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[darkestbefore]

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[futhark]

[ He's aware that the tree he decided to sit on is lush with leaves and probably hides him well. So when Yona comes into view he makes a long whistle— once, twice. Not unlike the mothbirds that made their homes in cottages gardens ]

[darkestbefore]

[ Maybe not unlike the mothbirds, but her ears can still pick up the subtle difference. Smiling, she turns her gaze in that direction, coming to stand under his tree. ]

I think your birdcall still needs a little work.

[futhark]

I'll get there, I practice daily. [ Cu lets out a chuckle he so valiantly held at bay ] Come, join me.

[ He extends his hand to her, to help with climbing the tree, like a proper knight that he is. (he isn't) ]

[darkestbefore]

[ She looks at him askance for a moment - climbing trees? Really? But then again, this is Caster, so she just laughs and shrugs, because what the hell.

Reaching up, she latches onto his fingers and lets him help pull her up beside him - even though it's no doubt a little clumsy. She hasn't climbed trees since she was a small child. ]

Why are we hanging out in a tree, Cu?

[futhark]

Our houses are rather crowded, and I can't really whisk you away somewhere farther... [ Teleporting isn't a spell he's tried to learn, and transmuting oneself to gain wings is a longer project to get a grasp at.

Trees meanwhile, offer some privacy. Also, they're just fun to climb, it gives the conversation this whole air of secrecy. ] I wanted to talk to you. Something regarding the Lúnasa—

[darkestbefore]

[ He's never had a problem whisking her the normal way. But she just smiles as she lets him pull her up. And then wobbles a bit, because a tree-climbing expert she is not. Her balance a little shakey, she ends up reaching to brace herself against his chest as she tries to find the best way to support herself up here. ]

Lúnasa? That's the holiday that's approaching, is it not?

[ She hadn't had a chance to look into that much yet, so she knows very little about it. ]

[futhark]

[ Cú doesn't let go of her as Yona climbs, and now that she's up here, he puts an arm around her, holding her securely. The warmth of fire witch radiating in already warm weather, sometimes it's a downside... ]

Indeed. It used to be the celebratory beginning of harvest season back when I come from. [ And the sacred day of Lugh ] Here it focuses more on celebrating bonds... and Bonds.

[ He's going somewhere with this ]

[darkestbefore]

[ She might be getting a hint of that, but she just plays along for the moment. ]

Ahh, I see! A worthy thing to be celebrating. Are you and Archer going to be doing something special?

[ Teasing him, with a knowing glint in her eye. She enjoys watching the pair of them together, feeling the warm ebb and flow of their thoughts and emotions. The Bond that connects them both is a strong one. ]

[futhark]

[ There was a plan to approach it, from step A to B, suave and all— then she turns tables on him and Caster almost stutters ]

I— we, yeah— [ There he chuffs out a laugh. ] Renewing the vows, is part of the celebration, and it's been exactly a year.

[ They did Bond on Lunasa, and that's a part that he can use to get back on track. ]

They say Bonds forged on Lùnasa are lucky and strong [ It's half-half because he also Bonded with Lex then... and she's gone now ]

[darkestbefore]

[ It's not often that she gets an opportunity to trip him up verbally. Making him stumble, off-balance. It's rather fun when it happens and she might be enjoying it a little too much.

But she just smiles, resting against the secure weight of his arm as she crosses her own arms to lean against his chest. ]

I think that sounds wonderful. I'm sure Archer will be delighted to celebrate a year of your Bond in this way. Your connection is certainly strong, and another luck-blessed year is something you both deserve.

[futhark]

[ That is not wrong. It did grow into something unexpected, stronger, and secure. Two opposites, yet they found balance in the middle. He sounds wistful when he gives in into her teasing. ]

Hard ground makes for stronger roots— [ The difficulties are not something to avoid. They're what gives one's shape. Living, and growing, a chance for something neither of them would ever expect. ] I cherish the year we had, and we shall celebrate with greatness

[ Just don't tell Archer ]

But aside for renewing the vows, Lùnasa is a time to forge new Bonds. That brings us to you.

[darkestbefore]

[ She feels a flutter of nerves, still hesitant to push in here, even though she's loved these past few months with them. She only hopes they're feeling the same. ]

Oh? What were you thinking?

[ Look at that, you're back to Step B after all. ]

[futhark]

Tailors and jewelry makers go wild during Lùnasa. [ Hell, even with Archer working mostly as a blacksmith, not full-time jeweler, he gets a surprising amount of commissions for trinkets, necklaces, and bracelets ]

I was thinking you'd look breathtaking in Bonding clothing.

[darkestbefore]

[ There's a faint flush on her cheeks at that as she leans back against the branch, but there's still laughter dancing in her gaze. ]

I've been helping to model some of the artists' clothing. Perhaps you'll get to see me trying some on.

[ That was totally what you meant, right?

Yes, Cu, she's gonna make you ask her directly. ]

[futhark]

I'd like that.

[ Ahh, she's getting it. She's getting where he's going. Through to be told, for the longest time he thought his job is to make sure Yona and Archer eventually Bond. She got through this man's shell and that's already an achievement, and with their Bond in place, he thought he understood the dragon's feelings.

But maybe he's selfish, or maybe it's part of the cherishing what is here and what is now. Eventually, he realized the idea to just steer these two and stay on the sidelines isn't the one that he yearns for. ]

On a proper ceremony. With all the celebration and fanfare Lúnasa brings to it. For that is something worth celebrating— [ There's a melodic aspect to his tone, along with a wistful candor ] Yona, would you Bond with me? Under the Full Moons and summer's sun.

[darkestbefore]

[ She goes still at his words, her eyes widening slightly when he offers his proposal. That had slipped from his lips much sooner than she'd anticipated. She'd fully expected him to dance around or evade until she had to literally drag it from him. Or dare him.

But then her gaze softens and her cheeks flush a little and a moment later she's throwing her arms around his neck, wobbling slightly before she finds her balance against him, and hugs him tightly. ]

There is nothing I'd like more.

[futhark]

...! [ As much as he enjoys the game, the hints, and riddles— it's like with songs and dance, you have the know the right moment to improvise quickly with a changing tide.

The suddenness of the embrace is what he does not expect, the trunk of the tree slipping dangerously— but his hand finds firm support, while the others hold Yona closely. ]

So be it! [ His joy and exhilaration openly exclaimed ] There has never been a better time than now.

[darkestbefore]

[ She laughs at his exuberance, her own eyes bright with affection as she rests against him, secure in his hold. ]

And here I thought you were going to lead me on a merry chase before I convinced you of it.

[futhark]

Oh, that was the plan! [ Sure, he admits to it. As he slowly runs hand through her hair, as if testing if that's allowed ] But you gave me a good opening, and it would be a shame to waste it—

[ Improvisation, hell yes! ]

[darkestbefore]

[ It is allowed. She even leans into that touch with a fond smile, eyes fluttering closed in enjoyment for a moment. ]

Mmm, I see. So I've foiled your plan, have I? I feel rather accomplished at that.

[futhark]

[ So his touch grows bold, as he rolls a strand of red hair around his finger. ]

And I took away your chance to convince me. A pair of rascals we are.

[darkestbefore]

[ She just smiles as he plays with her hair, content to stay right as she is, braced against his chest, her hands resting against his collarbone. ]

I don't mind the loss of having to convince you. I feared you would just turn me down gently. Or end up feeling obligated, which would be even worse.

[futhark]

[ All normal and valid fears. Not to mention being unbonded as a Witch tends to... exaggerate this kind of doubts. ]

I understand, but just so that you know— I'd never turn you down, Yona.

[darkestbefore]

[ She reaches a hand up to gently flick the tip of his nose. ]

That's what I was worried about. I don't want you to feel like you have to agree.

[futhark]

[ A gently raised hand.... for a flick. Congrats on a short stun it induced. He makes a small grimace ]

I'm not doing it because I have to, but because I want to.

[ Though she isn't wrong that there are things he treated very seriously, oaths, loyalty, that kind of thing. It often made him do things he didn't want to do— ]