[closed; chocobo forest date]

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

Characters: Delita, Refia
Progress: Ongoing
Summary: Delita takes Refia to the chocobo forest. Is it a date or not?
Location: Lindblum to Chocobo Forest
Date: June 1804

Realizing it was time to leave for Refia, Delita tied on his cloak pausing only long enough to shake some dirt off the edges. There was no reason for him to be apprehensive concerning this outing as he had already been to the forest multiple times. Yet contrary to his nature, he had spent time fussing over his appearance. Before leaving his room he steeled his nerves in, so as to not betray his feelings to the general populace.

As he approached the agreed upon meeting place, his thoughts dwelled on the ladies that had been in his life: Tietra, Alma, Ovelia, and now Refia. He knew not the importance of this meeting, yet one thing was solidified in his mind - he did not wish the lady Refia to die and he would ensure her safety was paramount.

Comments

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

As he rounded the bend, he spied the young mage leaning against her friend. It was all he could do to keep Ardi from dashing to her side. He discretely murmured to his bird whilst rubbing his nape in the appointed spot. "'Tis understandable friend, my desire remains here as well."

Surprise was evident at the inclusion of the newest member of their band. There would be time later for formal introductions as unbeknowst to himself, he sped his face in the eagerness to reunite with his companion. As soon as the distance closed so that his voice could be heard without trouble, he passed a smile at the thought of simply spending time with this splendid lady.

"'Tis a pleasure to meet with you again this morrow. I hope your wait was not long."

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

Oh dear, if chicobos resulted from this trip Delita would be taking care of them. Not that she didn't love them, but she did have a job she'd neglected far too much lately.

But his sudden appearance - she'd been lost in thought - made her jump and squeak, spinning to face him with her face starting to turn bright pink. She brought up her hands to try and hide it, then stopped herself when they were about halfway up and forced them down again, twisting them in her traveling cloak and carefully not looking at him to avoid blushing even worse.

"No, I-I haven't been here too long, only a few minutes, not very long, so that's- Oh, you haven't met Pollo yet, I brought him back from Conde Petie!" Refia was seizing on anything to distract attention away from her until she could calm down and get used to being around him again, and Pollo made a very good excuse. The little sheep gave a baaaah as well with his always-smiling mouth, looking quite snug in his little box.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

Delita was unconcerned of the prospect of chicobos as he dropped the reigns allowing Ardi the freedom to greet his friend.

It took everything in him not to droop at the sound on Conde Petie. Steeling himself for the inevitable confession, he refused to turn his gaze away from her. "Then allow me to be among the first to bid you good tidings on your joining."

Jealousy pulled at his scarred heart as he awaited the inevitable ache that would follow her declaration.

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

And for all that, Refia was just... absolutely confused at Delita's actions. It actually helped her, because it gave her something to focus on besides her red face, but it was still very strange to hear that phrase. Considering that Conde Petie only forced marriage if someone wanted to go to the Iifa Tree, and she hadn't even tried... Well, Refia had forgotten about that entirely.

"What? Joining? What joining?" If Delita would look at her, he'd see her taking the hood from her hair in order to get a better look at him in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

At Refia's response, Delita turned his head towards the mage ready to speak. His speech was uncharacteristically stifled while he watched her hair cascade down the back of her neck. It took all Delita's strength to perform the mundane task of closing his mouth.

Once he finally regained operations of his facilities, he managed to speak anew to the lady. "Am I to understand by your confusion that the dwarves did not require a marriage for your departure." He was practically standing on his tip toes earnestly waiting for the news with a new hope that perhaps she remained safely available.

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

"Delita? Are you all right?" He wasn't exactly the most outspoken boy she'd ever met (that was still Luneth), but the sudden silence wasn't like him either.

But he finally started talking, although for a moment that didn't help her confusion. "What are- Ohhhhhh." It hit her suddenly, and Refia sighed and shook her head, then looked up at him with a smile. "They only make you do that if you want to go to the Iifa Tree. I didn't want to, so I didn't have to do it - I just visited with the dwarves. They're not like the dwarves at home in looks, but they're very like them in manner. And they're tending the sheep." Pollo baaaah'd again when Reffie leaned over to dig her fingers into the soft fleece, giving him a scratch behind the horns. "It was a very nice visit."

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

Delita finally was able to relax if one is ever able to relax in the presence of a lady such as Refia. A smile immediately appeared upon him as it became apparent that his companion was as of yet available.

Attempting to deflect attention from his suddenly rosy cheeks, he knelt before the new acquaintance holding out his hand for Pollo to check out. "It has been too long since we have met."

Blushing under control, he looked up towards Refia, a fresh sparkle in his eyes. "I have awaited our journey since last we spoke."

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

And once again she blushed, as he looked at her with obvious pleasure on his face that made her heart start beating faster. Refia quickly turned away to hide her red face, wondering when this would just stop happening already so she could have a normal conversation with him! So he didn't think she was ignoring him or hated him, she started giving all of Alfa's tack that one last go-over that was needed before a journey, taking Ardi's reins to hold him out of the way. "Y-Yes, I have, too - I want to see the Forest! A-And everything else along the way, because there's so much in this world and it's all so different and you never know what you'll find-"

Oh dear lord she was babbling again. This was going to be awkward.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

Delita gently took the reins from Refia so she could finish preparations in peace. It was a good thing for her that he was not a talkative man by nature for her ramblings filled the void.

He hopped upon Ardi with a simple question for the maiden, "Do you require any assistance upon our travels? As a gentlemen, he wished that her journey be as easy as possible. "We should arrive upon the Forest by noon should we depart momentarily."

He could only hope that they would escape Lindblum proper before any of the city's eyes and ears were aware of them for his desire to alone with the young lady was great indeed.

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

"No, I'll be fine - I'm used to traveling, especially on chocobo." Indeed, all her equipment was carefully packed and placed to maximize space, like she'd done this several times before. Her bedroll, her rod, a pack of supplies were all hooked to the saddle in addition to Pollo's carrycase.

And with little further preamble, Refia was also pulling herself up into the saddle, with no need for assistance. She clearly wasn't lying about being used to this, and settled into the saddle easily, giving Alfa one last scratch on her crest. "So, what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

And the white mage turned her bird, kicking her into a canter and diving out the gate.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

As Refia headed off, Delita quietly lamented the lost opportunity to assist her in mounting her noble bird. Still, he had to admit that from his vantage point the view was rather wholesome.

Sparing a glance to his own chocobo's intense longing for Alfa spawned a rather opportunistic thought. If Delita could encourage the two birds to take off together, he would gain unimaginable time with the young maiden.

Still he found it rather refreshing that this young lady was unphased and able to properly handle herself.

Spurring Ardi to a canter next to the pair, he turned his attention once more to his companion. "Your hand is proven sure with Alfa once again. With your ability, it may yet be morning whence we arrive."

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

When it came down to it, according to her world, Refia was more boy than girl - which made sense considering she'd been raised by a lone man into a profession where most (but not all) of the practitioners were male. She would have refused that help into the saddle, for example. But she was still a girl at heart - and feminine enough to count in most situations, including on Gaia which seemed to have more room for female expansion.

And she waited for Delita to catch up with her, settling Alfa into an easy loping pace. Delita's words brought a smile and also a light blush to her face; hearing him compliment her nearly sent her dancing, and probably would have if she hadn't been riding. "Alfa's a good bird, and after so much practice at home if I couldn't sleep in the saddle, I'd be worried about myself!" They'd had plenty of airships in their journey, but chocobo was still the preferred ground method easily.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

While Delita was mesmerized by the constant flow of airships, the truth of the matter was he felt more comfortable in the familiar surroundings of the chocobo. Not only was he skilled in riding, it was equally important to him that he need depend on none but himself.

Following more lighthearted small talk and colorful blushing by the himself, Delita spied the familiar descent towards the water and forest. Motioning that the forest of choice was around the next bend, he slowed so as to watch Refia's reaction. It was not often that he was able to share life's small joys, let alone with a woman such as her.

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

Refia didn't notice Delita slowing down as she rose slightly in the stirrups to peer ahead over Alfa's neck and try to get an early glimpse of the forest. And when she did, she wasn't disappointed.

It wasn't exactly like the ones at home, but it was close - small gatherings of trees, grouped together in an unlikely spot, vaguely circular in shape; she thought she spied a flash of tail feathers disappearing inside as well. Refia let out a purely delighted noise, almost a squeak, a smile lighting her face, and she didn't argue Alfa's increase in speed, as if the bird were as eager to arrive as she was.

This was going to be wonderful.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

Delita was still close enough, he and Ardi watching the backsides of the ladies as they bounded forth towards the forest. Patting the chocobo's neck tenderly, he was still close enough to hear Refia's squeak as they came near.

Nudging his bird, he studiously galloped after her in an effort to share in the eagerness she displayed. Truth be told, even still he was enamored by the once legendary Chocobo Forest. The grin on his face growing to a size not seen since his visit with Tietra in Eagrose. He could almost forget the events that followed that day.

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

Refia didn't even pause at the edge; Alfa galloped right into the trees, and Refia didn't rein her in until they were under the canopy. Once there, she didn't dismount right away, instead turning Alfa around in circles in order to see everything she could from a higher angle than she normally did. Pollo let out a baaaaaah of protest at all the spinning, but for the moment her attention was completely occupied.

"I can't believe this! Delita, this is wonderful!" Her face was practically glowing as she looked at the trees around them. Alfa, too, seemed to be quite happy, letting out cheerful kweh!s repeatedly and sort of bouncing on her feet, enough to make her rider have to actually hold on. Not that Refia minded.

"I wish we didn't have to go back so soon!"

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

Delita was pleased to be able to share this magical place with Refia and his smile grew in spite of his struggles to hide it.

He quickly dismounted from Ardi so that he could go play, keeping his eyes glued to Refia. He had not seen such joy upon a friend in ages.

While he knew that it was necessary not only for her but he as well to return to reality in a short while, the desire to drop all his cares for this momentary respite was great indeed.

"It was a welcome surprise to myself to be acquainted with this forest of the chocobos. If it were not necessary to live in the world, then I might find myself setting camp here permanently."

/welcome back Jeff!

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

Again without his assistance, Refia dismounted from her bird, turning to look at him with a smile, one that was even somewhat teasing. "Permanently? Why would you do that, then we'd never see you again!"

But she understood what he meant; this place was amazing, the experience beyond her wildest imagining. Even having been to the chocobo forests in her own world, this one was larger and somehow more... mystical, was the only word she could come up with for it. She really did see the appeal in just staying there for a long time, even though, as he said, the real world was necessary to live.

But that could wait for later. At the moment, they needed to set up camp. Refia turned back to Alfa, holding her head to stop her bouncing all over the place, then began releasing the buckles and straps that held the equipment to her saddle.

/Hoping he didn't misplace Delita

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

Delita stood watching Refia. He had known few ladies as self sufficient as this one. He quickly joined in the chores lest his manhood be upstaged by this woman. Rather than the expected irritation, a certain awe was found in him that she would not allow the bounds of her birth to define herself.

He allowed a tight smile to pass his lips as she spoke with teasing. "I would not think many would mind."

He expediently bushed down Ardi, knowing that the chocobo desire free reign of the forest. Burying himself in the feathers, he off handedly commented. "'Tis more pleasurable sharing this time with you."

/thinks you didn't

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

When it came down to it, Refia's "bounds of birth" had no relation to her actions, because she didn't even know what they were. No ideas about her parents, their names or stations, only that they came from the world below. Takka had raised her as he would a boy, but even at home women weren't held down much as they were elsewhere. It was a quiet life there, but it was one she liked.

And at his first comment, she looked up at him with surprise. "Not many? Delita, anyone missing you is too many people missing you. We're all so uncertain here, we can't just throw people away like that."

She'd lost all her friends since coming here. She'd made others, of course, but part of her - a large part - still wished for her fellow Warriors of Light. And, fortunately for her, Refia had turned back to remove Alfa's saddle when he said that second bit - it meant that she could easily bury her now very red face into the bird's shoulder to hide it. "...Oh? Really?"

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

Some feelings and beliefs run deep into the soul and Delita's sense that the world was concerned for him was rampant. He knew that he had been castoff many years prior. Back home, his worth had been nothing yet this woman continually spoke of his value.

"You find me in agreement that this land is in need of assistance. The uncertainty of our new home brings much trepidation to myself, yet I can but wonder if any would notice my absence."

Satisfied with the progress made towards camp, he looked up into the canopy admiring the sights laid before him. "There are not many who can understand its majesty." He takes a quick peak towards a flock of chocobos. "'Tis enough to share with our friends, but I had never thought to partake with one such as yourself."

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

Wasn't it fortunate for him that Refia came from a world where a person's worth was what they made of it. She was quite used to treating people like people because of that, as were the royals she knew at home.

Alfa warked and turned her head to nudge her mistress with her beak, trying to dislodge her - Refia was practically clinging to the feathers now. "I-I'm not that special, I just like chocobos... We have forest at home but none of them are quite like this..." Except she wasn't looking up, trying to get her rampant blushing under control first so Delita didn't ask any strange questions.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

Yet again, Delita wished that his own land of Ivalice were populated with forests, yet he knew that their existence depended upon the crowd and church being unable to exploit the noble steed. "As I do myself. Not many others could appreciate the splendor here."

Noticing that Refia was still occupied with Alfa, Delita turned his attention towards her. She had spent an inordinate amount of time dressing Alfa down. He could detect no reason for the lengthy delay. "Is all right with you, Refia? I can finish the task should you require a seat." He walked over to her, concern replacing his appreciation.

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

Was that a squeak just then? Did Delita hear it? Possibly, possibly. "No, no, I'm fine! I'm just... making sure she's taken care of." But she couldn't hide it any longer, and Refia finally undid the buckles on the saddle, taking one end in each hand and letting Alfa walk out from under it. She was still blushing, though, and could only hope that Delita didn't see her face before she got it under control.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

Aware of his surroundings, Delita paid meticulous attention to the current state of the woman beside him. Noticing the rampant flush upon the mage's cheek, he chose to remain silent upon the matter, relegating the thought to later musings.

Motioning for Refia to come close and join him, he gestured towards a flock of chicabos under the canopy. "'Tis a sight , I have not seen before."

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

Refia first knelt to place the saddle on the ground, then lifted Pollo from his box and set him on the grass. The little sheep gave another happy 'baaah' before bending to start munching on the nice green shoots like any sheep would. Refia stood and turned to where Delita's hand was gesturing, and her face lit up at the sight.

"Oh! They're so little!" The sheer joy that spread across her face made her blush rush away, and she clapped her hands together in front of her mouth to stop herself from literally letting out a happy squee. "That's adorable!"

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

This caused Delita to relax and allow the cares of the world to soften. It amused even himself to watch the little birds climb on atop the other in game. It allowed him to think back to simpler times, a look of peace upon his face. He could almost forget her death.

"They have no worry."

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

"No... It's like being a child again." Not that Refia was the most grown up of anyone on Gaia, but she'd certainly been through her share of responsibilities in the last two and a half years. Saving the world tended to do that. She crouched on the balls of her feet to rest a hand on Pollo's back, smiling as she watched the chicks bounce around as though they had springs attached to their feet. "It's really nice to see that somewhere in the world."

She was smiling more and more as she watched them.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

It had been a long time since Delita's childhood. Any hope of holding on the innocence of those times was dashed at the untimely murder of his sister. His face stiffened at the thought of his sister, a face he attempted to hide turning his head away.

"'Tis a rare site to see children playing. My desire is to see them enjoy a peaceful time."

Fixating his attention upon the chicks allowed him yet another respite from the harsh reality, with a smile creeping back onto his person with the company beside.

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

Not a very long respite, unfortunately - Refia had turned to say something to him just in time to see him look away, looking unhappy. And of course, she couldn't let it go by.

"Delita? What is it?" she asked, straightening from her crouch, all her attention focused on him now and not the chicks before them. "You look... hard." She couldn't think of another way to say it, though that wasn't precisely the right word for it.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

He was angry at himself for allowing thoughts of Tietra to impact the day before him. He wished he could soften his expression, but all memories of his sister were still hard to bare.

"There is nothing for you to worry about. I was only reminded of the one I am unable to share this day with. 'Tis my hope that my sister will find her way to the peace of this forest."

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

Whatever Delita said, of course Refia was worried. Or not worried, precisely, but she did remember what he'd told her of his sister - how she'd died suddenly, and very recently if his feelings were anything to judge by. Refia's expression slowly fell as the thought of how much he was hurting from that even still crept on her - then she reached for him and slowly took his hand, weaving her fingers in with his.

"She will, if you want her to. You just... have to believe it."

Her gaze didn't turn away from him after she spoke.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

Delita was surprised yet comforted by the sudden response in Refia. The tension in his body slowly dissipated as he felt the warmth of her fingers. Unsure of exactly how to respond, he took a simplistic yet heartfelt approach.

"Thank you."

He gently squeezed her hand if for nothing more than to reassure himself that Refia was still actually next to him.

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

And when he did that, she smiled, widely, very happy at how he'd calmed down. She returned the slight squeeze with her own fingers, and somehow that felt... like a promise, almost.

"She wouldn't want you to be sad forever - she'd want you to live. I think that's what everyone wants for the people they care about."

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

Delita knew that what Refia said was true. He had heard it enough from Ramza, but Ramza was a Beoulve.

He looked down towards the ground, "'Tis easier said than done. I have been taught ever since becoming a Squire that I should protect that people of the Kingdom." It is easy to see the pain that lingers despite the proximity of the white mage. "How can I live so long as they are able to repeat their crimes."

He looks away, not pleased that another afternoon has been tainted by spilled blood.

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

Refia frowned again at that - she wasn't very pleased by this turn of events. This was supposed to be a happy trip, something fun - something just for the two of them. Morbid thoughts had no place here.

She didn't drop his hand, but she did step around so that she was looking him right in the face, that determined tilt to her chin that he'd definitely seen before. "So promise yourself to stop them in the future, every time they try again. You're not a god, Delita - the best you can do is your very best. And I know you'll do your very best to help everyone you can."

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

It was strange the amount of strength he was gaining from the proximity of his friend. It takes everything within to bury the pain from the surface to hopefully salvage the afternoon.

"I have no desire to be a god. I shall endeavor to utilize these thoughts you have given myself."

He manages to replace the frown upon his face with a smile given solely to the one by his side.

[smallmage.livejournal.com]

And that's enough to cause Refia to smile back at him - she can't forget that he was upset, but if he's able to smile, then she can't not.

"That's better. And look - Ardi's chasing Alfa around." She stepped back a little to point off to the side, and it was true - Alfa was trotting around the woods, with the other chocobo in pursuit, both of them looking to be having quite the fun time. It made her giggle a little, though she didn't drop Delita's hand.

"Chocobos are always so... silly."

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

A small chuckle escaped his lips as he turned to watch the frolicking of the chocobos. Some other time he may have been concerned about the closeness but this day he simply allowed them to experience the day in lightness.

"'Tis amazing to watch them relax within the confines of this sanctuary. In my days, I have not seen this silliness before. I am pleased to see him so natural."