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Aegis croup is in Uraya on the search mission for the mysterious stone and Vandham said he could know the place. “Alright then, here we are. My map didn’t betray us, even though it’s bought from, Fonsa Myma’s black market” mercenary leader laughed when they arrived place marked on the map. “Black market?” Mòrag asked suspiciously, they are in the water in front of the hidden cave...
“Well, I did tell you that the place you’re searching for is more myth, before this map and I believe prince here knows you can find good stuff too from the black markets” Vandham grinned and looks at Zeke who nods.
“Theosoir still is getting its income from black markets but bigwigs just turn the blind eye so tantalese people don’t die” Pandoria smirks. “True Pandy but I’m going to get them out of that but before that, let’s go with this” Zeke said proudly.
“Hopefully you’re not afraid of the water, looks like there’s more and less water inside” Vandham continues when brushing the reeds out of the entrance and looked at Brighid, who frowned. “I’ll be fine”
“If you say so. Rex if you would come with me, so we can clear the way from these reeds” Vandham just nodded smiling, and led the way with Rex and Pyra who makes fire if the cave is dark.
“Brighid, I know you can do it but tell me if the cave is too much and you need to go outside” Mòrag whispered to her blade. “Yes, lady Mòrag” Brighid nodded, Mòrag knows her too well.
“I’ll be here if you come back lady Brighid” Roc said, he’s on guarding duty. Brighid nods before going after her driver.
“Where the map came from, I mean to the black-market seller? If it’s just myth” Rex asked while using the sword Vandham gave him to cut the reeds. “Who knows but there’s a rumor that some couple found this accidentally and mark it because it helped them find each other” Vandham told them while carefully inspecting that cave is not going to crumple.
“What a beautiful story, even if it’s just a rumor” Pyra moaned and watched the cave where turquoise light paint it’s beautifully creating the effect that there are lights but they still need her and Brighid's fires. “I’m always amazed how beautiful Uraya’s nature is, so magical”
“Yeah Pyra, it’s a wonder we even have light in here, even though we walk deep into the cave… Shellhead you okay in there?” Nia said amazed but then notice Zeke leans to his knees to catch his breath.
“You know, is there something we should know? Or am I the only one who thinks it’s hard to breathe in here?” Zeke snorted and when Pyra lighted his face they see how pale he is. “I sensed you’re not feeling well my prince but I’m fine and others look like that too” Pandoria said confused.
“Friend Zeke is looking very sick, remember to tell Poppi before fainting” Poppi said worrying. “Meh meh, maybe Poppi should walk beside friend Zeke” Tora said frightened while flapping his wings.
“Vandham?” Rex asked when he furred his eyebrows. “Well, there’s one legend but I didn’t know it could be linked to this myth or this cave but when I see it now with my own two eyes, it makes sense”
“And that is, my good sir?” Azurda asked flying beside Rex.
“Accordingly to legend, if hearts chosen ones are here together but don’t know it yet, they’re both are feeling, should I say unwell. Our princes’ symptoms could be that” Vandham laughed heartedly.
“What?!” Zeke yelled but started to cough so Pandoria patted him on the back little disappointed when she was feeling good. So why he… Of course… she thought but realized something and watched at the special inquisitor but couldn’t see how she was feeling because her hat visor casts a shadow on her face.
“Wonder who is Shellheads princess then?” Nia laughed. “Oh shut it Furry ears” Zeke snorted and put his hand on his chest breathing heavily. Nia giggled but feels bad for him, he was so pale and didn’t even tease back.
“What about you Nia?” Rex asked smugly. “Oh hush it, you. We all know why you don’t feel bad” Nia shoots back and Dromarch smiled too but felt bad for the boy when Rex blushed.
“She’s right my boy” Azurda just said crossing his hands. “Hey come on! We were talking about Zeke!” Rex yelled red as Pyra’s hair, who just giggled shyly.
Mòrag just follows aside smiling a little, how they still act like kids they’re but then swallowed hard. This is ridiculous, we met with Zeke years ago and I wouldn’t believe in things like this but… she thought rubbing her eyes when feeling dizzy and before Nia noticed Zeke is unwell, she had trouble on breathing.
“Zeke~ please say something! This is your problem!” Rex whined for help. “That I say, let’s go. I want to get out of here at first thing after we find that rock” Zeke just snorted and left leading the group.
“I agree we have more important matters to attend to” Mòrag snorted but pulled her hat down when Brighid looks at her compassionately, knowing how she feels.
I feel how badly you’re feeling and how embarrassed you are. Maybe it’s time you talk about it, for both of your sake…
After walking into the cave, they come to the dead-end, large round room at the end of the cavern but nothing is out of the ordinary, except Zeke is feeling worse than before.
“It seems we can’t go any further” Dromarch said at loud what they all thought.
“So the stone should be here if it’s even real” Nia snorted.
“I suggest we split up and search the room. Map seller said it should be easy to recognize but didn’t know how big it is” Vandham cleared his throat and looked around the cave.
“Good idea and someone should keep eye on Zeke, if you faint here, you definitely hurt your head” Rex said worryingly. “Nah I’ll be fine champ, I just, sit here for while” Zeke grinned but sit down on the rock.
“I’ll look after him, like always” Pandoria said but glanced at Brighid who is looking at Mòrag who starts to search too but is shaking a little. I knew it, she’s just too stubborn to admit it or say it aloud. If she doesn’t soon say something I will. I can’t stand to see my prince like this…
Mòrag searches for a while but then leans to the rock wall to catch her breath and look at Zeke. He has to know or maybe he thinks something is wrong with the air here, should I let him believe so, we’ll be leaving soon anyway, the mineral is not here… she thought and rubbed her eyes.
“Lady Mòrag…” Brighid whispered after coming a little closer. “I didn’t want to say anything but…” she continued insinuating what she mean.
“I know Brighid, as my blade you know through either how I feel and counted 1+1 but…” Mòrag whispered and Brighid puts her hand on her shoulder. “Well now is a good time if any and it makes you both feel better, literally”
Mòrag looks at her old friend and how she knows her so well and how hard this is for her. It’s easier said than done…
Zeke rubs his eyes and plans to take took off to get some fresh air. Hearts chosen one? Yeah right, the air just has something that makes me feel like crap, I’m only a blade-eater so it has to do something with that… he snorted and watches how Tora and Poppi are still excited about this unique cave and are searching more than others who are giving up the search.
“Nothing there, I’m starting to think, whoever figured this cave out, took those precious stones” Nia snorted disappointedly.
“Maybe that couple took them all when the map seller said they are, very recognizable so maybe pretty too” Mythra snorted too crossing her hands on her chest.
“Everything is possible…” Vandham a said little disappointed too but frowned her eyebrows when noticing Mòrag walking towards Zeke, weakly? Which he didn’t notice before. What I know of special inquisitor, I could swear she’s that type of ardainian woman who hides her feelings…
“Zeke…” Mòrag started trying to keep her voice from shaking but still, others turned to look at her.
Zeke lifted his eyebrow surprised but let Mòrag pull him up. “We… Need to talk” Mòrag cleared her throat before continuing even though she didn’t like the glaze Pandoria was giving her.
At least she tries to talk… Pandoria thought but without admitting it, she was glad even though she knew, her time alone with his prince, is going to drop.
“We do?” Zeke asked confused but his eyes widened when Mòrag took her hat off they see how pale she is too and just now realized, how she has trouble breathing.
“Wow Mòrag, I didn’t think…” Rex splurted but Mythra nudged him.
“Don’t mind us, just continue Mòrag” Nia grinned but Dromarch nudged her too. This must be difficult for lady Mòrag and we are here to watch it...
Mòrag cleared her throat again but blushed which looked good on her pale face. “Only woman, who didn’t say anything about princes, predicament” Vandham laughed heartedly.
“You want us to leave lady Mòrag?” Azurda asked but Mòrag shook her head and watches Zeke who tries to get his bearings, on what this meant. “Mòrag you…” he started and not thinking touched Mòrag's pale cheek.
“Oh come on my prince. I knew and Brighid knew so I’m sure this didn’t come up that big surprise” Pandoria finally snorted but smiled. They’re both so awkward it’s almost cute.
“Can’t deny it now can I, lady Mòrag” Brighid nodded. “Pandy!? Brighid?” Zeke splurted and took a step back very theatrically. “It’s fine Brighid, the answer is here all to see” Mòrag snorted but the red stays on her face.
“… Is there a way to help friends? Or does it make friends feel better after we leave the cave?” Poppi asked. Tora is still shocked but now watches what Vandham says.
“Well, there’s one thing about the legend. The heart-chosen ones need to kiss to make them feel better” the big Urayan mercenary leader laughed at the end when Mòrag watches her mouth open. “Excuse me?!”
“Well accordingly to the legend” Vandham just snorted still smiling widely.
“Makes sense, you said that one couple, found each other here, right?” Nia chuckled, Mòrag’s face is priceless.
“Forgot that, did anyone even find the stones why we came here?” Mòrag changed the subject suddenly. “Nope looks like they’re not here” Mythra answered. “So we can leave then” Mòrag said quickly but before she could leave, Zeke puts his hands on her cheeks and pulls her to the kiss. Mòrag watches her shockingly but then slowly closes her eyes.
“Go Shellhead” Nia cheered and even Vandham laughed and clapped his hands but then they noticed how dim light blue stones all around them started to glow. “Well that’s the stone you’re looking for if any”
“Magical, it needed the legend to be fulfilled to make the stones show themselves” Pyra moaned and glanced at Mòrag and Zeke who didn’t even notice it.
After the kiss, they look at each other and Zeke grins normally. “You’re not that pale anymore so maybe legend is true”
“And you’re just like always, you can’t just…” Mòrag started to yell annoyed.
“What if you take that outside? We found what we came for” Vandham cleared his throat and raised his eyebrow when Mòrag glanced at him angrily and embarrassed. “When I agreed we ask you to help, even though we have our disagreements, I didn’t mean you can tease me, especially on so personal matter!”
“Hah, calm down special inquisitor, I’m just glad you’re not so stiff in the end, what you could expect from the high royalty ardainian” Vandham burst out laughing full-heartedly.
“Take that as a compliment” Zeke whispered still close to her. Mòrag looks at him and snorted when takes one step back. That stiff high royalty ardainian… she thought offended but didn’t say anything, he wasn’t wrong, she is royalty…
“Heh we go ahead, if you didn’t notice we got the stone samples, too” Nia teased and shows her rocks which still have a faint glow of blue.
“Friends have a lot to talk about” Tora said excitedly but then runs away when Mòrag glanced at him. “Masterbon don’t run, Poppi doesn’t want to carry when masterbon slip” Poppi ran after him and they heard disappointed meh meh as an echo.
“See ya outside, take as much time as you need” Pyra said before leaving with Rex and Nia, and Dromarch. Azurda bowed to them before leaving too.
“Pandoria…” Mòrag started but the electric blade just shook her head. “I knew my prince likes you so it was just a matter of time and thing I need to get used to now”
“You’re not only one Pandoria, now shall we go?” Brighid said and showed her to way. Pandoria was surprised but nodded and left after Zeke nodded too. Thanks, Brighid… Hopefully, you get along, eventually…
After they were left alone, they fell into the silence just their friends’ voices echo from afar.
“Didn’t expect you were the reason…” Zeke started but Mòrag snorted. “Likewise but when you didn’t do anything, I had two choices: suffer or confess” she said but still was very blushed red.
“Well I was so focused on my suffering I didn’t even think about it being the real deal and because of you” Zeke brushed his neck grinning awkwardly but then came closer. “But I’m happy you made the move”
“And I’m already regretting it but at least we’re feeling better now but what happens next…” Mòrag sighs and puts her hat back on her head and moves to leave but Zeke puts his hand on her shoulders. “Well we have time to think about it but sounds like there’s more than that one kiss?” he whispers and Mòrag hears how he’s unsure. “Yes… I think… Let’s just go”
Zeke grins and pulls her to his armpit before leaving. “That’s good to hear I’m not only one thinking that but by the way, as a gentleman, I should have made the first move”
Mòrag sighs deeply, she has to get used to this teasing now more personally but part of her is glad Zeke responded to her feelings. “Well I’m used to not having that kind of, gentlemen around me, so please don’t intend to start now Zeke”
Zeke laughed and shakes his head. “You think that tantalese jeweler is going to make, jewels from those stones if they still glow when she gets them?”
Mòrag looks at him deadpan. “Probably” she just said walking in the water which is almost up to the knee but didn’t notice the hole in the ground but Zeke notices it and pulled her closer. “I have an idea, about old-world gentlemen’s”
“I don’t want to know” Mòrag said quickly and Zeke burst into laughter and at the same time put his hand behind Mòrag and lift her in his arms. “Didn’t those gentlemen prevent ladies to wet their shoes? And I bet if you had stepped on that hole, you would have been waist-high in the water” he said and continues walking.
“My clothes are designed to prevent fire and water! So now Zeke put me down, I’m not your damsel in distress!” Mòrag shouted and her voice echoed in the tunnel.
“Oh come on, it’s the first time I can even think of doing this without being scared of my life, so this once, my lady” Zeke teases her.
Mòrag snorted and see they were almost at the entrance other will know anyway and being carried is new to her. I have been injured in the field but carried because courtesy? she thought but when she continued, by a man which she has feelings for…
“Did something happen?” Brighid asks quickly when seeing them, knowing very well Mòrag needs to be unconscious or injured to let be carried.
“No, I’m fine Brighid” Mòrag just sighs and Zeke puts her on the ground.
“Rehearsing something Shellhead?” Nia smiled.
“Shush Furry ears, ya jealous it wasn’t you?” Zeke now tease her back even though the tease about the wedding, did scare him a little. Mòrag changed the subject with Brighid so they didn’t notice it.
“Hah, you wish. Good to see you’re back on yourself” Nia laughed and looked at Vandham who clears his throat. “You leaving the titan tonight, eh?”
“That’s the plan, after almost war with Uraya, I’m not a welcome sight in Fonsa Myma” Mòrag said.
“Right… The last time something like that happened was when ye old Indol was still alive, heard about that but the sun is setting so I was going to offer you place to say in Garfont, what you say? Y’all still need to go Myma tomorrow but in daylight” Vandham brushed his jaw while watching Mòrag. Urayans and Ardainians relations are at a peak right now, worse than a year ago before the group saved the world.
“If not for his majesty Niall, there would have been an all-out war between two big countries and big cities are dangerous at night, so I recommend we take on the offer” Azurda said what he knows about the conflict.
“You’re right about that little fella if the… The emperor wouldn’t get the message to his troops it could have been real messy. Good thing our queen was up to the date and ordered men to withdraw before that too” Vandham nods and Zeke hides his smile, Vandham was going to say little emperor or something which would make Mòrag offended.
“That matter was dissolved but matters of our people are still wounded, so perhaps it's better we accept your offer?” Mòrag cleared her throat and watches Rex. “Sure, we’re not in the hurry” the aegis driver says and watches others.
“Why not, we wouldn’t want urayans to get angry when seeing ardainian, even though she saved the world just a year earlier” Nia snorted.
“My lady, that’s a different matter” Dromarch said even though he knew it wasn’t, they’re the same people.
“Tora is good to sleep in the nice tent in Garfont, haven’t been there since that trip” Tora said happily and so did Poppy.
“Alright then, Roc lead the way” Vandham nodded and said to his bird blade friend. “Aye, my driver” he said and left flying.
They arrived at the Garfont but even though Vandham said the Urayan refugees at the camp are friendly and do not plan anything hostile, Mòrag couldn’t still sleep at ease, so she woke up and leaves the tent to get some fresh air.
The night is cold for her but her head is too full of thoughts to sleep so she’s watching a few people still awake outside with the guards.
What a day... Chosen one of the heart? We talked about it more and yet we didn’t make anything official are we, dating or something like that because the situation is this, I don’t know how would king Eulogimenos take his only son dating ardainian… she thought but then notice Urayan man becoming towards her. “Evening or is it a late night” he said and seem to be drunk which made Mòrag tense up. “I guess it is late night sir, I just came breath in some fresh air”
“Yeah, you don’t get that in Mor Ardain, at least at the capital” the older man grinned.
Mòrag knew he was teasing her so she doesn’t let it get to her. “Yes well, it is, late at night, I think I’m going to…”
“Aren’t you the special inquisitor who helped save the world a while ago?” men interrupted her but it was astonishing he could say her title, in that drunk. “Yes, good night, sir” Mòrag just say but the man took her hand. “Say, the emperor is your brother, right?”
Mòrag frowned and looked at her hand. “Yes” she still just said, not making the scene. “Why pray tell, you’re not in the power? You are, imperial princess, aren’t you?” The man grins teasingly.
“In Mor Ardain, the throne goes from father to son, simple as that sir. Now if you excuse me, I’m going to bed, goodnight” Mòrag kept her composure. The man clearly knows something more, I haven’t heard that title in years…
“Hey what are you doing man?” Zeke comes from the tent and notices Urayan squeezing Mòrag’s hand. “Oh, you two have something on? She your girl?” men accelerated but let go of her hand.
“My friend, as you may know, us” Zeke just said. “Ah yes, tantalese prince. Heh, secluded cold land and imperial hot land, you would make interesting pair. Watch out if you marry this ardainian they would get your throne too…” the drunken man laughed but like in some gone Architects will he got sick and leaves without any more teasing words but those were enough.
Again with the marriage but he wasn’t wrong. Niall got our troops out of the field at the last minute because the senate was not cooperative, what if in the future… No Zeke is so proud of his homeland and I don’t want the Senate to get involved… Mòrag got lost in her thoughts.
“Mòrag? Hello, earth to Mòrag, you thinking what that drunker said?” Zeke whispered and put his hands on her arms when she was so worried-looking.
“Yes, actually. Zeke, he wasn’t wrong, Mor Ardains senate is the problem. I know Niall can handle them but there’s so much other work and so many different soldiers, I’m not sure, can we keep all of them at ease, just think what happened in Temperantia or just weeks ago. Tantal shouldn’t get involved with our and or Uraya’s messy businesses or worse…” she told him and Zeke frowned his brows. She’s really scared of Tantal, getting invaded, by them?
“Mòrag… We have now new lands to conger or actually already build in, everyone has their piece of the Elysium. Even the Senate has to admit you don’t need another in future dying titan, Genbu is feeling fine now but in the end, it’s the same as Mor Ardain. You don’t need to be afraid of that, together we can make sure that nothing happens. Not going to say I’m going to protect you because I know very well you can do it yourself and save me in the process” Zeke told her while brushing her arms up and down but then smiled a little.
Very Zekelike… First surprisingly calm and official and then, you… Mòrag thought while watching him, at his both eyes. “You have red eyes, I never knew that…”
That took Zeke off guard and he realized he didn’t wear an eyepatch before leaving when he heard Mòrag’s voice outside. “Heh yeah tantalese. You like it?”
Mòrag laughed but nodded. “And about the matter, we spoke of, you’re right, I’m just…” she then sighs and frowned when Zeke came closer. “Out of your comfort zone?” he whispered lifting his brow.
“We should go to sleep, it’s early when we leave” Mòrag cleared her throat and took a step back.
“Heh, yeah we should but seriously Mòrag, I meant that, if we’re going to continue this, our thing. I’m there for you and you’re there for me” Zeke said. “Like always but more than fri…” he continued but Mòrag put her hand in front of his mouth. “I know but it’s going to be difficult, not just future matters but here and now, Uraya aside Mor Ardain has to mend their relationship with other countries too, including Tantal”
Zeke listened to her and smirked. “They’re gonna love, our new relationship with the Mor Ardain” he said mumbling behind her hand. “Didn’t you hear what I said? I mean we have to mend our relations before we can…” Mòrag snorted but Zeke was too happy when Mòrag agrees they were in a relationship so he lifted her theatrically up from the ground and spun around through the air. “Zeke put me down!” she yelled but same time tried to be quiet.
Zeke just laughed and after putting her down he kissed her.
Mòrag sighs after the kiss but just watches how happy Zeke is, so she smiles too, at least one of them shows how she is feeling inside…
The next day Vandham escort them to the Fonsa Myma, where they get disapproving looks like Mòrag was afraid of but none was as daring as the drunker last night, which Vandham is going to talk with after he wakes up and tells Mòrag if it was just drunken defiance and little knowledge or does he has relations on some shady organizations. Though Mòrag doesn't like the thought of Vandham hearing she really is a princess, she can already imagine how he reacts, she agreed to that...
"Thanks, Vandham, it sounded like a little thing, being stone and all, for the poor tantalese jeweler but this is going to help them to come out after we get the city to ourselves on Elysium ground” Zeke shakes hand with the Vandham when the others went already into the ship a the harbor.
“Nah pleasure is all mine, your highness. It was a nice little adventure with old buddies. After I almost died by the hand of Torna and Rex and others needed to continue their journey, it was a nice change of pace when everything went back to the same old mercenary work after I got better” Vandham laughed and watches Rex and others on the ship. “So we can bother you again, with these fetching quests?” Nia teases and glanced at Zeke who agreed to help his local jeweler in the first place.
“Anytime but not always, I’m still a mercenary leader but come visit when you have time” Vandham smiled and watches his comrades who came along, so they can do work while going back because Zuo said they were now more careful when they almost lost their leader.
“Definitely Vandham” Rex nodded.
“Same goes for you, lady Mòrag. I will tell how it went with that fellow back at the camp but other than that and our nation's relations aside, you’re always welcome to the Garfont even though I managed you’re little busy now with, your hearts chosen-one and your special inquisitor work” Vandham continued grinning.
“Thank you, Mr. Vandham, I’ll keep that in mind” Mòrag just said even though her friends gave, that look, and Zeke smirked but retain himself to give her a peck on the cheek, in public, as she hoped. Brighid just bowed to him, hand on her chest but smiled inside when feeling a new happy feeling on her driver’s ether.
“Take care big guy” Pandoria said shyly beside Brighid.
“Very good care friend Vandham, Tora wants to visit soon” Tora said flapping his wings. “If friends are in Torigoth and come to visit, Poppi and sister Lila offer a beer” Poppi said excitedly.
“Didn’t know Poppi knows beer word” Rex whispered to Pyra who just smiled and waved when the ship started to leave the dock. “Maybe she picked it up yesterday at the dinner, our host drank an awful lot of beer” Azurda said and Rex nodded.
“He’s quite a character” Dromarch smiled and watches how Vandham laughs at what Poppi said. “I’ll hold you that deal Poppi!” they heard him shouting before they were too far.
Mòrag stayed at the ship's deck while others went below. “I take you talked with Zeke yesterday or technically today?” Brighid asked after they were in silence. “Yes, and one drunken Urayan got me thinking about our countries and how our, a relationship is going to affect it. Special inquisitor and future king…” Mòrag answered sighing deeply.
“Whatever is going to happen, he’s by your side too if I know his character” Brighid nodded and Mòrag saw a little smile when she smiled. “He said that too”
“Also you have now two countries' best blades by your side” Pandoria said which surprised her, it’s true but she thought it would take longer than Pandoria to say it, loud. “Thank you, Pandoria, that means a lot coming from you. Zeke didn’t fall off the ship because you’re alone?” Mòrag nodded and smirked a little but then felt a hand going around her and before Brighid could say anything, she instinctively hit, the attacker.
“Ow!” Zeke yelled and kept his nose. “Zeke!” Mòrag shouted surprised and glanced at Pandoria who burst out laughing. “I knew this would happen but he didn’t listen, when I said his plan is risky”
Brighid sighs, this is going to be her daily life with these goofs around. But at least lady Mòrag has something else than her work and it makes her happier than I’ve seen her since last year… She thought and smiled a little when Mòrag took Zeke’s hand from his nose clearly worried. “Never attack from behind idiot”
“I didn’t expect you would attack me, we are on the ship, just us. Not many are going to Gormott and from there to Mor Ardain” Zeke whined. “Thihi, come on Brighid, let them figure out this themselves” Pandoria still smirked and took Brighid from her arm and left leading her away before she could say anything.
“It was instinctive Zeke” Mòrag sighed but good Zeke’s nose didn’t bleed.
“Yeah, I know, I’ll remember next time” Zeke snorted while touching his aching nose. “No you won’t, I already can tell” Mòrag shakes her head.
“True, you just have to get used to it” Zeke grinned and takes off her hat.
“And a lot of other things too?” Mòrag asked and crossed her arms. “Oh yeah, it’s going to be fun” Zeke smirked and pulled her to the kiss.
“Like this, if there were others, I wouldn’t allow this…” Mòrag whispered after the kiss but her eyes closed, she didn’t see how Zeke smirked happily, how she gets forgotten into the kiss so completely.
“I know Mòrag, I know…” he just whispered and continues the kiss…