7/5/2014
Well it has been a while, family is over and we played Monopoly City for the first time, that game has been on our shelf untouched for way long. It was fun but we were playing from about 10 to midnight and I broke down and had a lunatic episode during the game. I don't know what happened.
Aside from that I've arrived at Makna and Melia is now in my group in my 3rd Xenoblade game. Between Makna, Eryth and Valak I can't decide which zone is more irritating to complete...location wise and quest wise.
Also, trailer for RWBY Volume 2 just came out! SUPA EXCITED! Looks radical!
Anyway again this was one of my favorite chapters to write though with it I am drawing ever closer to where I am currently writing, I'm going to try and sit down and flesh out CH26 before expanding on CH27 and finally moving onto CH28. I'm certain with all my plans in line this story will have a little over 30 chapters, I just need to stop stalling and write some more!
Cerulean Gold
Melior
"Hello! Yes, hello to you as well! Ah, you are looking good today. How are the kids? I see, brilliant!"
After yet another line of greetings Lucia found herself at her destination. A very nice hotel in the heart of Melior, the higher floors gave the patrons a brilliant view of Castle Crimea.
"Hello, Lucia, how is your day?" The man behind the counter asked with a smile.
"It's wonderful. Where are-"
"Ah yes, I thought you were here for them, fifth floor, left hall, second door."
With a bow Lucia continued on her way.
"We're going to be among friends, stop worrying about."
"B-but I can't…the Queen-"
"The Queen is your friend! She's my friend! She's our friend! We'll be fine!"
"I-I suppose…but what about the other uh…lord-ish types?"
"Who cares? They can take their opinions and-"
"Heather!"
"Right, right."
Smiling to herself and shaking her head Lucia knocked on the door "Heather. Nephenee. It's Lucia."
Standing before the door, she heard a bit of shuffling before Nephenee opened it and smiled "Uh…heya Lucia. How ya been?"
Lucia just smiled warmly, the shy country girl was in a rather simple dress though from her expression and the…quasi-argument it seems that she thought even this was too much. Her smooth cerulean hair fell over her shoulders and despite the absence of any sort of makeup she still-
"You look beautiful." Lucia stated, finishing her thoughts and causing Nephenee to blush.
"N-now I don't think-"
Heather moved past the other woman "Of course you do! Lucia, I tell her this all the time but she doesn't seem to understand."
Lucia laughed taking note of how in comparison Heather was in a much more…daring dress than her partner but that is to be expected.
"You look wonderful as well, Heather."
With a large grin the woman nodded "As do you Lucia, but that's nothing new I'm sure you know."
Smiling the swordmaster nodded before gesturing for the two to follow her "The castle isn't too far from here, you two set?"
Heather nodded and hooked her arm around Nephenee's "Ready to go, Neph?"
Looking at Heather and Lucia, Nephenee nodded.
The warm times of peace quickly gave way to the colder months as winter pulled in. The end of the year had arrived and Nephenee and Heather found themselves in Melior just as Marcia had suggested.
Queen Elincia was holding a rather large Winter Reception for the people of her Kingdom, they'd weathered the year and the nation was ever stronger following the long forgotten end to the Dawn War. The people had worked so hard at reconstruction not just in Crimea but all across Tellius, Elincia saw this as the perfect opportunity to thank all her people as well as wish for a better future for all of Tellius.
As the three walked Lucia turned to them "So, how have you two been enjoying Melior?"
"It's absolutely fantastic Lucia! So much to do and see, I'm not even sure we'll get it all done before we have to go!"
Smiling at the ecstatic rogue, Lucia turned to regard the other woman "And you Nephenee?"
"Huh? Oh! It's been great! I'm just not so sure that I fit in."
Lucia laughed lightly "That is why it's perfect that you and Heather are here. You two aren't the same as all the other people that live here…in this world, you're unique, and that's fine."
Heather pulled Nephenee closer and smiled "Very unique."
As Nephenee blushed, Lucia continued to laugh "Alright you two. By the way, how long have you been together?"
Heather and Nephenee regarded each other before the rogue spoke "I'd say since right before the Goddess saw fit to turn everyone to stone. So…six? Seven months?"
Lucia looked up at the sky "Has it really been that long?"
"To me…it don't feel like long at all…" Nephenee commented.
Shaking her head, Lucia smiled "Either way, let's just say my bringing you two here and everything is a much delayed thanks for your aid during the rebellion."
"Aw shucks Lucia, that was so long ago and we volunteered."
"Yes, and I am forever grateful for it. Nephenee, Heather, after everything we've fought through I really do consider the two of you close friends of mine."
"Right back at ya, Lucia!" Heather stated with a smile as Nephenee nodded.
Castle Crimea
The reception in Castle Crimea, in line with Elincia's open nature, welcomed all people of Crimea to come together in celebration of the rebirth of Crimea following the war.
Spirits were high and everyone seemed happy, the joyful environment helped steady most of Nephenee's nerves as she arrived arm in arm with Heather.
The group was immediately met by one of the servers, who seemed a bit…concerned "Milady, it seems Bastian-"
Lucia rolled her eyes "Of course. Nephenee, Heather, enjoy yourselves; I have something to take care of."
Bowing to them the swordmaster took off after the other man quickly as Heather pulled Nephenee in the other direction "Let's see if any familiar faces are around!"
Nephenee's first guess would have been the Mercenaries but she received notice from Mia a while ago that the group would be spending the end of the year on a much smaller scale back at the fort.
While initially disappointed Nephenee was cheered up by Mia who reminded her they'd get together soon enough with Mia's birthday early the following year.
What they did find was Marcia, who was actually enjoying herself.
"I figured you'd be on Makalov the whole time."
Heather stated to which the Falco Knight laughed and shook her head "No way. This whole thing to me is for me putting up with my brother all year. For at least this party I am not concerning myself with him. Besides…"
Marcia pointed, causing Nephenee and Heather to turn to Astrid who was following a Makalov that most likely had too much of something already.
"She'll take care of it; she is much more patient with him."
"I'm not! Just LOOK at him! What kind of knight does he think he is prancing around with a stomach full of life's sins! Has he no respect for his code!?"
The three found themselves smiling as Kieran appeared, waving his arms around frantically and raving about Makalov's insanity.
"Kieran."
The knight stopped all hysterics as he saw Nephenee "Ah, Nephenee…I…didn't…"
The knight fell dead silent before walking up to Nephenee and kneeling "My! Are you truly the same soldier that suffered through the indignity of imprisonment all those years ago?"
As Kieran took her hand and kissed it, Nephenee blushed "I-I'm still the same ol' Nephenee, even with this get up."
Standing Kieran smiling "I'm aware, but you look much more fantastic than one whose known you so long as a dear friend would expect…no offense."
Heather smiled as Kieran continued speaking to Nephenee; he was also one of the few who had no trouble getting through to the former Halberd, mainly because he was held in the same prison group as Nephenee and Brom for a while. They grew close and became friends to survive the conditions, though they've remained so long after.
"Alright Kieran, cool off, she's taken." Marcia joked as Kieran made a wounded gesture.
"Yes, I can tell by the way this one glares at me!"
Heather rolled her eyes "I'm not glaring. It's good to see you Kieran."
Once again the Axe Knight took Heather and kissed her hand, she learned after much rage against the Knight that there was no stopping his behavioral tendencies. With all the men she's met in her life, many exceptions were made for her allies during the war and Kieran; she just couldn't take him seriously for better or worse.
Seeing Heather looking around Marcia walked closer to her "Expecting anyone else?"
"All the knights are here, where is your commander?"
"Geoffrey? He said he'd be along soon; even now he is still quite the workaholic. Even Renning has dialed back his whole 'defense of the realm' thing, we're trusting him to drag Geoffrey out here whether the man wants it or not."
After several more minutes of discussion the group decided to move towards the feast.
The whole environment around her made Nephenee realize how 'out of her depth' she really was. With all the extremely well dressed noblemen and women around yet the nerves and worries seemed to vanish as she made out the not as extravagant workers and shop keeps from the city also enjoying themselves, as well as her friends that she currently traveled with.
"You're thinking far too much, Neph."
The cerulean haired woman snapped out of her thoughts and turned to Heather.
"I just feel so…what's the word? Content? It's so strange feeling so…normal."
"That happens to someone who has been through far more life or death situations that five normal people would in their lives."
"I suppose."
Heather leaned in and kissed her cheek "C'mon, let's eat."
Nodding, Nephenee smiled "She's right, now is not the time for thoughts about this n' that…now is time for…fun."
Sitting down the group began eating as Kieran told them of an old tale of his from before the Mad King's War.
"…this vile soul! So wretched! So evil! His lance I swear would pierce my very existence! No matter where it struck!"
"Even in your toe?" Marcia joked.
As Heather and Nephenee laughed, Kieran spoke up "ESPECIALLY MY TOE! All the existence in you pools at your feet, know you nothing!?"
Marcia rolled her eyes as Heather spoke "So this Lance Demon, did you meet him in combat?"
"Aye! But he toyed with me! Every time he had me in his sights, in range of his existence piercing weapon of death, he stopped! He berated me and left! I trained ever harder to defeat this man UNTIL!"
The three leaned in as Kieran inhaled "…he left."
"That's it? He just…left?" Marcia stated as Kieran nodded.
"I never attained that final battle I'd been longing! I swear I trained enough to topple him but until we met again, I returned to training!"
"Do you know what this uh…Lance Demon…looked like?" Nephenee asked to which Kieran nodded fiercely.
"I'll never forget! His emerald armor made of the souls and spirits of trees and nature! His green hair mocking the earth's grass! His non-seeing yet all seeing squinting eyes! Opening them would surely open the gates of-"
"Wait, wait, wait…are you…you aren't talking about Oscar, are you?" Heather asked incredulously causing Kieran to scream.
"THE NAME! THE NAME OF MY ETERNAL ENEMY! OSCAR! OSCAAAAAAAR!"
As Nephenee began to speak a woman appeared behind her and tapped her shoulder "Well don't you look fine in that dress?"
"Calill!"
As Nephenee stood and hugged Calill another man off to the side scratched his head "So what am I? Rotten meat?"
To which the small girl Amy replied "Of course not daddy, they're just good friends."
Heather and Marcia turned in their seats to face Largo and Amy. The big man nodded to them as Amy waved.
"Amy, stay with your mother and your friends, I'm going to get us some food."
"I know daddy."
Laughing Largo walked away as Amy sat next to Calill who sat across from Nephenee.
"It really is great seeing the two of you here, from Nephenee's letters it seems like everything is going great no?"
Heather shook her head "No, everything is going fantastic."
"You two are really pretty together." Amy commented causing Nephenee to blush and Heather to smile.
"Why thank you Amy, I think so as well."
As the smaller girl nodded Largo returned, Kieran moved over allowing him to sit next to his wife.
"Kieran, axe arm as strong as ever?"
"Indeed! Though I wish I could test it against you!"
Largo laughed "Well, the accident may have ended my axing days but I could still arm wrestle you into submission."
Kieran stood up proudly "Try me!"
"Not here Kieran."
The group turned in unison as Geoffrey approached; he looked tired but happy to see them all.
"Geoffrey, did Renning end up fetching you?"
Marcia asked causing the Lance Paladin to roll his eyes and sit down, before he could speak Renning appeared from the crowd "Yes I did."
As the Gold Knight vanished back into the crowd the group laughed while Geoffrey brought an open palm to his face.
"Well don't you all bring back some fine memories!"
The group turned now seeing Bastian, Lucia and Queen Elincia, smiling at them.
"Elincia! H-how've you been?"
The Queen nodded to Nephenee "I've been…well happy I guess. Putting this whole event together for the people has been really rewarding…though I'd never be fine with not stopping by to just…talk. I wish I could do so more often."
"Well then Queen Elincia, you're more than welcome!" Heather stated proudly.
The Queen and her retainers joined the group and as the night continued Astrid and Makalov eventually found their way to the group and more stories were shared filling those around the table with smiles and laughs.
A group of musicians were brought in and began playing slow songs, Largo stood and gestured for Calill who, feigned a lack of interest before joining her husband on the dance floor.
"C'mon Geoffrey, you've done enough sitting and working, live a little!" Marcia called as she pulled him to his feet.
"I'm not comfortable with this!" He yelled as Marcia brought him to the dance floor "Just relax for one night, seriously!"
"Yes please take my brother, make him have fun."
"Lucia!" Geoffrey called out before giving in and allowing Marcia to continue pulling him along.
Nephenee turned slowly to the golden haired woman at her side "H-heather."
"Yes, Neph?"
"Would…would you like to…dance?"
Heather smiled at her warmly as Nephenee stood and held out her hand. Taking it, Heather stood up after her "Of course."
The two, arm in arm began to sway around each other, slowly while their eyes remained locked.
The two danced just as any of the other love filled couples around them.
In one moment as Heather pulled Nephenee towards her, something powerful came to Rogue's mind. "I want this. I mean, I know I want this…I have it…but…I want it, forever."
Smiling to herself she pulled Nephenee in for a kiss. The two remained with each other for a few moments and normally, Nephenee would be a little concerned and aware of what she was doing and where she was. But those feelings didn't arise, she was just happy to be with Heather.
The pair eventually found themselves in one of Castle Crimea's Royal Gardens, sitting on a bench and looking up at the moon. Heather produced her blue jacket and wrapped it around Nephenee to protect her from the cold.
However, when the two came in contact, the warmth between them overpowered the winter's cold.
"Heather…I love you…"
The rogue smiled and kissed Nephenee lightly "I love you too, Nephenee."
The celebration of the year's end continued late into the night, but eventually the people began filing out and going home.
Nephenee and Heather returned home after thanking Lucia for the invitations and the set up at the hotel once again as well as speaking with their friends for a few more moments.
Entering their room, Nephenee sat on the bed while Heather flopped onto it "That was fun." She stated bluntly and wearily.
Nephenee nodded as Heather sat up behind her and pulled a bag out from under the bed.
"Heather?"
"Ah, ah, no peeking."
Nephenee looked out the window into the night as Heather approached her from behind and place something around her neck. As the clasp clicked Nephenee looked down to it, a necklace with a gold charm attached to it. Laid in the charm was a single, bright blue gem "Heather! I-"
"I know you said you didn't need nothin fancy, but seein as Christmas is comin soon and the mood is so right, I wanted to give it to you now."
Nephenee and Heather's eyes met, the rogue moved forward and held the charm up between them.
"You know what I call this?"
Nephenee shook her head as Heather ran her other hand through Nephenee's hair.
"Cerulean Gold."