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Mòrag and Brighid are standing in front of the palace and it is a scorching day so Mòrag is fanning her face with her hat while surveilling soldiers unloading the cargo.
“I know that weather cast gave the heat warning but I didn’t expect this. It's almost hotter than we experienced on our titan and I thought I was used to that”
Mor Ardain was the first nation to move to the new land they discovered because Amalthus injured their titan so much but the ongoing year has been busy. They’re pretty much all settled and have now the longest time in the country's history experienced all the seasons but the summers seem to be hot still like their Titan had...
“Yes, looks like it. My apologies Lady Mòrag but maybe it would be better for you to take some shade. I can continue to watch the soldiers unloading the cargo” Brighid said compassionately.
She of course can’t feel the heat as a fire blade but has heard some gossiping guards laughing about how the FlameBringer is melting and other mean talk.
“It’s alright, I can manage Brighid” Mòrag smiled and shook her head.
“Maybe you should go and change clothes then. Something more appropriate for the weather” they heard then and turned.
“Zeke? How you’re here? … And what are you wearing?” Mòrag said shocked as she looked at the prince. Not mean to do it but with the elevator eyes so she put her hat on and lowered the cap before clearing her voice.
Pandoria laughed at the same comically with her Driver as Zeke raised his hands and turned around showing off. He has his Tantal jacket on his arm.
“Shorts, as you said it’s really hot in here. Especially for me”
He is wearing sandals and pretty tight green shorts up to his knees.
“Clearly. I doubt you bought those from Tantal though?” Mòrag said officially again crossing her arms but Brighid managed to see her blushing.
“Heh that would be something, wouldn’t it? We are more open to the outside world but summer clothes are too much yet. The first thing I did when arriving was get rid of my jacket and search clothing store. Boy, I was happy I found one” Zeke laughed satisfied he surprised Mòrag.
“Oh yeah, that heat felt like it could melt Tantals mountains. We were shocked like the woman who sold us these when she saw Prince's winter jacket” Pandoria smiled. She's wearing a green skirt and loose white top which has the Alba Cavanich logo on it. They must have been desperate to go with tourist clothing.
“Glad you found something; all the stores haven’t yet settled” Brighid noted. “But why are you here?”
“Well as you said we came to see how are you settling here. It has been, what two years? Other nations are just planning and we dreaming when old man and other stiff rams are in the meetings dillydallying… But seriously; aren’t you hot at all in that getup?” Zeke explained but then changed the subject which Brighid found suspicious.
“I’m working so of course I’m wearing my uniform. Not… Anything else” Mòrag started stiff but then wavered. Thinking about some lighter outfit and how soldiers or Zeke would react but then cleared her voice after noticing palace guards going by.
“Okay that’s fair but it will be soon dangerous to work. It's just morning so imagine how hot it is in the afternoon” Zeke nodded coming a little closer trying to see Mòrags eyes under the cap.
“Duly noted. Did you have something else? You said you came to see how people are faring but still you’re here talking with me about the weather”
Zeke looked at her for a moment; how she was stressed and uncomfortable in this heat even though she didn’t admit it. So he shook his head.
"Well, we thought to check your beach out. We heard AC have that now. So if you want you can find us there after your work day is over?” he then smiled charmingly at the end.
He’s teasing me again but I haven’t visited myself at the beach at all. Niall did visit with the Aegaeon because I was busy and was happy with how it turned out. I bet citizens are happy too, especially today… She thought when staring maybe too long into Zeke's charming smile but blinked and took a step back.
“No promises. I need to go now so please stay out of trouble” She said and looked at Pandoria who nodded a little smiling which gave her a weird feeling; like she was looking straight through her but why?
Brighid nodded and was ready to leave.
“No promises but I try” Zeke just smiled teasingly at them when they left.
“That was smooth my prince” Pandoria teased him when they were out of the palace yard.
“Come on Pandy… Let’s go I really want to check out that beach” Zeke sighed and glanced at Mòrag who was talking to soldiers but then kept walking.
“Buuut that’s not why we’re here ~” Pandoria whispered and smiled a little when got just an uncomfortable look.
Heh well, he said himself: Adults need to make painful decisions. I didn’t get it back then but after a while when everything settled I noticed what that means to you. It took me a while but I accepted it but can you make it happen is a whole different story…
The day goes by and it’s like Zeke said. In the afternoon the heat is so strong that Mòrag promises soldiers to take off their helmets and take a break.
“Thank you, special inquisitor. Remember to take a break too,” Jac said and before leaving saluted.
“He has a point Lady Mòrag” Brighid whispered and gave her a water bottle. “You look tired…”
“I know…” Mòrag sighs and takes a drink from the bottle but then frowns when soldiers come to her with the man who is struggling in their hands. “What’s going on?” she asks and gives the bottle back to Brighid.
“He has been stealing from different stores and now we caught him red-handed, in front of us,” the soldier said and tightened his grip on the thief.
“That’s him? I heard about it” Mòrag raised her brows and came closer.
“Your soldiers are blind with those bulky helmets; they don’t see a shit! We all know that now; back at the Titan they didn’t recognize two artificial blades from each other’s. You were there too and as blind eh? Lady Mòrag” an ardainian younger man scoffed at her.
“Is that so? Why are you trying to break free so much then if you’re innocent?” Brighid asked lifting her brow and the thief stopped. “Because I know with my background they don’t believe me whatever I say...” he said sadly but for that few seconds, the soldiers loosened their grip and weren’t ready for the. Sudden moves.
The thief knocked their heads together and jostled Mòrag who wavered when almost having a heatstroke. “What?!” she then shouted and took a few seconds to run after him.
Didn’t need this right now like it’s not hot enough...!
“Stop right there! Or the heat isn’t the only thing burning you!” Brighid already was tailing the guy too.
Mòrag took her weapons but hoped she wouldn’t have to use them. The thief went straight to the center of the city…
Meanwhile, Zeke and Pandoria are sitting on the beach drinking the beach drinks from the kiosk.
“Well, I don’t mind spending the day like this. Theosoir is nice but having the sun out, real waves and drink in my hand. I could get used to this” Pandoria smiled and drank her drink with a little parasol in it.
Zeke grinned but then his posture collapsed. “Pandy come on I get it… But you saw how stressed she was and that definitely wouldn’t have cooled it. She would only get mad if I tried too much”
“Not necessarily, Mòrag back then and now are pretty different. Our world-saving trip changed her I would say. Yeah it is really hot here for sure but the sun isn’t setting yet so maybe later when the air cools down a knot” Pandoria giggled.
“That’s for sure you’re going to say it. We’re not leaving before. I’m not watching another day you missing her” she then said more strictly than before.
Zeke coughed after drinking with the stroll and grinned. “Well someone else has changed too if you go there”
“Maybe… But you started it with the tough decisions or whatever and I see clear as day that…” Pandoria snorted but then they heard a familiar shout.
“Stop!”
“Was that…” Pandoria asked and they turned to see in the direction of the voice and saw a man running to the sea kicking water on his chasers.
“Looks like it” Zeke stood up when Mòrag ran after the man when Brighid had to stay at the beach.
“Ready Pandy?” he then grinned.
He is in the water and Pandoria is an electric blade.
“Always my Prince,” she said smiling widely too.
Mòrag coughs out of breath and tired from running in the heat.
Where do you think you’re going now? She tried to focus after they ran the whole city center and then circled here. I can do this whole day even though Brighid can’t…
But then she stopped when lightning landed in front of the man and water became electrified around him and he collapsed to the shore water.
Straight shot and he is alive too… Mòrag thought smiling and leaned to her knees to catch her breath.
“Pretty good timing eh? He couldn’t choose a better place to run. What did he do?” Zeke said coming to her grinning proudly.
“Stealing around the city… Thanks” Mòrag snorted and straightened her back but then blinked when her vision got blurred so she took her hat off showing how sweaty and pale she is.
“No problemos… But are you okay Mòrag?” Zeke grinned but asked now worried and then acted fast when Mòrag dropped her hat and fainted.
He tried to catch her but at the sea; his luck made him trip over and made them both fall into the sea with a big splash.
Well, that’s one way to do it… Pandoria giggled as she helped that thief doesn’t drown and noticed Brighid still coming into the water. She can do it but it makes her feel even worse now that her Driver is unconscious.
“At least now Lady Mòrag can cool off a little” she accidentally said that at loud.
“Hih true,” Pandoria giggled and helped Brighid to lift the thief to his feet.
Mòrag gasps for the air waking fast at the sea. Good thing the water at the shore isn’t that deep only into the ears and then she sees Zekes on top of her.
“What... Did I faint?” she asked confused.
“Aha but maybe it was good to do here. You definitely needed this. Sorry, I couldn’t catch you” Zeke smiled and helped her up.
“Well, I can’t deny that… I may have drank too little but didn’t expect to run in this heat today” Mòrag sighed but nodded to him thankfully and massaged her eyes tiredly.
“Well, who would? Now you need to at least wait for your clothes to dry up or change up” Zeke laughed and poured water out of her hat which was floating next to them.
“You’re not wrong…” Mòrag said quietly when Zeke started to escort her back to the shore not admitting how he freaked out a little when Mòrag fainted.
“Lady Mòrag are you okay?” Brighid asked at the shore where they waited with the thief who didn’t struggle now at all, seeing what Pandoria did to him.
“Yes. I was feeling a little overwhelmed after running this heat but it’s gone now. Let’s take him into the palace and interrogate tomorrow” Mòrag said and nodded to Pandoria who nodded back smiling and noticing how Zeke still kept his hand on Mòrags back. You freaked out a little didn’t you my prince? Cute…
“I can take him with Pandoria. I just ask you take that break now which we talked about hours ago” Brighid said and looked at Pandoria who was surprised but nodded fast and looked at Zeke who nodded too.
“Yeah, you get Mòrag something to drink. She’s still pale” Pandoria then said.
“I’m fine Pandoria but very well… Tell His Majesty I'm fine so he doesn’t worry. I’m sure many noticed that and words travel fast” Mòrag started but sighed deeply and put her swords into the sand, opened her jacket and hung it into them before sitting on the sand and taking her shoes off.
Zeke looked at her wearing just a black top and her uniform pants which were now longer without her shoes or socks. She's her pare foot but then he looked up when Brighid cleared her throat.
“Right the drink,” he said and left after pushing his sword next to the Mòrag’s swords.
Pandoria didn’t say anything when leaving with Brighid and the thief but looked at Brighid who nodded.
Brighid noticed it too. The real reason why we’re here… Hopefully they can talk... She thought and looked at how the people were curious when Mòrag just sat on the beach. Half of her uniform on; after Zeke saved her and stopped the thief she was chasing.
Mòrag sits on the beach breathing slowly and then takes off her hat too and opens her wet hair in the hope of it drying faster.
Don’t get into trouble… Well, you didn’t the fainting was my fault but I can already see tomorrow's headlines in the papers: Did the special inquisitor finally get burned out? She fell with the Prince of Tantal into the ocean! They were on top of each other in the beach water for a moment and then stayed to share a drink there… She sighed shaking her head thinking all the rumor articles.
“Here you go” Zeke came back and offered her an orange drink with the parasol and stick with fruits on.
“Did you choose this yourself?” Mòrag scoffed but nodded and took it even though it was a little extra to her taste but what did she expect from him?
Zeke laughed and sat next to her. “Actually the owner recommended me that after seeing what happened. He said you need something to raise your blood sugar and it’s refreshing too” he said and started to drink the same drink.
“Figures… Thank you” Mòrag said a little smiling and tasting the drink which was as the kiosk owner said; refreshing and sweet but not too much.
“Of course, everyone saw what happened… Maybe it was a wake-up call to finish the day, like I promised soldiers to do”
Zeke just nodded seeing how people leave but are looking at them. Fewer people the better suits his plan but still, he frowns anxiously while drinking.
They fall in silence when both are drinking and watching how the sun shines into the ocean.
Zeke then looks at their weapons; next to each other pushed into the sand. “I bet you have nice sunsets here” he then started.
Mòrag looked at him and then back to the sea looking at the waves before nodding without saying anything.
Zeke just stops to look at her black top which has royal insignia on the left of the chest.
She seems to relax a little. I don’t think I have ever seen her hair open and casually wearing clothes like that… He thinks and looks at how her black hair goes down on her shoulders.
“What?” Mòrag then asks and he jumps.
“Nothing! I was just thinking; I don’t think I have ever seen you dressed like that. I always thought you have at least a shirt blouse or something”
“Well it’s not often I have to take my jacket off middle of the day” Mòrag looked at him before nodding and putting her drink on the sand.
“Or open my hair like this” she then added and combed her hair with her fingers a little.
“Well I think you look pretty like that,” Zeke said quietly and drank his drink more.
Mòrag looked at him surprised and then hits gently him to the back when he started coughing. “I… mean… Didn’t mean, you don't look good in the uniform too or anything… You know”
“Thank you…” Mòrag said smiling blushing a little and when Zeke caught his breath again she watched into the sea again and leans to the sand with her hands.
“Zeke… Why are you here? Really?”
Zeke almost choked again but waved at her. “I’m fine… I um…” he then started. It’s now or never.
Mòrag frowned but waits how he'll continue.
“I… Want same as them” Zeke then said awkwardly and pointed at their weapons in sand.
Mòrag looks at the weapons and raises her brow. “Um… Zeke…?”
“No no no! I didn’t mean anything weird or anything… I just meant I’m here… Because you” Zeke waves at his hands almost panicky but then whispers putting his arms on her shoulders.
“Because of me?” Mòrag repeated looking at his eye and eyepatch her heart beating faster.
“Aha… I wanted to know what you think of… If I would ask you on a real date. I mean this is pretty nice sitting on the beach with you and all but…” Zeke whispered grinning but then lost his confidence a little.
“On a date?! Zeke I…” Mòrag asked shocked but kept her voice down even though her chest was about to burst. It was like in the Leftheria when she saw Zeke after years…
“Yeah… Okay, give me it straight. I like you still. Always have ever since I got arrested here all those years ago. You know how it went” Zeke sighed but smiled a little. Which made him look cute not that confident ladies’ man he usually acted but he was honestly a little scared of what she was going to say.
Mòrag looked at him and remembered when guards came with the silver-haired man close to her age.
“He was arrested because he made chaos in a market Your Majesty, special inquisitor” the guard stated and put him on his knees on the floor with Pandoria.
The soldier told Niall what happened but she couldn’t deny how the first thing on her mind was; how handsome Zeke was.
I regretted that for so long because he was a criminal and I had a fast crush on him still… And then he said he’s a prince. I couldn’t believe it. Criminal and prince. Those alone speak trouble but it has never stopped me... All this came back when I saw you last year at the harbour with others... And now you… She thought and looked at Zeke after years since his arrest.
He tried to flirt with her back then but now he’s serious.
“Um… Mòrag…” Zeke cleared his voice when Mòrag was quiet for a long time.
“Sorry, I was thinking how we met…" Mòrag shook her head and breathed deeply. “Zeke you know I’m busy with my work… I don’t know if…”
This was enough to get Zekes' confidence back and he grinned. “If?”
Mòrag sighs. One word and she almost regrets everything but smiles. That’s so him after all.
“I… Like you too and I… Want to find out if we can… BUT” she whispers but frowns in warning; so Zeke just nods waiting for how she continues.
Even though he would like to theatrically lift her from the ground swing around and kiss her. The last thought made him surprised at how fast he thought of that.
I need to slow down. I can see how uncomfortable and unsure she is… He thinks and looks at how Mòrag tries to find the right words for the situation she's not confident or experienced in.
“We keep everything between us and our blades. You don’t do anything theatrical; no kisses or anything when we’re out in public. This is something that rumor magazines love and I don't want to confirm anything via them” Mòrag said quietly noticing that there still were few people at the beach and she was surely blushing.
“Deal... You have no idea how relieving that is to hear” Zeke whispers but smiles widely.
“And I thought you’re ladies’ man. Tantal only you have women dreaming of you but you… Choose: empires special inquisitor who has been said to be a workaholic, can't cook and, even our Nopon friend didn't notice a long time I'm a woman…” Mòrag shook her head smiling still not believing it.
“Heh, that’s how it goes. What you say if we go too? The afternoon sun really is starting to feel like it’s going to burn me alive” Zeke grinned but then said tiredly.
Mòrag nods smiling; of course, Zeke isn’t accustomed to it and he's going to have a hard time in the future...
Zeke gets up and grins offering to her his hand and pulls her up. “I take these glasses back” she just then said and left with the drink glasses.
“Did the drink help you, Lady Mòrag?” the kiosk owner asked when seeing her.
“Yes. Thank you I feel a lot better” Mòrag just said and left to help Zeke with the weapons.
“That’s good to hear…” the owner thought and looked at Mòrag and Zeke leaving together.
And maybe it wasn’t just drink that helped you…
After leaving the beach Zeke pulls Mòrag into the push and kisses her.
“Zeke! Didn’t I just…”
“Shh… I wanted to do that just once” Zeke smiled massaging her cheek.
“Why I get a feeling it doesn’t stop into this one time…” Mòrag sighs but smiles when Zeke puts back her hat on her head and moves gently hairs from her face.
"Nah, I can keep my promises and be nice"
“Let’s go. I inform Niall that you’ll stay in the guest room… Maids like to gossip but that's less than if you sleep…” Mòrag said then but left already.
“Heh, it’s fine for me” Zeke laughed and walked next to her, looking at her fighting with her official face and trying not to look at him after that.
You know you blushed more when thinking of us sleeping in the same room…