"Oh, excuse me." a lady muttered as she accidentally brushed him on
his side. She shifted her weight slightly, and looked up at the man she
bumped into. Her mouth parted slightly as she studied his features. He
froze under her soft inspection. "I know you." she whispered.
"Miss Branford." Leo started.
She touched the side of his face gently. "Leo?" she asked.
Leo nodded.
"How, where." her face flushed and her eyes brimmed with wet tears. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him tightly to her, "It's so good to see you, I thought. we thought, you had died."
Leo gingerly responded to her touch hugging her lightly back, "uh. I am not quite sure how to explain."
She pulled back and her face fashioned fresh tears. Leo stiffened at the sight of the tears. He wasn't very comfortable with that. He instinctively wiped them away with his hand. Her face was so soft to the touch. "Where have you been?" She asked.
"I only know where I've been for the last five years, anything previous, is more than just a blur," he shook his head.
She smiled widely, "I'm so happy to see you!" She wiped her eyes, "I'm sorry you don't remember anything, but I, we. I'm glad you are alive!"
Leo grinned, "thank you."
"How did you get here? I'm so sorry, I just have so many questions," she folded her hands in front of her.
"I am a blade smith for Sern."
"Sern? Wow. I guess that makes sense, you always loved swords. You were always very particular about your blade. It makes sense that you are making them now. Which explains the extraordinary reputation that Sern has earned," Terra smiled. "I'm sorry, I'm babbling."
Leo smiled, "no, it's okay. I actually have some questions I hope you can answer for me."
Terra nodded and motioned for Leo to follow her, "here it's a bit more private." She led him to the far end of the balcony where the light was dimmer. She sat down on the ground. "Edgar really ought to put some benches out here."
"Your dress?" Leo pointed to Terra's big red puffy dress.
Terra shrugged, "have a seat."
Leo sat on the floor of the balcony and leaned against the railing. "Can you tell me who I am?"
"You are General Leo, former general to the Empire's army."
"The empire?"
Terra nodded, "I too was a soldier, however, I was under control," she motioned to her head as if to make a shape of a crown. "a slave crown."
"Empire, but they were."
"Evil, yes. But you were different. You were making things right. You cared for the troops, you treated everyone with dignity. You even." she hesitated, "helped me a time or two."
Leo gulped; this was a bit much to take in.
"You had a final confrontation with Kefka. You were trying to stop him and trying to save the espers and the rest of us. But, he had killed you. Or so we thought. You vanished," she said.
"Kefka." He put his hand against his brow, suddenly he felt like several needles were piercing him through his eyes. He grimaced.
"Leo?" Terra asked softly.
Leo rubbed his forehead, figuring it would erase the pain. "It hurts."
Terra moved over to him, putting her cool fingers on his head, "here let me. I may not have any magic, but I've learned a thing or two working with children."
Leo dropped his hand and felt Terra work her fingers over his temples. He wasn't sure if it was her touch. or her fingers, but he felt better. "Kefka. Terra. Terra, the slave crown," he clasped her fingers.
Terra bit her lip, "yeah, I was under the influence of the slave crown."
"Why didn't I save you?" Leo asked.
Terra shook her head, "you weren't really allowed near me. I was under Kefka's care."
"No, I should've." instantly thoughts and memories hit him like a shockwave. He remembered the people that died, he remembered the horrible tests the empire preformed on Terra and the other young lady. Celes. He felt powerless to stop them. "I was a coward." He released her fingers.
"It was all you knew, Leo. It's okay," Terra rubbed her fingers against his temples, "I'm just so happy that you are alive."
Leo grimaced underneath her tender touch. How could he allow himself to feel this way after all that he had done? He stood abruptly, "I have to go."
"Please don't," Terra whispered.
Leo looked into her pleading eyes. He really didn't want to leave. He would give anything to spend eternity here, out on this moonlit night, having Terra rub her fingers on his face, just having her close by. Her presence made him feel at peace. He licked his lips, "I can't," he held her fingers for a savory moment, fighting the urge to bring them to his lips and released them to her as he stood. He looked at her eyes, and remembered the blank stare he received many many years ago, when all he felt was pity towards this young child. He remembered feeling that it was all out of his control.
He turned quickly and walked back into the bustling activity of the party. He scanned the room, looking for the exit. He had to get out of here. He had to return to his life now, live out his days as a blade smith, and then perhaps a hermit. He sought to be alone, where he could condemn himself to a life of misery. His inaction caused such anguish and pain. How dare he assume he could find it again?
The faces and dancers were a blur of colors as he desperately sought out the entrance. He just needed to get out of there. He bumped a few dancers and muttered a few apologies and then finally released himself out in the clear air again. He looked around him, and saw people dressed up and having a good time. Some stared briefly but looked away. He found it easier to navigate outside then inside the stuffy castle. He walked a fast pace, and areas that were sparsely populated he picked up the pace until he found his campsite. It was left untouched. He didn't even think about thieves possibly ransacking his tent, but didn't worry about it. He threw down his jerkin, and pulled his shirt the rest of the way off. He heard a couple of drunken folks not too far off offering him a thing or two, but he ignored them. He stood and let the light breezes cool off his skin as he took several deep breaths. He pulled on a regular shirt, and he replaced his velvet pants with a lightweight cloth pants. He kept his boots on and continued to pack his stuff together at an incredible rate.
He threw his pack over his back and started to walk out into the desert. He figured if he could as much walking as he could in the evening, he should make it to the grasslands by dawn, and make camp by a nice tree.
"Leo! Stop!" he heard a female call after him. He looked behind him and saw Terra, dressed in a plain shirt and slacks, hair pinned back running after him.
He was shocked that she was there, he wasn't sure what to think. He stopped. She caught up to him and grabbed his arm, "Please, don't go. I know what you are going through believe me. When the slave crown was taken off of me, I didn't know who I was, and then I remembered what I did. The screams haunted my nightmares. You were in the same situation."
She put up her hand to quiet any disruption, "you were raised by the empire's soldiers. Gestahl was all you knew. You were unable to go against his orders. All I can say is that now, you have a chance. You can make a choice to choose the right way. You can't change the past, but you would do worse if you just ignore it and punish yourself for the rest of your life. You can make a difference, Leo. I know you." She breathed, "I know you."
Leo blinked a couple of times. He looked and saw that they were alone. She made sense. He couldn't deny that.
"Please, at least stay and talk for a little bit," Terra begged. "I'm so happy you are alive."
Leo looked down at her pleading emerald eyes. He grinned; he couldn't resist her. "I'm sorry, I acted foolishly."
"No, that's okay, it's a shock," she sat down in the sand. "I understand."
He sat down across from her, her face shown beautifully in the night, "you look so much more comfortable."
"Gosh, yes. I've always hated these things. But, as Edgar. King Edgar says, it's good for the people, it's good for morale. etcetera. The ladies of the castle won't ever let me wear slacks to these things," she giggled.
"I felt quite a bit stuffy, myself."
Terra laughed, "You always hated these events. You always said you were a soldier and belonged out in the field. You were always out in the field."
Leo chuckled, "I guess I was," he remembered. "It's a whole life to remember, you know?"
"Yeah, I know," Terra grinned looking at the stars. She did know.
Leo found himself lost in the curves and textures of her face. She was no longer a child. She was a beautiful, magnificent woman. Her eyes shined with the reflections of the stars. Her smile widened as her eyes looked around at the night sky. "It's so beautiful," she said.
"Yes," Leo's gaze remained upon her face. Terra blinked, realizing he wasn't looking at the sky. She looked at him.
Her eyes were very deep. Leo saw so much in those eyes. They showed an awful lot of life being lived by this young woman. There were fine lines around her eyes, showing that she enjoyed laughing and smiling. She smiled at him. It was a very comfortable and natural smile. "I'm so happy you are alive," she said. She stood and walked to him, reaching out her hand, "can I have this dance?"
Leo looked at her hand and back at Terra, "Dance? I can't dance."
"Neither can I," Terra giggled softly. "I haven't danced all night, and you are making me miss the big party," she replied sardonically. She guided Leo to stand against her. She positioned his hands around her waist and placed her hands on his shoulders.
Leo began to blush at the closeness of their contact, but Terra acted as if she didn't notice. She guided him by swaying side to side. Leo tried clumsily to follow her movements, and felt so lost. "Don't think too much about it," she encouraged as she leaned her head into his chest, "just go with the flow."
Leo closed his eyes and just imagined an orchestra playing some of the sweetest music he's ever heard. His heart thumped hard, feeling Terra so close to his body was almost too much for him to handle. He felt intoxicated and finally released himself into her grasp. He breathed in her scent and his muscles relaxed. All his senses went into overdrive, he was dancing among the stars with this woman.
They danced quietly for a couple of moments and suddenly, Leo lost his footing. He tried desperately to regain his balance, but Terra had also slipped on the sand. He did what he could to not allow her to fall hard, and found himself with his shoulders against the sand, Terra falling on top of him. "You okay?" Leo inquired breathlessly.
Terra giggled, "I'm so sorry! I know there's a reason why I don't dance at these things!" She propped herself up on top of him.
Leo chuckled, "I doubt there's that much sand underneath on the palace floors." He saw her looking intently looking into his eyes. He ran his hand up her side up to her cheek. He gently pushed her green curls back. She closed her eyes at his touch. She reopened her eyes and looked into his knowingly. He placed his thumb and forefinger around her chin and pulled her lips towards his. She bent her head and moved with him.
Everything was perfect, until; of course, they were interrupted by a loud deafening explosion.
"Miss Branford." Leo started.
She touched the side of his face gently. "Leo?" she asked.
Leo nodded.
"How, where." her face flushed and her eyes brimmed with wet tears. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him tightly to her, "It's so good to see you, I thought. we thought, you had died."
Leo gingerly responded to her touch hugging her lightly back, "uh. I am not quite sure how to explain."
She pulled back and her face fashioned fresh tears. Leo stiffened at the sight of the tears. He wasn't very comfortable with that. He instinctively wiped them away with his hand. Her face was so soft to the touch. "Where have you been?" She asked.
"I only know where I've been for the last five years, anything previous, is more than just a blur," he shook his head.
She smiled widely, "I'm so happy to see you!" She wiped her eyes, "I'm sorry you don't remember anything, but I, we. I'm glad you are alive!"
Leo grinned, "thank you."
"How did you get here? I'm so sorry, I just have so many questions," she folded her hands in front of her.
"I am a blade smith for Sern."
"Sern? Wow. I guess that makes sense, you always loved swords. You were always very particular about your blade. It makes sense that you are making them now. Which explains the extraordinary reputation that Sern has earned," Terra smiled. "I'm sorry, I'm babbling."
Leo smiled, "no, it's okay. I actually have some questions I hope you can answer for me."
Terra nodded and motioned for Leo to follow her, "here it's a bit more private." She led him to the far end of the balcony where the light was dimmer. She sat down on the ground. "Edgar really ought to put some benches out here."
"Your dress?" Leo pointed to Terra's big red puffy dress.
Terra shrugged, "have a seat."
Leo sat on the floor of the balcony and leaned against the railing. "Can you tell me who I am?"
"You are General Leo, former general to the Empire's army."
"The empire?"
Terra nodded, "I too was a soldier, however, I was under control," she motioned to her head as if to make a shape of a crown. "a slave crown."
"Empire, but they were."
"Evil, yes. But you were different. You were making things right. You cared for the troops, you treated everyone with dignity. You even." she hesitated, "helped me a time or two."
Leo gulped; this was a bit much to take in.
"You had a final confrontation with Kefka. You were trying to stop him and trying to save the espers and the rest of us. But, he had killed you. Or so we thought. You vanished," she said.
"Kefka." He put his hand against his brow, suddenly he felt like several needles were piercing him through his eyes. He grimaced.
"Leo?" Terra asked softly.
Leo rubbed his forehead, figuring it would erase the pain. "It hurts."
Terra moved over to him, putting her cool fingers on his head, "here let me. I may not have any magic, but I've learned a thing or two working with children."
Leo dropped his hand and felt Terra work her fingers over his temples. He wasn't sure if it was her touch. or her fingers, but he felt better. "Kefka. Terra. Terra, the slave crown," he clasped her fingers.
Terra bit her lip, "yeah, I was under the influence of the slave crown."
"Why didn't I save you?" Leo asked.
Terra shook her head, "you weren't really allowed near me. I was under Kefka's care."
"No, I should've." instantly thoughts and memories hit him like a shockwave. He remembered the people that died, he remembered the horrible tests the empire preformed on Terra and the other young lady. Celes. He felt powerless to stop them. "I was a coward." He released her fingers.
"It was all you knew, Leo. It's okay," Terra rubbed her fingers against his temples, "I'm just so happy that you are alive."
Leo grimaced underneath her tender touch. How could he allow himself to feel this way after all that he had done? He stood abruptly, "I have to go."
"Please don't," Terra whispered.
Leo looked into her pleading eyes. He really didn't want to leave. He would give anything to spend eternity here, out on this moonlit night, having Terra rub her fingers on his face, just having her close by. Her presence made him feel at peace. He licked his lips, "I can't," he held her fingers for a savory moment, fighting the urge to bring them to his lips and released them to her as he stood. He looked at her eyes, and remembered the blank stare he received many many years ago, when all he felt was pity towards this young child. He remembered feeling that it was all out of his control.
He turned quickly and walked back into the bustling activity of the party. He scanned the room, looking for the exit. He had to get out of here. He had to return to his life now, live out his days as a blade smith, and then perhaps a hermit. He sought to be alone, where he could condemn himself to a life of misery. His inaction caused such anguish and pain. How dare he assume he could find it again?
The faces and dancers were a blur of colors as he desperately sought out the entrance. He just needed to get out of there. He bumped a few dancers and muttered a few apologies and then finally released himself out in the clear air again. He looked around him, and saw people dressed up and having a good time. Some stared briefly but looked away. He found it easier to navigate outside then inside the stuffy castle. He walked a fast pace, and areas that were sparsely populated he picked up the pace until he found his campsite. It was left untouched. He didn't even think about thieves possibly ransacking his tent, but didn't worry about it. He threw down his jerkin, and pulled his shirt the rest of the way off. He heard a couple of drunken folks not too far off offering him a thing or two, but he ignored them. He stood and let the light breezes cool off his skin as he took several deep breaths. He pulled on a regular shirt, and he replaced his velvet pants with a lightweight cloth pants. He kept his boots on and continued to pack his stuff together at an incredible rate.
He threw his pack over his back and started to walk out into the desert. He figured if he could as much walking as he could in the evening, he should make it to the grasslands by dawn, and make camp by a nice tree.
"Leo! Stop!" he heard a female call after him. He looked behind him and saw Terra, dressed in a plain shirt and slacks, hair pinned back running after him.
He was shocked that she was there, he wasn't sure what to think. He stopped. She caught up to him and grabbed his arm, "Please, don't go. I know what you are going through believe me. When the slave crown was taken off of me, I didn't know who I was, and then I remembered what I did. The screams haunted my nightmares. You were in the same situation."
She put up her hand to quiet any disruption, "you were raised by the empire's soldiers. Gestahl was all you knew. You were unable to go against his orders. All I can say is that now, you have a chance. You can make a choice to choose the right way. You can't change the past, but you would do worse if you just ignore it and punish yourself for the rest of your life. You can make a difference, Leo. I know you." She breathed, "I know you."
Leo blinked a couple of times. He looked and saw that they were alone. She made sense. He couldn't deny that.
"Please, at least stay and talk for a little bit," Terra begged. "I'm so happy you are alive."
Leo looked down at her pleading emerald eyes. He grinned; he couldn't resist her. "I'm sorry, I acted foolishly."
"No, that's okay, it's a shock," she sat down in the sand. "I understand."
He sat down across from her, her face shown beautifully in the night, "you look so much more comfortable."
"Gosh, yes. I've always hated these things. But, as Edgar. King Edgar says, it's good for the people, it's good for morale. etcetera. The ladies of the castle won't ever let me wear slacks to these things," she giggled.
"I felt quite a bit stuffy, myself."
Terra laughed, "You always hated these events. You always said you were a soldier and belonged out in the field. You were always out in the field."
Leo chuckled, "I guess I was," he remembered. "It's a whole life to remember, you know?"
"Yeah, I know," Terra grinned looking at the stars. She did know.
Leo found himself lost in the curves and textures of her face. She was no longer a child. She was a beautiful, magnificent woman. Her eyes shined with the reflections of the stars. Her smile widened as her eyes looked around at the night sky. "It's so beautiful," she said.
"Yes," Leo's gaze remained upon her face. Terra blinked, realizing he wasn't looking at the sky. She looked at him.
Her eyes were very deep. Leo saw so much in those eyes. They showed an awful lot of life being lived by this young woman. There were fine lines around her eyes, showing that she enjoyed laughing and smiling. She smiled at him. It was a very comfortable and natural smile. "I'm so happy you are alive," she said. She stood and walked to him, reaching out her hand, "can I have this dance?"
Leo looked at her hand and back at Terra, "Dance? I can't dance."
"Neither can I," Terra giggled softly. "I haven't danced all night, and you are making me miss the big party," she replied sardonically. She guided Leo to stand against her. She positioned his hands around her waist and placed her hands on his shoulders.
Leo began to blush at the closeness of their contact, but Terra acted as if she didn't notice. She guided him by swaying side to side. Leo tried clumsily to follow her movements, and felt so lost. "Don't think too much about it," she encouraged as she leaned her head into his chest, "just go with the flow."
Leo closed his eyes and just imagined an orchestra playing some of the sweetest music he's ever heard. His heart thumped hard, feeling Terra so close to his body was almost too much for him to handle. He felt intoxicated and finally released himself into her grasp. He breathed in her scent and his muscles relaxed. All his senses went into overdrive, he was dancing among the stars with this woman.
They danced quietly for a couple of moments and suddenly, Leo lost his footing. He tried desperately to regain his balance, but Terra had also slipped on the sand. He did what he could to not allow her to fall hard, and found himself with his shoulders against the sand, Terra falling on top of him. "You okay?" Leo inquired breathlessly.
Terra giggled, "I'm so sorry! I know there's a reason why I don't dance at these things!" She propped herself up on top of him.
Leo chuckled, "I doubt there's that much sand underneath on the palace floors." He saw her looking intently looking into his eyes. He ran his hand up her side up to her cheek. He gently pushed her green curls back. She closed her eyes at his touch. She reopened her eyes and looked into his knowingly. He placed his thumb and forefinger around her chin and pulled her lips towards his. She bent her head and moved with him.
Everything was perfect, until; of course, they were interrupted by a loud deafening explosion.
