From the Heavens (Final Fantasy XVI)

𖥸 XXII 𖥸

|| Port Isolde ||
|| Southwestern Rosaria ||

"Come in, come in!" Lord Byron enthusiastically urged the woman into a room with a large fireplace.

When the door closed behind them, Lyra bowed politely. "Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Byron."

The man smiled from ear to ear. "It truly is you, Lady Edelweiss. I remember that hair and those eyes from anywhere. Oh, how your father would be mesmerized at how beautiful his daughter has become..." He cleared his throat. "It is also hard to forget the girl my dear nephew is fond of. Those little glances of his gave away his true feelings when you last visited with him all those years ago."

She giggled. "It seems everyone was aware of his feelings except for myself."

"He was clearly distraught when we spoke earlier. Shall I fetch him for you, my dear?" Lord Byron offered.

"If it is not too much trouble."

"Not at all! Wait here. I'll return with him shortly."

Lyra watched the man leave before wandering over to the window. She gazed up at the glistening moon that peeked through the dense clouds. Its brilliance graced the port with what little light that could pass through the gray clouds. Her thoughts ran back to what Indra said and felt anger bubbling in her veins. She clenched her fists, only to unclench them moments later at the sound of heavy footsteps rushing down the corridor outside the room.

"Slow down, boy!" She heard Lord Byron shout. "She's not going to disappear into thin air!"

She found herself smirking in amusement. "You'd be surprised, my lord..."

Even though she was looking at the door, it still startled her when it suddenly opened. She jumped a little before smiling at the man she had caused such distraught. From his expression, she could see a mix of relief and desire. She was about to say how much she missed him but found herself being engulfed in a warm hug.

He clung to her as if she would disappear if he let go even for a second. "Thank the Founder..." he whispered.

She wound her arms around his torso. "I'm sorry for worrying you."

"How many more heart attacks must you give me before you are satisfied?" he teased.

She laughed at his question. "You're quite sturdy and can handle it. After all, you will most likely have more before all of this is over with." Her cheerful demeanor shattered as she told him about what happened. "I did not go willingly with Indra, but it allowed me to speak with him. What he said was...disturbing, to say the least."

Lord Byron cleared his throat to draw their attention. Realizing he was still there, the couple was slightly embarrassed. They pulled away from each other.

"F-Forgive us, Lord Byron," Lyra said.

Lord Byron grinned. "Nonsense, my dear! You both are joyous to be back in each other's arms! I could not fault you for that. Though, I would recommend the spare room if you wish to continue."

Clive sighed. "Uncle..."

The lord guffawed. "Go on, nephew. Take your lady to your room!"

Lyra turned bashful as she covered her face with her hands. "By the Heavens..."

Knowing his uncle was insistent, Clive gently took one of her hands and pulled it away from her face. "Come on."

She nodded and allowed him to escort her to the spare room Lord Byron lent him for the night. When they entered the room, she was taken aback.