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I'd like for us to part with smiles on our faces. That's how I want us to remember each other. In joy, not sorrow.
In the aftermath of the Emblems’ departure, it is those words from Marth that push the Divine Dragon’s Army through their grief; through the festering ache of the war’s final loss: their friends the Emblems, the last lives sacrificed to the Fell Dragon’s ambitions. No longer would they have those reassuring presences by their side, smiling and laughing, offering their counsel, or guiding them in this new world of peace.
But instead of tears over what had been lost, they honored Marth’s wishes, and chose joy for what was—bonds forged with irreplaceable allies, and the hardfought peace that now dawned: the bright future they had given to the world.
And so a grand party was held, in a way only the Divine Dragon Army knew how.
The Somniel bursts with activity the night of Sombron’s defeat, almost every inch of the floating isle filled with songs, reminiscing, and laughter. Food and drink flowed freely through the Cafe Terrace, chortles mingling with the clinking of tableware as the Divine One’s stewards moved from table to table, clearing empty dishes and serving freshly cooked meals.
Sir Vander strikes quite the tense figure amidst the festivities, focus split between tending to everyone else, and making sure Framme didn’t trip and break yet another plate. Of course, the young stewardess is quick to huff out a rebuttal, insisting that there was NO way she would slip up, after the etiquette lessons LADY Celica had given her.
Pandreo lounges on the sofa, swaying to and fro as his fingers strum a light, jaunty tune on his ukulele; a song he’d apparently composed and dedicated to the Emblems. Princess Timerra is the first to chime in with her… colorful vocals, dragging several others—such as Kagetsu and Prince Alfred—into the impromptu singalong.
Prince Fogado even manages to get Alcryst to echo a few notes, and Diamant can’t help but smile seeing his brother so at ease.
It makes for a warm atmosphere, if a bittersweet reminder of what’s been lost.
The corner in which Diamant sits is a bit quieter, something that would have easily been remedied by Amber’s rambling stories and Jade’s pointed remarks, but he insisted that his retainers were off-duty, that they not latch themselves to his side and instead go have fun with the others. Chloe and Louis seemed quite enthralled by the sweeping tales of Amber’s latest adventure, while even Jade’s smile was apparent as she discussed books with Boucheron and Lindon.
And yet, Diamant finds himself somewhat fatigued. For all of the battles he’s weathered, the rigorous training he’s undergone, and the military campaigns he’s endured, it’s still socialization that he finds the most daunting. Everyone on the Somniel had become a trusted ally or friend, and of course, his family was here… but all the noise and excitement gets to be a bit much, and so he quietly excuses himself for some much needed alone time.
Passing through the courtyard, he spots the shopkeepers gathered together, cheering and making their toasts, as Lady Veyle dances with the Divine One to Pandreo’s music, still drifting out of the cafe.
Through all of this, he notices the acute absence of a certain someone.
Where was Ivy?
It wasn’t that he sought her out intentionally. Diamant did need space from the festivities to make sense of the thoughts swirling in his mind, to find the calm that he so desperately needed—it’s only a happy coincidence that Ivy stands in the spot that he first thinks to go to: the lookout where they last said their farewells to the Emblems.
Moonlight rests upon her shoulders, illuminating her porcelain skin in an almost otherworldly pall, and part of him is surprised to see her out when it was so dark. It had become something of a habit of theirs, these clandestine meetings in the cover of night, but he had become well acquainted with her fear of shadows, and what lurked within them.
His footsteps naturally fell heavier than most. A point of self-consciousness at times, but now one of assurance, as it allows him to wordlessly announce his approach. Thankfully, Ivy shows no sign of tension as she turns to look over her shoulder, and he offers a smile and wave to further make his presence known.
“I take it the excitement was a bit much for you, as well?”
A light scoff leaves her as he comes to stand at her side, and he senses amusement in her tone. “ Much is an understatement, I fear. I wagered I would be better off taking my chances with the ghosts, than to be dragged into another singalong by Kagetsu.”
He hums. A jest, he knows, but he’s come to learn that with Ivy, there was often a second meaning—something underlying in her actions and words. And so he wonders what it is her jest was meant to hide . “...Hah. Agreed. I do find it charming, but I would hate to ruin the fun with my own cracked notes.”
Been there, done that. In the middle of the town square. With Timerra.
“Though they did get Alcryst to sing, and that was quite the sight.”
Diamant can’t help but fondly smile at the mention of his little brother—the joy and relief he feels whenever he thinks of how much Alcryst has opened up the past year, through the influence of Alear and the others.
“Ever the doting brother, aren’t you?”
Ivy’s voice, quiet and sweet, tugs him from his thoughts, and he’s left with an uncharacteristically sheepish feeling as he meets her gaze. Her amusement from earlier now twinkles in fuschia depths, alongside the stars that reflect in her eyes. It’s—
Beautiful.
He coughs. “I wouldn’t say doting, really...” That was simply not something they did in Brodia, and surely Alcryst himself would hate it if Diamant felt the need to hover over him all the time. Especially now that he was coming of age. “I’m just happy to see him having fun. Doing well. It’s nice after—well. Everything that’s happened.”
Now it was her turn to hum, arms crossing as she turned to face the horizon once more. The landmasses of Elyos were rendered to mere splotches at this lofty height, all of them blending into the darkness of night. He always found it to be a rather humbling sight.
“How does your nation fare...” Ivy starts, after a moment, “after the loss of its king? I know your father was...” She hesitates, and Diamant can tell she’s using every bit of willpower to keep her tone even. “Was regarded as a hero, so I’m sure his loss must have hit your subjects particularly hard. There’s much for you to pick up and rebuild.”
He shakes his head, “It was devastating. It still is, but we Brodians are a resilient people. We’ll endure.”
Gaze shifts to her, “What I’m saddled with pales in comparison to what’s been left on your shoulders. Not only the loss of a king—of your father—but a populace that has been completely ravaged by the Fell Dragon’s depravity. The Elusian people are in dire need, and I would happily offer Brodia’s resources to help them in a heartbeat. But…”
“The nobles, yes? Your brother told me about them. How the king can’t make any grand decisions without their input and permission.”
His brow furrows. “I do have the power to overrule them. But there’s much they hold over the royal family, such as government and military funding, and if I were to be too brash and strongarm them, then—”
A finger to his lips is quick to halt the rest of his sentence, and Diamant can only look down at Ivy, bewildered, as she gently coos for him to: “Hush.”
She draws her hand away, “Did you really come up here to talk politics? To brood, overthink, and plunge yourself into an even deeper tizzy?” Tongue clicks. “And here I thought I was the gloomy one.”
He opens his mouth, “But—”
“But,” She cuts him off, “You want to help. I know. You always have, and I…” A pause, as if to consider her words, “...Appreciate you greatly for it. But there are matters you must tend to first, and a nation I must champion standing on my own two feet. If only it were as easy for our countries to bond as it had been for us… alas, that isn’t how reality works.”
As much as he wanted to protest that, there was nothing he could say. She was absolutely right. There were generations of bloodshed and deep-seated prejudice between their two nations that wouldn’t heal overnight, and even now that peace has come to the world, that age-old issue persists.
…But it wouldn’t always. He would make certain of that.
“It’s a reality I’m resolved to face. As to whether or not I’m prepared… even I have my doubts at times. But I’ve come to learn that’s natural—the future holds no certainties, after all.”
She shakes her head, “No, I suppose it does not. But a certain someone showed me that it does no harm to hope, or dream…” Her hand comes to rest upon her clavicle, where the necklace she forged from his gem sits.
“So as we stand together side-by-side, against all odds, in this place so far from reality… perhaps we should dare to dream. Think of what it is we want to do in the future, instead of what we can’t.”
He stares at her a moment, and then laughs. Her words were as blunt as ever, but he could see the intent behind them. Once again, he found himself having his spirits lifted by her. “Focus on the positive, then. You were right—who are you, and what have you done with Princess Ivy?”
“Your brother isn’t the only one who’s been influenced, I suppose…” She scoffs, “...Anyway. What do you envision for your more peaceful Brodia?”
“Well… more visits with the other nations, for one. Looser borders, an increase in trade…” Ivy gives him a pointed look, as if to say less politics, and he chuckles, attempting to redirect himself.
“...And more balls, I suppose. Citrinne would love that. Parties. Celebrations. A way to bring not just Brodians, but people of all walks of life together. The commoners, the nobility, those from neighboring countries.”
Ivy smiles softly, “That sounds lovely. Elusian formals were always rather rigid, though I’ve heard much of Brodia’s. I take it you dance, then?”
“As much as what is required of me. Though, I suppose in these new times of peace, I’ll have to brush up on those skills…”
Further down the path leading to the Lookout, the familiar notes of a ukulele drift on the air, and Diamant’s breath hitches—all areas on the Somniel were open to everyone, and so he wouldn’t be surprised if there were others wanting to find some peace and quiet on the Lookout as well… or even the bonfire not far off from it.
But as the voices surrounding Pandreo’s music begin to grow more faint and distant, he realizes the newcomers were heading in another direction instead.
Still, he turns to Ivy with one hand outstretched, the music giving him an idea.
“Care to help me with that practice? I imagine once things settle down, we’ll be expected to dance quite a bit at these balls… to promote national relations, of course.”
Diamant knows full well that isn’t what he really means. And by the skeptical, almost amused, curve of Ivy’s brow, he suspects she does, too.
“For national relations,” She slips her hand into his, “Of course. It simply wouldn’t do for the Brodian king to embarrass himself in front of Elusia’s queen.”
As anxious as the idyllic life on the Somniel initially made him, there would be many things Diamant missed about his time here, and with this army. One hand squeezes Ivy’s gently, as the other comes to rest upon her waist, pulling her in close. Fuschia gleams prettily under the moonlight, far more brilliant than any treasure or gem, and he is unable to hide the affection in his smile.
It is her, and these dreamlike moments spent together, that he will miss most.
In joy, not sorrow.
Part of him hopes that she will, too.