witchesreign | saturday morning to monday afternoon

[There's a special guest in for the weekend, someone whom a few particular SeeD haven't seen in what's been decades. Cid was sneaky about it and made sure to keep her visit under wraps in hopes of giving them a wonderful surprise; he's certain they'll enjoy their time with her.

And while the secrecy of her visit is in part due to the fact that Cid wants to surprise those who are close to her, it is also in part that he doesn't want to alarm those who might have read about the infamous Sorceress Edea within their history textbooks, the once sorceress who had been possessed by Ultimecia herself. While she no longer possess the powers of sorcery and no longer dons the fearful attire that automatically springs to mind when the ex-sorceress' name is mentioned, he doesn't want to risk the possibility of cadets who still possessed some mild degree of xenophobia.

Of course, Cid hopes more than anything that they will accept her as she is now; a kind-hearted woman who wants nothing more than to repent for the horrors that she participated in against her will. She has even cleaned up the old orphanage immediately after the events of the Second Sorceress War, and is now caring after orphaned children as she once did so many years ago.

Although this particular visitor has aged twenty years like the Headmaster and the President of Esthar, Edea Kramer's smile hasn't lost an ounce of its warmth nor have her clear brown eyes lost their bright, mischievous glimmer.

She's up early in spite of how late she and Cid had stayed up, the Headmaster bringing his wife up to speed on the more recent events with Galbadia, the newsletter, the predicament he now finds himself in over a troubling decision that could very well cost them all.

Edea's currently making her way towards the courtyard having just finished her morning tea and breakfast with her husband. She honestly doesn't expect anyone to be up and is not surprised to find the 1F of Garden relatively empty.]

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I don't think we will since It's still pretty early. [At least she hoped not anyway. It was pretty obvious that something was on Edea's mind and when combined with her own concerns, they'd certainly need all the privacy they could get.

It's not a long walk and soon she's finding herself somewhere to sit as she waits for Edea to settle as well.]

[Edea sits next to the younger woman and clasps her hands over her lap, eyes downcast and gazing at them.]

Rinoa, if you ever have need to talk... [She lifts her head to look over at her.] of perhaps what had happened, I'm here. I'm here now if there are any concerns or questions that you might have concerning your ability.

[Why beat around the bush? It never did anything bad to her.]

Matron...did you ever wonder if you'd picked the wrong Knight?

I... unfortunately had no say in who I chose. It was Ultimecia who had control.

[Edea lowers her head to gaze at her hands once again.]

[This is the face of one very confused Rinoa, before she clues in to just what Edea was talking about.]

No, no. Of course that doesn't count. I was talking about Headmaster Cid. I mean, he's your Knight isn't he? Well, he was anyway. Wasn't he?

[She nods and tilts her eyes up to take in the way the sunrise plays the colors over the fluffy clouds and brightening skies.]

Yes, Cid was my Knight at the time.

Well, did you ever regret choosing him as your knight?

[She leans back, watching the sunrise along with the older woman.]

Not that Seifer would be a bad knight, he means well I think. Well, most of the time he does anyway despite what he might say.

[Edea shakes her head.]

I had no reason to, no. I encouraged Cid to take the path he did years ago.

Do you regret your choice, Rinoa?

Sometimes, maybe.

[She continues to watch the clouds in the sky as if they're the most fascinating things in the world.]

Maybe I just built everything up into being something that it isn't. I might have ended up believing that the relationship between knights and their... [An awkward pause before she continues, because she's still not comfortable with using the word Sorceress at the moment.] Well people like us, are things that are super special.

You said that a knight would help give me security and peace of mind, but I'm not sure that he has. [Another, smaller pause this time.] I think lately I've always felt much better after talking to Seifer and not Squall at all.

[Matron looks over to the younger sorceress, silent as she mulls over her words.]

But they are special, dear one. [She holds out her hand for Rinoa to take.]

I understand Squall can be... difficult at times, I would know from having raised him all those years, but the boy has a good heart. You must have patience and believe that he does care for you, more than you realize.

[Edea won't comment on Seifer, not yet. This is a conversation surrounding a sorceress and her knight, not a could-have-been knight and a sorceress.]

They are? [She reaches out, maybe clinging onto that hand a little too much. For all her confidence and courage she's still just a teenager and one who never really got to have a mother at that. Edea's words are more than enough to encourage her flagging spirits.] So you mean I didn't just make it up after all?

[Rinoa listens to what Edea has to say, wanting to believe more than anything that the older woman was right. She'd raised Squall after all, so shouldn't she know a little bit about this sort of thing?]

I thought I was sure, but after what happened it was hard to know just what to believe or trust anymore.

Maybe I made too much out of it, and I definitely should have talked to him about it more instead of leaving things like I did.

[Edea gives a faint squeeze and pats Rinoa's hand with her free one. She watches her closely while she speaks, listening.]

Talking to him first would have been the wiser option, yes. If you doubt him or the bond you share, you must tell him this. Squall is no mind reader and Hyne knows you can properly read into his emotions when he takes particular care in hiding them.

This is but one of the many tiny hurdles in your relationship that you will face and overcome, together.

Don't give up too soon, Rinoa.

[Deep down Rinoa has to wonder if this is what it feels like to have a mother, maybe calling her Matron isn't so far off the mark after all.

The pat is reassuring and she smiles at Edea gratefully.]

I should have and if something comes up again you can be sure that I will. [Her smile turns rueful and a little apologetic.] I guess I just didn't realize that relationships could be so... [she pauses, thinking of the right word before concluding.] complicated? I just don't want to feel like that ever again, it was actually kind of scary.

I won't give up. I might doubt things sometimes, but giving up wasn't ever really an option was it?

You obviously care for him, and he cares for you. All it takes is a little nudge.

[Edea offers the young sorceress one more reassuring smile, and then she's laughing under her breath. Her eyes widen and her brows lift.]

Now imagine that-- a world without complications, a world where everything was easy. Imagine then where we might find ourselves.

I think we've both needed a nudge lately not just him, so thanks a lot for the advice.

[At Edeas comment, she laughs a little too realizing how ridiculous she'd sounded.]

In a world with less pain relievers? [Cure spells can only do so much for headaches after all.]

saturday morning to monday afternoon - surprise weekend visit

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Sorry for the delay!

No worries mods, I know you're busy bees. <3

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