"Do you have the tickets?"
Edgar patted the left inside pocket of his black suit in response to Setzer's question. They made their way through the halls of Figaro castle to the west wing where Celes and Terra dressed for dinner and the visit to the Opera that evening. Relm was in charge of the children, but had made a point of letting them know how upset she was at not going with them.
"Dinner is ready?" Edgar asked.
Setzer nodded. "In the main room. Elegantly done, even if I do say so myself."
Edgar chuckled. "I'm sure it is. And Locke? What is he up to?"
"Locke is grumbling about being put in charge of gathering the blossoms from the Kohlingen boutique for the ladies."
"Well if he'd done it sooner, he could have escorted Celes to the airship," Edgar said between hardy laughs.
"What I told him exactly."
"I suppose it doesn't matter. Celes and Terra likely feel we've traveled back to old times and are making this outing as a group of friends. Which we are, of course."
Setzer chuckled. "Of course."
Edgar sent him a sidelong glance. "You don't seem to be bothered much going… stag."
"Why should I be? I'm among friends. I'm off to see what should be an enjoyable performance. And—"
"And Maria holds your favor once again."
Setzer smiled and sent Edgar a twinkling glance. "Why do you say that?"
"The expression currently on your face brings to mind Locke's attitude when in the presence of or when thinking of Celes."
"Not much of a poker face?"
Edgar smiled and looked away with a shake of his head. "No. Not much at all, but I dare say that's all right. We botched your experience with her once, so you might as well attempt it again."
"I have."
Edgar looked again to Setzer, and his expression was clearly curious. "Forgive me for prying, Setzer, but I'm dying to know."
Setzer's easy smile remained as they mounted the steps to the ladies' room and stood to wait outside their door. "Much to my surprise - and you're sworn to secrecy, Edgar - I believe I've found a port for this wandering gambler and his ship."
Edgar blinked, and then he smiled broadly as he cuffed Setzer on the arm. "I'm happy for you, Setzer. Truly. Does Maria know?"
"Yes. I told her yesterday."
"Yesterday? Gods, man. How long have you been courting the woman?"
Setzer chuckled. "We had a previous history, Edgar. I simply decided to take it up again."
"She was more than willing, it seems."
Setzer's smile faded to a whisper before vanishing altogether. He crossed his arms and lowered his gaze as Edgar knocked on the door to let the ladies know they were there. "She has loved me all this time," he said, awed. "While I have been engrossed in my own adventures and the thrill of the game, she's survived her misery with the remnants of a once-bright passion." Setzer shook his head. "I'm truly lucky that torture didn't lessen the brightness and gentleness of who she is."
Edgar regarded Setzer for a silent moment before gripping his shoulder. "The women of our hearts and souls often have a greater strength than we could possibly imagine."
Setzer lifted his eyes with a reluctant smile. "This I've most definitely found true. She's intoxicating, Edgar. Compelling and–"
The door opened and the men found themselves surrounded by loveliness and laughter as well as choruses of how they were surely 'the most handsome men in Figaro Kingdom'. Setzer and Edgar both laughed as they motioned the ladies away from the door and down the steps into the hallways of Figaro castle that would lead to the Falcon.
Terra had dressed in a floor-length gown of deep red velvet with small and white embroidered blossoms randomly stitched throughout. The same white blossoms were randomly threaded into the curls and braids of her pale green hair. The cut of the bodice was off the shoulders, but an arch of lace in the front concealed any hint of indecency. Setzer smirked and looked away.
Celes was a vision of pale yellow silk with white lace and green ribbon. Her long blonde hair was a random arrangement of curls and braids, as was Terra's, but where Terra's was up, Celes' hung down and free to tease the air. Neither had her bodice been so modestly decorated with lace. Locke would be very surprised - to silence more than likely - for a full 10 seconds.
"This is so exciting," Terra said, breathless with anticipation.
"You've led a sheltered life, lovelight, and this is but the first of many adventures we will have. Together," Edgar responded, taking her hand and wrapping it around his arm.
Terra's smile brightened her face, but it couldn't compare to the flush of her cheeks or the love that shined in her violet eyes. "Edgar, could we bring the children next time? I know they won't understand it, but they'll love the adventure and the heroic fights of sword and magic."
Celes and Setzer exchanged looks and smiles that both seemed to admit how adorable the couple was.
"Of course we can bring the children. I dare say the Impresario would be willing to arrange a matinee for them."
Terra looked away with a continued bright smile. "That would be so much fun, especially if we could have a tour."
Edgar looked over at Setzer. "What do you think, gambler? Should we arrange it?"
"I believe that would be a grand idea."
"You can wait until after the wedding, if you want to," Terra told him with a sudden expression of seriousness. "You're already doing so much."
"And now I will do more. Your children will soon be mine as well, Terra. I've no qualms with getting to know them better."
Terra's eyes glimmered, which turned them an intriguing shade of purple. "Th-Thank you," she whispered.
Edgar patted her hand after a quick glance to Celes and Setzer, who both happened to be smirking at the stone floor at their feet.
"It's my pleasure, Terra," he said finally, and his tone was regretful.
Setzer laughed, attracting Edgar and Terra's attention. "Kiss her, man, and be done with the waiting."
Terra flushed, Edgar's ears burned, and Celes desperately tried not to laugh. Edgar didn't argue Setzer's demand and Terra didn't protest the fond caress of lips on cheek near her mouth.
"Finally," Setzer breathed in mock relief.
Edgar laughed this time, and Terra smiled as she lowered her eyes. "Oh Setzer, leave us alone," she said with her smile in her voice.
"And have no fun at all this evening? That's not a very nice thing to ask of a man."
Terra giggled softly, moving her hand to clench Edgar's. Edgar caressed the back of it with his thumb.
"Does anyone have any idea what the Opera is about?" Celes asked as they exited Figaro castle.
Edgar shook his head with a glance toward Setzer. "Didn't ask. Terribly sorry."
"Oh, it's all right," Celes told him. "I was just curious. I've heard it's one of the Impresario's best."
Edgar nodded. "I've heard the same. In fact, I believe the performances have been sold out each night since it opened."
"Wow," Terra breathed. "How exciting."
Edgar's face softened as he met her wide eyes. "Isn't it? And the Impresario was kind enough to reserve us the private box for no charge to my person."
"For all five of us?"
"Indeed. He said he couldn't think of accepting my money when we'd done so much for him already."
"Edgar, can we do something else for him?"
Setzer motioned for Celes to board the Falcon ahead of him, as he knew Locke would be waiting inside. Setzer wanted to remain behind and watch the fascinating relationship of Edgar and Terra.
"Why of course, lovelight," Edgar answered as they paused at the foot of the ramp. "What did you have in mind?"
Setzer leaned against the frame of the entry to the Falcon with a slight smile and crossed arms.
"Well, couldn't we donate an addition to his Opera House? For a children's theater?"
"A children's theater? What a splendid idea."
"And we could help him supply the staff and let people know about it when it's complete, so that he doesn't have to worry about it."
Edgar chuckled, drawing her close for a fond embrace. "I see I will have a difficult time keeping you distant from the business of Figaro, my sweet."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Edgar soothed as he pushed gently back. He caressed a curl from Terra's cheek and kissed her briefly. "I believe the prospect of sharing a throne with an Esper angel such as yourself will be a pleasure. I'm glad of your interest."
Setzer chuckled with a slight shake of his head. "Come, come, love birds. Dinner awaits."
Terra raised herself up on tiptoes and pressed her lips against Edgar's. When she pulled away, she looked up into his face with a girlish smile and giggled. Then she took his hand and pulled him aboard. Setzer followed with another shake of his head and another chuckle.
» § «
Anticipation and eagerness to see Maria on stage nearly throttled Setzer as he piloted the Falcon toward the Opera House after dinner. Of course, he knew the reason for his expectation was the decision reached that afternoon. With the money he had accumulated from cargo runs and poker games he had planned to buy her a house. Or build her a house. Or buy her a ship. Whatever she wanted and wherever she wanted it. Then that would be their home. His haven and her retreat. Their sanctuary to enjoy each other before returning to the lives they loved to lead.
Setzer could hardly wait to see the look on her face.
The Falcon arrived at the Opera House and Setzer took her down, anchoring her with a slight jostle and a grimace. Locke would make a comment. But Setzer set it aside with a shrug as he switched off the engine and headed below. What does it matter? I'm about to watch my songbird perform on stage.
Giggles and laughter tickled his ears as he descended the stairs. He relaxed into a smile. Yes, life was good. Kefka was dead. Ledo was gone. And Marée? Setzer felt regret. He hoped she found a haven as he had. She was an intoxicating person and a bright spirit. She deserved happiness and wholeness the same as Maria.
Setzer gave a slight shake of his head and fully descended the stairs. Locke helped Celes to her feet from a couch on the west side of the room. Edgar and Terra, however, laughed and giggled respectively over the billiard table as he attempted to teach her the game. Setzer knew that Edgar was quite adept at billiards and pool, much to his surprise. In fact, the gambler had lost a fair share of pride and money to the king of Figaro.
"We've landed at the Opera House, ladies and gentlemen, and yes, Locke, I realize I gave you a bit of a bump. I apologize."
Locke shrugged it off with a smile as he clasped Celes' hand and brought it to his lips. "No big deal. We're here. We're together. And I've got the best looking ex-general of the Imperial Army on my arm. Who cares about landings?"
Setzer chuckled. "I can't say I disagree. Shall we?"
The banter was light-hearted and fun, mixed with "remember when" anecdotes that had the girls nearly in tears from laughter. Celes gracefully took the teasing of whether or not she would perform in Maria's stead, smiling and laughing and assuring them that it would be more a comedy than a drama if she did. Terra protested, saying Celes had a lovely voice, and Locke heartily agreed. Which of course earned him a short kiss then and a look that gave him the promise of a longer one later that evening.
Locke grinned a bit stupidly.
They arrived at the Opera House entrance, again commenting on the previous adventures had there and how it would be fun to be there simply for the opera. Then the Impresario arrived, bowing low and greeting them all with a wide smile and a welcoming grasp. He ushered them upstairs as he inquired after their health and offered congratulations to their future marriages, giving them heart-felt well-wishings while extricating a promise from them to return soon after the blessed event for a special performance by Maria. They agreed, of course, and then entered the box with laughing smiles among themselves as he assured them it was the best box in the House.
Then he was gone and the quint laughed and chuckled while imitating his varying postures, voices, and gestures.
"I'd forgotten what a character he was," Locke said as he shook his head.
"Yes, but he has done wonders for the Opera House and its performers," Edgar admitted.
And they all agreed.
They took their seats with Setzer sitting directly between the couples. The quint had only just made themselves comfortable when the house lights flashed and then dimmed. The conductor in the orchestra pit lifted his baton, directing the attention of audience and orchestra-player alike, and then gave the tempo and the intro beat. The entire audience seemed to draw in a breath, and then the overture began, drawing the audience into the story with the fast-paced music and the intensity of their performance of it. It rose the expectation and eagerness of the viewers until they waited with bated breath for the performance of the opera and the telling of the story.
As the orchestra began the final measures, the curtain started to rise. Setzer found himself leaning slightly forward with an odd tightening to his chest. But when the deep mahogany velvet curtain had risen and the spotlight shined on the main characters, Setzer thought something must have gone terribly wrong. He rubbed at his eyes and blinked, not even focusing on the lovely voice that rang with life and freedom and sang of her adventures on the sea. All he could think was that he had to be sleeping, or in the wrong Opera House, or victim to some sick joke.
The scene played out, all the while with Setzer sitting in his seat in dumbfounded amazement as his mind stuttered and spluttered. The lights came up and Setzer paled, sitting back in his seat as disbelief, astonishment, and shock mutated to betrayal and a slowly building rage. A lie. It was a lie. And that was all his mind would say.
The power of the song seared his soul with a cold fire of distance as his eyes hardened and his face darkened. He slunk lower into his seat as the rage overflowed and consumed his thoughts and reason. The lights of scene two dimmed and Setzer bolted to his feet.
"Setzer?" Edgar looked up at the gambler as he began to make his way to the exit of the box. "Intermission isn't until--"
"I'll wait for you aboard the Falcon," Setzer said in a flat voice.
Edgar stood with a whispered reassurance to Terra and followed after him. "What is it, man?" he whispered. "What's wrong?"
Setzer's eyes and face were harder and colder than granite or marble as he faced Edgar. Edgar took a step back. "I've played this game, Edgar. I'll wait for you aboard the Falcon," Setzer pressed through clenched teeth.
And he turned and strode away, pushing through the doors, taking the stairs two at a time, and stalking through the front foyer to slam past the front doors and into the evening chill beyond. A lie. It was a lie. And those seemed the words that sealed his own doom. How could she…? Why? But the answers to the questions wouldn't come. They wouldn't be heard or thought or attempted. All he could see was her face; her hair; the costume, and the persona that had so completely bewitched him.
The betrayal and rage clashed together and twisted his face into a melted cacophony of anguish, humiliation, and confusion as he strode aboard the Falcon. He stalked through the main room and slammed into his office, tearing off his jacket and throwing it aside as he loosed the ruffle at his throat and unfastened the button beneath it. He strode to the chair behind his desk and threw himself into it, kicking his feet up onto the desk as he grabbed a deck of cards. He tore them from the box and began to shuffle, working the cards so quickly between two hands and then one that his fingers were a blur.
Setzer's silver eyes focused on nothing as he replayed their moments together, searching for hints and clues that could have revealed before what he knew now. Damn! And he slammed his fist onto the desk before kicking back and standing to make his way to the window to glare out, and still he shuffled his cards.
» § «
"Setzer!"
The voice broke through the dark wall of rage the same instant it fed it more power. Setzer didn't turn his gaze from the window as quick steps approached, pausing only moments outside his door before opening it and stepping inside with rushed steps. He clenched his hands together behind him.
"Setzer," came the choked voice, "I--"
Setzer turned sharply then, his eyes a seething fire of rage and hurt. Marée-Maria stood before him. Still in her costume of blue trousers, thin silken blouse, and dark jacket with braidwork and silver. The rage swelled and broke the restraints, making him stalk around the desk and grab her tightly by the arm. Then he dragged her from the room, Ignoring her assurances and pleadings for forgiveness. He dragged her through the main room, his hand a vise on her arm as she fought and resisted. Still she stammered and pleaded, and still he shut it out. He dragged her through the exit and threw her out ahead of him.
Marée-Maria tumbled to the ground, looking up at him with tousled dark hair and streaked make-up moments before he slammed the door closed. The sound rang hollow and empty.
» § «
"What the hell is going on?" Locke demanded as he stormed into Setzer's office.
Setzer sat rigid in his chair. His mind blank. His soul cold. His heart dead within. He didn't look up. He didn't blink. He only shuffled his cards.
Edgar followed a few steps after Locke, his expression more controlled and definitely more puzzled. Celes and Terra entered soon after him. "Setzer? What's wrong? Did you find the opera offensive?"
"Offensive? How?" Locke demanded as he faced Edgar. "It was funny. It was moving. It was the best damned opera I've ever seen!" He whirled on Setzer. "What's the big idea roughing up Maria when she came to visit you?"
Setzer slammed his fist onto his desk as a crack formed in the careful wall around his thoughts and feelings. When he spoke, his voice was devoid of depth or feeling. "Do not say that name in my presence."
Edgar and Terra exchanged a worried look. Locke raised an eyebrow. Celes regarded Setzer's expression with silent intensity.
Edgar stepped forward, resting a hand on Locke's shoulder to urge him to step back. "Setzer–-"
"Get out."
"What?"
Setzer raised glazed eyes to the young king's face. "Fly the Falcon to Figaro and then get out."
Edgar gave a slow nod and turned, ushering the others out with a slight shake of his head when they looked about to ask a question. The door closed behind them. Setzer lowered his eyes back to the desk as his hand continued to shuffle the cards. He paused and took the top card with a wince. Ace of Diamonds. The name of the ship on the stage.
He slid the card back into the deck and again began shuffling. Why? But the answers weren't his to give. He was left to wonder and sift through the ashes to try and find a little bit of life left to live.
