The Arcana - Muriel Fanfics!

XVII - The Star

*ughhh sorry I've been lazyyyyy, anywho: I was thinking about how Asra literally gave away a piece of his heart for the MC, and unless it's his route, watches MC fall in love with other people :'((( So even though Val and Muri are gettin' hitched, this one's dedicated to our magic boy Asra <3

Asra sips quietly, watching me serenely from his teacup. I make a face at him. Asra snorts, spraying tea everywhere and spluttering loudly. Nadia raises an eyebrow, but there's an amused spark in her eye.

Sunlight spills into the room, the floor to ceiling windows flung wide open. Gauzy curtains billow in the breeze. Nadia moves to my left, tracing the delicate embroidery on the shoulder of my dress. My wedding dress, I think, feeling breathlessly anxious. Nadia inspects the hems of the dress, and I exhale nervously under her scrutiny. 

It's a lovely, soft thing. The fabric whispers against my skin, the pale green of unripe mulberries. Exquisitely detailed, fine embroidered tendrils curl and twist around the bodice. Blooms of lilac and elderflowers trail up the long sleeves, around my waist and then down the folds to the floor.

Nadia takes a step back, sighing wistfully. "It is exceptional handiwork. I'll have to find the seamstress responsible," she says thoughtfully. "It would seem they are overdue for a promotion." Nadia smiles, resting a hand lightly on my shoulder. "You look beautiful, Valeera. Dear Muriel won't know what heaven you came from, and I'm certain you'll be the most stunning bride in Vesuvia." 

Asra uncurls from his cushion on the floor, moving beside Nadia. While Asra's eyes are usually full of mysterious wisdom, there's something melancholic in his gaze. He smiles, and the sadness is gone. "Do a twirl," he says, making a spinning motion with his hands. I twirl, giggling. The skirts of the dress follow in lazy swirls, a cleverly cut style so that it trails while still leaving my lower shins and feet open. The breeze is cool against my bare toes as I slow to a stop. Whether I'm dizzy from spinning, or from the sheer nervousness of it all, I don't know. 

My fleeting anxiety must show on my face, because Asra takes my hands and gives them a reassuring squeeze. "You'll be fine. You and Muriel both," he adds with a knowing smile. "Just think, if you're nervous, how nervous must he be?" We both smile, and I can just imagine Muriel at home, a blushing, spluttering mess. Nadia chuckles. "Yes, he was in your position yesterday being fitted for his outfit. I can absolutely confirm he was shaking so badly, the seamstress accidently poked him with the needle six times." 

At that, we all burst out laughing, the nerves dissolving. For a moment, I remember to be excited about it. I'm getting married. Muriel loves me, and tomorrow we're getting married. Out of habit, I rest my hand against my abdomen. Nadia's gaze falls to the movement, before she reaches out and rests hers over mine. 

"I truly can't express how happy I am for you two," Nadia says seriously. Asra nods in agreement, speaking quietly. "When you both left to go after Lucio, I was worried at first. The two people I care about most in the world, both chasing danger. But after you came back, I realised something." Asra inhales deeply, and I tilt my head curiously. 

"I realised that no matter what happened out there, you would have been safe. Muriel would have protected you, and you him," Asra says. I feel my heart twist, feel tears in my eyes. The breeze dies down, and even the birds stop singing, as though they're hanging on to every word. "You're both happy. You both need each other, and nothing makes me happier. If you could have anyone in the world, I'm glad you chose Muriel," he says. The melancholy expression slips over his features, despite his small smile. 

Absently, Asra rubs the area over his heart.

Reaching forward, I pull him into a hug. Asra lets out a whoosh of air, eyes wide with surprise, before hugging me back fiercely. "You...you have no idea how much that means to me, Asra. And...and thank you," I say, voice dropping to a whisper. "Without you, I wouldn't be here. We wouldn't be here." Asra shudders, and I swear I can hear him sniffling. 

Pulling apart, I smile sadly at him. Asra smiles back, wiping his eyes. "You do look beautiful, Val. You always have."