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Elysia leaned against the railing of the gazebo that overlooked the rest of the garden. Her hair fluttered gently in the sweet breeze. Dolce, Eden thought. The pink haired elf standing against a candy floss backdrop made her teeth ache and her heart yearn. Eden admired her love from afar, content with the simple gaze before heading off to speak with Griseo and Kosma who were in the labyrinth. Kosma probably was having to remind the child her paint was not to be eaten or strewn about the realm. It was best Eden intervened before Griseo painted on the walkways again.
“Why don’t you join me, Eden?” Elysia called out, her back still turned. Eden’s head snapped towards her, lips parted in silent surprise. Her expression softened while she crossed the distance separating the two of them.
“How could I forget your blessed hearing?” Eden sighed, propping against the railing as well. She pressed her body close to Elysia’s, enjoying her warm company. Eden raked her eyes over Elysia’s expression whose eyes were shut, soaking in the last bit of sun for the day. The sunrise and sunset were beautifully similar yet with comparable differences. However, they were just a background to Eden. The apple of her eye was always the focus of her life’s performance.
“Kevin likes to call it cursed,” Elysia snickered. “I wonder if Griseo painted this sky once before. It’s beautiful.”
“Most assuredly. That’s a talented girl.” Griseo was doted upon by all the Flamechasers and rightfully so. The youngest of them was the most impressionable. Her knack for picking up another’s personality could become problematic, but they rotated around her with ease. They couldn’t help but cherish her innocent presence.
“And you’re a talented girl too!” Elysia turned to face Eden, smiling broadly. “The diva of this Era!”
Eden reached out to brush Elysia’s hair from her eyes. Elysia leaned in with a glint in her eye. “I never grow tired of seeing such a cutie like you, Eden. It’s very refreshing.”
“Mhm, you’re quite beautiful yourself, Ellie.” Eden pecked her nose gently, enjoying the faint flush dust Elysia’s cheeks. “No beauty I have seen compares to yours in my eyes.”
“I’m supposed to woo you!” Elysia whined, tossing herself into Eden’s arms as she nuzzled into her neck. Eden cradled Elysia’s form against her own. The affection of her love charged her heart in seconds. “Let’s go snag some drinks and come back to look at the stars.”
“Whatever you wish.”
– – –
Elysia nursed her second hard lemonade while Eden was several glasses of wine into the evening. They enjoyed each other’s company in comfortable silence for a stretch of time. The two need not share words when there were unspoken exchanges. With stolen glances, soft touches, and brushes of lips, they understood each other seamlessly.
“The stars are so bright tonight,” Eden slurred. “The moon is gorgeous as well.”
“It truly is. I wish this moment could be immortalized,” Elysia said wistfully, her eyes focused on the stars. “Do you think we will make it to the next Era?”
“I’d like to think so. Our job here is done. Humanity lost this time.” Eden swirled her drink before taking another long swig.
“Hm.” Elysia hummed. Her expression was far more sorrowful than Eden could ever recall. Elysia shook her head abruptly before setting her drink down to stand up. There was something she wasn’t sharing with Eden. “Dance with me!”
“Dance?” Eden stood up to join her, stumbling slightly while Elysia reached out to catch her before she fell. She always anticipated Eden’s clumsiness. Her previous concerns faded while in Elysia’s hold.
“Oh, Eden,” Elysia giggled at her partner as she regained her balance.. “You’re tipsy for our first slow dance in ages. Why am I not surprised?”
“I trust you to lead me, Ellie,. I don’t believe you would lead me astray,” Eden said. Her voice rumbled deep within her chest while the warmth of alcohol flooded her body. Elysia’s eyes glimmered at her words before a beaming smile broke across her face.
“You sure do know how to fluster a girl! Won’t you sing for us, darling?” Elysia joined their hands, intertwining their fingers gently. A fondness tugged at Eden’s heartstrings. The charming girl before her spoke with sincerity and kindness, yet could take charge when needed. Eden adored everything there was to Elysia.
“What would you like to hear?”
“Anything that comes to mind! If you’re singing, then I will love it.” Elysia pulled Eden close and pressed their bodies together. “Mobius can tolerate a few minutes of us enjoying our time together.”
“Doctor despises all forms of music,” Eden laughed heartily, “But I hope you’re right. I think she and the others will allow us some time to enjoy this moment.”
Elysia’s nature was kind and forgiving. Eden could not believe such a person could exist so unconditionally. However, Elysia always gave up her heart and comfort for others. Eden would always be there to remind her elven half to take care of herself. Eden began to sing a classic tune she performed more times than she could count. Elysia stepped back and fell into a gentle rhythmic pattern as Eden kept singing. She gazed at her love with adoration.
Eden’s eyes were closed, imagining her and Elysia were on a grand stage. Red velvet curtains parted to expose Elysia and Eden dressed in formal wear. Elysia decked out in a while tulle and silk dress, beautiful champagne pumps, and her hair tied up in an extravagant updo with flowers and glitter as the final touch. Eden could not envision herself for her eyes were on Elysia. The lighting followed them across the stage illuminating them. Elysia looked angelic to Eden.
Eden’s body swayed as she sang passionately. A ghost of an orchestra accompanied her. The weight of Elysia against her chest pulled away before they stepped together again. Except her partner did not return. Eden opened her eyes to see the stage falling away and flames consuming the Earth around her. Rubble and burned remains stretched on for as much as her eye could see.
Elysia would never return to dance with her again. Eden could see the aircraft that took away the remaining Flamechasers. Eden made her choice. She was fit for this era, a new one would not accept her as graciously as the others. She hopes they can fight for the next generation of people as they once did here. Eden had lost all too many things that were precious to her.
This was her final performance. All must be done perfectly. A grand pause occurred as Eden gathered her thoughts.
Eden waltzed forward, miming the steps of her last dance with Elysia. Tears coated her cheeks and slipped into her mouth. She belted until her throat burned from the smoke. She crescendoed as her pageless ballad grew longer. It was the only way she could be heard over the roaring flames. She would remain with Elysia’s memory in this era. She could not leave her beloved behind. Perhaps they can dance together once more in the afterlife.
As she chased the memory of Elysia, Eden could no longer see. Her heart pulled her towards her lost love. The smoke clouded Eden’s vision fully, but she no longer needed it. She will always find her way back to Elysia. Even as she inhaled smoke and ash she could feel the softness of Elysia’s hand within hers, the gentle touch of her hand on Eden’s cheek. It was all Eden needed to feel comforted.
Eden was all too warm to be sober. In Grave, flames engulfed Eden’s dress. The world around her slowed to a stop. The ballad’s final line echoed in her heart.
We’re just two slow dancers, last ones out.
Morendo.