Work Text:
It's an odd surprise .
Xander's tightening the multitude of complicated straps in his armor , mentally preparing for the battle . It's going to be difficult, but it's been difficult before , and it turned out alright. He's even humming a soft tune, one Elise used to sing when she was still a babe - to be fair, not much time has passed from then .
A head of green hair peeks from the entrance of the tent.
" Milord..." He softly asks . " May I enter?"
Xander doesn't look up from his armor .
" By all means . It's open for that exact reason, actually. "
Kaze steps in, and as always , his footsteps make no sound . Xander will never stop questioning how Kaze is so.... graceful, soundless , even when he seems at his worst. He's a quaint feature , in Nohr, a dash of silk scented with flowers in a painting full of dark shades and steel and the suffocating scent of cloves .
" Milord ...." Kaze begins. He looks like a painting made by the faerie , soft , delicate lines painting his cheeks and lips . Xander notices how Kaze nears him , tugging at his scarf .
Kaze holds the soft fabric before Xander , almost hesitating .
" This... Was a gift . It's the only thing to remind me of my brother , even when we've parted ways . He has a similar one... It's how we're still by each other's side , if only in spirit. "
Xander casts Kaze a curious gaze . Why all this now ? Why him ?
Kaze starts wrapping the scarf around Xander's neck with feathery , nimble fingers . The fabric is surprisingly soft , and it smells strongly of Kaze - it smells like berries and water lillies . If Kaze weren't there, Xander would've smelt the scarf - but he obviously can't, not as of now .
" T-This...." Kaze begins to explain. " This is so you'll stay safe . It means so much to me, Milord.... Stay safe , stay alive and return it to me ." His gaze is stern .
" Do we have a deal?"
Xander nods. Such a gift ... It must hold so much value to Kaze . What an honor, to wear it .
" We do." He firmly nods back . " I promise you, Kaze , so long as you, too, stay alive ."
" I promise ." Kaze whispers . He seems soft , frail, but he holds strength mixed with grace, and it's a rare combination . That's how he steps out of the tent , no more words exchanged - for any further confessions would be but a hindrance before battle .
