Meeting Love, Finding Despair

By Quis

Chapter Sixteen

Gentle Hearts and Warm People

Disclaimer: The usual legal yada-yada. Don't own anything. Don't claim anything except Shira, Seluna, Colum and Conna (and the kids of Selphie, Irvine, Squall and Rinoa)

This chapter is dedicated to my good friend Connie. Without her encouragement, this chapter would never have been written. Thanks, Conna!

Duchess Quistis Almasy stood overlooking the clear expanse of ocean. She was heavily pregnant, but that did not stop her from enjoying the view. The salty air was refreshing, as it wafted over her, tantalizing her senses and the wind tickled the sand dunes.

Her large belly was taut, as she rubbed it, tenderly feeling the kicks, and the smallest movements were enough to send the woman into fits of glee. She couldn't believe that she'd made it to this point.

Suddenly, she felt a cramp. Her stomach contracted, and retracted, and Quistis knew that she was going into labour. Her hands went out, as though trying to steady herself from the onslaught of pain.

Hyne please help me, she thought, protect my children and me.

Her aide, a short, fat, jolly old lady was by her side immediately. She smiled at Quistis, and took her hand, gently leading the younger woman inside. With her age at about fifty-three, she had served the palace since she was a young girl of fourteen.

"Lie down, lovey," she spoke the words soothingly, as she helped Quistis lie down. Trustingly, Quistis lay down on the bed, pillows supporting her back. The old woman smiled, leaving Quistis alone to page Seifer.

The Duke needs to know, she thought, with a loving smile.

Turning to the phone on the wall, she punched in the number. Tapping her foot, and casting worried glances back to Quistis, she waited for the head staff member to put her through.

"Alec, it's Charlou…Don't give me that nonsense, Alec! Put me through to the Duke, his wife's in labour for Hyne's sake!" Charlou snapped at the retainer.

Alec, on the other side of the line, groaned. Charlou could be difficult when she wanted to be, and this was no exception.

"Charlou, he's in a meeting…you expect me to just waltz into the House of Lords to get him?" Alec replied patiently, as he placated his old friend. "Besides, you should really stay with Quistis."

Charlou sighed, resigned to waiting for Alec to call. "Fine," she said, hanging up.

The short woman waddled back towards the panting and puffing Quistis. A sympathetic expression registered on the old woman's face.

Seifer was however, engaged in parliamentary debates. The latest debate that was presented to him was the issue of his one-time war crime stint.

"I don't see the point in condemning me," he said, "What's it going to prove?"

An old man, named Simon Crean spoke up. "I don't either," he said, his voice powerful, in contrast with his small stature.

"Well, it was ten years ago…Can't we let it rest at that?" Seifer frowned, as the pager at his waist beeped. "Look, I'd better go, Quistis needs me."

Turning, Seifer strode out of the oak-panelled room. Down one corridor he went, and down a flight of stairs. He was heading towards their room. Charlou met him at the door, and smiled fleetingly at him.

He gave a terse smile back, flinging open the door to see Quistis standing up, walking around, while trying to keep the pain from showing in her face. She always tried to be brave.

Now was the time of truth. He placed a gentle hand on her back, gently massaging her shoulders.

Hyne, Seifer prayed, don't take her from me…

Quistis had glanced up briefly when Seifer entered the room. She knew he wanted to be there, with her…

Two days later

Seifer held the small, blonde haired baby boy in his arms. A smirk, one that might have seemed out of place to anyone who did not know him, was apparent on his face. Their son, Colum Darien Seifer Lukyan Almasy had been born at three am on the twelfth of April, weighing seven pounds, three ounces. One would not really expect Seifer Almasy, former knight and traitor to have pride for a family, nor would one picture him as a family man. But he was.

Colum stirred in Seifer's arms as he thought about that. It dawned on him that regardless of the outcome, Colum, Shira and Quistis were his family, and would be until death did them part.

Quistis smiled wanly, Colum's birth had taken a lot out of her. It was the naming ceremony today. Tradition held, that two days after the birth of a member of the royal family, the country and the world would be aware of it. Now, standing dressed in robes that shimmered in the light, her coronet on her head, and the sceptre in her hand, she realized what it meant, and for the first time, she fully appreciated the symbolism of the day.

Another Almasy. Another reign. Hopefully, this one would bring a long awaited peace to the tattered Dukedom. Seifer had already proved that this would be a time of long-awaited peace and prosperity. For years, since the murder of Lukyan and the ascension of the usurper, Dollet had lived on tenterhooks.

The sunlight filtering in through the stained glass windows of the cathedral had never been prettier. The dappled light spread on the assembled congregation made the world seem rose hued.

The benevolent old celebrant, who had married them, now led them through the rites of passage for their son. Only twice before had he witnessed such tenderness. Normally, naming ceremonies were lavish affairs. However, seeing the simplicity, yet subtle wealth around him, he was pleased with this. The child would bring hope to a tattered dukedom. A dukedom that was still picking up the pieces from the Sorceress War ten years ago.

"As this child, Colum Darien Seifer Lukyan Almasy, future heir to the Dukedom is named today, let us take a minute to reflect upon the past, and the hope that now resides within this child."  His smile was genuine, as he took the child from Seifer's arms, holding Colum above his head.

Like a scene that plays in so many different movies, the knight and his damsel smiled and embraced one another. For a long time, Seifer held Quistis. Their tears, mingling with smiles, seemed to be right.

Bending down to kiss Quistis, he knew it was right. The world's hope lay in their rule, and Seifer understood that. Tonight was their official coronation.

That Night

Revellers, masked dancers, musicians, jugglers and other various forms of entertainers gathered in the large, opulent banquet hall. Dancers in their finest attire danced as though they had not a care in the world.

Quistis held her son tightly, as though fearing for his safety if he was let out of her sight for one minute. Burping him, she smiled out at the crowd. They all looked so happy and free.

Shira, the little princess, was flitting around the ballroom in the arms of several trusted staff members and advisors of Seifer. Her long hair was out, it's natural wavy blonde curls flowing down her back. Her cute little dress was fairy floss pink, with tiny blue beads sewn along the hem of the skirt. All in all, she looked every bit the dainty little princess.

Seifer smiled graciously at the nurse, as she took the tiny baby from Quistis. With a laugh, the young Duke extended his hand to his wife. If there were one thing he was going to do, it would be to have a dance with Quistis.

Laughing and blushing graciously, Quistis allowed herself to be led onto the dance floor. She wore a gown of ruby red, her hair swept up into her classic hairdo, the strands at the front a reminder of days gone by. The beaded camisole glittered in the light; it's intricate patterns shimmering with the movements.

This was how it was supposed to be. It was also the last dance Quistis ever attended.

A/N…Sorry for the delay. I kinda almost abandoned this fic, until I got a sudden burst of inspiration. I'm sure you don't want to hear excuses, so I'm not going to give you any.

As I have said before, thanks go to my good friend, Connie. Her fics and vocalizations are stunningly beautiful, so check her stuff out! www.fanfiction.net/~quistis88

Love and huggles to all my readers

Quis.