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Laios dragged her out of the castle this morning. There’s some café bakery place that he wants to show her for breakfast.
If they ever make it there that is.
Her king can only get a few steps before another of his subjects wants to shake his hand, introduce themselves and their families, and thank him for his benevolence.
They make sure to mention or introduce daughters specifically it seems.
By the time the third man introduces his very beautiful brunette daughter and Laios respectfully bends over her hand with a courtly kiss, Marcille almost loses it. So does the girl, her blush could light a bonfire. Does Laios notice this? He seems to take it all in stride and introduces Marcille as well, as his royal mage.
It doesn’t help matters that today a merchant caravan is in town touting wares that bring in folks from all over Melini’s countryside. Getting them through had been tricky. Falin was still overseeing the magic barrier at the border. Laios and Marcille had offered to help her, but the dragon mage had brushed off the offer of help and encouraged them to oversee the merchants instead.
They are about to pass onef selling long cloaks and hoods when Marcille abruptly stops and tugs Laios’s arm.
“Wait here you.”
He waits politely as she haggles down and pays for a green hooded cloak that’s fabric seems to shift color and blend in no matter what you hold it up against. She throws it over his shoulders in a huff, reaching up to pull the hood over his soft sandy hair. He unbends so she can accomplish this, his eyes laughing down into hers.
“So…are you jealous or something?” He’s teasing her, a blind person could tell she’s bothered. His emotional intuitions with humans have improved immensely in her opinion, but she refuses to give Kabru all the credit.
“Or something.” She punctuates this by pulling the cloaks so tight only his nose is poking out.
“I’m hungry, and we are never going to make it to your bakery if we keep running into strangers wanting to introduce women to you.”
He reaches up to loosen the strings, but to her relief leaves the hood on.
“Don’t you need one Marcille? More people might recognize you than you realize.”
“Its you they recognize, King Laios, Devourer of all things horrible.”
“but your Lady Marcille...My court mage.” He drawls, eyes glinting like warm tea under his hood.
His use of the casual possessive sends a shiver up her back. Laios steps over to the stall and comes back with a matching cloak. He neatly flourishes it over her shoulders and pulls the hood over her head. His gleaming eyes are dancing with mischief and Marcille narrows hers just in time to get the hood pulled tight over them.
“Hey!”
She reaches up to loosen the tie and realizes she’s doing it one handed. Laios has grabbed her other one and is pulling her along through the crowd.
His hand is warm and she enjoys the happy fluttering that fills her as she holds it.
They are making better time now. The cloaks are doing an admirable job of hiding their identities. Marcille takes the time to look at the different wares as they pass by. There’s a wagon selling pottery and another with various instruments and music. All of the wagons are brightly colored, flamboyant things designed to attract the eye.
As they pass a jewelry vendor, a brooch practically leaps to Marcille’s attention.
That’s mine.
Elegant and twisting in wrought silver is her sky fish, her coatl. She drops Laios’s hand and pulls down her cloak hood so she can move closer to examine the design. It’s her familiars elegant curling form, shaped into a spiral with emeralds set for the eyes. There’s even a smattering of flower shapes across its body.
She lifts her eyes to the artisan. He’s a middle-aged tall-man with dark skin and curly hair wearing a huge grin. He’s almost as tall as Laios really…and a little girl holding a doll is peeping out shyly from behind him.
The man clears his throat. “You have a good eye miss, that piece is my daughter’s favorite. We saw it emerge from the island last year.” The small girl nods solemnly beside him.
“It’s really beautiful. How much were you asking for it?” He names his price, but the sum is a bit higher than she carries and she tucks her pouch away regretfully. Laios has stood by quietly until now. He fiddles about his person before pulling out his own money pouch.
“Here, Sir, this should be the right amount.”
Before Marcille can protest his extravagance, he fastens the brooch to her cloak with nimble dexterity. Her mouth works numbly, and the warm feeling is crawling up her chest and making it hard to breathe.
“You should have it Marcille to remember her by.” Laios rubs the back of his head in embarrassment and adds, “I don’t think I ever apologized for killing her. I wasn’t really trying to…I was trying to fly out her mouth and couldn’t handle the speed…”
The artisan and his daughter are both staring at her wide-eyed.
“Are you…You’re Lady Marcille?!”
“I…yes I am.”
The merchant extended his hand, “Thank you so much for helping your King establish the road systems between here and, well, what was the mainland. We’ve been able to sell much more of our jewelry than before.”
Marcille shook his hand firmly, “I’m glad. Thank you for the brooch, its truly a masterpiece.”
The artisan laughed, “Well, I’m glad it’s going to a good home thanks to your young man there.”
My young man…
Laios doesn’t introduce himself or correct the artisan’s statement, just reaches down to pull her hood back up and over her face.
“Let’s get going Marcille. The bakery is just little farther.”
He remembers his manners at the last second and bows to the merchant and his daughter before they go. “Thank you for the brooch.”
“Our pleasure sir, take care of your lady, she’s a good one.”
Laios inhales softly but doesn’t contradict the man and Marcille doesn’t feel like doing it herself. They walk side by side down the way, his hand finding hers again.
She’s brimming with that incredible warmth and not sure how on earth to thank Laios for his gift. Words don’t seem sufficient for something as thoughtful as this.
They pass an alleyway and on impulse she bundles him into it. Before he can say anything and before she loses her nerve, Marcille stands on tiptoe, pulls him down via his collar…
And kisses him firmly on the left cheek.
Fluttery things dance in her belly. His cheek is warm under her lips although the kiss was admittedly a bit sloppy, because his cheek is damp as she pulls away. In the dark and under the cloak she can’t be sure if he’s upset or pleased or blushing in shear embarrassment. She wishes she could gauge his reaction to this.
“Thank you, you know?”
Laios is making a sound…specifically like a fish man out of water, “ou…You…ki” he gasps, “ah…ahm…hmm…Your welcome.” The last bit is a hoarse whisper.
In the slightly awkward quiet, his stomach growls.
Marcille chuckles, thankful for something to laugh at and Laios joins her, his hand finding hers in the dark. She’s resoundingly grateful for the cloak right now.
“Come on then. We have one more stop before the bakery.”
He leads her out of the alleyway and towards the edge of the city. The crowds and vendors are thinner here. They don’t walk far before seeing a familiar face tending to a large wagon covered in locks, picking equipment, and leather pouches. Excitement burst in Marcille’s chest, and she dashed forward yelling delightedly.
“Chilchuk!!!”
Said halfling turned in time to get mobbed by her hug. He struggled half-heartedly to free himself but gave up and patted her back instead.
“Long time no see Marcille…what dragged you out of the castle? We were planning on coming by tonight once the fair ended to see if you guys wouldn’t mind putting up with a few travelers.”
“We!!”
Behind Chilchuk a smaller halfling raised her hand without looking at them, being preoccupied with testing a lock.
“Yo…”
“Meljack! You’re here too! Is that one of your locks? How long will you two be in town? Is the rest of your family along?!”
Meljack looked slightly taken aback by the sudden onslaught of familiarity, but Chilchuck only sighed and raised his hand, flicking up a finger emphatically with each answer.
“That’s my lock and her pick, she’s doing a quality check for me. We will be in town this week just to rack in some extra sales. Finally, it’s just me and Mel.”
Marcille looked down at him disappointedly, “I thought we were gonna get to meet your whole family this time.”
Chilchuck flushed and Meljack cut in snidely, “Dad’s been trying to make things up with Mom, but he’s really struggling with HOW to go about that.”
“Mel…”Chilchuck groaned, “You shouldn’t have told…”
Marcille gripped his forearms ferociously, face intensely serious.
“What have you tried Chil…tell me everything.”
“Ugh…” he groaned, “Let’s not get into that. Why don’t you introduce Mel and I to your date.”
My daa…Oh Laios!
He’s taking down the hood and smiling bashfully, “Hey..Chilchuck.”
“Laios?! Laios is your date Marcille?”
“No, no, no nothing like that, he just invited me out…for breakfast.”
She’s suddenly aware of Laios’s teasing, of his gifts, and the very damp spot on his cheek that’s faintly pink. He’s denied nothing, but he also hasn’t confirmed anything.
Is this a? Did I completely miss something? Have we been on a date?
“There’s a great little bakery just around there, “Laios pointed down the street, “I know the owner and her pastries are amazing. When you sent the letter telling me you’d be in town I wanted to surprise Marcille with a meet up and share breakfast together.”
It’s perfectly logical and just something he would do too, but her brain is breaking trying to accept the possibility that he meant a little bit more with the whole situation.
“Hmm…” Chilchuck is giving Laios a shifty sideways glance filled with suspicion.
“You’re welcome to come along with us Chil, but otherwise Marcille and I can pick up the pastries and come back after.”
“Nah, you go ahead. Looks like we have some customers. We can put up a sign when you get back with the food. Mel’s not picky, but nothing sweet for me though, remember?”
Laios laughed, “Of course Chilchuck, c’mon Marcille.”
She takes his hand and only blushes a little when he tucks it in the crook of his arm. They turn a corner and Laios points out their destination.
“It’s the blue one on the end.”
The shop in question is painted blue, with neat white trim, and a golden sign painted with breads in various styles. An ornate wooden bench decorated the same is next to the front door.
Marcille was still churning with internal debate when they reached the shop, but as the door opened, a smell of sweet yeast, sugar, butter, and spice rolled over them momentarily distracting her. Behind the counter, a tall-man girl with dark honey blonde hair was busily setting out a tray of pastries. The whole shop was filled with an assortment of baked goods displayed in woven baskets with ribbons listing price and flavor.
Marcille inhaled appreciatively.
She wasn’t as appreciative when the girl caught sight of them and threw herself at Laios with a squeal grabbing him in an enthusiastic hug. He smiled and hugged her back. Turning around to nod at Marcille.
“Hey Gem, I couldn’t wait to share your pastries. So I thought I’d come pick up some today.”
“I’m glad you didn’t wait Laios! Your favorites are just finishing up in the oven.” The girl released him to greet Marcille, dipping herself in a pretty curtsy.
“I’m Geminya Sarson. Laios and I met a long time ago during his caravaning days.”
“She snuck me extra bread.” Laios added cheerfully.
“You were so skinny and hungry all the time…reminded me of starving puppy.” She tapped her chin with a flour dusted hand, “Or my little brother. Eh, probably both.”
Her grey-blue eyes met Marcille’s with a sparkle, “Are you two courting?”
Beside her, Laois began studiously examining the pastries in their little baskets on the shelves.
“Uh…Wa. What gives you that idea.” Marcille can feel her face practically melting.
“Oh, um, it’s your matching cloaks. My fiancé and I like to do that too.”
Marcille sputtered like kettle left on the fire and Laios came to her rescue, “How is Barr doing? Is he here with you or?”
“He’s out hunting ingredients with my brother…you know how picky I am about quality.”
“You just have good taste,” Laios tapped his chin thoughtfully, “Could you make up a box with 3 cheese pastries, 4 of your sticky nut rolls, and 5 of those savory meat buns you fill with sausage and cheese…all the special ones you keep in back?”
“Of course.”
As she bustled to the back of the shop, Laios turned to finally meet Marcille’s gaze.
“Uh, sorry for the assumptions, Gem’s a bit of a romantic…If you ask her I bet she’s read some of the same books as you! She and Barr had just started courting when I met them. I can explain to her we…. arnn…uh…if you like.”
It’s the most he’s said all day…conversation isn’t one of his strongest points…and nervousness is rolling off him in waves.
“Laios…we aren’t together together, but this is the first time you’ve offered to tell anyone we aren’t! and you gave me the cloak and brooch and set up the meeting with Chil as a surprise…is this a date? Are we on a date?!”
He’s blushing too now, golden eyes burning into hers.
“I dunno…in the alleyway…” Marcille gulped audibly as he leant down close, “was that a kiss?”
“Uh, thatwasa thank you.”
“…nicest thank you I’ve ever gotten.”
“You’re welcome, answer my question.”
He leans back and gives her space. Head tilted contemplatively. “This is what you want it to be. An outing as friends. A date. I like being with you and seeing your smile.”
He’s smiling softly down at her right now.
“It puts me at ease.”
“AHHHHH!!” Marcille smacks him. He lets her.
Why do you have to be so weird about it! Puts you at ease…what does that even mean…and even if I know what I want this to be don’t you think what you want matters too…you…”
She trails off. Geminya is holding a brown paper sack and watching the drama with a gleam in her eyes. Marcille realizes she’s mid-smack on Laios’s unresisting face.
“Thanks Gem.” Laios stated tiredly. “Marcille can you pay? I’m out.”
“Ohoho no…” Gem is laughing as she passes the bag over, “that’s the best entertainment I’ve had in ages! Reminded me of something I read once…Hah! Breakfast is on the house!”
They are both bundled unceremoniously out the door. Gem is still laughing when she shuts it behind their embarrassed behinds. “Come again once you guys figure it out.”
Laios ruffled around in the sack and grabbed Marcille a sticky roll… filled with nuts and covered with a spiced cream cheese, taking a plain cream cheese pastry shaped like a cow for himself.
He hands her the roll and the two of them plop on the bench beside the door.
Marcille can’t help but groan as she takes her first bite of the yeasty thing. The crunchy nuts, the rich cream cheese, whatever spices got thrown in that are incredible. Ihe two of them spend a moment finishing them. She understands why Laios wanted to share it with her.
She glances shyly at him, he notices but doesn’t make eye contact. Something in her breaks a little.
“Laios?” He hmmms at her.
“Was this a date.”
Laios throws his arm over the back of the bench and turns on it, facing he, still not quite meeting her eyes.
“I answered that already.”
“A question of your own isn’t an answer though!” He rubs the back of his head again, nervousness apparent. “I’m really not good at this.”
“At what.”
“Conversations.”
“Clearly not!”
“well…I’ve tried to show you instead.”
His gold eyes flick up to burn into hers and it clicks. He has been trying to tell her in his quiet, gentle way without forcing her opinion on any of it. Asking her to stay with him in Melini, facing the canaries and demanding her freedom, the million times after that he’s grabbed her hand or offered her the last bite of his dessert. His actions were practically beaming at her all morning.
She stands and holds out her hand to him. He takes it and lets her pull him up.
“Show me how you feel then.”
He pales then reddens. “You won’t be mad?”
She closes her eyes, ears flicking “of course no…”
His hand is slipping up her jawline, fingers sliding over her ear, touching the faint scars where he healed her for the first time, his other hand tilts her chin up as his lips come crashing down onto hers. Laios wastes no time, he kisses her lips, then her cheeks, her forehead, even her nose gets attention. She’s only a little surprised when his tongue presses the corner of her lips, chasing some frosting her roll left behind.
“ahhmm..”
He stops immediately at the sound of her moan and starts to move back.
She grabs his collar and pulls him back down, before he can get away, and he relents with a much more thorough kiss that sends waves of pleasure rippling down her spine.
They part softly, his arms coming down to wrap around her and pull her close. Marcille can hear and almost feel the rapid drumming of his heart through their cloaks.
“Laios?”
His chest rumbles in acknowledgement.
“I love you too.”
He laughs then and his hand finds hers.
They go back to their friends, together.
I’m no good at holding conversation, can I hold your hand instead?
A/N: When they get back to the castle Marcille asks Laios to show her everything. Hohoho.
There are three fandom references in this...one Lord of the Rings and two from Studio Ghibli movies. Can you spot them?
This was going to be a nice short chapter...it is not short it is not a chapter...it just kinda became its own thing.
Thank you dear reviewers and leavers of Kudo cookies...they are all very meshi to me and I hope this oneshot was meshi to you!!!