[5:00 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: Alexandra sat in the garden of Florette's castle, reading from a rustic looking book and looking to be rather deep in thought.
Its been long enough. What's taking that damned messenger so long... We've had the castle for many days now...
She sighed aloud, pinching the bridge of her nose. After a moment, she took a sip of water from her drink and turned back to her book.
I don't even know what to expect. I just want this tension to cease.
[4:42 PM] Birb - Sky: Viana was running around, as usual, when she barely noticed Alexandra sitting in a garden a little ways away, with a strange look on her face. She changed gears, and aimed her running towards her, which her own unopened letter in hand, her name plastered on the front in bold uppercase letters: VIVI.
"Heya, Alex!" she yelled in her direction, still a bit away.
"hhheeeeEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYY YYYYYYY YYYYYY" she continued yelling as she got closer and closer, her voice getting progressively louder the closer she got, before abruptly stopping and tripping. But this time, she managed to almost catch herself and changed her momentum into a roll sideways.
She was thankful that at least this time, she hadn't have faceplanted.
She smiled as she looked to the now-noticably pregnant woman in front of her and nonchalantly asked "...whatcha doin?"
[4:57 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "Ah, Viana," Alexandra returned the greating. She showed a tinge of annoyance at the steadily rising octave, but it dispersed quickly, "I'm reading, waiting, finding out how much more comfortable sitting is without armour on."
Mostly just waiting. That damned letter almost has me more worried than my pregnancy.
I doubt the queen would banish a mother to be, but my paranoia won't let me forget even that wild theory.
"What about yourself? Are you alright, after a tumble like that?" Alexandra set the book on her lap, and a hand over the page.
[5:06 PM] Birb - Sky: "Uh huh, of course I am!" she said with a few nods as she sat up and wiped away the dust and dirt after the roll and tumble.
"Y'know, I falling on my face used to be my specialty, but my arms got in the way! Ain't that weird! hehehe" she said lightly with a giggle.
"But lookit! I just got a letter! A nice man asked me if I knew who it belonged to and I said "I dunno" and he said "well, why don'tcha take a looksee?" and I said "well alrighty" and I took a look and wouldn't ya know it! It had my name on it! Er well... my nickname. But that's beside the point! Or maybe right on point... Point is: only a few people call me by that, and it's not Delphi's pretty handwriting, so it must be Robbie! I'm glad to have gotten his letter!"
Viana was really excited, which was evident by her talking a mile a second.
"Oh! uhh...have you gotten yours yet?" she said, after she had come to the realization.
[5:21 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "The messenger is here?" Alexandra asked, surprised. She closed her book, standing up.
"I'll certainly be seeing about that. Thank you Viana, for letting me know."
As she set a hand on the young woman's shoulder, a man in damonian armor, complete suit from boots to helmet and visor, turns the corner. He's got a sword at his hip and a parcel bag over his shoulder. Most definitely a member of the procession that had delivered news of the temple to Phineas.
In a gruff voice, one that might sound forced if the helmet didn't block some of its clarity, greets the two ladies, "Hello, ma'am and miss. I was told Alexandra of De'Trivel is in the castle. It is urgent that I find her and deliver a letter."
He pulls a scroll from the parcel bag as proof.
[5:23 PM] Birb - Sky: "Wow mister, you didn't give me a special scroll! That doesn't sound fair..." she said jokingly as she stood up to see what was going down.
[5:34 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "I am Alexandra De'Trivel," the noblewoman turned fully to him, nodding her head. She held out a hand for the scroll, "Thank you, sir."
He gives her the scroll, "Milday, I was also asked to report your response to the letter if able. Is that acceptable?"
Alexandra considers, nodding, "That's fine, of course."
She unfurls the scroll, sitting back down to read.
Her reaction begins with a heavy sigh, followed by a knowing frown.
As she reads though, some confusion rises in her expression.
Her expression turns to a hopeful, albeit small, smile, with a few tears gathering.
Folding the paper in half, she ends with another weighted sigh.
"About what I expected, perhaps even a bit more generous," Alexandra wiped the few tears away.
[5:36 PM] Birb - Sky: "...well don't leave me in suspense! Your baby belly is in the way so I can't read it..." she said with a joking pouty face
"...so c'mon, silly, read it to me! What's it sayyy?"
[5:49 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "Oh, truly my stomach isn't that large," Alexandra chuckled, then addressed the messenger, "Tell the queen I will be sure to follow her instructions, and that I am grateful for the huge generosity she has shown."
The knight nods, "Splendid. Thank you, milady."
As her turns to leave, he halts again, "Ah, I knew I'd forgotten something," he turns back to her, "Before I go, Alexandra, could I get a kiss?"
The noblewoman leans forward, certain she had misheard him, "I'm... sorry?"
"A kiss. My lips to yours. Here, perhaps this will ease your decision," He lifts his helmet, revealing first a grin, then a set of blue eyes, and finally short black hair.
Alexandra sighs, hanging her head and pinching the bridge of her nose, "Gods dammit, Julius. This is your greeting after months apart?"
He chuckles, holding a hand out, "Sooooo?"
Alexandra sighs, again, shaking her head. She takes his hand, and her pulls her up.
"Of course, Julius. How could I say no?" She leans in and places a kiss on his cheek.
[5:56 PM] Birb - Sky: "hehehe and who's thisss? And... uh... I'm still kinda confused with what's happening if I'm being honest... Like... I've heard of people with the milkman, but this is a mailman! I mean, I don't even know what that means, but still, I'm trying to put this together and uh... I just dunno... Mister, what's going on hereee?" she says as she approaches him and playfully knocks on the knight's armor
[6:00 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "This 'milkman' is Julius Veraldinan. He's the father of this child I carry," Alexandra rests a handle over the small lump in her stomach.
"A pleasure to meet you, little lady!" His grin persist, but he's now abandoned the false voice he'd been using, "You been helping watch over my dear beautiful daisyflower?"
[6:12 PM] Birb - Sky: "...oh... well, nice to meetcha, Julius the Milkman!" she said as she put out her hand. (she took Alexandra literally)
"hehe I haven't seen the baby, obviously, but from what I can see from the two of you, they'll turn out beautifully!" she said with a little giggle
"And uh, I would say that I've been more keeping her company and falling down a lot rather than watching over her, since that's my job for Delphi, but yeah, she's really nice!"
Cue Viana's famous smile
[6:20 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "T-They?" Julius stutters, looking to Alexandra.
Alexandra seems equally confused, "Maybe? I've no way to tell, truly."
Julius shrugs, quickly getting past his surprise, "Ah, the famous 'Delphine'. Honeydew wrote of everyone she's come to know in this mistmatched group of heroes, though she wrote a bit more on a few she'd grown even closer too."
Julius rubs his chin, tugging at his short beard a bit, "Hmm... And that would make you... Wait, don't tell me! Ah... Viana! Valerie? No, definitely Viana."
Alexandra chuckled, shaking her head, "Yes, that's right."
[6:24 PM] Birb - Sky: "hehe well, I was just saying "they" because "it" sounded rude! ... though now that you mention it... having more sounds even cuter and more fun! I sure hope that's the case!"
Viana then heard her name and her ears perked up a little
"Ye-yeah! That's me! Viana! You can tell because of the violet hair!" she smiled
"... and uh... don't worry, my hand is carnivorous or anything like that" she joked about her hand as it still hasn't been shaken by the funny milkman(edited)
[6:29 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "Ah! My apologies, miss Viana! I was so taken with testing my memory!" He pulls off his gauntlet and slaps his palm in to hers, giving a firm shake, not loose nor constricting, "Terribly sorry!"
Alexandra looked of to the side during this exchange.
By Olphira. Two children? I hadn't even considered that! What if she's right!?
[6:41 PM] Birb - Sky: Viana firmly shook his hand
"hehe you have a nice grip for a milkman!" she said with a smile
"oh, Alex, don't look so frightened! Tell ya what... If I'm right, name one after a pretty color! That's my parents did with me! ... at least I think... I mean it makes sense! Violet hair, Viana... besides the different ways of saying them, it makes sense to me!" Viana continued to ramble, all the while still shaking Julius' hand up and down.
[6:52 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: He continues shaking right back, chuckling, "Well, I'm not actually a milkman, little miss. I'm a Royal Guard like Sugarcane here."
Alexandra cleared her throat, correcting him, "Former. The Queen's condition for avoiding persecution is that I relinquish my title as captain."
"Ah," Julius nod, becoming more serious now, "I see. I'm sorry to hear that, Alexandra. I know how much that title means to you."
He pulls her in to a hug.
She smiles, hugging back, "Thank you, Julius."
[6:56 PM] Birb - Sky: Viana released from the hand shake
"... so... does that mean you can have your babies worry-free? yayyyy!!"
Viana joins in the hug. Even if it seemed third-wheel-ish, Viana wanted to share her excitement for Alex
[7:02 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "As worry free as it can get," Alexandra sighed, giving a bittersweet smile, "I'm just glad the worrying is over."
The noblewoman furrows her brow, "Why are you here, Julius? To escort me home, I assume?"
Julius shakes his head, "No, my dear. I wish it were so, but I offered replace you in this group."
Alexandra bites her lip and sighs, "And now the queen's exceptional leniency makes more sense."
[7:06 PM] Birb - Sky: "...wait, so... you're leaving?"
Viana embraces Alex, tears filling her eyes.
"...promise I get to see you and your babies later?" she aksed, nervously
[7:08 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "I am, yes. A prince's escort is no place for a mother to be," Alexandra nods, "And of course. Come to visit Damona, and we'll gladly host you."
[7:16 PM] Birb - Sky: "th-thank you Alex..." she says as she gives Alex another squeeze and then releases
Viana then hugs Julius next. She tearfully whispers in his ear
"Don't die, milkman... You have family to come back to... I know how it feels to not have parents... so nothing stupid out of you..."
She lets go and faces Alex for the last time.
"I-I promise to see you again, but next time with the youngins...T-take care..."
Viana gave a bright smile, despite the tears rushing down her face.
And with that, she soon became a purple spec in the distance. Leaving just as fast as she came.
[7:24 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: The two parents to be stand together, now alone.
"She's a sweet young girl," Julius comment, "Olphira knows why she's fighting in a war."
Alexandra nods in agreement, "I've often thought the same."
"I'll stay safe, Alex. You know I will."
"I know Juli, I know."
[7:27 PM] Kwakado: "Alexandra!" A high, sharp voice rings out from behind them, and its bearer limps as gracefully as she can toward them. "Is everything in order? What's going on?"
[7:30 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: The pair turns around, Alexandra rushing to her as soon as she realizes who it is, "Persephone, dear! Come, sit! You really shouldn't bet walking on that limp!"
Alexandra insists, offering one hand anf gesturing to the chair she'd been using with the other.
[7:56 PM] Kwakado: Persephone follows her over to the chair, but her gaze doesn't stray from the stranger.
"Pardon me, but..."
She leans in, continuing under her breath. "..this man here, is he...you know it..."
[7:57 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "This man is Julius, yes," Alexandra nods, taken with her concern for Persephone.
Julius waves from behind Alexandra, smiling wide.
[8:21 PM] Kwakado: "...oh!" Persephone waves back, much more reserved in her motion. Her expression, however, leaves no ambiguity in her joy. "Greetings, sir Julius, and how wonderful it is to meet you!"
[8:31 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "Greetings, milady Cawdor. It is an honor," He returns a gracious bow, "My dear Sweetpea seems quite fond of you, if her letter was anything to go off of."
"I... oh!" Alexandra remembers something, "Persephone, wait here. Julius, keep the young lady company. I'll be back in just a moment."
Julius seems unconvinced, "You're certain you wish to go alone?"
[8:40 PM] Kwakado: Persephone nods along, equally unconvinced. "Whatever it is, we needn't slow you down just by coming along..."
[8:49 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "Ah," Alexandra sighs, "I would agree, yes. But your injury Persephone."
[8:56 PM] Kwakado: "It's just a trifle, I swear it." Persephone looks to Julius, still unsure.
[9:03 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: Julius nods in agreement, "Its harmless, no doubt. Just look at your own adventure, Alexandra."
Alexandra sighs once more, blushing in defeat, "Yes, I suppose it is less dangerous than carrying a child in to battle..."
Julius sets a hand on her shoulder, "Do not punish yourself over it, you did what you thought best. I trust your decisions."
Alexandra nods, setting her hand on his, "Okay. You two win. We're bound for the room I'm staying in."
[10:37 PM] Kwakado: "Oh...well that's hardly a dangerous trip, but I must thank you nonetheless." Persephone gives a small smile, folding her fingers together as she started for their room. She felt silly for worrying, but lately it felt that such threats could come from everywhere. Even nipping at her own heels.
[10:43 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: The three walk along, turning a corner.
"So, miss Persephone. You're one of the people that's been helping to keep my dear huggle bun safe?" Julius asks as they walk, "I must thank you."
Alexandra rolls her eyes, more than used to his creative names by now.
[11:47 PM] Kwakado: Persephone lets out a little giggle at the man's choice of address, and the familiarity that was clearly present between his compassion and her exasperation. But the sudden (undeserved) gratitude snaps her back into focus.
"Oh, I'm afraid she's misled you in her humility. In sickness and in health, it's De'trivel who's watching over us."
[12:02 AM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "Ah, but you've all kept the the enemies at bay, and allowed me to do so with little risk to my child," Alexandra gave her reasoning, "I'm grateful for that."
"As am I," Julius nodded in agreement, "After so many years without, as I'm sure Alexandra shared, we'd a child impossible. It'd would have been terrible to find out otherwise, only to lose the child regardless."
They arrived at their destination, and Alexandra pokes in to the room. She returns shortly with a simple blade, scabbard and belt. The most notable feature being a cross embedded in to either side of the blade's handle.
"Dear Persephone, I've had this blade for most of Phineas's campaign. I've carried it with me most times, and ever since it came in to my posession, I've found the my prayers feel... stronger, somehow. I know that sounds silly, but the strength it lends feels as real as any," She extended her arms, holding it to the young woman, "I would ask that you carry it with you, and I pray it grants the same strength it granted me."
[12:38 AM] Kwakado: Persephone listened soberly to their explanation, coming to understand what they meant. Even she would have felt the blow, if tragedy were to take Alexandra's child. A small sigh signaled her assent to their remarks.
"...well, I'm honored to be of service to such a charming couple."
She followed quietly to Alexandra's room, and looked at the offered blade in shock.
"Heavens, Alexandra! I can't possibly accept something like--"
But Cawdor's heir held her tongue as Alexandra described the sword, and what it meant to her. All the while, her unsteady eyes traveled down to the weapons already bequeathed to her. One from her brother, who'd died in secrecy; one from her beloved, slain to avenge the first. Was this what 'goodbye' looked like? Blade after blade passed to her hand, when the rightful owner could go on no longer?
With a flash of frightened reverence in her eyes, Persephone laid a flattened hand on the cross-studded crossguard - and the next moment proved every word Alexandra had spoken. A strange, soothing warmth tugged faintly at the edge of her perception, bringing with it a feeling of safety she could hardly understand.
The touch alone made it clear: This was no burden being cast onto her, but a blessing. A genuine desire to share this protection with another. Before she knows it, Persephone's startled face is wet with tears, and she brings a sleeve back to her cheeks.
"Oh..! Please excuse me, I....don't know how to thank you for this."(edited)
[12:51 AM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "Please, Persephone, my friend, take what time you need," Alexandra pushed the blade in to Persephone's hands, then held her arms open for an embrace, "Just know I will pray for you. I believe you will be a great woman, whatever your chosen path. I apologize for not being able to stick through with you all."
Julius stood contently to the side, letting the two have their moment.
[1:18 AM] Kwakado: Gripping the gift's hilt resolutely, Persephone was even more eager in her acceptance of the hug, all but throwing herself into Alexandra's arms.
"You mustn't apologize...please. This way at least, I can see you again someday."
[1:33 AM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: Alexandra held her tightly, like her own child, "Of course, we will. We'd better. I'll be sorely upset if you don't visit the three of us in Dovania."
She set her forehead to the top of the other woman's head, "Don't let your demons consume you dear. Please. I've given my parting gift. Give me a promise in return."
A few tears ran to her chin, collecting and falling like a leaking faucet.
[1:49 AM] Kwakado: "I swear it on your sword, De'trivel. We shall meet again, however long it takes..."
Just as she was about to break into a sob, Persephone pulled back, still quite aware of the other one in the room.
"M-my apologies...there's still much to do here, and I don't know when respite will come....but I'll hold out until that dawn arrives. I promise it."
[2:24 AM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "Thank you, Persephone. You've been a dear friend to me. Another blessing that I thank Olphira for introducing in to my life," Alexandra set a hand on Persephone's shoulder, "I'll be remaining for a few days, likely departing whenever Phineas decides ou- the group's next heading and begins marching."
There's a clattering off to the side, and Julius can be seen trying to rehang a fairly large painting.
[2:47 AM] Kwakado: "You'll be going along with our group?"
Persephone's piqued eyes widened, especially after Julius's mishap, and she gives a slight grin. It was something of a relief to see this admirable stranger in a moment of human error, not to mention the amusement it brought her.
"I suppose you'd be asking too much of Sir Julius, were he your sole escort."
[2:56 AM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "We don't know if you're all bound for Dovania. If you are then of course. Else, I'll likely be accompanied by some Floribian soldiers for safety," Alexandra explained, "Julius has volunteered to stand as my replacement as Damoma's representative in the group. Likely part of why I received such a merciful offer from the Queen. If I relinquish my title as captain, I'll not be forced to lose anything else."
[12:18 PM] Kwakado: "It's wonderful to hear that she wasn't too harsh." Persephone's focus now shifted to Julius, now sizing him up as a fighter - not a lover.
"On behalf of His Highness, I must thank you for lending your strength to Floribar's restoration." She gave him a curtsy before slipping into a more casual stance, showing gratitude on her own behalf. "And for helping Alexandra."
[12:36 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: Finally managing to set the painting back up right, he turned and bowed to her with a hand over his chest, "But of course, m'lady. I could hardly allow my dear's honor to be tarnished, so the logical action was to take up her stead."
Coming up from the bow, he offered a hand. The hand looked well worn and worked, and welcoming as well, "I'll admit it's been a while since I stretched my legs in the field. There was something of a riot during the early days of the war, but that has all long smoothed over."
[9:32 PM] Kwakado: Persephone accepted the man's gesture, with a hand that held considerably more firmness than its dainty approach suggested. The same held for her speech, which was equal parts compliment and challenge.
"Surely you know this is no mere riot. We stand against the greatest state in all Junith. Your love's spoken so sweetly of your caliber..." A cold smile turned up at him. "And we'll need every word of it to be true, if we're to win."
[9:39 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: His hand was remarkably cold, as though he'd held it underwater for a while before their shaking, and was about as rough and caloused as it had appeared, "Ah, but of course m'lday. I'll see to proving my dear's words, and then some. It is the least I can do for the people that kept my Alexi safe all this time."
[11:23 AM] Kwakado: "Then I give thanks to fair Verone for blessing our ranks so." With a bow of the head, Persephone withdrew her hand and stepped back from her newest ally. She hoped his confidence was not unfounded.
[11:32 AM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "And I shall thank Olphira that I am able to," Julius pressed a fist to his sternum.
Alexandra spoke up, smiling, "I think you two will get along well."
Julius nods, "Indeed. Well mannered and a trusted friend of my gorgeous chrysanthemum. Why, I hardly see a way for Miss Cawdor and I to not get along!" He grins, then laughs a deep, hardy laugh.(edited)
[3:03 PM] Kwakado: But such possibilities came rushing to Perssephone's mind, lurking behind her shy smile. Foremost among these were the man's own ignorance, his all-too-familiar fearlessness which she'd grown to despise. Adjusting her hair, she gave a warm warning to the friendly man before moving closer to Alexandra.
"Just as long as you stay sharp, sir Julius."
[4:06 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "Sharp as Fulgeo, M'lady," Julius dipped his head, patting the sword on his belt.
Alexandra smiles, the takes Persephone's hands in her own, "You stay sharp as well, Persephone. Can't have you look out for Julius only to fall yourself. I'd like to see all those I care for make it through this."
[5:26 PM] Kwakado: "I'll see to it with all I can muster...and with all of your prayers. Thank you for all you've done until now...even your admonitions." Persephone looked aside to the sancitifed sword resting between their hands, just as before. But this time she had no desire to hand it back...only to live up to its honor. But seeing her smile on one side, and her heroic mate on the other, left her with a peculiar sense of hollowness gnawing at her chest.
"..I suppose the two of you must have a great deal to share, after all this time. And I should be going as well."
[7:44 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: "I'll make sure that my prayers are there to be mustered, Persephone," Alexandra gave her a last, tight, squeeze of a hug, "Even the admonitions? The gives hope that I'll be passable as a mother, thank you. If we cannot find time to chat again before we part ways, know that my prayers are with you. Thank you, dear, sweet Persephone."
Julius gave a simple, silent, half bow. He felt adding anything would 'ruin' the moment, so he vouched for the silent option.
[1:07 PM] Kwakado: "The Lover keep you both."
And with one last dip of the head to each of them, the heiress started off for her room at a pace faster than her wounded leg preferred. But the couple could not see her pained winces - all her poised departure showed to them was safety and serenity, a parting gift to keep their thoughts from stretching to cover too many loved ones. It was not until the door to her quarters slammed behind her that she let loose a sweeping sigh, filled with discomfort and distress and jealous gloom.
[1:18 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: On her side of the door, Alexandra sighed as well. But instead it was of concern, worry, and even some pity.
"I worry for her, Juli. She's suffered so much, I fear it will consume her," She stares at the door, almost as though trying to see through it to Persephone, "Please, love, keep an eye out for her."
"Of course, Alex. You have my word as knight and as lover."
[9:28 PM] Ulamog, the Omnom Cthulhu: == === ==
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