One evening when Ardbert returns from the day's exploration of the city, he'll come back to the house to find that his room is now quite distinctly his. Where the door was once plain, it now has a stained glass to match the rest - Voeburt, in its prime, cupped by mountains and a predawn sky. Below, the buildings of Nabaath Araeng are similarly cupped, but this time by the glistening crystalline waves of the stopped Flood, only barely creeping in from the corners of the window.
The culprit, obvious as he is, does not seem to have made himself readily apparent, though there is a faint light shining through the Garlemald-and-Amaurot window of his door.
Ardbert's starting to settle in. He feels good enough to be out on his own and making his own friendships independently from either of them. Being alive seems more real every day.
Being alive means that your steps make sound against the wood and being able to let out an audible gasp as you stops in front of you door and see it properly for the first time. Loud enough for the responsible party to hear it if he only listens for it. Or for your heart to suddenly hammer as you reach out and touch the stained glass, tracing the mountains.
His mouth is partially open. The corner of his eyes burn. Something deep within him settles. Ardbert closes his mouth forcibly and rubs at his eyes with the palms of his hands, then the tips of his fingers, staring at the door again. Only then does he enter his room after a long delay to look at the door from the other side.
He flicks the light on and admires the door some more before heading back out into the hall and shutting the door behind him. Ardbert stays there for a while, simply taking in the view.
This is home.
Eventually his brain notes the light coming out of Emet-Selch's door and he forces his gaze to look at it instead. He didn't need to do this. There was no benefit for him. Yet he had out of a simple awareness that, subconsciously, Ardbert had felt a less important member of the house with a normal door. Even though he had rationalized and understood that he simply wasn't there when the originals were made.
Part of him has felt like a useless third wheel since he got here. Era could never know—it would wound her too deeply to know that Ardbert hadn't fully felt like he belonged. He still doesn't, but now he knows, knows, that it won't always be that way. Era wasn't the only one that had to accept his presence.
Ardbert feels that swell of emotion again as he continues looking towards Hades door. He could wait until he was fully in command of his emotions, but the Ascian deserves to see how much he's moved by the effort. Let him gloat if he wishes.
He knocks on the door, slightly embarrassed when his voice cracks on a name that finally feels easier to say. "Hades?"
Ardbert goes quiet for a moment and then chuckles as he looks over to her from the book he's ad-libbing; it's actually not far-fetched, considering his relationship with Era right now. "Are you now? Guess I'll just have to marry you, then. When you're fully grown like me."
She's getting more confident, which makes Ardbert very, very happy.
The night is hot and sticky in the way that only midsummer nights can be. Fortunately the house has the technology to counteract that particular brand of torture, leaving Era and her soon-to-be-husband's free to curl up together in comfort. They do just that, blankets strewn haphazardly around their legs as they lay in bed, soaking in each other's company.
Era's emotions have been a whirlpool in recent days, fueled by thoughts of their future together. Wedding planning is overwhelming, but it will make so many people happy, and offers more variety the monotony of her current day-to-day life. Ardbert's involvement certainly makes things more than tolerable, if not easier.
She has only given the occasional thought to what lay before them after marriage. Ardbert would never expect her to be a homemaker instead of a warrior, but there are other expectations he may carry, whether consciously or not. It wouldn't be fair to be his wife if he isn't fully aware of what that entails—or, in this case, what it never will.
"...Ardbert, are you awake?"
Era knows he isn't asleep, but she doesn't know if he's awake enough for a conversation.
Ardbert loves air conditioning. As much as Era enjoys seeing him nearly naked, he shouldn't always be nearly naked. Heat is awful.
Planning for a wedding has kept Ardbert's mind busy. The wedding is for both of them. He'd never expect Era to do it on her own. Nor would he expect her to become a housewife after marriage. She's not the type to want it for herself, and honestly, her being able to kick his ass really turns him on.
He shuffles slightly underneath her when she asks if he's awake, his hand shifting to be a little tighter around her waist. Ardbert doesn't immediately open up his eyes, although he's certain he will have to in a second. If it's a brief question, why fully rouse?
[That message is so confusing that he's not even going to try to figure it out by texting. He doesn't think there's any reason for him to be in trouble. Yet it sounds like he's in trouble?]
[ Era is sitting amidst Hades' paper Amaurot, dressed in coveralls and hair twisted up in a haphazard bun. Some strands have come loose, leaving a few stray curls to accent the smudges of dirt on her face and the dirty handprint smeared across her front. Clearly someone has recently finished a bout of gardening. ]
Hello, ah—
[ She leans in, squinting at her phone screen, and quickly wipes away the dirt on her face with a clean part of her arm. Then she tucks the loose hair behind her horns. Then she tries to clean her face again until she realizes those are, in fact, her freckles.
Looking annoyed and exasperated, Era ends the feed.
The video returns and Era is now freshly washed, loose ringlets of her damp hair held back with a simple headband. She wears a plain, loose t-shirt and a pair of jean shorts this time. ]
Hello, Ardbert.
[ A pause. She glances down at the small tablet on her lap she's typed something up on. ]
It's been, um, a few days since I proposed to you. [ A blush rises to her cheeks. ] And if you're seeing this then it's been a few days since I was last conscious.
[ She fidgets with her spinner ring. ]
You wouldn't receive this if I was gone, so we'll be reunited soon—likely within a fortnight? Noct and Regis experienced something similar to what I'd assume I'm going through, where a majority of the soul returns home and lives through things as though it never left. I've—
Ah, I've experienced it once before, a few moons prior to your arrival. It was... difficult. The 'Era' of this place is so different from the 'Era' of home, so upon my return it was—
[ Era's breath catches and she looks away, nervous. ]
A confusing jumble of emotions and memories at war with each other, trying to slot into the proper place. The love I held for Hades here, the conflict with him at home... I can't put it to words but it hurt, even with him there by my side when I woke.
I... will likely have an even poorer reaction when next I wake. To have new memories where I never felt love like that, along with the memories of how deeply I felt for Hades here... And then recalling that he is well and truly gone now...
[ She had meant this to be supportive and cheerful; something to help Ardbert make it through the subsequent days. This is hardly any of that, though she knows this information is of great importance. ]
Add to that my continued grief for you at home... It will be an awful mess. I will be a mess.
And then there will be whatever adventures I'll have gotten up to, which could either be wondrous fun or horrifically traumatic. Or perhaps both? I don't know. I can't say what the future holds for me.
[ A sigh; loud, tired, frustrated. ]
I suppose the short of it is that I'll be in a miserable state upon my 'return', and while I'll recover once I regain my equilibrium it will be difficult for a few days. So I'll apologize in advance, and promise to make it up to you.
There's enough frozen casseroles in the freezer to last a fortnight. Reheat in the oven at 350° for an hour. Wrap up the leftovers and put them in the fridge. To reheat those put them in the microwave at intervals of two and a half minutes until it's warm through the middle.
Don't let the birds muck up my garden. [ A look of sudden, horrified realization strikes her— ] And you'd better keep my plants watered, Ardbert! Gods help you if any are dead when I wake up! I'll be sure to show you how over the next few weeks, so with any luck you'll not need a guide but I'll type one up for you all the same. You should get it along with this video if all goes well.
Make sure to stroke Peki in that one spot between his eyes for me, all right? I know he must be in a right state, but don't let him get pissy with you. Tell him I'm safe and need him to protect you all for me until I wake up—he'll understand.
And make sure you keep yourself fed and watered. Did you take a bath yet? Is the laundry done? You'd best not be stinky and unkempt when I see you next!
[ There's so much more she could say, but she'll refrain for now. ]
Most importantly...
Think of me, and I will be with you. Always. For where else could I go? For who else could I love but you, my dearest soulmate?
[ Era finally looks back to the camera properly, offering a smile meant just for him.
Then she gives a little wave and ends the video. ]
It has been a week since their marriage, four days since the dreams of Hemera began, and a handful of minutes since her conversation with Noct ended. She drained of all vigor, and there is a pressure behind her eyes she tries to ignore as she shuffles her way to where Ardbert lays. The sight of him makes her so happy she could cry, so she wastes no time in curling herself up on his chest, rubbing her face against the warmth of him without a word.
Ardbert had curled up with her manual about PTSD, having found that it has taken quite a bit of time to really understand what he was reading. It's heavy, but important.
He glances up at her when he senses her approach and puts the FLUID aside so he can have his arms open for her. Even more than that, he pulls his blanket aside so he can tuck their legs and torsos underneath it.
There's no need to ask; she'll talk when she's ready. Brow knitted in concern, Ardbert wraps his arms around her and starts massaging some of the scales along her back. It's likely a conversation or realization she just had, nothing immediately dangerous. So she needs his presence more than anything right now.
It has been some time since they last spoke properly, beyond her explanations of what has been going on, and reassurances that she is finding ways to fix it. Era knows it's difficult on Ardbert, for he is as ill-equipped for this as her and therefore unable to help the same way Hades is. She's done her best to show her gratitude in small ways, because the simple fact that she has his unwavering support helps her more than she could ever express.
Hades is out, getting up to whatever mischief a moderately reformed Ascian can in this world with an excitable amaro chick following his coattails. Peki and Seto are napping together in the large patch of sunlight, less out of a desire for each other's company and more because they both wanted the best spot in the garden. They both have their plumage fluffed, adorably keeping the last dredges of winter's chill at bay. The sight brings the shadow of a smile to her face, visible not by the faintest quirk of her lips but by the light in her eyes.
The smile doesn't fade when her eyes reach Ardbert, sitting on a blanket beneath his elf tree, engrossed in his reading. Carbuncle has sprawled on its back beside him, side firmly plastered to her husband's leg. Apparently the soft, exposed belly of a Carbuncle is too tempting an offer to ignore, if the way Ardbert continues stroking his hand along the velvety fur is any indication. He seems too engrossed in his reading for it to be entirely conscious, which makes it all the more delightful.
Era takes a quick picture of first the birds, then her husband and Carbuncle. (Then takes two more of each for good measure.)
Carbuncle perks up as she approaches, tails wagging in greeting. It knew she was there long before then, given their connection, but there is a difference between knowing and awareness. Era knows it is reluctant to extricate itself from Ardbert's attention, but when she sends it a silent request to check on Gaius it immediately leaps to its feet, giving an eager yip of acknowledgement before prancing off to harass the Garlean.
Satisfied, Era slides into the newly vacated (and very warm) spot left for her. She has been disinclined to much physical affection as of late, but she desires to be close to her soulmate right now. So she presses up against his side, takes the hand that had been petting her Carbuncle, holding it in both of hers, and brings it to her lips. She presses a fond kiss to each finger before moving their joined hands to rest comfortably on his thigh, settling fully into his warmth now that she's given a 'proper' greeting.
Ardbert knows that his consistent presence has been a great deal of help with everything Era's been going through. He also knows that he can't help more than that, and he hates it. It seems like talking to Tony might help, but it also upsets her, and Ardbert absolutely doesn't know how to feel about that. The lest he knows, the better it likely is for everyone.
Not wanting to mess things up by marching his ass over and intimidating Tony or spend too much time worrying that he reads too much into things, Ardbert's keeps his mind busy. Going off and meeting others, exercising, taking care of the animals, taking care of more of the chores and cooking, or in this case, reading. It's a comfortable book he's read before, and he finds solace in that predictability when things become unpredictable in a way that a giant axe can't fix.
Carbuncle being summoned more often to spend time with him is a welcoming reassurance that he doesn't miss. He's gotten pretty good at petting bellies without looking at them. All he has to do is decide to reach out, and his body will do the rest for him.
He starts when Carbuncle yips and jumps up, looking up to see Era, looking at Era in surprise followed by a warm smile. Ardbert perks up when she curls up next to him and takes his hand. He pliantly lets her move her hand to her lips and joins his fingers with hers as rest against his thigh. Quickly, his book is placed on his other side, not bothering to save the page number. Era's been wanting physical affection less, and they've not been talking as much as they usually do, so he's felt a bit adrift and somewhat (but not truly) useless.
Moments like these help him more than he'll admit, not wanting Era to change whatever she needs to do. "Hello to you too, Era."
For the past month, Era and Ardbert have spent most nights sleeping together in the master bedroom rather than their own separate spaces. Having decided her husband needed more from her, Era crawled into his bed with him one night, curling up against his chest and silently reassuring him that he is important. Just because she hasn't felt any desire for sex didn't mean they couldn't indulge in the intimacy of simply existing in each other's space, and so that's what they did. Era likes to think it's helped Ardbert as much as it has helped her, but she hasn't dared to ask.
She exhales quietly, rubbing her forehead against the fabric of his shirt as she gives a sleepy stretch from head to tail in a manner not unlike a cat. Satisfied, Era rubs her horn against his chest while she moves until their faces are level enough for a conversation.
"Hey... Ardbert," she speaks softly. That she still is entirely relaxed should be a good indication that what she has to say won't be anything earth shattering— "I'll be going through with the Untempering before summer arrives."
Ardbert isn't yet asleep when Era comes into bed, having stayed up to wait for her in case she did come in. He doesn't need sex; he'd say he has his hand if Era asked. What he does need, after a hundred years of pain, is the physical presence of another.
"Hey, Era...."
The warrior wraps his arms loosely around Era to give her room to settle, smiling in the darkness and 'glancing' in her direction as he feels her forehead, then horn against his chest.
He blinks when he realizes she's settling in for a conversation instead, and he quietly waits for her to start—he stills for a moment as he has to process that statement against her so comfortable against him. "... I'm ready whenever you are. You know that."
It has been some few days since she awoke disoriented and confused in Diacht's temple. Long enough that she has sorted through the bulk of her newfound memories, slotting them into place one by one. Her memories of Havenwell are still somewhat muddled, but not enough to leave her uncomfortable with current arrangements. She feels ready enough to share the memories Ardbert needs most.
"Hello, hero," Era greets softly as she reaches out and takes her husband's hand. "I've memories from the First that should be yours."
some time after Era's awake again. the 17th, maybe?
[This particular moment has been some time coming. More so, for the fact that his recent Untempering has left him largely disinclined to so much as consider returning to where he and Ardbert had left off in regards to... personal affairs. But bit by bit, he manages to put himself together again. To settle into the changes that have been wrought, and to handle his new emotions as best he can, and that in turn leaves more space for him to consider other matters once again.
There is, as ever, no direct comment. Not in words anyway. Instead, he simply ambles up behind Ardbert one day before, quite out of the blue, plopping his head down to rest on Ardbert's - as if it is the most comfortable place in the world he can think to be at the moment.]
HELLO! Found the wine, have you? TY i like my bum too ITS COOL how in the hells did you make it if he gets glasses does that mean he has twelve eyes?? LOVE YOU TOO
In her efforts to analyze all she can about her mysterious magic rocks, Era begins the arduous task of tasting them to confirm which raw stone they each happen to be. She sits in a quiet corner of the garden and gives one of the stones a good, long lick.
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The culprit, obvious as he is, does not seem to have made himself readily apparent, though there is a faint light shining through the Garlemald-and-Amaurot window of his door.
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Being alive means that your steps make sound against the wood and being able to let out an audible gasp as you stops in front of you door and see it properly for the first time. Loud enough for the responsible party to hear it if he only listens for it. Or for your heart to suddenly hammer as you reach out and touch the stained glass, tracing the mountains.
His mouth is partially open. The corner of his eyes burn. Something deep within him settles. Ardbert closes his mouth forcibly and rubs at his eyes with the palms of his hands, then the tips of his fingers, staring at the door again. Only then does he enter his room after a long delay to look at the door from the other side.
He flicks the light on and admires the door some more before heading back out into the hall and shutting the door behind him. Ardbert stays there for a while, simply taking in the view.
This is home.
Eventually his brain notes the light coming out of Emet-Selch's door and he forces his gaze to look at it instead. He didn't need to do this. There was no benefit for him. Yet he had out of a simple awareness that, subconsciously, Ardbert had felt a less important member of the house with a normal door. Even though he had rationalized and understood that he simply wasn't there when the originals were made.
Part of him has felt like a useless third wheel since he got here. Era could never know—it would wound her too deeply to know that Ardbert hadn't fully felt like he belonged. He still doesn't, but now he knows, knows, that it won't always be that way. Era wasn't the only one that had to accept his presence.
Ardbert feels that swell of emotion again as he continues looking towards Hades door. He could wait until he was fully in command of his emotions, but the Ascian deserves to see how much he's moved by the effort. Let him gloat if he wishes.
He knocks on the door, slightly embarrassed when his voice cracks on a name that finally feels easier to say. "Hades?"
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text.
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text.
[ attached are a handful of off-centre, poorly framed pictures of Kova. ]
Re: text.
[Ardbert has to laugh, honestly. And he's taught her how to have the tablet read out to her.]
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"When I'm all grown up I'm going to marry you."
She declares it in that way young children often do—that authoritative way that leaves no room for questions, only acceptance.
In that way Kiyo has never spoken before.
"I'll be a strong dragoon and the best wife. We'll go on adventures together, and make sure everybody's safe."
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She's getting more confident, which makes Ardbert very, very happy.
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Era's emotions have been a whirlpool in recent days, fueled by thoughts of their future together. Wedding planning is overwhelming, but it will make so many people happy, and offers more variety the monotony of her current day-to-day life. Ardbert's involvement certainly makes things more than tolerable, if not easier.
She has only given the occasional thought to what lay before them after marriage. Ardbert would never expect her to be a homemaker instead of a warrior, but there are other expectations he may carry, whether consciously or not. It wouldn't be fair to be his wife if he isn't fully aware of what that entails—or, in this case, what it never will.
"...Ardbert, are you awake?"
Era knows he isn't asleep, but she doesn't know if he's awake enough for a conversation.
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Planning for a wedding has kept Ardbert's mind busy. The wedding is for both of them. He'd never expect Era to do it on her own. Nor would he expect her to become a housewife after marriage. She's not the type to want it for herself, and honestly, her being able to kick his ass really turns him on.
He shuffles slightly underneath her when she asks if he's awake, his hand shifting to be a little tighter around her waist. Ardbert doesn't immediately open up his eyes, although he's certain he will have to in a second. If it's a brief question, why fully rouse?
"Somewhat. I can be."
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nsfw beginning lol
so much nsfw
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hello darkness my old friend 😈
look just because he doesn't have any terebinth....
I'll be home in ten.
[That message is so confusing that he's not even going to try to figure it out by texting. He doesn't think there's any reason for him to be in trouble. Yet it sounds like he's in trouble?]
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puts this here for reference bc I forgot (day 3 of canon update)
Hello, ah—
[ She leans in, squinting at her phone screen, and quickly wipes away the dirt on her face with a clean part of her arm. Then she tucks the loose hair behind her horns. Then she tries to clean her face again until she realizes those are, in fact, her freckles.
Looking annoyed and exasperated, Era ends the feed.
The video returns and Era is now freshly washed, loose ringlets of her damp hair held back with a simple headband. She wears a plain, loose t-shirt and a pair of jean shorts this time. ]
Hello, Ardbert.
[ A pause. She glances down at the small tablet on her lap she's typed something up on. ]
It's been, um, a few days since I proposed to you. [ A blush rises to her cheeks. ] And if you're seeing this then it's been a few days since I was last conscious.
[ She fidgets with her spinner ring. ]
You wouldn't receive this if I was gone, so we'll be reunited soon—likely within a fortnight? Noct and Regis experienced something similar to what I'd assume I'm going through, where a majority of the soul returns home and lives through things as though it never left. I've—
Ah, I've experienced it once before, a few moons prior to your arrival. It was... difficult. The 'Era' of this place is so different from the 'Era' of home, so upon my return it was—
[ Era's breath catches and she looks away, nervous. ]
A confusing jumble of emotions and memories at war with each other, trying to slot into the proper place. The love I held for Hades here, the conflict with him at home... I can't put it to words but it hurt, even with him there by my side when I woke.
I... will likely have an even poorer reaction when next I wake. To have new memories where I never felt love like that, along with the memories of how deeply I felt for Hades here... And then recalling that he is well and truly gone now...
[ She had meant this to be supportive and cheerful; something to help Ardbert make it through the subsequent days. This is hardly any of that, though she knows this information is of great importance. ]
Add to that my continued grief for you at home... It will be an awful mess. I will be a mess.
And then there will be whatever adventures I'll have gotten up to, which could either be wondrous fun or horrifically traumatic. Or perhaps both? I don't know. I can't say what the future holds for me.
[ A sigh; loud, tired, frustrated. ]
I suppose the short of it is that I'll be in a miserable state upon my 'return', and while I'll recover once I regain my equilibrium it will be difficult for a few days. So I'll apologize in advance, and promise to make it up to you.
There's enough frozen casseroles in the freezer to last a fortnight. Reheat in the oven at 350° for an hour. Wrap up the leftovers and put them in the fridge. To reheat those put them in the microwave at intervals of two and a half minutes until it's warm through the middle.
Don't let the birds muck up my garden. [ A look of sudden, horrified realization strikes her— ] And you'd better keep my plants watered, Ardbert! Gods help you if any are dead when I wake up! I'll be sure to show you how over the next few weeks, so with any luck you'll not need a guide but I'll type one up for you all the same. You should get it along with this video if all goes well.
Make sure to stroke Peki in that one spot between his eyes for me, all right? I know he must be in a right state, but don't let him get pissy with you. Tell him I'm safe and need him to protect you all for me until I wake up—he'll understand.
And make sure you keep yourself fed and watered. Did you take a bath yet? Is the laundry done? You'd best not be stinky and unkempt when I see you next!
[ There's so much more she could say, but she'll refrain for now. ]
Most importantly...
Think of me, and I will be with you. Always. For where else could I go? For who else could I love but you, my dearest soulmate?
[ Era finally looks back to the camera properly, offering a smile meant just for him.
Then she gives a little wave and ends the video. ]
kind of NSFW
[ she sends a follow-up a moment later: ]
To clarify I mean cock as in penis.
KIND of?
And here I thought you meant you were getting us an arsehole that wakes us up early in the morning.
Jokes aside... 🍆.
😂
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He glances up at her when he senses her approach and puts the FLUID aside so he can have his arms open for her. Even more than that, he pulls his blanket aside so he can tuck their legs and torsos underneath it.
There's no need to ask; she'll talk when she's ready. Brow knitted in concern, Ardbert wraps his arms around her and starts massaging some of the scales along her back. It's likely a conversation or realization she just had, nothing immediately dangerous. So she needs his presence more than anything right now.
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[action] It turns out replying in my head is, in fact, not replying.
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[action] Ardbert's D20 'betrayed' him. At advantage.
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March 12th or 13th or something shit be crazy
Hades is out, getting up to whatever mischief a moderately reformed Ascian can in this world with an excitable amaro chick following his coattails. Peki and Seto are napping together in the large patch of sunlight, less out of a desire for each other's company and more because they both wanted the best spot in the garden. They both have their plumage fluffed, adorably keeping the last dredges of winter's chill at bay. The sight brings the shadow of a smile to her face, visible not by the faintest quirk of her lips but by the light in her eyes.
The smile doesn't fade when her eyes reach Ardbert, sitting on a blanket beneath his elf tree, engrossed in his reading. Carbuncle has sprawled on its back beside him, side firmly plastered to her husband's leg. Apparently the soft, exposed belly of a Carbuncle is too tempting an offer to ignore, if the way Ardbert continues stroking his hand along the velvety fur is any indication. He seems too engrossed in his reading for it to be entirely conscious, which makes it all the more delightful.
Era takes a quick picture of first the birds, then her husband and Carbuncle. (Then takes two more of each for good measure.)
Carbuncle perks up as she approaches, tails wagging in greeting. It knew she was there long before then, given their connection, but there is a difference between knowing and awareness. Era knows it is reluctant to extricate itself from Ardbert's attention, but when she sends it a silent request to check on Gaius it immediately leaps to its feet, giving an eager yip of acknowledgement before prancing off to harass the Garlean.
Satisfied, Era slides into the newly vacated (and very warm) spot left for her. She has been disinclined to much physical affection as of late, but she desires to be close to her soulmate right now. So she presses up against his side, takes the hand that had been petting her Carbuncle, holding it in both of hers, and brings it to her lips. She presses a fond kiss to each finger before moving their joined hands to rest comfortably on his thigh, settling fully into his warmth now that she's given a 'proper' greeting.
INDEED
Not wanting to mess things up by marching his ass over and intimidating Tony or spend too much time worrying that he reads too much into things, Ardbert's keeps his mind busy. Going off and meeting others, exercising, taking care of the animals, taking care of more of the chores and cooking, or in this case, reading. It's a comfortable book he's read before, and he finds solace in that predictability when things become unpredictable in a way that a giant axe can't fix.
Carbuncle being summoned more often to spend time with him is a welcoming reassurance that he doesn't miss. He's gotten pretty good at petting bellies without looking at them. All he has to do is decide to reach out, and his body will do the rest for him.
He starts when Carbuncle yips and jumps up, looking up to see Era, looking at Era in surprise followed by a warm smile. Ardbert perks up when she curls up next to him and takes his hand. He pliantly lets her move her hand to her lips and joins his fingers with hers as rest against his thigh. Quickly, his book is placed on his other side, not bothering to save the page number. Era's been wanting physical affection less, and they've not been talking as much as they usually do, so he's felt a bit adrift and somewhat (but not truly) useless.
Moments like these help him more than he'll admit, not wanting Era to change whatever she needs to do. "Hello to you too, Era."
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She exhales quietly, rubbing her forehead against the fabric of his shirt as she gives a sleepy stretch from head to tail in a manner not unlike a cat. Satisfied, Era rubs her horn against his chest while she moves until their faces are level enough for a conversation.
"Hey... Ardbert," she speaks softly. That she still is entirely relaxed should be a good indication that what she has to say won't be anything earth shattering— "I'll be going through with the Untempering before summer arrives."
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"Hey, Era...."
The warrior wraps his arms loosely around Era to give her room to settle, smiling in the darkness and 'glancing' in her direction as he feels her forehead, then horn against his chest.
He blinks when he realizes she's settling in for a conversation instead, and he quietly waits for her to start—he stills for a moment as he has to process that statement against her so comfortable against him. "... I'm ready whenever you are. You know that."
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like August 16th or something
"Hello, hero," Era greets softly as she reaches out and takes her husband's hand. "I've memories from the First that should be yours."
some time after Era's awake again. the 17th, maybe?
There is, as ever, no direct comment. Not in words anyway. Instead, he simply ambles up behind Ardbert one day before, quite out of the blue, plopping his head down to rest on Ardbert's - as if it is the most comfortable place in the world he can think to be at the moment.]
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DEAR CUTE HSUBAND 🥰🥰🥰
I APPRCIATE YOUR BUM🍑
LOOK AT MY CUTE CARBUNCEL IT HAS 6 EYES 👀👀👀
HOW COOL???
LOVEYOU 😚😘💖💖
[ she attaches a picture of carbuncle's new form + video clip of each set of eyes blinking one after the other, slowly and affectionately. ]
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TY i like my bum too
ITS COOL how in the hells did you make it
if he gets glasses does that mean he has twelve eyes??
LOVE YOU TOO
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surprise! time for dorks to dork
"...Huh."
I THOUGHT I REPLIED omg