'Nother Kouen "origional"
She liked curtains.
There are a few small details about my wife that I will never forget. Now, standing here by a window cheerily graced by a lacy drape, I can't help but remember all of her good qualities.
Edea always loved children. Years ago I woke up every morning to the ever-preasent laughter of small boys and girls. I never interacted with them much, but I did love to watch them as they cried, whined, pouted, and clung to their beloved "Matron," my wife. She was so gentle with them...
Edea took pride in everything she did. She could brighten any situation with a smile and a laugh. She was caring and understanding.
I wonder, now as I'm standing by her window, does she look at all of her curtains and remember our home? Does she remember her plump, humble husband waiting for her comforting words? Does she know she tries to kill the same children she raised as her own? Does she take pride knowing that the people knealing before her are enchanted and not loyal? Does she realize what she's doing?!
Standing here by my office window, I am being forced to make a fatal choice. Should I sign the order to have my wife assassinated? Should I give up all those happy memories of my Edea and end her reign? Or should I let her continue her wrath on her own children? Edea gave me the idea to start this garden knowing that the children would be trained to kill the sorceress... herself.
Fujin and Raijin enter with twin curious looks on their faces, wondering what I've called them to my office for. I offer them a smile when I see them.
"Just a second," I wave, turning my back glancing down at the paper that has my wife's fate scribbled across it in wry black ink.
Just for a second I see my wife standing before me. She is dressed in black, Matron, a mother to the very children together we trained to be SeeDs.
I pluck a pen out of my desk drawer and sign my name next to the black X. I turn and offer Fujin and Raijin, the remaining members of the disiplinary commitee, an attempted reassuring smile.
"This is a very important message," I tell them. "It is an order from a very important General Caraway in Deling City. It will be a joint effort between Balamb and Galbadia Gardens. You are to deliver this message to the latter Garden. Thank you."
"Yes sir, ya know?" Raijin chirps.
The two salute, and Fujin takes the paper from my hands, tucking it safely into her pocket. If she notices the slight shaking of my hand, she says nothing.
"Remember, this is a very imortant message," I remind her.
"AFFIRMATIVE!" she barks, stepping away. She and Raijin exit my office without another word. I know that embedded in the backs of their mind is the hope that they might meet up with Seifer again. I share their hope.
The door closes behind them with a defiant click, and I continue my message, almost mindlessly, to the invisible messenger in my room.
"And be sure to tell Edea that I love her, and that I'll be here, waiting by the window."
~End~