A/N – Okay, fluff warning… massive fluff warning… guess I was feeling a bit lonely when I wrote this, who knows? At any rate, it does get better… but if you like the fluff… enjoy!
"Mama watch this!" a child yelled.
"I'm watching, Ben" Terra encouraged.
The freckled faced red head turned a cartwheel. He stood proud and tall all the while trying to maintain his balance. Another child saw the attempt and nudged him slightly
"Whhoooa!" Ben screamed ending in an "umph" when he feel on the ground.
Terra hid her smirk behind her hand. "Franella…" she warned.
"Sorry, Mama," The girl with the pigtails yelled back.
"I bet!" Ben climbed back to a standing position to chase after the girl.
Terra shook her head. These were her children, in a way. Back several years, Terra and her friends had confronted Kefka on a floating island. They were unable to stop his scheme at the time, causing "The Light of Judgement" to change the landscape of the world forever. Terra found herself in the wrecked town of Mobliz, where all the adults were killed trying the save the children. She was the only adult there, and she immediately felt needed. She became "Mama" to the orphans.
Kefka was eliminated and the world was working its way back to normal. She used to be able to control magic, but after the fall of Kefka, her abilities were gone. She no longer felt the magic within her. She felt that since it was no longer a part of her, that she would not need it. She settled in her role as "Mama" in Mobliz raising the motherless children.
She adjusted the soft band that held her green locks into place behind her forehead. Her green eyes showed wisdom way beyond her years. The children were playing in the sand at the Castle Figaro. The King, Edgar Roni Figaro, had offered to help improve their living conditions. However, in order to do so, Terra and the children had to find a new place to stay in the meantime. The King also came through for her and offered all of them an indefinite place to stay within the castle.
"This place is amazing!" a girl, about 3 years Terra's junior squealed.
"Yes, I think so," Terra smiled.
"Look at Duane," Katarin pointed at a young man chasing a laughing, running 2 year old. "He's such a good father."
"I think you are great parents," Terra replied.
"Have you ever thought of having a baby? One of your own?" Katarin asked.
"Oh, I don't know," Terra shrugged, "these kids are my kids, you know? I guess I just haven't thought about it."
"You would have a beautiful child," Katarin mused.
"Well, except, I would have to find the father still, you know?" she chuckled.
"I think I see the perfect candidate…" Katarin grinned looking at a man with long blond hair tied back in, with deep blue eyes walking toward them.
Before Terra had a chance to strike Katarin playfully, the king was upon them.
"Good day, my ladies!" he smiled and bowed to the girls.
"Your highness," Katarin bowed. "I need to help Duane," she trotted off with a knowing grin on her face.
"Hello, Edgar," Terra smiled hoping he wouldn't notice her blushing. Edgar opened his arms pulled Terra in for a tight embrace.
"It's so good to see you again," Edgar released her. "I'm so sorry for not being able to greet you until now."
"No, it's fine, Edgar. I understand. Running a kingdom cannot be simple," Terra reassured him.
Edgar sighed, "I certainly wish it was. There is always something. Rebuilding a world causes quite a bit of stress. I was hoping to open up my schedule during your visit."
"It really is okay. You have been so kind to us in so many ways, I cannot begin to thank you," Terra encouraged.
"I insist that you have dinner with me. We have so much to catch up on," Edgar's eyes twinkled.
"Well, I…" Terra looked at the children playing. Katarin widened her eyes at her, mouthing a very deliberate, "Yes, yes!" Terra tilted her head with a "are you sure?" glance, but Katarin waved her hands at Terra indicating that she need not worry about the care of the kids.
"I would be delighted to join you for dinner," Terra looked back up at the King.
"Splendid," Edgar smiled. He turned and waved at Katarin, "thank you!"
Katarin giggled while her 2 year old ran into her hugging on to her legs. "Have fun you two!" she shouted back.
"I'm so sorry that I'm delayed," Edgar walked into his room swiftly.
"It's fine," Terra replied, "besides, I've always been curious what a King's bedroom was like. So regal and…"
"Ostentatious?" Edgar offered.
"I was going to say, big, but I guess it can be overwhelming," she looked around at the huge deep red drapes that covered the windows, stonewalls decorated with swords and massive tapestries. There were a couple of portraits of a very regal looking couple, Terra assumed them to be his parents. Dark red velvet fabric fell down in swags around his bed, which lay opposite a large fireplace with a fire crackling in full force. Terra sat down at a small strong dark stained oak table, decorated with a candelabra centerpiece, several plates stacked upon each other with thick red napkins folded elaborately.
Edgar sighed as he sat down, servants scurrying in to fill their glasses with wine and offered simple servings of bread and freshly churned butter. Edgar nodded at the servants as they left the room, closing the door.
"You are keeping busy," Terra offered taking a sip of the dark wine.
"Yes, being a king sometimes doesn't offer much in days of relaxation. But having beautiful women check in on me time after time is enough to keep a man like myself going."
Terra rolled her eyes, "I am glad for the opportunity."
Edgar chuckled. He looked down at his plate for his bread roll. Terra studied him as his expression faltered, and he spread the butter, eagerly taking a bite.
"Haven't had chances to eat much lately?" Terra asked.
"It's been extremely busy, my dear," he smiled weakly. Servants entered the room again, bringing beef and vegetables. After serving them portions on their plate, they bowed to each of them and left.
"Sometimes, after dealing with problems within the kingdom the whole day, I just wish they could drop all the formalities and be themselves," Edgar sighed.
"I believe that all of you have been trained so much throughout your life, that it would probably be difficult to be themselves," Terra offered.
"I suppose you are right. I just wonder how people would act if they didn't have manners and etiquette drilled into their heads," Edgar thought aloud glancing up at his company.
Terra dabbed at her mouth with a napkin, "All of us had some training, so who knows what is normal?"
Edgar grinned, "Since you put it that way…" He turned his head looking at the door, "some days I just wished…" he paused, "I miss the time we had traveling, when it seemed the things we worried about most were random battles with monsters."
Terra frowned.
"Not that I wish to live those days again," Edgar added quickly.
"I have a feeling that you are troubled by some deep problems, my king."
Edgar tilted his head; raising his eyebrows, "Yes indeed, my sweet heroine."
Terra blushed, "I'm a good listener."
Edgar grabbed a bite of food and studied Terra's eyes. She looked back with concern. He looked back down at his food.
They sat in silence while they ate. Edgar swallowed another glass of wine, finishing off the portions on his plate. He stood and walked over by the fireplace. He took off his jacket and vest, and various other accessories that his place of power has put upon him. He turned to look at Terra, wearing a simple, but puffy shirt and plain black slacks. He gathered pillows that were placed deliberately on the floor and layered them next to him. He walked back to the table, gathered up his glass and the bottle of red wine they had been drinking.
"I would love it if you would join me," he walked back to the fireplace, sitting down on the pillows, leaving Terra plenty of room.
Terra was curious and concerned. She did enjoy the warmth that she felt beside a live fire, controlled that is. She wore a dress, which made it slightly difficult to join him on the floor as simply as he did. At least, she thought, the dress was long.
She carried her glass with her offering it to him as she situated herself on the floor. He obliged her by filling her glass and handing it back to her. She took it delicately, touching his fingers slightly with her own hand.
Edgar glanced down at her fingers while letting the glass go. He took a long sip from his, "much better," he sighed.
He looked into the fire studying the dance the fire made over the logs. He breathed a few deep breaths, stretching and relaxing into the soft caresses of the pillows. "Everything is a mess, Terra. People are complaining about one thing, another group is complaining about another, the third is complaining about what those people complain about," he waved his hand indicating the endless cycle that this creates.
"You can't keep everybody happy," Terra coaxed.
"Heh," he chuckled. "But I have to appear to try. See, I have to do so many things that are expected of me. I have to be a positive visual… I have to appear to be fixing problems that I don't have even the simplest ability to fix," he replied exasperated. He took another sip, "And then I have children, today even, a child, probably seven years old. His mother is desperately ill, his father gone, or dead. He begged me to fix his mother. He risked so much just rushing past the guards to talk to me, believing I can take help his mother. The guards would've hauled him away if I hadn't stopped them. I requested our doctors to see her, see if they can do anything, but unfortunately they are tied up with one duty or another, by the time they could get out there, she's dead." He stared at the fire's reflection in his glass. "By the time word got back to me, he was gone. What's a seven year old child going to do with no one to turn to?"
"Edgar," Terra soothed.
"He believed in me," he sat up straighter, sticking out his chin, "King Edgar," he said regally. He then relaxed, "and I lost him in the shuffle of other nonsense," he gulped down the rest.
Terra looked at him with compassion.
"And if that weren't all, now the chancellor and elders are making ridiculous demands of me. Stupid ancient traditions..."
"Like what?"
"I need to get married," he said disgustedly. "Ideally a princess, but at this point, they'd be pleased if I just picked up anybody, as long as they can provide me an heir." He filled his glass again.
"Married? An heir? Wow, that's uhm…" Terra hid behind her glass.
"Apparently to build the people's confidence. Make Castle Figaro's Legacy strong. Something people can have faith in," he shook his head. "The problems don't seem to resolve when we try to, they seem to build new problems. There is a small faction in Nikeah that are building up an army can you believe it? After all we went through with Kefka, they are already disinterested or bored, ready to start a war."
"Nikeah is close to the Fanatic's Tower," Terra offered thoughtfully, "I wonder… Is there anything I can do?" Terra asked, "I'm sure I could get together with Setzer, Locke and Celes..."
Edgar grinded his teeth, looked down at his lap and shook his head, "Everyone has started their own lives again, I cannot drag them back into this… It just seems that I'd be matching the factions behavior by becoming a bully," he looked back into her eyes, "you know, seasoned warriors against bored punks, just doesn't seem right."
"You are taking on too much," Terra placed her glass down on the hearth, propping her head up with her hand. "Maybe you are overreacting?"
"It's not overreacting if the bored punks end up killing people… even if it's one person. Who knows if that person is a mother, father, provider, or who knows," he shrugged. "I end up in meetings with generals who are ready to start the Figaro Army Recruiting Campaign, and I'm willing to give it a little time. Then there's the 'produce an heir' pressure. It's enough to drive an easy going lady's man of a King…" Edgar started.
"To drink?" Terra offered sliding the bottle over to her side.
Edgar chortled, "It helps me sleep at night… So, I guess… yes, to drink."
"Don't let it get to you," Terra regarded him with concern. "Listen to your heart; you know what's best. You have always had good instincts. That long with all those years of etiquette and manners training along with whatever else they teach a lad when he is to become King," Terra soothed. She reached up to stroke his hair that fell in front of his face while he ranted. As she moved the hair behind his ear she rubbed his cheek lightly.
"Good instincts?" Edgar closed his eyes inhaling deeply. He placed his hand over Terra's, turning it so her palm faced the floor, brought it in for a light kiss. He looked up at her, offering her a cheeky smile.
Terra blushed, averting her eyes toward the fire. It probably was the wine, but she felt very relaxed and very comfortable with him. She never knew what to think about him. He flirted with just about every female, but when serious, the act was dropped, and he was a perfect gentleman. She glanced back up at him, his gaze fixed upon her. His eyes were deep, troubled, but soft. He placed her hand against his cheek again, putting his hand over hers.
"I needed this, Terra," his voice calm. "You've always been supportive and understanding."
"I've been through some stuff," she offered shyly.
"Yes, of that, I am aware." He held her hand in his, "I look in your eyes and think, if only I can take away all the hurt, the pain, everything you ever went through. You deserve so much."
"I'm happy, Edgar, I really am. I'm not sure what I deserve, but I am content."
Edgar smiled, not the typical King Edgar smile, but the raw Edgar smile, the one only Terra saw when she made him laugh, or when he felt he impressed her. The two looked at each other silently; Edgar still holding on to her hand.
Terra cleared her throat, "I hope I helped somewhat. I'm helpless when it comes to political matters, but I…" she stopped abruptly as Edgar leaned in for a kiss. It was a gentle kiss, very soft, very short, but enough to startle Terra. She pulled back, placing her hand over her mouth.
Edgar grimaced, "I… oh, I apologize deeply… I can't…" Terra placed her hand over his mouth.
"It's not a problem," she answered huskily. She moved her hand to the side of his face, stroking his cheek. She moved it to run through his hair, pulling him gently toward her. She placed her lips upon his, responding to the small kiss in kind.
Edgar smiled, kissing her again, wrapping his arms around her pulling her close to him. He kissed her gently several times until she giggled softly. "That tickles," she said. He winked at her, his face hovering only an inch or two away. He kissed her firmer and deeper with each kiss becoming a little longer, slightly harder. He probed deep within her mouth, gently, yet aggressively, gauging her response.
Terra closed her eyes allowing herself to relax against his touch, responding to each kiss passionately. He ran his hand gently down her body, feeling her react to his gentle touch, causing him to grow in excitement.
Edgar pulled back and stood, picking her up in his arms. Terra's face was confused to his sudden actions, but leaned into his chest, wrapping an arm around his neck, kissing him when he looked down at her. He placed her on his soft bed, continuing the intimate and passionate touch his breathing accelerating. Terra responded excitedly.
They continued throughout the night. For the first time in months, Edgar's mind was cleared of Figaro's troubles.
Each night while Terra stayed at the castle, she joined Edgar for dinner, conversation, and other activities. She dreaded the end of her stay, but she was aware all along that even this could not last.
One late night, towards the end of her stay, Edgar caught her off guard. He pulled her close to him on his bed, wrapping his blankets around them. He kissed her lightly on the cheek, sighing deeply.
"So, you are going home soon?" Edgar asked quietly.
Terra bit her lip, "yes, even I have responsibilities to return to. But I have to say, this is the best month I've ever had." She grinned.
"Yeah, me too," Edgar replied softly. He paused for several minutes, studying her. He held her hand in his… "Marry me," he asked although it came across as more of a statement.
Terra turned to face him, "what?"
"Please, marry me," he said, looking at her hand.
"Edgar…"
"I'll get you the most fantastic ring," he promised turning her soft hand over in his.
"I…"
"Or even a not so fantastic ring, anything you want… even if it's dancing chocobos," he added quickly.
"Heh, it's not…"
"You are still famous for your act in defeating Kefka. You'd make a remarkable Queen. We'd make some amazing looking heirs," he said quickly.
She kissed him. She has to stop his rambling before he hurts something. She held on to the kiss for an eternity. He kissed her in returned, the rest of the evening spent lacking conversation.
Terra awoke to bright sunlight shining through the windows, the curtains parted in the king's suite. She covered her eyes instinctively groaning.
"You're awake," Edgar said softly.
Terra turned in his bed, snuggling next to the king, "you're perceptive," she murmured sleepily.
Edgar chuckled. He tugged several strands of her hair free, rolling it between her fingers, absently playing with them. They remained silent for several minutes.
"You haven't answered my question," Edgar prompted softly.
"I know," Terra answered.
"Do you need time to think?" Edgar asked.
"Yes," she answered meekly. She listened to his heart beating. Normally when she's this close to him, she feels it accelerating slightly, but this time, it beat stronger than usual. She licked her lips as tears form in her eyes. She tried to stop one before it fell, but he felt the droplet against his bare chest, startling him.
"Terra," Edgar lifted her chin slightly. "Oh, Terra, please don't cry. I didn't mean to cause undue stress."
"I would love nothing more than to spend my days with you until the end of time," she said. She sat up in bed, bringing in the sheets around her, pulling her legs up in front of her. "But with our obligations…" she started.
"I would protect you from all the chaos, you know I would," Edgar started.
"But what about the kids?"
"The Mobliz children?" He sat up abruptly, " Of course, I have not forgotten them. They would all be taken care of for life. Living as Dukes and Duchesses or even high ranking military officials, whatever they want!"
"As an heir to the throne?" She asked calmly.
Edgar stopped suddenly, "no, of course not. The heir must be of my blood."
"Exactly. Look, when I took on the roll of their mother, after the final battle with Kefka, I promised myself that I would treat everyone of them as if they were of my blood, my children. I even concluded that if I were to someday marry and have children, I would treat them the exact same way. How is having a baby with you, with the promise of the throne make the other children feel."
"They would all have the privileges of princes and princesses," Edgar insisted.
"Without the title," she finished for him. "That is important to them. You may not treat them differently, but everybody in the world would." She shook her head, "I thought long and hard about this. I thought that you may ask me, because we lo… because we work together so well," Terra looked down at her lap.
"I would never do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable," Edgar gathered up his courage. "I love you."
"Don't say that," Terra buried her face into her hands.
"I can't help it. I do love you," Edgar said.
"But not more than Figaro. You couldn't leave the country without its king, and I wouldn't let you. I'm sorry, maybe I'm too weak for this life, but I certainly can't force the children to accept the same life," Terra sobbed.
Edgar closed his eyes taking several deep breaths, "I understand," he muttered. "But please, I have to know…" he started, "Do you love me?"
"Edgar…"
"I have to know," he emphasized.
"It's not going to make this easier," Terra shook her head.
"Terra…"
"It's not going to make a difference, is it? You say you love me, but do you love me more than the kingdom? More than Figaro itself."
Edgar turned away. He fetched a robe hanging off the side of the bed wrapping it around his body. "If I was not the king, if I were just a passing traveler, an admirer of yours…"
"I would definitely give it a try," Terra attempted a grin.
Edgar licked his lips and looked back at her. "I know you are leaving soon…"
"Tomorrow," she offered.
"Tomorrow," he agreed. "I would love your company for tonight, if I am not being too forward."
Terra nodded, "of course."
Ah! The fluff! The Angst! The Martyrdom! more to come soon! Please leave a review if you have comments or if you enjoyed it. Constructive Criticism is always welcomed.