had watched Throné shed... she still held out her hand toward her, still extending the invitation to travel together with someone whose hands had done nothing but kill. And Throné, freed but feeling hollow at the end of her journey, clung to that hand, trying to seek a new purpose for herself.

Did she want to disappear off into a corner of the world, with no one to know even her name? That thought did sound inviting at the time, when her collar had only been fresh off her neck just mere days ago. To go somewhere and not be recognized, to be able to blend in with a group of people and slip into the shadows with no one to know she had been there—that had been what she wanted, perhaps.

It's that thought again though, the frightening thought of giving herself to someone else, of baring herself open. It seems like a silly thought to have when they've been with each other for years now.

The fireworks continue to crackle and spark across the night sky but all Throné can see is Castti, all she can focus on is Castti... and all she wants right now is Castti.

Throné finally pulls out her hand from her sleeve and holds it out toward Castti, still clenched tightly around itself. She stares down at it and forces her hand to relax... opening her palm to reveal the silver band inside. She's gripped it so hard that it's left an imprint on her palm. Castti looks down at it, blinking.

She watches the exact moment the realization dawns upon Castti's face, her mouth dropping and eyes widening. "T-Throné, is... is this..." her breath catches, and she slowly turns her gaze up to Throné's. "Is... is this..."

All Throné can do is nod. Castti is still staring at her but she turns her gaze down at the ring now, gingerly taking it. "Oh, is... is there something engraved on the inside?"

"Snowdrops," Throné says, her voice quiet. With the people and fireworks, it might be too hard to hear her but Castti seems to freeze, her mouth slowly opening but no noise coming out. She closes her hand, gripping the ring and brings it close to her chest now, and Throné thinks she can see a tremor go through her.

"Not all your memories came back, did they? Your friends were important to you, and you have nothing other than your journal to remember them. I had the engraving done on the inside so you can feel it on your finger and..." Throné trails off as she rubs the back of her neck, suddenly feeling as if she's talking too much and this idea doesn't feel very good anymore. Perhaps all she's done is dig up too many ghosts for Castti instead, not when they're finally looking forward toward the future now.

"I... I just... Throné, do you understand what snowdrops mean?"

"Hope and—"

"Unbroken bonds," Castti finishes, letting out a shaky breath. "You... are right, my friends... they all gave their lives for me so that I could give salvation to Trousseau. I..." Castti squeezes her eyes tighter. "I will never be able to repay them back for that." She leans forward into Throné, hiding her face as her body shakes. Throné holds her, as she has always held her all those other times when the nightmares come and the vacant look in her eyes never seem to leave.

When Castti finally pulls back, another round of fireworks explodes into the sky. It shines across their faces and though Castti's red-eyed and trying to scrub at her eyes with her sleeve, she's no less beautiful to Throné. She reaches out now, brushing the tears away from her... and still doubting herself.

"Would you like to put it on me?" Castti asks suddenly, and Throné blinks.

"Ah... sure?" Throné gingerly takes the silver band and Castti holds out her hand now. Throné's fingers shake as holds the ring between her fingers—her hands have handled so many delicate things and she knows exactly how to be careful, but this... this—Castti isn't delicate but—

She nearly breathes a sigh of relief when the ring manages to slide on without any trouble. Castti looks down at it, holding out her left hand and admiring it as she turns it all around. Reminds her of how Pala had been the day before, turning her hand all around to admire the band on her finger.

"Throné..." Castti turns to look at her. "My old friends are gone, yes, but I also have new unbreakable ones that I will always treasure... and of course," she reaches out, laying her hand on Throné's face, "you, Throné."

Throné sucks in a breath. With the warmth of Castti's hand on her face, she can also feel the metal pressing into her skin now as well. Somehow, it's this that makes the knot form inside Throné, makes her feel like she suddenly can't speak, makes her want to look away from all of Castti's love and slink back into the shadows and—but she doesn't, she shouldn't, she won't, and so, she reaches up, hesitantly, laying a hand over Castti's.

"Can I just ask you one thing, Throné?"

"What is it?"

Instead of tears, Castti's eyes shine now with mirth and mischief despite their puffiness. "Just because it's you, I have to ask how you've come across a beautiful ring like this?"

"Well." Throné smirks. "Would you believe me if I told you the store gave me a discount?"

"Willingly or unwillingly?"

Throné only waggles her fingers. "Full clearance."

"Throné!" Castti taps her face in mock indignation.

"I'm kidding, I dragged Partitio with me all over to look for this." And might have lightened her pouch too from several years of savings but that's something easily fixable if they decide to head to Wellgrove.

"Oh... good for him," Castti says, and Throné laughs.

"If... if there's anything else you want though, I'll steal it for you. Anything in this world, whatever treasure you want, I swear I'll find it, I... I'll..." she trails off, unable to finish. She'd meant to banter back with Castti but her words get stuck inside of her again.

Castti's expression softens. "You can give me all the treasure in the world but there's only one of you, Throné, and that's all I want."

Throné lets out a breath that's half a laugh and sob. Even now, years later, it still astonishes her to hear words like this being spoken toward her. Her hands have dealt out so much pain and spilled so much blood... and it's Castti who reaches out of her still. A healer willing to kill to save lives and a killer who hates the smell of blood—what a pair they make.

Castti is leaning forward now, her lips pressing against the corner of Throné's mouth—Throné turns her head instead, capturing her lips. She pulls Castti closer, presses against her harder, feels Castti do the same as her hands pull her in too, all of their feeling spilling out into each other.

Throné understands it all now; the love swelling inside of her that makes her feel like she's going to burst apart—she understands it all now. Why Father had been willing to even give up his knives if it meant he could be with the woman he loved. She understands it now... why he lost himself in a whirlpool of bloodlust to fill the void he felt inside when his love left him... because she thinks if she loses this feeling too, she'll do the same thing.

Fireworks streak into the sky with a scream and Throné pulls back so they both can look up at it. She wonders of how they must look, a pair of fools sitting on the bench sobbing to each other while fireworks explode in the sky. But that doesn't matter—no, it does, this is her freedom to be here right now—no, that doesn't matter either.

All Throné cares about is that right now, Castti is here with her... and that when she thinks of the future, Castti will be there with her as well.

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