A Bigger Picture (dimitri, closed)

[Flick]

91st Day of Spring, late afternoon.

It was hard not to want to enjoy spring in all its glory, not when the sun was so glorious and life was so perfect. Flick was in love, with the most wonderful and amazing and dreamy squire. Yes, love. There had been a moment of doubt between them days ago, where Dimitri had questioned whether she loved him or was only bound to him. The kelvic hadn't needed to think about it, her mind well made up. She loved the young man so much it left her breathless. There was nothing else, no one else for her. His face filled her dreams, his eyes set her heart racing, his voice was like a sweet song.

Delighting in any time she could steal with the knight in training, Flick had pleaded and plied for time together, away from the busy city. When the all clear had been given, the girl didn't waste a moment. She pulled together a picnic of mixed fruits, warm rolls and sliced beef. Accompanied by a bottle of very light, very bubbly and very fruity wine the fox had walked to the beach with the youth. The same beach they had bonded on, that they had both lost their innocence on. The thought warmed her to the core. Spreading out the blanket, the young couple lay together, eating and drinking. It was a perfect afternoon. Flick spent some time in her true form, using her sensitive ears to find clams under the wet sand. Digging them up, she brought them back to the blanket. As the day drew closer to dusk, the couple lit a small fire and cooked the finds, eating them directly from their shells

Laying on her back, Flick twirled a single white daisy between her fingers. Her mouth was turned into a private smile, and her dark eyes watched Dimitri beside her. A light breeze cooled their skin and the sky filled with amazing pinks and oranges and blues as the sun slowly got lower. It wasn't dusk quite yet, but it was close to it. Looking at the flower, she sighed.

"Dimitri...what happens..when you are sent on your quest? I heard some of the knights talking about it, a quest." Her question sounded distant, as though her mind was to relaxed to fully participate in her words, her tone pleasent.

 

[Dimitri]

Dimitri was huffing hard as ran, pumping his arms, his armor clanging loudly. The soil beneath his greaves sank in slightly as he moved over it. His shield bounced lightly in it's place on his back, his sword tapping his hip. He was running along the walls of the Windmount Stable yard, trodding heavily. His patron Knight, Ser Adamal Brinkaas, was watching over him. Dimitri pushed himself harder and harder, finding the armor not as cumbersome as one might think. He saw the many horses and training squires pass by in a slight blur, the wall a long mass of grey stone. Dimitri's lungs were beginning to burn, his legs beginning to throb. He continued pumping his arms as he ran the perimeter of the wall. His master was having him do this both for stamina and armor training, but also because he knew Dimitri had a date later. While he didn't tell the squire this, he was trying to wear the squire out so he wouldn't have any energy for an funny business. He didn't want his squire siring any children until he had entered Knighthood. He knew his squire used to be popular with ladies but had recently caught the attention of a pretty little blonde. Adamal didn't mind much, after all, every man deserved a woman, but she was distracting the young squire. It didn't happen often but Adamal could tell. Every time a spring breeze passed by, every time he saw a beautiful flower, he would get this large boyish grin splitting his face ear to ear. Dimitri came to a finish in front of his patron knight, wheezing heavily. Ser Adamal looked down at the boy. "Go on get out of here." Dimitri smiled and walked toward the dormitories. When he arrived, he quickly removed and cleaned his armor and weapon. He cleaned up, his body totally sore and tired from training and the run. He then set out to meet Flick for the date she arranged.

They met at the main gates, Dimitri hid his tired expression by beaming the smile that naturally adorns his face when around her. He was wearing his floppy leather boots, leather breeches, and open chested white button up shirt, his abs and chest muscles, tense from the hard work peeking through the open front, in the nice weather. His sword was at his hip, he left all other weapons at the dorm. He saw her in white leather breeches and a white vest. His youthful lust was quite happy with her choice in clothing. He took her hand, and they walked slowly along the walls until they reached their beach. The weather was perfect, the breeze running through hair, his shirt blowing open.

They reached the memory laden spot on the beach. Flick laid out the blanket, and the two laid upon it. They ate, Dimitri occasionally playfully feeding his blonde love. The wine tickled his throat and made him warm. He was not much of a drinker. Flick then shifted into her fluffier form, and Dimitri watched her dig up clams. He smiled as he watched her dig through the sand, then carry them back in her mouth. She was just as beautiful, just as graceful in her fox form as her human one. They started a fire, and Dimitri cooked the clams on a flat rock in the fire. When they popped open, they were ready to be eaten. They were chewy and salty but still delicious.

Flick laid on her back with a flower in hand, when she asked a question that had been haunting him, but he'd been avoiding. He looked away from her out into the sunset painting the sky and water. His eyes grew sad as they turned golden in the shifting light. He knew what would happen, but the answer still hurt. "When I'm deemed ready, I will be sent on a quest to prove worthy of Knighthood. I must go alone, and most quests involve being gone for a season, even two. Many Knights may return maimed, or mentally injured, or may not return at all. It is the biggest step from becoming a Knight. I will not have contact with anyone here in Syliras while out on this quest. I... Hate the thought of being away from you. But it's my duty, my life's work. I can't give up, I can't fail."

[Flick]

Flick's attentioned turned from the daisy to the squire, the kelvic raising up to rest on her elbow. Listening carefully, the fox contemplated what he'd said. The old Flick would pretend it was fine, and die inside later. But Dimitri brought her out of that shell, prompted her to be honest and truthful. When she spoke again, her tone was focused and her concentration full.

"Two seasons...without you. And the very real possibility you'll come back...hurt inside or out..or not at all. And this...makes you a real knight?" Blinking, the blonde girl looked into his magnetic blue gaze, before glancing at the flower again.

"I know this is your whole existence, and I would never stop you of my own free will...not when I know just what it means to you. But I will admit, I don't agree with it. If you were killed..." The mere thought restricted her throat, and with a shudder, she lay back down.

"I'd still love you, even if you came back a little worse for wear." Flick grinned at him broadly, masking the real fear inside. There were some times when being fake-enthusiastic absolutely mattered. If he died, of course it would shatter her and crush her heart but it was more than that. The Bond would be broken, ripped from her soul like an uprooted tree. It would be pain beyond reasoning, damaging the rest of her as the tendrils tore at her very being. Flick knew she would either die, or seek death.

Shaking off the morbid thought, the girl lifted the flower to her nose and smelt it gently, smiling at Dimitri.

"So, what am I going to do to occupy myself when your gone? A job? A hobby? Any ideas?"

 

[Dimitri]

Dimitri felt his heart constrict as she fed him hollow support. Not hollow due to lack of caring but rather because she cared so much. He could feel a hint of her pain, mixed with his own. Whether this was due to having bonded or simply a less defined connection between the two was beyond him. He knew this would hurt her, would cause tears to fall, a heart to ache. For he would feel the same way for having to leave, plus the guilt of putting her through that. But his duty must be done, not just for himself, or the Order, or Syliras. But by becoming a Knight he could provide a future for Flick and... A family. He could provide for her, protect her, while loving her. He just needed to find a balance.

"I won't die. I have something beautiful worth living for now," he said as his fingers brushed her cheek. He had to be strong for her, steel his body, his mind, but keep his heart tender for her. He could feel the fear of losing her creep in. But that was nowhere near as bad as envisioning her receiving the news of his death. She would be decimated, as would he in a role reversal. He couldn't do that to her, couldn't put her through that. He would be different from her past. He would love her, be there for her.

"There's plenty of jobs available here, Windmount stables is always a good choice. And... When I become a Knight, I'd like to get us a proper place to live together. Start a future. Maybe... Well... We will worry about that when the time comes." he left out the recent desire for a family. He didn't know her stance on children nor was he a Knight and properly able to take care of them. But some primal urge in him wanted children, something he'd never really considered before.

[Flick]

Smiling warmly at the squire as he touched her cheek, Flick relished in the feeling that emanated from inside when he showed her affection. It warmed her from the depths of her soul right to the tips of her toes. There was nothing better in the world. Her smile turned slightly and her eyebrow raised as he continued on. A future...the kelvic had never considered anything past the day she lived in. Living like today was the last day she was alive, the last day she could be free. It seemed strange to think further ahead. It felt nice.

Sitting up, the young woman tucked the flower behind her ear and hugged her knees, staring into the small fire as the sky slowly became a little more orange. The ocean lapped gently at the beach, sky reflected in its shimmering depths.

"I don't know if I have anything useful to offer the stables...unless they want a rat catcher." Flick said with a wide grin. Sitting straighter, she looked at him through the lighter blonde of her fringe with glittering dark eyes.

"Do you know what I am really good at? Finding things. All sorts of things. I can hear the clams under the sand, they make the strangest sound, although you wouldn't ever hear it. And I can smell better than anyone I've met. I could be a...I could help...I er..." Slowing down her excited chatter, the kelvic stared into nothing for a moment, before refocusing on the boy and shrugging with a laugh.

"I don't really like the idea of running around under all those hoofed feet. I don't know." Sighing, she tilted her head to rest on her knees.

"Did you always know you were going to be a Knight?" Flick asked with a smile, curiosity again digging at her. It seemed like Dimitri had a set path, a long term focus. The fennec fox was like some fluttering butterfly with her impulsiveness and freedom.

[Dimitri]

He listened to her, hung on her every word. Rat catcher didn't seem much of a profession, and he hadn't even thought of what would happen if a horse stepped on her. He shook off the morbid thought before it took root. Good at gathering, strong senses of smell and hearing. What jobs would be good for such a thing? A hunting companion perhaps, but he doubted she would be interested in anything so... Dangerous and violent. He had a couple of ideas float to mind.

He pulled her gently, into the crook of his arm. "My first thought is maybe an herb gatherer for the Apothecary. Would let you get out and about, isn't too dangerous, and would make some use of your skills. However, the idea I like best. There is a shop I know of, one you might be interested in. It's called The Undeniable Interests. The proprietor specializes in relics, artifacts, and books. I'm sure he'd like someone with your talents, he's a nice, albeit strange old man."

He rubbed her soft arm as he held her, "Yea, ever since I could remember. My parents were both Knights. They brought me up as one from a young age. I then worked as a page, an assistant to a knight, when I turned ten.When I finally turned thirteen I became a squire as I am now. It's always been my life. Though," he tipped her chin up so they were looking into each other's eyes, "It isn't the most important thing anymore."

[Flick]

Flick smiled as he pulled her close, breathing in the warm scent of his honey colored skin and the familiar sound of his heart beat. The idea of working for an apothecary seemed interesting, travelling around and collecting herbs to make medicinal items. It was useful. But as the squire continued, the girls dark eyes sparkled with curiosity. Relics, artifacts and old books? Oddities? Curiosities? That sounded far more fun, and interesting. The fox could imagine herself as some worldly adventurer, brave and wonderful and scouring the country side for long lost relics and things. Girl by night, fox by day, her sensitive nose finding the rich copper scents of....

Shaking her head, Flick realised she was off in her own little world. Grinning widely, the kelvic listened closely as Dimitri spoke about his parents and his career. As he tilted her face to his, the blonde again found herself captured by his magnetic blue gaze. It was impossible to resist when he looked at her that way. His words filled her with delight and love.

"You parents...they must be so proud of you. Walking in their footsteps." Flick couldn't relate to the feeling, but she knew it to be a good thing. Having a family that loved you without bonds or commitments. Still captivated by the squires gaze, the young kelvic felt her heart in her ears, breathing softly. It was a drug, being so close to her bondmate, loved so strongly. Everything else became irrelivent when he looked at her.

[Dimitri]

"Ah... My father is. He's a tactician, often planning attacks, supply lines, anything along those lines. He was a student at the University in Zeltiva. He studied tactics, military history, and leadership. His parents were both scholars, so he was very studious and successful. When he came of age he left Zeltiva, and came to Syliras, where he joined the Order as a squire. He struggled with the physical requirements after years in books but he eventually got through it. His skills in the less physical side of the Order earned him many successes as a Knight. Eventually, however, he left Syliras on a quest to find something more out of life."

Dimitri picked Flick up and set her on his crossed legged lap. He wrapped his arms over her shoulders and placed a kiss at the junction of her neck and shoulder.

"He would be more proud of me for having found you than becoming a Knight. But he is still wire enthusiastic about me being a squire. He hopes I can be someone to do great things in the name of the city and still manage to raise a loving family. He's always been proud. He's been a huge help, and he would love you when given the chance." He kissed her again along her shoulder, hoping his mother wouldn't be mentioned, though he knew it to be inevitable.

[Flick]

Flick listened intently, her brown eyes locked on his. His father sounded like a very important, very driven man. Part of the young woman felt a twing of sorrow for Dimitri. It sounded like his father was more a knight and less a parent. It must have been lonely.

As he lifted her into his lap, the kelvic straddled his legs, arms wrapped lightly around his waist. His lips touched the soft skin between her shoulder and her neck, causing the girl to shiver involuntarily. The squire continued to talk about his father. His support and his pride at finding her. Or would have been proud. Again, he kissed her, the skin on her shoulder tingling at his touch. Flick breathed softly, not wanting to disturb his gentle touch.

"Has he never come back? To see what you are becoming? What you have become?" A sudden thought ran through her mind.

"What about your mother? Doesn't she miss him? Does he come to visit her? And you?" Flick imagined her life without Dimitri, and it tore at her very soul. Raising a hand, the fennec fox pushed one of his golden curls away from his forehead, eyes drinking in his features.

"It must be hard." She said softly, pushing away the horrifying truth that one day in the future, Dimitri would leave for his quest. But that was different. He would be back.

[Dimitri]

"My father came back after a long time, see he left before I was even born. And that something worthwhile was my mother. He found her leaving Riverfall for here so he escorted her back. But found out it was quite unnecessary. Turns out she was more skilled with a sword than most Knights were. When they arrived here, she immediately joined up with the Knights. They gladly accepted someone with her level of ability, despite her... abrasive personality." He looked at his beautiful fennec fox and for a moment, almost wanted to throw away his future as a Knight and just stay with her. But he knew he wouldn't. He had a duty to do, and would do it no matter what. He looked into her large eyes, and hoped she were stronger than he, and that she would be fine while he was gone. He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "Yes it will be hard, but I have a greater reward than Knighthood to come back to," he said as his eyes danced over her face.