Trails of Intertwined Stars: Chapter 74 {Part 1}

~Chapter 56: Happiness~

Jiu woke early the next morning, determined to not let Leora rot in some pointless home if Henry and her family did not care for her outcome in such a dreary place. He knocked gently on the door at six in the morning and found Leora practically immediately opened the door; surprised. He was shocked to find her already dressed in a typical Victorian frock; basic to not outdo the bride, but pretty with its lace, and in such a shape to compliment her figure.
"Jiu," Leora tilted her head, confused, before smiling softly," Good morning."
"Good morning to you too, Leora," Jiu blushed ever so slightly.
"What brings you to my room so early? You know, it's rather improper of you," She giggled.
"Forgive me," Jiu inclined his head, smiling," I thought today was such a lovely day. Perhaps you should like to leave the manor together?"
Leora blinked in shock; her voice grew weaker and meager.
"Jiu...we spoke of this before..."
"I know we did, but I cannot help but feel this house is taking its toll on you. You look miserable, Leora. I think perhaps going out for the day would do you good."
Leora took a deep breath, thinking about it. Jiu knew exactly what she was thinking. It would be a good way to state her revenge and enjoy herself. After a moment, Leora nodded, smiling.

"Fine," She giggled," I shall join you."
The corners of Jiu's eyes crinkled slightly as he couldn't help but smile at her response. With a swift manner, he bowed and held out his hand. Leora blushed slightly. She hesitated, before her hand found its way into his palm. With an elegant flourish, Jiu kissed it softly, before straightening up with a charming sort of smile.
"Then, we mustn't waste anymore time."

In the morning, the two found themselves going on a boating trip down the river. Leora ran excitedly ahead in the forest, trying to not get caught on the stray branches. As soon as she reached the small pier, she turned around; bright eyed, waiting for Jiu. Jiu emerged from the trees, chuckling, a picnic basket tucked under his arm. He helped Leora into the shaky, little boat; before getting in himself and starting to row. Leora smiled softly, watching him from under the comfort of a parasol that matched her pink frock, which she twirled between her fingers.
"You're rather good at that," Leora smiled.
Jiu chuckled, focusing on rowing," I should hope so. There have been many times I've had to use boats to escape or enter conflict."
"I'm still not sure where you're taking me on this adorable boat," Leora sighed, fondly.
"It's a surprise. I hear you like those?"
Leora beamed," Quite."

Jiu rowed the boat into a small little island in the middle of the river, with a large green tree in the middle. He tied the boat on one of the pier posts, before helping Leora out. There, they set up the picnic blanket under the tree; settling against it, with their backs pressed against the firm trunk. They had a small break with snacks and drinks, before Jiu retrieved the book he'd been reading in the little parlour to read. Leora peered over at it, interested.
"What is that?"
"A fairytale," Jiu smiled, softly," I thought I should read it to you, after all, you like these sorts of tales, no?"
Leora's gaze softened and she beamed," Quite!"
Jiu started to read the story, under the comfort of the large tree in the centre of the river; casting a gorgeous light on them, and leaving the weather a comforting summer warm, but with a fond breeze. Leora listened to the story, shuffling closer. She rested against him, leaning her head on his shoulder and placing her hand on his chest as she stared at the words. Jiu couldn't help but blush a little, but did not dare to push her away, not even for a moment.

Once they'd read the whole fable, they took the boat and went to an archery event the little neighbouring town was holding. Jiu went first, managing to hit each arrow into the bullseye without breaking a sweat. Leora watched, amazed, clapping her hands each time he did.
Jiu glanced around, holding the bow," Your turn now."
Leora blinked in shock," My...go...?"
Jiu chuckled, ushering her over," You'd be surprised how easy it is. Don't be shy. Here, I'll show you, alright?"
The general guided her hands to clasp the bow properly; whispering instructions and reassurance into her ear. Leora felt heat rise to her cheeks, struggling to only focus on the instructions.
"Pull your arm back straight, like so..." Jiu guided her, softly.
He gently let go, letting her do the first shot on her own. Leora squinted before letting go, the arrow soaring and hitting the outer bull.
Jiu grinned, clapping his hands," A wonderful first shot!"
Leora couldn't help but grin in response at the praise, curtseying.
"See?" Jiu smiled, warmly," I told you it wasn't so hard once you knew the basics."
"Quite!" Leora laughed, softly.

As it turned to the afternoon, Jiu hired a carriage to take them back to the manor. It was the first time in years that Leora had gone on a carriage, let alone travel through the English countryside. Jiu sat, beckoning the horse to trot along the wide country path back to the manor. Leora's eyes shone, sat so close their legs touched, glancing around at the fields with wide eyes.
"The fields look much prettier in person than at the window," Leora gasped in awe.
Jiu chuckled," They do, don't they? You can hardly tell there's human life nearby, can you?"
"You really can't..." Leora smiled," I love it that way. Untouched by humans."
"Well," Jiu shrugged, snapping the reigns in the process," Aside from the obvious farming, of course."
Leora laughed, softly. She glanced off into the distance once more, smiling to herself.
"I enjoyed today, Jiu...more than you can ever imagine..." Leora sighed, content," How I wish I could spend every day as happy as this. Is this a weird thing to be happy about?"
Jiu shook his head," Not really, after all, happiness is whatever you want it to be. It can be something as small as this. This, too, has made me really happy, Leora."
Leora beamed," I'm glad."

Jiu bit his lip, nervously, before gently pulling a ring. The ring was a gorgeous silver, with a beautiful pale blue gem carved in.
"Leora..." Jiu whispered, to get her attention.
Leora's gaze left the countryside, looking at him with an innocent smile," Yes?"
Jiu gently took her hand, sliding the ring onto her index finger with a gentle sort of reverence. Leora stared at in shock, before a bright smile covered her face.
"Jiu... it's so beautiful..." She whispered, marvelling at the ring.
"I'm glad you feel that way," Jiu smiled, softly, snapping the reigns once more," Edward told me you loved that blueish shade for gems."
Leora giggled, nodding," Quite."
The girl couldn't help but rest her head against his chest, staring at the ring on her finger as she pressed that hand against his chest. Jiu smiled to himself, wishing that moment would never end.