#deevis

Also asked by @thelightofcreation

The first time she dreams of the blue haired knight is on her wedding night. He smiles at her, reaches for her from atop his snow white horse. He knows her name but she does not know his. His eyes are kind and his smile inviting and she wants to go with him. To take his hand and ride away with him. She reaches, their fingers are about to touch, but she wakes with a jolt.

Tears stream from her eyes and her whole body shakes as she sobs. It had been such a pleasant dream so why does she now feel so sad, so empty, so lost? The man beside her stirs and quickly sits up when he realizes his new bride is in distress. He pulls her close, strokes her hair, and murmurs soothing promises of protection.

She tells him about her dream. About the knight and his white steed. She spares no details for perhaps her beloved might be able to help her understand. She's never met anyone quite so brilliant. If anyone might be able to find a meaning in it, surely it will be him. Besides, he is her lord husband and she sees no reason to keep anything hidden from him.

Something changes in his eyes as she describes the appearance of the dream knight. Soft concern for a sleepy wife disappears and is replaced with a swirling, fiery maelstrom that she cannot quite place. The arms around her tense and her own expression grows worried. When she asks for his feelings, he avoids any explanation. Only hushes her and bids her fall back asleep. It is late and they both need their rest. He lays back down and draws her close to his chest. It is best she forget this and she agrees. He is right, of course, it is just a silly dream.

It is the same as nearly every night this week. Dark and turbulent chaos, with the briefest moments to breach the surface of stark white clarity. Visions of spiraling towers, deepest forests, and unknowable technology; all culminating in sunken eyes staring at the midnight ceiling of Belhalla castle.

He stares for a while, before finally sitting up in bed with a long sigh. To his left, the twins, dreaming together in their shared bassinet, a brand across each brow.

Julia, a mirror image of her mother, with the mark of Naga at the center of her forehead. And Julius-

Fingers find the matching brand at the nape of Arvis’s neck, and they nearly sear at the contact.

To his right, Deirdre, sleeping just the same. Hair like starlight in the dark, and eyes (though closed) as soft and pale as the only other person to ever love him in this life...

She has been enjoying watching the students participate in this new fad of a game. Friends having fun teasing each other, lovers using it as an excuse to grow closer, and there have even been a few occasions that she has witnessed new couples form because of it. A few students she had been certain harbored feeling for each other but must have been too shy to act upon them until they had these cookies to use as an excuse.

For one who cherishes love in all its forms, Deirdre has enjoyed all of it immensely!

Her heart races with excitement when it comes her turn to participate in such a sweet little game. Her Arvis stands in her office doorway, a sly smile on his lips, before sticking a piece of Pocky between his lips and beckoning her forward.

"I did not think you were one to indulge in the games our students play," she teases him as she crosses the room. It is not so often that he shows this playful side of himself but she will happily indulge him anytime he does.

Flowers bloom as their hands meet and Deirdre is happy to be led over to a table. The little pastries look delightful and surely they will be even more delicious when shared with friendly company.

"Duke Andrei," Deirdre curtseys as she greets her guest. But, oh dear, should she be curtseying? This is her first time introducing herself and not being introduced. The first time she's entertaining a guest on her own since being discovered as the king's granddaughter. It is intimidating without Arvis here to guide her in the proper etiquette for the situation. "I appreciate you taking the time to join me for lunch. Lord Arvis sends his apologies for not attending. An urgent matter came up but hopefully my company will suffice!"

It's too often that the duke is forced to abandon her at mealtimes. He is a busy man but she is a lonely woman! At least with Andrei, she will have some company. As unorthodox as it is, Deirdre has taken to insisting that her servants and guards sit down with her so she has someone to talk to.

"Please, sit down and make yourself comfortable. I would have liked to have brought our table outdoors to the gardens but it has been so rainy so we will have to make do with my solar." The rain has not stopped her from finding time to take walks outdoors. She hopes he does not notice the mud staining the hem of her gown and the way her hair frizzes more than usual. There had been a moment when the weather finally let up a little just before she was supposed to meet with him and she simply had to take advantage even if it meant there wasn't enough time to make herself presentable.

She smiles warmly as she takes her own seat and waits for him to do the same. He looks awfully young but she supposes her husband had been even younger when he took up the mantle of duke.

CW: pregnancy, birth, pregnancy and birth complications, Deirdre/Arvis, too much Erica rambling

She thinks about him often. Her husband. Her beloved. Her darling Arvis. She worries how he might be faring without her. He's already lost so much in his life and now she has died and their daughter is sent away.

She hates to think of him without anyone to hold him close and reassure him that things will be alright. She hates knowing that he is as alone as she is.

But she sighs and tries to focus on the titles of the books on the shelf. There is nothing she can do for her family until she finds a way back to Jugdral but she can at least do her very best for her students. She cares so very deeply for them!

As Deirdre reaches to grab another book about casting without using a staff or tome to add to the growing pile in her arms, there is the sound of footsteps behind her. She turns to greet whomever it might be. When she sees his face she freezes and allows the books to tumble to the floor.

"Lord Arvis?" She rushes toward him. Her hands reach for his face and she laughs happily when she makes contact. "This is real. You are real. Oh, my love!"