An Unlikely Pair
"It's perfect!"
The slender Elvaan woman marvelled at her reflection, as if the reflection itself was beyond compare. She fiercely fought back tears of joy as she stared into the mirror, mesmerized. The lilac corsage almost had it's own light against her short fire-red hair, and her pale bronze eyes shone like citrines in sunlight. The dress, in a word, was perfect. The date was set; the third Lightsday of the month was to be her wedding day.
"It's too bad you'll have to leave the temple, Anatares, we've enjoyed having you with us."
"Oh don't be silly, this is only marriage, of course I'll still help in any way that I can. I'm a white mage, after all, it's in my nature."
"Mmm hm. And what of the groom? It's bad enough he's a Hume."
Anatares shot a defensive look at her friend. "Don't even start that again, Mihla. Xervis loves me, and that's that."
"I'm only saying this out of concerrrrn for you."
"Well, when he's back from his mission in Bastok you'll see for yourself. He may be a dark knight, but he can still love."
Anatares returned to her reflection, though the seed of doubt grew a little more each day. He had been gone an awfully long time... And if it was in her nature to love people, wouldn't it be in a dark knight's nature to be devoid of any emotion of all?
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"Sir, I've returned from Beadeaux."
"Report, knight."
"The situation is grim. It seems the Quadavs are preparing for an all-out attack on Bastok itself. I barely escaped with my life."
"Ill news indeed. Are you ready for your next assignment?"
"I hate to bother you with personal matters, commander, but... I'm to be married in little over a week."
"Bastok will surely need you, young Xervis, I doubt this can wait for too long."
"After the havoc I caused there? Those filthy beastmen haven't a chance." Xervis' smirk had a sadistic glean to it. "It'll take them at least a full month to recover."
The commander smiled. "You have served Bastok well, Xervis. Go home to your future wife, I'll inform my superiors of this news and we'll try not to disturb you until after your honeymoon."
Xervis obediently kneeled before his commander, then stalked off to his Rent-a-Room to gather a few things before getting on the next airship. His eyes were downcast and held a characteristically empty glazed-over look as he contemplated his next mission. His mind was almost perpetually on his missions. It was in his nature.
"Uhm, excuse me sir..." Xervis slowly turned to face the one who had interrupted his thoughts. It was a Mithra child. "W-would you like to buy some flowerrrrs?"
"Flowers," Xervis said softly, then gave a slight nod, more in agreement with his own thoughts than confirming what he would say next. "Yes, I think she would like some. Would you have any roses, perchance?"
