[It's not just the kisses, it's the laughter, too, and as Clive gives in to unbridled joy, Jill's heart swells with anticipation of many moments just like this one as they embark upon this new journey together. A journey of freedom. Of ease. Of coming to know happiness as something other than a luxury.
She can't help but laugh herself at Ambrosia's enthusiastic flapping, though her focus is divided between the reunion and the cabriolet, so perfectly decorated that she can't stop staring. Their lives have, for the most part, been a series of big things, and she's liking this new normal where they get to partake of the little ones instead.
It's beautiful. Clive's beautiful. The night has been beautiful.
When Clive asks Ambrosia his question, Jill's smile grows a bit mischievous.]
A few days ago. Joshua's been minding her in the meantime. I've never kept a secret so difficult before. Every time Torgal tried to drag you away, I was sure he meant to guide you to Ambrosia.
[Jill has always been patient. She can, of course, wait a few extra moments for Clive to get settled before sparing the basket more than an eager glance, but still she finds herself feeling a little antsy, a little eager. Once their carriage is in proper motion, she leans to give him a kiss on the cheek, says her thanks, then begins working the ribbon loose with her free hand.
She doesn't need to lift the lid; as soon as the ribbon is loose enough, a fluffy snow leopard kitten does it for her, its blue eyes wide with recognition. It takes Jill a bit of time to catch on to who, exactly, is looking up at her now, but when the kitten lifts itself to place her paws on Jill's shoulders, then gives her a kiss on the nose – a heartbreakingly familiar gesture – Jill knows what Clive's done. She knows what the magic here has done. A quick examination of the kitten's collar only confirms it: this is Gnistre, the kitten she'd had to leave behind when she was taken from the North, no older that she was when Jill last saw her.
Speechless, all she can say is:]
Clive...
[Gnistre keeps trying to lick Jill's face, but Jill holds her back, staring at her like she can't believe she's real.]
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She can't help but laugh herself at Ambrosia's enthusiastic flapping, though her focus is divided between the reunion and the cabriolet, so perfectly decorated that she can't stop staring. Their lives have, for the most part, been a series of big things, and she's liking this new normal where they get to partake of the little ones instead.
It's beautiful. Clive's beautiful. The night has been beautiful.
When Clive asks Ambrosia his question, Jill's smile grows a bit mischievous.]
A few days ago. Joshua's been minding her in the meantime. I've never kept a secret so difficult before. Every time Torgal tried to drag you away, I was sure he meant to guide you to Ambrosia.
[Jill has always been patient. She can, of course, wait a few extra moments for Clive to get settled before sparing the basket more than an eager glance, but still she finds herself feeling a little antsy, a little eager. Once their carriage is in proper motion, she leans to give him a kiss on the cheek, says her thanks, then begins working the ribbon loose with her free hand.
She doesn't need to lift the lid; as soon as the ribbon is loose enough, a fluffy snow leopard kitten does it for her, its blue eyes wide with recognition. It takes Jill a bit of time to catch on to who, exactly, is looking up at her now, but when the kitten lifts itself to place her paws on Jill's shoulders, then gives her a kiss on the nose – a heartbreakingly familiar gesture – Jill knows what Clive's done. She knows what the magic here has done. A quick examination of the kitten's collar only confirms it: this is Gnistre, the kitten she'd had to leave behind when she was taken from the North, no older that she was when Jill last saw her.
Speechless, all she can say is:]
Clive...
[Gnistre keeps trying to lick Jill's face, but Jill holds her back, staring at her like she can't believe she's real.]