Fairs was adjusting to her new life rather well. It had been several weeks since the woman who had taken my life by storm twice now had shown up again. It seemed that she'd already had some training and experience in being a princess, but it was still amusing to see her dealing with the servants and dignitaries. She explained to me that she'd generally left all the official stuff to her sister and her husband. I usually found myself on the receiving end of a pillow whenever I told her that she was stating obvious and that I didn't blame them for wanting it that way.
Our lives went on as we counted the days until we were to be wed. Preparations had gone ahead as planned, but due to the delicate mater of the ceremony it didn't happen fast enough. We both understood that Faris was going to become the first queen Figaro had in nearly fifteen years, but we still wanted the circus to be over and done with. Not that it really stopped us from preparing for the wedding night, far from it. Sure she had a room of her own, but all it ended up being was another place for us to get continuously reacquainted.
Faris did have a little trouble adjusting to things other than being called princess all the time. For starters she was used to living near water, she was a pirate caption t one point after all. Here she was in the desert, not only as far away from a large body of water as possible, but also in the climate most unlike an ocean's shore. The poor woman spent half her time inside and pacing, wanting to venture outside but not wanting to deal with the heat in the dresses she was expected to wear. Eventually she just switched to clothes more her style and went outside regardless of the ramifications.
Thankfully the ramifications were nothing more than a series of gasps and the occasional rumor about how odd the king's fiancée was. Neither of us really cared though, we both knew there were more important things to worry about out there. Not to mention she was fully aware of where the line was, and would never cross it for my sake. Sometimes she'd sneak outside, wearing less than was decent while no one was looking…I'll be the first to admit that she looked damn good with a tan. Probably better than I would consider how little time I had to spend outside.
Faris also was kind enough to meet all of my friends, with one of my favorite memories being introducing her to Setzer. Now, out of everyone it was the gambler whom I enjoyed spending time at a bar with the most. Sure, Locke and Sabin were closer and better friends, but they were tame during the night out in comparison. Neither of us really meant anything by our wenching, since that's what it really was, but we did it none-the-less. They were enjoyable outings with many a worthy contest between two of the greatest ladies men, he was second to myself, and two of the world's most eligible bachelors.
So when he heard his wenching partner had retired the Gambler came a running to investigate. Unfortunately I was unable to meet him as he showed up, what with meetings and all, but I rushed out as soon as possible to catch up to the man. Little did I know as I turned that corner on that warm summer evening I'd find that Faris would beat me to the punch. Standing near the end of the hallway was Setzer with his arm around my fiancée. Upset at first I paused and listened in on the conversation.
"Really, with ladies such as yourself around here, I'm surprised Edgar even went out," I couldn't believe my ears, he was giving lines to my soon to be wife.
"Oh yer such a flatterer, Setzer," her accent was returned partially, almost as if purposefully, "But I'm to much o' a free spirit fer Edgar ta reel me in," had I not know she was joking I would have been mighty paranoid at that moment, not to mention rather jealous.
"Give me your hand, beautiful, and I'll help your spirit soar greater than anyone before," Not a bad line, I had to admit. But before things went much further I stepped in and made my presence known.
"Rather nice line," I said as they both turned around to face me, "But you can't say enough to match what I can do with a look," Setzer laughed at my words, his eyes daring me before his words even said a thing.
"Always were a big talker, Edgar. It's about time you backed up those words," I gave a look to Faris, still with the Gambler's arm around her waist, before looking back.
"Is that a challenge, Setzer?"
"I've got a hundred gold on it," he replied.
"Deal," and with that I gave a look to the former pirate. After a moment of playful hesitation she disengaged herself from Setzer and embraced me. Our lips met in a moment of searing passion, almost over the top just to put further emphasis on everything. Before long we disengaged to take a gander at our new debtor to gauge his reaction. Faris giggled and I burst out in laughter as we saw the man's jaw fall lower than I had ever seen it before.
"Setzer, allow me to introduce you to my fiancée, Princess Sarisa," after he overcame the shock of the situation he made sure to ride me about how I shouldn't hold him to the bet. He also let it be known that Faris would have been a better match for him than I would. I just grinned in satisfaction of knowing she was with me instead.
Regardless, Faris seemed happy with me, and assured me regularly that she was, I still received an odd feeling from her every now and again. It usually happened whenever I came up behind her while Faris was alone. I saw it in the position of her body as she leaned against the wall. Often times I would catch her up at the tallest tower of the castle, gazing out at the brilliant desert sunset or the moon on those occasions I was horribly delayed.
"I never get over how beautiful the sunsets here are," she told me one day as I came up behind her. Faris' dialect had all but disappeared since she'd come to my castle. She really was trying so she could leave a good impression with visiting dignitaries.
"I see I still haven't become a master at sneaking around," I commented quietly with a bit of a laugh in my voice. Faris turned to look at me with a warm smile, though there was a definite sadness tingeing her eyes. I moved to her as quickly as I could without falling into an out and out sprint and pulled her into my arms.
"You definitely couldn't deny now that there's something bothering you, my Captain," the woman didn't resist the embrace, and in fact buried her face into my chest. My heart melted as I held her, wishing that she didn't have to go through any pain.
"I'm lonely, Gerad," her voice softly called up, loud enough for only my ears to catch the words. What she said caught m a little off guard, unsure of just what exactly the woman meant.
"How so?" best way to the root of the problem was to directly find out what it was. Faris took a long moment to compose herself before pulling back long enough to look up at me. It was moments like these that always reminded me of what a strong person she was, never giving up so long as I'd know her.
"I mean, I have ya, and I love ya," her accent quietly crept back in at places, reminding me of our old times together, back on her world," but yer all I have," I berated myself silently for not seeing it sooner. The woman had unintentionally left everything behind, including all the people she was closest to.
"That's not entirely true," I tried to reason with her, though I wondered if I was also trying to reason with myself, "You've got Sabin. I mean, he's already calling you sister," she cut me off before I could continue.
"Aye, I do. But he's still your bother, and only doing it because we're getting married," she sighed and I thought about that for a moment. I knew my brother better than that, and I knew it was more because he like Faris, but I wasn't going to push the point.
"You'll make some friends soon, Faris. Just wait until you meet some of the other friends of mine," before the words even left my mouth I knew I had picked the wrong ones. The woman shook her head gently.
"I believe ya when you say they're good people, but they're still your friends," Faris chuckled then, something I considered somewhat odd considering the mood just a moment ago. Suddenly the woman pulled me in tightly against her, pressing her full lips in against mine. Surprised at first I none the less didn't pull back and returned the gesture passionately.
"What brought that on?" I asked after pulling back from the kiss. An impish looked crept onto her face, her index finger trailing slowly over my chest. A slight intake of breath on my part before the woman purred out an answer.
"Do I need a reason ta kiss my man?" I knew better than that, but didn't let on that I figured something was wrong. Instead I smiled that same smile I gave her the first night that we'd met.
"Of course not, my Captain," with that I led her downstairs and to dinner. I resolved to myself to try and figure out a way to get her from being so lonely. I wondered if she'd finally accept my friends as her own at some point, or if her pride would prevent that from totally happening. As much as she loved me and wanted to not cause any waves I knew my soon to be bride well enough to know she hated charity and wanted to do everything herself. The trick became to figure up a way to get her to accept any help without her knowing it. But that was something to work on tomorrow.
"Well, Edgar, I'd assume you just wanted me here for my company, but I'm guessing it's not," I had to chuckle at the comment made by the old scholar Strago. Taking the tea from the servant I walked back towards my desk where the older man sat and waited. He appeared to be quite a bit older than I remembered him from when we first met. While his hair wasn't any whiter, it was a bit thinner. His face also held a few more wrinkles, but more than anything it was his eyes. I didn't know if I was imagining things but he seemed tired and his eyes showed this most of all.
"Oh come now, Strago, do you think I only invited you here for your expertise and not to be visited by yourself and your charming daughter?" I gave him a devilish grin as I poured him some tea.
"Yes," the answer was short and to the point, just like the man. I couldn't help but laugh as I took a seat drawing a small smile from the other. Taking a moment to pour myself something to drink I then explained the situation to him.
"You've heard that I'm getting married, correct?" Strago simply nodded, waiting for me to continue before saying anything.
"Well, she's not from around here," taking a sip of my tea I waited to see how the older man would react to that.
"So where's she from? Jidoor?"
"Further,"
"Maranda?" He was going out away from Figaro slowly.
"Further," I could see his curiosity growing.
"Couldn't be from Thamsa. I woulda heard about that,"
"Further," was all I said in response.
"You can't get much further then that, Edgar," his agitation was becoming apparent, causing me to explain further.
"She's from another world entirely," He took it rather well I had to admit. With little more than a raised eyebrow the man quietly took the information in stride, silently sipping his tea.
"Care to explain that one to me?" He quietly asked, putting his now empty cup back on its saucer.
"That's what I was hoping you could help me with," was my answer. Quickly I began to explain everything to him, starting with my first memory after falling from the airship. Lasting from my time as a pirate through to present day, I left few details about my journey. Granted I left out a couple of things such as how great a kisser Faris was and the like, which I'm sure he was thankful for. As my tale came to an end I watched him as he sat there pondering, wondering what was running through the man's head.
"Quite a story you just told me, Edgar," he finally spoke up, the words chosen seemed quiet and deliberate, as if he wasn't sure how to respond to what I just told him. I didn't blame him, really. I mean how would I react to someone telling me such a thing?
"I'd be surprised if you believed me to be honest," standing from my seat I sighed and moved over towards where my old friend sat, "but I'm asking you to since it pertains to what I wanted to ask you." He moved to say something, but was cut off by a series of hacking coughs. As I started forward Strago cut me off with a wave of his hand as if the ailment was nothing.
"And what do you want to know, Edgar?" His voice was obviously rough, causing me to pace for a moment. Slowly, I began with the barest of intro questions.
"Have you heard of anything like this in the past?" I queried, moving over to look out the window for a moment. Silence met my question for several moments before the scholar spoke up.
"Only in stories. I don't think anything like this has ever been documented before," I nodded once, the same conclusion having been drawn by my own scholars. I had hoped that maybe the blue mage would have had some other experience in which to draw on.
"So no idea what so ever on how this could have happened?" Slowly I turned around to look in his face at his response. Strago shook his head as he looked back in my direction.
"None. I'm sorry, Edgar, but I can't help you," I nodded solemnly and walked back towards my desk. It was then that he surprised me with a question.
"Why so intent on finding out what happened?" Stopping before I reached the seat, my gaze went back over to look at his again. A quiet sigh passed my lips as I sat and answered.
"Faris was saying how she was lonely without her friends," I started to explain, "I was hoping there might be some way I could find a way for her to visit home." As I looked back at his face Strago surprised me by giving me the most understanding look I'd ever seen from the old man.
"I doubt sending her back is going to be possible, Edgar," he started, "best thing to do would be to continue helping her rebuild her life here." I sat there for a minute before I nodded in agreement.
"Best advice I've had in a long time, my friend," we both grinned at each other before I quickly changed the subject, "so how is that charming granddaughter of yours?"
"Don't get me started about her," he snorted. I did my best to suppress a grin as I continued the point.
"What is she? Sixteen now? Must be quite the heartbreaker…" the look of mixed pride and consternation caused me to laugh out loud.
"More trouble then its worth, really," the man grumbled, "I should chain her up until she's thirty,"
"Which would cause her to fight you even more," I was quick to point out. He snorted in response.
"Bah! It'd do her some good!" I laughed again and stood once more, slowly moving around the desk.
"Speaking of the darling, shall we go look in on her and Faris?"
"Does this mean I get to meet the infamous world traveler?" he chuckled.
"Oh I supposed so," came my response. Slowly standing up Strago followed my lead out the door and down a series of passages. While by no means as spry as he used to be the old scholar kept pace rather well. We chatted about various things as we went, though I left what we were originally discussing alone. There was no use in beating a dead horse considering there was nothing anyone or I could probably do about world hopping. Finally we came to the area in which I'd been told the ladies had gone too. The sound of metal clashing and labored grunts told me we were in the right place.
Strago gave me a quizzical look at the noises, unsure of what they were. I grinned quietly at him and pushed the door to the workout room open to reveal Faris giving Relm an impromptu fencing lesson. The look of pure concentration on the artist's face was nearly as amusing as the grin on my bride's. The two danced about the room or more Faris did. The younger lady was to busy doing her best to try and tag the older. While Relm was no slouch in defending herself, she didn't even come close to the former pirate's experience.
The shuffle continued for several more minutes before Faris caught sight of us. A quick flick of her sword to knock Relm's out of the way before she lunged and finished the match. Rather than being upset the artist had a rather huge grin on her face, not seeing us quite yet.
"Wow, Faris, I haven't see anyone move like that in a long time!" I'd seen the hero worship look on people's faces before, the same one that was on Relm's now. It seemed she'd found a strong woman to look up to that didn't have a lot of emotional problems, no offense to Terra and Celes. They had come quite a long way in their lives.
"Yeah, well, I've had a lot of practice," she winked at the precocious teen before making her way over to Strago and myself. Reaching up the woman wrapped her arms around my neck to greet me with a kiss. She never was afraid to do that in front of anyone. After taking a moment to return the gesture I turned and motioned towards the old man at my side.
"Strago, this is my fiancée Princess Sarisa, better known as Faris," the woman disentangled herself from me to shake his hand, "Faris, this is an old friend, traveling companion, and Relm's grandfather, Strago Magus," the aged scholar still had a grip on him, which he showed off to the captain.
"So yer the woman to finally tie Edgar down, eh?" Faris laughed as she pulled her hand away from him.
"Why is it that everyone keeps saying that?"
"Because no one thought ol' Loverboy would ever marry," Relm was kind enough to tell my fiancée. Faris looked over at the girl, no young woman, and grinned. I looked over at her and realized I hadn't seen the young artist for quite some time. She'd grown up tall, and definitely beautiful. Her eyes still shone wit the same light of life the always had, while her hair now was grown out and left to hang long. She still wore the head wrap around her head, though it served more as a memento or to keep her hair out of her face. She certainly had grown into quite a woman.
"Considering my experience with lover boy here," Faris voice caused me to look back towards her, "I should probably consider myself lucky he's settling down for me," the derisive snort from the artist caused all of us to bust up laughing. I'm pretty sure Relm liked me, she was just out to keep me on my toes.
"Why don't you two go get cleaned up," I suggested to change the subject, "and then we'll all go and get dinner," chuckling both women went off to do just that as Strago and I headed for the private dining room.
"She's quite the firebrand you raised, Strago," the old man's eyes shone with pride as I uttered the remark.
"You have no idea," came the muttered response. I just laughed and opened the door for him.
Relm and Strago stayed for several days, much to the delight of Faris and the groans of the library staff. The two ladies had grown quite close in a very short amount of time, something I was thankful for. All of our talks about the young artist were always upbeat, spoken as if a child relating her day with her best friend. I smiled and took it all in, hoping perhaps that she considered Relm her own friend, and not just one of mine that was being nice to her.
Strago, bless his heart, spent his time searching through old records as he tried to find anything about hoping worlds. We kept all of this quiet from Faris, not wanting to bring up something that wasn't even a remote possibility at this point. It didn't help matters that there seemed to be nothing above a few stories that even mention it.
I spent all of my time in meetings unfortunately. It always seemed that the times I most wanted freed up were the ones when I had the most too do. At least Faris wasn't so bored, I'd usually remind myself. I'd always worried that she would, though I always knew she was more than capable of taking care of herself.
One day it seemed we were going to have no trouble whatsoever keeping busy. That sunny, dry afternoon found the castle and city shaken with tremendous force. Furniture was jarred apart and vases were forced from their pedestals. Everyone gripped on for dear life to the nearest solid object. After the dust settled an odd calm fell over the place, punctuated soon after by the bustling of making sure everyone was all right. Guards scurried about helping those that needed and it helping to keep the peace.
"What the hell was that?" I asked to my advisors that just happened to be in a meeting with me. Slowly we all forced our way back into the present. Standing up we looked around at each other for answers.
"Some sort of earthquake, sire," I didn't snap at the man for pointing out the obvious, he was just rattled from the experience.
"Yes, but any idea what caused it?" my voice calmed as I looked around at all of them, "We haven't had an earthquake in Figaro ever as far as I've heard," they were all at a loss. I couldn't blame them, it wasn't like I had any idea. Slipping out of the conference room I headed out to see if everyone was all right, though I wanted to check up on three people in particular.
"What the hell was that?" Came one of the familiar voices. I smirked lightly thinking something about two people living together for to long just as Faris rounded the hall, Relm in tow. I shrugged lightly before embracing the woman, checking her over for any wounds.
"I have no idea, and neither does anyone else," I responded before being given a look telling me she was just fine. Nodding I pulled back to get a look at Relm, who seemed to be a little perturbed by the look of worry on my face. Her expression soon turned to one of worry, as a thought seemed to pop into her head.
"Grandpa!" she looked around wild eyed as if expecting him to be right there. A little concerned myself I lead her down the passages to where I guessed the old man probably was. A short trot later we found ourselves at the door of the library. A glance inside gave me a small shock, more from actually seeing it than not expecting it to have happened.
Book and scroll, both ancient and new, laid strewn about as countless bookshelves lay overturned. Several priceless artifacts lay on the floor as well, some shattered beyond repair. The librarians and scholars were doing their best to clean up and help those that were injured. Relm ran into the mess frantically looking about. I moved in with her to help the artist look, hoping nothing had happened to the old man.
"Grandpa?!" The young woman hollered, doing her best not to panic. She seemed equally elated and perturbed as she heard his voice.
"Quiet, girl! You're shouting loud enough to wake the dead," Relm span around as she spotted the man and turned to face him as well, relieved to see him unharmed.
"You had me scared to death. I was going to have to do that, old man," even when she was happy the girl seemed to have a smart remark for all instances.
"Bah! It'll take more than a few fallen books to get rid of the likes of me!" I stepped in before they continued with their usual banter.
"Either way, we're all glad to see you're okay, Strago," he just huffed as if asked a silly question. Shaking my head with a small grin I turned to look at Faris and then the others.
"So, does that happen often around here?" Faris asked as she made her way to my side. I allowed an arm to reach out and embrace her before answering.
"No. In fact I think that's the first recorded earthquake in Figaro history," Strago gave me a quizzical look as I said that.
"Something weird is going on then," I half expected his voice to go cryptic and dark as he said the words.
"No, duh!" but there was Relm to lighten the mood. Before anything snapping could be said back a messenger ran into the room, apparently looking for me. Dashing over he owed and took a second to catch his breath before speaking.
"Sire, there's reports of weird goings on at the abandoned castle," that was not good news, "the soldiers down there said that they uncovered something and then they earthquake happened," I nodded and dismissed the man before heading out myself. The other three were hot on my heels down the hall as I went.
"Edgar, what'd he mean about the abandoned castle?" Strago asked as we continued on. I didn't say anything for a while, concentrating on opening the locks on a series of doors.
"I turned the abandoned castle into a research facility," I explained before closing the door after they all passed through it, "a place out of the way so they fewest number of people would be hurt if anything happened."
"What kind of research facility?" I could hear the suspicion in his voice. I honestly didn't blame him considering the last research facility we dealt with nearly brought about the end of the world.
"Don't worry, Strago, its all technological developments," I explained quickly, "no magical testing and only a few weapons," I could hear his grumble a bit though he didn't say anything else after that. He knew I wouldn't do anything that would endanger the world. Finally we made it through the last door and I let everyone in first.
Walking in after them was a bit of a chore considering the room I was showing to the old man and the artist for the first time. Faris had seen my workshop before, though it seemed she was still amazed by the sheer amount of stuff I had in the room. Shelf upon shelf of tools and inventions lined the space, many of which had never been seen by anyone else. Diagrams and unfinished projects lay about tables, offering a glimpse at the ideals that swirled about my head.
The bigger shock was in the next room, however. While never one to brag, I felt I had one of the greatest collections in the world. By collection I mean anything and everything you could think of from swords and suits of armor to paintings and other works of art that were to valuable to leave out in the castle. More secure than the ones above, I was more than less thankful that everything was intact down here. Reaching for the objects of my intent in this instance I pulled the old spear off of its wall mount.
"I kept several of the better weapons, armor, and such from our journeys," I explained as I also reached for the genji armor I had used to fight Kefka, "if you need this is the time to get it," after a brief moment of hesitation the others went to find equipment that best suited them.
"Expecting us to run into something down there?" Faris asked as she checked the balance on one sword.
"I have no idea what we're going to run into down there," I answered, putting the finishing touches on my gear, "I just want to be ready for anything." She nodded in response and prepared herself. After everyone was finished getting ready I turned and lead them out another door.
"Ummm, Edgar? Shouldn't we go and talk to the guy to get him to submerge the castle?" Relm asked. Turning to glance to the artist I grinned a little before I answered.
"Ever since the town started growing up around the castle it became unsafe to travel that way."
"So how are we going to get down there?" She pushed.
"New way down. It's a lot faster and doesn't displace the entire castle," the young woman gave up on pushing the issue since I wasn't giving her much to go on. A few more strides down a dark hall and we reached our destination anyway. Settling into what looked like a stylized mining cart I motioned for the others to join me. Reluctantly they all climbed and settled into a seat. Soon as I saw they were all ready to go I pulled on a nearby lever. The carts shot forward with a sudden jolt, sending us down at a slope and towards the old castle. I honestly never got tired of taking those things down.
I don't know if the others held my enthusiasm and I didn't really ask as the ride, and the screaming, came to a halt. It didn't take me long to hop out, though the others took a moment to catch their breaths and try to figure out what exactly had just happened. I couldn't help but grin as I saw Strago turn a little green from the cart ride.
"Ready?" I asked and headed off before anyone could say anything. They all followed after in some fashion or other, quickly catching up to me. Yet another series of passages followed, these all being well lit thankfully. It didn't take as long to get to the castle as the first time around, a series of halls having been built to cut down on time and trouble. I was definitely thankful for them at that point.
Finally breaking through to our final destination we were met by chaos as men scrambled about. Soldiers, engineers, and scientists mixed as they scattered to end to fallen comrades and repair what they could. Charred rocks and metal gave signs that a fire had raged not to long ago.
"Is everything all right?" I asked as the head of activities down here came over to speak to me.
"For the most part," the man had a bandage on his forehead, dried blood splattered on his lab coat, "no one is reported dead, though we have some men still missing," I nodded with a light sigh. I was praying I didn't have to deliver bad news to some families that day.
"Any idea what caused all of this?" The next question came out not wanting to beat around the bush. The man shrugged lightly.
"We think it might be something we uncovered," he replied, turning he started walking supposedly in the direction of this discovery.
"As soon as we found it, the earthquake struck."
"Any idea what it is?" my party and I kept pace, moving swiftly to follow.
"We're not sure, though it almost seems like a giant meteorites," I blinked at that.
"Down here? How could that be possible?" the man shrugged as he kept walking.
"We're not sure. I think it might have submerged with the castle, though," I nodded in reply. The answer did make sense, I mean how does a castle come to rest underground? We continued on through a few more passages before we finally reached our goal. Upon seeing it I could tell why they thought it might be the meteorite. It was certainly the largest chunk of iron I'd ever seen in my life. What struck me the oddest was my bride started to approach the thing.
"Faris? Is something the matter?" I walked up behind her quietly. She continued on towards the massive rock slowly for some reason, not seeming to notice anyone else. Undaunted I continued to approach her, resting my hand on her should. I tried to rouse her again.
"Fairs? What's got you so spooked?" Finally snapping out of it the woman turned to face me. I could see the tears in her eyes despite the low light of the torches and pulled her in against me.
"Tha's just like the meteor back home," she explained, even if I wasn't exactly sure what she was talking about.
"Like what back home?" I asked again.
"Ya remember me tellin' you 'bout how my sister and my friend went to another world?" I nodded and then stopped. The irony of the fact I was trying to help her do something she had plenty of experience with did not escape me. Maybe I should have talked to her about it. Either way, I nodded to let her know I remember, which caused her to continue.
"Well, this looks like the one we used ta travel worlds," I sighed and pulled her in a little bit closer.
"Painful reminder you're alone?" I asked to confirm why her reaction was the way it was.
"Aye," she nodded as well, pulling back from me to look into my eyes, "Though it does nay change a thing…" It was right about then that things got really weird as the meteorite started to glow an odd shade of blue. We all turned to watch the hunk of space iron, unsure of what was going on…or so I thought.
"It, it, it…" Faris stuttered lightly, "its acting just like back home?"
"When you were able to hop worlds?" I asked quietly. She nodded in response as she moved towards the thing.
"So maybe you could use it to go home and see your family," I said, my voice barely audible, unsure if I wanted to even admit it was possible.
"Aye, I suppose," she replied, her voice every bit as hushed, "though it was a way one trek last time…probably would again."
"Well," I swallowed lightly, "here's your chance to go back home and have your old friends," pushing the words out I resolved myself. If she was going to do anything I was going to let it be her choice. Faris turned to look at me, a stunned look on her face.
"What're ya saying, Edgar?" Standing firm I kept my face neutral, I did not want to influence her decision.
"I'm saying you were saying you were lonely," I explained, my voice faltering for a moment before I stopped it, "now you can choose. You can go back to your family, or stay here. It's your choice," she started towards me, and obviously hurt look on her face.
"Do ya want me to go?" she asked silently, tears appearing in her eyes again. Shaking my head I kept myself from breaking down.
"No, I don't," my hands clenched as I said the words, wanting nothing more than to tell her to stay and pull her into my arms, "but I can't take the choice away from you," Déjà vu came to me then as I remembered another young woman I'd told that too.
"What are you doing, Edgar?" another voice called out. Blinking I turned to face Relm as she did what she does so well, speaking up and speaking her mind, "Are you some kind of moron or something?"
"Relm, its her life and I…" The young artist was undeterred as she tore into me again.
"But you love her! So why would you want her to go?" I sighed and tried to explain.
"It's because I love her I have to let her choose…"
"That's a load of crock! You shouldn't let her go!"
"Relm," I sighed, "I can't do that! Gestahl tried to take people's choices from them, and if I did that I'd be no better than him." The young girl fell quiet at that, though I could tell she still felt I was wrong.
"Edgar," Faris' voice called out softly to me. Spinning around I turned to look at the woman, a smile gently splayed across her face. For what seemed like an eternity she walked towards me, stopping barely an inch from myself. I swallowed lightly and watched her, unsure of what her motives were. Suddenly she leaned up and kissed me deeply, her arms snaking about my neck. I returned the kiss, my own arms wrapping around her waist. After a long embrace she pulled back slowly.
"I'm staying," the words rang in my ears as I digested them my eyes still closed. She would stay with me and be mine as long as we both lived. It was what I was hoping she would say, and what I had prayed would happen.
"I love you, Faris," I told her, pulling my bride in close against me.
"I love you too, Edgar," she responded quietly, lovingly. We embraced and held each other close, not wanting to let go. For a long time neither of us did, with the voice of our other forgotten companions spoke up.
"A portal to another planet…" Strago stood before the glowing portion of the meteorite, like a statue, looking it over with a scholar's eye.
"Why don't ya go through it, Strago," Faris said, bringing about a surprised look from everyone, "If you're that interested in it," she shrugged lightly, "lots of new things to see on the other side," he almost seemed to consider the proposal.
"Tempting. It would give me something new to study," for a moment I thought he was actually going to go through with it. Shaking his head the old scholar turned away, "No, I can't do it."
"Well why not?" of all the people I expected to argue with him, Relm was the last person I expected. The look on Strago's face told me he felt the same way.
"Well I can't just leave you, now can I?" the older of the two responded.
"Oh c'mon, you old fuddy duddy!" I could see a few tears in her eyes as she walked towards Strago, "how many more chances are you gonna get to find something new to study before you croak?" Strago chuckled lightly as he stood in front of the young woman.
"True enough. But are you going to be all right?" his wizened hand came up in order to wipe a tear from her eyes.
"Yeah, I'd just stay with Edgar and Faris if anything," I kept my chuckle at the thought that she was saying it like it was going to happen, "and like Edgar said, when you love someone you let them go if they want to," this did bring a chuckle from the scholar as he embraced her.
"Now I know you'll be fine since you're actually listening to Edgar," she just gave him a look before embracing the old man tightly.
"Just be careful and don't forget me," I heard her whisper to him.
"I don't think I could ever forget such a loving granddaughter," another squeeze and the two parted. Strago gave her a smile before casting a look my way.
"Take care of her," I nodded in response before turning to one of my men standing nearby.
"Get some supplies for him," I ordered, "food, water, rope, the usual stuff." The guard saluted and ran off to do as he was bade. He returned a short time later with a pack stuffed with the necessary equipment. For a while I didn't think he was going to be able to carry it all, but he resolved himself, turning to face the portal and shouldering the pack.
"Wait!" Faris' voice spoke up suddenly, moving to reach into my series of pouches that I usually kept. Removing a piece of paper and a quill the woman quickly went about scribbling down a note. Blinking we all just watched as she did such before she walked over towards Strago.
"Here. If ya ever come across a Reina or a Butz, give this to them fer me." Strago nodded and took the note, grinning lightly.
"Count on it," after a wink the scholar walked towards the portal, "Maybe I'll see you all around sometime," he waved and continued on. As we waved to him, Strago walked into the blue mass of light, only to vanish from our lives for what could be the last time. Slowly the display dimmed and finally disappeared into the meteorite. We all stood there, watching until the end. I knew I'd miss the old coot. Resting my hand on Relm's shoulder I knew someone that would miss him more.
"So what're we waiting for?" she finally exclaimed, seeming to try and banish the tears that hugged to her eyes. I smiled at the young woman and moved towards her, extending my hand.
"Let's go home," she seemed to hesitate for a moment before she gripped my hand tightly. We went back to the castle and settled things so Relm could live there full time. I felt bad that she had to lose the only family she had left, knowing all to well how that felt. I knew things were going to be just fine, though. While she may have lost a grandfather, she gained a new family in Faris and myself.