Chapter Text
Neuvillette had been meticulously planning this outing for weeks. When the clock struck the final hour of his workday, he reached for his jacket alongside a basket he prepared. Before Sedene could even bid him goodbye, Neuvillette was already striding purposefully through the grand hallway and out into the cobblestone streets.
The tap of his staff echoed in the calm summer evening, the air alive with the mingled warmth of a lingering sun and the cool promise of an approaching breeze. Though the hour grew late, the sky still held onto its golden hues, casting a soft glow over the quiet town. Neuvillette’s pace quickened as he approached a waiting carriage at the end of the street. With a subtle nod, a guard opened the door, and Neuvillette extended his hand.
Not a moment later, Navia emerged, her steps light as she alighted from the carriage. She took his hand with an eager smile, her golden hair and soft summer dress catching the breeze, airy and delicate, and her pale hat was perched perfectly on top of her head, complementing her radiant complexion.
“I have been eagerly waiting for today to come!” she exclaimed, her fingers squeezing his hand affectionately. Neuvillette smiled, “You look even more beautiful today than ever before,” he said, his demeanor softening as his gaze lingered on her.
Navia laughed, her cheeks warming. “Ah, you flatter me! It’s only this dress,” she replied, tugging lightly at his arm. “Now tell me, where are we headed? Are we going to eat first?”
Neuvillette smiled, stepping ahead to lead the way. “We will eat later,” he assured her, holding up the whicker basket in his hand.
As they walked, Navia glanced around, her smile faltering slightly. “This direction... are we going to the sea?”
Neuvillette gave her a knowing look. “Indeed.”
“A picnic on …the beach I presume?” she asked hesitantly.
“You don’t sound very enthusiastic,” Neuvillette noted.
“No, it’s not that,” she said quickly, forcing a smile. “It’s just—”
“It’s not just a picnic at the sea,” he interjected with a slight smile. “There’s a surprise.”
Navia sighed inwardly, her gaze lingering on the basket. The sea... Her heart tightened at the thought. Ever since the incident with the primordial water, where she had fallen into its depths and been rescued by Neuvillette, there lingered an unshakable unease around large bodies of water.
Although she had made progress over time, navigating small boats, strolling near tranquil lakes, even standing beside a serene pond, the sea was different. The sea felt alive, as if its waves were reaching for her, threatening to pull her under into nothingness.
On a large ship, she could bear it; the vastness of the ocean was safely distant. But standing on the shore, where the waves reached hungrily for the land... that was a different terror altogether. She gulped as the memory of it crept into her mind.
Neuvillette tightened his grip on her hand, his long strides quickening as the sky began to shift into hues of orange and rose. Navia lowered her gaze, her free hand brushing the folds of her dress as they walked.
“I… I’m actually a bit hungry now,” she said suddenly. “Can we eat first?”
Neuvillette turned to her examining her face. “You seem a bit pale, are you unwell Navia?”
“Ah, I’m fine, really,” she replied with a nervous laugh, waving him off. “I suppose I’m just really hungry, that’s all.”
Neuvillette's eyes lingered on her, scanning her features with a faint crease in his brow. Although his expression softened slightly as if somewhat reassured by her words, a hint of doubt remained in his gaze. “If that’s the case, let’s sit and eat now.”
They found a quiet bench along the cobbled road, the summer breeze carrying the faint aroma of nearby flowers. A few people walked by, turning to look in slight surprise as they noted Neuvillette's presence. The couple had been together for a while, though to many, it was still a peculiar sight.
Neuvillette retrieved a pair of sandwiches from the basket he carried, carefully wrapped, and handed one to her.
Navia took a tentative bite, her eyes widening in surprise. “Did you… make this?”
Neuvillette nodded, watching her face light up.
“It’s good! Surprisingly good,” she said with an amused smile.
“Surprisingly?” he echoed, raising an eyebrow.
“Ahaha, I just didn’t expect it. I think this is the first time I’ve ever eaten something you made.”
“I’ll be sure to make more for you next time,” he said with a confident smile.
“Ah, that… would be great,” Navia replied, examining the sandwich in her hand.
The sandwich, though skillfully made, had been a bit too salty for her liking. She watched as Neuvillette chewed thoughtfully, seemingly unaware of the intense saltiness that had caught her off guard. Stifling a laugh, she shook her head at his obliviousness.
Having forced herself to finish the sandwich, she winced as she watched Neuvillette reach into the basket again.
“I also brought some cakes from the store. Something sweet to balance the meal.”
Navia felt a wave of relief at the mention of the store.
“Oh, what a shame I can’t try a cake made by you, Neuvillette,” she said playfully, swiping the cakes from his hand.
“I’m not particularly good with ovens,” he replied, his gaze drifting distantly.
Navia couldn’t help but laugh at his unexpectedly solemn expression.
Then Neuvillette retrieved two glass-bottled drinks from the basket.
“This bottle has no label, did you make it as well?” Navia asked in wonder.
“Yes, here,” he said, handing it to her.
She anxiously took a sip.
“It's delicious!” she said in surprise, savoring the refreshing taste.
Neuvillette smiled at her positive reaction.
“Sedene gave me the recipe. It’s a blend of fruits,” he said, studying the bottle in his hand. “She assured me it’s rich in nutrients, meant to restore vitality and refresh the spirit.”
“I see. I do feel more refreshed,” she admitted. Secretly, she made a mental note to supply Sédene with more recipes. If Neuvillette ever dared to experiment in the kitchen again, she wanted to ensure the results were just as pleasant.
“Well then, shall we continue?” Neuvillette rose to his feet, extending his hand toward her.
Navia hesitated, deliberately taking her time to gather her things. She wanted to prolong the moment, to delay their arrival at the destination she dreaded. Her heart weighed heavy with unease, and she found herself wishing for some twist of fate to intervene, something, anything, that might change the course of their outing.
On the other hand, Neuvillette was undeterred, feeling that they had lost quite a bit of time; he urgently took her hand in a firm grip as he began to lead her down the path, his stride resolute and his destination clear. Navia followed reluctantly, her steps slow and dragging, as if her body moved only because of his pull, her feet following him despite the turmoil in her heart.
The one place she wished to avoid was now drawing ever closer.
The sun was sinking lower, and the sky was painted in hues of blue and purple, a scene out of a painting. The calm sea mirrored the heavens, blending sky and water into one serene canvas. Two figures, seeming romantically entwined from a distance, strolled along the sandy beach, their steps graceful against the twilight hues. The wind picked up, carrying the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore.
Neuvillette took a deep breath, his gaze drifting across the vast expanse of water. He adored the ocean. The ocean had always been a source of solace for him, a place where he often wandered alone in quiet contemplation. And now, sharing it with the one he cherished made the moment sublime. He turned to his side, where Navia clung to his arm.
“Take a look, Navia,” he said softly, gesturing to the horizon. “The sky and the ocean have nearly become one.”
Navia peeked out for the briefest moment, her eyes scanning the water before she quickly tucked herself back against his arm. Her knees trembled as a surge of unease swept through her. The ocean loomed too close, its vastness too alive, and the only barrier between her and its reach was Neuvillette himself. ```
"Navia?"
Realizing how oddly she must be acting, Navia let go of his arm, forcing herself to walk away from the waves. She moved towards a rocky outcrop farther from the shoreline, her back turned to the sea.
"Ah, look! look!" she said, her voice bright with feigned enthusiasm. "Isn’t this a lovely spot?"
Neuvillette followed slightly confused. "From here... you won’t be able to see anything," he remarked, glancing at the boulders that enclosed the small patch of land.
"See what? The sea? We’ve already seen it, have we not?" Navia replied lightly, her voice straining under the weight of her words.
A pause lingered between them before Neuvillette asked, his voice gentle, "Do you not like the sea?"
Her heart jolted at his question, its precision cutting through her façade. She noticed the faint dimming in his eyes . The sight made her chest tighten.
Spinning around, she forced a radiant smile to her face, pushing down her anxiety with all the theatrics she could muster.
"No, no! I LOVE the ocean!" she declared, her voice melodic with forced cheer. "It’s beautiful, really! You’ve chosen the perfect moment Neuvillette, the sunset and the sea together… it’s truly poetic!"
Her smile was dazzling, her words earnest, yet beneath it all, she silently prayed he wouldn’t see through her act.
Neuvillette regarded her for a moment before exhaling softly, a faint smile playing on his lips. He extended his hand toward her. "Come with me, I want to show you something."
There was a spark in his eyes, a rare tint of passion that caught her off guard. For a fleeting moment, she forgot her fears. Taking his hand comforted her as she allowed herself to be led back toward the place she had so desperately sought to avoid.
She clenched her free hand and willed herself to keep moving, step by step, following his pace.
The sun had fully set now, the sky darkening into a rich indigo color. Neuvillette bent down and began unlacing his boots. Navia turned carefully, making sure to keep her back to the sea so she wouldn’t have to look at it.
“Why are you taking off your shoes?” she asked, trying to steady the tremor in her voice.
Still kneeling, he placed his boots to the side and reached for her foot.
Before she could protest, he swiftly removed her shoes as well.
“Just follow me.”
He set both pairs behind some nearby rocks so the wind wouldn’t blow them away. He followed by removing his jacket, folding it neatly and placing it with the rest. Then, gently, he took off her hat and placed it atop his jacket.
Neuvillette then stepped past her without offering his hand and stopped a few paces ahead.
Caught off guard, Navia was left standing alone. She had come this far by holding onto him for support, and now he expected her to walk on her own. Swallowing nervously, she clutched the hem of her dress to keep it from billowing in the breeze and began to walk slowly toward where she saw his feet, her eyes fixed there as she ignored the distant waves rolling in behind him.
Neuvillette couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss with Navia. He wanted to ask what was troubling her, but he stopped himself, sensing how much effort she was putting into preserving the mood of their outing. He sighed inwardly as he resolved to ask her later, hoping she’d confide in him. Whatever it was, he would make it right for her. Yet, unbeknownst to him, he was the harbinger of her discomfort.
As Navia reached him, he circled an arm around her, holding her close. The breeze tangled their hair, whipping it about.
“Did you get sand in your eyes?” he asked, noticing her blinking rapidly.
“Ah, just a little,” Navia replied, rubbing her eyes hastily. In truth, part of it was sand, but the other part was tears she was struggling to hold back. She felt as though she was nearing her breaking point. She wanted to tell him the truth, suggest they go home or perhaps find somewhere else, but the words refused to leave her lips. She knew how much thought and effort he had put into planning this day, carefully coordinating their schedules to make it possible.
Neuvillette gently caught her hand, moving it away from her face. With his other hand, he parted her eyelids slightly and leaned in to softly blow away the irritation. Overwhelmed by the close proximity, Navia nearly stumbled, but his arm was already steady behind her, keeping her upright.
“Ah, thank you,” she murmured, blinking a few times. “It’s gone now.”
He nodded with a small smile. The soft light of the fading sun highlighted the sharp lines of his face and the serene intensity in his pale eyes. A sudden warmth crept into her cheeks, forgetting her fears for a moment as he walked by her side; his arm remained around her waist guiding her forward.
The wind began to calm, and they found themselves inching closer to the waves. For once, it was Neuvillette who filled the silence, offering snippets of conversation trying to distract her mind from whatever was stressing her. Navia, however, responded only with brief, half hearted remarks, her mind consumed by the rising sense of dread. Every step brought her closer to what felt like an inevitable confrontation with her fear, and she struggled to keep her composure as the sound of the waves grew louder.
The sky had deepened to night, the dim crescent moon casting its gentle glow. Neuvillette, stepping in front of her, reached for both her hands, his grip steady.
“Close your eyes, and don’t open them until I tell you.”
Navia eagerly complied, feeling relieved not having to look on. But it was shortlived as she felt him guide her closer to the waves. Her knees trembled, and she stumbled like a child learning to walk.
“Without your sight, your balance is this off?” he teased gently, though his tone held concern.
She didn’t respond, too focused on the mounting dread. When the first rush of cold water touched her legs, she let out a sharp cry in shock.
Alarmed Neuvillette looked down. “ Navia?, What’s wrong- Did something sting you?”
“I can’t do it. I can’t do it,” she whispered repeatedly like a chant.
“Navia, just open your eyes. Tell me what’s wrong.”
“No! I don’t want to see!” she shouted, pulling against his grip as another wave crashed over their feet. Panicked, she tried to step back, but her movements were clumsy, and she slipped on the sand. Neuvillette caught her before she fell, pulling her upright, his brows furrowed with confusion.
She struggled in his arms, her fear visible. “Navia, what are you afraid of?” he demanded, his voice firmer now.
“I… I’m sorry, Neuvillette,” she choked, tears brimming in her tightly shut eyes. Another wave surged, and she yelled, her body recoiling as though the water itself had scorched her.
Realization dawned on him. Without hesitation, Neuvillette scooped her up into his arms. Once she gradually became aware that she was no longer touching the water, her frantic struggles began to subside. The tension drained from her, replaced by a fragile calm.
Safe. She was safe in his arms.
After a brief silence, Navia cautiously opened one eye, her gaze meeting his. Neuvillette looked at her with concern, loose strands of hair framing his face their disarray mirroring the tension in his eyes.
"Navia... do you fear the water?"