Work Text:
“Clorinde.”
It was not a gentle rain that cascaded down from the sky, but rather a strident downpour. Its thunderous drops banged harshly against the roof and windows of her abode. It was said when rain falls from the clouds of Fontaine, it is a sign of the Hydro Dragon weeping its tears. What could have caused its tears to be filled with such somber? And yet, the tears of the woman that fell before her could be easily comparable to that of the rain.
“May I come inside?”
“...Of course.”
The proud president of Spina di Rosula who held her head up high was no longer in front of her. The fragile faux confidence she presented was at contrast with her body language and appearance. Her hat and gown were stained and grew heavy with rainwater. Her shoulders were hunched over, as if an unbearable weight rested on them. Her expression was dejected, and even in the dark night, Clorinde could still see the faint redness in her eyes. Most significant of all, however, was the trembling of her hands.
Letting the woman inside, Clorinde gently shut the door behind her as hints of concern made their way to her face. Something was clearly wrong, no matter how well Navia attempted to conceal it. Clorinde took an uncertain step forward – arm and hand stretched out – though an overwhelming sense of hesitancy took over. Closing her hand, she squeezed her eyes shut before dropping her arm.
“What happened? Where are Silver and Melus?”
Navia remained silent, entirely avoidant of the question. Her eyes casted downward as she skipped over the latter question entirely.
“I was visiting Papa.”
The thought of Navia's tearful presence by her father's grave lingered in the recesses of Clorinde's mind for many years, the weight of guilt within her chest intensifying at each thought. It grew stronger with every notion of Navia mourning due to her actions. Despite her efforts, it seemed like the blood permanently stained her hands.
No matter how desperately she wanted to be forgiven, Clorinde knew she wouldn’t deserve it. She didn’t deserve it.
“Navia, why–” Clorinde bit harshly on her tongue before gesturing towards her living area. No need to make her more upset than she already is. “Why don’t you take a seat? Would you like anything to drink? Some tea, perhaps?”
Navia smiled weakly. “No, but thank you. Your company is enough.”
Clorinde curtly nodded, incapable of suppressing the gentle tug on her lips. Allowing Navia to enter the room first, she decided to sit down beside the blonde. She folded her hands into her lap, her gaze never fleeting from her hands.
“Clorinde, do you remember the game we played together when we were younger?” Navia suddenly asked.
A vivid memory suddenly replayed in Clorinde’s mind. The two women, much younger than they were now, surrounded a table accompanied with a board and several pieces. Echoes of the bittersweet memories lingered through her mind.
She raised her head. “…Yes, I do. What brings it up?”
Navia laughed gently, her eyes brimmed with affection and fondness. “I remember how often you would come over just to play it with me. You tried to hide it, but you were always so eager for when the next day would come so we could play. We would stay up for hours until you were forced out of the house by Papa.”
“I recall no such thing.” Clorinde denied quickly. Immediately, Navia attempted — very poorly at that — to stifle her laughter at the Champion Duelist’s reaction. She raised an amused brow as Clorinde let out a weary sigh. “I am certain Mr. Callas was more concerned about the mess we would make after the hours spent.”
“When you have two girls acting out a riveting story like it was the only thing that mattered in the world? But of course. I would be concerned about how my house would end up as well.” Navia cheekily grinned. “Poor Silver and Melus probably grew gray hairs trying to keep us in line.”
Clorinde reciprocated her smile. “I believe that it was mainly you who they were trying to keep in check.”
Navia feigned pain, bringing her hand to rest over her chest. “Ouch! And here I thought we were partners in crime.”
Clorinde let out a feathery laugh, but she could feel the same, worrisome thought tugging at the back of her mind relentlessly.
“Navia,” she began, clearing her throat. “As much as I enjoy reminiscing about the past, something happened, didn’t it?” Clorinde inquired, lifting her head in an attempt to meet the other woman’s gaze. She could barely hold it for longer than a second before glancing off to the side. “I’ve known you for long enough to tell that something’s wrong.”
The sudden shift in the room was apparent to both women as the words left the confines of Clorinde’s thoughts. Navia gripped tightly onto the fabric of her damp gown, the whites of her knuckles making a visible appearance on the back of her hand.
“Yet you still can’t look me in the eye?” Navia suddenly snapped, taking the Champion Duelist aback. Navia inhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of her nose with the shake of her head. “Sorry— I’m sorry, Clorinde. I didn’t mean it. It’s my fault I kept pushing you away anyway.”
She couldn’t help but wince at Navia’s words. “It’s… quite alright,” she replied with hesitancy. Clorinde could feel the weight of guilt within her chest grow heavier. “You came to me for a reason, did you not? Tell me.”
Though she remained silent, the shakiness in Navia’s hands was clear.
“Please.” she whispered softly, gently resting her hand on top of Navia’s. The president of the Spina’s eyes widened ever so slightly as her hands were encased by a long forgotten warmth. In their youth, Clorinde recalled Navia’s hands were always warm in contrast to her own icy hands — and yet this time…
Navia’s hands felt cold.
Her head slumped forward, eyes squeezing tightly shut as the only discernible sound in the room was the irregular rhythm of her breathing. "I was terrified, Clorinde. More frightened than I've ever been. I nearly... I..." Her words stumbled, and as she spoke, her composure gradually unraveled. Despite her efforts, strained chokes and sobs broke free, refusing to be suppressed. "I almost died. I almost fell into the Primordial Sea. And yet, even in death, Silver and Melus... they both... they both still looked after me."
Her weary blue eyes brimmed with tears met Clorinde's lavender gaze.
“Clorinde, please, don’t leave me.” Navia whispered unevenly. “Don’t leave me like Papa… like Silver and Melus… please, don’t go.”
Weak, exhausted sobs began to emit from the woman before her, her body shaking with each heave. She crumbled under the strain, shoulders trembling as the weight of her emotions became too much to bear. She fell forward suddenly into Clorinde’s embrace, arms wrapped around the other woman’s neck as her forehead fell on top of her shoulder. Navia clung on tightly, her nails threatening to dig deeply into the skin of the Champion Duelist.
“...I’ll stay, Navia. Don’t worry, I won’t go anywhere.”
Clorinde hesitantly raised her arms to envelop Navia in a desperately needed warmth. The once strong arm that wrapped around and clung onto her hopelessly fell loose and became limp. Though nothing more than silence passed between the two, a mutual understanding was reached. Clorinde rubbed gentle circles along Navia’s back, her touch no lighter than that of a feather. It was soft and tender, almost as if she feared if she applied any more force, she would shatter.
How long has it been since they embraced like this?
Clorinde missed it.
“Papa would’ve wanted me to be happy,” Navia whispered hoarsely. “He wouldn’t have wanted me to be like this.”
“I… I cannot provide that happiness for you, Navia. However…” she rested her chin on her shoulder before suddenly becoming aware of herself, releasing the two of their prolonged embrace. Lightly gripping onto her shoulders, Clorinde gave a faint smile. “It is okay to be afraid and cry. It is okay to let out your emotions. It is okay to be weak, even if it is just for a moment.”
Navia remained silent, peering into Clorinde’s eyes for what felt like an eternity. After all, weren’t eyes the window to the soul? It wasn’t long before Navia let out a weak laugh, embracing the Champion Duelist once more.
“Just you is enough.”
Clorinde couldn’t help but feel guilty. “You shouldn’t forgive me.”
“But you can’t stop me from trying.”
Though countless thoughts flit through Clorinde's mind, she couldn't help but find comfort in Navia's words. All would be okay soon, she thought.
All would be okay.