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Standing amidst the Omicron's corner of Ultima Thule G'raha turns to face the Warrior of Light.
"One day, when this adventure becomes a part of your epic, do you think I will be mentioned in it?" His tail thrashed and ears were lowered and she could see that his gaze wanted to do the same.
Blinking back tears Kheni takes his right hand and lovingly places a kiss to the palm before cradling it to her cheek.
"Raha, you will be a constant thread running through it. Wanting to help create a world worthy of waking you drove me on after the bloody banquet. That and Lei kept me going through my darkest moments in the Dragonsong war. Thoughts of how thrilled you'd be to investigate Mhachi ruins followed me while working with the sky pirates. You were in my heart at Azys Lla with the warring triad. Helping free Ala Mhigo and Doma, I hoped tales would make it to you in the future. I wondered if you would want to help free Corvos from the Garleans' shackles as well. Every day when I thought of Lei you were there." Her voice wavers but loses no conviction. "My dearest you have NEVER been a "footnote" or a "mention". As I am your inspiration you have been mine. My guiding star." She stops fighting the tears and lets them fall as she draws him closer.
Feeling his chest rise and fall as his arms come to wrap around her she comforts herself with his heartbeat, the pulse of aether flowing through him. They can face this, together.
"The words are ready in my mind. But ere I speak them..." G'raha turns to face Kheni and takes her hand. "I want you to make me a promise." Slowly taking in a breath he runs his thumb over her knuckles and meets her eyes.
"Be it across time or space, our promises have always connected us. And so I ask that
you indulge me once more, that this won't be the end."
For a moment her blood runs cold and her heart plumits. Only the sound of her blood rushing fills her ears and her eyes grow damp.
Meeting his eyes again though, the steeled determination and open adoration seen there slows her pulse and soothes her nerves.
"Of course. Anything you ask Raha."
He smiles softly and her heart rate picks up again as he brings her hand to his lips to caress her knuckles with a kiss.
"Is that so? In that case I won't hold back. First, I want to visit Ishgard with you, properly. We scarcely had time to look around last time. I should like it very much if you and Lei could show me the sights. Your favorite places, the best little nooks and stalls to grab a bite to eat or drink. Next, you must regale me with your greatest adventures. In the places where you lived them, if possible. I may have read about all your deeds but I would love to hear it in your voice, a direct firsthand account. And last but not least, a new adventure together. Unlike any we've experienced before." His voice speeds and pitches up a little in excitement, ears twitch and his tail speeds up its steady beat. His smile broadening, he keeps his hold on her left hand and steps back a bit.
"We'll travel the lands, cross the seas, and take to the skies on the eternal wind -- and it will be marvelous! It will... And we'll do it together." His right hand tightens on her left and his left brushes her cheek.
"I once asked you, if I were to tell you that this isn't the end - that we will meet again - would you believe me? Do you still believe me when I ask you the same question again?"
Kheni nods fiercely. "I will drag you back from the aetherial sea myself if I must so you can keep that promise."
G'raha smiles and reaches into a pocket with his left hand. "I believe you. Last time we had that conversation I left you with my very soul and memories in a vessel. Now I leave you with a much smaller token, one that holds my heart rather than my soul and memories." Kheni's heart stops for a moment and all air leaves her lungs as he pulls a closed fist from his pocket and kneels on one knee. Opening his hand he reveals a ring, silver and inlaid with familiar blue crystal, crowned by a round ruby with a star cut into the facets. Her breath comes back to her in great heaves as her tears resume, thankfully not obscuring her view of this wonderful man.
"I cannot imagine a future without you and our child in it. Never did I think I would be so blessed as to have such love as you have shared with me. My love, Kheni." His voice cracks a little on her name as he holds the ring before the third finger on her left hand. "I know we will all make it through this and return home safely. Once we do, will you do me the greatest honor of becoming my wife?" Choked up, Kheni nods. "Yes, yes Raha I'll marry you. You amazing man." He slides the ring into place and kisses it. "Hopefully such an event will be worthy of a chapter in your epic. Now my love..." He rises back to his feet and kisses Kheni, taking her into his arms. Her tears don't stop. She knows this is goodbye, only meant to be temporary but the looming uncertainty lays heavy on her. They will come out of this, they must. She will have to get with Tataru for a dress, for her and Lei. Would a sister demand to be her maid of honor or would she get away with having Alisaie? She pulls away from the kiss to smile at Raha and bunts her head against him while letting out a stuttering purr.
G'raha's eyes are shimmering with unshed tears as he returns the purr and nuzzles her back.
"I shall see you soon." He says kissing her once more on the forehead before turning to face Sir.