closed 🪶⚡ all i really, really ever want is under the mistletoe

[garudas]

Who: Cidolfus Telamon & Benedikta Harman.
Status: Closed.
Where: Around places.
What: Cid and Benedikta follow a lead and sneak into a fancy holiday party. Event stuff TBA.
Warnings: it's them, what do you want from me



🥂 🎄 ❄️

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[ramuhs]

Buried myself in work.

[A wry grin as he looks out towards the dark night sky.]

I knew she needed to go, that it would be safer and she would be able to learn more than I could offer. But it really was hard to believe that eleven years had passed... Truthfully if she were any other child I'd say she was still too young.

Even now, I can only ever see her as that young, little girl that chased after my heels and clung to my legs wanting a ride on my shoulders.

[Especially since he's seeing her so much older than when he last saw her. He's gotten more used to it, now, but he'll always feel that gap.]

[garudas]

[Of course he did, and there is not a flicker of surprise on her face. Only that same regret that always comes when he reminisces about the days that she had not been there for. That she had missed. She averts her gaze, staring at the tree instead, watching as that little bit of her magic that she'd let wash over it start to fade.]

She has grown up quite a bit.

[Her voice is quiet, because any louder and he might hear it too.]

I suppose it is not entirely the same... She is your daughter. This is... an owl... And it is not as if he is going far.

[She doesn't know what she's getting so worked up about. Maybe she just doesn't like goodbyes anymore, and has a hard time letting go.]

[ramuhs]

It's more similar than you seem to be willing to admit.

[Whether or not he picked up on it, he just continues to hold her in his arms, his voice quiet and soft in that soothing, almost coaxing way.]

No matter how brief, you've watched him grow, took care of him, worried over him...

[He looks down at her.]

Gave a little space in your heart and loved him.

It's always going to be painful to see such an important part of your life grow up and leave.

[garudas]

[She makes a noise in the back of her throat, not quite an uncomfortable one, but at the way that her heart tugs at his words.]

I suppose you are right...

[She didn't want to be so soft and vulnerable, especially now, yet as she looks over the tree, she can't help but hope that he and Willow do choose to stay, and that they can at least watch over the new owls. Perhaps even help teach them how to fly.]

Look at me... They have not even gone anywhere yet and I am already a mess.

[Her fist bumps against his chest, giving him the tiniest shove.]

You've made me all soft. I ought to make you pay for that.

[ramuhs]

[A quiet laugh as he just leans back before falling forward to hug her closer.]

And what's wrong with being a little soft?

[garudas]

[She nuzzles her face into his neck, welcoming the warmth that seems to radiate from him.]

I've an image and a reputation to uphold. I cannot go around feeling attached to things.

[ramuhs]

So?

[Another laugh.]

Feeling attached to things can make one even stronger and fiercer.

[garudas]

Do you think me stronger and fiercer for being attached...

[She pecks him on the cheek with a kiss.]

... To you?

[ramuhs]

I would say so. Do you not agree?

[She's certainly become more adorable.]

[garudas]

[He'd better not speak a word of that out loud.]

Well... I suppose so. Because if you tell anyone about this, I will be sure to punish you accordingly. As I always do.

[Her hand presses to his chest, and her lips to his again, the sweetness and longing of it a stark contrast to her declaration.]

Were you not planning on returning to the party?

[ramuhs]

[He just smiles into that kiss because he knows full well how she is. Ever wanting to maintain that tough outer shell when she can be as soft as anyone. One day he hopes she won't see as much if a weakness as she still does.]

I am, but I've had a very needy dove who has been in need of my attention.

[garudas]

[She is getting better. She is at least allowing him to see this newer side of her that he has helped open up, but that may be as far as it ever goes. And even then, she feels embarrassed right now for it.]

But would you like to stay with your very needy dove?

[A glance back at the path they had come up from.]

She might need a moment before she can return to the party, too.

[ramuhs]

[A wry grin as he pulls her in closer.]

Reckon I can stay a little longer.

[garudas]

[Her smile lifts, and her head finds its usual spot on his shoulder, and she hugs him greedily.]

You do not have to if you wish to go back. Do not let my feelings get in the way of your fun, Cidolfus.

[ramuhs]

And know my sad little dove is feeling lonely?

[A softer smile as he looks down at her.]

The night's young yet, and they may be enjoying not having the boss around.

[garudas]

What?

[She does not move from where she is, but he'll feel a surprised laugh sweep over his neck as she presses her lips to it in a string of chaste kisses.]

Do you think that they have more fun without you?

[ramuhs]

[A low, rumbling hum as his eyes close.]

Wouldn't they? Won't have to worry and be on their best behavior.

[garudas]

Oh, please.

[She scoffs at him. Lovingly.]

As if you are so well-behaved yourself. I'd say you are as terrible an influence on the rest of them, Captain.

[ramuhs]

You say that as if it were a bad thing.

[He tightens his grip around her and spins them around at that.]

[garudas]

[She isn't expecting another spin, so there's a surprised squeal that echoes when he does, a wind sweeping in and sending a light mist of snow upward and around them.]

Did I? I suppose it would depend on who you ask... I quite like the terrible influence when it is all to myself. As for the others...

[Her shoulder lifts in a shrug, and she bumps her nose gently to his.]

Do not tell me you would be drinking and singing alongside them, given the choice.

[ramuhs]

[His voice will join hers with a loud laugh, and he will lift her up to hold her higher to him.]

Well I do like a good mead and song.

[He smirks up at her.]

One day I hope to see you joining in.

[garudas]

[She is not expecting that either, and she really should have, but her arms only tighten around his shoulders.]

Me? Singing and merriment? I do not think it suits me. Besides...

[Her voice lowers to a soft, but teasing whisper.]

I doubt either of us want me to hear the ballads you would sing about me, yes?

[ramuhs]

[His eyes just gleam dangerously.]

Who said I wouldn't?

[AND THEN HE'S TAKING A DEEP BREATH READY TO BELT OUT A VERSE]

My bonny lass Benna—

[garudas]

[And of course that voice of his booms through the trees like a low roll of thunder, and birds that had been sleeping in the ones nearby fly off, startled by the sudden noise, as well as Benedikta's gasp and laughter...]

Cidolfus!

[... Before it all dies into a kiss, of course.

Even the gryphons that have been soaring elsewhere start to squawk in response, singing along with him in the skies above.]

You are going to wake the entire island with that.

[ramuhs]

[He just laughs even more at that.]

Well they should be! It's a celebration tonight!

[And now there's a different shine in his eyes as he looks up at her.]

But now I wonder where my song is.