Fake

Deep beneath the earth, a single drop of water echoes in a hollow chamber. But it is far from existing as a lonely space this evening, occupied instead by two chattering teens late into the evening! They linger by the waters' edge, eyeing the mysterious pool before them.  

"I don't know," Tia languishes, a bit disgruntled, "When I talk to him he looks like he's in pain. Then, at the same time, he's laboriously courteous! Why would he bother?"

"You're not used to politics, are you?" Aldric teases and she frowns at him. 

"No," Tia huffs, crossing her arms, "And I hope I never will be! Seriously though," Aldric blinks at her indifference to the fabric of his life, "Every time I talk to him he gets this strained expression and goes totally stiff. Once again I've done something to offend one of my unit-mates and I have no clue what!" 

"Why don't you just ask what you've done to upset him?" Aldric suggests. 

"I don't think he'll let me?" Tia reasons, her tone uncertain, "He clams up if I veer from anything superficial." 

"Perhaps," Aldric surmises, "He's trying to hold unit stability above his own feelings?" 

"I don't think he gives a shit about that!" Tia stresses, "He fights with another member constantly. When they bicker he doesn't hesitate to get a jab in. This is different. He's polite and considerate," Tia emphasizes, gesturing with her hands, "But it still feels totally fake!" 

"Something," Aldric muses, "Has him cornered into polite amiability. Something I am completely familiar with." 

"Really?" Tia questions, allowing the conversation to shift to Al. 

"Every moment of my life," Aldric grumbles, loosing a sigh, "Honestly, it is an art of its own but it doesn't sound like he's used to doing this either if he's hiding it so poorly." 

"Why..." Tia questions, tilting her head, "Do you have to?" 

"It's part of my responsibilities," Aldric answers mindfully, pausing at times to avoid betraying his identity, "Rapport is critical to success in my... role. Even if I can't stand some of these people, and there are plenty," Aldric's laugh is harsh, "I still need to rely on our ability to work together to maintain stability. I am expected not to let my feelings for someone hinder our working relationship." 

"I think..." Tia answers slowly, her gaze drifting in recollection, "I think my dad talked about stuff like that when he told me about his life here, before I was born," Aldric listens attentively as Tia's mind runs through her father's tale, "He had a lot of responsibility and a lot of expectations he tried to live up to but... it made him so miserable he couldn't stay anymore. He said he wasn't the same person back then but I didn't really get it. I don't think I could try to be someone I'm not for very long!" 

"You are certainly one of the most straightforward people I have ever met," Aldric chuckles, "Your father sounds far more open about these things than mine." 

"Sure, now he is," Tia complains but fondness still creeps into her expression as she talks about her father, "He didn't tell me anything about his life until we moved 'back' to Accia. Even then, he kept all these secrets and acted like everything was fine. I think maybe... it was natural for him like it is for you? It's still so unbelievable that my silly ass dad had this intense and tragic life." 

"Silly ass dad?" Aldric snickers, not finding it surprising she was raised by such a bright figure. 

"Oh!" Tia exclaims into his laughter, "Please don't feel like you have to do that with me, like, ever!" 

"Do... what exactly?" Aldric questions. 

"Be fake with me, I guess?" Tia clarifies, "Fake your emotions, our friendship, how you feel about things or pretend your okay with stuff your not," Aldric blinks into her rambling, "I-I guess I just mean that... I'd prefer it if you're straightforward with me too?" 

"I mean..." Aldric seems a bit contemplative before he sighs, "I can't promise I won't ever do it," he stifles a smile seeing her displeasure, "I do it all the time! Its a hard habit to shake. But..." Aldric relents, "I will at least make an effort not to do it around you." 

"When you say all the time...?" Tia questions with a squint. 

"I mean all the time," Aldric emphasizes, "Sometimes I don't even realize I'm doing it? Just about every time I talk to someone I'm building a certain impression or relationship." 

"That sounds exhausting!" Tia remarks, astonished, "I can't even seem to handle basic interactions." 

"You mention that a lot," Aldric notes, "That you 'don't know what you're doing' but I don't think you're as clueless as you think." 

"But I am clueless!" Tia insists, punctuating her frustration with a sigh, "You are one of the only people I can maintain a full conversation with without constantly pissing you off or doing something weird." 

"You're still plenty weird," Aldric teases, Tia's face reddening despite her frown, "But I have a long fuse. I put up with some pretty awful people almost constantly. But... It's hard for me to imagine you struggling to befriend those around you, with your personality." 

"I've always struggled with this," Tia answers, pulling her knees to her chest and becoming somber, "I've spent so much time alone that... I don't know how things are supposed to work? I don't know what I need to do to make real friends."  

"I'm not sure there is one particular way these things are 'supposed to work'," Aldric responds thoughtfully, "Every relationship is different. I mean, look at us. This friendship is pretty unique!" Tia's smile is modest but instant hearing this, "Why are other relationships so different?" 

"I mean, its hard to embarrass myself when you don't know who I am?" Tia answers, uncertain herself, "And... this is actually familiar to me." 

"Well," Aldric reasons, seeming accustomed to offering advice, "I think if you show this side of yourself more often, rather than trying to make everyone happy, you'll draw friends worth having into your life." 

"Couldn't I give you the same advice?" Tia points out, grinning into his confusion, "'Trying to make everyone happy' sounds a lot like what you were complaining about." 

"And here you said you were clueless!" Aldric grouses after a gasp, "How can you be so dense and still make connections like that?" 

"Being dense," Tia retorts with a measure of amusement, "Doesn't make me stupid!" 

"Fine, just let me suggest two things then," Aldric grumbles before doling out more guidance, "First is not to throw in the towel at the slightest hint of rejection. Relationships take time to build and you're going to make plenty of mistakes. Second, try to be more confident in your unique qualities, you have a lot to offer any friendship despite your doubts otherwise." 

"Much like your response," Tia answers, beaming despite her blush, "I can't promise but I will make an effort!"

They try to maintain serious expressions but quickly dissolve into laughter.

Moonlit Reunion

Fatigue weighs heavily on Allen as he returns to his rooms, the tedious day taking its toll on him. Yet, it isn't the exhaustion which leaves him stumbling forward, knees buckling. Mina lingers on his balcony, regarding the valley and appearing almost spectral. Her pearly tresses gleam with the moonlight, swaying about her and revealing a melancholic expression.

Allen dashes forward at first but freezes halfway to the glass door, his breath catching as doubt takes hold. How could Mina possibly even arrive here, in the capital, through the barrier and on his balcony without anyone's notice? Allen questions if he is dreaming or if his mind has conjured her illusion, no longer able to tolerate her absence. All of this falls away and his mind blanks as she turns, their eyes meeting.

There is yearning in Mina's eyes echoing his own but she also portrays intense anguish and guilt, her posture defensive and closed off. Mina has resigned herself to accept the rage and accusation she believes she deserves. Allen breaks from his stupor, his hands floundering frantically with the lock. Mina braces herself for his worst as the doors swing open, squeezing her eyes shut.

Allen reaches for her but freezes again just shy of contact, terrified to confirm her an illusion. With shaking hands, he grasps Mina's face in his palm. He nearly drops to his knees, flooded with sheer relief and the joy he was too petrified to entertain. Mina is truly here. Without another breath Allen draws Mina into an embrace, clasping her ardently, and can feel her gasp and tremble in response. Allen has to reassure himself twice more before he is convinced she's real. He draws back and cradles her face between his hands, searching her eyes as the tears spilling down her face glisten with an ethereal light. His mouth opens but he fails to find any words for her, still dumbstruck. Despite her own uncertainty, Mina can't help but lean her face into his palm with a troubled expression.

"How are you here?" Allen utters with wonder. Mina's voice fails her, peering up at the full moon above them instead. "Celestial magic?" Allen suggests, his hands dropping from her face.

"Yes," Mina confirms, Allen sliding her hands into his grasp and soaking in her voice, "Allen I-I..."

Allen rubs her hands, studying her expression. 

"She told me what happened," Allen speaks gently, his words afflicting pain onto her face despite his soft tone, "But I still want to hear your explanation."

Allen tugs her hands gently, moving inside. Mina takes a breath before following him into the manor. Allen's rooms are the largest by far, the master suite, and is practically a home unto itself. There are several rooms, all lavishly furnished and decorated. Allen leads Mina into the sitting room attached to the balcony. A door sits on each wall which are cluttered with shelves and decorations. They sit together on the sofa. 

"I don't have the excuses you're hoping for," Mina speaks slowly, her tone dejected and too soft, "Everything that happened that night is my fault. I've failed you as a wife and I failed to protect our daughter...!" Tears begin slipping down her face again. He squeezes her hands and she finds herself scowling at the gesture as she gasps, "Why aren't you angry!" 

"I am angry," Allen responds but his expression shows he is wounded rather than wrathful, "I'm furious you left us without a word, that you left Tia behind! But..." he cups her face again, "That doesn't mean I've stopped loving you," his hands quiver and his voice is a husk, "I could never...!"

Mina searches his eyes, absent of scorn or resentment. Instead they beg her to relent, to tear down this wall between them. Mina pauses to consider what is safe for Allen to know and sighs when she is ready. 

"I have a curse," Mina speaks carefully.

"A curse?" Allen echoes, poorly masking his trepidation.

"It was meant to protect me," Mina tries to explain and her voice grows bitter, "But it becomes unpredictable when I am in danger. Sometimes... it takes over."

"What does that mean?" Allen questions, still attentive to her explanation.

"If I am in imminent danger... I black out," Mina explains and Allen blinks, "The curse controls my body and does what is necessary to keep me safe. I can feel it sometimes or I can try to keep myself out of harms way b-but..." her voice tightens, Mina choking on the memory, "I-I couldn't stop it that night."

Allen is quiet, contemplating the ramifications of this curse. Tia's account of that night passes through his mind and he understands Mina's implication. He thinks back to any instances Mina was in danger in their time together. Despite the fantastical claim, Allen could not recall a single instance he had ever seen Mina injured, not even a bruise or a scratch. Even in times where she should have been hurt something lucky would occur or she seemed to sense the danger coming. Even the night they fled Nippon it was miraculous they escaped unscathed and unnoticed amid the mayhem.

"I suppose... It's plausible," Allen mutters and gives one laugh, Mina appreciating the sound, "There are stranger legends out there!"

"But curse or not, I still made so many mistakes!" Mina persists, unable to shake her guilt, "I-I should have told you from the beginning." 

"I wish you did," Allen's answer is wan but his voice quickly softens, "I also wish I had tried harder to speak to you or that I could've chased after you. Most of all, I wish I didn't have this damn imprint," Allen emphasizes, his hand fisting over the concealed mark, "We all could've run together!" they're both silent for several minutes, brooding over their mistakes, "Where have you been all this time?" 

"After that night," Mina answers, still somber from the memory, "I sought out an old friend, outside the kingdom's grasp," Allen's brows shoot up, unaware Mina knew anyone outside Nippon, "The village is past the southern border."

"As long as you're safe," Allen sighs, rubbing her hands, "I want to leave with you so badly...!" he admits, barely audible, "But Tia needs me here."

"That's why I came," Mina states carefully, "Right now, I am utterly powerless to help her in any way," her usually smooth demeanor belies heated frustration, "It's risky... but we may be able to protect her together!"

"What did you have in mind?" Allen questions. 

"I know you're using your position to help her," Mina states, earning an appreciative smile from Allen, "But you need to work your way back into the court before you can do anything," Allen nods to her in recognition, "My friend might be able to help you do so more swiftly."

"The friend who took you in?" Allen asks, surprised this figure possesses such influence.

"If you coordinate your activities," Mina explains, "He can help you impress the King... and perhaps more. The two of you can buy me time to set my plan in motion!"

"And how," Allen barely smothers his doubtful tone, "Is he able to do that?"

"Have you heard," Mina asks, "Of the Isthmus of the Huntsman?" 

"That's a very hot topic today," Allen chuckles, "I may have already volunteered my services to that frontier this morning," Allen admits, enjoying the surprise that flashes over Mina's face, "It's the fastest route to impressing Ambrose. The kingdom's primary campaign is against this 'Huntsman' and Ambrose very much wants him dead."

"Yes, I imagine he does," Mina titters, earning some confusion from her husband. Mina can't help but enjoy the opportunity to surprise him for once. "Well, that's very fortuitous," Mina continues with some excitement, "My friend is the Huntsman!" Mina beams into his surprise and it takes Allen a moment to absorb this.

"I'm seeing that risk now," Allen jokes, lacing his words with self-depreciative laughter, "So the plan is for me to betray the kingdom by working with their most reviled adversary in order to get closer to the King?" Mina presses her lips together and nods to him, "What does he get out of this?"

"He wants to prevent the kingdom from advancing further south," Mina explains carefully, "If you can help sabotage their advances, help protect his people, he'll help you earn favor with the King."

She watches his face carefully, fearful she may be asking too much of him. 

Allen laughs mildly at himself before answering Mina, "I spent half of my life serving and conquering lands for the kingdom," he frowns at the memories, "It would be poetic to help grind that conquest to a halt now," he dons a far-off expression, "And you're sitting here with me... I must be dreaming!"

Allen peers at her as if she might disappear with a blink of his eyes. She glances to the balcony, assessing the night sky. 

"How much longer do we have?" Allen questions, his voice uneven.

"It would be... difficult to leave without moonlight," Mina answers but then laughs, "And Supay may do something really, really stupid if I don't return in time."

Allen is unable to keep the worry from touching his features hearing Mina talk about this mysterious friend, Supay the Huntsman, and she catches the jealous anxiety in his expression. She cups his face this time, offering a comforting smile.

"You don't need to worry," Mina reassures him and searches his eyes, the rest of her words laced with uncertainty, "I'm your wife... if you'll still have me?"

Allen draws Mina to him instantly, kissing her as he had craved from the moment he saw her on his balcony. Allen is ardent and desperate, readily met by her own lusty deprivation, but he remains tender as his arms envelop her. Mina melts into the familiar embrace, her relief marked by a long, trembling breath which slides through her lips. Her spindly fingers slip under his shirt and her ordinarily silken caress presses him to her zealously. The fear and loss each of them had carried over the last month washes away at the other's touch, Mina shivering as Allen runs his hands up her legs. As he reaches her thighs, Allen grins and scoops Mina up, delighting in the sound of her laughter while navigating them further inside.

Allen's eyes flutter as an immense drowsiness begins to dissipate. Despite the vertigo which still claims his head, Allen is quick to prod the bed beside him. His stomach knots immediately as his fingers graze that same familiar vacancy and he grits his teeth as doubts flood his mind. Had it all been a dream? No warmth remains where his wife had lain beside him. No indication of Mina's presence remains to indicate it was anything more than a fanciful delusion of a grieving widower. 

Allen swings his legs over the bed knowing his mind would allow him no further rest tonight. A haggard sigh slides out of the man but catches as his eyes land on an envelope atop his nightstand. His hand trembles as he reaches for it, uncertain of how much more disappointment he could withstand. Inside the envelope waits a simple letter and a peculiar necklace. A cerulean syltharian crystal is clasped by delicate silver fingers and cut into the shape of a hear. The hue of the gem reminds Allen of his wife's mesmerizing eyes with teensy stars frozen into place between its facets. 

"I know by now," the letter reads, "You are likely adrift in doubts and uncertainties. I languish the fact that I cannot put these to rest. When you arrive at the Isthmus, the enchantment in this necklace will lead you to me. You must come alone. While I may not be able to stand at your side yet, carry this and know that my heart is always with you!"

Allen's eyes scrape over Mina's words again and again, clutching the necklace to his chest. No matter how he clings to this hope and no matter how desperately he desires to trust in this dream and this letter, uncertainty still rests in the pit of his stomach. While the words were almost certainly those of his wife, the letter itself was written by another hand. He studies the necklace instead, unsure what to make of this baffling reunion.