Precious Learning
Chapter 7: As We Grow
Terra hummed a cheerful tune to herself as she mended Trolly's torn britches. Though she had a fitful sleep the night before, Katarin insisted that she rest for a while after breakfast; the short nap had done her a world of good. More importantly, the children kept her mind at ease. Their simple joys, their bright smiles—one could hardly hold onto any ill sentiments in their presence. She wanted to be innocent and wise, like they all seemed that morning.
Edgar's been so nice to me lately, that I suppose I must have developed a little crush on him. She chuckled to herself, tying off the stitches. I've changed so much in the past year and a half. When I first met Edgar I didn't think twice about his looks or his charm. I didn't think I'd ever get pulled in by that nonsense. Well, I'm glad for last night. I'm learning more about myself all the time.
"There you go, Trolly," she said, patting the young boy on the knee. "All fixed up."
"Thanks, Mom." He grinned and scampered off to join his friends in a game of cards.
Terra sighed and climbed to her feet, stretching. "I'll have to talk to Setzer about spreading gambling in my kids," she muttered.
"There's no harm in it." Seated nearby, Katarin was nursing Marla. "They're kids—they're bound to get into trouble."
"I suppose so." She pulled up a chair beside her friend and watched as the children ran about, playing and snacking. "But they'll be like us someday, won't they? I already feel like I'll have a lot of advice to give."
Katarin looked at her sidewise. "You mean…about last night?"
Terra nodded. "I feel like I grew up a little," she admitted sheepishly.
"That's what life is about, you know."
"Yes, I know."
A figure entered the doorway, and Terra straightened in her chair—it was Edgar, dressed in more casual attire than usual, smiling broadly. "Good morning, ladies," he greeted heartily. The children glanced up at the sound of his voice and rushed over.
"Uncle Edgar, Uncle Edgar!" they called, pulling at his trousers. "Did you bring us snacks? Can we go ride the chocobos? Can we play in the dungeon?"
The King laughed, and struggled into the room with several of the younger kids dragging on his legs. "Calm down, calm down," he said, easing them away. "The chocobos are sleeping and the dungeons aren't for children, but I'll see what I can do about those snacks."
Terra rolled her eyes and moved to greet him. Carefully she eased the children away. "Edgar, you shouldn't tell them that," she scolded. "You've spoiled them enough as it is."
"Oh come now, there's no harm in it, is there? They're kids, after all." As if to prove his point he scooped up the closest little girl, Tori, and lifted her onto his shoulders. She squealed in delight. "See?"
"Well, they need to learn discipline somehow." Her words were firm but she was smiling; how could she be angry with Edgar? Seeing him with the children looked so…natural. "Anyway, what brings you down here? I thought with the delegations going on you'd be pretty busy."
"We begin after lunch. Actually, I came to invite you." Edgar carefully set Tori back on the ground and patted her head. She giggled and ran off to join her friends once more. After promising the children a dessert feast for them once the delegation had ended, he turned his attention on Terra once more. His voice sobered. "I was concerned about your health—you left so suddenly last night, we didn't get a chance to dance."
Terra swallowed hard; despite her convictions the memories of that night still made her a bit uneasy, especially when faced with their cause. "I'm sorry—I didn't mean to be rude. I was just feeling a little faint." She forced a grin. "Besides, I think you did enough dancing for both of us out there."
He chuckled. "Ah, yes, the Illdred. I hadn't danced like that since I was a boy—I'm still sore." He rotated his arm for emphasis. "But are you sure you'll all right? I'd been looking forward to a song with you."
"Really?" She felt her cheeks turned red, and quickly admonished herself for being foolish. Before she knew what she was doing, she heard herself say, "Besides, I'm sure Elyse is a much better dancer."
Edgar's reaction was much as she'd expected: he blinked, taken off guard by the sudden reference, and grinned sheepishly. "Well, Elyse has been dancing like that for some time. I'm sure you'd be wonderful if you tried."
Terra nodded, though by now her spirits had already lowered. Just seeing Edgar's reaction to the name—his bright eyes, his boyish smile—forced her to realize how differently he felt about the two women. "Um, Edgar," she started hesitantly, pushing the words through. "Not that I don't appreciate all you've done for me, but…I think it'd be better if I didn't attend the delegation."
He stared at her, puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"Well…it's not as if I have a region to represent," she said bluntly, chuckling, though internally the admission twisted her heart. "I'm not a public official, not some kind of ambassador. I don't know anything about politics, and more importantly…." She lowered her voice so that the children wouldn't hear. "Mobliz is gone. I don't have the right to be there."
Edgar's smile turned grim, and he carefully led her to the side of the room where they could speak more privately. "Terra, there's more to it than that," he told her seriously. "These people are all nobles—they haven't seen the country the way we have. We need clear, honest viewpoints more than bloodline in this case. Any advice you have to offer us would be greatly welcomed and appreciated."
But already Terra was shaking her head. She remembered how she had felt when meeting Edgar's ceremonial advisors—the stork men—and then at the party last night, surrounded by so many aristocratic and important people. She wasn't like them, and all of them knew it. She didn't belong with them. "I'm sorry, Edgar, I just…I just don't think I'd be of much good to you."
His face clearly reflected disappointment, and he sighed. "I wish I could change your mind."
"Well, you can't." She lifted her chin, wearing a look of pleasant stubbornness. "Besides, I should be here, with the kids. I'm more good to them than to a diplomatic assembly."
"In that case, at least come again to the ball," Edgar suggested. "You looked beautiful last night, and the others will still be there."
"Edgar, I…." She pursed her lips and ground her feet. "…Alright. I'll come."
His face brightened in a grin. "Excellent! Then I'll expect the first dance." He winked and started for the door. "Sorry to run like this, but I'm expected soon. I'll see you tonight."
"Of course. Good luck today." She waved as he left, several children following behind him, and then returned to Katarin's side. Once in the chair she growled into her hands. "Katarin, what am I doing?"
Her friend smiled knowingly. "Can't help it, can you? If you were sensible, you'd've turned him down."
"That's right, and I should have. I should be helping you take care of everyone." Terra shook her head savagely. "What happened to me all of a sudden?"
"Don't worry, Terra. It's only natural." Katarin patted her on the back comfortingly. "He is, after all, a handsome and charming king."
"That doesn't help," she snorted, sitting up once more. "Katarin, I hate to do this, but do you think—"
She was already a step ahead of her. "Dwaine and I will take care of the kids just fine on our own. We've got plenty of help from the maids, too, if we need it. Go on—get ready."
Terra gave her friend a hug and leapt to her feet. "Thanks, Katarin. Take care, and I'll see you later." She bid farewell to the children and left on quick strides.
"You want to learn to dance?" Locke repeated, setting aside a bag of things he'd brought back from the castle market. "You mean, right now?"
"Yes, right now. The ball is tonight, after all." She turned to Celes, who was setting out several pieces of new jewelry. "Edgar made me promise to dance tonight, but I don't know anything about it! Not the steps, not anything! I'm going to look foolish."
"You won't look foolish," Celes told her firmly. "You already have coordination and adaptability—that's half of what it takes already."
Locke nodded in agreement. "Even a louse like me learned the waltz, remember? Though I don't think we could teach you something like the Illdred in a day, I'm sure we can try something."
"Would you? I mean, I'd really appreciate it."
Celes smiled. "Of course. Just give me a second to put this stuff away, and we can begin. Locke, could you move the furniture out of the way?"
"Sure."
Terra helped Locke move the table chairs aside, leaving them plenty of space to work with. They share this room, she realized, taking note of the separate dressers and singular large bed. She'd never thought of the two of them completely as a couple, and to consider it now made her blush. In fact, she'd never thought about anyone that way before. She'd simply never considered it. It was kind of odd, thinking that two of her closest friends were lovers. I guess that just shows how young I really am.
They began with a waltz, as that would most likely start the evening. Celes gave her a pair of high-heeled shoes to practice in; Terra groaned inwardly but accepted. Gradually, she was getting the hang of wearing them. Locke danced as her partner while Celes looked on, giving tips and instructions, and sometimes even humming the bars of the music to keep them on step. It wasn't as bad as Terra had feared. She was even enjoying Locke's help—though at first his hand on her waist made her feel slightly self-conscious, it was also reassuring. She'd never danced with a man before, but was quickly realizing why women enjoyed it so much.
"See, you're doing fine," Celes remarked off to the side. "It's not so hard. Want to try something harder?"
"Yes, please." Terra beamed at her two instructors. "Thank you both so much for helping."
Locke chuckled. "Stop that—we're your friends. Now, come one." He took her hand and spun her around, and she laughed dizzily. "Just a few more, and you'll be all set for tonight."
That afternoon Terra made another trip find Setzer. He was at his ship, as she'd expected, ordering his workers around as they polished and furnished. "Ah, I see you've come for another dress," he remarked as she approached. "I thought you'd show up, so I set out something special. Not exactly royalty, but as close as a rustler like me can get." He led to her to the back room, where laid over the arm of a sofa was a beautiful scarlet gown.
"I thought it would look nice with your hair," he explained, smiling at her enthusiasm.
"Setzer, it's wonderful! Thank you so much." Terra hugged him gratefully and then quickly moved to the dress, examining it. It didn't look as poofy as her outfit from the night before, for which she was relieved. It would easier to move in for the dance.
Setzer watched her ogle over the dress for a while, his expression becoming increasingly more thoughtful. "Terra," he said carefully, "do you think you'll be all right tonight?"
"Uh-huh. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well…." He idly scratched at the scar on his right cheek. A few long moments stretched as he attempted to come up with a response.
Fortunately, Terra was finally able to comprehend his meaning. I guess I'm pretty obvious, she thought glumly, noting the look on his face. He knows. Everyone knows by now. She shook herself. No, they're wrong. It's just a silly little crush. Edgar and I are going to dance tonight as friends—I don't have anything to prove to Elyse or anyone.
"Setzer, I'm fine," she told him firmly, smiling. "Don't worry about me—I plan on enjoying myself tonight."
Setzer sighed with relief in that he didn't have to explain his concerns. She found it oddly amusing that he would be so reluctant in broaching the subject—he always seemed so open about everything else. "Good. I'm glad to hear it. Now, you'd better get going if you want to make the banquet in time."
"Yes, you're right." Terra gave him one final grin before gathering up the dress and heading for the door. "Thanks, Setzer. I'll see you tonight."
Elyse frowned thoughtfully to herself as she was led up the twisting stone staircase. The fingers of her left hand traced the lines in the wall as they went, ready to catch herself should she lose her footing. Just ahead of her—holding her other hand—Edgar was grinning like an excited child. "You must be taking me somewhere special to be this eager," she remarked, glancing about.
"It is special," he replied matter-of-factly. "You'll see."
She hmphed in good humor, smiling at his turned back. He certainly isn't like any man I've known. "I should be getting ready for the banquet. I've been preparing something special for you as well, you should know."
Edgar glanced at her over his shoulder, and his eyes sparked in anticipation. "All in good time, Madam."
"Ah, so that's how it is." A stream of bright sunlight filtered suddenly into the stairwell, and Elyse shielded her eyes. Still Edgar's hand tugged her forward. Squinting against the light they emerged on the top of the tower. She smiled as she tasted the fresh desert air—away from the still atmosphere of the stone palace. Eventually her sight adjusted to the brightness, and she was treated to a breathtaking view.
They were standing on the highest of Figaro's towers, located in the center so that one could see not only the entire castle, but also miles off into the distant rolling landscape. Elyse moved to the edge and absorbed all she could. Though Figaro was a simple palace, with walls and archways built for function rather than dazzling architecture, from her vantage point she was able to admire its modest elegance. The desert looked as if it stretched on forever—as perfect and endless as the ocean near her homeland.
"Edgar, this is beautiful," she said, moving around the tower's edge so that she could see everything. "I didn't know you were hiding a spectacle like this."
"I don't bring many people up here," Edgar admitted, leaning against the northern stone rail as he watched her circle. "And since it's connected directly to my throne room, no one is allowed entrance without me. Do you like it?"
"It's marvelous." Elyse moved to his side, her admiration showing in her face. But when she looked into Edgar's face she was treated to an expression she hadn't expected: something she rarely saw at all. He was hopeful and nervous and rueful all at once, as if bearing the face of a young boy and an old man at the same time. She folded her arms on the stone and stared out at the desert. Don't let him, she told herself, keeping her chin firm. Don't let him pull you in, like the last one. "Do you come here often?"
He shrugged, though he looked pleased by her approval. "Sometimes. To look at the sunset." He indicated the fading day on their left. "It always looks more beautiful from up here. I like to keep it to myself—selfish of me, maybe, but…." He trailed off, and caught her gaze. "I wanted to bring you up here." He laughed. "I know we haven't known each other long, but last night was more fun than I've had in a long time."
"I know—the same for me." She chuckled and shook her head. "I should apologize for making you dance the Illdred with me. I hadn't done it in a long time, and you looked like someone who would know the steps. I couldn't resist. I don't know if Sir Preris was ready for it, though," she added with a smirk.
Edgar laughed. "You might be right. The poor man could barely walk this morning."
Elyse moved a strand of hair from her eyes and turned her gaze once more to the horizon. This man…how did he grow up so innocent? I didn't think he'd be so…honest. "There's something you should know," she said abruptly, glancing back at him coyly. "About why I was chosen to represent Albrook."
The King's eyebrow rose suggestively. "If you're going to say it's because they were hoping to influence my benefits towards your region, I already know."
She returned his expression curiously. "Oh, do you?"
"No offense to you, Madam, but it was fairly obvious," he replied easily. "I was in Albrook not more than a year ago, after all, and met their governing ministers and ambassadors. I don't recall ever hearing of you."
"I was in the country." Elyse pursed her lips, hoping he wouldn't continue the subject. "In any case, I hope you don't think less of me because of it. I really am quite fond of you."
Edgar blinked, and smiled almost meekly. Charming. "The feeling is mutual, Madam, I assure you."
They stayed up on the tower for a while, chatting idly about the delegations, teasing each other over their dance skills the evening before. He really is charming, Elyse thought, twisting one of her curls around her fingers. He's just…been trying too hard, I think. He must have been lonely. When a lull formed in the conversation she took a chance and asked, "So, how long has it been since you brought someone up here?"
His gaze escaped her—she noticed immediately, as it had been on her during the entire exchange. "Um…eight years," he answered after a brief pause. "Almost nine."
"Almost nine…?" Elyse also turned away, shaking her head. I shouldn't have said anything. "Edgar, I'm sorry."
"What?" He faced her squarely. "What have you to be sorry about? It's just…I don't come up here as much anymore."
Why do men think we can't see? She smiled grimly at the pasted expression on his face. "When was the last time you danced the Illdred?" she pressed. He was growing more uncomfortable, and she softened, waiting patiently for his response.
Edgar frowned, having realized what she was getting at. "Why are you asking if you already know?" he asked lightly.
Elyse blinked slowly. "Do I remind you of her?"
He didn't react to that as she thought he might. He only returned her pleasant stare, calmly and with the same mildly thoughtful frown. He almost looked…sure of himself, and that, strangely, unnerved her. He should have had doubts. He should have wondered. But after only a short silence he answered, "No, Elyse. I'm not mistaking you for someone else."
Elyse continued to look at him—really look at him, genuinely confused by his security. "You…must have loved her," she said, and was angry with herself for not being able to speak with the same maturity. "Were you together long?"
"Longer than the others." The king smiled at her in an all-knowing kind of way. "We were careless children, and I needed her at the time. I was…irresolute." He chuckled with a bit of rueful nostalgia. "I'm sorry. I didn't bring you here to reminisce."
"It's all right. I asked." He loved her, and she left him. He hasn't danced that dance since then…hasn't been here with another woman…. Her mouth suddenly tasted dry, and she glanced away, hoping he wouldn't notice her sudden discomfort. Her gaze fell upon his hand, resting on the stone guardrail. Hesitantly she reached out, touching the richly toned skin of his fingers. She could feel his eyes on her heavily. "Thank you, for telling me," she said quietly. "We don't even know each other, and you've been kind to me." A smile, not devoid of her own deep memories, worked its way into her ruby lips. "Somehow I feel that I could spend my entire life getting to know you better."
Edgar straightened a bit, watching her hand on his with suddenly clear eyes. "You're not…mistaking me for someone else, are you?"
"No," Elyse replied quickly. "No, I'm not. But…my scars haven't had as much time to heal, Edgar." She took a deep breath and lifted her head. "Let's be careful with each other."
He nodded, slowly, still fixing her with those focused sapphire orbs. He really is charming, she thought, touching his face. And as the long since forgotten sun quietly slipped beneath the desert horizon, the pair shared a simple kiss among its lengthening shadows.
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