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 Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 12:55 am
Natsu snickered and slipped the cloak over his head. Well, it was comfortable, light, and breathable. He liked how it was colored, silver and blue, and how soft the Roati fleece was upon it's hood and sleeves. However as he admired it, his eyes fell upon something that made him sigh.
"Oh, Veka, I couldn't wear this..." He said, pointing to a name sewn in tag on the sleeve. "It belonged to your mother..."
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Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 7:32 pm
Viveka simply gave a nod and smiled. Yes, that was his mother's favorite cloak, and it was of no use to him anymore. His eyes drifted along the delicate fabric and stitching for a moment, before turning to move towards his bed where he sat and placed his arms across his chest. A few deep breaths were heaved and a tear was shed, but ultimately, he reached across to Natsu and patted his back.
"This is the one, Natsu..." He said. "I would like you to keep this cloak. My mother adored you in the short years that she knew you... And..." He paused, pulling Natsu to his side on the bed. "I know she wouldn't mind you taking care of it from now on. In fact... I think she would be honored."
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Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 7:42 pm
As he was pulled onto the bed, Natsu felt himself overwhelmed with emotion again. This cloak was as precious as gold, worth more than silver, and far more valuable than all the treasure in Tendaji! It had belonged to Ren, one of the most beautiful women that Natsu had ever met, and one of the most creative, too. Viveka was so much like her, in both looks and personality, and as such it should be worn by him.
But while that was how it should be, Natsu knew how difficult it was for Viveka to think of his mother. Her death was the most difficult thing he had ever had to go through, he knew that all to well, he had been at the funeral. Zevian and Viveka had held each other close through out the ceremony, which had been very small and modest, despite the outpouring of support from family far and wide. Not everyone could make their way out to Zidel to pay their respects, but letters and gifts still came through by the dozens. That day, Viveka said goodbye to his mother, and Natsu learned just how fragile life could be.
"I... I..." He stuttered, wrapping an arm gently around Viveka's back. "I think we should visit her... Just to get her blessing, you know...? I wouldn't want to intrude..."
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Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 7:56 pm
Viveka leaned his head against Natsu's chest and let out a long, heavy sigh. Though as he snuggled into the warmth of the cloak, he found that the scent of his mother's perfume still lingered upon it's fabric, and his eyes filled with tears. It was the scent of a particular flower that was found across Tendaji, within the forests of Jauhar. His father had traded, bartered, and worked himself to the bone just to obtain a single jar for his beloved, and her sheer delight had been his reward. Memories of a woman who would giggle and comb his hair while his father bantered on and on about how his hunting had gone that evening, a warm fire crackling not too far from his side, filled his mind as he inhaled.
And the recollection of the tears shed by his father as this same woman was laid to rest fell like a rock from his throat as he exhaled. Visions of life, love, and death all within one scent lingering upon the fabric of a forgotten cloak. It was enough to make one both dizzy and distraught, despite it all stemming from on simple action. Breathing.
"That might not be a bad idea..." He replied as he pulled his face away from Natsu's chest. "She would be glad to see you..."
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Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 8:13 pm
Natsu smiled and stood, aiding Viveka to his feet as he did. He knew why Viveka was so emotional, the last twelve hours had been one shot after another, and it was bound to take a toll sooner or later.
"Well, then let's go." He said. "If she's missed me, then I'd best not keep her waiting much longer."
----
Along the path to Viveka's home stood a large pile of rocks, which had been placed there when his mother passed away. Her body was buried deep below them and her most prized works of art lay scattered all over the grave. As Natsu and Viveka approached, they paused, bowed, and quickly set to gathering the tiny sculptures that had strayed too far from her side.
A crystal Mammu, a pair of Raptri made of stone, and a handful of crystal from a broken collage that had fallen in a storm. All crafted by hand, all equally as beautiful as the other, and all as equally sad to hold. Natsu had always been a fan of Ren's handy work and more than encouraged Viveka to follow her path. He was just as good as his mother, and she would be proud of all the progress he had made of the years without her guidance.
With a sigh, he placed the Mammu against her head stone and knelt, forcing a grin to form upon his face.
"Hello, Ren, it's been quite a while..." He said, running his hand along the headstone. "Viveka and I thought it would be wise to see you before I left with your cloak. I hope you don't mind me taking care of it from now on..."
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Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 8:20 pm
While Natsu knelt to speak with his mother, Viveka snuck to the side and began to rearrange the sculptures that hadn't broken as they had been the last time he had visited. Though the Mammu had always been on top of the rocks, he felt that it was more than alright where it was because Natsu had placed it there. The Mammu had always been his mother's favorite, and it should be the closest to her anyway. He smiled and placed each tiny animal in a row and took his place next to Natsu once he had finished.
"Hello, mother!" He chirped, snuggling up to Natsu. "It's a lovely day out, a change from what we have been experiencing lately, huh?" He gave a chuckle and gently tapped the headstone. "And, yes, I've given your precious cloak to Natsu! But don't you worry, I know that my one and only will take good care of it for you!"
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Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 8:27 pm
Natsu chuckled and gave Viveka a kiss on the cheek. He didn't know what it was about this place that made Viveka feel so at peace. It was as if there was a positive aura of some sort radiating off of all the sculptures that lay around them. They all had smiles, some even sporting big toothy grins, why wouldn't that be a valid reason for why this grave was so calming?
Then, he turned his attention back to the headstone, and almost jumped right out of his skin. The Mammu! It's chin was right up against his knees!
"Viveka, did you move that statue?!" He gasped.
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Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 8:32 pm
Viveka rapidly shook his head at Natsu's question. No, he hadn't touched it! It had been on it's side and two feet in front of them just a second ago, but in the blink of an eye, it had seemingly hopped the distance towards them! How in the world did that happen?! He quickly snatched it up and placed it back to where it had been and clung to Natsu's arm.
"H-how do you s-suppose that h-happened...?" He asked, shuddering.
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Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 8:45 pm
"I have no idea..." Natsu gawked, his mouth held agape. He rose to his feet, stepped backwards, and took a good look around the area. There was no wind, no other people wandering around... How did that Mammu statue move without anything else pushing it forward? That, and, how did it move without making a line in the snow, too?! He stared at the ground in disbelief and turned his gaze to Viveka.
However, Viveka was no longer the one beside him, but a smiling ice tribe woman. He blinked, rubbed his eyes, even shook his head about, and still only saw her standing beside him. Then, he noticed that in her hands, was the Crystal Mammu, and his heart began to race. This woman was Ren! But, how?! He took a step backwards and slipped on a stray rock with a thud. His eyes darted upwards to see if she was still there, and fell upon Viveka standing where she had stood. Had he just imagined that?!
"I... I have to go!" He cried, leaping to his feet and wrapping Viveka in a tight hug. "I love you and I swear we'll have our weekend one of these coming weeks, but I... I..." He gasped, taking a deep breath in. "I swear I just saw your mother! IT WAS SO FREAKY, VEKA!"
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Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 8:52 pm
Viveka squeezed Natsu back and rolled his eyes.
"Oh, you!" He chuckled. "You're probably very tired, we had a long night last night!" He patted Natsu on the back and lifted the hood of the cloak over his head. Poor thing was overtired, that's what it was. He needed to go home and rest before he fainted! Their weekend would have to wait for another day, it seemed. At least now they had more time to plan the getaway than originally allotted.
"Go on then, sweetheart." He said, kissing Natsu on the cheek. "I'll see you next week, alright? Go home and get some rest, don't make me worry about you!"
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Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 8:56 pm
Natsu nodded rather violently and kissed Viveka back. No way was he sticking around any longer than he needed to, not after what he just experienced! Ren was THERE, he SAW HER! Well, maybe he was a little tired, and hungry, but that wasn't the point! HE SAW A GHOST AND HE WANTED TO GO HOME AND HIIIIDE!
"I love you, Veka!" He called as he made his way down the slope. "I promise that I will go home and rest! No more adventures for today, no sir!"
And with that said, Natsu ran straight home, taking the quickest route he could find.
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Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 9:09 pm
As soon as Natsu vanished from his sight, Viveka heaved a heavy sigh and turned his attention back to his mother's grave. His expression was that of frustration, as if something had ruffled his feathers, and he patted to tombstone rather harshly.
"You never usually do this when he's around! What in the world is wrong with you, mother?" He scolded, huffing. "Now you've gone and scared him! Do you honestly think he'll be receptive to coming back now that he's seen you?!"
A soft tapping noise caused him to turn around, his eyes settling on the crystal Mammu. He rolled his eyes, puffed his cheeks out, and snatched the Mammu off the ground. "Yes, I'm scolding you!" He said, tapping the sculpture on it's head. "I'm in a very interesting situation as of late, if you haven't heard!" He heaved a sigh, grunted, and starred at the sculpture rather intensely. "What do you think I should do?!"
A sudden gust of wind blew through the area which caused him to leap up to his feet. Once the snow settled, though, Viveka's eyes fell to the ground where several arrows had been "drawn", all of which pointed towards Sauti. To this Viveka smiled and nodded, his eyes brimming with tears of joy.
"I thought you would agree, we were always alike in mind!" He exclaimed, giving the sculpture a tight squeeze. "Thank you, mother. You've helped me make one of the hardest decisions in my life... Now all I can hope is that father will forgive me..."
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