MOONLIGHT

"You can call me Gil! So we are no longer strangers, might I have your name, too?"

"Of course. You may call me Cecil. Good to meet you, Gil. Your parents must have wished on you a great fortune. Ah-- but did you not say chaperon? I take it you are not a Baroner." He jerked his head toward the crowd and began down the bustling road.

"Thank you! Well, I’ve never really liked sitting still… children have boundless energy and all that, right? Besides, not to toot my own horn, but I’ve got a good head on my shoulders. Your concern is very nice, sir."

"If I was not concerned for the safety of a child, I would make for a cold-hearted paladin, wouldn't I? To the Inn, then. And what might be your name, little sir?"

"Really no more than that were needed. The coastal villages really aren’t all that large. All things considered the damage wrought was surprisingly less than would be expected. —We still bicker though. Perhaps not over such petty matters like we did as children, but it does happen… More than I’d like to admit.”

"Isn't that natural among siblings? Or even friends. Kain and I would bicker, too, but we were bosom friends until the end. I daresay I'm comforted by it. Maybe you two haven't changed so much even after all these years."

"Huh? Oh—not really, only… my chaperon said she was bound for the Inn since the journey here was a little tiring, but I’ve completely forgotten which way that was… could I bother you for directions, sir?"

"... Yes, of course. I know Baron like the back of my hand. But why would you wander astray from your chaperon? You must be careful whenst wandering a bustling town as Baron."

"Just as I thought." [/chuckles] "Ah, well we appear to have some unspoken rule between us. One must remain in the village while the other is away. For stability sake. I took with me a mixture of capable mages, a group no more than five might I add."

"No more than five? I'm impressed! My, you two have matured so quickly... seems like an eyeblink ago, you two were a pair of bickering children! Although, even after the two of you marry off and have children, I think you will ever in my heart remain the young twins that mounted Ordeals with me."

"I guess we all need to learn how to relax a little. You are keeping well though? I mean I’m sure there are those with you who would not allow you to fall so unwell…”

"Yes, Rosa would chastise me were I not to keep up well. Her attention to detail is incredible! The minute my demeanor goes even the slightest sore, she takes note and changes it for the better. I would rather say it is she who keeps me well. And you, Porom? I trust Palom has been looking out for you, but who was it that kept you company on the Coast?"

"Oh he defers to me on matters regarding it’s interior, but otherwise it is all him, he really is becoming quite the architect. —Ah, it was more out of necessity than having been called away. The coastal villages required aid after some rather nasty weather.”

"You've had your hands full then, the both of you. I've been busy myself with tax reform among other things. I'm sorry I couldn't visit sooner. I'd meant to write, but the time got away from me. Seems I've arrived in Mysidia just in time to have caught you, then."

"Ah well that is another of Palom’s creations I’m afraid, I myself have not long returned from the coast."

"Is that so? Good on him, but... It just seems a responsibility more likely delegated to you. So then, you were called away to the Coast? For what? I'm insanely out of touch, aren't I?"

Cecil (FFIV),

FORESHADOWING

ナデナデ | shiba [pixiv]