[IC] Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

[Hero]

"I suppose this is where we split up, for the evening, anyway." Nadeline stated, watching Jaakuna leave. To her surprise, Justine followed him out. She wouldn't comment on it; it was none of her business. "I will retire to my room for the moment. Vlyn, please inform me once the meeting is finished." She ordered him, though she caught her mother's look. It was one that needed no words, and somehow Nadeline knew exactly what it said. She smiled at Wesley, taking his hand in hers and lightly pulling him along. "Let me show you my room. There is something we need to speak about as well." She told Wesley quietly.

"Behave~" Karolina told her with a small wave. Lorenzo froze in place, though Karolina would gently take his hand. "Now, now, dear, they have something very important to discuss, don't be a bother."

Lorenzo sighed sadly. "Yes, darling." He whimpered.

Grant watched Nadeline leave, though he would turn to Savayna. "What would you like to do?"

[AlteredTundra]

As they watched Jaakuna and Justine walk out of the work shop, Nadeline would just mention that this was the time where they all would split up for the evening. Wesley slightly caught the looks that Nadeline and Karolina were giving each other and before he knew it, Nadeline had taken his hand and pulled him along to show him her room. He would notice the looks he got from both Karolina and Lorenzo, one of careful acceptance and one of stern refusal(guess which did which look?). When Karolina would tell Lorenzo to not bother them, the refusal look on his face subsided…for now.

When the two pairs, and Emiri, departed they would see Jaakuna and Justine standing there talking. Meanwhile still in the workshop, Grant would ask what Savayna wanted to do. She knew what she wanted to do, but she was so embarrassed to say it right out that, well she didn’t know how to put it, so she would just say it. “How about you show me your room as well.“ She bluntly said.

Jaakuna looked to Justine as if he was about to have a breakdown of some kind, he gathered himself and he would just speak his mind. “I know you do not think highly of me, especially the way that we met. I won’t blame you if you were to scowl at me or slap me or whatever it is that you feel about me.” Jaakuna just spoke and he didn’t stop, “I just want, no — I need you to know that I’m not that kind of guy. By that, I mean I’m not the kind of guy that just spits out disrespectful words towards people that I just met. I mean, I’m not anymore, not since your daughter has opened up my heart and mind. “ Jaakuna said as he continued,

“I don’t know if the two of you are ever going to be able to work whatever friction is between you two, but I just need you to know that you have such a wonderful daughter. She is full of love and life.” Jaakuna was almost done, but he spoke even more still. “When all of this stuff with the espers is done, I’m going to propose to her properly. I’m not going to half-ass it like everything I’ve done for the majority of my life.” He said, obviously shocking Justine. “And my greatest hope is that, when this is all done, that we — myself, Emiri, you, and Lord Andre — can all sit down and talk about…well everything, the good and bad.” Jaakuna said and he finished.

[Hero]

Nadeline led Wesley through the halls in silence for the most part. As she opened the door to her bedroom, several maids bowed to the pair. Each one was identical in appearance, blue eyed and black haired, said hair being in a tight lower bun, making them all look more like a collection. They would rush around them, gathering several trays of treats and light snacks and placing them at the table. The princess would then sit, hooking one ankle behind another and patted the seat next to her, motioning for Wesley to take a seat next to her. Once he did, another maid came with an elaborately decorated pot, one more with two cups. Each would pour tea, sugar, and cream lightly into the mix, and once the pair was done another maid would stir. It seemed like there were at least six of them attending to their food and drink, and once they were finished each of them lined up, awaiting their mistress' next orders.

"Thank you. I would like some privacy, please do not disturb me unless it is an emergency." Nadeline instructed them, waving the girl away. "Leave everything there, we will indulge in it shortly. You are all dismissed." Each maid would then bow deeply, and two would stand by the door as each one left. Once the room was cleared, the remaining two would bow and close the door behind them. Nadeline then positioned herself so that she was somewhat facing Wesley, hands folded neatly on her lap out of habit. "It is a bit late to be discussing this, but it is something that needs to be addressed." She spoke. "My father likes you, contrary to how he acts. When he accidentally knocked you unconscious, the three of us got into a deep discussion about--about our future."

She nodded, as if confirming something. Then, very uncharacteristically, a slight blush crept up on her face. "As Grant is the next likely candidate for the Rozarrian throne, Father thought it best if he let you have me, so to speak. And I...I thought it would be best if after all this, I would...return to Dalmasca...with you."

---

Emiri scratched her neck, unsure of what to do. Everyone needed to talk with everyone, so she stayed in the workshop. Whatever it was that Jaakuna wanted to talk to Justine about, she was sure they needed privacy. She looked at Lorenzo and Karolina, slightly surprised to find them looking right back at her. That seemed to be happening a lot. "Ah...how are you feeling?" She asked Karolina timidly.

She smiled warmly. "I should be asked you that. You look as a pale as a cloud!"

"Oh." Was her only response.

"You look worse than Karolina." Lorenzo told her. "I mean, Andre told me you were sensitive to the Mist, and with everything happening...are you sure you're alright?"

She didn't want to admit it was not Zodiark that had made her like this. Just thinking about getting stuck made her shudder lightly. "Ah, um, I just...need some rest. I'm sure I'll be right as rain in the morning." She assured the pair. "Besides, it's not like we will be going anywhere, Jaakuna needs rest."

---

"Well, this is it." Grant stated, showing off his bedroom. He shrugged lightly, though he did sit on one of the chairs. "My mother decorated the room. I never did want to change it." He motioned towards a grand painting on one of the walls, depicting his entire family. His father Augustus, his mother Gretchen, his oldest brother Roland, a younger Reia and Lorenzo, and of course a very small and shorter haired Grant--although at the point in the picture he was clearly a child, his hair still reached his shoulders. "My family, before all the backstabbing and power hungriness." He joked lightly, leaning back in his seat. Truth be told, he had been rather surprised at Savayna's request, though he fulfilled it nonetheless. And now there they were, in his room. Alone.

---

Justine listened carefully to what Jaakuna said. It was intriguing, so to speak. She said nothing for a moment, her expression one of thoughtfulness more than anything. She was surprised to hear that somehow her daughter had managed to capture his heart--she half thought Grant would scar her from ever wanting to even look at another man ever again. She looked at him, arms crossed, studying him for a moment. He looked tired. Emelia did, too. She wondered what sorts of things they had been through together. Then again, it had been six years.

"Sure." She answered simply, uncrossing her arms. "If you would so wish it." She didn't really know what else to say, though she did remember something. "Ah, Karolina was right, it was twenty five years ago." She looked at Jaakuna again. "How old are you?" She asked him rather gently, almost resembling Karolina at this point.

[AlteredTundra]

She had led him through the halls. He always enjoyed walking through Stigma’s castle. It definitely was different from walking through the halls of the Dalmascan Castle in Rabanastre or even through the less sophisticated palace/giant house-like building of Archadia. Yes, truly the Castle of Stigma was something of an elegant and rather beautiful design. Even the people around were more friendly than Wesley had been used to. Maybe it was cause Nadeline was leading him or maybe they caught wind of their engagement. Whichever the case, Wesley didn’t mind. The happier, the better is what he thought about that.

When the two of them arrived to her room, Wesley first took notice of the light colors, whether they were blue, gold, or white itself. The room really had a feminine charm to it, but also with royal class. Truly, Wesley was in the room of a princess. It was much better suitable for her than the rooms, while big for the location they are in, of the Ifrit. Instantly as they walked in, Wesley saw the maids around. Nadeline would sit down and prompt Wesley to join her. He would and the maids would proceed to pour tea into two cups that were elaborately designed as Wesley would eye them briefly. Proceeding that, the maids stood in a horizontal, straight line. Nadeline would request they leave as she wanted privacy with Wesley. Each would honor the request and one-by-one, they bowed and left the room, with the last two closing the door.

As sat down next to Nadeline, he would take his tea and take a single sip of it, letting the warmness of the liquid infused with the sweetness of the sugar and the almost milk-like quality to the cream just resonate with his taste buds. He would sip once more just to relive that wonderful sensation. As he took his second sip, he placed the cup on the plate to which it was on previously. That’s when Nadeline began to speak about why she wanted privacy with him. It seemed that, according to what she said, Lorenzo liked him. Wesley knew that, but he had a funny way of showing it. Knocking him unconscious was not a clear way to say that he likes Wesley.

When Wesley would listen to Nadeline, she would further state that when he was knocked out, Nadeline and her parents discussed her future with Wesley. This definitely was an eye-opener for sure. From what she said thereafter, they talked about how Grant would be the next in line to rule Rozarria after Reia. That made Wesley instantly think about Savayna and how the council would go for that. Regardless, what Nadeline said next really shocked him, but in a good way. The plan for Nadeline, it seemed, was after everything with Zodiark and all that stuff was finished, she would return to Dalmasca with Wesley. Inside, Wesley was jumping up and down, doing a lot of mental ‘YES! YES! YES!’, but on the outside, he was surprised, but happy. Though, now Wesley was thinking about his sister. Of course, she was just a fill-in queen until the time came that Wesley was ready to take the throne of Dalmasca.

After taking a moment to take it all in, Wesley took Nadeline’s hands. “If this is truly what you wish, then who am I to say no.” He smiled, looking into her eyes.

---

Grant led Savayna to his room and the walk there was quiet for the most part. There were some words exchanged here and there, but it was definitely silent-ish. When they got to his room, Savayna let out a low whistle. It definitely wasn’t lacking in the rich aspect. Savayna was surprised that she was surprised. She shouldn’t be. Even before her and Grant got close, he always displayed such a royalty swag. So, Savayna just doesn’t understand why she’s at all surprised at that.

When she looked around, the first thing she would notice was the big painting of what it seemed to be a family. Obviously since it was in Grant’s room, it was of his family. He would then confirm that by saying that it was his family. She would notice the little boy with a rather unpleasant expression. She didn’t even need to ask him cause she knew that was little Grant. “You sure were cute as a little kid.” She just couldn’t help herself. She would do as he did and sit in one of the chairs next to him. She would shift in hers to face him. Though, she briefly looked to the painting, but more specifically at his mother. “Your mother’s very beautiful.” She said as she smiled and her eyes trailed back to him.

---

Jaakuna can’t say that he wasn’t shocked. He half-expected Justine to call him a stupid young man or just flat out say that she didn’t care about anything he had to say or how happy Emiri made him, but nope. She didn’t say any of that. She hardly said anything. She merely said sure to the request that Jaakuna made of him, her, Emiri, and Andre sitting down and talking everything out. She would mention something about Karolina and twenty-five years ago. Jaakuna wasn’t sure what she was talking about, but she would then ask him how old he was. He saw a gentle smile grace her face. If Jaakuna hadn’t known any better, he actually saw a nice lady underneath that smile. “I am twenty-six years of age.” He replied, not sure what else to say at this point.

---

To say that Hamut wasn’t happy was an understatement. After everything he tried to do with Jaakuna and all of his friends and then to Simon, it was just a bunch of shit he didn’t want to happen. He would have never expected that Vincent, of all people, would show Jaakuna and his friends mercy. Hamut would overturn that clearing of all charges for them if it wasn’t for the fact that everyone within Archadia’s known reach hadn’t already heard of it. Even still, as of an hour ago, Vincent was officially dethroned, and that’s good for Hamut. The coordination of Archadia’s new Emperor was about to begin, and as Hamut as well as Vincent, Levi, Francis, and Isaiah, all were present in the Grand Cathedral.

As they all stood all side-by-side on the inside of the Grand Cathedral, specifically the Prayer/Crowning Room, the Grand Magister of Archadia appeared before Roman, who was seated in a chair laced with the emblem of Arhadia. The Grand Magister held the crown upon a velvet red pillow with gold lase and tassels hanging from each corner. Engraved into the center of the pillow was the emblem of the Darcone House inside the Sigil of the Archadian Empire.. As he appeared behind Roman, the Grand Magister would speak.

“Judges of the Court, Noblemen, relatives, and citizens, we are all gathered here to commemorate the dawning of a new era, and the crowning of our new Emperor, Roman Vahe Darcone, eldest son of our beloved, Simon Darcone. His status as bastard has thus been cleared and he is of royalty now.” The Grand Magister said, lowering the crown upon Roman’s head slowly. “With this crown, you shall follow in the steps of your father and his father before him. You will live your legacy as a proud member of the Darcone house. With this crown, Roman Vahe Darcone, you are pronounced Emperor and leader of the Archadian Empire.”

And with that, the crown was firmly and gently placed upon his head and everyone stood up and clapped and cheered.

[Hero]

"Twenty six. That makes you...two years older than her, as of today, anyway." Justine replied quietly. "I suppose that's alright. I know, I'm rambling." She waved away Jaakuna's look, though she turned away from him. "More importantly, since you and I are alone, we may as well address something. I know what Emelia did. She pushed her power to the absolute limit. It's one of the reasons I decided to reveal that I too, manipulated time once. However, you mustn't let her do anything like that ever again." Her voice raised somewhat, though she caught herself. She didn't want to blame him as she had no idea what had happened. "Her power in all its usefulness and seemingly unending potential has no limitations. That does not mean, however, that she can use it as she pleases. The way she is acting now is not of fatigue or even injury. It is the result of being halted--in other words, whether anyone noticed or not, Emelia was pulled out of our time. She may have managed to pull herself back into our time, but I can tell you that it is not something she can easily accomplish more than once. The Hume body simply cannot handle it, and once the body reaches its limit, she will die. I will reiterate myself: It cannot happen again."

---

"You are the first person to say that without adding 'you would have been cuter if you smiled!', you know." Grant replied, sweeping his hair off his face with his hands. When Savayna mentioned his mother, he frowned slightly, and while she looked at him, he would look away. "She was something straight out of a fairy tale. Beautiful, kind hearted, fair...I think the day she died is the day this entire family crumbled apart." He paused, staring at his mother's face in the painting. "Not sure if you Archadians remember that plague that hit Rozarria pretty hard a couple of years back. One of our servants caught it, but no one noticed until it was too late. Mother was dead in a week." He looked at his father's face.

"Somehow, my father managed to keep going. But he couldn't stand to see her pictures--this one used to be in his bedroom. And then he died, too. Murdered by my own brother. I wonder what he thought when he watched his own son kill him." He looked at Roland for a moment. "No, I know what he thought. He was sad. Gods know how hard he tried to keep us all together. But Reia, Roland...and myself...we all fell to our inner demons. Lorenzo managed to hang on, but he admitted that if it wasn't for Karolina, he probably would have fallen as well."

---

Wesley was as calm as ever, Surprised, but calm. She expected more of a reaction out of him, but it looked like that wouldn't happen. Nadeline looked at him as he took her hands. "Of course it's what I want. How am I going to be with my future husband if he's in Dalmasca and I am all the way in Rozarria?" She asked him rhetorically, though she remembered something. "Oh. Father also requests a ring so that...'other men won't even think to look at me' he said." She looked rather exasperated at this, though she looked at Wesley with a small shrug.

[AlteredTundra]

As Nadeline spoke about how she was definitely sure she wanted to go with him back to Dalmasca, Wesley smiled, but he would get a slight nervous feeling through his boy on the mention that Lorenzo wanted a ring upon Nadeline’s finger so that other men wouldn’t look at her. Wesley would definitely agree with that logic and he found himself laughing. “And yet another reason that I have to visit Balfonheim Port.” He said as reluctant as he was when he first brought it up. No doubt Nadeline would catch onto it.

---

As Savayna and Grant sat down talking, he would make a mention that Savayna was the first one to not say that he would look better with a smile. “Well, that’s cause I find your whole ‘mysterious’ thing really attractive.” She said as she playfully punched his arm, though it was a rather hard punch for it being a playful one.

When Grant would go on about his mother and by extension his entire family, he would say that his mother was like something out of a fairy tail and was beautiful, kind, and most of all, fair. That’s when he said that his entire family fell apart when she died. It was then Savayna’s eyes, while not widened, just looked at him feeling so bad for him. When he would mention the plague that fell upon Rozarria, she would not and just say “yeah” as Grant would continue.

He went on to say that his father barely held his family together and he would further say, much to Savayna’s shock, that the room they sit in was the one he had and that he died in. Savayna’s first thought was just to stop Grant from talking and hold him right then and there. However, she wouldn’t and let him finish at least. He then said(more like thought back) on how his own father thought about how his own son killed him. Savayna could probably guess he felt betrayed, shocked, and most of all, flat out horrified. That’s exactly the way Grant described it too. Grant would even admit that almost every one of the Roselia siblings fell to their inner-demons. He said that Lorenzo even admitted that if it wasn’t for Karolina, he too would have turned out differently.

As she looked at Grant, Savayna didn’t know what to say — what could she say? There was nothing she could obviously say in the situation that he hasn’t already heard from countless people. So, without even saying a single word, she stood up, her arm extending to his, and guided him to his bed. She didn’t know if what she was about to do would make him feel better or would help any, but she knew one thing. That very thing was that she just wanted to heal him in some way, even if it’s through lustful embrace.

---

Right off the bat, Jaakuna was shocked beyond his own belief. He didn’t even know that today was Emiri’s birthday. Though, thinking back, he did recall Andre saying something about how Emiri was almost twenty-four, but Jaakuna really didn’t think much of it. Even more so, Justine seemed to be fine with Jaakuna being twenty-six. Of course she is, like why wouldn’t she be? Jaakuna surely can’t think of a reason why she wouldn’t be.

When Justine would address a more important matter, she would reveal that she knew what Emiri did. The instant she said that, Jaakuna was panicking inside. He was thinking that she knew Emiri revived his father, but of course, how could she? Jaakuna would further listen and Justine would say that she knew that Emiri overused her power and she would tell Jaakuna that he must not let her do it ever again, for if she did, she, as Justine would then tell Jaakuna, would be lost in time forever. Jaakuna’s heart sank at this point. He didn’t know what to say to this. Even when Justine would say that’s why she chose today to tell Emiri that she used to bend time to her will. Jaakuna had no idea. He knew her power was strong, but he never once stopped to think about the consequences it would have upon her body and more importantly, her very existence.

As Justine told Jaakuna that it could never happen again, he agreed.. He nodded and nodded until his neck was tired of doing so. Though, he would speak. Well, more like admit something to Justine. “It’s my fault she did it. I was so damn selfish. She did it to give me my father back.” Jaakuna, for some reason, found himself feeling tears down his face. “My father was in bad shape. I mean, he was dead to the public, but earlier today, I saw that he was barely alive and Emiri saved him. She regressed him three years and she saved him.” Jaakuna didn’t know what he was saying, but he couldn’t stop. “If you want to blame anyone for Emiri’s current exhausted condition, then blame me.” And there it was. Jaakuna was ready for yet another blame game from a woman today.

[Hero]

"Yes, because you held your sword to her throat and forced her to do it, right?" Justine asked, her words dripping with sarcasm. She shook her head at him. He certainly was emotional. "Get over yourself. If she means that much to you, then you make sure nothing happens to her. You protect her, you cherish her, make sure she never cries or makes a sad face. That is what you need to do, not sit there and cry over something already done." She turned away again, looking towards the rest of the castle. "If we're done, I still have some things to do before the night is over. I suggest you get some rest...and make sure she does too. Knowing her she'd wander around half an inch from death and insist she's fine. That foolish child of mine..."

---

Wesley laughed at her father's request, which she found rather amusing. Still, his expression fell when, yet again, Balfonheim Port was mentioned. What was up with him and that place? Nadeline wanted to know. "What is your history with Balfonheim, my love?" Nadeline asked him rather curiously, leaning in to get close to his face. "Everytime that word is uttered you have a look of displeasure on your face. You shouldn't hide anything from your future wife." She told him playfully, hugging his arm.

---

After he said what he needed to, Savayna was quiet. She didn't say a word to him, not even a joke or nothing. Had Grant said too much? He never could read her, so he had no idea what she would say. Maybe he shouldn't have said anything in the first place. He pretty much outed his biggest insecurity, though, so her silence actually made him nervous. Soundlessly she stood, though again she said nothing. She led him to his bed, and he stared at her. He sat with her, staring at her beautiful face, and he found himself, reaching out and touching her pale cheek gently. He had to admit it to himself, the first time he had met her he had absolutely no idea what to expect. Even now he didn't know what to expect from her, but he found some sort of comfort in that. Maybe he didn't always need to be in control. Maybe it was fine to just let things happen. Taking his own advice, he leaned in, locking his lips with hers.

[AlteredTundra]

As Savayna led Grant to his bed, the two of them sat down on one of the sides. They looked into each others eyes. He looked into her blue pearls and she looked into his gold ones. There was a brief moment of just that. Then, as he would stroke her cheek, she would blush, but smile. As his masculine hand touched her cheek, he leaned in. His lips locked to hers. She would let him take the lead. She wanted to do whatever it took to make him feel better. She would raise her arms and wrap them around his neck in a gentle, but also very firm, way. She would continue kissing him as she would lay down on her back(a position she was very familiar with). Her goal tonight was to make him feel better. Should sex be what makes him happy, she shall do whatever she can.

---

Oh boy, she asked. Wesley was truly nervous, but she was right. He shouldn’t hide anything from her, especially if it was something that she would judge him for. He looked at her and he felt her hug on his arm. He had no choice. “I have family in Bolfonheim.” He admitted. “It’s where my mother’s family resides and as well as her.” He sounded so nervous as he spoke. “You see, like your mother, Karolina, my own is of common blood.” He said, “it’s not like Dalmasca has any laws against such relations, but a few years ago, my mother and father had a big falling out and she moved back to her homeland.” He admitted. “And well, my mother, as well as my uncle are very…well they’re flat out insane.” He said so bluntly. “The way yours is has no foot over my mother and hers.” He dreaded even telling her, but he had to if they were to be husband and wife. “I haven’t seen my mother in a year.” He admitted.

---

Just as Jaakuna was feeling so bad for himself and ready for the blame to come upon him from Justine, she shocked him(and insulted him?) Jaakuna didn’t know what to even say to it, so he didn’t. He just listened to her as he would dry up his tears. Justine would pretty much order him to protect Emiri, cherish her and make sure no sad days come her way. She would then pretty much say they were done, but in a slightly-polite, and question-like way. Jaakuna would just nod and as she would begin to walk away, Justine would tell him to get rest and also tell him to make sure that Emiri got some rest too. “Yeah..we’re done.” Jaakuna simply said as he saw Justine walk off into the castle.

Jaakuna would head back to the Workshop and he saw Lorenzo, Karolina, and Emiri there, waiting for him. “Oh sorry about that.” Jaakuna said as it was plainly obvious that he was tired and there could be some left over wetness from his tears.

[Hero]

The three of them looked to see Jaakuna walking in, albeit somehow more tired looking than before. Karolina looked at her husband, though she turned to Jaakuna. "Why don't you all stay here tonight? I promise you'll be well protected, and quite frankly you don't look like you're doing too well." She suggested kindly, going to him and lightly wiping away whatever tears he had left. "I think you need a nice, hot bath and then sleep. What do you think, darling?" She asked Lorenzo, lightly motioning for him to do something. Luckily for her, he did catch on, and he took Emiri's arm as Karolina did to Jaakuna. "I'm sure it's been a long day, let us give you the Grand Rozarrian Treatment. You are our guests, after all!" She cheerfully said as the older pair practically dragged the pair down the halls.

The guest room was occupied by several maids who had been sweeping the floors. At their arrival, each of them bowed deeply, and quickly began working at triple their speed. Emiri blinked a few times and they were finished, one of them picking up the cleaning products while the rest scrambled around. An assortment of finger foods and sparkling water were put on the nearby table, and they all lined up. "Why thank you, please give these two a little private time, they're very tired." Karolina told them. Each of them bowed and left in order. Karolina would then release Jaakuna and Lorenzo the same with Emiri, the two of them at the door. "Do call if you need anything!" SHe waved as she and Lorenzo closed the door.

As much as she had wanted to protest, that bed looked mighty comfy. Still, a bath sounded too good to pass up. She wandered over to the bathroom, and she smiled mischievously at Jaakuna. "I could go for a bath. Care to join me?" She asked rather seductively.

---

Nadeline couldn't help but giggle. She was somewhat glad that her parents weren't the only crazy ones. Still, despite his rather unenthusiastic response, she couldn't help but get somewhat excited. "I would very much like to meet your mother. Your family is going to be my family, remember?" She reminded him, lacing her fingers with his. "Besides, I am sure she will be happy to see you! Family is family, you cannot get rid of them no matter how much you want to." She said, laying her head on his shoulder. Her eyes briefly flicked to the bed, and she suddenly felt very naughty. She released him, though instead right out sat on his lap. "Tell me, what do you wish to do now?"

---

Grant didn't know why, but her kisses were infectious. Dangerously infectious. Still, he resigned himself not to think, only act, and as she got on her back he let his hands wander over her curves. His hands traced down the shape of her hips. He wondered if it was her height or her armor that hid her feminine figure, though he didn't really care. Still, he found at least one hand underneath her waist, as if pulling her to him, the other one lightly squeezing her butt. He liked how it felt underneath his hand.

[AlteredTundra]

When Jaakuna came to the Workshop, and they instantly took notice that Jaakuna looked worse for wear and even more so than beforehand. Karolina would suggest that they stay at the castle for the night. She would state that they would all be well-protected and that they really didn’t look all that good. Jaakuna would not protest in the slightest. He didn’t feel like trekking all the way back to the Aerodome, so it was both a pleasure as it was a convenience .

As it was indeed settled, Lorenzo would help Emiri and Karolina would help Jaakuna. About five minutes later, they came to one of the many guest rooms. Jaakuna’s eyes had been half-opened for a majority of the day and when he saw the room, it made his eyes widely open. There were about six or seven maids cleaning the place up. Jaakuna definitely wasn’t used to seeing this many maids around. He didn’t really have many maids when he was growing up in Archadia. Maybe that’s because everything was so technologically advanced that the floors cleaned themselves. In either case, Karolina would signal the maids to leave as she told them that Jaakuna and Emiri needed their private time. The maids would bow and leave in a single-file line. Lorenzo and Karolina would also leave.

As they were left alone, Emiri and Jaakuna wondered around the room and Jaakuna looked to the bed. He almost went to it, but he then noticed Emiri wandering over to the bathroom, so he followed. She would suggest they take a bat together. As much as Jaakuna wanted to sleep, that was indeed an offer he couldn’t pass up. He looked to her, matching her seductive look with one of his own. “I’ll race ya!” He said as he walked a little fast to the tub, turning on the water to a little steamy. He then proceeded to remove his Red Jacket and all of his clothes. He would then hop in as he went in one foot at a time.

---

As he told her about his family, Wesley was surprised that Nadeline was giggling. Maybe she found it a bit ironic that he too had some crazy family members. She would also make a note that his family will be her family and she didn’t know how right she was. Wesley just had to prepare for the day that came that she met his mom and that side of the family. She obviously met the grounded of his father’s side in the form of his sister, Cassandra. Though, how would she react to his mom and that side was just something Wesley would have to find out when the time came.

As that was finished up, Nadeline suddenly propped herself upon his lap, her legs around his thighs, and looking at him. Wesley smiled rather naughtily. “Well, this is certainly going in the direction of what I wanted to do.” He smiled to her. Wesley used his strength to lift her up as he gripped her waist. She was still in the position she was previously(most likely) and Wesley would walk on to her bed, laying her backside down on her bed. He would look at her and she was as beautiful as she was just a minute ago. His head would go to her neck and it would be graced by deep kisses from his lips. Movement was like a vacuum, but the feel was like a White Rabbit kiss.

---

As she laid on her back, Savayna, piece-by-piece, would unhook her armor. Of course, while she did this, she was feeling every sensation that Grant’s touches sent through her body, from the way he touched her breasts and further to her hips. She moaned mildly as he gripped her ass, oh how good it felt for it to be touched in such a manner. Her sexual appetite was increasing as each moment passed. At the point of that, her armor had all came off as she would thrust her hip upwards. The sound of armor rolling off the bed and hitting the ground resembled the sounds of a glass cup falling to the ground, but since she had multiple pieces of armor, it was in succession of each other. It was at that point that Savayna wrapped her arms around Grant, pulling herself as close as she could to him. Her entire waist area was pressed against his own and it just made her cry out louder in complete wanting and lusting.

[Hero]

Nadeline raised both her eyebrows at her fiance. Uh huh, so Wesley was hoping for this? She clung onto him as he carried her, though relaxed once they reached her bed. He would admire her for a moment, in which she giggled slightly as she blushed. She gasped lightly as his lips touched her neck, and she was absolutely loving the moment. She found her hands wandering all over him, craving him more and more with every passing second. Her fingers laced themselves between his dark locks, her light moans encouraging him to continue. She lightly unclasped her shirt, leaving it slightly open. She bit her lip hard, praying to the gods this time they wouldn't get interrupted.

---

Emiri shook her head at Jaakuna. She was glad to know at least he had the energy for that, anyway. Seeing as how she wasn't in any rush, she simply wandered over to the tub, undressing herself. She let her clothes fall to the floor, too tired and slightly lazy to properly fold them. She would released her hair and place her scrunchie in a more dignified manner onto the counter. Slowly easing herself into the water, she felt its warmth soothing her aching bones. Letting out just the slightest moan of pleasure, she leaned against the side, if only for a moment, Once she got used to the heat, she took what she assumed to be soap. She uncapped it and poured it into the water, met with a rather nice vanilla smell. She moved the water around with her hands, creating bubbles.

"Heaven." She proclaimed dreamily, letting herself sink in and the water reached her shoulders.

---

He had to admit, she was a lot more eager then he had anticipated.

Still, Grant felt himself caving into his own carnal desires. He was probably the one pushing her armor off the bed, but he didn't even notice them. Savayna was the one and only thing on his mind right now. His fingers traced the line between her dress and her thighs, though with one he traced a single line upwards. The hem followed, revealing more of her thighs, and his hands lightly grasped the revealed skin. He touched them softly, as if afraid his touch may cause a reaction (though they probably did anyway) and he lightly kissed her cheek, then her jawline, then her neck, leaving a light trail behind.

[AlteredTundra]

As he kissed his fiancé, Wesley would feel her touch upon his skin and she would open up her shirt and Wesley would trail his kissing along her neck, going from one side to the center, to the other. He wanted to enjoy her for as long as he could. That’s when he gripped her right leg with left hand, cupping it up and thrusting himself to her. There was only the night for them to do what they wanted and Wesley wanted to show just how much she meant to him in every single way he possibly could. That’s when his other hand would grip one of her breast slightly as he would just keep on kissing and gripping her.

---

As Jaakuna and Emiri just relaxed in the tub, she would pour the soap into it and soon suds formed and she was actually forming bubbles. She would let her body sink into the water, but stopping at the shoulders. He would look at her and she would do the same to him. Jaakuna just let the soap-infused water wash up his own body. For some reason, he felt like the warm water was refreshing his energy. He felt so relaxed he didn’t even want to move. He closed his eyes for just a second. He let the quietness enter him. Without even realizing it, Jaakuna had slipped under the water, and shifting his body next to Emiri’s. When Jaakuna opened his eyes, he felt even more relaxed next to Emiri. He would just rest his head on her shoulder and not the other way around.

---

As he gripped her thighs, as he kissed her cheek, and just everything, Savayna let out such a loud moan of pleasure that anyone within the range of three rooms could hear her. She wasn’t holding anything back. Her voice was no doubt going to be drained after this. She would just let him know that every little touch that he would do to her, every little action he would take against her body — she thrived on the raw pleasure of it, she enjoyed every bit of it. Her body would tremble due to the size of her lust for his body. Among the moans and pleasure she felt, Savayna spoke. “Am I making you feel better?” She said in gasped breath.

[Hero]

Why would she ask that? Grant started thinking about it for a few seconds, his only sound being his quickened breath. He wanted to answer, though he was halfway between giving into his lust and the other half wondering if it was a good idea or not. He hadn't been thinking, and now that he was back to it, he was slightly concerned by her question. Was that her intention? It was nice, but that wasn't what he thought they were doing. They. Him and her. Not just her. Not just him. Them. He broke his lips away from her chest for a moment, looking right at her.

"It's not about me. It's about us." He responded.

---

As Emiri felt Jaakuna on her shoulder, she wished she could just relax. Of course her dumb brain wouldn't let her, not even for a second. Once they were rested, they would be off again. Zodiark had given them three days and she didn't want to find out what would happen afterwards. Losing just wasn't an option for her. She let out a small, somewhat relaxed sigh, though she did lean her head on Jaakuna's. His blonde hair lightly stuck to her neck, though her own hair was probably a mess too. But this was the moment that she wanted. These were the times when they didn't have to worry about everything, right? "This is probably the last chance we'll have to just relax like this." Emiri found herself saying out of nowhere. "I wonder...when it's all over, what will happen with...us?" She asked him quietly. "You're on good terms with your family again...will you return to Archadia?"

---

Whatever she had done to deserve Wesley, she was highly glad for it. Nadeline would make it a point to always do good, to always stay by him, because by the gods themselves no one had ever made her feel both secured and vulnerable at the same time. Each of his actions would earn a moan from her lips, though she found herself biting down on her lower one. It was odd, not being the one in control, but she loved his touch and everything that came with it. She found herself panting lightly from her desire for him. She would say his name laced with pure pleasure, finding it to be a mantra of hers.

[AlteredTundra]

As they relaxed in the tub, Jaakuna laid his head upon Emiri’s shoulder, and she would then rest her head. As she would do that, Emiri would tell him that this was probably going to be the last time that they would be able to relax like this. Instantly, Jaakuna knew what she meant by that. With Zodiark only giving them three days until he would supposedly take over the world as their new god. Jaakuna would just think about all of that and that’s when Emiri would just speak about what will happen when everything was said and done. Jaakuna then thought back to the discussion he had with Justine.

“About that..” Jaakuna said leaving a slight moment of silence there. “When I requested to talk to your mother, I pretty much told her that when everything is all said and done, I would like for all of us — you, me, her, and your father — to just sit down and openly talk about everything.” Jaakuna said as his eyes would look up to her. “I also told her that…well I would propose to you properly.” And then he said it. Jaakuna would then think back on what Justine said about Emiri’s power and he would not say anything about that, but he would say something else. “Oh, and happy birthday, my darling~” He would say so gleefully.

As he would, he thought about what she said about his family and if he would go back to Archadia. “I don’t know if I will go back. It’s true that for the first time in three years, I’m on good terms with my family and I definitely could go back if I wanted to, but for some reason, I don’t think I do want to. If this was three years ago, then maybe I would say differently, but a lot has changed — I’ve changed, and I think it’s for the better.” Jaakuna said as he wasn’t sure exactly what he would do. “I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.” He said, “how about you? You think you would like to stay in Rozarria when this whole mess is done with?” He asked her

[Hero]

When Jaakuna mentioned her family, Emiri was surprised, so to speak. So that was what he and her mother were talking about. She supposed Justine wouldn't have any objections to them marrying, though when he wished her a happy birthday, she was completely silent for a moment. She seemed surprised. No, it couldn't be. She furrowed her brow, half listening to Jaakuna go on about Archadia, half thinking about the date. Not that she would doubt her own mother not knowing when she gave birth to her, but she could hardly believe how much time had passed. "I forgot my own birthday." She mused out loud, though when asked about if she would return to Rozarria, she shook her head lightly.

"No...I don't think I will come back here. Not to live, anyway. I don't feel like this is my home anymore" She told him, lifting her free arm above the water. She reached out for the air, as if trying to grasp something. "Even if I could...I don't know if I could ever settle down now that I know what freedom is like. I've been all over Ivalice, but there's still so much to see, so much I don't know about. Or maybe I'm just running away again. I don't know." She lowered her arm back into the water. "But...if it's okay, I'd like to stay with you. If you'll have me."

[AlteredTundra]

Jaakuna chuckled at the mention that Emiri didn't remember her own birthday, but he would cut it. It was then that she would answer his question about whether or not she would stay in Rozarria. She would stay that she couldn't stay to live there anymore. To visit maybe, but not live. She told him that after the taste of freedom has graced her lips, she wanted to have more of it and do that with Jaakuna. That's when Jaakuna looked at her. He just smiled at Emiri, not wanting to take his eyes off of her. "Of course that's alright with me, but what if I do end up on choosing to go back to Archadia? Would you be fine with that even thought you just said you wanted to learn more about Ivalice?" Jaakuna asked her.

[Hero]

She hadn't thought of that. Emiri frowned slightly, though she thought about it for a moment. After some thought and some silence, she then smiled. She picked up some bubbles with her hands, lightly blowing them away. She then looked at Jaakuna. "Then that means I can borrow the Ifrit. That way I can go everywhere super fast. You'll wait for me in Archades, right?" She joked, slicking her bangs off her face. She smoothed them over the top off her head, revealing her forehead, and they stayed there for a moment. After a few seconds, though, the would slowly fall back onto her forehead, sticking to it and her cheeks.

"It'll be hard, giving up the hunter's life. I mean, it was difficult to get into in the first place. I didn't know what I was doing, I got hurt more times than I can recall, and gods know how many scams I fell for until I wised up. And then there was that one time I made the mistake of telling a certain bartender that I was expecting someone." She said, laughing a little. She started running her hands through her hair. "Who would have thought back then that I would be meeting the love of my life? I certainly wouldn't have. I was used to fighting, running away, being...distant from everyone. I never stayed in one place for long, never got attached because either I'd end up leaving...or they would end up using me." She stopped fiddling with her locks and smiled. "Even still, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. All my experiences, everything I've been through...it's all lead up to you."

[AlteredTundra]

When she made that joke about him staying in Archades while she went off in the Ifrit, Jaakuna smiled. He wanted to tickle her right then and there, but he didn’t. He just let out a laugh. That’s when she would answer his question and say that she would find it hard to give up the hunter life, but she would then say that cause of the life that she chose led up to meeting Jaakuna. As he would listen, he found himself smiling, but in the nostalgic kind of way. It was almost two weeks ago, but Jaakuna felt like it was forever ago. So many things have happened since the time he arrived to collect a bounty from Vlyn till right now. He just couldn’t believe all the shit that had happened to him, to her, to their friends, and just everything. Truly, Jaakuna was so nostalgic at this point.

Jaakuna got his head off of Emiri’s shoulder and he would cup up his hands and fill them with water. He would run it over his head, and his hair was forced back, revealing his bare forehead. A slight moan of relief was released from his mouth. His hair was trained to go back, so it stayed there, but he would shake his head and the water would land to Emiri. He looked to her as he would stand up, hands supporting him as he navigated through the bottom of the tub. He would then place one leg out and hand extended to her. “Shall we get out now? Unless you rather prune all up?” He said smiling and releasing a chuckle.

[Hero]

As Jaakuna shook the water off his hair, Emiri let out a wail of protest. She huffed, getting up a little and draining her hair, though she watched him climb out. When he asked if they would get out, she would look at her hands. They hadn't pruned just yet, but she was sure they probably would soon. She nodded, taking his hand and carefully managing to climb out without slipping. She let out a sigh of relief, she did feel a lot better now. She pondered if perhaps Karolina had put something in the soap or the water. Either way she began drying her hair, thanks to Jaakuna. once she deemed it dry she put the towel to her face. Ah, the bed was looking real nice right now. She couldn't stop looking it as she dried her body, and once she was dry, she went over to her bag. She stopped, getting an idea, and instead took out one of Jaakuna's black shirts, pulling it over her head. She then approached the bed, holding her arms out and letting herself fall onto it. Gods it felt good.

"I think this one is softer than yours." Emiri's muffled voice called out to Jaakuna.

[AlteredTundra]

When he led her out, both Jaakuna and Emiri started to dry themselves off. Jaakuna would begin with his hair as he ran the towel all through it until it was damp. Then he ran it across his torso, arms(and pits), back, and his entire lower body. Once he was fully dry, Jaakuna went over to the dresser, which seemed to have some pajamas. Jaakuna would just pull out a pair of black sweats and that’s it. He wore no boxers or anything. He just slipped those black sweats with a white stripe going down the middle-side of each pant leg.

Jaakuna would soon make his way over to the bed, to which Emiri would claim that it was softer than his own. Jaakuna highly doubted that, so he would go and lay onto the bed. Once his legs and back were on it. He didn’t want to say it, but he would have to agree with Emiri. The bed was softer, the cushion absorbed more and still held the shape. Oh how Jaakuna felt like he was on a cloud right now. “You’re right. Mm…” He said as he felt so relaxed. He laid on the bed arms extended and legs also. He would turn his head over to Emiri and see her looking at him. He would turn to his side, his left/top arm reaching over to her face, and he gently caressed her hair with his hand. He smiled at her, eyes barely open. “I love you so much.” He said, his body shifting closer to her.