Within Holy Walls
A Final Fantasy Tactics fanfic
By Tenshi no Ai
I don't own the characters and locations in the game that are presented in this work, Square-Enix does.
Another thing is that women have the capacity to be very devoted, a lot more so than most men. Mum could only think of Dad, Salia could only think of Wiegraf, and all Sis ever talks about in her letters is about how much she can't stand her husband. Well, maybe that's a sort of devotion too.
When I was training in the Eastern Lands, I picked up pieces of one of the languages there. And out of all the pieces I gathered, one of them really interested me because it applies to all the couples I listed: dake no hito'.
That person just for me'.
Finally, finally I know what that means.
--------
Interlude #2: That Person Just For Me
(A Story Told In 4 Acts)
(Part 1: Acts 1 and 2)
(Act 1: Are you okay?')
I honestly don't know how half this paperwork ends up on my desk. It's not even a matter of why am I the person that has to sign all these things?' I mean, I wake up, throw something in my hair so that it doesn't get in my face and take a quick shave, walk into my office and I swear that three inches of paper will be added to my current backlog. It's like there's some sort of bloody mysterious paperwork ninja hired by the Church that makes sure I'm continuously busy or something.
Well, it could...it has been worse.
Tearing my eyes away from the latest exciting report of expenses from the section in Goug--always a hard thing to do--I reach for my cup of tea next to a small stack of paper on the right side of the desk. I love tea, especially with a lot of sugar cubes. About the first thing I did when I arrived in Lionel...ah, three years ago, was go around and find a nice place that served tea that I could take back to my office. It's a simple pleasure.
Hm, this is sweet...
I hear the door open and I glance up. Oh, Ewon. Seems like he has the mail. He waves and I nod slightly, still drinking down my sweet, sweet tea. Inferior to Lesalian brands, but that's probably the noble inside me talking. Or nostalgia. Is he grinning? 'Ello there, partakin' of yer tea an' biscuits? Yer a good bloke, so maybe you can tell me wot is wit' Lesalians' fascination wit' that stuff?
South End Lesalian dialect...but a whole lot worse. Hm. I kind of miss all the shopkeepers who would bellow sales out at the marketplace back home...but first, Ewon. Calmly I set down my cup. Where's he from, Lenalia Plains... Ah cain't really say, but in the meanwhile Ah done reckon you messed up mah accent.
He looks surprised for a second, brown eyes widening before he starts laughing. Aw yeah, I remember now why I like you better than the last guy who was runnin' things here. That guy was such an ass about everything.
I don't know who the last leader of the Order was. What rank?
Your typical Divine Knight. You know how they are, Ewon shrugs. Ah. I don't know many Divines, except for Tingel, and from what little I've seen of him...I'm surprised he even has children to train. He reminds me of the typical war commander, except he's more refined in the way he barks at people. Of course, he's from Murond, where they're all more refined, even--no, especially a certain tall, beautiful cataloger with the most captivating eyes I've ever seen...
Hey, you want your mail?
...Oh, right. Yeah, I want my mail, great, he's smirking. He tosses down a letter onto a bare area of the desk--increasingly hard to find, which means I should take some of the completed piles over to Buremonda for storage...it can wait--and I glance down at it. Hm, Sis' monthly letter. Hopefully she's still not in that everything bad happens to me' mood, I put it aside for later.
Sure. But let me tell you something, Sir Temple Knight. You may be great at magic and whatnot, but I've got the ability to predict things, looking up at him, he seems to be completely serious. Okay, I'm interested. He holds up the three remaining letters in his hand, pulling out one of them with the other and placing it against his forehead as if he were shielding his eyes from the sun, see, this letter is going to say...hm, Terrin, you've been a knight in a stable area for such a long time now. You're almost twenty-five, and I'm worried about you. Have you considered trying to find a wife yet? Time is running out.' Now observe, he places the other two letters onto a stack of paper on the front of my desk, and rips open the letter he was predicting', scanning through the single sheet inside, well, well, my powers remain unchallenged.
I smirk. Sis is usually ambivalent about things like that, mainly because she has her own life to live. Who's that one from?
God only knows, they're all the same, he mutters, glancing at the letter, hn, Ma. Guess it's better than Sister Number One or something.
Nice name. 'Sister Number One'?
He shrugs. I've got four of em, and they all sound the same to me, snatching up his letters from the stack of papers, he gives me an odd look, don't you hear that same spiel from your sister? You are old and all.
...I really hope he meant older'. I'm only going to be twenty-eight next month. I'm not Chiroseau, in the war, I don't think I could've ever imagined living in ten years. I used to count every year by my birthday, just hoping to see the next one.
Those were the slowest years of my life.
No, but you are the second oldest out of all of us.
Can't really respond to that, though the difference in the age gap between me and Chiroseau is about fourteen years. Yeah, but Reis says I look young.
--He doesn't look like it, does he?
He doesn't act like it--
Sort of...well, I'm just more appreciative of life, that's all. This town, this region...it's got a way of cheering someone up. Probably because it feels disconnected with the war.
Hmph, that's cause she's too nice to say anything different, Ewon shakes his head and I shrug. She doesn't say anything unless she means it, which took some getting used to. A quiet, considerate person is pretty rare on the battlefield. Back in Bervenia, everyone was trying to get a word in. One more word, one more moment of feeling alive, is she nice like that all the time?
What kind of question is that? Yeah, always.
he frowns and runs a hand through his shaggy blond hair...a Dark Knight with blond hair is definitely a different sight. Most of them are old, but Ewon was a mercenary like they all seem to be, doesn't that get boring?
On the contrary, she's actually really fun to be around...and not just because she lets me touch her. She's great to talk to and she's interested in doing new things. No, not at all.
He nods at this. That's nice, then. It's always good to have someone that can complement you. My family just wants me to keep the family name going. They're hoping for a noble somewhere down the line...but I guess you don't have to worry about that, I shrug at this. If I had really followed up in being a noble, I'd be at Bethla commanding a squad and kissing up to Orlandu and the Beoulve brothers, just because I'm a lower-end noble. Fun. Or I could be hiding in Lesalia, in an arranged marriage and with children, pretending to do important things. Great.
When I put it in that perspective, being what amounts to a hired assassin for a false religion and butchering innocents who've committed the horrible, horrible crime of believing in different deities is...
Hm, wait, that wasn't the way I was using to justify running to Lionel.
I'm being bitter. I should just accept it and move on, like usual. Where's my tea... Is being a noble really that great? Ah, here it is.
Well, you tell me, he frowns, you hop right out of the Eastern Lands and into a commanding position in the Shrine Knights, and you're not even religious. You're a good leader, but you can't be that naive to think you got the job because of your skill.
Hm. I take a sip of my tea. Ah, better... No, not at all. It's because I can balance the books that I got this job, I'm half-joking. I'm pretty good with money and organization...although my desk doesn't count.
Speaking of that, where's my pay? He's keeping a straight face, but I'm not that stupid.
I seem to recall handing that out two days ago.
Damn. Why do you only remember two things all the time?
What? What would that be?
He raises an eyebrow. When was the last time you paid us, and what time your next date is.
...I feel predictable. Is it already noon?
Don't know, he grins, and I just know he's going to say or ask something about Reis, so, c'mon, what's it been, four, five months already? We're good friends, and you still haven't told me how far you've gotten with her.
...Heh. I smile widely. Well, so far only up to the other side of Bariaus Hill. I'm hoping that I can take her to Zaland before winter comes.
Slowly he smiles, shaking his head at the same time. Nice, real nice. Well--
--knoknoknok--
I wonder who that could be, he rolls his eyes before turning towards the front of the barracks, I'll get it.
I look down at the budget I was scanning through before. Eh...yeah, this looks in order. The only problem I ever have with the monthly budgets are the ones from Zaland, and that's because Wodring's the temporary head over there. Their work never justifies the huge expenditures, and after the whole Ordalian mediator crisis, I'm not going to take that anymore. I mean, it's not that hard to screen people who look like foreigners that use a land route...
Beowulf, you're still working? Should I come back?
God, I love her voice.
I look up, a smile already on my face. I can't help it. No, I'm done, and even if I wasn't, it's still going to be there later anyway. She, on the other hand, only has an hour for her lunch break.
Reis tilts her head at my answer and smiles. It's not one of those joyous almost-grins that she tries to cover up after I give her a compliment about her clothes or whatnot...I wish I knew what that exactly is. She needs that kind of happiness more often. But no, it's her normal smile, just a simple delicate upturning of her lips. On any other person that kind of smile usually means something like I'm just playing along,' but with Reis, well...it seems to be the only happiness she can normally show. Well, it's not like her usual expression diminishes her beauty any.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder'...that's how the old saying goes.
Reis is beautiful. There's just no argument about it. From her caramel eyes to her pale lips, from her long, silky golden hair to her willowy, graceful figure...she's just incredible. She doesn't even seem to realize just how amazing she is, which makes her even more attractive.
What is it? Are we not going to lunch? She's giving me a weird look.
Oh, right. Am I making you uncomfortable? I rise from my chair and walk over to her, standing just before her but not reaching out to her. Depending on her answer, we might not be going to lunch.
Her face is mostly blank. I've figured out that it doesn't mean she's unhappy, but that she's probably talking to herself. I wish I could read her mind sometimes...she's not exactly the most talkative person. I'm a bit used to it, she smiles slightly, a lightness in her expression, her eyes crinkling just a bit at the corners.
Suddenly, I'm not very hungry.
I reach out to her, holding her loosely around the waist. Leaning into me, her hands move up along my arms as she looks up at me with an almost mischievous light in her eyes. Well, I guess I'll have to keep it up until you're completely used to it, and I grin inwardly when she closes her eyes and shakes her head slightly, a tiny dusting of pink appearing on her cheeks.
But...door's open. And while there doesn't seem to be anyone around, I still kick the door closed first. We've had a few close calls in the past.
Tilting my head a bit, I lean down a bit, closed lips landing right onto hers. I really like how she's tall enough that I don't have to lean over too much. Her hands clutch my upper arms as she returns the kiss. God, her lips are soft. Now, if I start opening my mouth...ah, there we go. She's...ending the kiss. Okay. I move my head up and open my eyes.
What's with that look? Not really different than usual, except that her brows are furrowed a bit. Annoyed? What's wrong, love?
She looks at me blankly for a moment before looking a bit sheepish. You're too sweet.
...That's a sudden compliment. Not like I won't take it, of course. Bringing up my right hand from her waist to her face, I stroke her cheek gently and she smiles a bit. Not compared to you, I murmur, my thumb along her cheekbone.
Now she looks confused, frowning slightly before her eyes light up. Oh, no, I mean... she shakes her head, looking up at me with a bashful expression, I mean, you taste too sweet.
...Oh. And here I thought she'd picked up my habit of random compliments, all of them completely sincere. Reis has a low threshold for sweets and the like...oh well, no one's perfect. I grin. Sorry about that, I got a late start on my morning.
Now she looks slightly concerned. Was it the early morning shift?
No, not really, I just couldn't sleep last night, I was dreaming about the war again.
I see... I see her eyes shift past me, towards my desk, but tea isn't normally sweet. How much sugar did you put in it?
Hm... I'd say about three, four cubes or so?
Her eyes flicker up at me. I think I said something wrong, judging by that grimace. I...I heard a week or so ago that it isn't healthy to consume a lot of sugar.
Well, I wouldn't know, but... Reis, it isn't healthy for people to go to war either, I reply gently. Not like I don't appreciate the warning, but I've always liked sweet foods. And as much as I love her, this is not an issue we're going to get into.
Well, that is true, of course, she smiles a bit sadly, and of course you can take care of yourself, but you spend so much time worrying about me that...I'd like to worry about you too.
Oh...well...that's...that's really thoughtful of her. You don't have to worry about me, I lean over and kiss her on the forehead, slowly letting go of her, shall we go?
She's got on that little smile of hers. Good.
---
Reis moves like how the Bariaus Valley river runs in the summer: consistently slow and steady, all the skirts of her dresses gently rippling with the movement. Amid the wives and children bustling around the main street, she's so blatantly calm that it's...strange.
In Lesalia's shopping center during the spring and summer, musicians would play different songs depending on the season and day. I don't know why, but watching her walk next to me reminds me of a sleepy summer afternoon melody.
...I like how that sounds.
I'd tell her that, but I doubt she'd really understand beyond the words; I doubt the Church allows anything other than hymns to be played in Murond.
That place looks good. I smile when she looks over at me, a question lurking in the depths of her eyes. I point out the plain-faced restaurant on the left side of the street, opposite of the walls of the town, let's go to that one.
With her usual deliberate movements, she glances over at the direction I pointed at, then turns back to me and nods once. The two long locks beside her face sway with the movement, even as their ends curl and pool onto her chest. She's wearing one of those plain dresses that are common with...well, commoners. Green. Green and gold...that's interesting.
We walk over to the restaurant and sit at one of the outdoor tables--September in Lionel is nice--and a waitress promptly hurries over and deposits our menus, then scurries away. I'm not really hungry...I guess I'll just have some more tea. Glancing across the table, I see that Reis has her menu directly in front of her, blocking her face. No fun there. Looking around, I see a couple of knights over at the south gate, looking bored. Seems like it's Hannison and Oyama...
Are you ready to order? Oh, our waitress is back...hm, I think I've seen her before, on a couple occasions with Reis. Cute. I motion for Reis to order first, and she shows the inside of the menu to the waitress, pointing at something.
Lemon tea and these biscuits, please, eh, too sour, thank you.
She's always so polite. I hand my menu to the waitress. Regular tea with sugar, please, and the waitress nods and leaves.
When I think about it, we've gone to every restaurant in this town. With me usually going in my uniform and Reis looking as beautiful as she always does, I'm sure we're easily noticeable.
...We're not doing a very good job of hiding our relationship, are we?
I guess I'm not really surprised that Buremonda didn't have a clue until that ball, though it is weird that he hasn't been trying to restrict Reis' movements more since then. He did expel one of his white mages...though I guess it was because of that whole situation. Still, he's always so suspicious. I would ask her what, if anything, he's said to her about me--all those damn lies he's so good at--but I don't want her to worry about it. She worries enough as is.
Here's your tea sir, miss, our waitress places the delicate teacups on their saucers in front of us, as well as a small plate of biscuits, if you want anything else, please don't hesitate to ask!
Thank you, I tell her, and she beams and shuffles away. When I first arrived in Lionel, it was a little unnerving at first to see how happy everyone seemed to be.
Of course, they do have a reason.
--crk--
Hm? I watch as Reis holds two pieces of a once-whole biscuit in her hands, between thumb and forefinger, then she daintily dips the one in her left hand--her left, my right...right?--into her tea, tapping it against the lip of the cup a couple times before bringing it up to her mouth. It's all very proper and reminds me of all those lessons in manners and behavior that Sis and I endured so we could become proper little nobles.
...Well, at least it worked out for one of us.
Watching Reis go through these motions makes me think that she'd have made a very good noblewoman naturally.
--I want to climb this tree--
I've always liked that about her. She's so kind and polite, but she's also not easy to categorize. Not like I was ever good at that sort of thing, anyway. But I like that spark in her, that willingness to do unexpected things.
--I mean, I killed a behemoth. I've been looking for you...I can help you--
...Most of the time. I like it most of the time.
Whatever she used to be...as far as I'm concerned, she's a civilian now. She shouldn't be risking herself...which begs the question of whose life is more important: hers, or one of my knights?'
It's not a question I ever want to have to answer.
Beowulf? Is something wrong? She's looking at me curiously...guess I was too into my thoughts. We only have less than an hour together before it's back to work for the both of us...best to just enjoy myself.
I point at her plate of oblong biscuits. Can I have one of those?
Of course, she smiles, take as many as you like.
Thanks, love, I pluck two off the plate and her expression doesn't change. Hm, she must not be very hungry, you haven't been eating very much lately, well, since Bariaus Hill a few days ago, the two be related? are you okay?
She pauses from bringing her cup up to her lips. I'm fine, she answers, looking slightly puzzled.
Okay, let's try again. Are you sure? I mean, considering what you must being going through right now with yourself...are you really okay?
I don't like pushing her for answers. It just seems so...invasive, and Sis taught me a long time ago not to be too pushy when women are concerned. But with Reis...she's just not very good with communication sometimes, though she is getting better.
She's gone blank-faced. Guess I couldn't really expect smiles and eyes alight with happiness, huh? she lowers her gaze from me to her cup, I'm trying...I'm trying to accept it...and I mostly am, but...
Hm. I don't like this... But what?
...I just... she looks up at me, her eyebrows tightly drawn over her caramel eyes, whenever I bathe or change my clothes, I always have to see that scar. I always have to remember that I'm not... she stops suddenly, a stricken look marring her face. What...what is it? I don't like that constant reminder.
Is there something I'm not getting here, or is this just because it's hard for her to get used to the idea that she's partly a dragon? Personally, as long as she's not a huge scaly lizard breathing fire and rampaging through the town, I couldn't really care less. And it explains that hearing of hers.
Other than that...does it really matter?
But I can sympathize. Oh, I can. Reis, I understand.
She stares at me, something of a guarded expression crossing her face.
I smile. I try to smile, anyway. I'm always reminded just by looking in the mirror every morning.
It shouldn't bother me anymore. I left that life a long time ago. It's not important.
There's a puzzled look on her face for a few moments before her eyes widen. she looks away from me, towards the restaurant. Maybe I shouldn't have said it like that...like I'm trying to put one foot over her situation. Even if I say that I don't care what she really is, if I were her I'd have a hard time accepting that anyway.
I was born like this. I've always remembered.
I wish Mum had loved me enough to decide to bring me back to life, no matter the consequences. Or maybe even just loved me.
Not like it matters. That's all in the past anyway. Can't do anything about it now.
I'm sorry.
Huh? What for?
She looks contrite. I shouldn't...I'm just complaining after the fact. At...at least I'm alive, right?
I don't like where this is going. Reis, you have every right to speak what's on your mind. I was just trying to show that I understand how you feel.
I told her once that I thought we were more alike that I had first thought. I could feel that. And that's a good thing. It's only a good thing that we can understand each other beyond the differences in our backgrounds, even if it's the painful feelings.
her lips twitch upward and she shyly looks up at me, that's...thank you, Beowulf. That really helps...
That's good, I smile and reach for my cup of tea...it's gone cold. Oh well. I crunch into one of the biscuits. Something's bothering me...something Reis might've said before...what was it...?
--Beowulf, there's something else I need to tell you--
Oh, right, that! I was overwhelmed by everything I heard that day, but that's no excuse. She looks up from her tea. Wasn't there something else you needed to tell me? I'd like to hear it now, if you don't mind.
...I said something wrong. Nothing else could explain that...that look on her face. Reis isn't the most expressive person in the world. I've accepted this. She's getting better at it. I'm proud of her.
She's never looked this blank before.
It's like everything closed up. The curtains were drawn, the gates closed, the drawbridge up, everything.
There's fear in her eyes.
What...what's wrong?
Finally a different expression makes itself known. Grim. Depressed. Not good. she looks at me hesitantly...I don't like that, you said that day, is this something that affects us right this moment in our lives?' Could I...I tell you when it does?
...One step forward, two steps back. Definitely. The only thing I can do is agree.
Is it really that bad?
Whenever you like, Reis.
--You're too nice, you know that Beo?--
It doesn't matter. I'm a patient man. I'll wait until Reis is ready.
We've got plenty of time.
-----
(Act 2: The Woman Who Floats On Kindness)
I don't have a very good memory about most things, I'll freely admit that. Too many bad memories cluttering up my head and blocking out the useful things, I suppose. Lately, I've been feeling that I've forgotten something...but I don't know what it is.
Oh well, it'll come to me eventually...even though I've been saying that for the last couple of days now.
I enter the barracks, done with my shift. Everybody else scattered off because it's only one in the afternoon, but I picked up some sweets so I can work at my desk. Hm, nobody's here? Great, no distractions. I walk to my office and settle into my chair...what's this? A letter from Sis...?
That's what I forgot! I wasn't feeling up to reading anything that could be potentially depressing after that lunch with Reis a few days ago, so I just put it aside...which isn't saying much with this desk. Well, I might as well read it now. Opening the envelope, I take out the single sheet of paper and unfold it.
Dear Beowulf,
How are you doing, little brother? It's bleak and cloudy here, yet the autumn rains haven't fallen yet. I'm wishing for them to come already, as the children have taken to running around our end, prompting Lady Matterson from across the lane to complain that my children are corrupting her children...but of course her children' are 15 and 17 respectively, so I have decided that she is just someone who needs to blame others for her hired nanny's poor parenting skills. Caitlyn wished to write a note to Sir Uncle', but to mail it separately from my letter, so you should expect that in the next week or so.
I personally was quite surprised to read the contents of your last letter, especially regarding your Miss Dular. I wouldn't be a good sister unless I asked for more information about her, would I? Considering that your birthday is next month, I was starting to think you hopeless as far as marriage went, especially since you've never been in a relationship before--at least, you haven't told me if you have. But you have your secrets and I have mine. You mentioned that this woman also worked for the Church, albeit a different sector than your own, but I'm more interested in the kind of person she is. Although you said that she is a kind and reserved person, you should also watch that she doesn't take advantage of your status. A friend of Sean's was recently swindled by such a woman. Of course, he is like my husband, so I would say that he deserved it, but you don't, so please watch out.
I'll be looking forward to your reply, my dear brother.
Amelia
...Oh, right, I'll definitely watch out and make sure that Reis doesn't take advantage of me and make off with my money.
Is it just me, or is everybody too suspicious nowadays?
Sis probably has a good reason to though, considering she just wants me to be happy, unlike her and her husband. I never did understand the practice of pairing up two people within the same noble ranking just for the sake of producing high-quality children'...
She always sounds sad now. I think I'll send her something with my next letter so she can feel more appreciated.
...I wonder if Reis knows how much I appreciate her? She seems more depressed than usual lately, and I'm fairly sure some of it has to do with me. I had said I'd wait for her to tell me, but in the meanwhile I'll try and get her mind off of worrying too much.
Yeah, that does sound like a good idea. What should I buy for her, then?
Well, I could give her that outfit I bought with Miss Koizumi's help...no, I don't think I'll do that right now. Hm. Sis likes jewelry, so I'll buy her earrings or to think of it, I've never seen Reis wear anything like that. With all of her money going into buying cloth and thread, it makes sense. Alright, I'll buy her a piece of jewelry too.
The front door opens, and everybody starts pouring in, loudly talking amongst themselves. I'm not going to get any work done now, so I might as well go to the accessory shop. Folding the letter, I place it back in its envelope, taking it with me when I walk over to my bunk. My things are stashed underneath Chiroseau's bunk because he has the bottom one. Where's my money...here it is. I peel off a good chunk of the roll of paper gil--I hate using coin gil because it gets obvious that you're carrying a lot on you--and put the sheaf of cash into my pants pocket. That should be enough.
I'm not too worried about spending too much, it's all inheritance money'--well, Mum never bequeathed anything to me, but Sis gave me half of her inheritance. Lately I've had to dip into it a few times to pay everybody on time. It's okay because I don't need much anyway. I've never collected on my salary either.
I'm not interested in blood money.
Hey Sir Kadmus, where are you going? Yuil calls from his bunk as I start for the door. I turn slightly, eyes still on the door.
To the accessory shop, what time do they close, I wonder?
Oh, getting a ward made or something? Can you pick up something that protects from petrify? I almost got turned into a statue by one of those monsters from the hill.
Oh, uh... Riola sounds sheepish, that was Cherise, Alia's pet. Sorry.
What?! I nearly got turned into a statue and all you can say is
Better clear it up before I'm stuck buying accessories for everyone. No, I'm going to buy some jewelry for my sister and Reis.
...Why is it so quiet of all a sudden?
I look around the room, and everybody's...staring at me. Great, now I sound defensive. Is there something wrong about buying presents or something?
So...so, you're gonna propose? Navarro asks quietly.
...'Jewerly'... 'propose'...those words don't sound alike. Why are you asking?
You should definitely wait.
Yeah, wait until Examiner Draclau comes back. A couple months won't kill you.
Nah, next month's fine.
Maybe for you.
My eyes narrow. Oh, this isn't suspicious. Sure, anyway, I'll be back in an hour or so, and I quickly make my way out of the barracks, shutting the door behind me. There's a knight out here, sitting next to the door. Smoke curls from a thin roll of paper in his mouth. Correl used to smoke those things back in Bervenia...it's a cheap substitute for a pipe or something, I say in greeting, and he glances over at me, then takes the roll out of his mouth.
Adderent is interesting. I transferred him over from Goug a year ago, but he has no discernible accent. He doesn't seem to care about anything, but he's supposedly supporting a wife and kid in Gariland. The only thing I really care about is that he's almost always late to his shift. Well, if he doesn't care about anything, then maybe he's the best person to talk to... What's a good piece of jewelry to buy for a girlfriend?
He sighs.
What is with this connection everybody else is getting? What does jewelry have to do with proposing?
Don't expect you to understand, bein' a noble an' all, he takes a drag on his roll and I inwardly sigh. I'm sick of hearing that.
--You really are like every other noble, aren't you?--
You, of all people, didn't have to say it like that...
Enlighten me, then, I mutter, my nose involuntarily twitching from the lingering smoke.
Most of us are commoners, y'see, so we slave away for a pittance. When anyone says that they're getting jewelry, it means that they're splurging all their money to give a gift of proposin' to their loved one, his dark eyes slide over to me again,
Oh, I didn't realize...hm. Ah. Well, no, I'm not, not like I'm adverse to the idea.
I've thought about it a bit lately, but...
Hmph. Just playin' around, huh?
Not at all, I snap. I wouldn't...I would never toy with anyone's feelings.
--Hey, Beo...do you like me?--
Never.
He coughs, the hand over his mouth looking as if he were protecting the roll instead of stifling his cough, then leans back against the wall of the barracks. Hmph. If you're confused, then save yer money.
I'm not confused. I love Reis, I just... I've only known her for five months.
So? Chiroseau got married after one.
Hn. And she left him, too.
Yeah, there's always that risk, he crushes the roll in his hand against the ground, snuffing out the smoke, that's how life is.
Don't I know it. Why is everyone trying to convince me not to propose until later?
'Cause no one there set a bet for September.
Why am I not surprised? Everyone complains that they don't get paid enough, yet...well, they can do whatever they want. I'm tempted to ask which month everyone's betting on just to avoid doing anything then, but...no. I'll act on my on time, he doesn't say anything as I start to walk away, and remember, your shift is at seven today, not like that would really matter to him or anything.
--dingdingdongdingding--
It's already...three? I should hurry.
One of the best things about this town is that it's big--the largest in Lionel if you don't count all the drifts in Goug--but fairly contained. The layout is simple and every street will lead both ways. Nothing like sprawling Lesalia, where dead-ends are on top of dead ends. Of course there are some extraneous areas here, but at least I can get to the shopping area quickly enough.
I met Reis this way, while I was trying to trod through the town and into the valley. She was chasing a thief who'd stolen her luggage and I can't help but wonder what she would've done had I not been there, hurrying through the alley in that annoying armor and mentally cursing out Buremonda for not telling me things at the appropriate time.
Considering all the things she's done since then, I think she would've been fine.
I wonder if she needs me?
I wasn't looking to fall in love. It wasn't something I particularly cared about at the time...hadn't really for a long time. I was just looking for reasons to keep staying, to convince myself that being a Temple Knight was really the best option.
If Reis stays here, then I will too.
But...marriage? Well, I've been thinking about it. Just the idea of settling down and raising a family here. She'd make an excellent mother...it seems that's what she was raised to become. She's a beautiful bundle of contradictions and I haven't felt so happy...ever.
What we have is more than I could've ever expected, so why change everything now?
Now, where's the accessory shop...oh, there it is. It's plainer than the general store, which sells everything from weapons and armor to accessories and curative items, but the selection is better. I grasp the handle and pull the door open, taking measured steps inside the poorly-lit store. A woman stands behind the counter...she looks like she's from the Eastern Lands. Welcome! Are you looking for anything in particular today?
Ah, yes, I walk up to the counter. There aren't any items out on display...I guess they don't trust in the relative security afforded by us, earrings for my sister and something nice for my girlfriend.
The light in the room is streaming in from a few windows above the door, landing directly on the young woman's face and lighting up her expression of excitement. Huh. Oh, is that so, sir? Is there anything specific that you want?
...I don't know. Ah...I doubt she has had holes poked through her ears, so no on earrings...and I don't know any other kind of jewelry. Sis favors earrings. Could you show me a few different kinds of pieces? Wow, that almost sounds like I know what I'm doing.
Of course, sir! The young woman turns around, long black hair flying behind her as she runs to the back of the store. I lean a bit on the counter and glance around at the squalid conditions.
That lady seemed really happy. Maybe she hasn't had a customer in awhile.
Alright, sir, she strides back up to the counter, holding out her hands. There's a sheet of paper in them, with various shiny things. Laying it onto the counter, she arranges each piece quickly, then stands back, and what color would you like for the earrings?
I look down onto all the glittering things on the counter. That's...that's intimidating. Green, please.
We have some jade earrings in stock, sir. Shall I show them to you? I nod. Jade...well, if it's green, that's good enough. Okay, is there anything here that sticks out as something Reis-like'? Gold, gold, gold...it's too showy. Reis is understated and reserved.
In the center of all the gold pieces, there's a silver...um, bracelet? Yeah, that's what it's called. A delicate silver bracelet with three blue stones set in a line down the center. From all of her different outfits, I've gathered that she likes blue. Then...this should be fine, I think.
There's a small tag on it. 7-0-0-0'...?
What?
...That...that can't be the price. There are many swords for cheaper. There are lots of pieces of armor for cheaper. And those do things. What does this bracelet do other than look shiny?
But she would look nice with it...
Hn.
The lady comes back, holding out a small square of paper in her hands. Here you are, sir, jade earrings for four hundred gil, she places them on the counter. They look nice, little flowers carved out of a pale green stone. Four hundred is acceptable... have you found something you liked, sir?
Feeling a little wary, I point at the silver bracelet. That one, miss.
Oh, that certainly is nice! That'll be seven thousand gil, plus the four hundred for the earrings.
Okay, let's see if I can't... Excuse me, miss, but does this bracelet actually do anything?
She stares at me oddly. Do anything, sir?
Well, like an accessory. Accessories can prevent a variety of attacks that harm the mind and the body, I smile as she nods slowly, that's why people are willing to buy them. So, what does this bracelet do?
It...well, sir, it enhances the beauty of a woman, provided she is wearing an outfit that matches the color of the piece.
I raise an eyebrow at this. But my girlfriend already is extraordinarily beautiful, so it's kind of unnecessary. Besides, she's also the practical sort, and she really likes things that are useful in some way. So, it doesn't do anything else?
The young woman shakes her head. I'm sorry sir, but no.
Oh, so I'll have to be the one to bind a spell onto it, then. I see. Then, it really isn't worth anything more than a thousand, don't you think?
Excuse me, sir, she looks very annoyed now...sorry, don't you think that's a little too low?
Perfect. 'A little too low' ...then you agree with me that it's probably worth only fifteen hundred, then?
she says blandly, five thousand is what I can offer, and that's really too low. Silver is rare in my home country, and Ivalice has that ban on metal being used for anything but weaponry. This is a bracelet made a few years into the war. It's practically an antique at over forty years since its creation.
Alright... I understand, but you're charging me enough to eat out at the nice restaurants for at least two months. I'm just a knight employed by the Church. Can I have it for two thousand?
She sighs. Four thousand. The stones set in it are lapis lazuli, which are semi-precious stones.
That's great, I think. Three thousand and we have a deal, miss.
Shaking her head a little, she looks up at me with an irritated expression. I'm not used to women looking at me like that, unless it's Sis... And you really won't buy it for any higher, will you?
I nod. It's certainly nice and I could've afforded the original price, but I don't think it's worth that much. Besides, Reis doesn't seem to like that I insist on always paying for her--which is the right thing to do--and would be pretty annoyed if she learned that I spent that much on her.
Well then, your total is three thousand four hundred gil, sir, I count out four thousand and hand it to her, oh, you overpaid... she tries to give back some of the money, but I smile and shake my head.
Thank you for putting up with me, she wasn't looking very happy throughout most of the bargaining, so it's only fair that I pay her for labor as well.
She smiles back before placing the pieces of jewelry into separate boxes and handing them to me. Thank you, sir, and please come again!
Back outside, I can see the sun about ready to descend in the west. There's also a nice restaurant in that direction as well.
Hm...
---
I yawn as I go through some miscellaneous paperwork; that is, I haven't a clue what it's for, but it's probably best that I sign it anyway.
knoknok
There's no one in here but me, since it's just a little before one. Hm, maybe it's Reis? That'd be great, considering I can't very well go into the church library and tell her I made reservations for dinner tonight...
I walk over to the front of the barracks and open the door. Oh, that's not Reis. Looks like her, but this is...this is Miss Mikner. I remember. Good afternoon, Miss Mikner. Can I help you with something?
Oh, uh... she smiles nervously up at me. She's holding a basket, is Sammy around?
... Sammy'? Oh...that would be Riola. No, he has his shift until one, hm, it'd be rude to send her away, would you like to wait here for him?
Sure, thanks, I move aside and she walks past me, sitting on Riola's bunk. I should go back to my work, but...it'd be rude to just leave her alone.
Alright, so I don't want to do any work either.
So, how is your cousin doing? After that day, which has been cataloged as The Birthday Incident', Mikner was moved over to her house to recuperate in peace. From what I heard from the head of the white mages, they wouldn't have been able to save him had he not turned...and had Reis not been there to kill off the behemoth so they could get to him.
What did she get for it? Other than a broken wrist that she tried to hide from me, I mean.
And yet, she kept on going.
She's brave, isn't she?
Oh, you can have him back next week, Miss Mikner looks annoyed now, he's well enough to complain, so he's well enough to go back to work.
Well, that's good to hear...I think. Her expression is making me think otherwise. Oh, thank you for taking him in. We're not exactly very good at taking care of people around here, she smiles and giggles at this.
Neither am I, but he's family, she looks up at me, the gold flecks in her hazel eyes almost as bright as her smile, Sammy told me that it was because of you and Miss Reis that the whole town was saved. That's true, right? Cause, I thought it was hella weird that none of the townspeople seem to know that.
She talks like her cousin... Well, it's the Order's job to protect the town.
casually, she tosses back her long hair with one hand, I didn't realize you were training your girlfriend to become a knight.
I'm not, I mutter. I don't like this subject... she acts on her own volition.
Miss Mikner tilts her head slightly. She really isn't the typical civilian woman, huh?
Not at all. That's one of her best qualities, I say lightly. Why are we talking about this? Eh, better than working.
Oh, wow, that's pretty cool, y'know, that she's not just a subservient woman with a tacked-on pretty face, ...I think that's a compliment, it must be hard though, hiding your relationship and all.
I shrug. No, not really. I think we even appreciate each other more because of it, she's smiling so widely...she seems to be a very happy person. Riola's pretty lucky, especially since she's not connected with the Church in any way...wait. I wonder if she'd do a favor for me, Miss Mikner, if you don't mind, is there any way you can pass along a message to Reis for me?
Oh, sure!
Great. I quickly walk over to my office, and with one cursory glance I find a blank piece of paper. Pen, pen, here it is. Let's see...
Reis,
I've missed you. Would you like to go to dinner tonight? 7 tonight, usual meeting place.
Nice and concise. I almost wrote dress nice', but asking Reis to dress nicely would be like telling the sun to shine. Going back to Miss Mikner, I hand her the note, which she takes with a grin. Thank you, Miss Mikner, I say warmly.
No problem, she gets off of the bunk and heads towards the door, nearly colliding with Riola, who was opening the door, hey Sammy, lunch is on your bed! Have as much as you want!
Well, now that that's taken care of, onto the second part...
---
Accessories, armor, and weapons can be imbued with certain magic in order to repel or inflict a certain kind of spell effect. It's a fairly easy process: write the sigil of the magic type four times in a diamond shape, then place the object to be imbued inside the shape and cast the specific spell on each of the four sigils. The process can only be done once, and if it doesn't work the first time, that item can never be used for the bonding process again.
Simple enough. Now, if I could only remember how this sigil was supposed to be written...
Kadmus, what are you doing?
Oh, Chiroseau. Just trying out your typical spell-bonding ritual, I don't raise my head from the paper on my desk where I've written out the four sigils...that really doesn't look right.
Everybody's wondering if you're going to propose or not, he states, but it seems too soon for you to act.
Why's that? Is that line supposed to be up, or down?
No real reason. Seems like it was just yesterday when you mentioned in passing that you understood why Buremonda wanted that cataloger' so badly.
I refrain from making a comment, because then we'll start talking about that guy and that'll just ruin my concentration. Does the time magic sigil have a line at the top going up from left to right, or going down?
Chiroseau walks over to my desk and peers at my designated casting area. Neither, that's white or black magic. It's at the sides running downward for time. You're not bonding something weird like Meteor, are you?
I laugh. Time magic is so varied. What would that do, protect Reis from the random falling meteorite?
It could happen. What are you trying to do?
You'll see.
Finishing the sigils, I carefully place the bracelet inside them. I never was very fond of time magic, but I gleaned a few spells in the small amount of time I studied as a time mage. I like learning bits and pieces of everything, because you never know if something will be helpful.
Okay...
In quick succession I cast the spell onto the four sigils, each of them faintly shimmering in response. When I cast the fourth spell, the lights converge into a point above the center, bathing the bracelet with the spell momentarily before dissipating. I glance up at Chiroseau's interested face. Want to test it out?
he raises a gloved hand, pointing at the bracelet. A flicker of lightning arches from his finger to the center stone of the jewelry. Slowly, oh-so-slowly, the bracelet glows and reacts, rising up to about the top of the tallest stack of paperwork.
Perfect.
---
Caught in the warm glow of the candlelight, Reis' face has a soft glow as she smiles at me. Well, you are right that the application of magic is certainly useful in day-to-day chores, but there are some things that are better done by hand, she picks up her glass of water with her left hand and takes a small sip from it. We're done with dinner, and we've just been talking about a variety of things.
The box is in my right pants pocket, just waiting to be revealed.
What would those things be, love? Should I give it to her now?
She looks thoughtful as she brushes back the locks of hair framing her face. Ah...anything that can be done with our own hands. If we learn to depend solely on magic use, we might forget how to do things without it.
Now? Oh, I see. That's true.
the look of curiosity is striking on her face, all of her interest pointing directly at me, what do you think, Beowulf?
Now.
I think there are definitely some things that can only be done without aid from a spell, I take a deep breath and pull the box out of my pocket, reaching out and placing it directly in front of her.
Please, let her just accept it. I paid good money for it.
She looks at me blankly for a moment before looking down at the box. It's a plain box, a brown rectangular object, not very interesting...can't she just open it? With both her hands, she pulls off the lid, eyes going very wide. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? W-what is this? Her words are rushed and breathless. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
It's something I thought would look nice on you, why is she still blank-faced? Reis, try it on.
Her eyes flicker up at me. she looks down into the box again, then a small frown crosses her face. What's that for? 'Seven thousand'... she turns the box around so that the contents are facing me, and points to the end of the bracelet.
There's a small tag there, proudly blaring its original price.
7,000.'
Oh. Of course I'd have the time to place a spell on it, but not to remember to take off the damn tag.
Beowulf...I can't...I mean, it's too much... she trails off, looking...I don't know.
I knew she'd react like this if she knew the original price. Dammit. Let's go take a walk, I say softly, putting down the appropriate amount of money on top of the slip of paper the waitress had left there a while ago. I stand and Reis follows, silently making our way out of the nearly-empty restaurant.
We wander through the tiny streets until we reach an empty area surrounded by abandoned buildings, on the west side of town. There's a chunk of a broken wall next to one of the buildings, which I head towards and sit down on. After a slight hesitation she sits down on my right, the box in her hands on her lap.
I might as well start off with the question of the night. Turning a bit to face her, I take in her mostly-blank expression. Why won't you take it, Reis? So it was a bit pricey...but I still bought it anyway. What good is money if you can't spend it on the people you love?
...It's a lot of money, her voice is lower than usual, and in the night it seems to take on a haunting quality, it's too much to spend, especially on me...
I only paid three thousand for it, I try to sound cheerful, but she merely looks at me.
That's still a lot of money.
And it was worth every gil, I counter. Is there another reason why she's not just accepting it? don't you like it?
She looks down, fiddling with the box almost nervously. Well, yes, it's very pretty, but it's so much money...
Yeah, well, I won't exactly argue with that. You're worth it, I put my arm around her shoulder and kiss her lightly on her temple, moving my lips down to her ear, it'd make me very happy if you would just accept it.
Please just take it. I put a lot of thought into this gift and return rates are horrendous.
Making a small noise, she keeps her head down. You're so nice, she murmurs, but it doesn't exactly sound like a compliment.
--You're too nice--
What am I supposed to say to that? I'm sorry love, I'll try to be meaner next time'? Is that a bad thing?
--Yeah, it kinda is--
She looks up at me, the moonlight putting a softer glow on her face than the candlelight in the restaurant. ...I feel...I feel as if I'm not doing enough for you, she looks down again, tapping the box lightly with one of her slender fingers, you're always so kind to me, always listening, always understanding...and all I do is just burden you with my problems.
...Huh. As much as I love her, she is amazingly negative about herself sometimes. I actually like that...that you're willing to trust me enough to tell me what's bothering you, most of the time... I like being needed.
I'm not used to it, but I'm liking it a lot.
It's nice to be wanted.
--Do you like me, Beo?--
It's even better to be wanted for more than just a temporary replacement.
Reis murmurs, placing her hand on my thigh as she looks up at me, I still...well, if there's anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask.
...
...I want...to not take that the way I want it to mean. After what happened last time... Oh, so then you'll put on the bracelet, right? I smile. She sighs and smiles back, then takes her hand off my leg in order to carefully pick up the bracelet.
Ah...oh well.
With a nimbleness that she rarely demonstrates, she clicks the bracelet around her right wrist. Her smile is pale in the moonlight as she holds up her arm vertically, letting the silver chain tumble down a fourth of her forearm before settling comfortably. How does it look? She asks shyly. She sounds so cute when she's like that...and she often is.
It looks great, Reis, just like I thought it would, I stand up, holding out my hand to her. She's going to love this... I want to show you something.
With no hesitation she takes my hand, following me to the center of the barren area. Once there, I stand in front of her, holding up her right arm between us. I don't even need to concentrate to cause a flicker of ice magic to fly from my fingers onto the bracelet. Confused, she glances at me when the chain starts to faintly glow.
Then she begins to float upward.
Beowulf, what...? Her eyes are wide as she frantically grabs at me. I hold her hands and entwine our fingers together just as she stops, her chin right up to my nose. Looking a little worried, she looks down at the ground beside her in a very deliberate manner, then she slowly raises her head until her eyes meet mine. Even though it's mostly dark, her eyes are still arguably her best feature. For a long moment we stare into each other's eyes.
Slowly, she begins to smile.
This isn't one of her normal little upturning of her lips, though I would've been satisfied with that. No, this is one of her extremely rare smiles, with her mouth open just wide enough to let white teeth shine through, her eyes wide with wonderment. The best part is that she's not hiding it this time, so taken in with her current status. I don't understand...how did you do this?
The best answer is usually the simplest. I hold up our linked hands, should I let you go now?
...Will I fall? She asks, her smile tampering down. Well, it was nice while it lasted.
I won't let you, I whisper, and she suddenly giggles,
I remember, she nods, I trust you.
...Oh, right, our first trip to the valley. It feels like such a long time ago, but it was just this last May. To hear her say that so casually...she's really changed, hasn't she? And I trust you, I lightly squeeze her hands and she smiles again.
...When you say magic', you mean that there's a spell on this bracelet, right? She looks curiously down at me.
I nod. I didn't think she'd figure that out, but I guess she just knows what an ice spell looks like. I put a float spell on it hours ago, I grin, there's some things that people can't do without magic.
somehow she manages to close the distance between us, bending her head over me in such a way that her hair--not just those two locks--spills over me. Her lips are against my left ear, the soft skin of her cheek pressed against the side of my face, I don't know about that.
I wonder what she's getting at? why's that?
She lets go of my hands, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. It's pretty strange to not have to move my arms down to hold her around the waist, but I'll manage. I can feel her exhale softly. she sounds embarrassed, her voice its normal sweetly low tone, I was already floating...
Where we are...it's definitely the best I've ever been in.
-End to part 1 of Interlude #2-
As the saying goes, college would be more fun if it weren't for the classes.
-You'll note this is part one of Interlude #2. Originally I was going to have all four acts together, then I realized that each act was shaping up to be 17 pages each...
- Wodring' is Rofel, one of the Shrine Knights and apparently their head negotiator or something, considering his few appearances in the game.
Reviewers!
Hey Luna! Gee...I don't know what to say now when replying to a review from mid-January. Oh, I love dragons; I have a dragon pendant with a Celtic circle of protection around its neck that I absolutely love. As far as developing our mostly-happy couple's relationship...thank you very much, I am trying just a bit. I can't tell if I'm improving as a writer...
The Burning Misery (now that's a descriptive name...though, wasn't it something else when you'd made your review?), thank you very much! It's not so much patience as it is blind determination to write up this story...or fanaticism, so you shouldn't be jealous. --; I've never played FFTA, as I don't have a GBA yet, but from what I've heard about the game, I'll stick with this game for now. Well, I do hope this continues to be one of your favorite stories, so I better keep on trying!
Mavina...Arreat...I'm about ready to just say sod it all!' and call you Arrevina! Marreat? Hm, well...I can't read your review. Apparently, you can't use because it just cuts off your review. I'll wait to get your next review before I erase this one away, just so you can see for yourself. I've done it a few times in the past...
Thank you for reading! I wonder if I have any readers left...? Well, if you have any questions or comments, I'd like to hear--read--them! And please, unrelated topics should be sent to my email address.
Interlude #2 (part 2): That Person Just For Me: Beowulf, you're wonderful. You're truly courageous
What is she seeing that I'm not?
She's brave. I'm not. She does things because she can. I do things because it seemed to be a good idea at the time. She's a realist content in her life. I'm an optimist constantly looking for a better option. Her world is filled with as many colors as there are in the cloth shop.
All I see is a world filled with different shades of grey.'