And we separate... Nothing is the same forever...
Jill Warrick of Final Fantasy XVI. Written by Latte.
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if i look back, i am lost
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@nievea
And we separate... Nothing is the same forever...
Jill Warrick of Final Fantasy XVI. Written by Latte.
ย verses. / tags. / headcanons.
prior to interacting with me, please read the rules below. Thanks!
Final Fantasy XVI (2023)
Unsurprisingly, that was very much Elwin's kind heart at play. Closing in on the child, she ensured that she would not be able to retreat so easily. She stood behind her, extending the palm of her hand towards the girl in a demanding manner.
โย your Grace?ย โ
though nothing needed to be explained. the extended hand spoke enough words. hands clutch protectively around the crown, but gentle enough not to harm the petals. she chooses ignorance for now.
โย I do not have anymore flowers, I made sure to use them all. I will be sure to ask before crafting with them again.ย โ
โ โ โ โ โ ๐ ๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ, ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐ฎ๐๐ค๐ฅ๐, ๐ก๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐๐ง๐ฎ๐ข๐ง๐. ๐๐๐๐จ๐ง๐, ๐ ๐ฌ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฅ๐. Long had it been for laughter to fall so sweet, so natural. It's a remedial mercy long robbed of them, one of many things they've reclaimed. The playful air shared betwixt them is kept, though Clive internalizes no impish tendencies. It's maintained with wholesome regard. But Founder, how happy they are ! Such freedom sprang with such naturalness to it, a permanence no longer subject to scrutiny. An unexplainable unfamiliarity lies parallel to their enjoyment, though it's far from alarming. The contrary is true ; grave matters do not bog down their speech. For once, they can just breathe in the mildness of each other, take in the moment, grasp and repeat a silence seldom offered to them.
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ Hello wife โโธปโ โ
At that last syllable, he melts into her softness, arms inching upward as hands find their purchase in that embrace. A peace settles over him, nuzzled into grey locks. She smells of lavender. In another, kinder life, they would've been guaranteed a grand wedding. She'd become Marchioness, and all Rosarian eyes would set upon them. They'd receive his father's blessing, as well as Joshua's as the budding Archduke. Perhaps they'd even savour the grace earned from his mother's tyranny ( or better still, her approval ). Another part of him debates whether he would've relished such a reality โโธปโneither of them found much interest in governing, nor did he have an ounce of his father's knack. It's a realm more welcoming and stimulating to his younger sibling : a man more equipped, more suitable, more eloquent. Not one largely moulded and frayed by war. Too rough. Too persuaded by action. Even then, he suspects less mentally and physically strenuous work consumes much of Joshua's foreseeable future. Surely he'd flitter behind as a duckling would it's mother, seeking purposeful substance. Clive fulfills the role quite nicely, as siblings do. Would he rejoin them once he and Jill had settled ? Both their recoveries were volatile, mightily taxing on both body and spirit. The brothers deserved their break. They deserved their havens.
โ โ โ โ โ Clive's haven was his wife.
โ โ โ โ โ โ Sheโll be alright. Weโre not bringing the whole Hideaway on her back. Just the necessities. Our aim is to have a fresh start, is it not ? โ
An inhale then arresting exhale chases this comfortable silence. He curls further into her. Further into comfort. Breathes another question, sows another kiss.
โ โ โ โ โ โ Iโve never been anonymous in my life. Itโs a strange feeling. Frightening almost, but also exciting. Is it odd for me to feel such a way ? We worked so hard for this, and yet . . . I feel myself hesitating to pull away from the familiar. Where do we even begin once our feet reach unknown shores ? โ
she breathes a satisfied breath, then. there's an immediate crave to feel him closer. the shirt within hands is tossedย โธป forgoing the practicality of packing nicelyย โธป so that she may spin around within his grasp, locking her arms together behind his neck. they were forehead to forehead now. she steals kisses of her own. to his lips, to his nose.ย ย
โย we'll do as we always have. we'll figure it out together. I must admit not having an itineraryย in place leaves me a bit anxious myself, but this is a good kind. I'm more... excited. we can do as we please. go where we want. I'm also quite ready to have just Clive back.ย โ
her fingers un-entwine to brush along his hair. soothing him as he spoke his concerns. oh how they have dreamed of this day. taking off togetherย โธป as husband and wifeย โธป free of all obligations. during his recovery he often spoke of when, not if. even on the days he made hardly any progress on his healing. in all truth, she felt the same. leaving their friends behind she knew would be hard. but Tarja made it a point to mention she would make her way to them. ' your curse is not yet healed, Jill it still requires to be checked ' she had told her. Gav mentioned he would travel with her so she did not come find them aloneย โธปย yet both she & Clive both agreed that it was more than likely an excuse for them to eventually leave the chaos behind, too.
it brought her joy. Tarja & Gav were their best friends, after all. ( now if only they could convince Joshua, too.. )
โย it will be good for you to be unknown. you will not get pulled in so many directions. I understand the fear of leaving all of this... we spent so many years being needed. I fear we won't know how to relax. I only hope we get so preoccupied with our travels we find no way to think about how to relax, we just do it. but like I said...ย ย โ a kiss is placed to his cheek, pulling back to take his hand, giving it a squeeze.ย โย we're together. as long as it stays that way we'll be just fine.ย โ
she releases him, flashing him a reminder of the rings that she proudly wears along her finger. her smile wide. she spins, then. quickly finishing the last of her packing. the bag is zipped with a sigh.
โย I don't think I could fit anything else if I tried. Hortense was very gracious, as was everyone else. I hope for Ambrosia's sake there's no more parting gifts.ย โ
but it was a nice reminder that they are loved.
@nievea
Catching a glimpse of a certain crown was enough to earn Anabella's attention. As she decided to approach the child, her eyes narrowed at the sight of that very crown atop her head.
"Just who, pray tell, granted you permission to use our garden's flowers as you see fit?"
immediately she winces. where the room was once peaceful & full of laughter was now an echo. her sharp voice pierced through her ears, already finding issue with something she had done within seconds. a frown replaces her smile as she gathers her supplies to take back towards her chambers.
โย his Grace.ย โ
her voice is gentle, though it was obvious there was a slight waver of uncertainty.
โย he told me it was alright. I... apologize for not asking you as well, your Grace.ย โ
@adureus ห เผโก โ๏ฝกห
there was a new chatter around The Hideawayย โธป one happier than beforeย โธป celebratory would be the correct term. there was an overwhelming feeling of peace. happiness. the world had much growth to do, but the people were willing to do the work. atop the mattress that was far too small for them to share laid their bags. his was fully packed, ready to go. everything else was getting settled atop Ambrosia by him & Gav. Hortense had gifted her many new outfitsย โธป dresses, skirts, lingerieย โธป it was most certainly too much, but the woman had been waiting for the moment her battle gear was no longer necessary. her outfit had officially been retired. Clive had recovered fully. Tarja had given them both the go ahead to finally do what he had promised.
leave the twins.
anxiety swirled around in her head, her chest, her stomachย โธป but it was not negative. it was the bit of sadness she had at parting from their home, their friends... but it was also the eagerness to leave. to be with her now husband. a grin appears while folding a piece of her clothing, holding it along her chest at the thought. as if he knew she was thinking of him he appeared. first his scent surrounded her, then his arms. she leans against his chest with a happy hum.ย as a final goodbye, the two finally married in the flower field close to The Hideaway. ( with quickness the botanists had preserved those very snow daises & gifted them to her ) it was a simple celebration. their friends overjoyed, the two of them happy to finally have their union that was long overdue. she was now Mrs. Rosfield. a long dream come true.
โย Hello husband.ย โ
she'd never tire of calling him that. a giggle slips past lips as he kisses her neckย โธป near that mole he loved.
โย I'm almost ready. are we certain Ambrosia can carry all of this? I don't wish to exhaust her. who knows how long this journey will be.ย โ
โ โ โ โ โ ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐, ๐ ๐ช๐ฎ๐ข๐๐ญ ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ, ๐ฌ๐จ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐๐. Life and its turmoils retain their history, still so remote, so foreign to one still so young. He smiles then, gentle, welcoming, leans downward to place an affectionate peck to those tiny, tiny fingers. A grip so frail, so comforting. He worries his heart may burst. And in that silence he is admiring the reflection of his wife, duplicated and vulnerable, her spitting image. Unmarred by war and the sting of Wyvern Tail. Thank the Founder. It's a possibility so remote, and he breathes the comfort its relief wrought. It would never cross them, not if he could help it.
Their chatter stirs their hound awakeโโธปโtongue lapping and jaw slack to permit a yawn before scooting his weight over. Torgal digs at the sheets, draws his mass closer to investigate, a colossus above the infant. A chuckle escapes Clive, now combing fingers through fur as he observes. A sniff to the babe, then a whimper. The wolf gives a contented huff as if confirming he was familyโโธปโhe wonders if his exclusive allegiance has transferred from them to their son.
โ โ โ โ โ โย His eyes are kinder. Heโs still new to the world, and I hope he never has to see its horrors.ย โ
Further silence, further peace. He rests his head atop her crown, drawing them both closer, closer to the drum of a heartbeat. It's a peace well savoured. And it is healing, my, is it ever healing. He ponders, then. Fragments of yesteryear's advice fall to the fore, revisit, spark an inspiration he is too quick to blurt before considering.
โ โ โ โ โ โย Not too long ago, Harpocrates suggested I put down my sword for a quill. Iโve always been an avid reader, but not so much a writer. Perhaps I should consider it. Iโve fulfilled my duties, but Iโve done nothing for myself.ย โ
her hold of their son has been quite protective. she felt secure before he was born because he was always with her. the world hadn't greeted him yet. although she knows that they live the safest they have ever beenย โธป safer than they were in Rosariaย โธป fear still chipped away at the thought of letting him go. handing him off for others to meet him, to love him was hard. in his week being apart of the world, he hardly left her arms. he was always safely bundled within her or Clive. Tarja or Gav. thankful is she that no one seemed to question the sentiment. it was clear to those that surround them that they had suffered in some way. they would never be too honest. what happened had been left within The Twins. their arrival in the villageย & birth of their son signaled a new beginning.
โย we won't let the horrors get to him. they'll have to go through us and many others first. I may not have used my own blade in awhile, but I'm not afraid to use it to protect him.ย โ
she hums, stroking his cheek as he began to stir. likely hungry. he ate just like his father; a lot. however just like this moment, his feedings were always an intimate experience she would not trade for anything. she readjusts herself, pressing a kiss to Clive's cheek as she sits up. still leaning against his chest, still wrapped within his arms. Cid's little hand still clung to Clive's finger. gently does she adjust him so that he may easily latch to her while still holding onto his father. it only takes a moment for him to begin feeding. she can't help but laugh. her head nuzzling into Clive's neck as they watch their son.
โย I never want him to know what we went through, but I know he'll have questions. I wonder if you could use your talents to write a story of us... one that's kinder. spin our truth. he should know the kind of hero you are, but not what we had to sacrifice. I believe it would make a good story...ย โ
Cid is brought up to her shoulder & gently she begins patting his back. she can feel his big yawn, again she laughs. his blue eyes look into his father's, his little hands reaching out for him. one of his favorite spots to nap was along his chestย โธป he most definitely got that from her. lucky for them, there was room for the both of them. once cleaned up, he's handed to Clive. again she readjusts herself to rest along his chest just as Cid is made comfortable. almost immediately did the baby fall asleep. she strokes his back. they have hardly left the walls of their home. hardly left the comforts of the couch. it was a dream.
โย I would love to see you write. you always loved a good story. you loved telling them, too. do you remember that story we wrote when we were younger? about the two friends who had no rules or restrictions? what do you think became of them?ย ย โ
her voice had a slight tease to it, her lips wearing a grin as she stared expectantly at him.
@nievea gets a random lyrics starter : I Don't Care
โ โธป The best of us can find happiness in misery. โ
โย it seems as though you like the misery. I try not to surround myself with it.ย โ
โ โ โ โ โ ๐๐ญโ๐ฌ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ก๐ ๐ฐ๐ก๐จ ๐ซ๐๐ช๐ฎ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ โโธปโa call to bed. The gentle pull of exhaustion follows , guiding steps, seeking the emboldened wash wrought by sleep. Thereโs an intimate dynamic, enmeshed in the silent catch of a glance or the fleeting sweep of fingertips. Theyโd been subtle in their affections elsewhere, but their chambers offered them their vulnerability. So, itโs not so strange for him to find comfort at her neck. Sweeping just an inkling of a touch, a whisper of lips to flesh glides downward as if to persuade. The prickle of stubble tickles her pulse, though a kiss is pressed there, then another, apologetic should he induce a giggle from her. Fingers weave with her own, at her waist, wrapped tight and secure. A draw of breath follows, the lavender to her skin contradictory in its equal airy nature and headiness. He enjoys her presence, enjoys sharing his space with her. โ โ โ โ โ โ Itโs rude of me not to say goodnight. โ
there's a grin that forms across lips as she feels that familiar dip in the bed. his scent wraps around her first. tension she had been holding immediately releases at this moment. her body molds perfectly against his as she's pulled to him. a satisfied hum slips past lips that quickly turns to a giggle. he knew what a weak spot that was. lucky is he that she's far too exhausted to do anything about it. instead, she shifts against him, turning to face him with the gentlest of smiles. feeling secure, safe & warm within his hold. he was right, it would be rude to not say goodnight, so she does the same.
easily do her lips find his. the kiss is gentle. loving.ย
โย goodnight, Clive.ย โ
with a bit of reluctance, she adjusts back. curled into his form. hands held together for nights rest that would continue to go uninterrupted by nightmares so long as they stayed at each other's side.
The silence that settles upon them affords him time to focus on his task. One flower whose thorns have been cut away soon becomes two, then three, and so on. For a moment, he almost looks as though he might start to hum as he works.
And there is a hum of sorts -- a hum of curious and fascinated understanding at the young girl's explanation. To be able to master such a delicate and beautiful craft simply by observing and experimenting... Her work had already been impressive, but this only adds to the marvel. The more he watches her loosen the stems until they are pliant enough to form the shapes she intends for them, the more he can't help in thinking that the former Archduchess would have been absolutely delighted by her creations, and really would have worn one with great pride. Who knows -- perhaps she, too, would have sat down with Jill to help her in making one.
Doubtless she would have placed one atop his father's head too, and the former Dominant of Phoenix would have worn it without hesitation.
That small voice draws him out of his reverie. Brows raise at the unexpected question, and at first he hesitates, even going so far as to avert his gaze in thought. The poor girl... Was he familiar with the cursed feeling? Yes, more often than he cared to admit to anyone. Ordinarily, that is. But if Jill is suffering because of it... Then maybe, just maybe admittance of being able to strongly relate will help in letting her know that she isn't alone. A sharp breath is sucked in, and when he turns his head to look down at her once more, it's with a soft, warm smile -- one that reaches his eyes, something which seems to happen less and less as of late. He shifts to settle into a more comfortable position on the floor.
"... I do," Elwin confesses in a quiet, tentative yet sincere tone. "When I was younger, I was often nervous in social situations. Sometimes, I felt so scared that my heart and mind would both race, and I felt as if I might die at any second. Sometimes, I still do."
Honesty is met with honesty. Like trading secrets; if she is courageous enough to admit something so vulnerable, then he too will open up. Somehow, the Archduke's smile softens all the more.
"Whenever I started to feel like that, I would find every excuse or opportunity to sneak away, and most of the time retreated to the chocobo stables. Talking with the chocobos always seemed to help; they did not judge me for my fears, nor did they chastise me for showing weakness. I would spend hours in their company, and sometimes would take my favorite books with me so that I could read to them."
Saying it out loud feels silly. In fact, he knows it is silly, and there's a touch of embarrassment over it. But he laughs it off, as he often does, even if the laugh is far quieter than it usually would be.
"It's something I continue to do, after all these many summers. My girl... Hold your head up high, and be proud of your work. How a person copes with that sensation may differ from one to the next, but if it helps to ease your troubled heart, then... think of it as a dear friend, to whom you can always rely upon in your time of need." Another pause. Lips part, and his brow furrows, as if he's trying to choose his next words with even greater care. "And if you need someone to speak to... you are always welcome to seek me out. As with Clive and Joshua, I will make time for you. But if I cannot help directly, then together we can find an excuse or two to pull the boys away from their studies and training."
her eyes twinkle when they look to his. listening intently. thankful is she that this feeling... one so heavy... is not something she suffers from alone. someone such as powerful & large as the Archduke felt the same. a shaky breath releases. at some point she had scooted closer to him. resting her head gently along the side of his arm. it felt good releasing these thoughts to someone other than Clive. she always felt the Archduke himself could fix many problems, but he was never around as much as his wife, much to her dismay. moments like these were rare. she would not waste them. this would be a cherished memory, surely. such a conversation between them felt so natural. for once she did not feel like the burden others made her seem to be.
an image arises in her head of a young archduke with the chocobos. in her mind does she think of Clive with Ambrosia. there's a warm smile on lips. him & his father had much in common, even little things. she quite enjoyed listening to Clive read. she could do it herself, as she too enjoyed the escape that reading provided, but it was much more enjoyable when he would read to her. he became a performer. he brought the roles to life. gave different characters different voices. he was a bit ridiculous, but it brought her joy. ruined the idea of reading by herself. a tiny giggle slips at the image of his father doing the same, but for the chocobos instead.
โ would you cut some of the stems to different sizes? that way I can weave them and make the entire crown full of flowers.ย โ
she had learned the hard way that keeping the stems too long created too big of a crown & not very many flowers. a one of that size would work for him, but certainly not for her.
โย some of the servants helped me learn how to preserve the flowers... did you know that there's a lot of ways?ย โ a smile forms, thinking to the flowers Clive had brought back to her from his travels that hung preserved on her walls.ย โย the first way is simply drying them and pressing them into something.. but I can't turn them into a crown if they're squished. the petals are too delicate. but I like to put them on display. once the crowns are done, they help me take them somewhere they can dry out. they're not as soft when they do that, but... they last as long as I care for them very delicately.ย โ
a slight tint to cheeks appears as she'd rambled. she enjoyed learning new things, particularly about flowers. she found it incredible the things plants could do in general. there'd been times she watched the botanists create medicines, she wanted to ask if she could partake. but she was far too little & far too busy with etiquette classes. things she was wholly uninterested in. she had yet to be allowed to explore a passion... which would always make her wonder. so as she weaves the stems within each other, she can't help but ask.
โย Clive and Joshua are always so busy now... but I am not... not with anything important.ย โ a frown.ย โ what will become of me, Your Grace? surely there are plans for me. I just do not know of them.ย โ
that is what makes her feel so sick.
Touch.
โ โ โ โ โ ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ค๐ฌ, ๐๐๐ค๐ง๐จ๐ฐ๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฐ๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ฌ๐ก๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ. Right. Dearest mother, ever severe in her misguided criticism and delivery. A wicked streak poisoned her gait, its sway woven so comfortable within word. Always hounding, always seeking some infinitesimal flaw, the anxieties of such scrutiny plagues even the staff ; though he particularly loathes the discovery of her animosity's extension into Jill's sphere. She looks to mould her, seeks to replicate the unattainable, and each failure lies obvious among the tears which oft accompany the girl far too frequently ( the duchess was infamous for inducing them ).
โ โ โ โ โ โย I arrived this evening, yes. The herald announced our contingent's return. Did you notโโธปโah . . . forgive my mother.ย โ
It's the same nonsense saddled onto Clive, though he opposes a pedestal he could never hope to reach. He'd been of the woman's flesh and blood, a direct, tangible representation of their familial triumphs and value. Both of which are seldom honoured, or worse, relegated to Murdoch's efforts rather than born his own. There's a silence shared. A moment. Now two. He shuffles then, weight shifting to a heel, though shoulders square. It's not an air he wishes to inviteโโธปโtheir reunions spur mirth and he hopes to maintain such an expectation.
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โย I've returned with wildflowers for you. โ
A gesture forth, lashes dipping. That boyish grin returns ; he hopes to shift her attentions, lighten her mood.
โ โ โ โ โ โย I did my best to preserve the stems so they're long enough for you to do what you wish. What is it that you intend to do ? Dry them, or ?ย โ
eyes widen at the sight. the colors. a squeal leaves lips. likely is such a sound to startle himย โธป she always kept herself so polished; so professional. he'd never heard her make such a noise of glee. but after such a separation she can't quite help it. this meant he thought of her just as much as she thought of him. her heart leapt. her smile was bright. then she does itย โธป she wraps her arms around him, nearly knocking him over. breathing a large sigh; expelling any sense of stress from her being. she nuzzles into his chest. clinging to him tightly... almost afraid to let go, he'd have to slip away again. but she releases, happiness staying along her features. the flowers are taken, assessed.
he did quite a good job.
โ these are BEAUTIFUL, Clive!ย โ her voice is higher, sweetened. โ the colors are gorgeousย โธป i've never seen any flowers like it!ย there's so much I could do... press them. make garlands, but ohโธป! the colors would look so terrible when wilted...ย โ
a frown as she ponders. a hand is placed on her hip. thinking... thinking... these flowers are too pretty to let wilt. as much as she would like to wear them proudly, they would last only a few moments before being a complete waste of his and her time. she returns to her nightstand, placing the flowers delicately on top to retrieve the box of her pressing materials. it's placed on her bed with a grin. she'd need assistance. hopeful eyes look to his. fingers nervously fidget around with one another.
โ do you have time to help me, by chance? or... or do you have more training? one with as many responsibilities as you is likely too busy to play with flowers.ย โ
the last is said with a small bit of bitterness. but quickly she snaps out of itย โธปย returning to his side. standing atop tip toes. taking his hand, gently, tugging him down. a kiss is pressed to the side of his cheek before she steps back with tinted cheeks.
โ thank you for them. it means the world to me to think that... with everything... you thought of me. to care for those flowers and bring them to me.ย โ
ใปโฅใป@adureus asked หหยฐโข*โโท
โ โ โ โ โ ๐ ๐ง๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ฅ, ๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฅ๐๐ซ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ก๐๐ฉ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ข๐ซ ๐ฐ๐๐๐ค๐ฌโโธปโ๐ฌ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ, ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ฌ๐ญ. A sense of normalcy had risen, offered them a shift in responsibility that exists so removed from violence. Now, it's the nurturing, tending hands of a mother and father. The former slumbers, the latter takes his role this day. Swaddled light in cotton and arms is their son, still new, still young to the world. Just shy of a glimpse of his eyes : a blue to mimic the staunch of his sire. Elsewhere features are softened and project a strong reflection of his motherโโธปโthey oft remark it, the village women. Clive doesnโt mind the underemphasis of his genes. Dawn had newly broken, golden and sweet, its warmth unfurls through thicket and bough, sweeps the grass, grants a gilded glimmer to dew mottled about the expanse of their lot. It was strange, to be at a standstill, to savour this tableau. Save for the gentle rise and fall of the babeโs breath, the occasional babble, the cling of the tiniest of fingers, no motion animates the room. In a past life, Clive would roam the realm with urgency and tasks at his back. Now, deterring beasts and honing a green thumb seemed so trivial in comparison. โ โ โ โ โ It was fine. A fulfilling life need not expedience and action. He deserved the calm. They deserved the calm.
it was quiet. aside from the fireplace crackling, Torgal's gentle snores & the breaths from their newborn son, their world was still. the three of them lay together, herself along the chest of her beloved, their baby boy nestled within her arms. swaddled within one of the many blankets she spent most of her condition crafting. he would have one for each day of his life the village ladies had jokedย โธป but he was born on quite the winter day. her maternal instincts made she he would always be warm. as the snowstorm gently fell outside as she labored, the inside of their home was loving, warm & safe for his arrival. one of his many blankets laid out waiting for him. sure she went overboard with his blankets. socks, outfits.. hats, even. but she had to be certain he would want for nothing. perhaps part of that was anxiety. she had never loved someone she'd never met so much in her life. luck had never been on their side, so by overpreparing she soothed those quiet fears that loomed within her head. they all subsided the moment he was placed atop her chest.
it was amusing that he was born on a winter dayย โธป looking just like his mother. there were still parts of Clive found within his features, but it was she who he took mostly after. his little tufts of silver hair. her button nose. those silver eyelashes of his fluttered open, revealing the blue that resembled his father. heart melted within her chest as her finger brushed his delicate cheek. he had been in their lives for just a week. it had been the best week of their lives.
โ I love looking into his eyes.ย โ her voice was soft. eyes never pulling from his. Cid's tiny fingers gripped one of Clive's, letting his father know he was awake.ย โ it's like looking into yours.ย โ
โ โ โ โ โ ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฌ, ๐๐ฑ๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ฒ๐ฌ โโธปโ๐ข๐ญ'๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ง๐๐ฐ ๐ง๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ฅ. Rosalith's Shields posit themselves as pseudo-family. He doesn't complain. Still, it's a nascent comfort, one only recently earned. Past snickers, haughty banter, at times they continue to rend their barbs, affix judgement upon a tender heart influenced and untamed. The armour has not set just yetโโธปโa deterrent to such drivel, a bolster to ego. There's much to learn still beneath Lord Murdoch tutelage ; the knowledge of peers does not conqueror the boy's wisdom nor his ascent, he'd been appointed First Shield for a reason. But the disparity between ages quashed what influence wasn't granted to him by the privilege of the crown.
On the field, he bled just as others did, vaunted lineage be damned. And as with others, duty invites the inevitable : exhaustion. An unavoidable reality, a reminder of human limitation. Resilience crumbles to somatic need ; an adolescent fruitlessly deems himself invincible. He is oft reminded he is not. Rest was deserved and desired, and he'd seek it. It's a gift only afforded when in the presence of those who knew him best.
A saddlebag bumps at his flank, first fastened to his steed. It brims with a medley of blossoms : pastels and further vibrance, though it is dominated by the warmer spectrum. Their petals remain intact, he'd regarded them well. A smile tugs. His stride carries him throughout the castle halls, to the chambers of a certain esteemed companion.
โ โ โ โ โ Now, the gentlest of knocks. โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ It's a particular melody ; one she'd recognize.
โ โ โ โ โ โย Is . . . the Princess willing to spare a moment of her time ?ย โ
โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โช @nieveaย ย โฑย ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐.
knees were curled to her chest as she sat alongside the window. a book had been placed at her side. her mind could not focus on the words or the pages within it because she found herself so distracted. which direction would she be pulled today? should it be more etiquette classes? more dancing classes with a partner that is not her own? a frustrated breath blows through frowning lips. each day she looked out the window to see the bustle of castle, but it was missing the person she needed the most. there was not even solace in Joshuaย โธป he, too was ripped from her side by the same woman who orchestrated this schedule of hers she so disliked. it would seem a lot of these long days were going in the woman's direction.
there's a knock at the door that interrupts her thoughts. head snapping towards the door, feeling a bit ill.
at first her reaction to the knock is frustration. being a girl who was still considered that of a guest, she could never act the part. each day was given a smile of gratitude, even when she wished to frown instead. but after a moment, the familiarity of the knock creates a bubble within her chest. a sparkle within eyes. could it be? or was it that her mind was playing tricks on her?
a breath, coming to her feet. quietly making her way towards the door. her heart leapt, her stomach churning with anxiety. she prepared for disappointment. it would be easier that wayย โธป but she'd hold onto that little bit of hope. so the door is opened. a gasp leaves lips, smile widening for the first time in weeks. did she hug him? if she did she would likely not let him go. teary eyes met his. he looked so happy. as if he was enjoying himself. guilt hit her chest, a momentary fall of her smile, but she caught it before it fell too low.
a pinch is given to her arm to check that he was real.
โ Clive you're back...ย โ would he catch the breathlessness? the tinge of sadness?ย โ as long as your mother doesn't find a way to fetch me, I have all the time in the world.ย โ
Jill Warrick (Dominant of Shiva) โข Final Fantasy XVI (2023) dev. Square Enix "You're right. I am a monster. And my soul is stained black... Though not by aether. But by the evil of men like you, who made me close my heart and drown in darkness, when I should have raged against it!"