Dalmascan Requiem

Gale quickly closes the door to his room behind him, then leans against it. I can tell… He sighs.

He'd been waiting for this for years. Finally, the chance to see his friend again. Probably the only person who'd been kind to him—defended him, even. But it's because he defended me that he was exiled…

Ruining Reyna's—Laurent's—life was Gale's fault, and he had to live with it.

Gale shakes his head. "He barely said a word the whole time…" Perhaps a bit can be attributed to shock, and I did shuffle him off without explanation, but… given everything, why would he want to see me again?

The Viera turns to the mirror and notices the bags under his eyes. "Now's not the time to ruminate on the future. I got him here, and now I can give him his rings back." After we sleep. Gale begins peeling off his clothing and throws them in an unceremonious pile on the floor before lying down. He stares at the ceiling for a while, but eventually, Gale falls into a fitful sleep.

** **

"The sun is setting already?"

Gale sits up in bed with a groan, feeling no better rested than before. Before he can dwell on the quality of his nap any further, Gale's ears twitch towards the door, and he hears some shuffling around the living area. It's barely audible, but it's undoubtedly there.

It's no surprise that Reyna's skills haven't dulled over the last few years. Gale frowns and shakes his head. Regardless, it's time to talk.

He takes a bit longer than usual getting dressed, then, with a deep breath, heads out of his bedroom.

"Apologies, did I wake you…?"

Laurent turns away from the window he's looking out of, the setting sun highlighting his features. Gale hadn't noticed how long his hair had gotten, and the length made the red highlights in his auburn hair all the more apparent. Fuchsia eyes scan Gale's face momentarily, then Laurent looks away. "Is… is something wrong?"

Oh, I was staring… "Ah, no. I was just surprised by how long your hair's gotten! It looks nice."

"…Thank you…"

I'm making him uncomfortable. Gale offers Laurent a smile. "So! Time to talk. First…" Gale crosses the apartment and opens a drawer. He pulls out the false back and retrieves an old leather sack before turning back to Laurent. "These belong to you."

Laurent furrows his brow as Gale walks back to him. "To me?"

Gale nods and opens the sack, pulling out a few rings. "Yes. Your rings." Gale gestures to Laurent's hand, and his expression becomes unreadable as Gale begins placing the rings on his fingers. "The elders took these away from you unduly. So… I took them back."

"Really? All of them?"

"Well, it wasn't like they were scattered around the jungle—all the rings were just in this sack." Gale nods, and after placing the rings, he looks back up to Laurent with a grin. "I've been looking for you to return them!"

Laurent turns his hands over a few times, looking at the rings Gale returned. "I see… thank you, Eir."

"O-oh… um…" It's nice to hear my old name again. From Reyna, at least. Gale turns away quickly to hide the warmth creeping up his cheeks.

A moment of silence drags on before Laurent says something. "Oh… I'm sorry, should I not have called you—"

"No, no, it's fine. It's just been a while since I heard my forest name… but it's nice to hear you say it." Gale gave Laurent a genuine smile. "Anyway, no thanks are needed for the rings. It's only natural for me to repay you, after what happened."

"But…" Laurent crosses his arms and frowns. "I just don't understand… Why are you here?"

Gale puts a hand on his hip. "To give you your rings back?"

"No, I mean—" Laurent interrupts himself with a frustrated sigh. "Why did you leave the jungle at all? I…"

The question sparks Gale's ire. "Why wouldn't I be here, Reyna? After you took the blame for me and got exiled? I couldn't let you do that, not alone."

"But you were safe! Why did you give that up?"

Gale sighs, his anger already tapering off. "You know I wasn't safe there. It was only a matter of time before they found another reason to get rid of me."

Laurent frowns and grips the sleeve of his shirt, but doesn't say anything.

"Anyway, enough of that." Gale leans a shoulder against the nearby wall and waves one of his hands lightly, as if to clear the air of the mood. "I have a proposition for you. Have you considered doing something other than being a mercenary?"

"I already told Gemna I wouldn't be a consort," Laurent says flatly as he gives Gale a vaguely annoyed look.

"…That… is not what I meant…" Gale bites back a laugh at the absurdity of the statement, then continues. "No, something that'd make use of your actual skills. Surely you're tired of having to go into hiding after every other job?"

Laurent huffs. "Yes, it is tiring. What do you have in mind?"

Laurent walks through the gates into Rabanastre with a frown. What a whole mess this was… He was used to having his mercenary jobs go awry, but this situation had been above and beyond what usually happened.

Gemna suggested the Fimount job because it seemed simple on the surface. Just guard the daughter from whoever was sending her death threats. They both assumed his presence would deter the stalker, but it didn't—it only made him more desperate.

It's not like I was just going to let him take her… And he just would have tried again when my job was done, so… best to just take care of it.

Granted, he didn't know who exactly he had upset by killing their son, but Laurent still thought it was for the best.

But the hitmen hired by the aggrieved family were becoming too persistent, and it was clear they wouldn't back down. So, Gemna had him go and handle some guard duty in a more remote area of Dalmasca. It was terribly boring work, but no one had come after him in the interim, so Laurent was thankful for at least that.

What was strange, though… Laurent looks down at the letter he got from Gemna. It was coded, of course, but he'd long since learned what she really meant.

~

Are you coming back soon? We just returned from our job in the east—it got done quicker than usual, even! I hope you return before we need to set off again… I got you a souvenir. It's food, so I'd hate for it to expire and go to waste!

Much love, Gemna

~

Laurent slowly lets out his breath. Gemna was able to handle the Fimount mess more quickly than we expected. But this mention of 'we' and asking me to return quickly… what does that mean?

"Suppose I'll find out soon. Hopefully it's not a trap…"

Breaking off from the flow of people heading to the city center, Laurent heads for the back alleys. Gemna's bar isn't in a prominent part of town—nor is it somewhere a tourist would want to wander into. Of course, it also makes for a perfect location to be ignored and conduct less savory work, given that not all of Gemna's information was obtained lawfully.

Not that it was bad for Laurent—everyone kept to themselves, and secrets weren't likely to be spilled. And it wasn't as if he couldn't hold his own in a fight. Most weren't brave enough to try.

Hm… Laurent furrows his brow after another turn but doesn't slow his step or change its cadence. Something's not right… why is it so quiet? The alleys this time of day usually had several less fortunate citizens trying to get some sleep, or overzealous night workers trying to snag a client early.

But right now, the alley—the past few alleys, Laurent recalls with a curse—were deathly quiet, and there wasn't a soul to be seen.

"I finally found you…"

Laurent whirls around when he hears the voice behind him, drawing his dagger and holding it up to his sudden assailant's throat.

"…Reyna."

"Wh—" Laurent quickly withdraws his dagger from Gale's neck, but is too shocked to do much else.

Gale chuckles. "I can't have changed that much, have I?" Unperburbed by Laurent nearly slitting his throat, Gale smiles warmly at his childhood friend.

He did look practically the same as Laurent remembered him—shoulder length, powder blue hair, freckles dotting his tan skin, and green eyes that were currently lit up with amusement. The only difference was the air of confidence he'd never seen when they were Wood Warders.

"I-I… no, you haven't…" Laurent takes a small, tentative step forward. "It's really you, Eir…"

"It is, but I go by Gale now. We can keep our old names our little secret, right, Laurent?" Gale winks and taps a finger to his lips.

"Oh, right, of course…" He's really here. But… but why? He shouldn't be—

"I'm sure you have questions, but let's not hash out the details in an alley. It's not the most hospitable." Gale's low tone makes it clear he's talking about more than the location. "Shall I take you home, then? I have a warm bed you can rest in, after…" Gale trails off with a wink, making the implication clear, and Laurent feels heat creep up his face.

"I'll take that as a yes. Come now, let's be off." Gale grabs Laurent's forearm and shuffles him back down the alley he came from. He was too stunned, trying to process what had just happened, to do anything but let Gale guide him along.

** **

"Here we are. Let's go upstairs, it's far more comfortable."

Laurent nods, following Gale up the stairs behind a shop. It isn't unusual for there to be apartments above the storefronts on the main streets of Rabanastre, given the lack of space, but he hadn't expected that this is where Gale lives. These spaces, they…

Gale huffs as he unlocks the door, sensing Laurent's thoughts. "Best to hide where no one would look for you, right? Come in."

The apartment Laurent is led into is simply decorated, but not sparsely so. He would expect the place to be owned by a well-off merchant who needs a place to stay whenever they ply their goods in Rabanastre.

In other words, it was far from cheap.

"You're doing well for yourself."

"Ah, so you can still talk after all!" Gale chuckles as he crosses the apartment to the kitchen. "Yes, I have been doing well. Surely Gemna has complained about me enough for you to know who I am?"

He knows Gemna? "Wait… you're that Gale? The one that kept stalking me?"

"Stalking? That's a bit rude…" Gale pulls some fruit from a cabinet and places them next to a cutting board. "Not like Gemna would let me get close, anyway. You made a good—and powerful—friend here, Reyna."

Laurent falls silent again, watching Gale cut up the fruit quickly and with a precision he knew well. I… I don't know what to think…

"I never thought I'd see you again," Laurent says softly, not realizing he spoke out loud until Gale stops cutting the fruit and turns to him with an unreadable expression.

"I realize… this is sudden. But I needed to speak with you. Afterwards…" Gale looks away, not finishing his statement. Did something happen? His change in tone is confusing…

Gale places the cut fruit on a plate and hands it to Laurent. "Anyway, you must be tired. I promised Gemna you could stay here for a couple of days while we make sure everything's truly calmed down."

Gale nods towards one of the doors while wiping his hands. "There's an extra room, so you can get some rest. There's also a change of clothes and a few necessities." Gale chuckles humorlessly. "See? I didn't lie about the warm bed! Once you've slept off your travels, we can talk more." He shrugs. "I'm also tired, so it's best for both of us."

Why does it seem as though he's suddenly standoffish? Laurent looks over to the room and feels the exhaustion he's been ignoring wash over him. "Thank you… for this. All of this."

"Of course." A shadow of a smile creeps onto Gale's face while he runs a hand through his hair. "Get some sleep—there's no danger to worry about here. I've made sure of it. Sweet dreams."

With that, Gale heads into the other room and promptly shuts the door behind him, leaving Laurent to stand in the living space alone. He stares at the closed door for a moment, still stunned, before slowly shaking his head.

"Wow, you're beautiful! I… your eyes… t-they shine brighter than the desert sun!"

Gale giggles. "Oh, sir, you truly flatter me…" He lightly touches the man's forearm and looks at him through lowered lids. "I've been looking for company, but it's been so difficult! Perhaps you…"

"Of course!" The man nods excitedly, but then frowns. "Will you be here later? So I can, ah, prepare for your… services…"

"I will try my best, but if not, I'll surely see you again soon…" Gale laughs quietly as he stands up, lightly tracing a finger up the man's arm before he makes his way to the bar.

Hm, that man doesn't seem to know anything—perhaps my intuition is wrong on this one. Gale had finally found a promising lead on Laurent, where he was last seen in this area about a month ago. He'd known this was not just an area you wander into, so Gale surmised that Laurent likely lived around here—him, or the person who helped him to disappear whenever his jobs were done.

But it also meant that Gale had to search blindly for any further information and be careful about it. Neighborhoods like these know very well how to stay out of each other's business and keep quiet about anything they do know.

Either way, I doubt that one would have anything to say even if I did bed him. Well, I'll stay a little longer anyway... Gale leans up against the bar, flashing the bartender a warm smile. "Excuse me, may I have another drink?"

"Sure, dear." The Bangaa bartender eyes Gale as she pours another glass of ale. "I don't often see women of your profession here. This isn't a particularly lucrative area."

"So you say, but it simply means I don't have as much… competition." Gale's smile widens. It sounds like something a rookie courtesan that's desperate for a payday would say, at least. "Perhaps not as much pay, but more patrons."

The bartender snorts. "Whatever works, dear. Here." She passes the ale over to Gale with a nod.

"Thank you!" Gale winks at her, then heads back to the table, where the previous man has since left. Off to find some gil, no doubt. My condolences to the poor sod he'll be robbing…

** **

Gale traces his finger along the rim of the mostly empty mug, his bangs falling over his eyes as he tries to assess the situation.

The bar's patrons started clearing out—but Gale hadn't noticed them making their way out until the bar was empty. Gale couldn't help but think they were signaled to leave, likely by the bartender. But why…? He doesn't look over to the counter, but twitches his ears slightly in case he hears anything unusual.

He already knew that an elderly bartender who runs a business in an area like this had to have some sway over the residents. But Gale couldn't think of any reason to make the bartender suspicious of him.

Perhaps it's just a coincidence, given the time of day. His gut was telling him otherwise, though. I think it's best if I leave soon—

"I knew you'd walk through these doors one day."

"Huh?" Gale curses himself as he looks up, the bartender already in front of him. He gives her an apologetic smile. "My apologies, have we met before…? My memory isn't the best…"

The bartender offers him the drink she brought over, but he ignores it, and she suddenly sighs dramatically. "Come now, I'm just trying to talk to you! I'm not trying to poison you or anything."

What? The Bangaa's sudden mention of poison puts him on edge, but he covers it with a confused expression. "Sorry, I try not to get too tipsy before a job…"

"Your loss." She grabs the mug of ale and drinks some of it herself. Was the poison a bluff, or is she just that strange? Gale doesn't get to mull over it much before the bartender continues.

"Anyway, you're pretty damn good. Someone would truly believe you've lived in Dalmasca your whole life—and that you've only recently become a courtesan to make ends meet. But, of course, that's not who you are." The bartender stops for the briefest of moments and leans in slightly. "Is it, Eir?"

Gale instinctively pulls away from the Bangaa. …What? Impossible, no one knows that name… except— He glares at the bartender. "Who are you?"

"Name's Gemna!" She gives Gale a toothy smile. "Pleased to make your acquaintance."

What is with this woman!? Gale doesn't take his eyes off Gemna. But I don't sense anyone else here… will she attack me by herself? Or—

"Goodness, aren't you intense?" Gemna continues as if they're old friends. "Do they not teach you any manners in the jungle? I swear, you're just like your friend. What a shame…"

Friend…? She knows my forest name, and where I'm from…

"Hey!" The bartender snaps her fingers near Gale's face, abruptly interrupting his train of thought. "I was talking to you! How have you not been stabbed, acting like that?"

Gale nearly snaps back at the woman, but thinks better of it. This is too suspicious. Laurent's not here. I don't know how she knows all this about me, but… He stands up to leave, but Gemna grabs his wrist with a surprising amount of speed and strength and starts dragging him towards the stairs.

"It's far more cozy upstairs. We can have some tea!"

** **

This is ridiculous.

Gale stares down at the tea Gemna gave him as she sits down and puts a tray of sweets between them. He had assumed she was going to attack him or attempt to restrain him by now, but she simply set up tea and cookies as if they were catching up like old friends.

Something tells me I could leave now, if I wanted to. But… I need to know what is happening first. She knew my name…

"Could you tell me what you want already?" Gale keeps his eyes on the tea, taking stock of the situation and seeing how Gemna will react to his mannerisms.

She just scoffs. "After you stop pouting and have your tea. Go on, before it gets cold!"

"I am not pout—" Hells, I'm reacting without even thinking about it. She is infuriating. Gale pinches the bridge of his nose. "I don't like tea."

"And I don't think you're telling the truth."

By the Gods, maybe it'd be better if she stabbed me.

Gemna chuckles. "If I had wanted to poison you, I'd have done so in your second glass of ale. It'd be something you couldn't taste and make it look like you drank too much. Can't be in the first glass because it's too obvious, nor the one I tried to give you for free on the off-chance you lived and wanted revenge."

…Shite. That's not something a normal bartender would—or could—say with such confidence. Gale regards Gemna with a carefully neutral expression, and she shrugs. "Besides, I've wanted to talk to you for ages, and I can't talk to you if you're dead. So could you not waste my good tea by being so paranoid?"

Gale looks back down at the tea. Well, she isn't wrong about the poison. I suppose I need to humor her. Gale picks up the cup and sips it, and Gemna gives him an infuriatingly triumphant smile. "See? Good, isn't it?"

"…Yes, it is." It's fantastic. Better than anything I've ever found in the markets, even the ones for nobility. Where did she get this? Gemna pushes the tray of sweets towards him, but Gale shakes his head. "Where did you learn my name?"

"How else? Laurent told me."

Gale frowns. No one else would know anyway, but… "And where is he? Did you do something to him?"

"Do I look like someone who could fight that boy?" Gemna gives Gale a genuinely annoyed look. "And why would I tell you where he is? What if you're going to do something to him?"

"I…" What? I'd… Gale looks away from Gemna. "I'd never hurt him…"

He hears Gemna sigh. "I sent him away from the city for a bit."

"Because of the Fimount job?"

"Aye."

That's for the best. He wasn't safe anywhere in the city. Gale clicks his tongue, turning his gaze back to the tea. But why help? She has to be using him for something. Laurent keeps getting into trouble—is Gemna making him do her dirty work? But… I don't get that feeling… "Why do you help him?"

"Huh?" Gemna frowns at Gale when he lifts his gaze to her. "Just had a gut feeling he wasn't a bad kid, I guess."

"Is that really it? That's all?"

A soft expression crosses Gemna's features, but it quickly disappears when she scoffs. "Of course that's all! When you get to be my age, sometimes you want to have a little excitement. He barreled into my bar one day out of nowhere, and I figured, that's that! And I was right about the excitement, if nothing else."

I can tell she's not lying. She's just a weird, probably very dangerous, bartender. What an ally you managed to find, Reyna. "Well, thank you." Gale huffs and takes a sip of tea. I don't want to trust her, per se, but what choice do I have if I want to see him again? "So, what should—"

"I'm glad you asked!" Gemna grins at him and claps her hands together.

"I didn't fini—"

"You don't have to!" Gale gives Gemna an annoyed look after being interrupted a second time. "I already know what you're going to ask. 'So, Gemna, what should we do to get my beloved home safe?' Well, don't worry—"

"—he's not my beloved—"

"Whatever you say. Don't interrupt!"

…I… this woman… she is SO infuriating. Gemna laughs at what must be Gale's exasperated expression. "We need to make up a plan to make the family believe they have the wrong man, or that someone set it all up. Then we just have to hope Laurent doesn't make someone else want to stab him."

Gale taps a finger to his lips, putting his feelings on Gemna aside to think on her suggestion. "It shouldn't be too difficult to do so—we just need a proper scapegoat and circulate it in the right circles. It'll just take a bit of time. Too much too quickly, and the others will see through it."

"You needn't worry too much about that." Gemna waves a hand, then she stands up and starts clearing the table. "I know just what to say, but I need someone to collaborate on my words. And given how trustworthy your contacts find you…"

He nods. "Right, that should make this easier."

"You're willing to risk your reputation on this?"

"Of course I am," Gale answers without hesitation. "This is what I've been working towards for five years. I doubt I'll be risking anything, though." I'm not such an amateur as to mess something like this up.

Gale runs a hand through his hair, but he suddenly stops. "Hold on… how did you know who I actually was? I don't look the same as Laurent remembered me…" My hair is black right now, after all…

"I thought you'd never ask." Gemna grins excitedly, then pulls out a small mirror and gives it to Gale. "Look closely…!"

Gale looks at himself in the mirror, turning his head a few times. "I don't see anything out of the ordinary."

"Your eyelashes, dear. They're the same blue as your natural hair color, if I had to guess." Hells… she'd have to know a fair bit about me, and be observant enough even to notice my eyelashes like that… she's good. I can see how Laurent kept disappearing after jobs…

"Besides, you can't hide those gorgeous eyes."

"My… eyes?" Gale knits his brow at the mirror. "What do my eyes have to do with anything?"

Kris

The Lovers

The Lovers is first and foremost a path that splits and winds forever. It symbolizes the many decisions we have to face in our lifetimes and the consequences that we then choose to live with. At the same time it deals with compromises we have to make in relationships and the effort we put in to make sure others understand us.

Your answers show a great deal of wisdom when it comes to making important choices in life. Still it does not mean you don't have room to learn and improve. Everyone has difficulty considering the long-term so make sure to work on that. Remember that you should not feel judged when making a choice that is best for you, for your own satisfaction and contentedness should not be eclipsed by the wants of others. Also it is always worth it to try to live in harmony with someone you disagree with, however, sometimes, in real life there can be no reconciliation between people of differing values and that is simply something we have to accept and move on.

When The Lovers is in the upright position, it represents important choices in life and decisiveness, as well as different values existing in harmony, understanding and agreements.

When reversed, it can represent misunderstandings, a conflict of values, disagreements, and indecisiveness.

--

The Judgement

The Judgement is really quite special. It directly opposes The Fool's symbolism of inexperience and risk-taking with accumulated wisdom and a realistic approach to dealing with problems.

Your answers signify a wisdom attained only once one has completed a great life cycle. You have probably went through a lot in your life already and have much knowledge to share with your fellows. However, it does not mean that your life has come to an end or that your future is now set in stone. It's never too late to make changes in your life and to start anew.

When The Judgement is in the upright position, it represents the realization of one's calling, realistic thinking and gaining a deep understanding of life through self-examination.

When reversed, it can represent refusal of self-examination and growth, self-doubt, regret, and blame.

--

Death

Death, the originally nameless card, has been aptly named so for it is truly the death of something, and that something is past. Every single moment is a death in of itself as time passes by and the universe changes yet still remains the same, for death is the one constant of our existence.

Your answers show that you embrace the idea that everything in our lives must undergo a change and that nothing lasts forever. You yourself might be going through a big transition in your life and might be having difficulty letting go of your past. Know that you are not alone as what you are experiencing is truly universal among all cultures. The end of a long struggle, of a project, of an idea, of a relationship is something everyone can relate to. You might wish for things to remain the same, letting nostalgia and worn loyalties hold you back. But it is time to move on.

When The Death is in the upright position, it represents transition, regeneration, deep change, endings and new beginnings

When reversed, it can represent stagnation, resistance to change, inability to move on and the rejection of the inevitable.

----------

Here is Kris's actual split on these three arcana:

Very close indeed, lol.

I think all three really make sense for him. The Lovers being the top doesn't really shock me, given that the boys have already been clocked for that arcana.

Judgement is good, as well. Kris has definitely been Through It with his 135 years of living, and he's sure to have a lot of experience he can share with others. The reverse of the card also fits him quite well, though.

Death wasn't one I was expecting to get, but reading it, it makes a lot of sense. Kris has had to so through a lot of changes in his life (largely because, again, going Through It). "It is time to move on." Powerful words as Kris tries to do so and move past his mistakes and regrets.

Laurent

The Judgement

The Judgement is really quite special. It directly opposes The Fool's symbolism of inexperience and risk-taking with accumulated wisdom and a realistic approach to dealing with problems.

Your answers signify a wisdom attained only once one has completed a great life cycle. You have probably went through a lot in your life already and have much knowledge to share with your fellows. However, it does not mean that your life has come to an end or that your future is now set in stone. It's never too late to make changes in your life and to start anew.

When The Judgement is in the upright position, it represents the realization of one's calling, realistic thinking and gaining a deep understanding of life through self-examination.

When reversed, it can represent refusal of self-examination and growth, self-doubt, regret, and blame.

--

The Temperance

Just like the tempering of metals is the combination of different elements to make a more desirable quality so is The Temperance a merging of opposites to create something truly unique. It symbolizes the perfection of oneself and harmony between drastically different ideas.

Your answers have revealed that you yourself might be a melding of many different opposites. You truly appreciate order, stability and peace, sometimes to a fault. An avoidance of change might become a recurring issue in your life for the reason that you greatly dislike disorder that it might bring. You need to focus on the many positives that change entails. Your life is in a constant process of maturing and it requires new and different ingredients at different stages of growth which you need to actively seek out despite the chance of conflict. Remember to always plan in the long-term so you will not be caught by surprise as often when life decides to throw you a curveball.

When The Temperance is in the upright position, it represents harmony, prudence, moderation, stability and fulfillment.

When reversed, it can represent chaos, conflict, excess, lack of long-term vision, intolerance and impatience.

--

The Hierophant

The Hierophant is the great teacher, the one who dedicates their life to passing on knowledge and wisdom. It is also a symbol of the past and the upholding of old traditions and customs.

Your answers have revealed your respect for history and historical convention. Having a penchant for educating others, you must never forget that even experts do not know everything. A true teacher recognizes that none of us ever stop being a student. At the same time, while the past may be captivating, you should remember that you cannot wallow in it forever as new knowledge and experiences are being discovered every day.

When The Hierophant is in the upright position, it represents education, authority, conservatism, obedience of the rules, tradition, and wisdom.

When reversed, it can represent unconventionality, abuse of knowledge, circumvention of law, misguidance, and challenging the established.

----------

Laurent's split on the three arcana is a little more defined than Kris's:

Judgement being a bit ahead of the other two makes sense; like Kris, he's been Through It, but honestly, Laurent's more level-headed and represents the positives of the card more than the negatives. It also plays into his other two cards well.

Temperance is the one I find most interesting for him, but it's really a great one. A harmony between differing ideas... Laurent is a kind person overall, but he has and has no qualms with killing people if the situation demands it. He's anxious in social situations, but when he works past that, he's truly lovely to be around (still blunt, though.)

Hieroplant, the card of the teacher, fits so well. Laurent's always been great at teaching people and sharing that wisdom he has from going Through It. You can see it the most with his training while in the Dalmascan Resistance, but it also easily extends to his botany knowledge.

----------

"Gale! Are you done yet? You're not doing anything… unsanitary back there, are you?"

The chef growls at Thancred's comments. "What does that even mean? Are you saying my diner is dirty?"

"No! No… just…" Thancred shrinks back a little at Gale's glare. "Just making sure that… uh… you know…"

Gale stares at Thancred as he sets a plate of vegetarian curry in front of him. "No, I don't. Care to elaborate, honey?" He gives the other man a warm smile, but the look in his eyes doesn't reflect any sort of amusement.

Thancred clears his throat, making no comment about the lack of meat. "I… I just mean… Laurent can't cook, so he's not… helping you, is he? I don't want to be poisoned…"

"Laurent has his own shop to tend to, Thancred, nor is he allowed near the stoves again." Gale shrugs, the phantom of a smile still playing on his lips. "Besides, when I'm going to poison you, I'm not going to make it so… obvious."

"…Wait, 'when'? What do you mean 'when'? Gale, please—I love your food, don't hurt me—"

Gale gives a hum in thought. "Well, I suppose I can forgive it this time. If you leave a big enough tip."

Y'shtola walks into the diner and takes one look at Thancred's face before chuckling. "You've really learned how to handle him, Gale."

"H-handle?! I'm not a dog, Y'shtola—"

She ignores Thancred and slides behind the counter. "I'll watch the place for a while."

Gale frowns, ready to protest, but Y'shtola waves him off. "Please, I can keep the curry heated and ladle it onto a plate. You already did the hard part, now go."

"Fine…" Gale knew there was no arguing with Y'shtola once she demanded something. "Let me know if you need help, though. Make sure Thancred leaves a big tip, too." He ducks out the back door before either offers more commentary, and he smooths his clothing out with a sigh. Suppose I need to head to the flower shop, then…

** **

Laurent bites his lip lightly as he quickly scans the flower shop. Do I need to do anything else? I think I set everything up—

His thoughts are interrupted when he hears the door open. "Laurent? Y'shtola kicked me out of the diner, so I assume… hm?"

Gale enters the shop, his eyes quickly fall on Laurent with a frown. "Why are you just standing there…? Is something wrong?"

"Huh? O-oh, no! Nothing like that." Laurent smiles when he sees his partner and quickly grabs his hand, pulling him towards the garden. "I have something to show you!"

Gale laughs as he's dragged along. "What's all this about…?"

"You'll see shortly!"

"You're too cute, Laurent."

The florist ignores the heat rising up his cheeks as they enter the garden. "A-anyway, it would have been too late in the day if I waited until you closed up, so I asked Shtola for a favor…"

Laurent smiles back at Gale and stops just outside the back door, motioning for him to step outside.

"Oh, this is…"

Gale looks around the garden in shock. The area near the outdoor table they'd often sit at was decorated with lights and garlands, and a covering provided some shade from the sun, without depriving the rest of the garden of light. The table had a variety of food laid out—"I didn't cook it," Laurent quickly adds when Gale gives him a dubious look—and in the center was a box, which Laurent picked up.

"I wanted to say…" He flips open the lid somewhat dramatically, revealing a sweet-smelling cake adorned with candied lemons. "Happy anniversary."

"I… oh?" Gale doesn't hide the shock on his face, looking between the cake and his partner in confusion. "What anniversary…"

Laurent chuckles at Gale's confusion. I imagine I looked the same a few months ago. "It's been a year since you moved here! It took you a couple of weeks to open the diner after moving here, so today seemed like a more… accurate date."

"And a better date to surprise someone on." Gale laughs, looking down at the cake. "A lemon cake, too? From Y'shtola's bakery? You know me so well."

Gale grins at the display before turning a warm gaze to Laurent. "This is lovely, thank you…"

"You're always doing things for me, I wanted to do something for you, as well…"

"Nonsense, you do so much for me, simply by being here. And looking pretty." Gale winks at Laurent, who replies with a huff, but Gale quickly closes the distance and strokes his cheek. "I love you, my beautiful bloom."

"…I… Your…?" Did he really call me a bloom? Wait—did he say he loves me? Laurent gives a wide, warm smile. "I love you too…"

Gale mirrors his smile, a blush dusting his cheeks. "I suppose we should eat before the food gets cold."

"Yes…" Laurent makes his way to the table, but stops just before sitting down. "Did you call me a beautiful bloom?"

"Of course!" Gale sits down, his smile turning mischievous. "Everyone is a honey and a dear, but you—my bloom—are special. So I needed a special name for you! Surely you like it."

"That didn't sound like a question."

"It wasn't."

Laurent chuckles. "I suppose I'll deal with it. Now I'll have to think of something for you…"

"Or you can simply keep giving me flowers and showing me your love that way."

"…I think I can do that."

"Perfect. Well, stop looming over the table—sit down! I'll serve the food. Please don't touch it, it looks good."

"What's that supposed to—"

"You set my diner on fire, my bloom."

So warm…

Gale slowly opens his eyes, looking at the sunlight streaming in the window. It's late… I doubt I'd be able to get the food for today cooked in time. Well, I'd rather stay here anyway…

He stifles a yawn and settles into Laurent's embrace. Last night escalated far quicker than Gale anticipated, but he certainly didn't regret it—if anything, he'd never felt so comfortable in another person's arms before.

Once we finally admitted our feelings… Gale smiles and presses his back against Laurent, listening to his slow, even breathing as he sleeps. I suppose we just needed our inhibitions lowered after all. The faint shadow of a headache Gale was feeling was enough proof that alcohol helped to expedite things.

I'm almost sure the neighborhood had bets on who would be responsible for getting us together… I guess Tataru and Krile won.

"Mnh…" Gale feels Laurent stir behind him, and the other Viera pulls him closer.

"Finally awake? You're certainly a late riser."

"Not usually…" Laurent responds drowsily and hides his face in Gale's hair with a groan. "The light's too bright…"

Gale chuckles. So cute… "Have a bit of a hangover, huh?" He turns to face Laurent with a smile. "Those two really did give you too much to drink."

"I suppose…" Laurent finally opens his eyes and regards Gale. "Good morning."

"Good morning… if it can be called a 'morning' anymore." Gale's smile widens as he brushes some of Laurent's bangs out of his face.

"Is it really that late? What about the diner?"

"It's too late to be ready by lunch, so… I'd much rather stay here."

Laurent lets out a short hum at Gale's statement and closes his eyes again, seemingly satisfied with the answer.

But if he was still drunk last night… Gale frowns, insecurity creeping into his mind. "…That is, if you're alright with it. If you… you want me to leave—"

"Why would I want you to leave?" Laurent opens his eyes again with a look of confusion. "I'd much rather you stay here, too." His expression becomes reflective, then quickly melts into a warm smile. "I wasn't that drunk last night—I'm not questioning my decision, if that's what you're worried about."

Gale huffs, nuzzling into Laurent's chest. "I just… wanted to make sure." Laurent pulling him even closer is just as reassuring as his words.

"Besides, I wasn't actually drunk at all—"

"Am I really supposed to believe that, when I carried you up the stairs?" Gale pokes Laurent's forehead, which makes him suck his teeth. "You're the one with the hangover, darling."

** **

Thancred pounds on the door to the diner. "Gale, I know you're in there! You forgot to unlock the door! Open up!" When the door remains closed, Thancred gives a dejected sigh. "…I'm hungry, how am I supposed to get through the day without my curry…"

"Perhaps if you told Gale you liked his cooking instead of harassing him, he might pack you some leftovers when he takes a day off." Y'shtola holds back a chuckle when Thancred lets out another dramatic sigh.

"I pay him, isn't that enough of a compliment?"

Y'shtola scoffs. "I don't see how he hasn't poisoned you yet—I know I would have." She shrugs at Thancred's glare before continuing. "Besides, didn't you see the smoke rising from the diner yesterday? Tataru said Laurent nearly burnt the place down. Gale probably needs another day to recover from the trauma."

"Didn't anyone tell him that man could burn water!? Now I have to suffer!"

"Yes, yes, we all mourn the loss of your lunch. Why don't you visit Minfilia instead? I'm sure she and Ryne will have something for you."

"Yeah, something alright… what will they get on my case about today…" Despite Thancred's grumbling, he heads towards the bookstore, pouting.

Y'shtola quietly chuckles at the scene, then turns her attention back to the diner. "I wonder… is Gale actually home, though? I feel like he would have come down to tell Thancred to knock it off, if anything." She taps a finger on her lips for a moment before smirking. Perhaps I'll ask Laurent about it.

** **

Laurent kneels over the azaleas in the shop, gently turning them back and forth before nodding. "Alright, everything looks good…"

He didn't plan on opening the flower shop today, but that didn't mean he could completely ignore his blooms. Laurent knew that flowers are more resilient than they look, but that didn't mean he wanted to ignore them completely.

With one last glance over the shop, Laurent heads towards the stairs, a smile playing on his lips as he thinks about who is dozing in his bed. However, his idle thoughts are interrupted by a loud knock on the door.

"Laurent? Are you there? I wanted to check in on you."

Shtola… you always have the worst timing. "Hold on a minute," Laurent grumbles as he trudges towards the door and opens it with a weary frown.

The Mi'qote smiles warmly at him. "It's rare for you to be closed." Y'shtola doesn't move to come inside.

Something's off… Laurent pinches the bridge of his nose. "I don't feel well. I have a hangover from Tataru and Krile's… generosity."

Y'shtola's expression doesn't change. "Is that so? I suppose Gale is also feeling unwell? The diner is closed today, and Thancred was very concerned."

Laurent rolls his eyes, and instantly regrets it when a bit of pain shoots to his head. "You mean he was hungry."

"Well… yes." Y'shtola chuckles, and her eyes narrow ever so slightly. "Did you two enjoy last night, by the way?"

"You mean dinner? It was nice—"

"Of course, I mean dinner! What else would I ask about, Laurent? Unless something else happened…?"

Laurent knits his brow at the clearly loaded question. "…I suppose I set a lot of lavender on fire?"

"I'm pretty sure the whole town saw that. But, alas…" Y'shtola takes a step back. "I need to get going, so you enjoy your… rest."

That pause… Laurent inadvertently gives Y'shtola a confused expression, and she laughs before tapping a finger to her neck. "You have a bruise right there. Might want to cover it up next time."

"Wh-" Laurent quickly puts a hand up to his neck, his cheeks and ears feeling hot, and Y'shtola laughs again as she walks away.

"Tell Gale I said hello."

** **

"Mm, took you a while to get back."

Gale wastes no time wrapping his arms around Laurent from behind when he sits on the bed, idly unbuttoning his shirt.

"Y'shtola visited. Thancred was concerned about you when you didn't open the diner."

"You mean he was hungry."

"Yes." Laurent's breath hitches slightly when Gale kisses his shoulder. "She also said to tell you hello."

Gale chuckles. "Did you say something?"

"Let me get you some water."

Gale gently sets Laurent down on the couch, and he leans back, thankful for the reprieve of the dizziness of the last few moments. "Thanks…" Ugh… I can tell I'm not completely drunk, but…

Laurent hadn't noticed Tataru's and Krile's 'generosity' during dinner, but in hindsight, it was clear they were giving them entirely too much wine for a tasting.

Now he was feeling it—feeling a lot of things, really. For one, Laurent noticed how cold his side felt now that Gale wasn't pressed up against him, and how his voice already sounded so far away. I want him next to me again…

Laurent lifts his head up slightly, looking towards the kitchen. "I don't feel dizzy anymore if you need—"

Gale's somewhat muffled voice interrupts him from the other room. "I'm more than capable of pouring water, Laurent." He lays his head back on the couch, putting an arm over his face. Probably for the best, I was clearly lying…

"Besides," Gale laughs to himself for a moment before continuing, "with your track record, I don't trust you pouring water without burning the place down."

"I didn't burn your diner down."

"And it's good you didn't!" Laurent moves his arm and watches as Gale comes out of the kitchen with a smirk on his face. "Otherwise, I'd have to move into your place as compensation."

Move in… Laurent accepts the glass of water, but by the time Gale sat beside him on the couch, his mind was elsewhere. Sharing a space together, and a bed… I could always have him beside me, and under—

Just stop already, hell. Talk to him instead of fantasizing—

"Why would those two do that, though? Try and get us drunk, I mean." Why did I ask that of all things!? It's obvious why… It takes all of Laurent's willpower (and half of the glass of water) not to curse himself out loud.

Even with his head foggy from the alcohol, Laurent notices the Gale's expression change, becoming unreadable as he answers in a measured tone. "Well, dear, alcohol lowers inhibitions. I imagine, like everyone else, they just wanted us to… talk… about some things."

"Talk about what?" Laurent couldn't keep the anxiety out of his voice. The last thing he wanted to do now was talk about said 'things'. I can't keep my mouth shut like this, who knows what I'll say…

Gale waves the question off. "Have you not been grilled about our relationship—or lack thereof? I think I've heard everyone's opinions about it by now."

O-oh… has it been that obvious? Laurent sips his water, unsure of how to respond. Of course it has, who am I kidding…

They talk a bit about the 'situation' their neighbors put them in, but Laurent muddled through the conversation, unable to focus. Eventually, though, a sudden feeling of melancholy washes over him. But why does everyone care… He sets the empty glass down and stares at it. "I've been here a long time, and everyone here—you, too—have been so nice to me. But I don't get why… I'm not good at talking to people. I usually seem… unfriendly."

"Seems you're doing a fine job of talking right now. I don't think it's the alcohol, either." Gale gives him a soft, genuine smile. "People are nice to people they like, that's all. You are quite likeable—even if sometimes the way you say things aren't perfect—and doesn't hurt that you're handsome to boot."

Laurent feels his cheeks heat up. His compliments always make me so flustered… If only I had his forwardness, I wouldn't be sitting here just wishing for…

Gale clears his throat and suddenly stands. "Let me get you some more water…" The other Viera quickly grabs the glass and retreats to the kitchen. "You seem to be doing a little better, though."

I do feel less dizzy. I'm probably sobering up. Hopefully.

"I've been worse off, that's for sure…" Laurent smiles slightly as Gale laughs and gives him the water, but instead of drinking it, he stares at the glass, lost in thought. "Gale, I've wondered… what made you move here?"

Laurent looks at Gale to find him tensing up. Oh god… did I say that out loud!? What if something bad happened, or he lost someone? How could I be so rude!? He frowns and looks away. "N-not… that you have to answer, if… I don't want to make you uncomfortable…"

"Oh… no, it wasn't that. It's you, so I don't mind. I just wanted a fresh start after transitioning."

Gale transitioned? "I never would have guessed…"

"That's the point, honey." Gale huffs at him before explaining that he wanted a new life, eventually moving to this town and opening the diner. I'm so glad he gets to be himself now, and—

"I'm glad you moved here… that we got to meet." Laurent smiles down at the glass, an odd feeling of warmth coming over him before he continues. "Besides, it's not like you being trans would change my feelings for you—"

Laurent snaps his mouth shut. Oh no. No no no. I just said that. What have I done? He turns away from Gale, unable and unwilling to see his reaction. Oh good God, why do I have to ruin this—

He hears Gale chuckle. "What was that just now? Was that a confession?"

I can just feel the way he's looking at me, why did I—"N…nothing! It was nothing, I uh—I mispoke…" Please believe that…

"Really… It'd be a shame if you did." Laurent feels Gale move a bit closer and lightly touch his shoulder, though he couldn't bear to turn around. "But… perhaps you can show me what you meant instead?"

Wh-what? What does he mean… that he truly— Laurent quickly turns around in shock, and when he does, Gale smiles warmly at him, leaning in slightly.

"Because I'd very much like you to kiss me."

Laurent continues to stare into Gale's bright eyes, frozen in place. This can't be happening… Can it? Surely I passed out on the couch or something—

As the seconds dragged on, Gale's expression faded to a look of embarrassment, and he sat back, turning his gaze away. "…Oh, you actually mispoke… I'm sorry, I—"

"No! No, it's not that—" It is NOT time to think about this! "—I just didn't… e-expect—" Stop talking, stop thinking, just—!

Without giving it another thought, Laurent leans forward and brushes his hand against Gale's cheek, urging him to look back. When he does, Laurent quickly closes the distance between them, tangling his hand in Gale's hair and pulling him in for a long kiss.

When Laurent eventually pulls back, Gale looks at him in shock, a blush covering his cheeks. After a moment, he scoffs, though the mirth in his eyes makes it apparent he's not upset. "My, you certainly know how to play with someone's heart."

Laurent bites his lip lightly, his gaze wandering away before he pointedly looks back at Gale again. "I… I wasn't sure what to say—"

"I know. It's fine." Gale moves closer to Laurent and gently pushes some of the bangs out of his face. "But you don't need to say anything…"

"God, I can't see. It's too dark…"

Gale chuckles as Laurent fiddles with his keys, watching him miss the lock a few times before gently grabbing his wrist. "I don't think it's the light's fault, Laurent. Your eyes might be a bit… blurry, though. Let me." He plucks the key out of the florist's hand and unlocks the door to his shop.

"Thank you…" Laurent takes his keys back, but doesn't move afterwards, frowning.

"Is… is something wrong?"

"I just feel a bit dizzy."

Oh my… I didn't expect him to still be tipsy. The owners of the restaurant that Laurent chose knew him well—not that Gale was surprised, everyone seemed to know everyone here—and after teasing the man about being on a date, the two Lalafell were insistent on them trying various wines. 'A complimentary wine tasting for our new neighbor," they said, but… they were clearly trying to get us drunk, and it seems they were somewhat successful.

"Come on, I'll help you up the stairs." Gale wraps an arm around Laurent's waist before he can grumble an objection and begins guiding him into the shop.

"…How are you able to still walk straight?"

"I've always had a pretty high tolerance. Careful—" Gale guides him around a big pot before continuing. "That said, it's been a while since the last time I drank, so I'm still feeling it. Just not as much as you, apparently."

Laurent sighed as he tested his footing on a step. "Krile and Tataru were being kind, but they overdid it."

Gale scoffed. "Kind, in a way. They were trying to get us drunk." The two reached the top of the stairs, and Gale gently sets Laurent down on the couch before making his way to the kitchen. "Let me get you some water."

"Thanks… I don't feel dizzy anymore if you need—"

"I'm more than capable of pouring water, Laurent… and with your track record, I don't trust that you'd be able to without burning the place down."

Laurent groans. "I didn't burn your diner down."

"And it's good you didn't! Otherwise, I'd have to move into your place as compensation." Gale laughs as he sits on the couch, passing Laurent a glass of water. "Make sure to drink the whole glass so you don't feel awful in the morning."

"Why would those two do that, though? Try and get us drunk, I mean."

"Well, dear, alcohol lowers inhibitions. I imagine, like everyone else, they just wanted us to… talk… about some things."

"Talk about what?" Laurent's tone was laced with anxiety, and Gale turned to look at him. What indeed… His eyes wander to Laurent's lips for the briefest of moments before looking back up. Hell. Seems I'm more tipsy than I thought.

Gale waves the question away, as much to distract himself as to assuage the other's concerns. "Have you not been grilled about our relationship—or lack thereof? I think I've heard everyone's opinions about it by now."

"…They are?" Laurent takes a few more sips of water, then furrows his brow. "I'm sorry they're being like that, they're rather… nosy."

"You don't need to apologize for them, Laurent—they only do so because they care about you, even if it's sometimes grating. They just want to make sure the new boy isn't going to break your heart." Gale winks at Laurent, but he quickly looks away in response, fuchsia eyes fixing onto a spot on the wall.

"…I suppose…" Laurent runs a hand through his hair, and he sets the empty glass down before continuing. "I've been here a long time, and everyone here—you, too—have been so nice to me. But I don't get why… I'm not good at talking to people."

"Seems you're doing a fine job of talking right now. I don't think it's the alcohol, either." Gale smiles at Laurent. "People are nice to people they like, that's all. You are quite likeable, after all… and doesn't hurt that you're handsome to boot."

Laurent's face was already flushed from the alcohol, but Gale noticed he turned a shade darker at the compliment. He's so cute. I wonder how deep he'd blush if I took him to the bedroom and—dammit, brain, can you shut up?

Gale clears his throat before standing up and returning to the kitchen with the empty glass. "Let me get you some more water… you seem to be doing a little better, though."

"Mm. I've been worse off, that's for sure." Gale chuckles as he hands the other Viera the water, and Laurent stares at it a bit before continuing. "Gale, I've wondered… what made you move here?"

Gale's shoulders tense up. It's surprising no one asked before, but… Now? Tonight? I suppose it's best to get it out of the way—

Laurent frowns, looking away. "N-not… that you have to answer, if… I don't want to make you uncomfortable…"

"Oh… no, it wasn't that. It's you, so I don't mind. I was thinking about how to explain it—but I guess it's rather simple…" Gale leans back on the couch, turning his gaze to the ceiling. "I just wanted a fresh start after transitioning."

"You…?" Laurent's shock in his tone was apparent. "I never would have guessed…"

"That's the point, honey." Gale huffs, giving Laurent a slight smirk before looking back up at the ceiling. "It's not as though I needed to move—no one was rude where I used to live, but… they knew the old me. I didn't want that, so I started a new life, for a new me." He shrugs. "The mysterious new neighbor is far less interesting than an assassin on the run, I regret to say."

Laurent laughs lightly, tracing the rim of the glass with his finger. "Well, I'm glad you moved here… that we got to meet." He smiles warmly, though it's aimed at the glass rather than Gale. "Besides, it's not like you being trans would change my feelings for you—" Laurent suddenly cuts himself off, shock writ clear on his face before pointedly turning away.

Oh, so… I suppose it was apparent to everyone but me, but I was so worried about how he'd feel about me physically that I couldn't even tell…

Gale affixes a coy look to Laurent's back with a chuckle, even as his cheeks heat up. "What was that just now? Was that a confession?"

"N…nothing! It was nothing, I uh—I mispoke…"

"Really? It'd be a shame if you did." Gale moves closer to Laurent, gently touching his shoulder to urge him to turn around. "But… perhaps you can show me what you meant instead?"

When Laurent turns back with a surprised expression, Gale gives him a warm smile.