A/N: One of two updates, the first two of the new year! Happy New Year, everyone! I'm glad to see you guys all enjoyed Rosiepuff's awesomeness in the last chapter. This chapter will feature original poems from me!
Warning: implicit content ahead.
Chapter Ten – Love Confirmed
Symphony led her flock like a mother taking care of her chicks, even when a couple of the phoenixes like Stumpy were older than her. In the evenings, when the trolls began to settle down for bed, Symphony would make sure her flock would also get to bed at a decent hour. The alpha went from perch to perch to encourage her phoenixes to sleep. Lucky was the last to fall asleep. It got easier when Larch became his rider. Larch would come by in the evenings and sing his snow phoenix to sleep.
Once she saw her flock quieted and mostly asleep, Symphony went to her own perch to sleep. Sometimes she couldn't believe how her life turned out. When she met little Stellaluna, the phoenix had saved the child from a wild beast simply out the goodness of her heart. But the stubborn little girl would go out into the forest to search for Symphony, determined to have the fiery bird as a friend. Stella took such good care of Symphony and her flock.
At the sound of footsteps, Symphony opened her eyes and pulled her head from under her wing. She looked down and saw Larch tentatively approaching. The phoenix clapped her beak at him.
"I know, I'm disturbing your sleep." Larch said. "I just need a huge favor, Symphony."
Symphony made a cawing sound in her throat, like a growl.
"Yeah, you don't like me." Larch nodded in understanding. "But I need your help. My mom is part of the rebellion now. I doubt she's going to be doing any fighting, but I need to make sure she'll be all right." Larch pulled a vial from his hair. "Do you think you could spare a tear or two?"
Symphony hissed at Larch.
"I'm sorry!" Larch flinched. "None of the other phoenixes will let me, and Lucky doesn't have healing tears. Please, Symphony. I need to make sure my mom will be okay if she gets hurt for any reason. All I'm asking is for a few tears. Just a few. Please."
Symphony stared at Larch. Her eyes didn't look so animal-like anymore. She was so intelligent and empathetic. The phoenix leaned down, and Larch could see a tear forming in her eye. Larch held up the vial to catch the precious tear, putting a cork in the top to seal it.
"Thank you, Symphony. Truly." Larch said.
Symphony nipped at his hair and then pushed him in the direction of the rebel houses. Off to bed. She seemed to say.
"Okay, I'm going." Larch laughed.
Symphony watched the troll leave. What Stella sees in that boy, I'll never know.
A week after Rosiepuff arrived, a letter came unexpectedly. Since the rebellion never received mail, Stella had a pretty good guess as to where the letter came from. Sure enough, the words To Rosiepuff and Larch were in Oaken's scrawl on the envelope. Rosiepuff and Larch both read the letter aloud, causing laughter amongst the phoenix trainers who had gathered to listen.
To my darling son and beloved wife,
First off, I'm royally peeved that you did not come home on time, Larch. Second, Rosiepuff, I'm still worried sick about you. Peppy has asked me to calm down and trust that you will return soon. But you both better come back in one piece or I'll have an aneurysm.
On that note, you two need to be careful coming back home. Wolfrick has found out that you left, Rosiepuff. He's furious, and now orders a guard around the Troll Tree to ensure no one else leaves. When you return (which needs to be soon), be very careful. Be sneaky, Larch, like the times you steal from your mother's cookie jar.
Sending lots of love and plenty of luck. Please come home soon.
Dad
"I knew that was you swiping sweets from that jar." Rosiepuff scolded her son. "You called me crazy, but I knew there were cookies missing every morning."
Larch blushed, his friends snickering. "You make the best cookies, Mom."
"Kiss-up." Rosiepuff rolled her eyes. "Thank you, Crimson, for forwarding this to me. But if Wolfrick is watching, we won't be able to send any more letters. He'll probably have us imprisoned until Trollstice when we get back."
"Some king you got there." Clove snorted.
"Wolfrick is….imperfect." Rosiepuff said. "But he's not a bad king, per se."
"Mom, he's not the best king." Larch said. "He doesn't like you very much."
"Good. I don't like him either." Rosiepuff folded Oaken's letter and tucked it into her hair. "He's never liked me, anyway. Might have something to do with me fraternizing and then marrying his best royal guard."
"And then having a kid with him." Hawk added, rubbing his knuckles through Larch's hair.
"I'm glad you've joined our rebellion, Miss Rosiepuff." Eagle said.
"Yes, someone with your experience will surely be useful." Holly said, readjusting her glasses.
"Your wisdom can guide us." Jasmine said.
"I wouldn't go that far." Rosiepuff said. "I'm just going to make sure my son doesn't get hurt."
"Mom, I'm not a baby." Larch complained.
"But you're my baby." Rosiepuff cooed, pinching his cheek. Larch made a few disgusted sounds and twisted away from his mother, hiding behind Hawk and Eagle.
"Hey guys!" Sky called as she and Brook jogged up to them. "Have you seen Stella anywhere? We need her to finalize this music list for the party tonight."
"Another party? So soon?" Larch asked, surprised.
"All right!" Clove cheered.
"We hardly have any parties!" Electra clapped her hands.
"What's the occasion this time?" Pine asked.
"Her!" Sky pointed to Rosiepuff.
"Me?" Rosiepuff repeated.
"Stella knows your kind sing more often than we do." Pollen said. "Lots of us are kind of tone-deaf, but we like to sing and dance when we can. We're doing this to make you feel more at home."
Rosiepuff looked surprised. "Oh, thank you. That's very kind." She eyed the phoenix trainers. "Although, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you all were sucking up to me too."
"Us?" Pollen gasped exaggeratingly. "Never!"
"But we wouldn't mind if you taught us the recipe for those oh-so-famous cookies of yours." Fern said. Rosiepuff shook her head with a laugh.
"Hey, why don't you help us with this party?" Brook suggested. The other rebels voiced their agreements excitedly.
"Okay, okay!" Rosiepuff laughed, quieting the trolls. "I guess I could help. What do you need?" Sky and Brook immediately started talking about the party, leading Rosiepuff away from the stables.
"I like your mother, Larch." Eagle said. "She's very kind."
"Best mom ever." Larch agreed. "Just a little protective, as mothers are."
"Be thankful you have a mom, and a dad." Fern said. "Lot of us have long since lost our parents."
Larch looked down. Sometimes, while living in the Flame of Happiness, he forgot about the misery of Moonlight Kingdom, and he would be reminded that all the members of this rebellion came from that horrible kingdom. "You know, maybe you don't have parents, but you still have a family."
"That's very true, Larch." Pine said, patting the younger troll on the back. "We're all a family. It's a family you've become a part of, now. We hope your mother will find her place here, too."
Larch nodded in agreement. Though, deep down, he knew his mother would never get used to this place. She will leave the moment she can.
To Rosiepuff's surprise, the party that night did indeed remind her of the parties at the Troll Tree. The rebels danced and sang and were merry. The bunker was bright and full of joy. Stella oversaw the festivities, often checking in with Rosiepuff to see that she was happy. Rosiepuff shooed her away most of the time, not vocally admitting that she did enjoy herself.
Larch could see the light in his mother's eyes, and heard the genuine sound of her laugh. "I'm glad my mom seems happy." He mentioned to Olive as they danced.
"You mean you are happy she isn't going to take you away." Olive giggled at Larch's sheepish look. They clapped along with the rest of the rebels as the band finished their song.
"Thank you all!" Fern, leading the musicians, called out to the rebels. "I feel we do not do enough of these things. We are the Flame of Happiness, yes? If we do not spread it here, how can we spread it out there? Now, we have a special treat: our leader, our protector, our one and only Stellaluna would like to take a turn and sing a song to lift our spirits! Stella? Take it away!"
Stella leaped up onto the stage. "Fern, hit it!"
Fern began the music, her fellow musicians following her lead. The rebels cheered for Stella, excited to hear her sing. Larch didn't get to hear Stella's voice very often, and listened closely over the roar of the crowd.
In the daylight, we blend in
Stay down, stay low, be hidden
Gotta secret here, got a new plan
We're getting up and taking a stand
When the world gets dark and the skies turn grey
Have no fear, we're on our way
In all the time Larch knew Stella, he rarely saw her let loose as she did now. She sang and danced as though she lived in the Troll Tree all her life. She danced around the stage, to the joy of the crowd.
Let's be heroes
Stand by me and let's save the day
Let's go be heroes
And nothing's gonna get in our way
This was one of those rare occasions where the rebels did less folk dancing and more dancing and music like Larch saw back home. Stella hopped off the stage and weaved her way around the dance floor, dancing with a different troll every line or so.
Coming from all walks of life
Standing together, side by side
Fight for family and our home
Just look at how we've grown
Let's be heroes
Stand by me and let's save the day
Let's go be heroes
And nothing's gonna get in our way
Stella did her own dance in a circle of rebels, who clapped in rhythm with the music. Larch elbowed his way to the front of the crowd to get a better look. Stella moved with grace and a perfect beat. Her hair swayed and swished about. She looked beautiful, even more so than Larch normally saw her to be.
Take to the skies on fire birds
Go to the grey and speak comfort words
Fight the Empress and all her men
Bring happiness to all once again
The rebels joined Stella in the next two lines, reciting the creed they lived by.
Our flame will always burn bright
To bring happiness back to the kingdom of moonlight!
Let's be heroes
Stand by me and let's save the day
Let's go be heroes
And nothing's gonna get in our way
Nothing will get in our way
The rebels clapped and cheered and whistled for Stella, who bowed modestly. "Thank you! Let us never forget why we are here. Some of us seek asylum from Eclipse's rule. Others are here to fight. But we all stand as the hope for Moonlight Kingdom. We are the Flame of Happiness, and we will burn bright as we fight for our home!" A roar of agreement echoed through the chamber. The phoenixes, over in the stables, cried and screeched with happiness. Stella raised her hands for silence. "Now, since this party has been in honor of Larch's mother, I think it would be a treat to hear her sing something." The other trolls voiced their agreements, turning to Rosiepuff.
"You expect me to top that performance?" Rosiepuff raised an eyebrow.
"Actually, I was hoping you could slow us down a little." Stella said.
"Do you know any love songs?" Electra asked, bouncing on her toes.
"Love songs?" Rosiepuff hummed in thought. "Well, I think I can manage that." She journeyed up to the stage, looking over the instruments. "No piano?"
"No, but we have a harp!" One of the musicians held up her harp, showing Rosiepuff where the notes were carved above their respective strings. Rosiepuff plucked the strings, creating a melody for the harpist to repeat. Once the music began, Rosiepuff began to sing.
Our eyes meet from across the room
My heart had never beat so fast
A dance floor lay between us
Didn't think that our moment would last
The rest of the musicians picked up their instruments to follow along and harmonize with the harpist and Rosiepuff's melody. The rebels listened contently while couples came together on the dance floor. Hawk led Eagle out into the waltz and Electra dragged Fire after them.
Then I blinked, and you were there
To offer me a dance
And though, at first, I wouldn't go
You asked me for a chance
And then we twirled around
Like the wind on the sea
We both knew the rhythm
Now how can that be?
When you sang to me
Felt like I could soar
I joined your harmony
That I never heard before
I guess you could say we belong
Brought together, love at first song
Larch watched the dancers for a while. Then he saw Stella standing off to one side. She swayed with the music. Gathering his bravery, Larch approached Stella and tapped her on the shoulder. Stella looked at him in surprise. Larch bowed, gesturing to the dance floor in an invitation to dance. The rebel leader smiled gently and accepted Larch's hand. They moved out onto the dance floor and began to waltz amongst the other couples.
The night passed, thought we were done
Never thought I'd see you again
Then I heard a voice I knew so well
Followed it to you, and couldn't stop my grin
And then you spun me around
You laughed, so full of joy
Said that you loved me
I called you a foolish boy
When you sang to me
Felt like I could soar
So I followed your melody
That I never heard before
I guess you could say we belong
Brought together, love at first song
Rosiepuff let the musicians improvise an instrumental part, and she was impressed by their work. She had to remind herself that these were rainbow trolls much like the trolls who lived in the Troll Tree. Music was in their blood. The Moonlight Kingdom trolls just didn't get many chances to do it.
"This is a beautiful song." Stella said to Larch.
"It's a song my dad sang to my mom while he was courting her, and then again at their wedding." Larch said. "My mom had several trolls hoping to marry her. But, somehow, it was my dad who stood out."
Stella pulled herself closer to Larch. "Funny, how life works. Your parents were brought together by music."
"Yeah." Larch nodded. "Funny, how different things in life bring people together.
Stella grinned up at him. "Indeed…"
Time passes
Thought we'd drift apart
Until the day you pulled me close
And offered me your heart
And then we twirled around
Perfectly in time
We completed each other
We both saw the signs
Our song echoed out
To the stars up above
A family made
From the bond of our love
I guess you could say we belong
Brought together, love at first song
The rebels were awed into silence for a second, and then clapped for Rosiepuff. She blushed a little, curtseying for her audience. Rosiepuff didn't perform much in front of others anymore. This was an enjoyable performance. Then, she noticed Larch and Stella finishing their dance, and the two teens stared at each other with adoration in their eyes. For some reason, this worried Rosiepuff.
Stella brushed a hand through her hair nervously. She kissed Larch's cheek before slipping away. Larch smiled broadly, lightly touching his cheek where Stella kissed him. But when he caught Crimson glaring at him, Larch slipped away into the crowd out of fear.
Another song started, and two sets of couples drifted closer to each other to talk. "Wasn't that so sweet?" Electra cooed. "Larch and Stella look so good together!"
"Yeah, but Crimson's got that 'I wonder what this guy will look like as a rug' look on his face." Hawk laughed.
"He should be happy that Stella has found someone." Eagle said. "She needs a good boy in her life. She can't be a rebel leader forever."
"Larch is a chill guy." Fire said. "She's lucky. Almost as lucky as I am to have you." He kissed Electra's cheek, causing her to giggle.
"Oh, Fire." Electra sighed, kissing him. "You set me ablaze."
"And you send electricity through me." Fire breathed. Hawk rolled his eyes, and Eagle laughed at her boyfriend.
"My darling, my love, my Fire." Electra sighed, pulling Fire in for another kiss.
"Gross." Hawk muttered.
Eagle shoved him playfully. "Be nice." Fire and Electra were much more passionate compared to other couples. Hawk was goofy and lovable, much gentler compared to Fire's love for Electra.
"Hey, wanna go see if the stables are empty and the storeroom is free?" Fire asked his girlfriend.
"I'd love to." Electra giggled madly, joining Fire as they ran off to their favorite hookup spot. Hawk made a gagging motion, and Eagle slapped his chest softly. Not only were Fire and Electra one of the most passionate couples, they were one of the most physical. The two of them met soon after they each joined the rebellion, and they fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Electra's energy attracted Fire's laid-back personality. She excited him, and he knew how to calm her down. Hawk and Eagle were childhood friends turned lovers, and had been in love for as long as they could remember. Hawk told Eagle long ago that he was going to marry her, and they were going to have children who would live in happiness.
Eagle believed him. She believed every single word, and she loved him with all her heart.
Stella sat at her desk long after the party had settled down. She looked over battle plans, trying to organize another attack on Eclipse. But the more she tried to focus, the more her thoughts traveled back to Larch. Her face kept heating up when she thought of him, and she kept thinking about all the things that made him attractive. His personality aside, his looks weren't something to sneeze at. His light green skin was a few hues darker than Rosiepuff's hair. Larch's hair—with its sheen and pristine look—gave a new meaning to royal blue. His pants were loose to give him freer range of moment, but his shirt and vest were form-fitting to show off his lean figure. He also had the cutest nose Stella ever saw. She was also a tiny bit jealous of his perfectly round ears. Her ears were pointed, almost like an elf's.
A knock at the door made Stella jump several inches in the air. She turned to see Eros step into the room and shut the door behind him. "Sorry. Did I scare you?" Eros asked at the sight of Stella's startled expression.
"I guess I was lost in thought." Stella said, putting her books aside.
"Well, I just wanted to compliment you on a wonderful party." Eros said, coming up behind her and putting his hands on her shoulders. "Your voice is like an angel's."
"Thank you." Stella said. "You're a fair dancer."
"Thanks. Though, sometimes, I feel I have two left feet." He stretched and yawned. "I'm so tired, yet so tense. Perhaps you could…loosen me up?" He ended the question with a kiss to Stella's neck.
Stella recoiled, to her surprise. "Uh, maybe not tonight, Eros."
Eros stared at her in surprise. "You never refuse our evening activity. Is something wrong? Are you sick?"
"No, no." Stella laughed when Eros held her face in his hands and looked her over worriedly. "I'm just…..well, I don't know…"
Eros studied her face for a moment. "Stella…..are you in love?"
"What? No!" Stella blushed madly.
Eros gasped deeply. "Oh my gosh! You are in love! Who is it? Who is it? Tell me tell me tell me!"
"Eros, shush!" Stella hoped no one heard Eros's excitable chatter.
"What? I'm happy for you!" Eros said. "Stella, it's all right to fall in love."
"There's no room for love in a war." Stella said.
"Then explain the blush in your cheeks." Eros said, tracing a finger down her jaw.
Stella stared at her desk. "I've never felt this way before."
"You should keep on it. Don't let it go." Eros said.
"And you won't be upset if we cease our…how you say, 'benefits'?" Stella asked.
"Of course not!" Eros assured. "You deserve to be with a boy who will treat you right."
"Now, don't insult yourself." Stella scolded. "You always had a gentle touch."
Eros kissed her cheek. "Be with him, Stella, if that will make you happy." He stood and left the room, and Stella allowed his words to swim around in her brain. She still felt a bit conflicted as she journeyed to bed.
Meanwhile, Eros journeyed off to the stables. He knew he saw Larch fawning over Stella, he just didn't know if Stella ever returned the feelings. Eros was a bit disappointed to lose the "benefits" of his friendly relationship with Stella. In his opinion, she was pretty good in bed. But Eros wanted Stella to find a true boyfriend.
When he arrived at the stables, Eros found the troll he searched for: Larch, currently combing out Lucky's feathers as he did every night. "Hey Larch!"
Larch looked up, and he rolled his eyes a little. "Hey Eros."
"I know you're busy, so I'll cut to the chase." Eros said. "Whatever you've been doing to gain Stella's affection, amplify it."
Larch's head whipped around so he could stare at Eros in surprise. He slid off his snow phoenix. "What?"
"You want to pursue a relationship with Stella? You better amp up your game." Eros said.
"I don't understand. You and Stella seem to have a fling going on." Larch said. "Why are you helping me instead of stopping me?"
"Oh, so you do know of our dalliances." Eros chuckled. "Larch, Stella and I were never serious. No romance has ever blossomed between us. But I see something blooming with you two. Chase after it, catch it, and don't let it go."
Larch smiled a little. "Thanks, Eros. That's really cool of you. Now I just have to get through Crimson."
Eros chuckled. "Let him warm up to the idea. At least, now, he finally likes you."
As the days passed, Larch did indeed take every opportunity to be close to Stella and nurture a love between them. Of course, he had to spend an equal amount of time avoiding Crimson and dodging the red troll's wrath. Crimson saw Stella as a sister, and protected her fiercely. If Larch wanted to be with her, he would have to prove himself to her so Stella could tell Crimson herself that Larch was good for her.
Larch did catch one lucky break: Crimson and Rosiepuff were bonding. Impressed by her strength yet kind nature, Crimson took it upon himself to be Rosiepuff's liaison and guardian in the rebellion. Perhaps it was also because of Rosiepuff's loving heart that reminded Crimson of his own mother. He spent as much time with her as possible, hearing her stories and even gathering his bravery to tell her his own.
"After Titan killed my wife and daughter, I just got so lost in my rage." Crimson sighed, helping Rosiepuff tidy the home they shared. Crimson had graciously offered the spare room in his house for Rosiepuff to stay, since rooming was limited in the bunker.
"Anyone would, if in your situation." Rosiepuff said. "That was a horrible thing to endure."
Crimson nodded slowly. "I was going to kill him. I was going to murder Titan in front of everyone, even though I risked being caught and executed. That's when Stella saved me. She gave me a new path to take, a way to make my life better and achieve revenge while also benefiting the whole kingdom, my home. I owe her my life."
"Seems a lot of trolls around here are like that." Rosiepuff said.
"Moonlight Kingdom is not an easy place to live in." Crimson said. "Especially not with Eclipse."
Rosiepuff cringed a little. She hated hearing trolls talk so ill of her dear friend, even when she wasn't sure what was true or false. "At least you don't risk being eaten. You aren't in a cage."
"We're in a cage of sorts." Crimson shrugged.
"But you still live. There is a chance at a life." Rosiepuff said. "Not for us. We are raised to be slaughtered, and that is all."
Crimson shuddered a little at the thought. Living every day fearing that you'll be next on the menu for a monster. "Did you lose your parents to the Bergens?"
Rosiepuff paused in her sweeping. "No. No, I lost several friends to the Bergens. But my parents…." Her eyes became glassy. "My father died saving me and my mother from a forest beast; and my mother was so heartbroken that she died soon after."
Crimson looked down. "I'm sorry. I know how hard it is to lose your parents to something you can't control."
Rosiepuff sighed heavily. "It was a tragedy. And tragedies tend to harden your heart. But you can't let that happen." She smiled softly. "My husband and my son gave me new reasons to live. I'm certain that, one day, your heart will heal enough that you will learn to love again."
At this, Crimson's chest puffed up a little with pride. "Why don't I finish sweeping? You go take a walk or something."
Rosiepuff could hardly get a refusal out before Crimson snatched the broom from her and hurriedly swept the floor. "You're very kind, Crimson. You'll make a lovely father again someday."
Crimson smiled broadly. "Thanks."
One day, Larch went out on his own to see Zelenia. He had sent a Zip Beetle to the princess with a secret message, and hoped Eclipse would not discover the note. When he arrived at the garden, Zelenia waited anxiously for him.
"You are lucky my mother is out in the village." Zelenia sighed in relief. "I managed to catch the Zip Beetle before she could find it."
"Sorry. I just had to see you one more time." Larch said.
"Oh?" Zelenia smiled coyly, and then got another worried look on her face. "Are you leaving already?"
"No. But I think it's getting too risky to keep meeting and talking like this." Larch said. "Also, I think I'm sending the wrong message."
Zelenia tilted her head like a confused puppy. "Whatever do you mean?"
Larch took the princess's hands in his. "You are a wonderful princess, Zelenia. You would lead so much better than your mother. I find many things about you admirable and attractive."
"Aw, thank you." Zelenia blushed.
"I know you feel something for me. But I feel something for someone else." Larch said. "I'm in love with Stella, and I intend to follow through with it. It wouldn't be right to not tell you this. Do you understand?"
Zelenia's smile was small, but genuine. She kissed Larch's cheek. "You are a good troll, Larch. I wish you the best of luck with Stellaluna."
Larch hugged the princess and turned to leave. He paused and looked back to her. "Once Stella wins, and Moonlight Kingdom is freed, you are more than welcome to live in my kingdom. I'm quite certain Peppy will accept you."
Zelenia nodded. "I would like that. Thank you, Larch."
Larch did not make it back to the rebellion until well after sunset. He found his mother talking with Sarabeth, mentioning something about a walk in the forest and what kinds of herbs to look for. Larch slipped by without his mother noticing, and he went straight to the phoenix stables.
"Hey guys!" Larch waved to Hawk, Eagle, and Clove, who chatted while mucking out the stables. "You seen Stella anywhere?"
"She went flying out on Symphony." Eagle said. "Said something about stargazing on the river."
"Best not disturb her." Hawk advised. "She only makes up that excuse when she wants to be alone to think."
"Well, I'm afraid this can't wait." Larch hopped onto Lucky and the snow phoenix flew him out of the bunker.
"Ooh!" Clove laughed. "He's lovesick, is what he is!"
"I'll say." Eagle said. "Let's hope Stella is in a good enough mood to receive him."
Larch had a wide smile on his lips as he flew Lucky out of the bunker. When they reached the entrance, Lucky only flew a short way down the river before Larch had him land next to Symphony, who napped on the riverbank. Larch patted Lucky affectionately and then continued downriver to find Stella. He made sure to not wake Symphony, knowing the phoenix might try to stop him. Once he was far enough away, he broke into a run.
She's gotta be down here somewhere. Larch thought as he searched for Stella. I'm going to tell her tonight, if it kills me!
It took some time before Larch came to a small drop-off, where the river fell into a small pool before continuing further into the forest. Larch climbed down and looked around. The space behind the small, gentle waterfalls had mossy rocks, and the pool looked calm even with the water falling into it. Larch spotted a familiar figure knelt on the rocks just below him, and he hopped down to approach the leader of the Flame of Happiness.
"I was told I'd find you out here." Larch said.
Stella stared at her reflection. "Larch, now is not a good time."
"Well, I'm afraid this can't wait." Larch said. "I have to tell you something important."
"So do I." Stella said, standing.
"Oh. Then you start." Larch said.
"I think you need to leave." Stella said, not looking at Larch.
Larch blinked a few times. "What?"
"I don't know, Larch. Maybe your mother was right." Stella said. "Maybe you don't belong here. You should go home, to your family."
"Stella, I made a commitment, and I'm devoted to it." Larch said.
Stella scoffed softly. "Devotion. You speak with emotion."
"That bothers you?" Larch questioned.
"So much of this bothers me." Stella said, finally turning to Larch. "I don't know what to think anymore, Larch. I always thought I knew what I was doing. I thought I knew my path. But when I'm with you, I…I just…I don't know what I'm feeling….it's so confusing…."
"Well, if it makes you feel any better, I'm quite often tongue-tied around you." Larch chuckled.
"This is no time for jokes!" Stella snapped. "Why do you think you are here?"
Larch considered the question. "That answer has changed over time. I have a new reason to stay, and that reason is you."
Stella sighed. "Oh, Larch. You're brave, and I love that about you. But you let your emotions control you. You allow yourself to be blinded. There is no room in this war for your heart to decide!"
"Really? Because it was my heart that decided that I love you." Larch said.
Stella stared at him, her mouth dropping open a little in shock. "You…love me….."
"Yes. With all my heart, no matter how foolish you think it is." Larch said.
"Larch, how can you love someone like me?" Stella asked.
"Where do I start? With your looks or who you are? Both are wonderful." Larch said. He stepped up to Stella and took her hands in his. "Stella, in the time I've known you, I've fallen more and more in love with you because I admire so much about you. Everything about you attracts me. You're the harmony to my melody, the rainbow to my sunshine, the beat to my dance. I love you. That's the simplest way I can express what I feel when I'm around you."
Stella averted her eyes, not wanting to get lost in Larch's enchanting irises. "What if I don't love you back?"
"Well, do you?"
"Huh?"
"Do you love me back? It's okay if you don't."
Though her mouth stayed open for a long moment, no words came from Stella's mouth. "This has never happened to me. I don't know why I thought I could say what I'm thinking to you." She sighed. "I just can't say it. The words are there, but they won't come out. Actions speak louder than words, and I've always been able to show better than I could tell."
Larch chuckled. She was so endearing, so lovely, so perfect, in his eyes. "Then show me. Act, and I will respond accordingly."
Stella stared at him for what felt like years. Then, she closed the distance between them and kissed him on the lips.
At once, it was like fireworks exploding in their minds and their hearts. It was better than Larch's impromptu kiss by the storeroom. It was better than any kiss they experienced before. It was a kiss of true love, and only the desperate need for air could break the two trolls apart. Larch held Stella in a loose embrace, his emerald eyes locked onto her icy blue ones. He ran his fingers through her hair, and her ears quivered.
"I acted." Stella breathed. "Now respond accordingly."
Larch chuckled. "As you wish." He pulled her in for another kiss. It didn't take long for the heat to rise between them, and the passion increased. One of Larch's hands caressed Stella's hip, while the other hand fiddled with the strap of her camisole. Stella already began to unbutton Larch's vest.
Hidden in the bushes above them, Rosiepuff watched the exchange with somewhat widened eyes. Her errand of finding herbs had been interrupted when she saw Larch fly from the bunker on Lucky. When she followed him here, this was not what she expected. In fact, she had feared of something like this happening.
Rosiepuff's expression hardened to a frown. She turned and tiptoed away, back to the bunker.
A/N: Uh oh. Larch is in trouble now.
Stella's song was inspired by "Heroes" by Alesso feat. Tove Lo. Like the song from The Lego Batman Movie.
Stella's quote to Larch about his bravery and emotions was from neomoon585. Thanks!
Happy New Year!