: 2 :

:: Stranger ::

( Constructive criticism and reviews only, no flames )

"It's so hot!"

"Stop whining already! You're making the heat a lot worse!"

Tear sighed at the sight of the two bickering. Anise and Luke were both leaning on the concrete wall beside the tent. They stopped at the Desert Oasis to learn the whereabouts of the Zao Ruins; their supposed next destination. She had forgotten though who suggested the idea, even she was affected by the heat.

"There's water blessed by Yulia right in front of you. Why don't you pay a hundred gald for a drink?" Tear started after Luke and Anise fought over a water bottle. "Hey! You're right Tear! But...a hundred gald...? Isn't that too expensive?" Anise whined. While she was caught off-guard, Luke snatched the water bottle and drank the rest.

He gasped after gulping the liquid down and grinned sheepishly. "You're too slow!" he said proudly. Anise pouted and crossed her arms angrily. "Boooo! You have absolutely NO manners for beautiful girls!" Tear sighed again. "A hundred gald isn't that expensive Anise. Just refill the water jug. I'll loan you some money if you want."

"Really Tear? Oh you're so nice! I love you!" Anise replied sweetly, eyes sparkling. "I can't believe you're this gullible Tear! You're letting her spend all our money!" Luke added. "It's money for a good cause! Do you WANT us to die in the heat when we leave?" said Anise as Tear handed her the money for water.

"Besides, why am I even wondering? You're rich anyway so, I'll forgive you." Anise winked, running towards the center of the oasis near the well with water. Luke's eye twitched. "Is money all you ever think about?!"

"I have to agree with you though..." Natalia suddenly spoke up. She walked towards them, together with Guy holding some supplies they bought inside the tent. "The heat isn't very welcoming."

"Yeah. I know it must be hard on you Luke. You've never got to experience this kind of heat in the manor." Guy added, handing the gels and life bottles over to Tear. "Thank you." She replied. "I kinda miss the manor now that you mentioned that..." Luke sighed.

"Oh please! You'll have lots of time to stay in the manor once we get married!" Anise grinned dreamily. Luke made a face. "Excuse me Anise?" Natalia cocked an eyebrow after handing another one of the bags to Tear. "Did you say something?" Anise laughed nervously. "Ahaha! Nothing Natalia!"

"Hey, Jade and Sophia are back. Let's get going." Guy said suddenly. They all turned to look at the two, walking slowly towards them.

I must admit, our first meeting was...awkward, if not quite amusing for the others. Not the best of circumstances either, but nevertheless, it was probably necessary. I remember very well when I was younger. (Well, much younger than I still am.) I was to marry someone from the House of Ivanov-Tatravoskie. It used to be very famous in both parts of the world, although they originated in Kimlasca-Lanvaldear. I had heard that they moved to be legal citizens in Malkuth just before we were engaged for marriage. (They had many economical problems after the fall of Hod and I assumed then that the marriage was nothing more than a scheme for money but I may be wrong. There were no details as to what really happened to them, other than they owned many properties in Hod.)

I was shocked that I agreed so quickly to the proposal. I haven't even met the young lady, and there I was, saying yes as if we had known each other for forever. I surprise even myself at times; my kindness knows no bounds.

I did not forget that proposal, even though I escalated into higher ranks in the military. I'd be inconsiderate if I did. And a certain blonde someone consistently reminded me of how I was to be wed at such a young age so yes, it was very hard not to forget.

But even if Peony (Oops. It just slipped out.) didn't batter me with so frequently, it somehow never left my mind. I wasn't excited or anything but, it served a purpose. Stability perhaps? Who knows? It's just ironic that we met so many years later. How long did she wait? Oh...I would estimate it for around five to fifteen years. But, once again, that's just me.

I also found out that she's six years younger than I am. Making me (quite a very young age, may I point out.) thirty five, she must probably be still in her late twenties. To be precise, twenty-nine. Strange how everyone thought she was still a teenager. It's probably because they're all used to being around them. Ah, the joys of the youth.

I won't lie to myself. I'm very honest. I, among others, found her to be very beautiful. (It's quite obvious in their stare when we were first introduced, or, rather, when I introduced her.) I'm not shocked at all with this, seeing as how I'm connected with Emperor Peony.

She brought me a letter as well from the emperor during that meeting. I'd rather not read it aloud, the details are excruciatingly precise. (And to think he writes so formally when he sends letters to others. Am I supposed to be touched?) It seems that Sophia was sent here with us to accompany me. I don't see why not, as long as she isn't a hindrance to us and to our objective. The emperor believes that the more time we spend together, the less awkward it would seem once we actually do the deed of 'tying the knot'. (I'm starting to sound like those youngsters!)

We hadn't traveled that far and already she was welcomed. (Tear helped since as usual, a certain red-head refused to actually care. Oh well.) It was a very amusing sight when she tried to shake Guy's hand. He accidentally bumped into Tear and then towards Anise. My goodness, his luck with women is amazing.

I don't know that much about Sophia and I doubt she knows about me as well. Well, she's here and it seems as if everything is going alright. Since I am the emperors' subordinate, I might as well follow orders. Who knows; this little experience could be beneficial for the both of us, given the circumstance.

However, just because both of us seem willing enough doesn't mean I'd be happy to say "I do." just yet.