The Lady in Red Fur
Chapter 14
Queen Ifalna sat at her desk looking over a document. She was dressed as regal as ever with her jewel encrusted crown upon her head. Smiling, she looked up at the men around her desk. Her advisers were among her waiting anxiously.
"It seems everything is in order gentlemen." she said leaning back in her chair.
"What a relief," Lazard said.
"Thank the heavens," Bugenhagen said, clasping his hands together. "Thank the heavens."
Ifalna looked at them and took a quill sitting on the edge of the desk and dipped it in ink.
"Once I sign this there is no going back," she said amusingly.
"As if we would want to," Heidegger said stroking his beard.
Palmer then added, "Saves us a hefty sum."
Hollander chuckled, "Sign away my queen and we shall have it delivered immediately."
"Of course," Lazard interjected, "I am sure it would not matter with your daughter if you signed it or not."
"Of course not." Ifalna laughed, her smile wide.
She signed the paper and then handed it to Lazard. He gently folded it for her and placed it in a envelope. Ifalna took out a stamp just as Lazard placed a seal of wax upon. She pressed the seal into the wax, the symbol of the Cetra Kingdom appeared, crisp and neat.
"Do you think it's too early for them to discuss marriage already?" Lazard asked. "After all..."
"The wedding will be much sooner than expected." Buganhagen added. "Children these days are so impatient."
Ifalna chuckled. "I think they know each other well to make the decision."
"Perhaps," Hollander said thoughtfully. "But as Palmer stated, this wedding will not be as nearly as expensive as the last one we attempted to plan."
Soon after King Weiss's short visit to Midgar, the announcement that King Cloud would take Princess Aerith as his queen spread like wildfire.
"That is all for the day gentlemen. I am sure we must all prepare for our journey to Midgar. After all I must look upon the man who intends to marry my daughter."
One by one the advisers left until the only other two people in the room with the queen was her bodyguard and a woman with brown hair. Ifalna looked over at them her smile still present on her face.
"Things seemed to work out better than expected, hm?" She said to the two.
"Much better," Cissnei said.
Cissnei had made a full recovery and with no scars to hinder her appearance. Ifalna was glad to see the young woman up, about, and able to come back to work. She was even more grateful to see Angeal back in his position as her bodyguard.
"It will be a long trip to Midgar." The queen said. "I think Aerith is so much in love that she does not want to be away from that king of hers."
Cissnei smirked. "Well, can you blame her? He seems so kind and gentle."
"No, not after what I put her through I cannot blame her." Ifalna sighed. "The king already wrote to me asking that the wedding be held as soon as possible. Oh, I should oblige my future son-in-law. He has done so much for the kingdom already."
"My queen... if I may ask..." Cissnei said.
"Speak, my dear," Ifalna nodded.
"Did it frighten you when Aerith was missing." she asked. "I know it's not right for me to ask but you seemed so strong during her disappearance."
"A mother never stops worrying for her child... but I knew she would be all right."
"But..."
"Anyway," Ifalna interrupted. "Cissnei I need to ask you to do me a favor. I know how long it has been since you seen my daughter and I am certain she has been fretting over you for so long. So I would like you to go on ahead to Midgar. Also, Elmyra will be joining you. She has been up in arms and I know she will bawl her eyes out of she does not see my daughter soon."
Cissnei looked shocked. Of course she wanted to see her princess who she thought of as a sister. It pained her to think that Aerith was worried about her for her own foolishness. Yet, it made her happy that the queen would send her ahead to visit with her. It was very kind of her. She did not even mind having Elmyra with her. She may have been a little smothering but a lovely woman nonetheless.
"I shall leave as soon as I am able then." Cissnei said turning to leave.
"Before you go," Ifalna called out. "Would you be inclined to take a special cargo with you."
"Oh, is it a engagement gift?" Cissnei asked.
Ifalna shook her head. "No, but give it to Aerith. She will know exactly who to give it to."
Cissnei looked confused. "What is the cargo, if I may ask."
Ifalna had a glint in her eyes. "Kupo nuts."
Cissnei looked at her in confusion. She would have asked why she had to deliver kupo nuts had not the queen urged her off. She bowed politely to her queen and went to the door only to nearly collide with Reeve in the process. They politely excused one another with Cissnei leaving and Reeve enter the room Reeve was carrying a toy cat in his arms.
"My queen," Reeve said with a bow.
"Reeve," she nodded. "How are things?"
The youngest of her advisers stood up. "Everything is going splendid."
"I owe you a debt of gratitude you know," she said. "You have helped me immensely."
Reeve shook his head. "No, my queen, it was my duty. I am always looking out for the well being of this kingdom, everyone included."
"So you do not mind sitting here while we all visit with my daughter?" she asked. "You will unfortunately have to miss the festivities."
Reeve smiled as he looked down at his cat. "I don't think I will miss much unless there is more security than normal. However, I think I will find it interesting to finally sit in the most comfortable chair in the kingdom."
"HA!" the queen snorted, ignoring the fact that her noise was not ladylike. "Do not get used to it. Just think of it as keeping it warm for me until I return."
Reeve nodded. "As you say, my queen."
Ifalna found Reeve to be the most suitable person to look after the kingdom while she enjoyed her visit. She looked over at his cat toy which was wearing boots, gloves, scarf, and a crown.
"You could have made it less conspicuous." Ifalna noted.
"As if a talking cat was not already eye-catching. Maybe I should have made it into a moogle?" Reeve chuckled. "I am very fond of cats though."
"As am I, see to that our other furry friend is treated with care while I am gone." she instructed as he headed for the door.
He stopped to look back at her. "I don't think he could be treated better unless someone stood behind him and held a umbrella over his tail."
With that Reeve left the room. Ifalna sighed and motioned for Angeal to close the door. She was tired of guests, advisers, servants and the whole lot for the day. She just wanted to relax. Angeal shut the door as he was commanded. He stood in front of it as if to barricade it from anyone entering.
"I am so relieved this is all over." Ifalna said, her voice weary. "To think of all the things that could have gone wrong."
"And it all worked out for the best my queen." said Angeal.
The queen smiled. "Best for everyone, yes. Well perhaps not for King Weiss. However, for the kingdom, yes, it has. As I said before, as queen my duty is to my people. With this alliance our kingdom will be safe and secure..."
"However...?" Angeal asked.
"However, as a mother my duty will always be first and foremost my daughter. Do you think I would have allowed that marriage to commence? Had Aerith not already had a plan I was ready to ask you to do something incredibly foolish."
Angeal frowned. "Any request you ask of me is never foolish. It would have been a terrible mistake to allow that union."
Ifalna smiled weakly at him, feeling tired. "Had I not bumped into that moogle, Mog I believe his name was, when that whole commotion happened I would have died worrying for Aerith. Such a thoughtful creature."
"Did you truly trust these three tiny creatures to protect your daughter?" Angeal asked.
"Yes, and they did a fine job, don't you agree?" Ifalna lifted herself her chair and walked over to her window. "I fretted every day and prayed to the goddess to protect Aerith, regardless. Even if it had been you I would have worried. I am surprised how well those moogles were able to help us. I do hope the kupo nuts I have will be a decent thank you. Even though no amount could ever be enough."
Angeal walked over to the window and looked at Ifalna's tired face.
"You need rest my queen." he said.
"Now you are back to worrying about me? Maybe I should send you off with Cissnei." Ifalna teased before sighing. "Oh my dear Angeal, it would have killed me to see Aerith wed that monster."
"It's over now, all is well." he assured her.
Ifalna nodded. "Go, prepare yourself for the journey. I wish to rest for now."
Angeal bowed to one knee before his queen. She smiled as he left and then looked out the window. She sighed contently and wondered. She wondered if the boy king was really as good and kind as Reeve said. Yet, if Aerith was willing to marry him she was sure he was. Her daughter always had a good judge of character. Thoughts of the her daughter marrying reminded her of her wedding day to her sweet late husband. How she missed him. She hoped that when Aerith married that her and her husband would have a long and happy life together.
XXX
Out in the garden of Midgar Castle, Cosmog, Moglin and Mog were busy gather kupo nuts from the now full tree. The three became excited that the cook was interested in the delicacy of kupo nuts and was prepared to learn to make kupo nut soup, bread, and (to Cosmog's suggestion) cream puffs.
Moglin reached for a nut only to have her paw collide into Cosmog's. She pulled her hand back and blushed furiously. Cosmog picked the nut and handed it to her. She shyly took it. Cosmog then cracked open a nut and began to eat it.
"Ugh," Moglin said annoyed. "Can you crunch any louder? Why can you be so nice sometimes and so annoying the next?"
Cosmog grinned before crunching really loudly, "Can't hear you I'm eating!"
Mog who was on a branch above them shook his head a small smile on his face. He continued to pick nuts when one of them slipped from his paw and fell to the ground near someone under the tree. Mog floated down to the ground to retrieve it. Next to him Aerith was leaning against the tree, relaxed, and eyes closed.
Mog smiled at her sleeping form. However, as he glanced over her a shadow loomed over him. Mog tilted his head up to see Cloud standing over him.
"Good day, your highness," Mog said softly so not to disturb Aerith.
"Good day, Mog," he greeted kindly. "I see you are gathering nuts."
Cosmog plopped down to the ground with his arm full of nuts. He looked up at the king grinning. Moglin floated down gracefully, her own arms full.
"The cook wishes to learn the secret of cooking kupo nuts." she explained.
"Perhaps I should plant another tree." Cloud jested. "The whole castle will become obsessed with your food. I know I enjoy it very much."
"Another tree..." Cosmog said thoughtfully.
"I know what you are thinking," Moglin said. "A whole tree just for you is not going to happen. More than likely it will just bring more moogles here."
Cloud raised a brow. "There are more of you?"
Mog nodded, "Oh yes. In fact my girlfriend would like to live here."
Cosmog and Moglin looked at Mog in shock.
"What?" Mog asked innocently.
"We didn't know you had a girlfriend," Moglin said.
Mog shrugged. "You never asked."
Cloud laughed softly. "Perhaps I will plant another tree then. However, if you do not mind may I have alone time with my princess?"
The moogles nodded and one by one flew off toward the kitchens. They wanted to get the chef cooking right away.
Cloud looked down at the sleeping princess. He could not help but think how beautiful and serene she looked. He knelt down to one knee and gazed at her face. It reminded him of the time she caught him napping in this very garden. She startled him when he awoke to find her over him. Yet, he did not want to give her a chance to awaken first.
He leaned forward and placed his lips to hers. After a second or two her lips pressed to his and a sound escaped her. Cloud broke from her and her eyes fluttered open. She looked surprised for a moment to see him but relaxed instantly.
"Cloud," she whispered. "Did I perchance fall asleep out here?"
Cloud nodded as he took a seat next to her. "Yes, and I was glad to be the one to wake you up."
Aerith blushed as he wrapped his arms around her. Aerith leaned into him, feeling safe in his warm embrace. She could have fallen asleep again like this.
"Remember when we first met?" he questioned.
"How could I forget?" Aerith replied.
"You saved my life."
Aerith shifted to look up at him. "You always remind me of that. But do not forget, now, you saved me too."
Cloud smiled down at her and placed a kiss on her forehead. "I suppose we are even now, My Lady."
"I love you, Cloud." she whispered.
"Then I guess it is a good time to give you this ring then," he said holding a beautiful engagement ring to her.
Aerith felt her heart swell and allowed him to place it on her. She looked up at Cloud again unable to stop smiling. He reached down to kiss her, lacing his hands with hers.
"You know, I am sure Rufus is waiting to bound from behind that corner at any moment," Aerith said. "He does have a knack for interrupting us."
"I gave him the day off," Cloud murmured kissing her again.
Aerith laughed and kissed him back.
"But unfortunately I do not," Cloud sighed. "A lot of preparations need to be done by today for the festivities."
"Do you wish to join me as I make plans," Cloud asked. "Although if you say no I will not blame you. It is going to be boring."
Aerith nodded but said, "In a little bit... I want to enjoy the weather a little longer. It feels good."
Cloud rose from his seat. "Take your time, My Lady."
"Cloud," Aerith called as he turned to leave causing him to look at her. "Say my name, please."
He grinned. "Aerith."
She loved it when he said her name. Cloud left her under the kupo nut tree. She hugged her knees to her chest and looked at the bright blue sky. It felt like an eternity being hidden away under the red coat. She wanted to enjoy every second she had being free of her fears. She wanted to be known as Aerith and not "My Lady," "Red," or whatever nickname people came up with.
A moment later Mog came flying back to the kupo tree when he noticed Aerith awake. He landed on the ground next to her, his yellow pompom swinging.
"Hello," he said casually.
"Hello," she greeted.
"Feeling better?" he asked.
"Much better..." she said before hesitating.
Mog looked up at her thoughtfully.
"I know I don't say this enough but... you, Moglin, and Cosmog... I owe you three so much. I don't think I could ever repay you."
Mog shrugged. "Friend's don't do things to get something in return. We did it because we love you."
Aerith heart thumped loudly.
"But, if you want to thank us you can teach the cook how to make kupo nut soup. I don't think he knows how delicate it is."
Aerith laughed, standing up. "Anything for you three."
Mog flew up and looked at her smiling face. Aerith poked his little pompom. She knew could not thank him enough for his help and the others. Even though Mog downplayed how important his role was in this it was him being humble. That was the type of friend he was. She was grateful for him. She always hoped that he, Moglin and Cosmog would stay with her.
"Mog, will you stay here with me? You, Moglin and Cosmog?" A hint of worry was in her voice.
"Kupo." Mog replied.
"Kupo," Aerith repeated.
Aerith smiled as she walked across the grassy knoll with Mog flying at her side.
The End
Author Note- Well, that's it for this story. I really enjoyed writing this and I hope you enjoyed reading it. If you are wondering why I ended it with Aerith and Mog talking instead of Aerith and Cloud it's because Aerith's connection with her friends was really the driving force behind the story. If it was not for them, Aerith would never met Cloud and her life would have been very different. Also, Ifalna very much knew everything was going on right as Aerith was fleeing. In truth she would have had Angeal smuggle her daughter away to protect her if Aerith had not already fled.
There were a lot of subplots I wanted to put into the story that did not make it in because it just seemed pointless so they were excluded but the one I sort of kept in was the mutual crush between Moglin and Cosmog. Also, Mog's girlfriend alludes to the fact he had a girlfriend in Final Fantasy 6.
The last two chapters were rather hard to write because I did not want a huge battle between Weiss and Cloud as it seemed unnecessary and I wanted Cloud to prove that Weiss was just a weak bully. How to end the story came down to what would sound good. If you were hoping for a massive reunion, sorry. You guys will just have to come up with your own reunion if that's what you were looking for.
Anyway, time to wind this up. Thank you all for reading. I appreciate your reviews, comments, and such. Until the next time.
Princess~