Hello, Goodbye

The Butterflies

"That is all I have for you today. Do not forget we will be departing for Lake Teutates tomorrow. You are dismissed." I elbowed Claude and he jerked up. "What? What's wrong?" I laughed at him. "Nothing's wrong silly. You just managed to sleep through lecture that's all." He looked at me almost appalled. "What? Again? I swear I just can't deal with the way this guy talks! Did I miss anything important?" I shook my head and gathered my things. "No, luckily it's all normal stuff. Wanna go get some food?" He nodded excitedly and we made our way to the dinning hall. It was rather full so finding a seat was difficult. We wound up sitting in the far corner with Leonie and Hilda. "So, Thalia. You've been awful close with Prince Dimitri lately. Why don't you tell us what's going on?" I froze instantly. I should have known that was going to happen eventually. It's been three weeks since that day in the  infirmary. Dimitri and I really hadn't talked about it much. We hadn't had the time. I knew he had asked to court me, but not much had been said or done since. 

"Leave the poor girl alone Hilda. She'll tell us when she's ready. Ain't that right Thal?" I nodded happily while I finished my meal. We all talked some and had planned to hang out later that night to talk strategy.  Just as we were about to leave Sylvain walked up to us. "Excuse me, Golden Deer. You're Thalia, right?" I nodded and then he handed me a slip of paper. "I was told to give this to you. Now if you'll excuse me. Can't keep the ladies waiting." They all looked at him as he walked away and the look Leonie wore could have rivaled disgust. "So, Thalia. Who's it from." I giggled before turning away with a pouty look on my face. "I'm not telling. I'm gonna run. I'll see you guys later!" I walked away from them before any of them could say a word. I ran down the stairs, by the pond, and into the greenhouse before I opened the note. The handwriting was so eloquent. As if it took years to write.

Thalia,

I feel as if I owe you an apology. Things have been so hectic as of late. I feel as if I've not gotten to spend near enough time with you. I do hope you can forgive me. I would like to see you before we leave for our respective missions. If you can meet me in the garden. I have some tea I believe you would enjoy.

Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd

I grinned like a kid that had just gotten their favorite candy. I put the note in my bag and ran towards the gardens. I stopped about ten feet away to catch my breath and check to make sure my hair wasn't all over the place. I took a deep breath and opened the gate to the small garden. This was the same garden that I had tea with Hilda before. I could smell the Almyran Pine from a mile away. There in front of me, his back turned to me, stood Dimitri. "Almyran Pine. You know me well Dimitri." He turned to me, a smile gracing his face.  I placed my hand in his now outstretched one and he brought me to my chair. I sat and he pushed me in gently. "If I may be frank. I was honestly scared Sylvain wouldn't give you the note."  He poured us both some tea before he took his seat across from me. 

"Well, he did. But to he honest I'm pretty sure half the girls in my class hate him." He only laughed at this. "I could see why. Sylvain definitely has some questionable characteristics that's for sure. So, Thalia. How have you been?" I smiled while blowing on my tea before taking another sip. "I have been well. But what about you Dimitri? It has been a while since we last talked. How have you been holding up?" He sat his cup down slowly as he tried to gather his words. "About as good as expected. The Kingdom is in such a state right now it's nearly hard to believe. Tomorrow the Blue Lions are going to help suppress a rebellion being led by Lord Lonato. He's Ashe's adopted father. I believe he is handling the news the hardest, but it's been hard on me as well. If only I was of age, I could rule my people and put a stop to this."

I reached over the table and took his hand in mine. "Dimitri stop beating yourself up over this. I hate seeing you upset like this." He pulled my hand to his lips and laid a soft kiss on my knuckles. "My apologies Thalia. I hear your class is going to Lake Teutates this month. Have you heard about the legend surrounding the Lake?" He laid yet another kiss to my knuckles as I shook my head. "They say there is a legendary weapon, who's power rivals the Hero's Relics, there. They call it the Silence Glaive. They say that when the weapons new owner comes they will be put through a series of trials. Not sure how true any of that is though." He placed my hand back on the table and I nodded my head in understanding.

"I see. Sounds like it may be an eventful day. Dimitri... can I be blunt with you?" He looked at me, a small hint of fear in his eyes. "Yes. Of course you can." I stood and turned away from him, heat flooding to my face. "I've missed you. Terribly. I've missed your voice, the way it calms me when I'm scared or afraid. I've missed the way your arms feel as you hold me. I've just missed you. But I can't help but wonder if someone like me even deserves the kindness that you give me. I just..." tears sprung from my eyes as I tried not to shake. A pair of strong arms snaked around me and pulled me into a firm chest.

"I've missed you as well Thalia. More than you know. The only relief I get from those incessant voices is when I'm with you. You're the only one who knows my struggles, and even remotely understands them. Thalia, look at me please." I turned in his arms. He brought one hand to my waist and cupped my face with the other. I leaned into his touch and closed my eyes. Without another thought he closed the distance between us. When his lips touched mine it was like butterflies had been born inside me. They just wouldn't stop fluttering. And personally...that was just fine with me.