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It was a quiet night at the Rising stones. With only a few candles to light the table. And only a few people to fill the room.
“Why have you summoned us Thancred?”
“Well Minfillia, and Alphinaud… and Yda… and Papalymo. Can we talk about it?”
“What ever could you be talking about Thancred?”
“Minfilia you must surely see it too. I'm talking about them..”
“Hm? Im afraid im still not sure what you are-”
“Oh come on! How they spend every night together, how they’re always talking, how they look at each other! they haven't left the rising stones in moons! I've seen them sleep and wake in this place together!”
“Oh my. While I do admit they seem to enjoy some time together. I assure you it is nothing more. They share a common interest is all!”
“I concur with Alphinaud. In the last 5 months of Alicia joining us, I have never seen them sleep in this place together, or in the Waking sands. Simply ridiculous.”
The creek of a door slowly sounded throughout the Rising stones. The scions turned their heads to see a sleepy Alicia come out.
“Good evening Alicia, whatcha got there?”
“O-oh! G-good evening Sir Thancred… and everyone one else. What is everyone do- oh T-this? Oh its a cup of hot chocolate”
She smiled through her drowsiness.
“Hm.. two cups?”
Thancred pointed at the two mugs in her hands.
“I uhm. I uh get thirsty a lot! I must go put these away now. S-so if you’ll all excuse me”
She hurriedly bowed and made her way to the kitchen.
“OH COME ON YOU GUYS! You can't deny that! Y’shtola is inside the library with her! Has anyone here seen Y’shtola?”
They all shook their heads.
“AWW they would make such an adorable couple! Oooh The Coeurl and the Drake was one of my favorite childhood fables!”
“Yda please, show some tact. On a more important note, A work relationship would surely get in the way of.. Work! this is wholly unprofessional.”
“Hm Thancred as much as i would like to believe this. This is Y’shtola we’re talking about… the same Y’shtola that has had a total of 2 relationships in her 27 years of life. Both of which ended in a week. If she can't tolerate those people, why would she tolerate Alicia?”
“Look Minfilia, I've had 100 relationships in my… years of life. All which ended in 2 days tops. So.. I don't know. BUT! That's besides the point, love comes in many forms!.. Or whatever.. Look, I'm not putting that much thought into it. I'm here because of how adorable it would be to see Y’shtola’s shell cracked by this little dragon!”
“Okay Okay. I'll put aside the fact that we have no actual evidence for this. She is a studious type. Alicia staying up to the morning hours studying is something she would do. And simply, i don't think we should meddle in Alicia’s affairs-”
Yda, Minfilia, and Thancred collectively groan at Alphinaud's comment, shutting him up for the time being.
“Soso! Thancred do you have any more stories about them together? Hm? Hm? Any marks on their necks mayhaps?”
“Ahaha ok Yda calm down, we have all night to discuss all i've witnessed in my nightly walks-”
The yawn of Alicia caught their attention as she was coming back from the kitchen.
“Oh you’re all still here.. Well goodnight everyone! I'll be heading to sleep now..”
“....Thancred”
“Yes Minfilia?”
“Did Alicia just say she was going to sleep?”
“She did indeed.”
“And after sayin’ that. She headed straight to the library instead of her room..?”
“That is correct Yda.”
“.....I think i saw a white fluffy tail inside the dark library.”
“I think its time we leave them alone everyone.”
They all collectively agreed to Papalymo’s suggestion.
“Ok but maybe i should just take a peeeakkk”
Papalymo forcefully dragged Yda out the Rising stones.
“Alicia?”
“Hm? Yes Y’shtola?”
“Did you bring the matches? The candle is going out”
Alicia nodded, she took out the match and carefully lit the candle, illuminating the old wooden library. With nary a sound to distract them.
“Come here Alicia, you simply won't believe what i have found”
Alicia sat next to Y’shtola on the cushions they laid down on the floor. Staring happily at Y’shtola as she began to speak about her findings.