[He only gently rubs his lips against hers as he speaks quietly in return.]
Don't be.
[Is it surprising or not that he isn't? That isn't to say he is completely calm, but... He is more than ready for this now. He's accepted everything and he just wants it to be done so they can continue to move forward and build on their relationship.]
[Besides the fact that there still remains so much to be done before the wedding, all the little things that she hasn't been able to check off their list yet, it's that their good luck has always been something of a capricious presence in their time here. Things have been better lately, and she's grateful for it, but there is that small, tiny part of her that is anxious that something will go wrong, or even that she'll be forgetting something that she won't realize until the day of, or her dress won't fit, or...
But she also knows that wallowing in those thoughts isn't going to do her any good either. Like him, she wants to press on and keep moving forward with their lives together. So much has happened, but there's still so much in store for them after, too. So much that she still wants to do and accomplish with him.
It's true, and he's right—she shouldn't need to worry about anything at all. As long as he's there with her, and as long as he continues to be, then there's not a whole lot more that she can ask for.]
I know.
[She breathes out a soft laugh as she's burying her face into the crook of his neck.]
And I know you'll just snipe down whatever it is that's bothering us.
[A joke, for the most part, but the true part is that she knows that he'll do whatever it takes to protect her and their wedding day.]
But still. It's a big day. A lot's going to be happening, and I just want it to be... perfect.
[He turns his head slightly to look at her before he closes his eyes, holding her close to him.]
...Perhaps it's callous of me to think this way, but while I also wish for it to be perfect...at the end of the day, as long as we can say our vows and be together, then it'll be perfect for me.
That said, if there is something that's worrying you, you can tell me. You know I'll be there to help you. If not me, then any of our friends.
She thinks it's sweet, especially when she thinks back on their first meetings in Camelot. How, back then, he never seemed quite as eager to spend time with her as she was him, or to get to know her as much as she wanted to know him. And now, here he is telling her that all he wants out of that day is to promise to spend the rest of his life with her...
But what's worrying Tifa?]
Our luck's not exactly been the greatest here. I know it's silly to worry about, but I can't help but think, in the back of my mind, that maybe I'm missing something. The more perfect things are, the more I start to wonder.
[...Ah. There's a small nod of his head as he reflects on the shit luck they've had in this world and releases a small sigh.]
I know. There's only so much we can do... And nothing will ever go perfectly as planned. There will be mishaps and unforeseen circumstances, big or small. However, we won't be alone.
[He lightly bumps his head against hers.]
We'll have the support of our friends who will also do their best to keep things go as smoothly as possible, and should anything happen they will be there to help.
We can do everything we can on our side... But we should also trust in them as well.
[She laughs when he bumps his head on hers, and she lets herself lean against him.]
I know... It's just...
[There's a brief pause where Tifa takes in a breath, and then lets it all out in a sigh.]
Maybe I just got so used to trying to do everything on my own. Easy to forget sometimes that there are others who want to help...
[At that, she lifts her face from his shoulder and looks through the veil of stars to her bar on the other side of them.]
I was by myself for a long time so I just had to make it work. Old habits die hard, as they say...
[For someone like Tifa, who never had so many friends since she was a girl, sometimes it's hard to remember and remind herself that she doesn't have to do anything alone anymore. She has Eustace especially, but more than that, a whole network of people who she knows would step up to help them and who want to make sure that the day is everything it should be. But she knows that Eustace understands and won't judge her for it, which is why it's so much easier for her to admit something like that out loud these days...]
[He can't help but smile as he does indeed see himself in her.]
I know, and you know I was and still am the same way. But I'm getting better at it...
[He finally sets her down, but his arms remain around her.]
...And it helped that I did have a group I could finally trust in. Because of that, I know I can trust in our friends. They've already proven themselves once.
[As still painful as it is to remember that time, they can't discount the tremendous effort their friends pulled when he turned noctaere. They wouldn't be here without them for certain.
He gently brushes his lips against the top of her head.]
[The moment that he sets her feet back on the ground, she rests all of her weight against him, allowing herself to relax as her head tips forward to lean into his lips brushing over her hair.]
You think so...? I'm not sure I will...
[Even if she knows that she can trust their friends through thick and thin... If they pulled through those couple of months ago for them in less happy circumstances, she knows and can't even begin to imagine the lengths they would go to make sure that the "happiest day of their lives" isn't anything short of that.
But it's hard to break out of that mindset that she needs to do it all herself. Even harder when there are people that she cares about so dearly that she wants to do everything for them.
Her arms slide around him and rub up and down his back as she looks around at the stars.]
I just want everyone to be able to enjoy themselves... I want it to be memorable for them, too. Not just for us.
[Seriously, look who she's talking to. The epitome Mr. Lone Wolf himself. But she does have a different hurdle compared to him. He kept away to do everything for himself, she wants to do everything for others.]
And they will. But they won't if they see you worrying too much...they want you to enjoy yourself, too. [He gently rubs her back in turn as if to soothe her.] You just need to find a balance...
[And she is going to playfully point that out, leaning back far enough that she can beam up at him, pride and affection shimmering bright behind that smile of hers.]
Look who's talking.
[She means that in the fondest way possible. He's grown so much, but don't think she hasn't forgotten where they started.]
You wouldn't even take a bowl of soup from me when you were feeling under the weather back in the day. [A pause, and a laugh.] Well, you begrudgingly accepted it. But not without a fight.
[She jests, and rests back against him with an added embrace, and another slower song begins to play softly in the background that she starts to sway to.
Speaking of all those things—their friends and the ways they can make it all more enjoyable not just for themselves, but for everyone, Tifa hums thoughtfully to herself.]
I guess they will. I'll just be happy when I see everyone on the dancefloor having a good time. [Eustace, especially. With her.] But... I was also thinking... we should do some other things, too.
[He sways with her, his arms nestled comfortably around her as he just rests his head atop hers, eyes closed as he enjoys the contented, peaceful, warm feeling washing over them, idly thinking of those days long ago back in another world where they first met... How truly amazing they are here the way they are now.]
[She hasn't thought that far into it, but between them both, she thinks that they could probably figure something out.]
We could ask over the journals... See if there's anyone that has ideas, or maybe traditions from their own worlds? ... Gotta make the announcement anyway.
[As much as she had been putting that off, she knows that the time has to come eventually on that. She can't keep being shy about it forever...!]
[She makes a little noise of protest and shoves back against his weight resting on her.]
I know...
[She knows! She was the one who wrote it all up and had it done, and now that it's finally the month before, perhaps it's about time that they put it to use.]
I just... It's a big deal. The whole town's going to know...
[She's just going to need that one last little push to do so in a few days when the time comes... And she opens her mouth, likely to spout more excuses as to why it isn't ready to post just yet, but she quickly closes her lips and presses them together instead, a small flush colouring her cheeks at his comment because yeah, he's not wrong about that... It's not as if it's some big secret anymore, or it ever was. They're not exactly shy about their affection for one another...]
You're going to have to help me thank people, too.
I think anyone who expects you to be doesn't know you at all.
[She boops him on the nose with a finger and rests her head on his chest again, continuing to sway lightly to the music.]
How about in a couple of days? I'll take a look over it again, see if I'm missing anything, and then have you take a glance at it, too. Could maybe use some directions for where the corgi tree is... and maybe where on the riverside we'll be for the reception. Oh, and—
You don't? Don't tell me it was one of those "steal the bride away" sort of traditions.
[Well, now he's piqued her curiosity! Whether or not they can actually use them or if they would go over well doesn't matter. But she's heard very little about his life back in his home, so there's a very curious, interested glint in her eyes when she peeks up from where she's leaning on him.]
If anyone tried to even touch you I'll shoot them.
[And given the slight darkness that flickers over the lights—he's serious. But then it fades and everything returns to normal as he recalls the other things.]
But the traditions... There were a few. For the groom they would have a "strength test" that was more of a prank where they would have something disguised with a piece of strong timber and he would have to try and either notice or be able to break it.
Another is he has to go out and hunt the largest game he can find and bring it back. Else he needs to bring several smaller game. Although it was also proof of his skills, it was a practical matter as this would help provide for the feast. It was starting to become more common for the brides to assist as well as more women started taking up hunting, so the tradition started to change to symbolize more of a joint partnership between the couple. If they couldn't hunt, then gathering crops or provide in some other capacity to the best of their skills was done.
For the bride, she would go out and gather as many flowers as she could. Even in the winter there would be winter flowers so although a bit more difficult, it could be done. With these flowers she would wear a type of headdress. [A small pause before be continues.] After the ceremony, the other women and children would bring flowers to add to the headdress, usually by braiding them into the veil. They would then take the leftover flowers to make their own charm, usually flower crowns or bracelet. All of this was a symbol of hope for a fruitful love and life for the bride.
[Her smile continues to spread as she listens patiently to him explain, and even when the lights dim and flicker, the warmth remains. It's rare that he talks about home like this, and so openly too. Not that she ever asks much, and she wonders now if she should do it more often. If he would like her to do it more often...
When he's finished, Tifa lifts her head from his shoulder with a bright laugh and an even brighter glint in her eyes.]
What do you mean they wouldn't go over well?
[They sound perfect...! And way better than any of the boring traditions she might have known about from Gaia. Not that there were any.]
Maybe not the hunting since you'll all be in nice suits, but... I think the other two could be fun. It'll get people involved, give them things to do... What do you think?
[They are his home village's traditions after all!]
I didn't mention the pig and chicken chasing, the snow dumping, and what that "something" is usually disguised for the strength test. As just a few.
[Granted most of those "traditions" were a result of the general partying atmosphere and being in an isolated snow covered village—the options were few and far between. But it still made everything fun.]
...Weddings didn't happen often as we were a small village on our own, so the rare time they happen it becomes a festive affair. I only witnessed one and heard stories of the others.
[Of. Course because they were a small village and it was rare for someone to leave or visit they were all pretty much related to each other but that's not important right now—]
But if you think we can incorporate them, sure. Make whatever changes you need. [A small pause.] I can still do the hunting.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
flamekthunder) wrote2025-04-07 09:12 pm
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Don't be.
[Is it surprising or not that he isn't? That isn't to say he is completely calm, but... He is more than ready for this now. He's accepted everything and he just wants it to be done so they can continue to move forward and build on their relationship.]
...But even if you are, I'm here with you.
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But she also knows that wallowing in those thoughts isn't going to do her any good either. Like him, she wants to press on and keep moving forward with their lives together. So much has happened, but there's still so much in store for them after, too. So much that she still wants to do and accomplish with him.
It's true, and he's right—she shouldn't need to worry about anything at all. As long as he's there with her, and as long as he continues to be, then there's not a whole lot more that she can ask for.]
I know.
[She breathes out a soft laugh as she's burying her face into the crook of his neck.]
And I know you'll just snipe down whatever it is that's bothering us.
[A joke, for the most part, but the true part is that she knows that he'll do whatever it takes to protect her and their wedding day.]
But still. It's a big day. A lot's going to be happening, and I just want it to be... perfect.
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...Perhaps it's callous of me to think this way, but while I also wish for it to be perfect...at the end of the day, as long as we can say our vows and be together, then it'll be perfect for me.
That said, if there is something that's worrying you, you can tell me. You know I'll be there to help you. If not me, then any of our friends.
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I don't think it's callous at all.
[The opposite, actually.
She thinks it's sweet, especially when she thinks back on their first meetings in Camelot. How, back then, he never seemed quite as eager to spend time with her as she was him, or to get to know her as much as she wanted to know him. And now, here he is telling her that all he wants out of that day is to promise to spend the rest of his life with her...
But what's worrying Tifa?]
Our luck's not exactly been the greatest here. I know it's silly to worry about, but I can't help but think, in the back of my mind, that maybe I'm missing something. The more perfect things are, the more I start to wonder.
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I know. There's only so much we can do... And nothing will ever go perfectly as planned. There will be mishaps and unforeseen circumstances, big or small. However, we won't be alone.
[He lightly bumps his head against hers.]
We'll have the support of our friends who will also do their best to keep things go as smoothly as possible, and should anything happen they will be there to help.
We can do everything we can on our side... But we should also trust in them as well.
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I know... It's just...
[There's a brief pause where Tifa takes in a breath, and then lets it all out in a sigh.]
Maybe I just got so used to trying to do everything on my own. Easy to forget sometimes that there are others who want to help...
[At that, she lifts her face from his shoulder and looks through the veil of stars to her bar on the other side of them.]
I was by myself for a long time so I just had to make it work. Old habits die hard, as they say...
[For someone like Tifa, who never had so many friends since she was a girl, sometimes it's hard to remember and remind herself that she doesn't have to do anything alone anymore. She has Eustace especially, but more than that, a whole network of people who she knows would step up to help them and who want to make sure that the day is everything it should be. But she knows that Eustace understands and won't judge her for it, which is why it's so much easier for her to admit something like that out loud these days...]
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I know, and you know I was and still am the same way. But I'm getting better at it...
[He finally sets her down, but his arms remain around her.]
...And it helped that I did have a group I could finally trust in. Because of that, I know I can trust in our friends. They've already proven themselves once.
[As still painful as it is to remember that time, they can't discount the tremendous effort their friends pulled when he turned noctaere. They wouldn't be here without them for certain.
He gently brushes his lips against the top of her head.]
You'll get used to it over time.
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You think so...? I'm not sure I will...
[Even if she knows that she can trust their friends through thick and thin... If they pulled through those couple of months ago for them in less happy circumstances, she knows and can't even begin to imagine the lengths they would go to make sure that the "happiest day of their lives" isn't anything short of that.
But it's hard to break out of that mindset that she needs to do it all herself. Even harder when there are people that she cares about so dearly that she wants to do everything for them.
Her arms slide around him and rub up and down his back as she looks around at the stars.]
I just want everyone to be able to enjoy themselves... I want it to be memorable for them, too. Not just for us.
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If I can, then you will, too.
[Seriously, look who she's talking to. The epitome Mr. Lone Wolf himself. But she does have a different hurdle compared to him. He kept away to do everything for himself, she wants to do everything for others.]
And they will. But they won't if they see you worrying too much...they want you to enjoy yourself, too. [He gently rubs her back in turn as if to soothe her.] You just need to find a balance...
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Look who's talking.
[She means that in the fondest way possible. He's grown so much, but don't think she hasn't forgotten where they started.]
You wouldn't even take a bowl of soup from me when you were feeling under the weather back in the day. [A pause, and a laugh.] Well, you begrudgingly accepted it. But not without a fight.
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[A light grin.]
They'll wear you down the same way. You just need to find some compromises.
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[She jests, and rests back against him with an added embrace, and another slower song begins to play softly in the background that she starts to sway to.
Speaking of all those things—their friends and the ways they can make it all more enjoyable not just for themselves, but for everyone, Tifa hums thoughtfully to herself.]
I guess they will. I'll just be happy when I see everyone on the dancefloor having a good time. [Eustace, especially. With her.] But... I was also thinking... we should do some other things, too.
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[He sways with her, his arms nestled comfortably around her as he just rests his head atop hers, eyes closed as he enjoys the contented, peaceful, warm feeling washing over them, idly thinking of those days long ago back in another world where they first met... How truly amazing they are here the way they are now.]
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[She hasn't thought that far into it, but between them both, she thinks that they could probably figure something out.]
We could ask over the journals... See if there's anyone that has ideas, or maybe traditions from their own worlds? ... Gotta make the announcement anyway.
[As much as she had been putting that off, she knows that the time has to come eventually on that. She can't keep being shy about it forever...!]
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[He pushes against her this time dropping more of his weight against her in a playful manner.]
It's been ready for how long now?
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I know...
[She knows! She was the one who wrote it all up and had it done, and now that it's finally the month before, perhaps it's about time that they put it to use.]
I just... It's a big deal. The whole town's going to know...
[And she's shy!!!]
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With how we usually are, I doubt many would be surprised. I can always post it instead...or just take your journal and send it in.
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No, I—we can both do it. Together.
[She's just going to need that one last little push to do so in a few days when the time comes... And she opens her mouth, likely to spout more excuses as to why it isn't ready to post just yet, but she quickly closes her lips and presses them together instead, a small flush colouring her cheeks at his comment because yeah, he's not wrong about that... It's not as if it's some big secret anymore, or it ever was. They're not exactly shy about their affection for one another...]
You're going to have to help me thank people, too.
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Of course. I just hope you don't expect me to be that "chatty."
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[She boops him on the nose with a finger and rests her head on his chest again, continuing to sway lightly to the music.]
How about in a couple of days? I'll take a look over it again, see if I'm missing anything, and then have you take a glance at it, too. Could maybe use some directions for where the corgi tree is... and maybe where on the riverside we'll be for the reception. Oh, and—
[Take a breath, Tifa...!]
I was going to ask about other worlds too.
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Mm...for those traditions? I'd offer what I can remember from my village's, but they were all... I don't think they would go over very well.
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[Well, now he's piqued her curiosity! Whether or not they can actually use them or if they would go over well doesn't matter. But she's heard very little about his life back in his home, so there's a very curious, interested glint in her eyes when she peeks up from where she's leaning on him.]
What kind were they?
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If anyone tried to even touch you I'll shoot them.
[And given the slight darkness that flickers over the lights—he's serious. But then it fades and everything returns to normal as he recalls the other things.]
But the traditions... There were a few. For the groom they would have a "strength test" that was more of a prank where they would have something disguised with a piece of strong timber and he would have to try and either notice or be able to break it.
Another is he has to go out and hunt the largest game he can find and bring it back. Else he needs to bring several smaller game. Although it was also proof of his skills, it was a practical matter as this would help provide for the feast. It was starting to become more common for the brides to assist as well as more women started taking up hunting, so the tradition started to change to symbolize more of a joint partnership between the couple. If they couldn't hunt, then gathering crops or provide in some other capacity to the best of their skills was done.
For the bride, she would go out and gather as many flowers as she could. Even in the winter there would be winter flowers so although a bit more difficult, it could be done. With these flowers she would wear a type of headdress. [A small pause before be continues.] After the ceremony, the other women and children would bring flowers to add to the headdress, usually by braiding them into the veil. They would then take the leftover flowers to make their own charm, usually flower crowns or bracelet. All of this was a symbol of hope for a fruitful love and life for the bride.
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When he's finished, Tifa lifts her head from his shoulder with a bright laugh and an even brighter glint in her eyes.]
What do you mean they wouldn't go over well?
[They sound perfect...! And way better than any of the boring traditions she might have known about from Gaia. Not that there were any.]
Maybe not the hunting since you'll all be in nice suits, but... I think the other two could be fun. It'll get people involved, give them things to do... What do you think?
[They are his home village's traditions after all!]
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I didn't mention the pig and chicken chasing, the snow dumping, and what that "something" is usually disguised for the strength test. As just a few.
[Granted most of those "traditions" were a result of the general partying atmosphere and being in an isolated snow covered village—the options were few and far between. But it still made everything fun.]
...Weddings didn't happen often as we were a small village on our own, so the rare time they happen it becomes a festive affair. I only witnessed one and heard stories of the others.
[Of. Course because they were a small village and it was rare for someone to leave or visit they were all pretty much related to each other but that's not important right now—]
But if you think we can incorporate them, sure. Make whatever changes you need. [A small pause.] I can still do the hunting.
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~fin.