Fantasy Howl's Flying Castle (Finished! ---Whoo! (*＾▽＾)／)

Her clothes billowed as Kenren whizzed past her like a purple and blue blur, letting out a 'Hiie!'. The she looked at the servant who was keeping her company. Chunsao's eyes went wide in wonder and a bit amused as masked shinobi come out of the shadow. Using their magic to muffle the sounds.

"...Well this is new." Should she even question why they are used to doing this? No? That's fine with her as she just followed the servants out of the hallway and out of earshot.

When she sees her son holding hands with Kenren and had red marks on his neck, Ms. Zhou could only smile mischievously and offered her decorative black comb to the couple. "Here. You're going to need this after having fun."

Then she left, saying out loud: "Ohhh~ How wonderful it is to be young and healthy!"


Zer0

Kenren went red, feeling like he got caught at doing something indecent, and by Chenglei's mother no less. "A-arigatou." he said, accepting the comb and fixing Chenglei's hair.

He cleared his throat and looked at Chenglei, embarrassed, as she left, squeezing his hand and feeling a little amused at the situation and relieved she was okay with them being together like that.

As New Year approached Kenren became more careful about their love making, feeling like he should be more respectful around the woman who gave birth to Chenglei and hardly chased him, giving him chaste pecks instead.

Wanting to help the two spend more time together, Kenren invited Chunsao to their daily activities such as putting up decorations, telling her the kitchen is hers, and giving her a room next to Tsumiki's. He would also make up some reason to excuse himself so that she and Chenglei could be alone. He didn't know if she was going to stay in the palace so he gave up his time with Chenglei and said he will handle his duties and that he can feel free to spend the holidays relaxing with his mother, enjoying the festivals, and seeing the sights with his sister and granny.

He felt a little lonely, always used to having Chenglei close, but he convinced himself it was for a good reason. She may end up leaving after the new year and who knows when she's going to come visit, or they visit her.

Chenglei turned red, sputtering from his mother's cheeky response. "M-Maaa-!" This is so embarrassing...He tilted his head to the side, letting Kenren comb his hair and squeezing his hand back; then he grabbed the comb to do the same for him. The blonde was smiling silly, happy that his mother is okay with their relationship...as spicy as it is.

He noticed that Kenren was being a little more careful with their love making now that his mother is here and around. He's even giving him chaste kisses too. Which is strange, coming from him of all people. Same with giving excuses to leaving him and his mother alone, doing all the work during the holiday, and he barely saw him unless it was nighttime and Kenren is pretty tired by then. So he snuggles with him, making sure he sleeps first.

At first, it was weird to be alone with his mother. She wouldn't stop hugging him and Tsumiki whenever she saw them. She'd make breakfast for them (yes, that included Kenren too). She'd brush their hair, clean their clothes, check up on them- He would always blush and stammer his thanks which made his mother smile charmingly. It...it felt good, to be cared for like this from his mother...

Then he started to show off what he can do, introduced her to Renee and let's her know that she's welcomed to come to her for health issues, showed her around the palace and the city they live in; wanting to get more and more compliments from her. He wanted to make her proud of him. He told her that too and she said "You don't have to show me all of this to make me proud. I'm always proud of you for being you." Do moms say that to their kids? It's...It's like...

Like she really does love him...

"It's not 'like', son. It's a 'for real'." Chunsao said one late afternoon as she brushed his hair again, gently untangling the knots. He sat in front of the mirror, watching his mother meticulously brush and comb his long hair. His face flushed pink.

"Okay..." She giggled at the awkward response, saying he's cute. He sighed quietly, ash purple eyes silently asking something through the mirror and she spotted it. "Changlei, I can't read your mind. You can ask me anything, you know."

"...Why 're ya okay wit' meh an' Ken'en bein' togetha' ?" He felt light tugs from the strands of his hair being gently pulled by the brush. "Hmm...It's because you two love each other. There's nothing wrong with that, dear."

"Even when we're both guys?"

"As long you treat each other right and care for one another, then you won't hear a peep from me." She confirmed. "I'm quite happy that you found someone who loves you a lot."

"...Ma?"

"Yes, dear?"

"A-are ya stayin'? Here, I mean. In da palace..." He felt the brushing stopped and he peeked over his shoulder to see his mother looking thoughtful. "I was thinking of staying with my mother and look after her. We talked about it and she's okay with the arrangements. So I can visit you three more often."

"Really?" His pitiful and hopeful face pierced her heart, realizing how much of that fear Kenren had talked about before really is. She hugged him tightly. "Yes, really." He snuggled into the hug, wiping his few tears away. Then he leaned back and smiled brightly.

"Imma tell Ken'en...Mother, 're ya-?"

"Just go and spend time with him." Chunsao shoo-ed him off, smiling in amusement. "I know you miss him a lot. Don't think I haven't noticed how you stare at the palace whenever we went out during the festivals. Now go on." With that, Chenglei hugged his mother for the first time and left the room, excited to let Kenren know of the good news.

Zer0

This was probably the first time Chenglei combed his hair and he liked the feeling. For some reason it was relaxing, like his head was being given a massage, and he closed his eyes lazily, staying still and humming.

As Mrs. Taisho was one of the court members helping his uncle govern the bordering provinces near a neighboring country, the emperor was used to having his meals prepared by servants. It was quite a refreshing experience to eat breakfast cooked by a mother again. It tasted different from a servant cook's skilled hands . . . how can he say this . . . it was like eating something that felt especially for you. Or is that called love? It reminded him somewhat of granny's cooking, taking him back to the time when she, Tsumiki, him, and Chenglei ate together in their cozy hovel before the war.

Nearing the New Year, Kenren always felt touched every time he came home late to find Chenglei still up. "I love you." he told him as they snuggled, his love making sure he slept first. More than sleeping together, this was why he really loves him and never gets tired of him. Falling in love again, feelings renewed by Chenglei's kindness. If he wasn't that sleepy, he'd mumble in his arms, asking Chenglei what did he do today with his mother and how his mornings, afternoons, and evenings went. He hugged his chest like a pillow, curling up in his arms and tucking himself in his love's blanket-like embrace. Home sweet home.

That day, after Chenglei hugged his mother for the first time, one of the servants would tell him the emperor's in his study. But as he would enter he would find it empty. Instead, he'd hear singing in the bathroom and the scratching of a quill. Kenren must be inside, working again while he did his business. He's been doing this ever since he happily took over Chenglei's duties, as he did not want to waste any time. There was a flush, the creak of a faucet, the sound of pouring water, then Kenren came out with a quill in between his teeth, patting his hands dry on his robes, while under his arms were tucked parchments and scrolls.

"Cheshle?" he asked brightly when he saw him.

Katsuya

"Thank you." He said to the servant, smiling gratefully.

Once he reached Kenren's study, he knocked and peeked inside when he heard singing...from the loo? Is...Is he writing inside there? '...Workaholic as always.' Chenglei thought, shaking his head as he came inside and closed the door behind him. He didn't have to wait long, Kenren came out with an overload of parchments and scrolls.

Chuckling and feeling bad for letting Kenren get overworked, the blonde consort helped carry some of the parchments. He also took the quill from his mouth to peck him chastely. "'ello Ken'en." He greeted, putting the papers down on the desk neatly before wrapping his arms around him and nuzzle under his neck.

"I miss ya..." He kissed the shell of his ear. "'ere, let meh help ya wit' dese." He took some of the scrolls, prepared to do his work again.

Zer0

"Hi." he smiled, pecking him back with a Mwa~. Wondering why Chenglei came at this time of the day, he hugged him too and rubbed his cheek on his hair.

"Oh, it's fine!" he said quickly the moment he learned he was going to work. And stopped himself from saying he missed him too, or else he was going to stay. "I've got this all handled, Chenglei." he said reassuringly, rubbing his back, as he followed him to the desk. "You just take the day off, everything here is all good." he surreptitiously covered some papers with his robe as he took it off on the pretense that it was a little hot, even though it was winter.

"Don't you have, erm, something to do with your --- our mom? Show her your dragon form? She hasn't seen that yet, has she?"

Katsuya

Chenglei looked at him like he didn't believe what he just said, but didn't argue. He instead kept hugging him since he took off his robe despite it being winter. With a charming smile, the blonde swayed in place and said: "It's okay. I can show her dat in due time. She said she's gonna stay with Granny."

"So...ya dun' hav' tuh take meh work anymore. Let me help ya, meh peachy prince. Please~?" He pleaded shyly, gazing at him with sparkly puppy eyes.

Zer0

Ah. Chenglei always knew when he was lying. "She will? That's great Chenglei!" he hugged him tightly. "Are you happy?"

And there was the inherited puppy charm. How can he resist it? "Alright." he gave in, and put his robe back on. But instead of belting it with a sash, he embraced Chenglei with the loose folds like a blanket, pressing him close to his chest. "To tell you the truth, I miss you too."

Katsuya

Chenglei nodded with a huge smile, nuzzling into his chest as he felt warm under the folds of his loose robes. "Very! Very happy."

"Ku-fufufufu! Good!" His ash purple eyes brightened up. His chest started to vibrate lightly as a low purr can be heard. Chenglei reached up to cup his cheeks, rubbing gently with his thumbs as he leaned in a bit. "Kiss meh?" He whispered, feeling warm and content.

Zer0

Kenren gave him a chaste peck.

Katsuya

Groaning quietly, Chenglei followed his lips and continued to kiss him. He wrapped his arms around his shoulders and pulled him closer, closing his eyes. He poured how much he dearly missed him, affectionately rubbing his thumb on the back of his neck and into his hair. Silently urging Kenren to let go of his recent restrictions.

Zer0

Smirking, Kenren gave him another chaste peck, his heart beating fast.

Katsuya

He leaned back and pouted, ears turning pink as Kenren smirked. "...Fine, work first...an' later we can cuddle? When we're alone?"

Zer0

Ah. His plan backfired. "No, we cuddle now." he suddenly hoisted him up his waist and kissed those pouting lips, finally answering Chenglei's yearning with passion. "Sorry, I was trying to get you to attack me." he mumbled into the kiss, as they made out, Kenren trying to make up for the downer change of mood.

He made up energetically.

Katsuya

"Mhhpm!" Instinctively, he wrapped his legs around his waist, smiling as he kissed back. "Attack ya? Ken'en..." Chenglei wanted to make him breathless as they made out, sipping on his lips oh so adoringly.

"I wanna eat ya." Annnd he proved it.

When Chunsao wandered around on her own, having a calm and peaceful walk, she spotted the same masked shinobi. They were using their magic again. "Those boys really are healthy." She muttered to herself, waving at the shinobi and walked away from the area. Her charming face revealed a puppy-like smile, her heart warm and happy.

She felt blessed. Finally being able to see her children again and knowing they are happy just fills her heart with joy. There's nothing more she could ever ask for in the New Year; she has her family. Her ever growing family and she wouldn't change them for the world.

Zer0

Zer0 said:

"Yes, and her design." said James, proudly showing Frederick the runes as he offered him a hand up to sit behind him on Frey. He took out a little vial with something jelly inside from his robes, and one bee from the swarm flew in. A tiny arcane mark glowed on its back before it turned into stone, at the same time, the same mark sparked on James' palm. With a wave of his hand the bees scattered.

"That's how she does it with her spells, none of them come from a text book, she made all the runic combinations with her mind." he said, with the admiration one would give to an inventor. James chuckled at the mention of Sasha. "No, Sasha is a tier two summon who comes from one of the other eight realms, guardian spirits on the other hand, no one knows where they come from not even the spirits themselves. They don't have memories, but they always seem to know and feel familiar to their masters. Some wizards say guardian spirits come from oneself, others think it's the spirit of a loved one or dear pets that have passed on --- to Kenren's warship, Frey."

The stag started off in an easy trot, passing through the cleaner streets where the lights and sound of construction still went on through the night. Frey was like a glowing ghost, very bright in the dark.

Click to expand...

Frederick graciously accepted James' offered hand with a firm grip and mounted Frey behind him with a practiced ease. It seemed Lydia wasn't the only one that had received riding lessons, though Frederick couldn't easily hide the slight awkwardness that he felt riding the same mount as someone else which was something that he had never done unless Lydia was riding with him, "I never realized my sister was so artistic..." he said in a thoughtful, almost said manner, "she was always so studious, with her nose in a book. I suppose I always considered her more mathematical or scholarly," though in his words was also a sort of admiration, as though he was glad at the thought that she had so many layers to her while at the same time disappointed in himself for not realizing it.

He watched James carefully as he went about his motions, taking great interest in what he was doing despite having no idea what any of it meant. Though his gaze that followed in the direction of one of the bees was redirected towards James as he spoke, an appreciative smile forming on his sturdy features as he listened to James describe Lydia's process of spell creation and he gave a slight nod, snorting softly in amusement, "I can't say that I am surprised... don't tell Lydia, but on more than one occasion when I came to visit and she wasn't about, I had gone to the library and found her asleep at the desk amidst piles of papers and books," he laughed a bit at the memory, "she still had a quill in hand most days... the workings of her thoughts written out on paper..." Frederick smiled and gazed away a bit distantly before laughing again, "I had no idea what any of it meant then and I highly doubt that I would now!"

He listened intently to James explain about summons, though he just laughed a bit in confusion and shook his head, the whole concept, while interesting, very much beyond him.


After briefly watching James and Frederick depart, Lydia's attention became fixed on her grandmother. She gave an understanding nod which quickly turned to her briskly shaking her head, "alright... I understand why he changed his name and even why you kept his existence a secret for so long... what I don't understand is why, even after you knew I would be going to Kingsbury and studying with Master Howl -- why you didn't tell me about him at least?" She shook her head again as she looked towards her plate before her curious green eyes turned back on granny Celia, "did... does he know about me?"

Thomas looked to their grandmother expectantly, though he didn't contribute his own questions because despite the fact that in the past he did provide some resistance to Lydia's interest in magic, he had now grown more accepting of it and understood that this line of questioning involving their previously unknown magic practicing uncle, was not in his particular area of need to know and that of all their family, Lydia would likely be the most affected by it as well as the most pleased by the knowledge.

Celia wasn't nearly as serious as perhaps everyone at the table would have expected her to be. Taking to giving the information to her grandchildren and their friends with a sort of lighthearted air as though she were regaling them with some sort of amusing anecdote. The wrinkles at the corner of one of her eyes creased more so as she winked at Lydia, "of course he knew of you... why do you think Master Howl accepted you as an apprentice."

It was then that Lydia's eyes widened slightly and she turned her gaze to Master Howl. It had been understood upon recent revelations that Master Howl did know Gaston Savatier, though it had not been known that Gaston had known about Lydia. Likewise, Thomas turned his gaze on Master Howl as well before they both looked to Celia, mimicking each others' behavior as though they were twins, both of their brows wrinkled. Celia just laughed abruptly at the sighed, cheerier than ever, her grin lasting as she explained in order to answer the unasked questions, her hand coming to rest on Lydia's as she spoke to her intently," Lydia, my dear... the moment I saw your fondness in magic, I didn't want to make the same mistake with you that your grandfather and I made with Albert. I wanted you to feel free to do what you enjoyed and still have your family by your side," she smiled slightly weakly, the glint in her eyes nothing but warm, "so I wrote to Albert... and I told him about you and how you sat so raptly and listened to my stories... which were in fact stories of Master Howl that Albert had told to me."

Celia offered Lydia's hand a little pat and looked off down the table towards Master Howl before casting her gaze on each of the individuals that were also seated at the table before once again looking to Lydia, "he has known of you since the first time I saw that spark in your eyes after one of the stories I had shared with you. He was the one that suggested you go to Kingsbury. He spoke with Master Howl on your behalf... asking that he only give you a trial to decide if you would actually be able to use magic because he was proof that it was in your blood."

Lydia's gaze turned down towards her grandmother's wrinkled old hand where it lay atop hers. She wasn't quite sure what to think. Thomas' crossed his arms over the breast of his gray vest, his brow furrowed as he gazed thoughtfully at his plate. After a few moments Lydia looked back to Celia, "okay... but why did he not come to greet me after I arrived? What harm would it do... He told Master Howl we were related... I don't understand why?"

Celia shook her head and squeezed Lydia's hand before removing her own and placing it back on her lap, "I don't know his reasons my dear... if he... if he has survived this whole war and having been kept prisoner the past year... maybe he can tell you himself why he didn't welcome you when you arrived... I'm sure he had a good reason," she smiled sweetly and cupped Lydia's face.

Zer0

James chuckled when Frederick talked about finding Lydia asleep at the desk amidst piles of papers and books, remembering that one time he found her hanging off the bed with her hand on the floor, snoring. He still had that picture of her. "She's still like that until now." he laughed, as Frey galloped into the airdocks where the master warship floated among smaller zeppelins carrying construction materials to and fro from all over Frankia.

When her older brother talked about not knowing what her notes meant and laughed a bit in confusion on summons, James launched into an enthusiastic discussion on the different schools of magic, the basics of conjuration and creation of spell circles. He sounded like a teacher who loves his art, and is used to explaining this a lot. He talked about how this reminded him of last year before the war when all he had to think of was just his thesis. He was the apprentice of one of the professors together with Johnny and they used to aid their master in class, teaching the students how to summon will-o-wisps (" Little mischievous balls of flame from Niflheim. They like burning hair.") and putuffs (" Small ghost-like wind elementals that look like jelly fishes. They like floating around wizards and witches, siphoning our manna to eat, a little bit like mosquitos, but without the prickly itch").

"I had thought I'd be a professor and researcher after I graduated, never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd end up here." said James, as they dismounted. An oriental servant met them when they boarded the ship with a parchment and quill. It was here that he asked if he could have an audience with the prince, and wrote a message in the parchment, before rolling it up, sealing it with an arcane barrier so that only Kenren can read it, and then giving it to the servant to deliver.

" Prince Kenren is currently busy, but I will inform him right away." said the servant, and bid them to wait in one of the rooms, but James declined saying that he'd like to walk around the master warship for a while, as he likely won't be able to step foot in it again once Kenren and his fleet leave for the Orients.

"Fancy a tour, Frederick?" asked James, smiling, after the servant had left.




In the flying castle, around the dinner table, Howl placidly smiled at Lydia when she gazed at him. His knowing look spoke of a secret long kept, but he too kept silent and let the mastermind of it all explain everything to her granddaughter.

"Wizards are indeed a mysterious lot." said Sophie at the end of Granny Celia's talk, she smiled at her husband. "Many secrets, and you have to find the reasons yourself."

"It's part of our charm, Sophie." winked Howl, squeezing her hand. "The Sorcerer's Academy is the best in the kingdom, Lydia. Gaston is a knowledgeable teacher and an excellent wizard, we'll talk to Madam Suliman and help you find news of him." Sophie nodded in agreement.

"We'll help too!" said the twins raising their hands cheerfully.

"Aye, me too." said Johnny, already looking at his kidney steak pudding thoughtfully, as though thinking of what to do.

"Baa." bleated Butters determinedly.


Roleplay Skittle

Maybe Frederick had thought that during the adversity Lydia had faced the past year, she had matured more than she had been previously. Not to say Lydia hadn't been mature before but Frederick knew that she had her moments though those moments seemed to be reserved strictly for the presence of her brothers. Even in front of Thomas, Lydia could still at times appear as a little girl, though Thomas was different with them when others weren't around and he never betrayed the siblings' time alone together by describing the moments to any of his friends. It was good for Frederick to know that Lydia was still just as innocent and carefree at heart as she had always been.

"I am happy to know that... though I can tell that she has changed some, though all for the better," Frederick smiled, his smiles towards Lydia were always warm, as though he were a proud parent rather than an elder brother to her, "she seems less afraid to speak her mind when she isn't upset... more comfortable with who she is," he had been gazing off into the distance though turned his attention more directly towards James, "though I imagine you had something to do with it. Lydia has had many suitors -- all were my parents doing -- and none of them lasted once they got to know Lydia and realized that she was different from other girls," he sighed slightly and shrugged his shoulders, "I am full glad that she needn't worry about those sorts of things anymore."

He listened attentively as James went about the task of tutoring him in various magical topics. Amused by how enthusiastic he was on the topic and thereby wondered if this was how Lydia discussed magic. He had never really heard her speak about it so enthusiastically but that was likely because wherever she might find an avid listener, instead she would find those that would ridicule her interest and by that logic she had mostly remained silent on the topic unless she was speaking out in defense of her treasured subject, "I imagine you and Lydia have had a great many discussions about magic... and I do not doubt that she has learned a great deal from you."

As they strode up to the warship atop Frey's back and dismounted, Frederick looked to James with an understanding, though his gaze also showed a bit of concern, "I am certain you could likely still do those things. Considering all the turmoil everyone, nations over have gone through because of this war I believe that it is highly likely that new instructors will be necessary in every line of education. Not only that, but I don't doubt that there will be plenty of those that will want to try their hand at using magic and will be in need of practiced and educated instructors," he beamed as he gave James a hardy pat on the back before his brow furrowed slightly, "unless that is no longer the future you have in mind?"

Frederick raised his hat and nodded his head to the servant as he approached and waited silently as the two exchanged their information and requests, glancing to James as he was addressed and smiling, "I dare say I would, if it suits you of course."


Lydia only blinked momentarily when Master Howl offered her that placid smile before her attention turned towards Mrs. Pendragon. She smiled weakly for a moment before her gaze drifted as she turned to her own thoughts. She couldn't remember a time where she found James to be mysterious in the slightest. He was always straightforward as far as she could tell and even on the rare occasion that he did have something he didn't immediately disclose, eventually it did come out and it wasn't due to any prying she herself had done. She smiled again more wholeheartedly as she returned her gaze to Mrs. Pendragon, assuming that James' relatively open nature stemmed more from his mother rather than his father.

She nodded steadily -- enthusiastically even -- as Howl addressed her, she smiled to herself slightly as she glanced down at the table after a moment. The compliments that Master Howl had just paid her previously unknown uncle made her happy. It was nice to know that there was someone else in her bloodline that had a talent for and enjoyed magic, it made her feel like less of the family black sheep. Her attention turned to the twins as they declared their willingness to help before her gaze turned to Thomas who shrugged slightly, "so we have a long lost relative... and by chance he is just as strange as Lydia," while there was a jape in the phrase, it wasn't meant to be entirely insulting as there was a joking tone in Thomas' voice as he smirked and glanced at Lydia who responded by sticking her tongue out and flicking a pea at Thomas.

Thomas laughed and flinched slightly to avoid being struck by the flung vegetable and Celia laughed as well. Madam Dubois chimed in by telling Lydia not to throw food because it wasn't ladylike and then turned towards Master Howl and Mrs. Pendragon, bowing her head slightly and offering a brief apology for her daughter who despite everything she had gone through, still retained a childlike innocence. Amelie only laughed softly and covered her mouth with her napkin.

"Thank you Johnny..." Lydia smiled at her friend and nodded her head at the twins, "Seth, Sen... and of course you too, Butters!" She grinned and gently ruffled the ram's hair.

Zer0

James watched the way Frederick smiled, happy her brother cares about her. He had thought he was one of those who had made her feel like something was wrong with her because of her love for magic, and was pleasantly surprised that he was wrong about him. He was surprised again when he said he had something to do with Lydia being less afraid to speak her mind and become more comfortable with who she was.

"I did?" asked James, perplexed. He tried to recall times when what he said or did changed her . . . he couldn't think of any except for that time she was happy Sasha became hers. There must be something Frederick knew about her that James had not seen yet. For him, Lydia had never changed because of anybody . . . though there was that one time they had that talk together about her asking him if he liked it if she talked more and he had said yes.

He snorted and deadpanned into the distance when Frederick said her suitors didn't last long once they learned she was different from other girls. "I know." he said, sounding annoyed. "Though, I'll admit, Frederick, that I'm secretly pleased that she isn't engaged to someone else." the thought made his stomach feel hollow. He thought of how to say his next words without making it sound as though he was complimenting Lydia just to please her brother.

" Lydia is . . . deep. I fell in love with her when we were in the belly of Leviathan, a gargantuan sea dragon crocodile over at the Storm Wall. So, we were in the hot smelly stomach, we had come out of these giant cannon balls that had been shot inside the sea serpent's mouth, so that we can hitch a ride to the other side, and Prince Kenren called me together with some of his soldiers and gave us a secret task to do. And . . . it was hard." the way he said that last word sounded like an understatement. James had the eyes of someone who went through a war and had to make a deep decision that affected his soul. "And when I told Lydia what it was, she . . . amazingly wanted to share it with me." he tried to put in his voice how much this action had moved him. He didn't want to tell Frederick that his sweet sister agreed to help James secretly kill a man, and just looked at him meaningfully. "It's not something normal people do, but she did. And . . ." James had this smitten lovey-dovey look, "she's deep."

He wondered if he was able to make Frederick understand. "The way her cheeks plump when she smiles, it's so nice, that when she finally reunited with you and your father hugged her and she looked so happy, that was wonderful. And she also has this humor where she doesn't try. She has this straight face --- like that one time she grew a beard, dyed that and her hair red because of ---", he hesitated. It was probably not a good mental image for her brother if he mentioned snipers at the front line, " --- the war. And we were ---" he hesitated again. Her family was conservative, and how her mother reacted to them just nuzzling was still fresh in his mind, and so instead of cuddling he said: "--- hanging out. And she was acting normal, but she had a great red beard and red hair, and I just couldn't every time we were affectionate." James chuckled. "And there's so many other random things, like walking and suddenly stomping her foot hard many times," he laughed, " and I was looking at her like what are you doing?"

He was all smiles now as they continued to converse. "I'm glad that you seem to think I'm okay for Lydia." he said humbly after Frederick mentioned that she didn't have to worry about suitors anymore. Of course she didn't, James thought proudly. If he had a rival for her heart, he would woo her and prove the better man.

When the talk moved to his and Lydia's discussions on magic, James went on another trip to memory lane and told Frederick about the time they were hiking through the misty mountains to escort the then Princess Mia, and how they'd talk about the books she's read, her theories, and the eighteen years worth of magic he had learned from the Academy, Howl, and the Witch of the Waste. This led to the topic of Lydia's spell weaving abilities and how he was amazed that she developed her own innate understanding of the manna flow of incantations, runes and can make spells that have never been made before, showing the tattoos on his hands and describing it to him as best as he could in layman's terms. " . . . the manna flow is so stable that it resists the geodatic strain of the singularity effects without any delay to the spell manifestation . . ." he said, fascinated, and continued to speak about it some more like someone describing how the ingredients of a culinary dish blended everything into a taste like art. Frederick could tell he admired her intelligence, and that magic was his favorite things to talk about too, especially the not so well understood aspects of it.

When Frederick looked at him, concerned and gave him a hardy pat on the back along with encouraging words, James smiled at him gratefully. "I don't know what I want to do anymore." he said. "I wanted to be part of the Wizengamot. I have a . . . I had a dear wish that I wanted to make, and it was something I can only do if I summoned a djini and had their resources. That was my life goal --- the ancient summoning incantation had been lost --- but now I have a djini's three wishes, and very happy things happened that I don't need to make my wish anymore. That and the Wizengamot are corrupt, so . . . I don't know where to go. Being a teacher . . . it was something I thought of as a side. My real love is actually in exploring and discovering. I like sea creatures and reading about alchemical ingredients . . . and that's all I've got for now."

James was happy to give him a tour, and showed him the atelier where he and Lydia had worked. All of the important things had been moved and so there was nothing like the Libris Mortem here. "This is Lydia's chair." he said, patting said chair. "She usually sits here and this is where I would brew potions." he touched a cauldron. "I would stay in this room most of the time and sleep by the fireplace so that I can get to work the moment I wake up. We were so pressed for time those days because of the enemy that we had to finish our researches quickly." he looked at a spot in front of the fireplace fondly and chuckled as he remembered that time he ate a booger.

Roleplay Skittle



'Baa.' Butters closed his eyes lazily, enjoying the ruffle; Johnny nodded cheerfully.

"No problem, Lydia!" said the twins together, muttering to themselves in hushed voices about the many lady-like things she had done in their adventure, such as lady-ly whacking a goblin, and lady-ly throwing fireballs. "With grace and poise." added Seth.

"Absolutely spiffing." said Sen in an aristocratic voice.

"Behave you two." said Sophie. "It is quite alright, Mrs. Dubois. Children will be children." she looked at the twins who were now eating in a way that made even Seifer, who was spoon feeding Renee, look at them in disdain.

Howl chuckled, "It's good that she has. I'm proud of all of you." he looked his children, his apprentice, and their friends. "You all came back home healthy and with sound hearts. I believe this calls for dessert, Sophie."

"Yesssss! Chocolate pudding! Chocolate pudding!" chanted the twins.

And with that Howl and Sophie went to the kitchen to deliver to the dining table a mound of chocolate pudding for everyone; Johnny stood up to help them carry it, and the twins, who seemed to have sensed a near kindred spirit with Thomas after his joke, attempted to sneak some bugs in his pudding.

It was a cloudy spring day in the forest. With the soft crashing of the waves rolling against the rocky cliffs that's nearby. Soft thin beams of sunlight squeezed through the dark fluffy grays.

By the plastic window of the large walk-in tent, stood a woman.

Her feathered small head wings fluttered and flapped nervously, jolting the parted veil loose off her curled and braided snow white hair. Her white satin and fitted wedding dress dyed, gradually turning into a soothing dark purple and blue with bright colorful flowers; looking like a pool of the night sky and the flowers are gathering around her feet and the back of her waist. Underneath the long slitted skirt is white thin tulle that hinted the silhouette of her legs; her bare feet, whenever they took a step, revealed a jeweled anklet. Delicate strands of white gold wrapped around her ankles and hanged on her big toes with two oval-shaped moonstones in the middle of the decorative webs. Simple flat white flowers wrapped around the woman's purple scaled arm, reaching up to the edge of her shoulders and holding up her sweetheart neckline dress. The red and gold metal of the clockwork pendent glimmered from one of the sun's light, incomplete. It's missing half is with the one she's getting married to.

Renee flinched when she heard the crowd outside, Serena's cackling was the loudest among the mutters and musical notes, and turned her head towards the direction. Light gold eyeshadow colored her eyelids, with a single and thinning line of black kohl eyeliner, emphasizing her milky orange eyes; making them look wider then usual even when it's half-lidded. Rosy pink painted her tense lips. Her dress rustled as she sat down a wooden chair, wiping her sweaty hands dry with a napkin her summons took from the wedding reception outside; Mica had to jump off quickly, muttering angrily as he glared at the black little bow-tie he's forced to wear.

He will nip Seifer and James for this....this scratchy thing-!

The bride took a deep breath, holding it for a second before releasing it. Trying to relax her excited nerves. Today's the day. The day where she will wed the love of her life.

In front of very close friends and family . . .

Renee's breath hitched. Her wings flapped wildly from the uncontrollable bubbling nerves. Her sweaty hands gripped onto the napkin tightly.

"Butter and biscuits . . ."


Meanwhile, as the guests arrive the spot, they will first go through the forest, following the trees that has lanterns with off-white bows. They will see a large canopy that's tied to sturdy tree branches is pinched and pulled up in the middle for the possible rain to roll down and not pile on top; so the guests won't get wet. That included all of the summons should they want to come by.

Billowing softly are long off-white curtains that are draped and pinned gracefully on the metal supports of the canopy, all of them streamed to the middle, creating a very intimate but simple space for the family and close friends alike. There are rows of warm ceder benches on each side with oriental lanterns pinned on the ends, leading up to the alter that's facing the edge of the cliffs and ocean's horizon. A small ceder podium for the one who's binding the couple together in matrimony to stand on, an arch gate with colorful flowers weaved in and out. Leaning on the side of the podium is Renee's branch-like bow, ready to be used after the couple says their 'I do's .

If anybody looks down from the edge of the cliff, they will see that it's not a deep dive to the waters. The waves are pretty close to the edge. There's also a few trees with lanterns that's leading away from the alter and towards the reception area, probably. There's even a little table that's beside the entrance with a small note and a basket filled with colorful containers and sticks.

'Kids - Help yourselves with bubbles!' The note said to any of the children that are coming with their parents. Written in Renee's handwriting.

Fragile orbs of soap floated by a button nose and popped in contact, Garnet jumped in surprise before shrieking in glee. Clapping her hands as if she wanted to pop more them. Lyra giggled demurely as she stared in awe at the bubbles that her older brother blew out of the oval shaped stick; held up by his magic. Serena, with her maroon colored dress that flared whenever she moved revealing hints of yellows and orange underneath her skirt, cackled along with the little twins, blowing some more bubbles at them as they giggled and 'squee-ed' at the crystalline bubbles. They were sitting on the grassy ground, waiting for the wedding to start with Echo watching over them.

The fawn is sitting on the benches and safe from the rain when it comes down, observing the happy group with a very warm and dazed smile. Her fluffy ear twitched as she half-heartedly listened in Minnie talking about the Joke shop and her books to Johnny, Chenglei, and Kenren. The young gunner wore a dark teal gown with a gear clip holding back her long fringes, her long hair cascaded over and down her shoulder; showing off the tattoo of a gear with wings that's behind her neck. While Chenglei was wearing a warm golden yellow yukata with black hakama and a dark muted purple robe that has a scale pattern fading into the hue. With his hair slicked back, he looks much more charming in a homey way than a consort to the emperor.

As her green eyes roamed over, she spotted James and Lydia. With a gentle wave and a nod to invite them to come sit with them, Echo sighed and leaned her head on Johnny's shoulder; antlers and horns bonked each other lightly. She's dressed warmly with a wooly shawl over her dark forest green dress, antlers decorated with pots with vines intertwining. Next to her hooves are Serena's gold heels as the blonde didn't want to trip while chasing the younger set of twins with Sirius in their small game of tag before finding the bubbles.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

Inside the bridal tent, the flowers of a blooming cherry blossom branch in a vase fluttered with the wind, as a beaming Sophie ducked through the flap with a happy Queen Mia.

"Oh, Renee, you look beautiful." said her mother. Kissing her forehead, Sophie straightened and smoothed her daughter's hair and dress unnecessarily. Queen Mia whined happily, and, humming, hugged Renee tight.

Beside the vase were flowers from the Storm Wall, and letters of well-wishes from friends and admirers; one of them, leaning on the vase, had two little colorful hand prints, a noble embossed writing that said, 'Happy wedding day, mama, papa! Papa had said that today is like a gift you give to each other, I don't know how you can wrap and open it, but I hope you two get pretty stars!'

There was another light breeze as the flap opened again, and Renee was embraced by her father's arms. "You look so grown up, Renee." she could hear the smile in his voice. He kissed her forehead. "I'm so proud of you."

Outside, Sirius was larger than usual, his tail and front legs coiled protectively around the two silly biddies that were laughing and smiling on the grass playing with their Auntie Serena. He blew bubbles at the three, and made Serena's bubbles float together to make dancing catterpillars. Beside Sirius was a pillow covered in cloth, where inside were his parents' wedding rings he was to float and present to them; Butters was there too, making silly faces at Lyra to make her laugh.

Next to Serena was Hisaya, who had been chatting happily with his cackling friend before he settled on the grass to watch the four play. On the seat beside Echo was Johnny with his arm around her shoulder, nuzzling her hair and poking an antler pot absently, as he listened to Minnie. He had been territorial since the couple arrived through the lantern trees, immediately saying, "Mine." whenever he sensed a man who had a crush on her approach, and then wrapping his arms around her. He had been this way ever since Echo became a mother-to-be, and had also adopted his fluffier half-dragon look with his soft neck ruff for her to lean comfortably on.

Beside the couple, Chenglei was experiencing the same thing with the emperor's arms around his waist and his chin propped up on the shoulder of the tall swordsman and going, "Mine." every time he sensed a lady had a crush on him. Kenren was listening to Minnie with interest and talking about how he wanted to see a unicorn one day.

James peacefully watched everyone by Lydia's side. He was wearing warlock robes of blue and had brought their shaggy little dog that they had adopted from the Sonoran desert. He was showing their doggy to the pair of heroic felines the twins and Minnie had invited from the Jaharian empire. "He was a stray wandering in the excavation camps, Ricket, Minuette, and we didn't know since Lydia wasn't sneezing and we didn't notice him ---"

Hoot, came a gentle call from above, and Sasha fluttered down on Lydia's shoulder, proudly showing her a half-eaten lizard before gobbling it up.

" --- then a friend told us about him, and that was how we got a dog she isn't allergic to." said James. Their doggy barked, tail wagging when Meatballs came out of the forest after playing with Frey, and James put him down so that the two chummy dogs could sniff each other.

"Ready for the dance brother?" said two twin voice suddenly from behind him. "Your time is coming close." smirked Sen and Seth, as the wedding musicians started to play. The twins had been waggling their eyebrows at him all day and cracking identical evil grins whenever they saw him. Now they were watching him pleasurably, preciously caressing what seems to be Chenglei's camera (they asked permission this time, saying they have a fondness for it).

James ignored them. "Watch my dress, Frey." he said to his summon. On Frey's saddle was a suitcase where inside was the dreaded suavamante dress he dare not hang outside in case the twins got any ideas. He excused himself from the two cats, and gave Lydia a kiss on the forehead, before he went on his way to the bride's tent. He grinned at the annoyed Mica, before opening the tent flap and smiling at his sister.

"It's time, Renee."

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

When Renee felt all the flowers and letters, she teared up when she read Sirius's letter, smiling wide at the small textured hand prints. Honestly, their children are so sweet and cute.

Renee whipped her head up as she heard the tent flap move and grinned nervously, standing up again to greet.

"Thank you, mother." Her wings fluttered happily as she hugged her mother, feeling the pair of lips on her forehead. She giggled quietly when she felt her mother fussing over her dress (that all the girls have sewed the flowers onto) and hair, fixing the veil back in it's place. Renee hugged Queen Mia as well.

"I'm really happy that you came too, Mia."

When Howl came in and hugged and kissed her forehead too, Renee giggled at his comment. "That's because I am a grown up, Dad. Heheh." She playfully commented, feeling her nerves calming down to a lull. "...Thank you, Dad." She nuzzled her face into his hug; her wings fluttering with an occasionally tremble from her nerves.

Outside, as Serena blew more bubbles at the children--- yes, that included the bigger Sirius too --- she chatted with Hisaya and asked him questions like how is his son doing with his grades and gossiped about the silly moments that happened with Seth and the kitchen. Echo would hum whenever she heard Johnny say "Mine" to someone she didn't know. Chenglei would kiss Kenren's cheek whenever he does the same thing before paying attention to Minnie. One would think he would be nervous about dancing with James and yet...he doesn't seem to be nervous at all.

"So yur makin' a story 'bout a robot 'nd it's creator? Dis is new." He commented.

"Yep, I thought it would be nice to test the boundries of ... mixed race relationships."

"...but it's a robot, Minnie. Dat's not a race."

"No, but it does give the relationship a prospective, doesn't it?" She commented back with a sneaky grin. The blonde soldier nodded.

"Yes, it does." Minnie looked interested when Kenren mentioned about seeing a unicorn one day. "If you ever do see one, you shouldn't catch it. I heard that unicorns will weaken if they get captured without their consent. Of course, that's what I read in the research books anyways."

"...Why were you researching Unicorns?" Echo asked, raising a brow. Minnie shrugged her shoulders. "Thought it would be interesting to make a unicorn guy character for a romance."

Lyra giggled quietly when she saw Butters' silly faces, reaching up to pat his large nose. Her stormy grey eyes then was captured by James' looming figure going to her mother's tent...and went back at staring the bubbles galore. Serena blew bubbles at Hisaya for the teasing comment he made at her for being obsessed with sweets.

Inside the bridal tent, Renee took a deep breath as Mica hissed at James. He saw that grin-!! It's like the ferret was saying 'Watch. I will have my vengeance~!' He only calmed down when the winged bride quietly asked him to climb on her shoulder. Which he did. Better chances for him to strike at the older Pendragon brother.

"O-Okay." Renee gulped and wiped her trembling hands again with the napkin before grabbing her bouquet from the small table with the vase: cherry blossoms and golden shower flowers overflowed her hands and arms, cascading down like a waterfall of tiny light pink and yellow flowers. Then she walked towards the opening, pulling the veil over her face to cover it.

"R-ready-!" She muttered.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

Sophie, Howl, and Queen Mia watched emotionally as James, beaming, hugged Renee tightly then gave his sister's forehead a kiss. He looked like he was about to leap off into a big wide sky with her. "Mm, let's go." and he offered a warm arm.

Sunlight poured down on them, as they entered the assembly. The crowd ooh'd and ahhh'd, as they beheld Renee. The gray clouds had drizzled, sending little drops on her veil that caught the light of the sun and sparkled like little stars.

'Mama has stars!' gasped Sirius, his eyes wide; even Garnet and Lyra stopped playing with each other to stare at their pretty mommy. "Mama!" they cried happily, raising their arms for a hug. She was surrounded by the warm smiles of loved ones, and among the happy whispers she could hear Kenren say, "Lovely."

And there was Seifer, beaming, his chest swelled up in joy. He had the brightest dimply smile, and when she was before him, he let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding, as though he had forgotten how to breathe.

James looked at Renee, then up at Seifer who was standing taller on the podium. Her groom had a look as though all the world had melted away and all he saw was Renee, looking very much in love after all these years. Inside James finally admitted it, that this guy --- no, this man, was worthy of his sister. Seifer nodded at James, and suddenly Renee's older brother had the strangest feeling that now, he wasn't her protector anymore. Now it was Seifer. As he slowly uncurled his arm from hers, he felt that this more than anything, was his final letting go.

Seifer offered a steady hand, touching the tips of Renee's fingers ever so gently.

Katsuya

With a shaky nod, Renee let's go a sigh and tentatively wrapped an arm around her brother's offered one; letting him lead her the way.

Hearing the crowd's happy muttering wishes, the blushing bride tightened her grip on her bouquet. Keeping her eyes open and grinning bashfully. Wings fluttering happily when she heard her children's voices, letting go of James' arm for a moment to hug her three children with loving kisses on their warm foreheads. The twins giggled, Garnet's wings fluttered clumsily while Lyra swayed in place. As she loosely wrapped her arm around James' again, Renee tilted her head up, facing Seifer.

Her pink cheeks turned red when she heard his sigh, her bashful grin warmed up to her ice-melting smile. Her nerves melted away along with the world around her. Hearing his breathing, anticipating to join him as James slowly uncurled his arm from hers; Mica leaped from her shoulder to his. Beady eyes watching his human reach for her mate's hand with a gentleness that he always saw whenever they are together.

Renee tilted her head towards James' way and with a grateful sigh, she whispered "Thank you, James." Then she squeezed Seifer's steady hand, taking a step forward and on the podium. Standing right in front of her beau. A hand reached up his arm to his cheek, lightly tracing the dimple that always appeared when Seifer smiles.

Cupping his warm cheek and rubbing with her thumb, Renee sighed in happy bliss. Without looking at her fluttering wings that were coyly covering her blushing cheeks, Seifer can tell that all she's thinking about is him lovingly so.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

Seifer leaned into Renee's hands, as she felt those dimples dimple up just for her. Her sweetheart can't seem to stop smiling as he whispered, "You're so pretty, Renee. Just like that time you told me we were going to be parents."

The crowd went "Aww" when the couple shared the intimate moment, and there were whispers of the twins saying, "Our sister looks so happy!" together to Serena and Minnie, accompanied by clicks from a camera. They seem to be photographing the event.

Then Seifer leaned down. The crowd held their breath in surprise. He almost kissed Renee, before he remembered they hadn't said I do yet, and awkwardly touched foreheads with her instead, chuckling, "Oh, right, we're not supposed to kiss yet."

Some people in the crowd chuckled; James returned to his seat, patting Mica; and Historia, who was before the couple to wed them, chuckled as well. Seifer held Renee's hand and turned to the ancient historian.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union between two souls who've shown us through the years that acceptance is a good soil where the trees of content love can bear fruit." boomed Historia. "To be truly known with all our flaws and yet be found desirable, lovable, and forgivable is a treasure most calming, that reassures us that we will never be alone nor abandoned when we do wrong (Here, Seth snuggled Serena's cheek). Renee Pendragon, Seifer Rathmore, you have worked and found yourself here with such a love, may you always treasure each other, and care for one another, as you share the rest of your lives together."

Seifer squeezed Renee's hand; Historia nodded at Sirius. "Bring forth the rings."

Very proudly, Sirius padded to the podium, floating before him a small covered cushion of white. When he was in front of his parents, Seifer hugged him and Sirius snuggled with Renee. Then the cover floated up with a flourish, and the crowd Ooooh'd as two rings shining brilliantly rose up, swirling together, then settled in between his mom and dad; Seifer turned to face Renee, then gently held both of her hands.

Historia raised her arms into the sky and the two could feel an ancient magic emanating from her. "These rings are the symbols of your love, speak now your vows from your hearts."

Seifer, chest swelling with love, touched foreheads with Renee, putting her hands on his skarn clockwork heart. "Renee," his voice was soft, not to boast to the crowd, but just talking as if they were the only ones here, "when I was nothing but horrible to you, you saved my life. When I believed being a dancer wasn't going to work, you encouraged me and now I dance and model. Whenever I felt ugly, you always reminded me I'm handsome and that even if I am ugly you will love me. And whenever I was unkind to others, you stopped me and taught me it was wrong. I am . . . so blessed to have you. Because of you, I actually have real friends. Because of you, I experienced and am still experiencing a life that's much greater than what I dreamed of when I was a child. And with someone who's loved me in a way I never thought I could have."

He picked up one of the floating rings.

"And so, with this ring, I thank you, Renee, and give you myself. You will not walk alone, my heart will be your shelter, my arms your home. I will be here to hold you when you cry, laugh with you, have patience, listen and talk when we have problems, be quiet when words aren't needed and just hug you until we're okay. I promise to protect and take care of our kids, and you can leave them to me, I also promise to give you space whenever you need alone time for anything or to pursue your dreams. Just as you've supported me, I will support you, Renee. I love you, baby, and yours is the hand that I want to hold for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part."

He kissed her hand, then slowly, as though asking silently if she accepted, Seifer paused for a moment, his warm hand holding hers, then, if Renee gestured a yes, he'd slip the precious ring through her finger.