THE grand hall of Alexandria Castle echoed with the sounds of bustling servants and the clinking of silverware as Beatrix and Steiner made their way toward the entrance. Queen Garnet had announced a feast to celebrate her coronation and Zidane's return, a boy whom Beatrix had only met once but heard plenty of stories of since Steiner had convinced her to remain in Alexandria, and the anticipation in the air was palpable.
The air was filled with the enticing aroma of various dishes, and the flickering candles cast a warm glow over the long, ornate tables. As they approached the entrance to the hall, the aroma grew stronger, and Beatrix and Steiner exchanged curious glances.
The castle, usually dining on cold hard pork chops, seemed unusually lively. Beatrix adjusted the hilt of her sword, God Save the Queen, and Steiner straightened his armor, ready for any unexpected turn of events.
Upon entering the hall, their eyes widened in amazement. The long tables were adorned with golden turkey breasts, their rich aroma wafting through the air. Heaps of mashed potatoes, swimming in dark, savory gravy, were placed strategically next to platters of roasted vegetables and exotic fruits. The sight was a feast for the eyes before the feast for the stomach.
The usual austere atmosphere of the castle was replaced by a sense of celebration. Beatrix and Steiner couldn't help but marvel at the transformation. The grandeur of the feast was beyond anything they had expected, and the realization that this was no ordinary meal dawned upon them. Queen Garnet, seated at the head of the table, looked radiant in her royal attire. As Beatrix and Steiner approached, Garnet's eyes lit up, and a warm smile graced her lips.
"Beatrix, Steiner, welcome!" Queen Garnet exclaimed, rising from her seat. "I trust you're ready to enjoy a feast fit for royalty."
Beatrix nodded, still taking in the breathtaking display of culinary delights. "Your Majesty, this is beyond our expectations. What is the occasion?"
Garnet chuckled, gesturing to the lavish spread. "Consider it a celebration of our victories and a token of appreciation for your unwavering loyalty. And I have someone special to thank for this."
As Garnet spoke, a figure emerged from the bustling kitchen, adorned in a chef's hat and apron. It was none other than Quina, the eccentric Qu who had found a home in Alexandria. A wide grin stretched across Quina's face as they approached, a ladle in hand.
"Quina has been working tirelessly in the kitchens, creating this culinary masterpiece for all of us," Garnet explained, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.
Quina nodded enthusiastically. "Cooking for friends is an honor! Queen Garnet say celebrate, so Quina make the best food!"
Beatrix and Steiner exchanged a glance.
As Beatrix took her seat at the table, she couldn't shake off a subtle feeling of unease. Her eyes inadvertently fell upon Quina, the eccentric Qu chef, who stood nearby, still beaming with pride at the culinary creation. Beatrix's finely tuned instincts as a warrior and a leader made her attuned to the subtle shifts in atmosphere.
Quina's appearance, with their round, bulbous body, and unusual attire, sparked an involuntary scrunch of Beatrix's nose. A flicker of repulsion and a hint of terror danced in her eyes. Though she had faced formidable adversaries on the battlefield, the eccentricity of Quina seemed to strike a chord of discomfort within her.
Steiner, ever the vigilant and perceptive knight, sensed Beatrix's unease. He discreetly glanced at her, noting the subtle change in her demeanor. The way she eyed Quina and the involuntary twitch of her nose did not escape his notice.
"Is something amiss, Captain?" Steiner inquired in a hushed tone, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
Beatrix shifted her gaze from Quina to Steiner, her expression masked with composure but her eyes revealing a flicker of concern. "It's... nothing, Steiner. Just an unexpected sight, that's all."
Quina, oblivious to Beatrix's inner turmoil, continued to enthusiastically describe the culinary delights on the table. "Golden turkey breasts, mashed potatoes, yummie yummie! You try, you like!"
Beatrix managed a polite smile, though her eyes still betrayed a hint of discomfort. She discreetly nudged Steiner and leaned in to whisper, "There's something about that Qu that unnerves me. I can't quite put my finger on it."
Steiner, always protective of his friends, and these days, now that they were together, especially her, narrowed his eyes in scrutiny but maintained a composed exterior.
"Perhaps it's the eccentric nature of Quina. They are indeed a unique individual. However, we are here to celebrate, Captain. Let us focus on the feast and the company, Beatrix."
Beatrix nodded, acknowledging Steiner's wisdom. As they turned their attention back to the table, she made a conscious effort to push aside her unease and immerse herself in the joyous atmosphere. The grand feast, the laughter, and the sense of camaraderie were meant to be cherished, and Beatrix resolved to set aside her reservations for the sake of the celebration.
As Beatrix and Steiner attempted to immerse themselves in the festivities, Beatrix's keen eyes caught sight of a little girl sitting further down the table. The child, no more than eight years old, gazed at Beatrix with wide, curious eyes. Her untouched plate of food sat before her, forgotten in her fascination with the imposing figure of the captain of the guard.
Intrigued by the young summoner's unwavering gaze, Beatrix couldn't help but feel a gentle tug at her heart. She offered a warm smile to Eiko, hoping to alleviate any shyness that might have held her back.
Steiner, sensing Beatrix's attention diverted, followed her gaze to the young observer. His stern countenance softened as he observed the innocence and wonder in Eiko's eyes.
The little summoner, encouraged by Beatrix's smile, summoned the courage to speak. "Are you the general?" she asked, her voice a soft murmur.
Beatrix nodded, her demeanor softening in the presence of the young summoner. "Yes, I am. General Beatrix of the Alexandrian guard. What's your name?"
Eiko hesitated for a moment before answering, "I'm Eiko. You're really brave, General Beatrix. I saw you with your sword at the play once."
A hint of pride flickered in Beatrix's eyes at the genuine admiration in Eiko's words. "Thank you, Eiko. It's a pleasure to meet you. Why aren't you enjoying the feast? The food looks delicious."
Eiko lowered her gaze, a hint of sadness clouding her eyes. "I'm not used to this kind of food. It's so fancy. Zidane and the others said I should try it, but I'm scared I won't like it."
Beatrix's heart softened at Eiko's innocence. She glanced at Steiner, silently communicating a shared concern for the young summoner.
Without hesitation, Beatrix leaned in, her voice gentle and reassuring. "Food is meant to be enjoyed, Eiko. Don't be afraid to try something new. Sometimes, the most unexpected things can bring the greatest joy. And if you don't like it, that's perfectly fine. The important thing is to give it a chance."
Eiko looked up at Beatrix, her apprehension slowly transforming into a hopeful curiosity. With a shy smile, she tentatively picked up her fork and sampled a small bite of the golden turkey.
Beatrix and Steiner exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging the small yet meaningful connection forged in that moment.
Eiko, with her usual childlike curiosity, couldn't help but be intrigued by Beatrix's eye patch. She tilted her head, looking at Beatrix with wide eyes. "Beatrix, how did you lose your eye?" she asked innocently, her curiosity shining through.
Beatrix, caught off guard by the unexpected question, flushed slightly. She exchanged a glance with Steiner before turning her attention to Eiko. "Well, my dear, it's a long story," she began, choosing her words carefully. "I suppose I was a bit careless with my body parts in the past."
Eiko's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Really? Was it in a fierce battle?"
Beatrix hesitated, feeling the weight of Steiner's gaze upon her. "Yes, you could say it was in a battle, but not the kind you might imagine," she replied, trying to keep a composed demeanor.
Eiko leaned forward, eager for details. "Tell me, tell me!"
Before Beatrix could respond, Cid and Hilda exchanged concerned glances. "Eiko, dear, you shouldn't pry into people's matters," Hilda gently scolded, her voice motherly.
However, Beatrix raised a hand, signaling that it was right. "No, no, it's quite alright. Eiko is just curious," she assured them, giving a reassuring smile.
Eiko persisted, looking directly at Beatrix. "Come on, how did it happen?"
Beatrix sighed, deciding to share a simplified version of the story. "Well, you see, Steiner and I were dueling one day," she began, glancing at Steiner with a hint of playfulness.
Steiner, feeling the weight of the spotlight on him, cleared his throat awkwardly. "Yes, we were sparring, and, um, it was an accident," he admitted, avoiding eye contact with anyone.
Eiko furrowed her brow in confusion. "But you two are dating! Why would you hurt her?"
Steiner's embarrassment deepened. "It wasn't intentional, believe me. It was just... sheer dumb luck that I won the duel, and Beatrix happened to lose her eye in the process."
Beatrix chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, love sometimes comes with a few battle scars, and in my case, an eye patch. But Steiner here has been nothing but a gentleman since then."
Steiner nodded in agreement, still blushing. "Yes, and I've been making up for it ever since."
As the laughter echoed in the dining hall, Beatrix's playful side emerged. She couldn't resist teasing Steiner a bit further. Leaning in, she whispered in a voice that only he could hear, her tone flirtatious and mischievous.
"You know, Steiner, I've always considered losing an eye a small price to pay for winning your heart in that duel," Beatrix teased, her eyes sparkling with a playful glint.
Steiner, still blushing, couldn't help but smile at her words. "Beatrix, you're incorrigible," he whispered back, a mixture of embarrassment and affection in his voice.
She chuckled softly, enjoying the private moment between them. "But it's true, my dear Steiner. A little battle scar adds a touch of mystery, don't you think?"
Steiner couldn't deny the twinkle in his eye as he looked at Beatrix. "Well, you certainly know how to make the best of a situation," he admitted with a smirk.
Beatrix leaned back, her playful expression turning into a more tender one. She placed a hand on Steiner's, intertwining their fingers. "It's all in good fun, my love. Besides, it's a reminder that life can be unexpected, and love, even more so."
Steiner couldn't help but be captivated by Beatrix's charm. "You always have a way of putting things into perspective," he admitted, a genuine warmth in his eyes.
As they shared a quiet moment of connection, the lively atmosphere of the dining hall continued around them. Queen Garnet and the others engaged in conversation, unaware of the private exchange between Steiner and Beatrix.
The playful banter and tender moments between the two warriors added a layer of depth to their relationship, making it clear that love could indeed bloom amidst battles and accidents.
Just as the private exchange between Steiner and Beatrix deepened, Eiko, still caught up in the excitement of the conversation, couldn't hold back a revelation of her own.
With wide eyes and a mischievous smile, she blurted out, "You know, I'm really glad that letter I wrote brought you two together!"
Beatrix and Steiner exchanged stunned glances, their hands still intertwined. The revelation hit them like a bolt of lightning.
They had never been able to figure out the mystery behind the heartfelt letter that Steiner had found, the letter that had played a pivotal role in bringing them closer together.
"You wrote that letter?" Beatrix asked, her eyes widening in surprise.
Eiko nodded, the mischievous smile now replaced with a gleeful one. "Yep!" Eiko's revelation hung in the air, creating a moment of shared surprise and realization. With a mischievous smile, she confessed, "Actually, I meant that letter for Zidane, but I'm glad it found its way to Steiner instead!"
Beatrix and Steiner exchanged a look of astonishment. The mystery of the heartfelt letter took an unexpected turn as Eiko explained her original intention.
"You...wrote it for Zidane?" Beatrix asked slowly, her eyebrows raised in curiosity.
Eiko nodded, a playful twinkle in her eye. "Yes, I thought Zidane needed a little push in the love department. But it seems like fate had other plans, and the letter chose a different recipient."
Steiner, still processing the revelation, couldn't help but chuckle at the twist of fate. "So, all this time, we thought it was meant for us, and it was meant for Zidane?"
Eiko giggled. "Yep! I guess love works in mysterious ways. Zidane never did find out about the letter, though."
Beatrix shook her head in amazement. "Well, Eiko, you certainly have a talent for unintentional matchmaking. Who would have thought that a letter meant for one person could change the course of another's love story?"
The group erupted in laughter, the unexpected turn of events adding a new layer of humor to the tale. The dining hall buzzed with a sense of joy and camaraderie, as the revelation brought about a light-hearted atmosphere. Fate, it seemed, had a way of surprising even the most seasoned warriors and their young friends.
As the laughter echoed through the dining hall, Steiner found himself caught in a mix of emotions. Embarrassment tinted his cheeks as he realized the romantic misdirection that had brought him and Beatrix together. He cleared his throat, attempting to regain composure.
"So, it was meant for Zidane, not me," Steiner muttered, feeling a bit sheepish.
Eiko nodded, still grinning mischievously. "Yep! But hey, I'm glad it worked out for you two instead. Sometimes, fate has its own plans."
Beatrix, ever the playful one, nudged Steiner with a teasing smile. "Well, my dear, it seems like our love story had a touch of serendipity, thanks to Eiko's letter."
Steiner managed a bashful smile, grateful for Beatrix's light-hearted take on the situation. "Indeed, a letter meant for someone else brought us together."
The group continued to share in the amusement, the unexpected revelation adding an extra layer of warmth to their camaraderie. Steiner, though still a bit embarrassed, couldn't help but appreciate the twist of fate that had shaped his relationship with Beatrix.
Love, it appeared, could arise from the most unexpected and unintentional beginnings.
As the dining hall resonated with laughter and lighthearted banter, Steiner couldn't shake off the feeling that fate, in its peculiar ways, had led him to a love story that was uniquely theirs.
As the lively conversation continued in the dining hall, Beatrix couldn't ignore the subtle signs of Steiner's lingering embarrassment. His occasional glances toward the others, combined with a noticeable unease, didn't escape her keen observation. Determined to ease his discomfort, Beatrix decided to take matters into her own hands.
Excusing herself gracefully from the table, she turned to Steiner with a gentle smile. "Steiner, would you mind joining me for a moment? There's something I'd like to discuss privately."
Steiner, grateful for the opportunity to step away from the teasing atmosphere, nodded in agreement. "Of course, Beatrix. Lead the way."
Hand in hand, they left the lively dining hall, under the watchful eyes of the castle's occupants. The corridor they entered was dimly lit, providing a contrast to the vibrant scene they had just left behind. Beatrix guided Steiner with a reassuring touch, leading him away from the prying eyes.
Once they found a quiet alcove, Beatrix turned to Steiner, her gaze filled with understanding. "Steiner, I couldn't help but notice that you were a bit uncomfortable back there. Are you alright?"
Steiner sighed, his embarrassment still evident. "It's just... the revelation about the letter and all. I can't believe it was meant for Zidane, not me."
Beatrix smiled, her thumb gently caressing the back of his hand. "Steiner, it doesn't change anything between us. The letter may have been meant for someone else, but our love is real. That's what matters."
He looked into her eyes, finding comfort in her words. "You're right, Beatrix. I just... I guess I let it get to me."
She leaned in, placing a soft kiss on his cheek. "Let's not allow a letter to cast a shadow on our love. We create our own story, and that's what makes it special."
Encouraged by her words, Steiner's embarrassment began to fade. "You always know how to put things in perspective."
Beatrix chuckled, her playful spirit returning. "Well, that's what I'm here for. Now, shall we return to the dining hall and enjoy the rest of the evening?" Beatrix, sensing Steiner's renewed spirit, leaned in closer to him. With a subtle, inviting smile, she whispered, "I think we've spent enough time away. What do you say we add a bit of our own flavor to the evening?"
Steiner met her gaze, a newfound warmth in his eyes. "I couldn't agree more."
Amid the lively chatter, Beatrix gently took Steiner's hand and led him to a more secluded area, away from the prying eyes of the castle. The flickering torchlight cast a soft glow on their faces as they stood in a moment of quiet intimacy.
Without a word, Beatrix closed the distance between them, her eyes locked onto Steiner's. They shared a tender, lingering kiss, a silent affirmation of the love that had endured through battles, revelations, and the twists of fate. The taste of sweetness lingered in the air as they pulled back, their foreheads touching.
Steiner, his earlier embarrassment replaced by a sense of closeness, whispered, "Thank you, Beatrix. I needed that."
Beatrix smiled, her fingers gently tracing his cheek. "Sometimes, a kiss is the best remedy, Steiner, my love. Now, let's return to the others and enjoy the rest of the evening."
Hand in hand, they walked back into the bustling dining hall, their shared moment adding an extra layer of depth to the night.
The revelry continued, but now, Beatrix and Steiner found comfort in knowing that their love story was uniquely theirs, a journey filled with unexpected twists and, most importantly, a deep and enduring connection.