Violet Evergarden Stories

The Emerald Brooch

Violet and the Major stood in the quiet silhouette of their guarded space. A throng of villagers had been milling about the softly lit night market. What sounded of the joyous laughter and gentle ease of a newly liberated city grew faint for the two soldiers, the burden of the next war heavy in their minds.

The Major looked at nothing. His chancy deliberation over the war strategy and months of battle betrayed his stately physique and virile features. Violet refused to acknowledge the deep circles forming under his green eyes and the slenderness that almost threatened his true presence. His eyes lowered so Violet did the same.

"Violet," he demanded. "Tell me something you want."

"Yes sir, if that is your order," Violet agreed.

The Major responded with choked frustration, "It's not an order," he bit. "I want to express my gratitude for all your fight..." he stopped as his eyes trailed over the scabs and blisters that discolored her legs and the smudges of dirt that hid wounds on her arms, that hid wounds of his aching heart. War did not suit a woman of Violet's tender inspiration.

"Let's...  go for a walk."

    For a long while, Violet and the Major molded into the crowd. Violet matched her steps with every one of his. She was about to pass another shop when a glinting emerald jewel caught her attention. It was coiled with ringlets of gold. The Major sensed the absence of her light footsteps and turned to see that wonder had completely captivated her.

"I see your eyes," she marveled. Violet was entranced by the glimmering depths of the beryl brooch. She imagined a heavenly soul encased within its emerald pool. But it wasn't simply the beauty that moved her. It was the same reflection of dark and light greens that gleamed from the Major's very own eyes that made Violet want to cherish her find till the end of time. She would throw herself into any war to liberate those lovely eyes.

The Major watched her nimble fingers caress its polished surface. Violet clutched the brooch with both hands close to her body as if it needed all of her protection.

The shops began closing and the crowds began to ebb when Violet and the Major found themselves once again together in a private world that was just between them.

"Are you sure you didn't want one that matches your eyes?" he said gently.

"Yes," Violet spoke firmly, "This was the most beautiful one."