A/n: Greetings readers! Sorry I've taken so long on updating stuff. However, for a change of pace, I am putting up this Tales of the Abyss fan fiction. It is set about 7 years from the end of the game, so that Anise can be of age if for no other reason, lol. Anyway, I'll list the pairings featured now so that if you don't like them, you can just use your browser's back button to return to the previous page. The pairings are LukexTear, JadexAnise (major age difference, but true love doesn't know numbers. Lol) anyway, moving on...we also have GuyxNatalia, since Asch is already dead and Luke is with Tear. Oh, and story is rated M for sexual content and references. With no further ado, let us begin!
Tales of the Abyss
Burning Passions and Dangerous Ties
Chapter 1: Arrangement of the Heart
Luke gave a satisfied sigh as he sat down to dinner with Tear and his father and mother at the Fabre mansion. It had been seven long years since his return in Tataroo Valley, but only four since he had started openly courting Tear. Guy was now settled comfortably into a life in the castle with Natalia. She had called off her engagement with the replica of her childhood friend as soon as she realized that Luke's feelings for Tear were mutual, and she wouldn't want her friends to live with broken hearts. She figured it would only be a half-life, and didn't want that for anyone. Anise was now of age, and had grown up quite beautiful. Her hair was to her knees when she had it down, but usually put it in a high braid down her back. She was only a little shorter than Luke now also. Jade and she had started to get really friendly with each other as soon as she had. Although the man was many years her senior, anyone could see that they were in love, and neither one of them would have anyone else.
As the dinner progressed, Luke's father asked him, "So Luke, how are things between you two? I hope you're both happy. I'm having to pull a lot of favors to keep the nobles from saying negative things about Tear because of her status as a soldier of the Order of Lorelei."
Luke blushed, "Geez, do you have to grill me like that?" He then sighed and said, "Yeah, Dad. I'm really happy that Tear and I are dating. Thank you...for doing that for us. You didn't have to."
The duke sighed and answered, "At first I was going to object, but your mother talked me into leaving it alone because it was what made you happy. And the fact that...we almost lost you again kind of helped me realize that I never took your feelings into full consideration. You're also a grown man now, so I couldn't stop you even if I wanted to."
Susanne added, "So...are the two of you getting married?"
Tear blushed and replied, "Well, at some point yes, but we haven't yet set a date."
The duke nudged his son under the table, then looked to his wife and said, "Well, Luke, your mother and I need to go talk to your uncle. There are a few matters we have to discuss." In reality, he and his wife were making themselves scarce so Luke could propose to Tear in total privacy. However, if they said that out loud, it would spoil the surprise to Tear. Luke had never made it clear to her when he would propose if he did, just that he would some day.
Tear told them, "Oh, all right then, Your Graces. I will talk to you later." She turned to Luke, who was now standing. "Hmm? Something wrong, Luke?" He seemed kind of nervous about something.
Luke answered, "Nope, everything's fine. I just...don't know how to go about this." He thought for a moment, then made his way over towards her. As soon as he was next to her, he knelt on the floor and took her hand. He placed a ring on her finger with the same gem as the precious necklace she had given up during their journey for the carriage ride to Baticul. He then asked seriously, "Mystearica Grants...will you do me the honor and privilege of being my wife?"
Tear gasped at the sight of the ring, "That stone...it was the one my mother gave to me, and...it was exceptionally rare. How did you get it back and made into a ring?" She was tearing up, although inside, she was jumping for joy at the prospect of being married to Luke. She hugged him tightly.
Luke sighed and put his arms around her, returning the embrace, "I tracked it down to a jewelery store here in Baticul, then had them craft it into a ring. Not that difficult. Now, will you answer my question?" He asked, sounding a little irritated that she hadn't really answered yet.
Tear giggled and nodded, as tears of joy made their way down her face, "Of...of course I will, Luke. And if it's anyone's honor and privilege, it's mine. Thank you so much! It's beautiful." She tilted her head up to look him in the eyes, then smiled at him.
Luke smiled back, "I'm glad you like it. So...when should we have the wedding?" He was leaving it up to her. All he wanted was for her to be happy at this point. Even if it meant waiting a year or two, he was willing.
Tear replied, "Let's get married in five days. That should give everyone enough time to get ready, right?"
Luke's eyes went wide, "Five days? Holy crap, that's soon!"
Tear giggled, then shrugged, "What can I say? I never really pictured myself as being in a terribly long engagement. You...are okay with that, aren't you?"
Luke calmed down and answered, "Oh, yeah, it's fine. But even five days might not be enough time to get everything in order. We have to order your dress, we have to get the caterers, we need to get someone from the Order of Lorelei to officiate, we need to get someone to make our cake...that's a lot to do in just five days. Are you up for all of that now?"
Tear smirked, "Just watch me. I'll have everything ready to go before the five days are up."
Luke replied, "You might want to let me handle some of it at least. It would be less pressure on you if I did at least some of the planning. How about I get the caterers and the priest or whatever from the Order and the guys in my side of the wedding and you worry about your dress, the colors, the flowers, the cake, the music and the girls involved in yours? Would that be okay? It's still a lot for one person, but...I think if anyone could handle that, it'd be you."
Tear nodded, "Yeah, it would be less pressure if I let you take on what you asked for. Okay, but don't let me down." She smiled and kissed Luke right on the lips passionately, getting lost in the moment. Her hands automatically went to around his neck and she pulled him closer.
Luke smiled and kissed back, enjoying his alone time with Tear. His arms went around her waist and they embraced and made out for a little while before there was a knock on the door, followed by the voice of one of the maids saying, in a scared tone, "M-Master? Mistress? I hate to be a pain, but there's someone here to see you. It's urgent!"
Sighing, Luke and Tear broke up their love session as the redhead went to the door to answer it. Upon opening the door, he asked, "What's happened?"
The maid replied, "Apparently, Colonel Jade Curtiss was injured on his way over here to visit. I don't know who attacked him, but he's asking for the two of you."
Luke responded, after getting over his initial shock at the news, "All right, thank you. You're dismissed."
The maid bowed respectfully and left the room.
Luke turned to Tear, "What do you think happened?"
Tear shrugged, "I'm not sure, but Jade's no pushover. Whoever did this must have been really strong. Anyway, let's get moving. He'll probably need to rest."
Luke nodded in agreement and the two walked hand-in-hand to the room where Jade was. What had happened? Who had attacked him and why?
On their way in to see Jade, they bumped into the doctor, who said, "Please be careful when speaking to him. He's still a bit on edge from what happened."
Tear replied, "...Okay, that's not like him either. Now I'm really worried."
Luke pushed past the doctor and went into the room.
Jade was sitting up in the bed, shaking like a leaf and bandaged up pretty heavily. It seemed like even the slightest thing would set him off.
Luke said, "...Hey, Jade. I heard you were attacked...can you tell us who-?" He was cut off when Jade was suddenly off the bed and tackling him to the floor. Whoa! What had caused that reaction, and how was the older man able to move so easily with his injuries?
Tear called out, "Jade, stop! Calm down! It's us, your friends! Luke and Tear!"
Jade got off of Luke and got back in the bed, clutching his head. After what seemed like an eternity, but was actually only 5 minutes, the older man groaned and was himself again, "What...? Ow! Luke...Tear, I'm sorry."
Luke shook his head, "No, it's all right. The guys that attacked you must have hit you with some kind of arte that made you forget your surroundings. Anyway, who was it that did?"
Jade looked at the floor, "That's the strange part. It wasn't anyone from Kimlasca or Malkuth...an outside force. They wore some strange symbols on their armor...that's all I remember before I blacked out." He winced as his injuries hurt, and clutched his injured left side, which was starting to bleed through the bandaging.
Tear gasped, "Jade...you're bleeding!" She called for the doctor while Luke kept Jade talking.
The doctor put fresh bandaging on Jade's side and said, "No more strenuous activity today, Colonel Curtiss. You're lucky you didn't pass out from losing as much blood as you did. Anyway, you two should go. I don't think he'll be up to telling you much of anything else."
Jade replied, "He's right. I've told you everything I know, and I'd like to rest if you don't mind. Us old people do like to get our sleep after all." He said, giving a small smile at the joke.
Luke laughed, "If you can joke like that, Colonel, I'm sure you'll be fine. Anyway, Tear and I have some good news to share."
Tear added, "Oh yeah...but should we tell him now, Luke? I would like him to be at his best and with everyone else when we tell him that."
Luke shrugged, "It doesn't matter. It's probably better that we tell him now."
Jade cleared his throat, "Not to be rude, but you don't have to treat me like I'm not here. What do you want to tell me?"
Luke and Tear looked at each other and nodded.
Tear walked over to Jade and showed him the ring on her finger, "...Luke and I are engaged. Well, for five days..."
Jade smiled, "I'm happy for you two. Wait, five days...? That's not really that long of an engagement, Luke. Could you just not wait to get her in bed?"
Luke blushed, "Shut up! It wasn't even my idea!"
Tear giggled and told him, "He's right. I wanted a short engagement. I hope it's not too disappointing to you, Colonel."
Jade shook his head, "Quite the contrary. I'm happy for you two. It just came as a bit of a surprise."
Luke replied, "While we're talking about this...Jade, would you mind being a groomsman for the wedding?"
Jade told the younger man, "Not at all. It would be my pleasure. But tell me, who's your best man?"
Luke sighed and answered, "Guy will. If...Asch were alive...he probably would be." He looked at the floor as he thought of his original, painful memories brought to the surface by Jade's question.
Jade responded, "That sounds agreeable. I'm sorry, Luke, my purpose in asking wasn't to make you miss Asch. I just wanted to know." He rarely ever apologized, so maybe the attack on him had rattled him more than even he realized.
Luke shook his head, "You don't have to apologize, Jade. I've come to terms with it already. To say that I don't miss him would be a lie, but...I think if he were still alive, he'd want me to live the rest of my life in earnest, to make up for the life he lost...or rather, never really got to have." Sighing, he then added, "Anyway, what do you think?"
Jade nodded, "I think hearing about the wedding has indeed made my day better. Thank you for telling me."
Tear nodded her head, "You're welcome, Jade. You'll be okay in time for it, right?"
Jade replied, "You bet."
Luke said, "All right. We'll see you later, Jade. We have a wedding to get ready for."
Jade nodded, "Goodbye then."
Luke and Tear walked out of the room and went to start the planning. As they did, Tear noticed that Luke seemed a little distant now. What was bothering him? Had the attack on Jade really shaken him, or was he just nervous about the upcoming wedding? Standing and stretching, she walked up behind her fiance and put her arms around his middle, embracing him lightly and asking, "Is something wrong, love?"
Luke replied, "I'm...a little hesitant to go forward with this now, what with Jade having been attacked and all. Who says that the person that attacked him won't go after any of us others?"
Tear sighed, "Luke, if you're that worried about it, I can ask for some of the Oracle Knights to come stand guard. And if it comes down to it, we can take care of ourselves, right?"
Luke glanced back at her, inclining his head slightly and saying, "That's true. All right, thanks, Tear. Maybe I'll have some of the White Knights standing by too."
Tear nodded, "That's fine. Oh, I've decided who I want in my party and about the colors."
Luke replied, "What have you decided?"
Tear answered, "If it's okay with Natalia, she'll be my maid of honor. Anise, Noelle, and Nephry are all going to be my bridesmaids. My color will be emerald green. Is that okay?"
Luke smiled and nodded, "Sounds good. Green will suit Nephry too, I would hope. I'm sure Jade wouldn't mind involving his sister in this either. So...I know my guys."
Tear asked, "Who then?"
Luke told her, "Well, Guy will be my best man. Jade, Florian, and Ginji will be my groomsmen. Is that all right?"
Tear replied, releasing him with a smile on her face that just wouldn't seem to fade because of the fact that she and Luke were going to be together forever, "That's perfect. We should hurry and finish planning. After all, it's only five days until then." She sighed and sat back down at the desk, thinking of what flowers she wanted. She finally decided on white and blue hyacinth with some boronias mixed in. She turned to Luke and said, "I've decided what flowers I want too, Luke. Boronias and hyacinths. Do those sound nice?"
Luke answered, "Yeah, sounds great. I know of some good caterers. When I had my eleventh birthday, my parents went all out and called some really good ones. It was the first time I tried calimari. I didn't particularly like that dish, but the rest of the food they made was okay. I believe the names of the caterers were Brionson and Talarnes. So, how about I get in touch with Natalia and the two of you go choose a wedding dress? I'll stay here and see if I can get in touch with the caterers while you're doing that."
Tear replied, "Okay. See you later, dear." She stood up out of the chair, turned around and kissed him on the lips. She then left the manor and met up with Natalia outside of it.
After Luke was done with talking to the caterers, and Tear had finished shopping for a dress, the couple met back up in the courtyard at the Fabre manor. He asked, "So, how was your day?"
Tear answered, grinning from ear to ear, "It was great. How was yours?"
Luke responded, "It was okay...I missed you while you were gone, though." He walked over and took her into his arms, embracing her tightly.
Tear smiled and settled into his embrace, laying her head on his chest, "Yeah, me too. I got the perfect dress though, so I just have to worry about the cake and the music now. I'll deal with that tomorrow though." She yawned, "It's been a hectic day and I'd like to get some sleep."
Luke answered, "Yeah, it has. Okay, I'll have a maid escort you to bed. Good night, Tear." He hugged her again and kissed her full on the lips.
Tear kissed back and muttered, after they came up to breathe, "Good night, Luke." A maid came in a short while later, and was instructed by Luke to show her to her room.
The maid nodded and complied, showing Tear to the room that Luke had set aside for her.
Luke went to his room also, intending on going to sleep as well.
Tear dismissed the maid and got into bed.
As Luke was about to get into bed, he heard footsteps outside his window and tensed, "...Who's there?" He asked, getting up and looking out the window.
The person who had gotten into the manor hid in the shadows of the window, bending low to hide from the redhead. She gave no answer.
Luke went and sat down on the bed, still quite tense as he sensed that someone was watching his every move. He turned around again, but the person who had been watching him bent down again to stay out of sight, "You can't hide from me. Stop playing with me, and show yourself!"
The young woman still didn't move or respond to Luke's rantings. The last thing she could afford to do was get caught by her target.
Luke, not getting an answer, lay down in bed and turned over on his side, feigning sleep. Perhaps if the woman thought he was asleep, she would come out of hiding.
The woman fell for it, hook, line and sinker. She leapt in the window and jumped on Luke's bed, landing on top of him. She straddled his stomach, "Die!" She made to stab the redhead in the chest, but he moved and she got him in the left shoulder instead.
Luke cried out in pain, then threw his attacker off of him, slamming her into the wall with his legs and arms. There was a loud thump as she hit her head on the portrait just above where she had slammed. She then blacked out.
Tear had heard the disturbance and shot up in her bed. She then rose to her feet and quickly ran across the hallway. When she got in Luke's room, she found him half-sitting on the bed, clutching a bloody left shoulder. She said, "Luke, are you okay? What happened?"
Luke answered her, pointing out the girl against the wall, "She tried to kill me. I don't know who she is, but I stopped her. I think she might have some connection to Jade's attackers." He was beginning to look a little pale as blood oozed from the cut on his shoulder, and was still slightly shaken.
Tear helped him apply pressure and told him soothingly, "Well, it's okay now. She seems to be out cold. Here, I've got you." She took off her glove, moved his hand, and began to heal the wound up using First Aid. After it was healed, she called a few White Knights in to take the girl into custody.
Luke sighed, "Well, I think I've had enough excitement to last me till the wedding."
Tear replied, "Well, that's good." She yawned slightly, then turned to the guards, "Question her about who she's been involved with. If she says anything about Colonel Curtiss, let us know. I think we're both ready to retire for the evening."
The Knight Tear was speaking to nodded respectfully and responded, "Very good, ma'am. Good night then." He went to go interrogate the girl.
Tear asked, "Are you okay now, Luke?"
Luke told her, "Yeah, I'm feeling better. Feeling really sleepy now...though." He yawned and stretched on the bed, wincing a bit as his injured shoulder hurt. Evidently, Tear hadn't quite fully healed the wound.
Tear responded, "That's not quite right. Your shoulder still hurts. I'll go get some bandages, just in case. Try not to fall asleep yet, okay?"
Luke nodded, "I'll do my best."
Tear told him, "All right. I'll see you in a few minutes." She left the room and went to get some bandages for Luke's shoulder.
Guy came into the room after Tear had left, having heard all the commotion. He was worried about his friend and was checking to see if he was okay, "Hey, Luke. I heard what happened...you okay?"
Luke responded, "I'll be okay, thanks to Tear. The girl that attacked me has some connection to the guys that attacked Jade. We don't know what it is, but we're hoping the White Knights will find something out."
Guy nodded, "I'm glad you're okay." He turned to the door at hearing the hesitant knock of Natalia and added, "Come on in, Natalia."
Natalia walked in and told them, "Hi, Luke. Are you okay? I heard that something happened over here, and about Jade."
Luke told her, "I'm gonna be fine, Natalia. Tear got here and healed me. Yeah, Jade was attacked too. The girl that hurt me has some connection to the guys that hurt him, but we don't know what it is yet. We're waiting for the interrogation results right now."
Tear soon walked back into the room with bandages and said, "Hey, Guy, Natalia...you two want to get out of my way so I can bandage up Luke?"
Guy blinked, "Oh, you're back, Tear. By the way, I've heard the servants talking, and they say that you're getting married. Is that true?"
Luke smiled, "Yeah, it is. The wedding's in five days."
Natalia smiled too, "That's great to hear. Are we invited?"
Tear told them, "Better than that, Natalia, you're in it."
Natalia gasped, "Really?"
Luke nodded, "Yeah, in fact, the whole gang is, assuming everyone's okay with it."
Guy responded, "I'm sure the others would be quite happy to help. Anyone else besides us though? That would kinda be a small wedding party..."
Tear answered, "Oh yes, there are quite a few others. Noelle and Nephry, assuming Jade's okay with her being there, and Ginji and Fon Master Florian."
Natalia smiled, "I'm glad you involved a lot of people, Luke, Tear. A wedding is just what everyone needs with recent events taken into consideration."
Luke and Tear looked at each other, then said at the same time, "That's why."
So, five days later, everything was in readiness for the union of Luke fon Fabre and Mystearica Grants. If you had told either of the two of them that they would be getting married with the promise of some ginger babies in the not too distant future, they would have not believed you. But now, the dream was within reach. Luke would get to spend the rest of his life in happiness with Tear, and Tear would get to spend it with Luke.
As Tear stood in the back of the large church in Baticul getting ready with the help of Anise and Natalia, she fidgeted, really nervous about the ceremony. Although they had done the rehearsal dinner and everything, she still had a bad case of butterflies in her stomach. She inclined her head slightly to look at Noelle, who was wearing a lovely emerald green pantsuit with pastel blue outlines on the cuffs and ankles, "Noelle, is this really the right thing to do?"
Noelle responded, "Do you love Luke?"
Tear answered honestly, blushing, "Yes...more than anything."
Noelle told her, "Then you are, trust me on this."
Tear smiled and nodded, remaining still so that Natalia could finish with what little make-up she was going to wear.
After they were done primping Tear, Anise, Noelle, and Nephry and finally Natalia, all lined up and got ready to go out into the sanctuary area of the large church. Once the bridal march started playing, Nephry's young daughter Leah lead the girls out, throwing small flower petals as she went. She had been born about three years ago and was the flower girl, as Nephry had insisted on involving her if she herself was going to be involved. Though she bore a strong resemblance to Jade's sister, she stood out from her mother when it came to eye color. She was quickly followed by Anise, who wore an emerald green short-sleeve blouse with pink flowers along the neckline and gray pants.
Nephry and Noelle followed the two youngest of the group, each of them also wearing Tear's color. Nephry had on an emerald green flowing dress with sequins under the bust and along the cuffs. After all the bridesmaids and the flower girl had taken their positions near the alter, Natalia came up. She was dressed the most boldly and extravagantly, out of all the bridesmaids anyway. She had on a green one-shoulder dress with silver hems and yellow flowers embroidered beneath the bust. She also had a green shawl around her shoulders and took her place near the top of the alter, seeming rather excited.
At the altar, the guys had already taken their places. Luke was fidgeting, but looked rather dashing in his fancy tux with green buttons and of course, a hyacinth flower attached his left breast, to show outwardly that he was happily joining with Tear and held her dear to his heart. His long red hair had been elegantly styled. Guy and the others couldn't help but smirk at Luke's nervousness.
Jade commented quietly, "Luke, if you do not get it together, you'll make Tear quite nervous as well. Relax, everything will be fine."
Luke muttered back, "I know that...but I have a bad feeling about this. ...This makes me and Tear perfect targets for that...oomph." He had been elbowed in the ribs by Guy.
Guy told him, "Don't worry about those people, Luke. We'll deal with them after this is over. Right now, just look down the aisle." Unnoticed by any of the guys, 'Here Comes the Bride' had begun to play and Tear was walking down the aisle. She had on a beautiful wedding gown. It was a silvery white in color, slightly off the shoulders, which was a rather daring look for Tear, but nevertheless beautiful.
Luke was so stunned by her appearance, he didn't even really notice when she got up to him. He told her quietly, "You look great, Tear."
Tear blushed a little and responded, "Th-thanks, Luke. You don't look so bad yourself. Let's get this done."
The priest of the order of Lorelei that Luke had gotten to officiate, a man by the name of Damien, spoke up and said, "Who gives this woman to be wed?"
Natalia, Nephry, Noelle, Anise, Guy and Jade all responded, "We do, your Grace."
Tear blushed, glad that their friends had spoken for her since Van couldn't be here because he had died so long ago.
Damien replied, "Very well, then. You may all be seated."
The ceremony went as it would for any marrying couple on Auldrant and Damien finished it off, "Do you, Luke fon Fabre, take this woman, Mystearica Grants to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
Luke smiled and responded, "I do."
Damien started, "And do you-?" He was cut off by Tear who said enthusiastically, "I do!"
Damien cleared his throat, "Ma'am, if you would let me finish."
Tear blushed, "Oh...I'm sorry, yes. Go ahead." She was rather embarrassed.
Guy, Natalia, and Jade all laughed silently.
Damien finished saying, "Do you, Mystearica Grants, take this man, Luke fon Fabre, to be your husband, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?" He then said, "You may now answer, child."
Tear answered emphatically, "I do!"
Damien replied, "Then by the power vested in me by the Order of Lorelei, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride."
Luke released Tear's hands, as he had been holding both of them, then pushed her veil out of the way. He kissed her deeply and passionately on the lips.
Cheers and applause rang out from all corners of the room, drowning out the sound of running footsteps outside.
Damien said, "I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Luke fon Fabre!"
Luke and Tear broke up their kiss and turned to wave to the gathered audience.
As Luke was waving to the gathered audience, he heard the sound of multiple bows being drawn outside over the raucous noise somehow. He couldn't be certain, but after the archers fired, he could hear the arrows going in the direction of Tear. Not wanting his new bride hurt, the redhead tackled Tear to the floor, getting hit in his back by at least three arrows, if not more. He fell to the ground after letting out a cry of agony. He added softly, "Tear, get out of here...now!"
His fall triggered panicked screams from the audience and Tear gasped, "Luke!" She crawled out from under the sprawled out Luke and turned to the others, "See where those came from! And help me get Luke somewhere more secure! I can't help him with all these people around!"
Jade nodded, "Guy, Anise and I will do crowd control. Nephry, can you and Noelle help her get Luke out?"
Nephry answered, "Yes, big brother. Please be careful." She went back to Luke and Tear, "Well...at least you got to say 'I do' before anything happened." She sat down by Luke's feet, getting ready to help Tear move him.
Luke muttered, only half-conscious by this point, "I can...I can walk."
Tear replied, "Don't be ridiculous, Luke. We're carrying you out. You're not walking with arrows in your back. That would only make things worse." She turned to Nephry and Noelle, "Ready?"
After Noelle got into position, the two girls nodded and helped Tear lift Luke up.
After Luke was into something of a standing position between Tear and Nephry, Jade shouted to the crowd, "Get out of our way! We can't do anything for the Duke's son if you continue to block the exit! I know you're worried about him, but we'll take good care of him. Stand aside!" He was starting to sound quite annoyed, if not downright angry.
Noelle sighed, "Well, since you ladies seem to have Luke up right on your own, I'll go clear a path." She shoved some people aside. Never mind the pleasantries, Luke needed help.
Once Luke was safely out of the church, Tear and Nephry took him to an inn where he could be healed.
Taking off his ruined tux, Tear hovered her staff over his back and began to remove the arrows one by one, using a healing spell as each arrow was taken out. Nephry was also nearby with bandages, quickly applying pressure to the areas where the arrows had gone in to keep blood from gushing out.
Guy, Jade, and Anise also went to the inn, to wait on word for their friend. Waiting always seemed to be the hardest part.
After what seemed like an eternity, a tired Nephry emerged from the room. Jade asked her, "How is he?"
Nephry answered, "He'll be fine. Fortunately, we got to him as quickly as we did. Tear said if we had waited any longer for healing him, he might've been paralyzed."
Guy gave a relieved sigh, "I'm glad he's okay. Where's Tear though?"
Nephry told Guy, "She's sleeping. She fell asleep once she finished healing Luke."
Jade said, "Yes, I can imagine that healing multiple wounds caused by arrows would be rather tiresome. Let's leave them then. After what almost happened, I think if anyone deserves a night of peace, it's those two."
Anise replied, "Yeah, I agree with that. But how peaceful can it be with /those/ two in the same bedroom?"
Annoyed by her implication, Guy said, "I don't think Luke would be up for that sort of thing right now, Anise, especially considering that he's injured. Tear wouldn't try to force it from him either because she knows better than anyone that overdoing things when you're injured is not a good idea. Besides, even if they were doing that, it's not like they would've done it with Nephry in the room."
Jade nodded in agreement with Guy, "I know you've grown up Anise, but that's no excuse to be saying sexual things about Luke and Tear. Besides, their sex lives are their own business. We have no right to pry."
Anise told him, "Yeah, I know you're right, but...still, it's cute to think of all the ginger babies those two will have some day."
Guy laughed, "Yeah...I'm sure Luke will be a good father, but I don't think he'll try to do anything like that until he's better."
The rest of the night passed without incident, and Luke and Tear both slept soundly, exhausted from the wedding and assault on them by the unknown archers.
The next day, they both went to the manor and prepared things to go to Choral Castle for their honeymoon. Although the place held a lot of unpleasant memories, Luke had the place redone and now it was a great vacation spot for anyone in the Fabre household. After that, they would move back into the manor and Luke would assume his father's position.
After everything was ready, Luke and Tear loaded their things into a carriage.
Tear said, "Luke, are you sure we should go through with this after what just happened? I mean, you could have been killed and your back..."
Luke replied, "That's the very reason why we have to go. If we put a halt on our honeymoon because we're scared, whoever is behind all these attacks will have won. We can't let that happen. And my back isn't hurting that badly anymore thanks to you and Nephry."
Tear sighed, "Okay, just promise me you'll tell me if you notice anything out of the ordinary while we're at the Castle. Sorry, but that place has always given me the creeps."
Luke told her, "I'll say something if I do. With the renovations, though, all the monsters are gone so there shouldn't be anything out of the ordinary. Are you ready?"
Tear answered him, "Yes, dear." She leaned forward and kissed him.
Luke caught her lips with his and the two shared a moment.
The carriage driver cleared his throat, "I hate to interrupt you newlyweds, but we need to get going if we want to reach Choral Castle before sunset."
Luke sighed and reluctantly broke up his make-out session with Tear, "All right, old man, we're coming. Just hold your horses."
The carriage driver rolled his eyes at Luke's attempt at humor, "Yeah, that's really funny, sir."
Luke opened the carriage door for Tear and let her in. He then got in behind her and shut the door, "Well, what do you think?"
Tear told him, laying her head in his lap, "I think it was ridiculous of you to spend so much money for one night...but, I won't complain too much. I do get you all to myself, and that rarely happens anymore."
Luke smiled down at her, "As you know, money's never been an issue for me, so don't worry about it. Yeah, I'll enjoy our time alone too." He leaned down and kissed his bride some more, really happy that he could spend more one on one time with her than they had in the past. She was his for the taking.
As they reached Choral Castle, the sun was just beginning to set beneath the horizon, providing a somewhat picturesque view of the upgraded structure. It gave the place a yellowish orange hew that added to the existing elegance of the former vacation home of Duke fon Fabre. Once they had reached the entrance, the carriage stopped and the driver said, "All right, we're here. You two can stop the love fest now."
Luke and Tear both pulled out of the long, luxurious kiss they had shared, and Luke moved his hand from where it rested on the area of Tear's stomach just beneath her ample bosom. He blushed and shouted back to the driver, "Okay, thank you!" He sighed, "Guess we'll have to wait until we get inside for any more fun, Tear. Hope that's all right with you."
Tear giggled, "It's fine, silly. Besides, I have you to myself tonight." She sat up a little too fast and she and Luke banged foreheads.
Luke rubbed his head, "Ow...dammit, Tear! You could've warned me you were gonna sit up so fast." He mumbled.
Tear rubbed her forehead too, "Yeah...sorry about that. I'm just anxious." Once her temples stopped throbbing, she sat on her knees beside Luke and kissed his forehead, "You'll be fine. You can be pretty hard-headed, you know."
Luke laughed, "Yeah, I guess so. Anyway, let's go inside."
The couple thanked the driver, got their stuff from the carriage and went into Choral Castle.
After they got settled into the place, Luke said, "Tear, let's go check out the renovations. I'm sure you'd love them."
Tear smiled, "We'll see." She allowed Luke to lead her there by the hand.
After getting the run of the castle and figuring out where things were, the couple began to get anxious for...other things to happen. Luke told his young wife, "So, uh...Tear, you want to go check out the master bedroom again?"
Tear giggled, "Of course, love." She kissed him full on the lips.
Luke kissed back and the couple began to make their way towards the bedroom.
After the door was kicked shut behind them by Luke, the couple climbed into the large bed in the master bedroom, pulling at each other's clothes. They were both very aroused by this point.
Luke hungrily explored Tear's mouth with his tongue, his hands rubbing her breasts. His pulse quickened and he made to remove her clothing, but not before making sure it was okay with a questioning look.
Tear told him, panting and her pulse racing just as fast as his. She was really wet as well, wanting to feel the young Scion of Lorelei inside her, "Go ahead, Luke. I want it too." After her clothing was off, she moaned as he kissed each of her nipples, getting even more aroused.
The sounds Tear was making were having a wonderful effect on Luke...or rather, he was more aroused than he had been previously. Removing his own garments, he licked her maidenhead gently, as he was a little scared that he might hurt Tear if he went too fast.
Tear moaned, "Luke...take me, dammit! Stop teasing me!" She blushed at her own words, surprised they had come from her mouth.
Luke laughed, "All right, Tear, I won't keep you waiting too much longer." He then said, "It might hurt a bit though, just so you know."
Tear nodded, "I'm ready for this, trust me." She moaned as Luke sucked on her neck, feeling like she was going crazy with need.
Luke told her, "All right then, here I come." He positioned his member at her entrance and thrusted hard into her, breaking her maidenhead. Blood flowed from Tear and she suppressed a scream by biting down on the junction between Luke's neck and shoulder.
The bite elicited a moan from Luke and he shivered, more aroused from her action. He asked huskily, "Are you okay, Tear? That didn't hurt too much, did it?" He paused a moment, then pulled out of Tear slowly and pushed back in, trying to get her used to the feeling of his member inside her.
Tear responded softly after a minute, "I'm fine now. Let's continue, shall we?" She positioned herself a little better, wrapping her legs around Luke's waist.
Luke moaned, "Of course, my lady." He sucked on Tear's mouth as he thrusted into her, loving the feeling of her womanhood around his throbbing member.
As the hot and heavy sex continued, Luke and Tear moaned and the old bed underneath them creaking lightly. As Luke neared climax, he shouted, "Tear!"
Tear moaned and screamed her husband's name, "Luke!"
After Luke came inside Tear, he groaned and rolled over next to her, on his stomach and his back feeling like it was on fire. Well, maybe it hadn't been the best idea to have sex right after being injured...but he couldn't help himself.
Tear seemed to notice his pain and gasped, "Oh Luke...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pressured you to..."
Luke replied, "It's all right, Tear. It wasn't your fault. It takes two to tango, so they say. Besides...I rather enjoyed it myself." He smiled.
Tear sighed, "Yeah, you're right. Just...let me heal you some. The least I could do is help you."
Luke told her, "Fine." He lay still and let Tear heal his back. After she was done, he yawned and rolled over again, so that he was facing her.
Tear said, "There, that should take care of the last bit of that." She yawned and lay her head on his chest, "Can we stay here forever?"
Luke laughed and told her, "No, I wish we could though. You're fantastic, Tear."
Tear replied, "You weren't so bad yourself."
Luke shrugged, "True, but I'm not a biter."
Tear blushed, "...Well, it hurt. I hadn't had sex before I did it with you and I didn't want to scream, so...there you go." She yawned again, exhausted from the long day of traveling and the hot sex she had with the lovely nobleman.
Luke told her, "Get some sleep, Tear. I hired some guards on here, so we should be safe to sleep here for quite a while." He yawned too, and placed his arm around Tear, helping her snuggle in to get comfortable.
Tear responded, "Yes, sir." She nestled until she was comfortable and fell asleep on top of Luke.
Luke soon fell asleep as well.
