ɢᴀʟᴇ (traps) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2016-05-28 14:48:00 |
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The thing about living in rural West Virginia and school being out for the summer (recently, only a few days for the Hawthorne kids so the victory was still fresh) was that it wasn’t like there was a lot to do for the sake of entertainment. Rory knew he would get bored after a week, so he’d already gotten a job at a farm helping out - there were eggs to gather, animals to feed, sheep to wash, and hay to bale. He’d done the same thing last summer, and it wasn’t uncommon to hire kids for farm work as long as the labor laws were followed. But it was extra money so that helped. Entertaining Posy was a whole other bag of worms, though while he was here Gale didn’t mind taking her places and spending time with her - he hardly got to see her at all, living across the country when he wasn’t in training. Ghost towns in West Virginia were also prevalent - places that had once been a hotbed of coal mining, but had been abandoned for one reason or another. He thought they were interesting, with their ivy-covered houses and the ruins you could feel cool drafts from when you walked by - exploring was an adventure anyway, taking the railroad out there and hiking down into their depths, also seeing the coke ovens which sounded weird, but they were remnants once used to render coal into a hotter, purer form. Coal in general was still a thing but there was something about seeing those once-rich veins. It was a part of history. Gale planned to take Leliana, and also to the site of Mothman sightings - it was kind of fun, but Posy wouldn’t go with them for that. Mothman scared the crap out of her. But today he’d planned a day trip on the scenic railroad, all the way up to the highest point in West Virginia which was Bald Knob - okay, the name was also funny, but. The views were incredible and no cell phone coverage was actually nice. There was also no danger of missing the train because, the morning of, Posy opened the door to the room Gale and his girlfriend were sleeping in (not only did they not have the space for separate arrangements, but Hazelle didn’t really care, she wasn’t naive) and jumped on the bed. “Gale! Is Leli gonna do my hair today!” What. He grumbled, rolling over and sticking the pillow over his head. “Posy, it’s like...six in the morning.” Officially O’Dark Thirty, not a soldier’s favorite time of day. Well, fortunate for Posy, the girlfriend in her brother’s bed had been somewhat awake, and wasn’t all that stirred from her grand entrance. The important thing was, Leliana and Gale had class and were in the agreement that tumbling in bed with nothing on was scratched off the list for this trip - and for good reason. Such as surprise, excitable leap onto the mattress from the baby sister. “That I am, Miss Posy,” came a drowsy giggle from the ginger, sitting up. “I might let you do mine, too, this bed hair's atrocious.” Poor Gale, he’d simply have to deal with the two of them chatting it up this early. But really, time was short, and Leliana planned to spend as much time as she could with his family - they’d gotten to know each other through video chats and phone calls, and it was the first time they’d met in person. She would make the most of it. “I’ll work on it after you shower, hm?” Likely, she’d do one of those complex french braid styles for Posy; it would be an adorable look for her. The sun was rising, light peeking through the curtains. No doubt Rory was up already - in fact, he’d probably left for his farm duties not even an hour ago. Hazelle was probably downstairs too, making breakfast. Gale sat up after a minute, giving a good sniff - yep, that was definitely the scent of bacon, anything else was secondary. Though he hoped there’d be cinnamon rolls or orange rolls - he was really craving something gooey, for whatever reason. “Yeah, go take a shower,” his voice was thick and sounded froggy, the sleep still clinging to him just a bit. And for once, he’d slept...decently. Something he tended to do when he was back at his childhood home. “And make sure to bring a jacket for the train ride.” Summer, officially, was about here - but that high up, there were drafts so it could be a little chilly. At the few stops there were places to get hot drinks, cozy places, so Gale was looking forward to that too - it’d just be pleasant overall. Posy, ever excitable, squealed with delight and then bounced off the bed like she was on Gummi juice, running to the bathroom. Gale, however, flopped down onto the mattress. He had sweatpants on that were his pajamas, shirtless, the scars on his back from the dream whipping bleedover still visible - his whole body was riddled with scars, but those were particularly gruesome. Luckily he hadn’t needed to explain them yet. “Five more minutes.” So sleepy, wasn’t he? Leliana would honor the five minutes, then, but only five minutes. “Posy’s just excited,” she smirked, flopping down too. More on him, less on the actual bed, and perhaps she could coax him into the waking world with a couple kisses? Innocent ones that powdered his neck, and that handsomely bare chest of his. Keep it in the pants, Nightingale. Or merely under that camisole she wore as pajamas. Home is where she’d ravish him. A pleasant, comfortable hum buzzed from her throat, and her fingers found a set of scars to softly trace. “If you ask me nicely I’ll do your hair too, if you feel left out.” Not that there was much to work with but if Posy suggested flowers in his hair, then she’d oblige - and was certain Gale couldn’t say no to his little sister. He’d grumble, probably. Grumbling would happen for sure, but no, Gale couldn’t resist Posy’s cuteness. She was a little older than the five-year-old he’d dreamed of, but still just as cheerfully innocent - amazing that something as simple as a grown-up hair design could brighten up her day and give her something to be excited about in the first place. “I don’t know if a French braid would look good on me,” he laughed throatily, giving Leliana’s backside a pat as she sprawled all on him. “But I’m glad you two are bonding.” That was also the quickest shower in the history of cleansing, because Posy was back all fresh and clean, hopping onto the bed again. “I’m ready!” Her hair was shaken out, falling down her shoulders - it was the same color as Gale’s. Each of the siblings had dark hair, olive skin, and those quicksilver eyes, much like it had been in District 12. Most kids from the Seam all had that look about them. “Me next for the shower,” Gale announced, getting up from bed to swipe clothes from his suitcase. “Then we’ll go eat breakfast, and head to the train station - well, once you get your hair done, Posy.” It was priority. Considering it was a full house, Leliana had taken a shower right before bed – she had a feeling everyone would be rushing into it in the morning, and all that was left is to freshen up (with basic morning hygiene included) and dress herself. “And once she helps me pick out something to wear, too,” she chuckled, reaching on the nightstand for a comb and small hair ties. “Go on, you reek of man.” Incoming sunlight helped with the lighting of the room and in her soldier’s absence, she diligently worked on Posy’s head. Her touch was gentle, careful in the scenario the girl had an awfully tender head, but those skilled fingers (and the tip of the comb, too, that was a necessary tool) weaved strands of hair together - two on the side that met in the middle, in a half-up do. Made her seem almost older, and so very ladylike. “There you go,” she finished after several minutes, combing the last tiny knots from those soft tresses. “Look in the mirror and see if you like it?” Posy was just so exciiiiiiiiiited to see the beautiful work of hair art - she checked herself out in the mirror, looking this way and that, from each and every angle. As much as she could without going all Exorcist and executing a 360 spin with her neck, that is. “I love it!” she exclaimed, hugging Leliana, and naturally the girl would help pick her eventual sister-in-law’s outfit for the day. That was also an important task - so she selected leggings, sturdy boots, a breezy shirt, and a cardigan to go over that in case it got cold. Which sometimes it did. When Gale came back into the room, his sister was laying out the chosen clothes carefully. “Leli did a good job, huh? It looks nice, Posy,” he complimented her, and she beamed. “Mom’s making orange rolls too!” she added, bounce bounce bounce, back on the gummi juice as she leaped up and out the door. Huh. Not a terrible selection at all. Posy had good taste. A little fashionista in the making, wasn’t she? Maybe down the road she could recruit her into Shoegasm if the family ever decided they wanted to move closer - and of course, when she was old enough to work. “I don’t understand how that much energy can be inside such a small body,” she grinned, shaking her head. Not that she’d minded; it’d been forever since she was around someone that young, and children had a kind of innocent worldview she liked. “I have a feeling she’s going to burn out later.” Time to put clothes on, though. Gale would be witness to a stripping and re-clothing show, and in a minute she’d escape to the bathroom for some proper hair grooming and teeth brushing. Once those boots were slipped on, which were stylish yet functional for an outdoorsy venture. “Orange rolls, though - I do not think I’m too familiar with that?” Citrusy cinnamon-like rolls, perhaps? “She will be, she’ll be asleep on the train on the way back,” Gale grinned, because he knew the routine pretty well - they’d probably have to carry Posy inside, but maybe it just depended on how much sightseeing they got in and also how much hiking. “And orange rolls are like cinnamon rolls - same dough, but the insides have orange marmalade and brown sugar, and the glaze on top is also orange-flavored.” Then he paused, having to laugh at himself. “I’ve been at the bakery too long.” Damn, he practically sounded professional for a second there - rather than just that guy who plopped cookie dough onto baking sheets. Peeta taught him a few things though, and believed in his skills - it seemed to have paid off. But when they were all set, Leliana would get to taste those orange rolls for herself. Downstairs in the kitchen, Hazelle also had bacon frying and was just taking a carton of eggs out of the fridge. Being that her preschool classes were also out for the summer, she supplemented by working at the library or teaching Sunday school - as far back as Gale could remember, it had been anything to keep busy, and keep generating income. “Help yourselves,” she greeted warmly, then added, “Rory saved orange rolls - I told him not to eat the whole pan. How do you like your eggs, Leliana?” Posy was already at the table, chowing down. Obviously eager to finish so they could get started with their train adventure. It was true - Gale was mastering the craft of baking, meanwhile Leliana could still create an entire blog surrounding her pitiful pinterest fails (she was beginning to think all the food porn on that website was photoshopped, but). It was surprising she’d been able to master the dole whips recipe at all! He’d have to teach her a couple tricks. Or maybe he could take the mantle on of baking while she simply benefited from it, she wouldn’t be too picky. It didn’t take her long to freshen up in the bathroom, add that very light layer of nude makeup for the day. Nothing extravagant; they’d be outdoors anyway, and she’d done her hair loosely to the side. Her hair wasn’t quite the bob it was in the dreams, but she didn’t mind the difference. The kitchen was warm and smelled pleasantly tangy when they came down. Leliana liked the homey feel of it all, too. It was a nice glimpse into Gale’s own childhood. “Ohhh, hm. Sunnyside up, please?” For the yolk, to dip toast into. Usually she didn’t eat much for breakfast but it was a crime not to with all the scents wafting through the kitchen. “Do you need help with anything?” Her question was directed to Hazelle, but she passed Posy to give the girl’s shoulders an affectionate squeeze. Much thanks for the wardrobe selection. “No, nothing at all, you just sit and enjoy,” the dutiful Hawthorne matriarch responded, waving her spatula in Leliana’s general direction. She liked the redhead, already looked at her as a daughter - what she had done for the family by setting up the trust funds for Rory and Posy was something that Gale’s mother would forever be grateful for. Not to mention she’d been shocked when she was told, maybe even cried a little. It was really all the proof she needed, when it came to knowing who was ‘the one’ for her eldest - Leliana knew how much his family meant to him. And now she was simply a part of it. Gale poured himself and Leli some coffee, then popped a couple slices of bread into the toaster - he knew that his lady would want to dip - and selected about three orange rolls plus a side of bacon to nom on. He’d just be off the soldier’s diet for a few days, that should be okay. How could he come home and not eat like a pig, enjoying his mother’s cooking? “Not sure what time we’ll be back,” he said, around a mouthful of food. “Though we might visit Mothman on the way, maybe.” Clearly he was teasing, but the look on Posy’s face. She turned pale as a sheet, the poor girl. It’d be rude not to offer, but no worries. Leliana would insist to at least help with the cleanup. It wouldn’t be fair for her to fatten them up and then take care of the mess all herself afterwards. “You’re so cruel,” she rolled her eyes fondly. Poor Posy, indeed. On her way to to grab the citrusy roll, she flicked Gale behind the ear and reached for her coffee. “We won’t stop by the Mothman, I promise.” The gift of siblings and all the banter that came with it - it must be nice to have, and the bond Gale had with Rory and his sister was strong. She didn’t have any of her own by blood (or if she did, she didn’t know about it?), but she supposed she could consider the two of them hers too. Settled between brother and sister, she nursed her caffeine. “We can always run errands on our way back too, if you want anything specific for dinner?” Leliana wanted to be helpful, don’t deny her this! “Gale needs to awe you all with his newfound baking skillset, too.” They’d all make him their cookie slave. There was no escape, Hawthorne. Sometimes Hazelle wondered what on earth was going on in Orange County (she followed the news reports, you know), but the fact that Gale had taken an interest in baking - and was working with a fellow soldier friend of his - was like icing on the cake for his mother. She thought it was very sweet. “Well, I was planning on making a casserole - one of Posy’s favorites, and I think I have everything except the potatoes. It’s for the chicken and spinach one, Gale - he’ll tell you how many to get,” Hazelle said and ding! There went the toaster, and the eggs were done too - so everything went to the table. “You can make dessert if you want, honey,” she added, patting his cheek. Great. He wasn’t completely awesome but he didn’t suck anymore either - maybe Gale could handle sugar cookies or something. Posy would be able to frost them, even. “We’ll see,” he snorted. “Just don’t laugh if it looks weird.” Which...was probably inevitable. “You’ll have a nice time on the train though, it’s a good trip up the mountain,” his mother added. “Don’t forget the sunscreen - the wind takes it off easier.” Good thing she’d reminded Gale, because windburn hurt like a bitch. Don’t laugh if it looks weird. There was a dirty joke somewhere in there, wasn’t there? Leliana chuckled to herself, working on the orange roll which was delicious, then went to work on demolishing the toast and eggs with her teeth. Neatly, of course. She had manners. “We will pick some up on the way, then,” she promised. And she’d make a note on the sunscreen too - she’d never experienced windburn (in Thedas she had a cowl to cover her face) but if it was anything like the sunburn she’d gleaned from their anniversary (which merely developed into more freckles, not an actual tan, sigh), then...no, let’s avoid that, please. The woes of a ginger complexion. She made sure to eat everything on her plate, which was also impressive for a birdlike eater such as Nightingale who often picked at things there and there, and was more likely to devour a cake slice whole than an actual hot meal. But there was always something different when a mother cooked, wasn’t there? “It willl be nice to be somewhere authentically woodsy for a change, we’ve got access to the beach whenever it tickles our fancy,” she mentioned. “You all have to come visit next time too, the three of you. Apologies in advance for our bizarre zoo, though.” They’d known about it too, the nugs and the ravens, and Miss Tella of course. All which were friendly. The ravens mostly sat and squawked, watching the outdoors with their beady black eyes like guardians - like their chocolate lab, they made impressive alarm systems as well. “I want to see the nugs,” Posy spoke up, because they were so weird - but definitely cute, in the pictures that Gale had shared with the family. He just said they were pig-bunny hybrids, not necessarily mentioning that they’d come from an alternate universe. Maybe he’d tell his family eventually, maybe not - he sort of wanted to protect them from the atrocities of Panem as much as possible. “When can we go visit, mom?” Everything was so much different in California (bizarre bouts of global warming notwithstanding), but Hazelle was all for visiting to get a taste of something not so woodsy on their end - plus, to see the older kids who lived so far away. That was important. “Maybe for Thanksgiving or Christmas,” she speculated. “It gets so cold here. I’m sure Rory and Posy wouldn’t mind a beachy holiday for once.” Except that it tended to snow in Orange County too, for one dream-related reason or another, but Gale wouldn’t mention that now. “Sounds good,” he agreed easily, and had also finished everything on his plate (as if there was any doubt). But right, subject change. Away from explaining the OC. “Well, you guys ready?” Cleanup didn’t take long either, not with everyone pitching in. Hazelle would probably head to the library after this, and Gale had the rental car to do whatever he wanted with - Posy was already running for the door. Their home did have its bouts of dangerous oddness, some more noticeable than others - apparently there were stormtroopers, whatever those were, being vomited from Disney and there was war? Leliana hadn’t noticed. But perhaps she could ask Zee to somehow scry for any future disasters if it was possible. Last thing she wanted to do was to have everyone there while the apocalypse ran amuck again. Maker’s breath. Soon as her hands were dried from making sure the kitchen was spared from the mess created, she’d made sure they had everything they needed (sunscreen included) before getting into the car. “Make sure to buckle in too,” she told Posy. “Your brother gets somewhat...road-ragey at times.” A comforting pat-pat to her sometimes temperamental bea. Leliana was excited, though - she did like the outdoors, but that came enforced when dreaming about a medieval world where camping was the norm. This state had a lovely natural landscape. “It’s not my fault people can’t drive,” Gale grumbled, but it was true, he really did give into the road rage on occasion - angry cat that he was. That just couldn’t be helped. A few soothing pets and words from his soft and cuddly former assassin did the trick at tempering his fire in general, though. The exchange made Posy giggle, and she did buckle up - safety first! Not that there were even many cars on the road regardless. The advantages of living in the middle of nowhere. Once they got on the train, no one would have to worry about Gale behind the wheel anyway. And their trip was due to be of the longer variety, so they’d have plenty of time to enjoy all the scenery and the natural beauty of the mountain. The cars on the train were open, however, so that meant the wind and the cold passed through easily - even being by the engine didn’t necessarily guarantee heat; good thing they all had their layers, and also the sunscreen on noses and cheeks to prevent uncomfortable face-burns as they climbed higher and higher in the old-fashioned locomotive. The oldest one was from the year 1905, even. Smoke, steam, crossbuck signs - Posy was entranced by it all, as she watched the scenery pass by when the train curved around a mountain ridge. “It’s so pretty,” she sighed. Gale thought her pensive mood was kinda cute, and flicked at wisps of hair that had fallen free from her fancy braid. “How are you hanging in there?” he asked Leliana, scooting closer to give her a kiss on the tip of her (windburn free, so far, knock on wood) nose. Well, this was an interesting experience. Leliana had been in trains but none of them open - now more than ever she was thankful for Hazelle’s suggestion, and there was also the use of sunglasses so she wouldn’t get all squinty-eyed from the wind. But the air was nice to breathe in, and view of foliage (that also still had a bit of orange to them in some spots, which was nice to see) and bark and mountainside was breathtaking. Relaxing, too, even with the nosiness of their transportation. “Mostly fending off a food coma,” she said, nose giving a rabbit’s twitch at the kiss. “Compliments to your mother’s cooking.” Especially those orange rolls, mmmm. It was a little chilly, and she’d cozied up to Gale and his muscles for warmth. It also brought her closer to the tiniest human of the three. There was reach to tickle Posy’s side to capture her attention and break her away from that whimsical stare she had. “What about you, hm?” Looks like she’d calmed down from this morning’s hyperactivity, but this kind of scenery would do that to you. “Anything you’re interested in doing while we’re up here?” Leliana would let the natives give her the tour, of course! “Hot chocolate!” The littlest Hawthorne was grinning, leaning over to watch - the wavy track that made up this terrain tended to keep the train’s engineer on their toes, especially the horseshoe-shaped curves, which they were rounding about at the moment. She wanted to get a good view of the gears rotating as the train slowly made its way around that curve. Plus see the smoke, and hear the whistle. Choo-choo! “There’s a shack where we can get some, they have drinks,” she explained, and alright, Gale could go for something hot to drink too. He checked the schedule that they’d been given, along with a map of the route. “We’re due for a stop to look around anyway,” he said, both arms moving around Leliana to keep her warm and tuck her against his side. “Are you thirsty?” To be that little and excited about the simplest things, no? If Posy wanted hot chocolate, then hot chocolate she’d get. “Hot drinks in the summer,” she sounded amused, but it was nice to be somewhere in the states that experienced the varying degrees of the seasons. California was mostly summer and spring, and one month of a wintry wonderland (seemingly isolated to Orange County around the same time every year). “Sure, though. I’m good with one, too.” Something sweet and warm to sip on during their little locomotive adventure up in the mountains. It was also nice to be in a place where their time wouldn’t be disturbed by some freak occurrence. No anxiety when it came to rabid monkeys or tidal waves hitting them, thank the Maker - guess that’d be reserved if the Hawthorne family trekked to the west coast to pay them a visit. Once the wheels screeched to a halt against the tracks, they could scootch off for their little snack and beverage break. “You know,” Leliana began with a grin, arm wrapped around one of Gale’s. “When we’re old and walking with canes, we should retire out here.” Hopefully they wouldn’t trip on a rock and break their hip, but it was a nice area. Very relaxing. “It’s not a bad place to retire,” he agreed, as the train began to slow to a stop - and really, the shack wasn’t much to look at, but it was smack dab in the middle of nature and family-run. Whoever set it up was doing well with the business, since there were always travelers who needed something hot to drink, or even cold - during those times in summer when you actually did feel the heat. But overall, the seasons were nice in West Virginia. Brutal winters, every other season pleasant enough to make up for that. “We could though, we’d have our own cabin in the middle of nowhere. Maybe the grandkids will visit occasionally.” The thought made Gale chuckle. Off the train and into the shack, with a few other patrons who decided to go for the drinks too - others took their cameras and went looking around, poking about while the train was stationary. Gale handed Posy enough cash to get what she wanted (clearly, the hot chocolate) and told her to get both he and Leli one too, while they found a place to sit. He was just about to select a bench right outside the doors when Posy came back carrying a drink holder with three cups. “Gale!” She was trying to keep her voice down but it wasn’t going so well. “I gave you some time alone, did you ask Leli to marry you yet??” Oh my fuck--- “Posy,” he groaned, looking up to the clear blue sky. Why have you forsaken me. “But I thought you brought the ring with you!!” Great, now everyone was staring. Huh. Good thing Posy hadn’t passed out the drinks for consumption. Probably for Gale’s sake; he might have either choked or spit it out. Leliana didn’t seem to care for the spectators much, though. A little hard to focus on them when there was talk about marriage (and a ring?) that hung in the air. Little Hawthorne looked like a deer caught in headlights, and Biggest Hawthorne looked like he could melt into the bench and blink away from existence itself. Oh, dear. Stifling a chuckle with a bite of her lip, she motioned the little sister over. It was alright, it really was. “I don’t think he has to really ask me, Posy,” she said, the ghost of an accent wrapped around her words. Leliana clamped a hand over his knee, leaning in to kiss Gale’s cheek with a smirk. “He knows the answer is yes.” In case he’d had any doubts. They’d danced on the precipice of losing themselves in a world of cloaks and daggers, yet they had reeled each other back. A life like that would end in loss and blood, and it wasn’t worth risking moments like these - high in the mountains, surrounded by nature, and with her soldier’s sister honking in on his proposal adorably. Gale had turned cherry red by this point, because maybe he’d brought the box with him and maybe there was a ring inside, and maybe he was hoping to present it at the opportune moment during this trip - but he just wasn’t sure when that would be. Apparently it was going to be right the fuck now. “Even so,” he laughed nervously, shaking his head. Posy’s smile was as bright and cheerful as the sun, clutching the drinks to her chest as she watched her brother rummage in his pocket and take out the small box. “I thought...I’d maybe try to make it special. So...will you marry me, Leliana?” He flipped open the box and held it out, and nestled in there wasn’t any typical diamond ring. It was white gold, the design intertwined and forged to form a lover’s knot at the top - in the very center, that was a deep turquoise colored stone, an apatite. The lover’s knot was really kind of a Naval thing, or it had started off that way - but Gale liked the meaning behind it, that they were intertwined and would always come home to each other in the end. It was a symbol of overcoming obstacles, and at this point? They’d hurtled over many. Wouldn’t be the last of them, but now they’d be bound together and would face those obstacles together too. They’d talked about it, didn’t they? Over their anniversary getaway, but the thought had been contemplated Valentine’s Day when he gifted her the polished tags. It was something she didn’t take off, hardly ever - she was wearing them now, tucked underneath her blouse (to keep the wind from getting it tangled with her hair, really). Leliana’s mind had been made up for a long while now, when it came to wanting to spend the rest of her life with her hardened soldier. “You know I would marry you right now if we hadn’t agreed to not elope,” she smiled, a brow raised, but her look was happy - the ring was gorgeous, fitting for the both of them. Maybe Posy might have spoken too soon, but there was nothing as special like having the one person who was possibly more excited about them that they were witnessing, no? Her arms went around him, and she pulled the giant man over for a kiss on the lips. “That is a yes, in case you wanted a clearer answer.” Not that Gale was worried she’d say no, but the affirmative answer was always good to hear. “Right, I think we should probably plan a few things first - especially to avoid the wrath of my mom,” he grinned against Leliana’s mouth, returning the kiss - and this naturally elicited a few awwwwwww’s from the onlookers, who found the scene to be romantic. Geez. “That means you get to be my sister!” Posy was excited too, practically hopping up and down with joy. She even managed to not spill any hot chocolate, which was an impressive feat. Now, the ring where it belonged - he slid it onto the correct finger, pleased that it fit and just looked so nice there. It fit perfectly, and simply looked like it belonged there - he really did choose well, didn’t he? Leliana loved it, and also couldn’t wait to do the girl thing (because she was a romantic, deep down buried beneath the urges of murder) and show people. Like her baby bird, who’d be the first of friends to know when they flew back to their little pothole of emotional turmoil and supernatural hiccups. “Je t'aime,” she whispered, nose to nose for an eskimo kiss before breaking away. Mostly because Posy needed a little help unloading that tray of drinks, hm? One for her, one for the fiance, and the third for the smallest Hawthorne. “Let’s take these before they get accidentally spilled in excitement, but,” a quick laugh, “yes, we’ll be sisters. Two against two now, no? We evened the odds against Gale and Rory.” There were a few French phrases that Gale knew. Important ones - eventually, he’d learn even more. He murmured back a je t’aime aussi, with a smile, giving Leliana a brief kiss on the tip of her nose after he’d nuzzled her back because he was kind of a sucker for it too (deep down, buried beneath the military strategist with a very ruthless side to him). “And you have mom on your side too, so me and Rory are outnumbered,” he chuckled. But, alright, hot chocolate and a stroll around before they had to get back on the train. Being up here in the mountains was so freeing in a way, even just breathing in all that fresh air - no need to be worried about much of anything at all, not with so much joy around them and also the promise of even more to come. Ah, true! Strength by numbers. Slinking an arm through his, she used that hand to hold her hot chocolate, and the other, free, splayed against Posy’s back. “It’s a woman’s world,” Leliana teased, and the rest of the day could be enjoy with a bit more pep with the news. “Maybe once we get back, Posy can be the bearer of news for your mother?” Considering she could barely hold her excitement before the question was popped, Andraste bless her precious heart, so it’d only be fitting - besides, she was beaming like she’d downed an entire bottle of that gummi juice. Why rob her from the excitement? “Sure, sounds good - “ And speaking of the gummi juice-tainted little sister, she decided to go forth and frolic a little bit ahead, probably going to pick flowers and make a crown or weave them in the braid in her hair. There were all sorts of wildflowers growing around here, maybe even some pink orchids (was it the right time of year for those?), and one of Posy’s favorite parts of spending time outdoors was picking pretty flowers. “And you can tell everyone you got proposed to on Bald Knob,” Gale added, laughing. So romantic. Well, it actually sort of was. Good job, Hawthorne - it made for a memorable story for all time, their lives filled with those anyway given where they lived. This just added to the mix of happy ones, which he was glad for. They could always use more of those. |