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The bitter air of Garlemald had not left you shivering any longer as you had found your place once more, a sense of familiarity behind your broken homeland. Though it had not truly been that of your home, the majority of your life had been spent in Garlemald, under the watchful eye of Gaius. Y/e/c eyes trailed the wastes as you made your way towards Camp Broken Glass, they had been calling it at least. Sent by Jullus himself to grab supplies, you allowed yourself to lose yourself in thought upon the long journey between.
It had not taken more than a few steps into the camp itself, so lost in thought, to nearly be tackled down by slender arms. The familiar feeling brought you back into reality, noticing white locks the slightest below your gaze as the auri girl tightly gripped you. Two years had passed since her freedom, two years since the two of you had been the only two left. Tears welled in your y/e/c eyes as you were quick to embrace the young woman.
"Allie!" You exclaimed, your lips curling as your y/e/c eyes welled. You pulled her as close as you could, noticing the fluffy jacket she adorned. It had been more than obvious that she had planned to be in Garlemald for more than a moment, though you found yourself perplexed to see your sister present. Even so, you could feel a warmth in your bosom as you closed your y/e/c eyes, reveling in the woman's embrace. "Gods how I've missed you." A tear trickled down your face, which you were quick to wipe with your hand as you held the young woman close.
"It's been too long," she practically beamed upon you as the two of you separated. "Da-Gaius was opposed to coming back to Garlemald, but I pressed that I wished to see how you faired."
"Father came with you?" You questioned, clearly perplexed as your brows furrowed.
Allie giggled, gleeful as she pointed off towards the headquarters Lucia and Maxima typically operated in. The self-same place you had to report to, you gazed to with a new kind of wonder, unsure how you felt about seeing Gaius again after so long, though Allie's words were quick to rip you from your train of thought. "He's in there, speaking with Maxima...I think his name was," she spoke, pondering towards the end. "Would you care to see him?"
You bit your lip for merely a moment, before your gaze shifted off to your sister. Soft, your y/e/c eyes landed upon the snow white locked auri, and you nearly melted at the excitement in her eyes. Despite all the two of you had lost, she surely hadn't lost that same child-like wonder you loved of her. She had the kind of excitement you knew far too well than to say no to.
"I would," you spoke, a soft chuckle to your words as you nodded. "I also need to speak with Maxima as well. Mayhap he'd be able to relay the message that my delivery will be a little late."
"I wouldn't be opposed to helping you with your delivery," Allie chimed in fondly. "Gaius and I will be here for a while, and I'm sure he is asking how it is he can keep busy."
You grabbed the young woman's hand as you grinned. "All the time I get to spend with you the better, though you better tell me if you're feeling cold," you spoke wryly, the two of you heading inside to headquarters.
Gaius's yellow eyes were quick to land upon the two of you, a softness to his gaze, though Maxima had been the first to address you. "Miss Y/N, would you like me to ask for Alphinaud in your stead, so that you may spend time with your visitors?" He asked kindly. The Garlean male had been kind to you since the day you met him, the man's soft purple hues unbiased towards your heritage, though he always held such a formality.
You shook your head, though your grin had not left your face. "Allie has agreed to venture with me," you informed him. "I would need knowledge of where the supplies Jullus requested are, though."
"I'll accompany the two of you, if you oughtn't mind," Gaius was quick to chime in, his yellow gaze fixated upon you as his lips forced upwards the slightest at the edges. "It's far better than having idle hands, and both Lucia and Maxima insists my presence is not a disruption."
"It'll also save you a trip," Maxima chuckled, a fondness in his eyes as he gazed the three of you. "The supplies are the crates to the right, only two of them, but they are rather heavy."
You took your hand back as you moved to pick up a crate, Allie left with none as Gaius was quick to grab the second, though she walked at your side with careful eyes, watching to make sure it hadn’t been too heavy for you. "Maxima tells me you've been an invaluable resource in the restoration," Gaius started tentatively as the three of you walked. His words held a pride, though a hesitation, as he found himself unsure what it was he could say to someone he felt he had failed. Since you had not stuck around after watching the devastation, he knew not what went on in your head.
"Aye, I've just been doing what I can," you spoke, nonchalant as you strode beside him. "I look forward to the day the restoration is completed, where this place can be looked upon as something of pride and peace. For that, I will gladly do anything in my power to aid."
"It can be done, surely!" Allie chimed with a hopeful smile atop her lips. "Werylt has been restored, with the memorial by the pier. It's truly beautiful once more."
"And have you both been fairing well, then?" You questioned, though your eyes landed upon Allie as you spoke your words. "Comfortable, happy, I hope?" As Allie nodded, you smirked the slightest. "I'd ask if there was someone you fancied, but I'm sure Father's been scaring anyone for malms." As you spoke those words, your gaze shifted back to a very flustered, and yet somewhat understanding Gaius.
"We can speak of that later," Allie chirped out, a hint of blush against her cheeks as she buried her face in her hands.
"We, uh," Gaius started, clearing his throat as he pursed his lips. "We both have missed you, Y/N. I do find warmth in knowing you've found a place you belong, though I am shocked to hear it be Garlemald. I'm...pleasantly surprised."
"Well, with that bastard dead, Garlemald has the potential of its people, and those I've had the pleasure are...good," you spoke, pursing your lips for a moment as your gaze shifted to the supplies in your hand, before gazing out in front of the three of you. "I remember not the days upon the streets of Terncliff, but I remember the kindness you offered us, and the kindness they need now."
He hadn't needed to ask which bastard you spoke, nor had Allie as both gazed upon you with worried eyes for a moment. The moment itself was quickly cut off as the three of you descended towards the underground station, and your lips parted once more, though it had not been that of reflection. "Once we descend, these supplies needs be placed near the aetheryte. If you wish your hands not idle, Father, I'm sure Alphianauld has more, but I myself have been running around all day, and would do for grabbing Allie a spot of tea."
"That sounds lovely," Allie chimed in, her lips curling upwards once more. "There's so much I wish to tell you still, and even more I wish to ask."
Gaius chuckled softly, his slight, near scoff of a chuckle, though his lips curled upwards softly at the edges. "I'm sure I can busy myself long enough for the two of you to catch up," he spoke, barely above a whisper. "It would do to see you take a bell, as I'm sure you haven't been."
The moment the two of you set the supplies neatly next to the aetheryte, you hardly had the chance to turn, let alone speak before you felt familiar arms wind around you in silence. His embrace was warm, tight, and you nearly felt you would cry. Two years since Werylt, and even longer since he had deflected, you remembered that selfsame embrace far younger than you had been. Though it perhaps had been the slightest bit awkward, midst the camp you spent most of your time, you closed your eyes for a moment as you relished in it nonetheless.
As you separated, you gave Gaius a half-hearted smile. You knew what he wished for, and part of you, in your depths, knew it hadn’t been his fault. Barely above a whisper, you spoke sheepish. "It really is good to see you," you said. The smile you received in return had been what you had needed to go off towards the twins to tell them you would be taking a bell or so with your sister.
With a cup in your hand for Allie, and one for yourself, you sat upon one of the cushioned benches, handing her cup off to her. It had been the most privacy the two of you could be afforded, while Gaius went off to get a task from Alphianauld. Parting your lips, you had been the first to speak, your y/e/c eyes brimming with curiosity. "I haven't seen you in nearly two years, and yet, I'm still curious about that question that nearly made Father melt into the ground," you spoke wryly, moving to take a sip of your tea. The warmth had been a welcomed sensation as you swallowed it, though the tea itself had been bland.
She giggled softly, her eyes nearly lit up at the thought. "Promise you won't tell Gaius?" She spoke through her giggling words.
"I won't tell a soul," you hummed in reply, your lips curled upwards. "Pray keep in mind, if anyone hurts my little sister, I will surely go out of my way to Werylt. I fancy myself adequate with a gunblade."
Allie rolled her eyes, though she spoke of a boy from the town around her age, speaking of how the two had been seeing one another since the first year of restoration. She spoke of the young man being kind, handsome, and described him nearly a quarter of a bell with fervor. "I think I may be in love with him," she spoke finally, wrapping her words as she blushed at the thought. "We haven't said that yet, though I'm nearly sure."
"I oughtn't know the boy at all, but I do know you well enough to know it sounds like love," you replied with a soft chuckle, before taking another sip of your drink. "I do hope he treats you well. You deserve it and more."
"What of you?" She questioned finally, the blush fading from her cheeks as excitement took its place in her eyes. "Do you have a boyfriend?"
"I do not," you hummed, your cheeks tinted the slightest with red. "I do have a handsome man that I love, but I oughtn't tell him that."
Allie broke out laughing at your words, her giggles filling the area as she closed her eyes, before they landed upon you once more. "You are far more shy when it comes to relationships than you are with anything," she spoke through her giggles.
"Aye, I can attest to it," you replied with a shrug, your lips curled as you gazed upon your sister. "Alisae has been on me for a while about telling him. Constantly teasing me about it when he walks away."
"You should just tell him," Allie urged in agreement. "Is he at this camp? Which one is he?"
"Ah, Jullus," you spoke, a little awkward as you gave your sister the eyes to cease her questioning as your eyes landed upon the handsome Garlean, hardly a yalm into the enclosement itself. "Did you have need of me?"
Allie giggled as she watched you quickly go shy, go a little awkward, and she hadn't needed to ask. Sipping her tea, her gaze shifted between the two of you, but she could not contain the smile that blossomed against her lips. After two years, it had seemed the two of you already fell back into place, though it was merely for a visit.
"I specifically heard you should just tell him as I walked in," he spoke with furrowed brows, a perplexed expression presented upon his features. "Is there something you needs say to me?"
"No, no," you spoke quickly, your y/h/c locks fluttering the slightest as you shook your head. "I, we were just talking about…"
Allie had been far from helpful as she found herself giggling still, the more your speech dulled to nothingness, and the more you flustered. Though she had been the youngest, the most soft-spoken, when it came to love, you were far more shy. "If you need a minute, I could perhaps go find Gaius and keep him adequately distracted," she murmured, barely above a whisper.
You buried your face in your hands after setting your empty cup beside you as you nodded weakly. "You may as well," you chirped out as you were sure Jullus was already beyond confused, possibly a little perturbed without knowing that of the subject matter. "Jullus, if you oughtn't mind, I do needs speak with you." Your words had been muffled by your hands still upon your face, your embarrassment spiraling you further and further as your heart raced in your chest.
"Is something wrong?" He questioned, a worry in his tone as he sat upon the side of you that did not have your cup. "You...you aren't going back home, are you?" His blue hues were wide at the thought as he gazed upon you. "If you are, I cannot stop you, but…" His voice trailed off as he bit his lip, a clear disappointment in his tone.
At his words, you found yourself calmer, only the slightest as you uncovered your face. Moving your hand to his shoulder, you were quick to shake your head once more, a softness in your y/e/c eyes as you gazed upon the man. "Jullus, this is more my home than Werylt ever was," you spoke, your tone calm as your lips curled the slightest. "I oughtn't think of leaving, especially with so much to still do."
"Then...what is it you need to tell me?" He questioned, perplexed, and yet clearly with a hint of relief to his tone.
You bit your lip hard as your gaze shifted away. "I hadn't planned to tell you, mayhaps ever, if I'm to speak plain," you spoke, barely above a whisper as you could feel your heart racing once more. You carded your hand through y/h/c locks as you tried to find the words, tried to find a modicum of confidence to speak your confession to the man. "It's perfectly fine if you oughtn't feel the same, I…" You sighed, biting your lip as your gaze still hadn't shifted to Jullus. Your words trailed off as he was left to simply presume your words, while you fought with your racing heart to attempt to form them upon your own.
"You love me?" He questioned finally, words that slipped with ease from his tongue, yet they held a hint if shock to them.
You bit your lip as you nodded sheepishly, your gaze finally shifting to notice the way his expression held such shock to it. It had not been hard for you to notice as your gaze faced him that his blue eyes were wide, lips slightly agape after the words had slipped past his tongue. With your tone small in nature, you were quick to retract, to add on by saying, "I would understand if you oughtn't feel the same."
He grabbed your hand as he watched your gaze shift away in shyness, retracted in what he could only surmise the onslaught of rejection. "I'm simply shocked is all," he spoke quick, his lips curling as his blue hues were quick to meet your gaze once more. The fondness that shimmered behind his blue eyes had been warming, far more warming than any tincture as his lips began to curl. "Y/N, I love you as well," he specified, his tone warm as he squeezed the hand of yours he held. "Would you be mine, perhaps?"
Your lips curled as warmth spread in your bosom, your lips reaching a grin as you were quick to nod, accompanied by your words. "Nothing would make me happier, love," you hummed in reply. "I presume you ought have had a reason you originally sought me, as I doubt we were at the same mind at the time?"
Jullus chuckled at your words, before pressing a gentle kiss against your cheek, standing while he offered your hand. "I wished to show you the progress the engineers have made above," he spoke happily as he led you out, up the ramping to the surface. "Though I am loathe to admit it proceeds at a slow pace, it is far faster than I had expected having so few in number aiding."
At the time that the two of you made your way, your sister and Gaius had already been standing in the blustering cold, admiring the progress itself. Gaius held a proud look against his face, though his gaze shifted to the two of you as you joined them, giving an approving nod. Allie had been grinning the moment her gaze noticed the way the two of you had intertwined your fingers.
"It will take time, but it is warming to see such progress," Jullus spoke, his words for the three of you. "Garlemald will be a nation of pride and peace once more."
How many moons it had been, you were unsure, since you last allowed your mind to drift to those you cherished. You were sure you had fallen asleep, clutching an already sleeping Allie, as your free hand entangled Jullus's digits. Gaius spoke of just another week, mayhap, long enough for Allie to receive her fill that she could of her elder sibling before they made their way back home.
Fear entangled your body, his song sifting in and out of your ears as his maniacal smile reflected ever too close to your face. The echo of screams dripping from your lips as you could hear Rex's sobs behind you still burned into your memory. Your back felt to be burning, the searing pain of each lash. Why were you here, with the youngers gazing upon your bloodied back? If you could recount such a detail over your own screams, you hadn't known for sure. It hardly had been that of a nightmare, that of a dream, as you roused quietly with those tears chilled against your cheeks.
Steady breaths filled the room, methodical as they entered your senses, calming you so. Upon your right, Allie's white locks splayed upon your chest, the raen nothing if not a peaceful slumber upon you. One of her hands was reached across your waist, as if she truly hadn't wished her sibling to stir without her present.
Your y/e/c eyes shifted to your left, blue hues closed with calmness as indigo locks splayed upon your shoulder. Each breath he took reflected the slightest upon your neck as his third eye gleamed in the lacking light. The selfsame side he lied upon, he had your hand clasped, as if your lover refused to let you rouse without him.
Rex was gone, Valens was gone, and that cell was surely toppled in that of the destruction that was wrought to Garlemald. The way your muscles tensed in your momentary flash melted away as your breaths calmed. Your sister to your right, and your lover upon your left, you reminded yourself that you and she were there. You were safe once more. Lips curled upwards the slightest, though you had no way to wipe those tears that stained your cheeks.
The rustle of moving feet, albeit as quiet as he'd attempted to be, drew your attention as y/e/c eyes gazed out towards the source. The slight shimmer of his third eye was ought you could make out from that of the distance, but a wave of sympathy filled you nearly a moment. You pursed your lips as your gaze returned to the two who lied upon you. Though your sister would be gone ere long, you knew yourself to be home. Carefully, you rested your head against indigo locks, your own y/h/c locks mixing with that of his own as you simply reveled in the fleeting moment. Slitted y/e/c eyes noticed the way Gaius stopped, the way his yellow eyes gazed for a moment. Just the slightest closer than prior, you could make out the way his lip curled.
It hadn’t taken you much longer to slip back into slumber, as you had not much of a choice than to slumber or simply linger. With the reminder that you had been home, Valens had not returned to you. Though you could feel the faintest memory of the whip upon your exposed back as you woke, you quickly shook the feeling. With one arm free, Allie surely off to breakfast before you even stirred, you took the opportunity to pull your free hand to your face, wipe away those dried tears upon your face.
"Morning, love," you murmured with the slightest slumber still lingering in your tone as you pressed a gentle kiss to Jullus's head before stirring yourself. The position the three of you had chosen had been less than ideal, though the surrounding warmth had been welcomed.
"I hardly even remember falling asleep," he chuckled softly, slumber still clear in his tone, though he squeezed your hand gently. "Waking to your radiance is, uh, really welcomed, though." His words were shy, his gaze shifting for a moment before it returned to you, the slightest hint of blush against his cheeks as his lips curled upwards. "The feeling of the stone wall not as much."
"That we can agree upon," you chuckled as you pushed yourself to your feet, before holding your hand out for Jullus to get up himself. Your cheeks were darkened with crimson at his words, your tone far more stuttered than you expected. Before you had so much as a moment to part your lips, Jullus had captured yours in that of a chaste nature, nearly melting you where you stood.
The shy way his lips curled as the two of you separated, the slightest blush lingering upon his cheeks had been an even more welcomed sight. For a moment, his gaze shifted away, before landing upon you once more. “I’m sure we ought find the others.”