Who: Benedikta Harman & Cidolfus Telamon. Status: Closed. Where: Their home. Ocard. What: Benedikta comforts Cid after Clive disappears... And they run off to tie the knot. Warnings: :)
[The news had come so suddenly. One moment, they were living their lives like any other normal day, sipping their coffee and eating their later-than-usual breakfast that morning and the next, Benedikta watched as Cid's world had been turned on its head when he had seen Jill's message. While the news itself that it was Clive who had gone did not impact her quite as much, seeing the way that it upset Cid did. She knew how close they were, how much they meant to one another, both here and in their world. She also knew of Clive's fate and how unknown it was—no one here knew where he had ended up.
And perhaps that is the part that affected her the most. Not that Clive was gone or that the future held so many unknowns, but because... she can understand where Jill is coming from. If it were her in Jill's shoes, what would she do? Surely she would not belt it out across the network but instead, she knows that she would tear open the skies and destroy everything if she knew that it would bring him back.
As she watches him attempt to call the other woman, that is what she thinks about...
It's a thought that carries all the way into the evening when Cid finally returns, and he'll walk through the door to the smell of his favourite stew cooking on the stove, and coffee brewing, because gods know that he will need something...]
[It's been a long, trying day. To hear that Clive had returned to their world...no, they aren't even certain he would return to their world. As much as he holds his faith that Clive did survive in the end, no one knows for certain—and perhaps they may never know now. That was why everyone found this world as something of a blessing. A second chance for all of them who had their lives taken with no hope for future in theirs. A chance to live without the burdens that their world put them through.
A chance to live of their own choosing.
It was sobering enough with Dion passed through the rifts, but for Clive to disappear...that was more personal for him, as personal as it was when Mid first disappeared. Could he even hope that Clive would reappear again like Mid did? But if he did, would he remember his time in this world, or would he lose his memories, too?
And Jill...
It was difficult to not see himself and Benedikta through them, to see a glimmer of how Benedikta would be should it be himself to disappear. It was one of their greatest fears, for one to disappear without the other, and for it to happen to two people he cared deeply about—it was difficult. Very difficult. It was why he rushed to her as soon as he could because he also knew the potential danger Jill may cause to herself, that danger that all Dominants shared. Such a sudden emotional toil could be deadly should Shiva overwhelm her...and it almost had.
Which is why when he walks through and he smells that stew, all the aches and pains from his bout with Jill—no, with Shiva—are eased, but a new one forms in his chest.
So despite how clearly disheveled and a bit worn he looks, he immediately goes to her, ignoring whatever she might say so that he can wrap his arms around her and bury his face against her neck so he can inhale her scent and warmth, reaffirm that she is still here.]
[She senses his presence before he even comes, hears him come through the door. There is a difference in his gait now, but Benedikta doesn't call out to him. Instead, she lets the aromas beckon him to the kitchen where she is, slaving over the stove as she checks on the stew, setting the lid down when his footsteps draw near.]
How did it—
[But her words are cut off when he's suddenly behind her, arms wrapped around her, his face buried into her neck. She takes that as a sign, so she gives him a moment to hold onto her before she turns around in his arms so that she can look at him... and pull him into a proper embrace.
Already, her heart is twisting with a confusing sort of guilt. An ache that she doesn't quite know what to do with yet.]
[She can. If there is one thing that she could understand about this whole situation, it is that. And hearing him say it, feeling the way he holds her, she can safely say that she feels it now, too. Not quite to the same extent, but that fierce need to protect what they have rises...]
I can.
[But with a squeeze, she pulls back from him just long enough to catch a glimpse of the state of him, and her brow immediately furrows.]
[As Benedikta clutches the snake carving (or what is supposed to be a snake), picking at the wood at one of the curves of its coiled tail with a slight frown. How long had she toiled over this? It could use some more refinement, but it was probably better that they left it when they did, before she stabbed one of the snakes in the eye for trying to give her pointers. In her defense, she never asked for them!!!
Her gaze lifts from it with mild interest, her attention split.]
I think I have heard whispers of it... something to do with Sahrt, yes? But what...?
[He looks at her a little amused, still finding it so cute how tightly she holds onto that carving.]
Aye. Seems there's some kind of treasure in Sahrt's name at least, and that there are some keys that can be found that would lead to it. Whether it's true or not—[He shrugs.] But perhaps it could lead to something of worth.
If it could lead to Sahrt himself, then I would rather that. I've enough treasures to last me a while.
[Though, she wouldn't say no to it, it's information that she seeks more than anything else, and the little pout of her lip that she gives is enough to give her away.]
Well, I suppose one of the castles would be a find place to start looking? Perhaps we could draw some information out of our scaled friends.
[It doesn't feel like they've slept much at all, yet on the morning of the fifteenth, Cid and Benedikta are up and with the prepared clothes they warp back to the ship where they will find a bird with a message for them. They are to meet with the dragons back at the castle, however—and the following is written with thick ink and underlined—Benedikta is to go to the east tower and Cid to the west. While the custom of keeping the bride and groom separated is not unknown to them...isn't the distance a bit much?
Well, not much they can do about it, especially since the dragons are being their generous hosts for everything. So after making sure they have everything (and yes, Cid has the rings!!!), they make their way over to the castle where the two dragons are eagerly waiting for them. The female lightning one, Tiel, moreso. The moment Benedikta is in view, she flies out and practically grabs her to usher her to the eastern tower, chattering all the way about this and that she's prepared.
Meanwhile, the male wind dragon, Nadris, guides Cid more calmly to where he would change. Unlike the bride, it's a lot more straightforward, though he is surprised when the dragon suddenly shifts into a more bipedal dragonfolk version. Something that the dragon just laughs, claiming all of them can, though not all dragonfolk can turn into full dragons. With the dragon's help, Cid is able to put on the suit in no time at all. Knowing his own wife...Nadris suggests he relax and enjoy some dragon ale while they wait before heading out to location. The dragon is curious about them, and Cid himself is not sure he wants to sit in his own thoughts at the moment, so they'll pass the time chatting until Nadris receives a signal that they are about ready.
Which, says the dragon, means there's still another hour, but they might as well make their way to the location, which was quite the distance, one that required a ride on the dragon's back and flown out towards a high cliff where a large tree in full bloom and adorned with ribbons stood...]
[It certainly does not feel like she has slept at all, and she is fairly certain that, despite the hours that they spent awake the night before, he did not sleep much either. But even as the sun comes up, perhaps even before, she feels more awake and energized than ever. The anticipation and excitement is thick in the air, every bit of her buzzing with it as they finish getting ready and prepare to head back to Ocard with all of the things that they will need for the day, and her dress tucked inside a cover and hidden away from his gaze.
Only to be surprised by a bird there waiting for them, though really, she should not be. It's just as the dragons had promised—they would receive a message when the time had come, and they had pulled through. Not that she had any doubts... but she is surprised at the amount of enthusiasm that she is met with when they do arrive at the castle, with Tiel flying out to greet her and rushing her off to the east tower, and Benedikta flashes one last helpless look and cry for help over her shoulder at Cid before she's dragged away and out of view.
They travel quite far, and Benedikta is forced to listen to her the entire way, talking about how much she is going to love what they have set up, and how she is going to be so surprised, and what sort of dress does she have, and did she need to do any makeup prior? All things that Benedikta can only smile and nod at, overwhelmed by the dragon's incessant chatter and nervous about what's to come. Even when she tries to tell her to stop talking, it does nothing to deter Tiel, going on as if she had not heard Benedikta at all.
On and on and on and on she drones, and Benedikta has gotten quite used to tuning her out while she is doing her makeup and fixing her hair or responding with a half-interested nod or sound of affirmation, which seems to at least appease her a little. At least she has the dragon's voice to distract her from her nerves, the only times her hands do not shake are when Tiel is talking her ear off.
At some point, she had transformed into a two-legged dragonfolk similar to those that she has seen around the festival, and Benedikta had been paying so little attention that when she finally does turn around to look at Tiel, she is startled. Well, startled would be an understatement. Her lipstick smudges when she screams in surprise at the change, and Tiel only laughs at her and explains that she and Nadris can both transform back and forth, and that they only sometimes prefer their four-legged dragon forms. It was easier this way anyway, for she would not keep smacking Benedikta's things around in front of the mirror with her wide tail.
But as the hour draws closer, Benedikta can feel that nervous flutter in her stomach, and it only grows tenfold when it is time to head to the location after Tiel transforms back, which has been kept a complete surprise until now. She does not take Benedikta right to it, instead picking a spot on the other side of the hill, landing on the path that will lead them up and over.
And now that she is here, this bouquet of purple and yellow flowers in her hand that Tiel had prepared for her, she can't help that anxiety any longer, and she begins to pace.
"Any moment now," Tiel reassures her, as birds start to flit and flutter around Benedikta's head, and there will be some that come to visit and greet Cid as well...]
[Cid couldn't help but stare in wonder at the sight. Did they really do all this? A question he can't help but ask and Nadris just laughs, saying how Tiel spent all afternoon and night preparing for it. She was quite thrilled that the ceremony would be towards evening, and as Cid stands to look around, the setting sun casting deep rich oranges with dark violet hues peeping in, he can't blame her.
The flower fields around the tree had been carefully curated so that it looked neater, the garlands and ribbons on the tree clearly hung and draped through the branches with care. Beneath the tree's large branches, flower covered vines were constructed to look like an arch where they would stand and perform the ceremony. Leading to it is what looks to be a white silk rug that leads all the way to the slope of the hill where stone steps could just be seen and another flower archway with a sheer curtain billowing in the wind stood. On either side of the path bloomed tall lilies with smaller flowers nestled around, each spaced apart as if representing where rows of chairs of pews would be were this a real wedding.
Looking at everything, he really can't help but find himself speechless, barely able to mutter his appreciation...and wonder again if he wasn't dreaming. Wonder if he'll blink and find himself not standing under this tree in front of this arch, but lying somewhere dead on the ground, or somewhere in a dark void for whatever afterlife existed—if such a thing did. And hopes, prays to whatever gods that exist that he never does wake up from whatever dream this is. Hopes and prays that should he wake up, it at least won't be until they exchange their vows, say their "I do's," and at least share a few moments together.
Back in Latrommi, they had something of a "trial run" with the fake wedding, but compared to this? That was nothing. This...
When the birds appear announcing Benedikta's arrival, he immediately feels his nerves heighten and unable to quite relax. He had thought he would be able to carry on like normal, but it seems that even he is hit by the reality of it all. A reality that seems all the more fantastical given the setting. And so he can only wait with bated bre—
Wait, is there music? Hearing some strings suddenly, he looks around for a moment in confusion before his attention is once again drawn back to that curtain in the distance, and instead of music it's the sound of his heart thudding against his chest that fills his ears...]
[Tiel had already started to lead Benedikta up to the top of the hill, and although they are still shrouded in the trees, she can hear the wind up here rustle the lush green grass and can feel it brushing through her hair that the dragon fixes once she's turned back into her two-legged form. At the edge of the trees where the canopies of leaves meet the orange and violet tinted sky, a white curtain billows, greeting them, and Benedikta knows exactly what that is for. She glances at Tiel in surprise, and the dragon only winks at her and urges her towards it.
It's those steps that feel like they take an eternity to move her on. With each one, and then with every racing beat of her heart, the curtain feels like it grows both closer and further away from her. She knows what awaits her on the other side, and there are moments when Benedikta does pause to take a nervous breath. Her finger fidgets with the ring that remains on her finger, her hands straighten out her dress, she adjusts the bouquet of flowers and then the ones adorning her hair. She knows that she is just finding excuses to delay the inevitable, and it's not as if she doesn't want to... but she would be lying if she said she was not afraid.
Afraid for different reasons now than she had been when they reunited in this world.
Afraid of taking that next step only to have one of them be pulled away from each other. From this place. From this second chance that they have—for some reason—been given, the universe seeing fit to offer it to them. Afraid that if she walks through this curtain, he will not be there waiting for her because he had been taken from her instead, sent back to their world, or that it will be her instead. And that, she thinks, would be a far worse fate if only because then she could not fight any more to get him back.
It's a clawed and scaled hand on her back that pulls Benedikta free from those thoughts, and for the first time since they met up, she offers Tiel a smile, albeit a small and crooked one, in something of thanks.
She can do this. She can. Nothing will happen. They will find their happiness; they will leap into this new chapter of their lives together and stop being so afraid. And—
Benedikta is startled by the music that begins to play, and there's a little push of Tiel's hand that urges her forward. Those small birds that had been circling around her now grab at the train of her dress, lifting it from the ground just enough that it won't drag along it. And as she steps through the curtain at last with a shaky breath...
...
....
She is struck by how beautiful everything is. The flowers that bloom on either side of her, creating a path for her to walk, as well as the ones that bloom across the grassy field surrounding them. The large tree that stretches up to the sky, the leaves creating speckles of sunlight as the sunset shines through it, the branches decorated with garlands and flowers. The flowered arch made of vines.
But the most striking thing of all is Cid standing beneath it.
If there were words to describe the sight, she would not be able to find them. He looks handsome, yes, but in a different sort of way than usual today. It's as if today, a different light shines on him altogether, or that he is a completely different man standing beneath that arch waiting for her. She knows that he is not—that he is still her Cid, but there is something about him. Perhaps it is just the fact that he is about to become her husband and no longer... the hundreds of other things that he had been before today.
That part has yet to sink in completely, but she can already feel it starting to as warm tears prick the corners of her eyes.
More birds flutter out to drop feathers along the white silk carpet that's laid out for her, and after a moment of her gaze resting on Cid, drinking in the sight of him standing in front of the sunset, she starts forward as birds in the tree start to sing a harmonic melody over the strings, crossing the field of flowers to him.
[The moment she steps through those curtains, it's as if all time had stopped except for them. It's cliché, but that's exactly how it feels for him. Even the way the curtains billow out behind her like wings seem to slow as his eyes can only focus on her. He's seen her appear and walk towards him before, but as he thought before—this is different. With the way the setting rays cast that glow over her and the feathers that begin to fall, she truly looks like an angel that has descended down to him. An angel that he once lost, thought he didn't deserve, yet now finally...here.
As she makes her way down the path, fireflies fly out from their hiding places and settle within the lilies, lighting them as they pass like candles. Yet that, too, is barely registered as he can only continue to watch completely captivated, trying to memorize each and every moment as she draws ever closer. In some ways, it's agonizing—especially with that deep, hidden fear that she might disappear right before she reaches him. Thus it takes all he has to not just rush out to her and demand they be proclaimed wed right then and there. Has he ever felt so foolish?
No, probably not.
But it's just proof of how much he wants this, how much he wants this new chapter for them to officially begin.
How much he's loved her all this time.
When she's finally within a few steps away, he can only no longer stay still and steps out towards her, his hand reaching out to her. A hand that she may notice trembles just a bit as his eyes continues to remain fast on hers. Eyes that swim with so many untold emotions that may not ever be fully conveyed. But even then, he still smiles—that soft, warm fond smile that is only ever seen by her.]
[Upon escaping from the Roost on Benedikta's boat, the two of them sail away the morning after they've wed. With Benedikta's winds helping to guide them quick and true, they make their way for Latrommi which, in itself, will still be a two-day sail. One where they spend most of their time lounging about on deck together when they are not hiding away from the world down below. It is, indeed, quite the difficult sail with Benedikta having a difficult time keeping her hands to herself and staying away from him, but could anyone really blame her? She has just wed the man that she loves, and he the woman that he loves—would anyone truly fault them for wanting to indulge in one another the way that they do?
So much has changed for them in the last day, and yet, much of it still feels the same. She does not stop admiring his windswept features as he sails with her, or how the sun hits his face just so, highlighting the crinkles around his eyes when he smiles. But she feels as if she is so much more attuned to him now. So much more aware of every little thing that he does, and she already had been before. Now, those feelings have only increased tenfold and continue to do so every time her gaze catches on that matching ring around his finger that tells the world that he is hers, and she is his.
It is all still a bit surreal, and perhaps that feeling will never truly settle... but she is okay with that. Allowing it to would mean that they would grow too comfortable and not take advantage of every moment that they are given together.
And that is exactly what she intends to do when they arrive on Latrommi and not a soul knows their name, who they are, where they are from, what they do... Here, they are complete strangers to the world, and here... they can pretend that the rest of it does not exist. And is it any surprise that they do just that—hide away from a world that does not exist for several days upon their arrival? With their beach side room at the nicest resort that their coin could buy, they take full advantage of that first before finally venturing outside a few days later about as well-rested as they can be... all things considered.
[Exhausted though she may be, she is actually intrigued by whatever it is that Cid has up his sleeve on this particular afternoon. While they had made some plans, this one was a surprise to her. She was never a woman who liked surprises when they were thrown her way, but his was different. His, she feels that rush of anticipation for, as he leads her into a building along the boardwalk, and she is immediately met with the strong scent of...]
Baking?
[They stand in a small kitchen with several other couples mingling about, with counters set up through the middle of the room, each equipped with a stove top and an oven as well as plenty of prep space.
And after taking a look around, taking it all in, Benedikta's heart leaps a little when she turns to look at him, surprise written all across her face.]
[She takes his hand in turn, looking around with a quiet curiosity at the stations as they pass them until they stop at theirs, an empty one closer to the center of the room.]
[It has been surprise after surprise. Benedikta can hardly keep up!
First it was the baking class, and then it was a nice walk along the beach to a little private cove that they happened upon by chance. Never mind all of the lunches and dinners at the various different restaurants along the boardwalk. And then the breakfasts in bed, on both of their parts... among other things in bed.
The trip is going well so far, and if she is honest? She would be quite content to stay a little longer than a couple of weeks. Hell, they could stay a month, maybe two, and she would not feel upset about it. Latrommi has plenty to offer, and their room with its view of the sky and the ocean is perfect. There is nothing quite like waking up in the late morning to the sun beating down on them tangled up in the soft sheets, the wind billowing in through the windows...
But today, it is Benedikta's turn for a little surprise. Well, it is not as if it is much of one, but she had surprised him that morning with their things packed. Food, spare clothes, towels, and most importantly: fishing gear. Yes, she is willing to go outside today!
So, it's with a bag slung over both of their shoulders and their bathing suits under their clothes that they set out to the beach, and then beyond the shores that have already started to grow crowded. Cid might recognize this place in the trees where they had come the year before, but they venture deeper into them, down the paths and through the trees until they arrive at a pool that winds beneath the rocks and out into the ocean. There's a cabana there as well, the walls of it decorated with vines and flowers that stretch up and loop around, butterflies and birds flapping about them.
This part, she had not intended, and had just figured they would walk through the trees until they found one, but...]
[He had wondered what kind of surprise she would try to do, especially with that fishing gear. So while he expected something along the beach, he had not been expecting them to walk so far, beyond the point of those familiar trees. And once they reach the pool...
It is quite beautiful, like a piece of hidden paradise was cut and placed before them.]
[After a while spent back indoors doing indoor things, it is time to go back out to see the parts of Latrommi they never got to visit the first time. With it being famous for its breathtaking views of the ocean, as well as several hiking paths carved through the tree-lined hills and mountains, they both agreed that now is as good a time as ever to see what all the fuss is about.
Benedikta was never too fond of hiking, or walking anywhere period, but for once she actually feels excited about it. They have chosen one of the more famous trails which promises to be quieter during off season than usual. It is rumoured that the great quetzal bird that the Latrommians seem to worship has been spotted most often on this trail, but it truly is a blink and you will miss it situation. Not this time—she intends to find that bird! As well as any others that they might discover.
So, with a bird-watching stamp book in each of their hands and a bag packed with snacks and water, they set out in the morning, making sure to hit the trees while it is still cool and dew clings to the leaves and grass.
Benedikta flips through the book.]
I have not even seen half the birds on these pages before.
And to think these are just native to this island. Knowing how vast this world is, one must wonder what other birds and animals could be living elsewhere.
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💫 the space between worlds.
And perhaps that is the part that affected her the most. Not that Clive was gone or that the future held so many unknowns, but because... she can understand where Jill is coming from. If it were her in Jill's shoes, what would she do? Surely she would not belt it out across the network but instead, she knows that she would tear open the skies and destroy everything if she knew that it would bring him back.
As she watches him attempt to call the other woman, that is what she thinks about...
It's a thought that carries all the way into the evening when Cid finally returns, and he'll walk through the door to the smell of his favourite stew cooking on the stove, and coffee brewing, because gods know that he will need something...]
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A chance to live of their own choosing.
It was sobering enough with Dion passed through the rifts, but for Clive to disappear...that was more personal for him, as personal as it was when Mid first disappeared. Could he even hope that Clive would reappear again like Mid did? But if he did, would he remember his time in this world, or would he lose his memories, too?
And Jill...
It was difficult to not see himself and Benedikta through them, to see a glimmer of how Benedikta would be should it be himself to disappear. It was one of their greatest fears, for one to disappear without the other, and for it to happen to two people he cared deeply about—it was difficult. Very difficult. It was why he rushed to her as soon as he could because he also knew the potential danger Jill may cause to herself, that danger that all Dominants shared. Such a sudden emotional toil could be deadly should Shiva overwhelm her...and it almost had.
Which is why when he walks through and he smells that stew, all the aches and pains from his bout with Jill—no, with Shiva—are eased, but a new one forms in his chest.
So despite how clearly disheveled and a bit worn he looks, he immediately goes to her, ignoring whatever she might say so that he can wrap his arms around her and bury his face against her neck so he can inhale her scent and warmth, reaffirm that she is still here.]
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How did it—
[But her words are cut off when he's suddenly behind her, arms wrapped around her, his face buried into her neck. She takes that as a sign, so she gives him a moment to hold onto her before she turns around in his arms so that she can look at him... and pull him into a proper embrace.
Already, her heart is twisting with a confusing sort of guilt. An ache that she doesn't quite know what to do with yet.]
... Not well, I take it.
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[A rough voice that is muffled against her skin before he releases a low exhale.]
She was quite upset, as you can imagine.
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I can.
[But with a squeeze, she pulls back from him just long enough to catch a glimpse of the state of him, and her brow immediately furrows.]
What happened?
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🗝️ a golden key.
[As Benedikta clutches the snake carving (or what is supposed to be a snake), picking at the wood at one of the curves of its coiled tail with a slight frown. How long had she toiled over this? It could use some more refinement, but it was probably better that they left it when they did, before she stabbed one of the snakes in the eye for trying to give her pointers. In her defense, she never asked for them!!!
Her gaze lifts from it with mild interest, her attention split.]
I think I have heard whispers of it... something to do with Sahrt, yes? But what...?
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Aye. Seems there's some kind of treasure in Sahrt's name at least, and that there are some keys that can be found that would lead to it. Whether it's true or not—[He shrugs.] But perhaps it could lead to something of worth.
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[Though, she wouldn't say no to it, it's information that she seeks more than anything else, and the little pout of her lip that she gives is enough to give her away.]
Well, I suppose one of the castles would be a find place to start looking? Perhaps we could draw some information out of our scaled friends.
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Speaking of, think we'll run into them?
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[She's a bit confused at first, because she'd mostly meant in general, but it comes to her quickly—]
You mean the one that "kidnapped" me last year?
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💍 with these rings.
Well, not much they can do about it, especially since the dragons are being their generous hosts for everything. So after making sure they have everything (and yes, Cid has the rings!!!), they make their way over to the castle where the two dragons are eagerly waiting for them. The female lightning one, Tiel, moreso. The moment Benedikta is in view, she flies out and practically grabs her to usher her to the eastern tower, chattering all the way about this and that she's prepared.
Meanwhile, the male wind dragon, Nadris, guides Cid more calmly to where he would change. Unlike the bride, it's a lot more straightforward, though he is surprised when the dragon suddenly shifts into a more bipedal dragonfolk version. Something that the dragon just laughs, claiming all of them can, though not all dragonfolk can turn into full dragons. With the dragon's help, Cid is able to put on the suit in no time at all. Knowing his own wife...Nadris suggests he relax and enjoy some dragon ale while they wait before heading out to location. The dragon is curious about them, and Cid himself is not sure he wants to sit in his own thoughts at the moment, so they'll pass the time chatting until Nadris receives a signal that they are about ready.
Which, says the dragon, means there's still another hour, but they might as well make their way to the location, which was quite the distance, one that required a ride on the dragon's back and flown out towards a high cliff where a large tree in full bloom and adorned with ribbons stood...]
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Only to be surprised by a bird there waiting for them, though really, she should not be. It's just as the dragons had promised—they would receive a message when the time had come, and they had pulled through. Not that she had any doubts... but she is surprised at the amount of enthusiasm that she is met with when they do arrive at the castle, with Tiel flying out to greet her and rushing her off to the east tower, and Benedikta flashes one last helpless look and cry for help over her shoulder at Cid before she's dragged away and out of view.
They travel quite far, and Benedikta is forced to listen to her the entire way, talking about how much she is going to love what they have set up, and how she is going to be so surprised, and what sort of dress does she have, and did she need to do any makeup prior? All things that Benedikta can only smile and nod at, overwhelmed by the dragon's incessant chatter and nervous about what's to come. Even when she tries to tell her to stop talking, it does nothing to deter Tiel, going on as if she had not heard Benedikta at all.
On and on and on and on she drones, and Benedikta has gotten quite used to tuning her out while she is doing her makeup and fixing her hair or responding with a half-interested nod or sound of affirmation, which seems to at least appease her a little. At least she has the dragon's voice to distract her from her nerves, the only times her hands do not shake are when Tiel is talking her ear off.
At some point, she had transformed into a two-legged dragonfolk similar to those that she has seen around the festival, and Benedikta had been paying so little attention that when she finally does turn around to look at Tiel, she is startled. Well, startled would be an understatement. Her lipstick smudges when she screams in surprise at the change, and Tiel only laughs at her and explains that she and Nadris can both transform back and forth, and that they only sometimes prefer their four-legged dragon forms. It was easier this way anyway, for she would not keep smacking Benedikta's things around in front of the mirror with her wide tail.
But as the hour draws closer, Benedikta can feel that nervous flutter in her stomach, and it only grows tenfold when it is time to head to the location after Tiel transforms back, which has been kept a complete surprise until now. She does not take Benedikta right to it, instead picking a spot on the other side of the hill, landing on the path that will lead them up and over.
And now that she is here, this bouquet of purple and yellow flowers in her hand that Tiel had prepared for her, she can't help that anxiety any longer, and she begins to pace.
"Any moment now," Tiel reassures her, as birds start to flit and flutter around Benedikta's head, and there will be some that come to visit and greet Cid as well...]
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The flower fields around the tree had been carefully curated so that it looked neater, the garlands and ribbons on the tree clearly hung and draped through the branches with care. Beneath the tree's large branches, flower covered vines were constructed to look like an arch where they would stand and perform the ceremony. Leading to it is what looks to be a white silk rug that leads all the way to the slope of the hill where stone steps could just be seen and another flower archway with a sheer curtain billowing in the wind stood. On either side of the path bloomed tall lilies with smaller flowers nestled around, each spaced apart as if representing where rows of chairs of pews would be were this a real wedding.
Looking at everything, he really can't help but find himself speechless, barely able to mutter his appreciation...and wonder again if he wasn't dreaming. Wonder if he'll blink and find himself not standing under this tree in front of this arch, but lying somewhere dead on the ground, or somewhere in a dark void for whatever afterlife existed—if such a thing did. And hopes, prays to whatever gods that exist that he never does wake up from whatever dream this is. Hopes and prays that should he wake up, it at least won't be until they exchange their vows, say their "I do's," and at least share a few moments together.
Back in Latrommi, they had something of a "trial run" with the fake wedding, but compared to this? That was nothing. This...
When the birds appear announcing Benedikta's arrival, he immediately feels his nerves heighten and unable to quite relax. He had thought he would be able to carry on like normal, but it seems that even he is hit by the reality of it all. A reality that seems all the more fantastical given the setting. And so he can only wait with bated bre—
Wait, is there music? Hearing some strings suddenly, he looks around for a moment in confusion before his attention is once again drawn back to that curtain in the distance, and instead of music it's the sound of his heart thudding against his chest that fills his ears...]
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It's those steps that feel like they take an eternity to move her on. With each one, and then with every racing beat of her heart, the curtain feels like it grows both closer and further away from her. She knows what awaits her on the other side, and there are moments when Benedikta does pause to take a nervous breath. Her finger fidgets with the ring that remains on her finger, her hands straighten out her dress, she adjusts the bouquet of flowers and then the ones adorning her hair. She knows that she is just finding excuses to delay the inevitable, and it's not as if she doesn't want to... but she would be lying if she said she was not afraid.
Afraid for different reasons now than she had been when they reunited in this world.
Afraid of taking that next step only to have one of them be pulled away from each other. From this place. From this second chance that they have—for some reason—been given, the universe seeing fit to offer it to them. Afraid that if she walks through this curtain, he will not be there waiting for her because he had been taken from her instead, sent back to their world, or that it will be her instead. And that, she thinks, would be a far worse fate if only because then she could not fight any more to get him back.
It's a clawed and scaled hand on her back that pulls Benedikta free from those thoughts, and for the first time since they met up, she offers Tiel a smile, albeit a small and crooked one, in something of thanks.
She can do this. She can. Nothing will happen. They will find their happiness; they will leap into this new chapter of their lives together and stop being so afraid. And—
Benedikta is startled by the music that begins to play, and there's a little push of Tiel's hand that urges her forward. Those small birds that had been circling around her now grab at the train of her dress, lifting it from the ground just enough that it won't drag along it. And as she steps through the curtain at last with a shaky breath...
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....
She is struck by how beautiful everything is. The flowers that bloom on either side of her, creating a path for her to walk, as well as the ones that bloom across the grassy field surrounding them. The large tree that stretches up to the sky, the leaves creating speckles of sunlight as the sunset shines through it, the branches decorated with garlands and flowers. The flowered arch made of vines.
But the most striking thing of all is Cid standing beneath it.
If there were words to describe the sight, she would not be able to find them. He looks handsome, yes, but in a different sort of way than usual today. It's as if today, a different light shines on him altogether, or that he is a completely different man standing beneath that arch waiting for her. She knows that he is not—that he is still her Cid, but there is something about him. Perhaps it is just the fact that he is about to become her husband and no longer... the hundreds of other things that he had been before today.
That part has yet to sink in completely, but she can already feel it starting to as warm tears prick the corners of her eyes.
More birds flutter out to drop feathers along the white silk carpet that's laid out for her, and after a moment of her gaze resting on Cid, drinking in the sight of him standing in front of the sunset, she starts forward as birds in the tree start to sing a harmonic melody over the strings, crossing the field of flowers to him.
To a new turn in their lives...]
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As she makes her way down the path, fireflies fly out from their hiding places and settle within the lilies, lighting them as they pass like candles. Yet that, too, is barely registered as he can only continue to watch completely captivated, trying to memorize each and every moment as she draws ever closer. In some ways, it's agonizing—especially with that deep, hidden fear that she might disappear right before she reaches him. Thus it takes all he has to not just rush out to her and demand they be proclaimed wed right then and there. Has he ever felt so foolish?
No, probably not.
But it's just proof of how much he wants this, how much he wants this new chapter for them to officially begin.
How much he's loved her all this time.
When she's finally within a few steps away, he can only no longer stay still and steps out towards her, his hand reaching out to her. A hand that she may notice trembles just a bit as his eyes continues to remain fast on hers. Eyes that swim with so many untold emotions that may not ever be fully conveyed. But even then, he still smiles—that soft, warm fond smile that is only ever seen by her.]
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🌴 honeymooners.
So much has changed for them in the last day, and yet, much of it still feels the same. She does not stop admiring his windswept features as he sails with her, or how the sun hits his face just so, highlighting the crinkles around his eyes when he smiles. But she feels as if she is so much more attuned to him now. So much more aware of every little thing that he does, and she already had been before. Now, those feelings have only increased tenfold and continue to do so every time her gaze catches on that matching ring around his finger that tells the world that he is hers, and she is his.
It is all still a bit surreal, and perhaps that feeling will never truly settle... but she is okay with that. Allowing it to would mean that they would grow too comfortable and not take advantage of every moment that they are given together.
And that is exactly what she intends to do when they arrive on Latrommi and not a soul knows their name, who they are, where they are from, what they do... Here, they are complete strangers to the world, and here... they can pretend that the rest of it does not exist. And is it any surprise that they do just that—hide away from a world that does not exist for several days upon their arrival? With their beach side room at the nicest resort that their coin could buy, they take full advantage of that first before finally venturing outside a few days later about as well-rested as they can be... all things considered.
What might be first on the agenda?]
🍰 cake by the ocean.
Baking?
[They stand in a small kitchen with several other couples mingling about, with counters set up through the middle of the room, each equipped with a stove top and an oven as well as plenty of prep space.
And after taking a look around, taking it all in, Benedikta's heart leaps a little when she turns to look at him, surprise written all across her face.]
... You remembered, did you?
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Of course. And there are other courses we can try as well, but I thought this would be a fun start.
[Her hand in his, he'll lead her over to the main counter where they can sign in and go to their assigned station.]
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So, is this because of our horribly baked cakes?
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🎣 hook, line, and sinker.
First it was the baking class, and then it was a nice walk along the beach to a little private cove that they happened upon by chance. Never mind all of the lunches and dinners at the various different restaurants along the boardwalk. And then the breakfasts in bed, on both of their parts... among other things in bed.
The trip is going well so far, and if she is honest? She would be quite content to stay a little longer than a couple of weeks. Hell, they could stay a month, maybe two, and she would not feel upset about it. Latrommi has plenty to offer, and their room with its view of the sky and the ocean is perfect. There is nothing quite like waking up in the late morning to the sun beating down on them tangled up in the soft sheets, the wind billowing in through the windows...
But today, it is Benedikta's turn for a little surprise. Well, it is not as if it is much of one, but she had surprised him that morning with their things packed. Food, spare clothes, towels, and most importantly: fishing gear. Yes, she is willing to go outside today!
So, it's with a bag slung over both of their shoulders and their bathing suits under their clothes that they set out to the beach, and then beyond the shores that have already started to grow crowded. Cid might recognize this place in the trees where they had come the year before, but they venture deeper into them, down the paths and through the trees until they arrive at a pool that winds beneath the rocks and out into the ocean. There's a cabana there as well, the walls of it decorated with vines and flowers that stretch up and loop around, butterflies and birds flapping about them.
This part, she had not intended, and had just figured they would walk through the trees until they found one, but...]
I dare say we have found the perfect spot.
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It is quite beautiful, like a piece of hidden paradise was cut and placed before them.]
So this part wasn't planned?
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[She seems rather proud of herself regardless, and she will take his hand and pull him along to the cabana.]
We have a knack for stumbling upon things. I figured if we kept walking, we would find something suitable.
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🐦 bird's eye view.
Benedikta was never too fond of hiking, or walking anywhere period, but for once she actually feels excited about it. They have chosen one of the more famous trails which promises to be quieter during off season than usual. It is rumoured that the great quetzal bird that the Latrommians seem to worship has been spotted most often on this trail, but it truly is a blink and you will miss it situation. Not this time—she intends to find that bird! As well as any others that they might discover.
So, with a bird-watching stamp book in each of their hands and a bag packed with snacks and water, they set out in the morning, making sure to hit the trees while it is still cool and dew clings to the leaves and grass.
Benedikta flips through the book.]
I have not even seen half the birds on these pages before.
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[And then a grin.]
I wonder how they all sound to you.
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Right now? Just a bunch of chirping and gibberish. But if I listen...
[Her footsteps start to slow as she closes her eyes briefly, and a smile ghosts across her softening expression.]
All songs. It is trying to pick them out that is the difficult part.
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