The ocean murmured gently beneath a sky colored gold and lilac. The sunlight dripped from the top of the crystalline waters, shading the coral walls with waves of warmth. And for the first time in what seemed like an eternity, peace had settled back in.
Tiffany: She spun in the shallow tide, laughing with joy that burst from the glowing mists. The sea serpents emerged from nurturing, "Hello, my younglings!" Three small, glowing creatures flitted around Tiffany's feet, making their chirping melody from bubbles rising in the air. She bent down to the water, scratching the chins of the creatures.
Monse: She smiled, leaning on Wiliaquo's shoulder with the waves rolling around their feet. "It's been so long since I've seen her smile like that…" She spoke with a softer tone, on the verge of trembling. "After what happened with Valkun… I thought we'd never breathe freely again."
Wiliaquo: His fingers mussed her damp hair, his face kind. "You worry too much, love. The storm is over. Alex honored his promise, Valkun doesn't remember anything." He inched closer, his forehead touching hers. "At last, we can rest."
Monse: "Rest…" She echoed the word like she didn't believe it. "Maybe for now." Her hand lingered on his chest, warm, trusting, a moment stolen from eternity itself. "Wiliaquo?" She looked into his eyes.
Wiliaquo: He pushed aside a strand of damp hair, his smile warm with reflected light from the rippling surface. "Yes, my dear?"
Monse: Her fingers traced lazy ripples across his chestplate, her voice playful yet sincere. "I was thinking, we haven't gone on a proper mortal-style date yet, how would you like to maybe explore the stars with me tomorrow?"
Wiliaquo: He smiled behind his chuckle, changing his stance to face her completely while the light of the horizon danced along his jawline. "I would rather spend any length of time with you," he said, "but why wait till later? We should rid ourselves of the tension sooner rather than later."
Monse: She smirked, tapping her chin slowly as if mulling it over in mock seriousness. "Hmm, you bring up a valid point, tonight it is then."
The runes on the gateway behind them flared to life with a sudden burst of green power. The air rippled; vines burst from the ground, twining themselves around the marble columns as if the island itself came to life with its next breath. Leaves rustled. Flowers burst into bloom in an instant, coloring the temple in vibrant life.
Monse: She spun around quickly, her face changing from curiosity to concern. "What is this?" The image of light sigils reflected in her eyes.
Wiliaquo: He raised his hand calmly, placing himself between her and the light. "Ahh, my delivery is here, don't worry, sweetheart, there is nothing to worry about."
Green light burst into the center of the platform, releasing a wispy mist that curled into a familiar shape. The vines retreated, unveiling an imposing yet serene-looking Alces with an enormous basket in his grasp.
Alces: He adjusted his footing on the platform, water dripping from his antlers. "Why does water only appear when I go through this damn thing?" He shook his antlers dry. "I hope I am not too late. Sorry, this just felt a little weird to come over here, but after Wiliaquo explained everything, I grew to be fine with this. I also had to put my younglings to bed; it is nighttime in my world."
Tiffany: The sound of splashing water broke through the moment as she ran from the tide, droplets sparkling around her. "Alces!" Her voice rang with joy as the serpents vanished beneath the waves. She threw her arms around one of his legs. "It is so good to see someone who isn't grouchy and violent!"
Alces: He blinked down at her, feigning a scowl. "Ay, I could be violent, you never know." His stern expression faltered into a grin as he reached out to pat her head playfully, rumpling her damp hair. "It is lovely to see you too, Tiff." He walked towards Monse and Wiliaquo, the sand crunching beneath his feet, and placed the basket carefully beside the two. "Special delivery!"
Monse: Her posture softened as recognition replaced concern. She glanced from Alces to the glowing basket and then back at him, a quiet sigh escaping her. "What is this?"
Alces: He crossed his arms in mock curiosity, his head dipping slightly in his throat. "Mr. Cloud has asked me not to reveal the specifics in this mystery gift basket."
Wiliaquo: His eyebrows furrowed, the corner of his mouth twitching upwards. "Mr. Cloud?"
Alces: Tilting his head with a teasing grin, "Don't be built like a cloud, and I won't say anything."
Monse: She opened the basket, looking at a bouquet of cyan glowing flowers with purple stems, "Flayin Flowers?! Oh my favorite...and you packed them so neatly!" Her eyes watered a bit as she hugged the flowers gently into her chest.
Wiliaquo: "That's not all that is in there." He pointed to the center of the flowers, and a small box was placed gently in between the stems.
Monse: She opened the top of the small box, and the soft light spilled out like a captive moon. Inside, it rested, a blue and white chain pendant necklace, with its pendant made of twin parts twined around each other in perpetual motion, a whirl of silver wind and crystal-blue water winding together in a seamless embrace.
The two symbols were not separate but intertwined, like dancing air and tide meeting in perfect harmony. The metal pulsed with a warm, vital glow, breathing in sync with the waves that engulfed them. The pendant gently swayed in her palm, echoing both their colors in its shine, her serene current and his rippling breeze, forever circling, forever one. "Oh Wiliaquo..." She kissed him, putting the necklace on immediately, "It's beautiful."
Wiliaquo: "I love you, Monse, with all of my windy heart."
Monse: "I love you too, Wiliaquo.." They laid their hands on top of one another, watching the skyline as Alces threw Tiffany into the water playfully.