Definition: to regulate, conduct, or manage:
Example: to order one's life for greater leisure.
June 21, 792
Lucy sat there in the guild hall, looking at the piece of paper before her. A frown marring her facial features as she re-read the letter for the eleventh time that day. She had been shocked to receive the letter at the guild, but still, it had her brooding. Knowing that no matter what happened she was going to do what is asked of her. Even if nothing would come of it in the end, she had given her word and would do her duty.
But in all honesty, she was a bit shocked that her father finally found someone already that he thought would be a good marriage match for her. It hadn't been quite a year yet since she had helped get him his business and the Konzern back, on top of making the agreement. Though it all boiled down in the end to whether she was okay with it or not. After everything was done and said, her father came to his senses and said that he wanted her to marry for happiness and possibly love. But at the same time, he wanted an heir for the family.
So if the man or rather men he picked didn't agree to what she wanted in terms, she could refute the match and walk away. Thought, Lucy knew he meant well, he wanted a prestigious family with a good long history to be her match. Not some common born person, like he had been before he made his fortune. He would still accept such a person, but that man had better be prepared for learning how to run the family business' and managing land.
The perfect man wasn't out there for in her opinion since the man had to meet most if not all of her father requirements and hers. Which were relatively simple, let her continue being a mage and member of Fairy Tail. She was exceptional at multitasking. Her responsibilities to both would go in the order of family first and the guilds second as she would be married and have a spouse. This time from the guild would be taken away, leaving those behind. The next on her list would accept her guild members as they were for whom they were. All the good and bad, meaning that they shouldn't' ever expect her to leave them and forget them completely.
The last thing on her list was that she wanted them to be compatible and have a good strong chance of eventually loving them. A loveless marriage was not an option since she wanted what her parents had. A marriage that as full of love and caring, so that the kids that would spring from the union would know what it looked like, as well as what it felt like. On top of getting to be potential mages themselves, so they'd be loved by the guild she was a part of and saw as her extended family.
Letting out a sigh as she looked up, seeing MiraJane watching her carefully. Grateful when the white-haired mage didn't say anything, just put another strawberry smoothie in front of her. Giving a grateful smile, Lucy began sipping on it as she read the letter once more. Knowing that she'd have to gather her teammates up and meet with master altogether. Her mind already formulating their reactions to what she was going to tell them. Well except for Natsu, who had yet to return from his training trip, leaving her wishing he was back already.
Finishing up her smoothie, Lucy got up with a thank you to MiraJane and walked to the table with Erza and Gray, giving them a friendly smile. "Hey come with me to Master's office please."
her words a soft request that had them looking at her with worry in their eyes as they nodded and followed her as she turned. Easily she navigated the full guild hall with its rowdy people, drinking and regaling stories of their missions. Climbing the stairs two at a time, Lucy stopped at the top looking back at her teammates, suddenly missing Natsu even more. Which much of showed as both Erza and Gray smiled sadly back at her.
Giving a soft laugh, that wasn't a true laugh, Lucy walked to Master Makarov's door and knocked. Waiting until she got permission to enter. Opening the door, she leads the other two in, looking around noting that Laxus was sitting on the loveseat, arms crossed over his chest. Blue eyes boring into her, as his ever-present frown on his lips. Rolling her eyes she turned to face her guild master, as the door clicked shut.
"Lucy, child what do you need? Or rather Team Natsu?" he asked, as he leaned back in his chair.
Already having Laxus filled in on the situation with her father, since he was next to take the seat of Guild Master, Lucy took a deep breath and walked forward placing the letter on the desk. Seal face up so he knew where it came from. Watching with bated breath as he picked it up and read it over swiftly. Once he was finished Lucy decided to just get it over with.
"My father has requested my person for a possible marriage match. I am to be there in a week to meet him before the annual Fourth of July festival. The latter the guild is invited to attend." she stated in a flat voice, mentally counting down.
The first person to speak up about it was a surprise. "This is a bunch of bullshit and you know it blondie. I don't know why you agreed to that stipulation in our contract with your father. That man has put you through the wringer and then some."
Turning to look at Laxus, Lucy just smiled at him with her eyebrows raised. "Really now Laxus. Why shouldn't I forgive my father like I have Gajeel and you for the wrongs you have done me in the past?" she asked in a soft sing-song like voice.
Seeing him visibly flinch at her question, though he didn't answer it. Instead of looking away out of the rooms only window behind his grandfather. That was answer enough for her on that topic. Slowly she turned to look at her teammates, waiting for their responses. Noting that both had a displeased mask on their faces.
Next to speak up was Erza, "I do not like it any better than Laxus. But I accept this is your choice with the agreement with your father. But duly noted that he better be informed that if he even makes you cry I will take him out back and teach him a lesson..." the smile that spread across her face as a dark aura popped up around her, caused a chill to run down Lucy's spine.
The fact that she heard two uncomfortable coughs from behind her as Gray stepped a little bit from Erza didn't go unmissed. "I know you're a strong person Lucy and will do as you see fit. And I don't' want to you to go any more than anyone else in this room. But I know that unless he is like an angel in a man's body, he won't meet the conditions you want to be met. All I can do is wait patiently here until I get to see you at the fourth of July Festival at your place. Just be glad that flame brain Natsu isn't here, otherwise you wouldn't get to leave."
Blinking a few times as she waited for the shock to wear off, before letting out a long peal of laughter. Stepping forward Lucy hugged Gray in thanks. Only to feel a vice-like a grip around her shoulders as her back was almost painfully pressed into the cold armor of Erza's. This was what she wanted and needed, this reassurance that they were going to be accepting of this. Since she told them about the contract, Lucy had a small tendril of fear in the back of her mind that they'd go all crazy and stop her from doing as she agreed to with her father.
"Thank you, guys. I will see you and everyone else from the guild on the fourth of next month. Do try to behave yourself until then. Because my father is having a magic showing contest set up for you all to display your magic. So get everyone to join if you can to showcase your talents." Lucy said as she squirmed her way out of the hug.
Moving further back until she saw everyone in the room with her, Lucy took a few breaths and let her contentment show as she continued speaking, "This festival was started by my mother, to help remind my father that they started out as common folk before the money rolled in. So there will be the local villages coming as well as the nobles that are affiliated with my father and his business. So it would mean a lot have you all there and showing your skills off in a safe manner."
At her words, she saw the smiles that spread across their faces as Master spoke, "I will have all the brats there and tell them to be on their best behavior as well... On top of making the contest a must attend priority Would it be okay to have groups doing a magic performance together?"
At his question, Lucy let the smile on her face get wider as she shook her head yes. "I will make sure that is a go as long as they don't go too far over the top."
The feeling of elation welling up through her person was something she didn't want to let go. And since she was leaving tomorrow to head home, this was the perfect end to her day. As they stayed there continuing to talk and joke with each other. Telling stories about missions with each other for a few more hours. Before eventually heading their own ways. Erza to the bar for cake, Gray to talk with a few of the guild members and Lucy to go home and pack.
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Lahar frowned down at the envelope sitting before him on his desk. The wax seal, bearing his family's crest staring up at him as if mocking him. Narrowing his indigo gaze at it, hoping it would just vanish from his desk. After a few more minutes of just staring at it, he gave a sigh and picked it up and opened it. Feeling the cold sensation of dread creeping through his body with each word he read. Before crumpling it up and tossing it across the office in anger.
"WHOA!" Doranbolt said as he came to a stop coming in the door, just in time to miss getting hit by the flying projectile. "What did that piece of paper ever do to you Lahar."
Not even bothering to look at his partner, Lahar began to clean his desktop off. There was no time to delay in doing as the letter stated. What was written in it would mean his life would be changing depending on how things went in the very near future. He was so focused on cleaning his desk that he jumped when Doranbolt bellowed loudly in shock. Drawing his gaze up to his partner, to see that he was holding the letter in his hands, reading it.
Closing his eyes as Doranbolt looked at him, eyes nearly popping out of his head. His mouth working thought no words came out of it. Lahar was mentally trying to calm himself down while reminding himself that it was his own fault that the buffoon read the letter. When he felt calm enough he opened his eyes to see the man staring at him with sadness in his gaze. A sight he wasn't used to from him.
"I am sorry Lahar. At least it isn't set in stone, just a meeting in a few days. There is a possibility that she will, hopefully, and politely reject the offer. Since you seem to of late have something or rather someone on your mind." Doranbolt said, his voice low and almost hollow.
Narrowing his eyes to thin slits, Lahar wanted to give a silent warning to the man but knew he spoke the truth. Since White Day, His mind had been rather occupied by a certain blond hair mage. The fact that Doranbolt found out about it was because he had been walking Wendy to Fairy Hills for the night when they both saw him leave the house that held Lucy's apartment. And he would be damned if that little blue-haired Dragon Slayer didn't have a knack for extracting information from people.
Cause he spilled everything as he walked with them to return the small girl back to the Fairy Hills. Only to have it dawn on him as he stood there in silence that they were both staring at him in silence. That was when Wendy stated, that it sounded like he was falling in love with Lucy. Which was easy to do, since she was a really amazing and caring person. Straight away he denied that it was a possibility that was what happens.
Only to have Doranbolt say that he too was in love with Lucy. Only to react by swinging around feeling rage at his friend as he went to grab him by the shirt. When the smile on Doranbolt jumped back and put his hands up, laughing like a lunatic. Lahar stopped and began to analyze his reaction and feelings. At which point he felt a small hand on him, causing him to look down at Wendy, who just smiled and told him not to worry. Then gave a hug to Doranbolt before going into the dormitory for the night.
It had been almost three and a half months since then and it had taken some time to come to terms with it. But once he did, Lahar realized that his life while now turned around, was flowing as it should and he was a bit less irritable with everyone around him. Letting out a breath as he slumped back in his chair, Lahar looked lost at his partner, who was now standing in front of his desk, laying the offending piece of paper on it.
"Hey, Lahar I suggest go and meet this person. Talk with her and then tell her that you're in love with someone else. I am sure that she might be a bit more sympathetic to you about it, thus helping her back out of the whole arrangement. I mean it can hurt to do that. Afterward, attempt to talk to your parents and tell them how you feel and what you want. I mean I understand that you are in a very delicate place with your responsibilities to your family. But I mean, it can't hurt anything right?" He said, before turning and going back to his desk to start working on his own pile of paperwork.
Staring in stunned silence at his friend, Lahar let a weary smile flit across his face before giving a shake of his head. The advice that Doranbolt gave at random was sometimes the best in the world. And he would be taking this advice. So with that now filed away, Lahar went back to cleaning his desk so he could go inform his superiors and leave. Travel time from Era to the meeting place was two days of the three he had. Since his parents were taking no chances for him to weasel out of this potential marriage meeting. Which left him angry and worried, since it was his father that had found the said girl.
Hoping that telling her would do the trick or make it easier in swaying her to not want this matchup. With long strides, Lahar walked out of the Magic Council meeting room, a frown on his face at the reactions he had gotten from them. Not liking the fact that they'd already been informed of the situation and that he had better hurry and go. Narrowing his eyes as he let his anger show on his face, causing people to literally jump out of his way as he made his way from the building and to his apartment in the city proper of Era. Have long ago refused to stay in the barracks with everyone else.
The walk was a short one, as he reached his small one-story studio flat. With practiced ease, he unlocked the door and opened it. Stepping into the very simple and plain room, closing the door behind him. Taking a moment to calm down before packing the necessities he would need as well as a presentable suit with his family crest on it. Lahar was done and out of the apartment in less than an hour.
Since his father had stated that his ticket was already purchased, he just had to give his name to pick it up, Lahar made tracks to the train station in record time. Fuming silently at all of this, as he picked up the ticket and boarded the train. Glad that he was in a cart all to himself so he didn't have to listen to other peoples idle chatter with his current state of mind. Eventually, the stress of everything caught up to him, along with the rocking of the train, Lahar fell asleep.
A few days later found him standing rigidly behind his parents as they set on a small two-seat couch. All three of them patiently waiting for the other parties to arrive. He had plied his parents to find out who the potential marriage match was. But neither of them would budge and just tell him. Only serving to make him all the more irritable and wanting to pull his hair from his head. Not having control over anything concerning this, including any tidbit of information was really trying his last shred of patience.
So when the double doors were opened, he focused on them, only to feel his eyes go wide at who he saw there. Jude Heartfilia stepped through, with his daughter on his arm, both dressed up in a casual, yet formal manner. Seeing Lucy in a deep pink and maroon strapless dress, that had a corset that accentuated the abundant curves of her figure, while making her skin tone look even paler than it was. Had him relaxing, even if her face was set in a mask of neutrality like his own. Through her eyes belied her shock at seeing him there.
When he parents stood up and stepped forward to greet Jude and Lucy, Lahar waited until his father called him forward. The whole time he had a silent conversation with Lucy via their eyes. Picking up on the fact that she was left in the dark as well about this whole thing. Leaving them both feeling relieved and unsettled. So, as he stepped up, reaching out and drawing Lucy's hand into his own, placing a polite kiss on the back of it.
Lahar noted the deep blush on her face, as well as more than pleased look in her eyes. The small smile that graced her lips, spoke volumes of her happiness as she demurely looked away from him. Not wanting to let the kiss linger as it wasn't polite, Lahar let her hand go as he straightened himself back out. Assessing the situation of both their parents, to see looks of contentment and amusement on their faces. Which caused him to wonder why his dad chooses Lucy Heartfilia.
He didn't have long to wait for that answer as they all took their seats in the small drawing room. His father explained that he had seen Lucy and him dancing the last August. And was impressed with the fact that she not only had gotten him to dance but to talk as well. Then again on New Year's Eve, they had put themselves in their own little world, ignoring everyone around them. But the fact that he had seen Lahar smile and show a variety of emotions, had again caused his father to wonder.
That was when his father stated that he looked into the background of Lucy Heartfilia and her father. He was honest about being a bit put off about them starting out as common folk, but he couldn't deny that Lucy was a quick thinker, adjusting rapidly to situations and willing to fight for what she believed in. Even if she was apart of one of the most infamous guilds in Fiore. Which caused a small sniff from Lucy as she gave a cold look at his dad, earning a deep chuckle from him.
At that point Lahar's mother spoke up, stating that it was that sense of responsibility and willingness to go to great lengths for the things that Lucy cared about that really made her stand out. Lucy being a mage was a bit of a pause in making the decision, but ultimately Lahars mom said, it is what made them agree to it since magic ran on her side of the family and they too were of common born stock. But like his dad, it was the fact that Lucy had made him show emotions and talk that helped in making this choice.
What had cemented it and got them to call Jude was the fact that they'd heard he was going all out trying to find the perfect white day gift to give to Lucy, in return for her Valentines Day chocolate he had accepted. That gave him pause as he turned his now narrowed gaze on his parents at that. Only to have his mother laugh delightedly at the look he shot them. Before explaining that she had her ways of finding out things, in only the way mothers could.
After all the explaining on his parent's side was done, Jude just simply stated that he saw how Lucy smiled and seemed to be comfortable around Lahar the two times. That she was willing to seek him out and smile as softly as Layla had when they were young and in love while in Love and Lucky. Made him accept it, though he said it was her right to walk away from the whole ordeal. It was Lucy's choice to take the match or not.
The small smile on Lucy's face as Lahar turned to her, made his heart swell. The faint blush as her eyes was half shut and she looked pleased yet shyly at him. Making glad that he had already accepted the fact that he was in love with her. She was truly a rare gem, one that he'd be an idiot to let escape his grasp. So when their parents excused themselves so that they could speak privately.
The moment the door was closed, Lahar let out a breath he wasn't aware he was holding as he slumped back into his chair, eyes on Lucy who did the same. Not wanting to waste a moment he spoke up, "I will be honest with you Lucy. If you are accepting of this, I wouldn't mind at all. I mean.. your a wonderful person, who is truly fascinating to get to know. There are so many sides of you, that I feel I could spend my lifetime trying to get to see them all..."
He trailed off as he realized what he said, to blush darkly from the root of his hair down his neck and into his shirt. Looking away in embarrassment, as Lucy just started to chuckle. Feeling like an idiot, Lahar unconsciously let his mask slam back into place. Body stiffening reflectively at her reaction, as he went subconsciously into professional lockdown mode. His eyes looking at her with a guarded expression.
The frown that appeared on her face as she watched him shut down at her chuckle, made him cringe internally. "Lahar, please don't lock yourself away. I wasn't trying to be rude, what you said made me happy and I just well reacted as I would naturally. Before I give my answer, I need to know a few things okay."
Her soft voice, calming him down and having him relax as he nodded his head, indicating that she should continue. With a small smile and worry in her eyes she spoke, "I need to know that you don't expect me to give up being a Fairy Tail Mage. That I have to give up the guild that has become my family. Because I need the man I marry to accept them as a part of me because I am a mage through and through. It is a part of me that I will never give up, not for any person in the world. I will always put my husband and eventually the family we have together first and foremost, as well as the duties to whatever business that we have together, before being a mage."
The finality of the look she gave him, was also a silent plea to him. Closing his eyes as he thought it over, Lahar realized that was part of her that he liked. She was an exceptional mage, who was loyal. And telling her that she wouldn't be allowed to be a mage at all, was like capturing a wild bird and breaking its wings so it couldn't fly away. It would kill her slowly over time. Besides, she was good and multitasking on a few levels from what he read in her file, in the council archives. So he couldn't do that. But accepting her guild was a bit of a stretch since he had more than enough paperwork on his desk because of them.
They were still her family and a part of who she was at the core. With a sigh, Lahar opened his eyes and looked at her seriously for a few seconds, before giving his answer. "I would never ask you to give up your mage status. Your magic is rare as it is, on top of how close you are to your spirits. I couldn't bring myself to do that to you or anyone for that matter. As for accepting your guild, I would definitely try, given the past history we share. Which is not really the best, but if you accept, I will not be helping to get them out of any trouble with the council, since I do all the paperwork."
The look she gave him was comically breathtaking. She let out a long exaggerated breath and slouched in her chair while grinning at him with her heart showing in her eyes as she spoke. "GOOD! I am happy to hear that. Just one more question for you. And you absolutely have to answer this and be completely honest with me Lahar. When did you realize you were in love with me?"
If one could choke on air, he would do it in that second. Her question caught him off guard, as she pulled the carpet from under his feet yet again. Unable to help himself, Lahar broke out in a fit of deep chuckling. Shaking his head back and forth as he looked at her, her face full of amused exasperation. While she waited patiently for him collect himself to respond.
After a few good minutes, Lahar was able to give her his answer. "After white day. Like I said you are an unintentional enabler. So, let's make this official." With that said, Lahar shifted himself from his seat, to kneel before her, taking her hand in his and speaking again, "Will you Lucy Heartfillia, do me the honor of being my wife?"
The blush that crept across her cheeks and the bridge of her nose was absolutely adorable. The fact he could feel her pulse beat rapidly under his fingertips on his wrist, made him grin wolfishly at her, as she looked away and softly spoke, "Yes, Lahar Zieger."