I do not own anything.
Moment of Truth
What could go wrong?
As veteran warriors Camilla and Ryoma had heard that line uttered so many times it might as well have been a catch phrase, and to some it was. Whenever those four words were spoken together they found the world always seemed to answer with the highest or worst case scenario imaginable. In both Nohr and Hoshido there was said to be an iron-clad law preventing the word from being spoken on the penalty of death. It didn't just extend to the battlefield, the four-word question carried the same level of danger in politics they did in war. Despite knowing that neither Camilla nor Ryoma could keep themselves from asking that question as they lay wide awake in bed, the half darkened moon hanging calmly in the sky outside. It wasn't like they weren't entirely going into the next day blind, they had an idea of what to suspect, but one could only plan so far.
"Whenever any of my friends or associates got married I would always take a moment to enjoy the misery and unease they must have felt going into their marriage. Now that I'm experiencing the same thing I believe this is what you call karma, isn't it?" Camilla asked turning over to stare at the ceiling along with her soon-to-be husband.
"Yes, it is. That being said I don't think any of your associates ever had it this…bad." Ryoma knew he was being light with their situation. He'd attended bachelor parties and weddings before for friends and close associates, but to actually have to plan all of it out himself was…well, not for the first time he wondered if there wasn't some new threat brewing on the horizon. "I'm trying hard not to picture how bad things could go."
"Oh? Then allow me to do it for you, trash human waste, and possible even weapons will be thrown at me the minute I show myself in public. Thankfully Marzia won't be around to attack whoever threw them, granted I do fear someone will try to make a move on her while I'm away." Camilla spoke with an air of lightness.
"Then I will give that person my pity."
At that Camilla cracked a smile then leaned over to peak her fiancée on the cheek. Though the initial bless of Ryoma's marriage proposal had worn off she was still a light high on the fact the two of them were going to be married. While she'd entertained a fantasy or two they were never serious because of how unrealistic they were. Now here she was lying in a Hoshido bed, in the Hoshido royal palace, with the future king comforting her. Camilla wished they could stay in this bed forever, never have to worry about the outside world and its struggles and horrors, but she knew better than that. Tomorrow Ryoma would announce their engagement and she would face Hoshido as its future queen. Nothing could stop that, for better or for worse.
News spread fast once they made it back from Valla, her being something of a frequent visitor to the royal palace didn't exactly help keep a led on things either. Camilla did get a few chuckles and winks thrown her way as she walked the halls with Ryoma in her arms. Thankfully a decent number of the royal servants had warmed up to her, no doubt thanks to Leo and Sakura. Truthfully, it was largely thanks to the two of them that Camilla could even entertain hope that their announcement tomorrow wouldn't be a complete disaster.
"Out of curiosity one a scale of one to ten what are you expecting?" Camilla questioned.
"Either an eight or a seven."
"That's quite optimistic, I was expecting a nine or a ten. Leo may be one thing, but I am the 'Demon Daughter' of Nohr, the Scaled Bitch Hoshidan soldiers tell stories of to frighten new recruits."
"Well, on the positive side you'll at least have support from the military families." Ryoma chuckled thinking back to gifts and celebrations Camilla had been the inheritor of upon some of her visits. Though opinion of her may have been chilly at first, bit by bit his soldiers had begun to warm up to the Wyvern rider. It helped that Camilla dotted on each of them as much as she did the Nohrian soldiers. By the time the Silent War had ended enough of his men felt safe enough following Camilla's orders it hardly seemed to matter to them that she was a Nohrian. "You've gained something of a positive reputation around the capital with all your little shopping trips."
Smiling at his attempts to lift the mood Camilla turned completely on her side to wrap both her arms around him. In turn his right arm firmly coiled around her waist. "That was when I was still just a citizen, not someone they'll be required to bow to whenever I pass by." Speaking of passing by Camilla knew every time she stepped out she'd have to be on guard. Beruka, Kagero, Selena, and Saizo were the best retainers either of them could have asked for, but there was always the slim possibility they'd miss something. On top of that even with a full entourage of guards Camilla would still instinctively be on guard; she'd survived too many murder attempts to ignore the tingling in her bones whenever death was near. "On the positive side, since I'm queen I'll at least be able to get a good discount on any fabrics or cooking ingredients I buy." Provided that none of them are poisoned.
"I guess we'll simply have to roll the dice and see what fate gives us."
"And if we don't get what we want?"
"Simply make due with what's been given to you, isn't that a Nohrian saying?"
"Yes, it is." She answered shutting her eyes for what she hoped would be the last time. Here's hoping it holds up here in Hoshido.
Luckily for everyone Oboro had warmed up to Camilla during their time together during the Silent War. When it became clear she and Ryoma were going to become a couple she'd appointed herself the axe-wielder's personal dresser and stylist; Camilla didn't really have much of an argument against it as not only did she like Oboro, but she was willing to take all the help she could get. Just about everyone from Ryoma to Takumi to Corrin himself breathed a sigh of relief as the interactions between the two dark-haired women proved positive. If Camilla could sway Oboro then they had hope for the rest of the country.
"If there will be one thing said about this day, let it be said you went out there dressed in the finest Hoshidan robes ever woven!" Oboro thundered dragging her away as she and Ryoma exited their room and prepared themselves for the announcement. In the aftermath Ryoma himself was left looking somewhat wide-eyed at the place where his fiancée had just been.
"Lord Ryoma, if you'd please." One of the servants beckoned causing Ryoma to recollect himself.
Rare was it when Ryoma actually showered something even resembling nervousness or doubt. Generally speaking, those were the times that tended to worry people, and often for good reason. In a rather twisted way, it allowed the high prince, soon to be king, company in his uneasy. That same company also made Ryoma's stomach churn. As Hoshido's leader, it was his duty to inspire hope and courage, not merely feed the worries of those around him. Regardless, as he looked into the mirror, all he could feel was uneasy. It was a feeling that refused to go down no matter how many times he slashed at it.
Part of him knew it was politics. Battles fought with blades and arrows were…for better or for worse, painfully simple compared to battles of words and public opinion. On the field of war, one's character could be judged based on how they reacted to death around them. He and his siblings had seen the true character of their Nohrian counterparts while fighting the Silent War. Ryoma had been able to swallow many of the things he'd been told about Nohr were wrong, and in some cases complete and utter lies. In turn, Xander and his siblings had the courtesy to admit they were been wrong in some assumptions regarding those of Hoshido. Those realizations had been carried from the battlefield and into the homes of Hoshido and Nohr. From there things had become…rocky, but not without improvements.
Sakura and Leo's relationship had gone well enough, but they weren't about to inherent the throne any time soon. Not to mention, Leo was…well, he had a slightly better reputation than Camilla.
As his servants worked to secure his kimono, Ryoma's mind turned to his fiancée. Rumors had run rampant well before he proposed to Camilla going on two months ago. Given his station, and Camilla's, whispers had been the tone the rumors were spoken in. Barely a day after he'd returned to his home and practically the entire capital was buzzing with the news he'd proposed to Camilla. Personally, Ryoma found it somewhere between frustrating and amusing. His family and court of advisors that told him she'd be accepted, in time. While Ryoma had silently nodded, he kept his true thoughts to himself, and later revealed them only to his siblings and Yukimura. He wanted Camilla to be accepted, but not because she was to be his wife, but because she truly was a noble and kind woman.
Getting his people to believe such a thing would be an uphill battle he'd been fighting, and this announcement would be the first of many future engagements. Victory or defeat would leave an undeniable mark on history. So many things that could go wrong, and so many that could go right.
He could count the number of times he'd worn the ceremonial white, red, and golden kimono that now adorned his body. Emblazed upon his back was the star-like emblem of the Kingdom of Hoshido. Countless men and women before him had worn the mon, and he prayed he'd do them justice. Actually, more than anything, for those men such as his father, he prayed he'd do their names as husbands and fathers justice.
"You look splendid, Lord Ryoma." Came the voice of Kagero as the Servants parted ways to allow their lord to examine his reflection.
"Bit of a kiss-up, don't you think? I believe such words are better saved for our queen." It took Saizo a full minute to realize his partner and his lord were trying hard to repress their laughter. After a second or two, the dots connected. "You tricked me."
Kagero did nothing but smile at her partner's death glare, simply shrugging it off as many did. "Know this, milord, should anyone attempt any actions against Lady Camilla, we will be there to stop them."
"Discretely of course." Added the one-eyed ninja. "In the meantime, you see…um…"
"Well, this is a surprise," Ryoma chuckled crossing his arms while his bodyguard shrunk away. "Saizo, you wouldn't happen to know something I don't, and you're actually holding off on telling me. If I didn't know any better, I could have sworn the sky turned green and fire has begun to fall from the heavens." In response to his light-hearted accusation, Saizo turned away and grumbled. This was just what I needed to break up the stress. Sighed the brown-haired man. "Alright then, I suppose that's enough delay, there's an announcement to be made."
"Really, you're not going to press Saizo for what the big secret is?" Kagero innocently inquired causing her partner to glare at her.
"Saizo, I've known you long enough to know when I should be worried. The look on your face tells me not to worry, it tells me it's one of those things I'll probably be-" He was out the door and turning into the hallway when his eyes set sight on it. For the next several seconds, Ryoma's mind came to a grinding halt. Only faintly, was he aware of Kagero's repressed snickering, and Saizo's half-hearted threats.
The soon-to-be queen of Hoshido giggled. "You'll probably be what? Ryoma, is something on your mind? Perhaps some nervous jitters you'd like to get out before we go to speak?"
It was a well-known fact that Camilla possessed the power to captivate Ryoma. Things had been different when they first met, he'd proven practically immune to her womanly charms, but as his feelings for her had deepened, he become suspectable to them. That fact quickly became common knowledge. Another well-known fact was that Camilla looked absolutely stunning in Hoshidan clothes.
Oboro had without a doubt had done her best work on the kimono that the Norhian woman now wore. Darkness and light met one another in a perfect mixture. The royal tailor had decided to go with a nigh-sky motif, literally. Starting from the bottom and going up, the darkness grew lighter and lighter until what had been purplish-blue had become a bright and enticing pink. Dotting the "night-sky" were dozens of pure-white flowers, like beautiful stars illuminating the darkness. Speaking of flowers, a freshly plucked and vibrant kiku sat in the midst of Camilla's lavender strands. It only served to bring out the beauty in her similarly colored eyes.
Ryoma's mouth hung open in a slight gap as the Nohrian woman approaching him, smiling all along the way. A measure of sense returned to him as he felt her gentle hand upon his cheek. He had a brief second to bask in her touch before he felt her lips upon his. Almost immediately, he gave himself away to the kiss, momentarily forgetting they had eyes on them, many eyes. Camilla quietly pulled away, a light blush playing at her cheeks.
"Sorry, I just couldn't help myself. I suppose old habits die hard and all that." She playfully offered.
"Well, um, you are the queen so…" Once again, Saizo brought all attention onto himself, an act he deeply regretted. This time though, it wasn't just his fellow bodyguard and lord watching him, but his own significant other.
"You pretty much walked right into that one." Beruka coughed causing her lover to direct his glare toward her. Unlike Kagero though, it was incredibly lacking in the already small amount of venom. If anything, the Nohrian simply met him with a dull stare silently reinforcing her point. "Lady Camilla, Lord Ryoma, we stand at the ready should anything go wrong."
"I'm starting to feel if we keep talking about things going wrong then something probably will go wrong." Grumbled Kagero.
"In that case, let's stop waiting around and just get to it!" As one could have guessed, it fell to Selene to break-up the tension. In the only way she knew how to. "Look, there's literally thousands waiting outside for this big announcement, one that practically everyone already knows about, so let's just do it! Besides, anyone stupid enough to throw a rock or shout something stupid won't live to see the next sunrise."
"I feel that's putting it lightly." Aside from the two ninjas standing not four feet from him, the ex-assassin turned Wyvern-rider who guarded his soon-to-be wife, and Selene herself, Ryoma could count at least several other people who'd be on the warpath if anyone publicly spoke out against Camilla. Chief among them would be Leo, who'd no doubt have the unfortunate soul in a wooden coffin before the sun had set. Then there'd probably be Hinoka, who'd come to regard Camilla like a sister…followed by perhaps Takumi giving said person the verbal lashing of a lifetime. The more he pondered it, the more he began to feel an easy-going smile form on his face.
"Well-said, Selene. What do you think, my beloved king? Ready to formally introduce me to the people?" His brightening mood had not gone unnoticed by Camilla. Her hand found his, giving it a soft squeeze. It was just the spark needed for him to roll back his shoulders and hold his head up high.
"As you command, my queen."
"I'm not queen yet, but I like hearing the title."
Saizo, Kagero, and Beruka disappeared into the shadows leaving only Selene, who grumbled how out of the four "royal bodyguards" she was the only one without any major stealth training. Not that she wanted any of it mind you, she was more than content following the path of the sword and sorcery. That, and she often liked to add Ryoma and Camilla needed one protector they could physically see at most times. And at times she joked how she might be all the protection the royal couple needed; Kagero was at times willing to humor her while Saizo and Beruka weren't. Personally, Ryoma and Camilla actually found it assuming at times. In moments like this though, her presence served to relax them. They were surely going to need it.
Together, they walked down the hallway, each step feeling like the crossing of an entire mountain. Strange and surreal didn't even begin to cover it; they each usually served as pillars of strength and confidence for their respective kin and allies. In time, they'd become just that to each other, and yet it still seemed it wasn't enough. Neither could hide the anxiety building within them, yet it wasn't a completely hopeless situation. Ryoma's hand found its way to Camilla's, pleasantly surprising her. Knowing their time was brief, Camilla leaned her head against her love's shoulders.
"I won't deny that I'm a little bit scared. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I've ever felt like this." She murmured in a soft voice.
"You are not alone. To be frank, I believe I'd rather be battling Faceless or the Vallites than doing this, not exactly the behavior of a future king." Noted the samurai with a humorful chuckle.
Camilla giggled while fighting the urge to stop and kiss him right there. "No, but they are the words of a human being, a man with thoughts and feelings, fears and doubts. Seeing such a thing honestly helps put me at slight ease. At best, I might receive a tepid clap that's on par with crickets chirping."
It was somewhat disheartening how such a low bar was perhaps the best thing they could realistically hope for. That said, it was certainly preferable to cries of outrage and scorn. They were both mature people who knew it took time for people's feelings to change, especially when it came to matters of the heart. A Nohrian woman becoming queen of Hoshido, a princess of Nohr. While it wouldn't directly affect the day-to-day proceedings of the kingdom, it was still a topic the people would air their opinion regarding. Words could hurt, cut deeper than any blade could, but time could sometimes heal such wounds.
Takumi and Hinoka were making the needed pre-reveal speeches, doing their best to ease the crowd into things. For Hinoka, this was somewhat natural, but for Takumi, it was a small spark of hope. Years ago, having him stand before the masses giving an impassion speech about unity and acceptance. They clung onto that hope and prayed that it would carry them through what was without a doubt going to be a rough patch in their lives.
"And now," started Takumi straightening up.
"May we introduce our King, Ryoma no Ashikage, and his soon-to-be Queen, Camilla Garon Le Soir!"
That was their signal. The curtain had risen and there was no point in hiding in the shadows. Giving each other a tight squeeze, the swordsman and Wyvern-rider walked out of the shadows, hand-in-hand, into the light. Surprisingly, the late winter breeze was pleasantly light, warm almost. They'd made it through the worst of winter and spring was on its way. Everything had been planned out, they'd wed underneath the blossoming of the sakura trees, just a little way after Leo and Sakura would be celebrating their wedding anniversary. Both knew it was going to be anything but quiet, for a number of reasons. Speaking of which, silence was the first thing they faced upon stepping out onto the balcony overlooking the assembled people of Hoshido.
Having crowded into the streets were hundreds boarding on thousands, that's merely what their eyes could see. A myriad of faces, all working through various emotions. Ryoma and Camilla patiently waited a few tension-filled seconds to gauge as many reactions as they could. They saw anger, shock, disbelief, and even some bits of happiness and ease. It wasn't like this announcement was coming as a major surprise. Gossip had been running rampant for months, close to a year. That said, hearing something from word of mouth and actually seeing it were two different things.
Not to mention accepting that one's world had just radically changed.
People had been somewhat able to accept Leo as a prince of Hoshido, but now they had to contend with his elder sister, high princess of Nohr, was going to be high queen of Hoshido.
A full-blown minute of complete silence passed, then another. Gradually, the royals and their attendants were becoming nervous. Several looked to each other rather to speak and even requesting permission to do so. It was clear everyone had some sort of idea of how to salvage the situation, rather or not it would work was another matter entirely.
Camilla had her own idea, and she wasted no time in executing it. Giving Ryoma a soft smile, she stepped forward putting herself up against the railing. Before her lay a crowd of thousands of people who'd no doubt been told all manners of stories about her. For many, this was probably their first time seeing her in person. It was the perfect opportunity to show them the real her. "People of Hoshido!" she began summoning the inner strength she so often called upon in battle. This time though, it was channeled not into an axe or tome but into her words. "I know for a fact that many things have been spoken of me, some of them good…but most of them ill. I will not deny whose blood runs in my veins, whose banner I have waved and killed for in the past. I will not deny that I have taken sons from this land, stolen things that can never be reclaimed. I stand before you to say I will take responsibility for it all! My father, former King Garon, spent a life time making war, but I do not wish to follow into his footsteps! You have my word that every breath I take, every action I choose to perform, will be done with the safety and well-being of Hoshido and its populace in mind!"
While it was already accepted that Camilla would speak, exactly what she was going to say had been something of a tightly guarded secret. The wavy-haired Nohrian woman was anything but shy unlike her younger sister-in-law. Matter of fact, several had either consciously or subconsciously looked forward to what Camilla's speech would be. As expected, she'd certainly opened strong.
A mixture of shock, amazement, and discontent was brewing within the masses below. Though her words had been powerful, it was quite obvious a number saw them as just that-words.
She wasn't finished yet. "Many of you are probably asking what good is my word? I am the daughter of King Garon the Conqueror, the Demon Daughter of Nohr, a butcher and murdering. My word is as bounding as that of a common criminal, is it not?" A part of her wanted to speak out in defense of her homeland, the urge was strong, especially since there was more than likely some Nohrians mixed in with the crowd. It was going to be a long time before her people could count for even one-percent of Hoshido's population. "I can stand here making assurances until the sun has set and risen again, but I will show my worth through my actions as your queen, as wife to your king! Despise me if you wish, but know this, as your queen I shall never torn my back on Hoshido! Some of you may never accept me as your queen, but I will accept every man, woman, and child in Hoshido as my family! I will defend you all to my dying breath, no matter what it may take or cost me! That is my vow to you all as your queen!"
Once again, silence blanketed the castle and the castle courtyard. Fear and anxiety steadily began to rise as mid-day clouds passed over the sun casting a dark shadow over the land.
And then change happened.
Pinpointing where it came from was rather difficult, but there was no denying it. Clapping, honest clapping. Some of it was tepid while others were more energetic, regardless, it could all be heard. Slowly, it increased and began to spread. Punching through the gloom were rays of light that slowly but surely began to grow. Passing overhead, the sun poked outward, casting its warmth upon Hoshido and its people. Said people were still muttering to themselves, but more and more of them were joining in. For some of them, it was likely out of curtsy, but it at least showed that hope wasn't lost.
Camilla couldn't keep her lips from ticking upward into a hopeful smile as the applause grew louder. Neither could her fiancée contain his joy at not just the response, but her speech. Boldly, he stepped forward, once more grasping her hand. It caught her by momentary surprise. Seeing him, the makings of tears in his eyes just as her own, she had to fight back the urge to throw her arms around his neck. His stepping forward had an immediate affect as the crowd quickly escalated into roaring shouts and claps of approval. While her word had done some good, it was Ryoma's presence that was needed for the final push. Camilla could live with that. Again, she knew time was needed, and so long as Ryoma was with her she could shoulder a hundred years of struggle.
"As I spoke to you all little more than two years ago, long as Nohr been our perceived enemy and opposite in every regard, but no more! As many of you have surely noticed, what separates us may be a flag or weapon, but in the end, we are all the same! We are all human with wants and desires, things to cherish and hold dear. I stand before you all, alongside a woman who was once my enemy, but has now become the most important person in my life to vouch for this belief!" He sounded off in the voice that had helped inspire men against the undead and a mad dragon. "With her at my side, I too vow to chart a future for Hoshido! A future not of violence or bloodshed, but one of peace and cooperation with our neighbors!" Another roar of approving cheers and applause went up. To Ryoma and Camilla, it was sweet music to their ears, and a gong of relief.
They stood before them all, side-by-side as they had in the Silent War. Very little yet so much had changed since then. The road they'd begun to walk down through their war had yet to end, but they felt they'd just passed a significant milestone. They had every intention of going the rest of the way, wherever it may lead them and whatever hurdles lay ahead of them.
"To be blunt, that went far better than I could ever have expected." Chuckled the wavy-haired Nohrian while softly patting her beloved Wyvern. Marzia rumbled in silent agreement with her owner.
"I believe all that we owe to you. Camilla, you truly are an incredible woman." Again, Marzia huffed in approval, raising her head to affectionately nuzzle Ryoma's cheek. It was a show of affection he'd grown used to, and come to treasure. Not to be outdone, Camilla laughed and planted a chaste kiss on her lover's left cheek.
"Well, I never did like public speaking, but going into the army tends to force one to develop such skills. I'd…honestly hoped to never have to use them off of the battlefield." Her gaze went to the sunset before them. To say it was a welcoming sun would have been an understatement. It was hard for her to tell which was grander, the sunsets of her homeland or those of Hoshido. She found it something of a coin toss. "I suppose I can't go back now, not that I want to. Ryoma, do you think I…do you think I did a good enough job today?"
Rare it was when Camilla let her insecurities show, the doubtful side of her that reminded him so much of Sakura and Takumi. His response was immediate. She happily relaxed into the kiss he brought her into, spreading her hands against his chest. Once they separated for air, Camilla happily embraced the warm comfort of his chest. "You did better than anyone could have hoped. Did you not hear the people clapping for you?"
"I'm inclined to believe it was more for you than me, but I'll try to be the optimist." Chuckled the Nohrian woman. "I did my best for your sake, and Sakura, and Takumi, and Hinoka, and-"
"Just as a queen should." He softly cut off placing a light kiss atop her head. It was a nice turnaround as usually Camilla was the one doing the head kissing, primarily to those she cared for. "If I may, perhaps the hard part might be over."
She laughed again, tracing lazy circles on his chest while moving her left hand upward to play with his gorgeous brown strands. "Not so fast, your highness. We still have the actual wedding to get to. Remember, we had to contend with four assassination plots when Sakura and Leo finally tied the knot. I imagine I'll be having three times as many, and that's perfect we even get to the day itself. Since I'm to be married I suppose I won't be able to deal with them myself. It would not due for Hoshido's queen to be caught with a blood axe in hand and her would-be-killer's head in her grasp."
There was very little doubt in Ryoma's mind such a thing might end up happening. He knew that when it came down to it, Camilla held little issue with killing to sustain her life or the lives of those close to her, especially in the latter case. Sadly, he already had an idea what such assassins would say upon capture. Not exactly the finest last words before they're either killed or carted away to be imprisoned for life. Then again, he found it hard to feel sorry for such people considering they'd let their own pride and hatred get the better of them rather than at least trying to live with it contained.
Camilla shifted in his arms so she was able to face the setting sun alongside him. Atop this pleasant little hill in a quiet forest they were no longer royals, simply a couple enjoying a moment to themselves. In the future, they wouldn't be having such moments often so they had to make the most of them whenever they could.
"Camilla,"
"Hm,"
"I…thank you for letting me love you." Just as it was rare to see her showing shyness, it was equally so to see the great samurai warrior showing a child-like blush.
To Camilla, it was absolutely adorable. Wrapping one arm around his neck, she whispered. "Ryoma, I feel like that's what I should be saying. Like I said…you're a very straight forward and honest man, a complete contrast to a woman like me." Turning back to face him, her eyes seemed to glow with the light of the setting sun. Truly, a princess of the dusk. "But I promise everyday to make myself worthy of your love and care."
Coiled around the couple, the black-scaled Wyvern peered in delight. Though darkness was falling, dawn was breaking over the metaphysical horizon. The dawn of a new era for Hoshido. Time would tell how it would proceed, but one thing was for sure-black and white would intertwine, starting with the samurai garbed in red and the princess strewn atop the fire-breathing drake. Together, they would chart a path forward into the unknown.
And there's the big announcement of Ryoma and Camilla's relationship, or at least the official version since most of the characters already knew. For some detail, the last names were made up on the spot and have some meaning. Ashikaga obviously comes from the Ashikaga Shogunate, which was ironically ended by Oda Nobunaga, a man who I feel embodies Nohr's "glory-seeking" ways quite well. For Camilla and to an extent the Nohr royals, Le Soir is Frnech for "evening" or "eve" referring to dusk. There were some other phrases but I figured Le Soir rolled off the tongue best.