[ 148 ]
As the rain subsided, leaving behind only telltale signs, people began to stir. Those few whom had adopted to living within the confines of the treehouses, opened their eyes to the raw sight and smells of Mother Nature. Which automatically put them in a good mood.
Children that were bursting with energy, were the first to jump to their feet. Some finding the nearest fig tree and cupping its leaves, which had amassed a few gulp-fulls worth of rainwater. They then travelled as a group, running through the dense woodlands and reached somewhere everyone considered the heart of the forest.
Old rock formations, which had once been the base of a gigantic river that flowed through the deeply-rooted trees, had crumbled due to the lack of water cementing them together, and landed obscurely. It created a cave-like effect, with an orifice that proved to be a perfection funnel for when it rained. Rewarding those who lived close by, with a shower.
The children were fascinated, and easily incorporated this into their daily routine. Which proved to be hugely beneficial when it came to the makeshift clan's overall level of hygiene. Which also went hand in hand with advancements in practical thinking. Wondering how they could conserve the water during the dry months.
Once everyone's minds slowly turned away from the impending fear of battle, the large cluster of people came on by leaps and bounds.
And the young children believed it was because of two people. A pair they couldn't help but crane their necks to try and capture a glimpse of as they scurried past their treehouse on the way to the unique waterfall. But it was so early, and with no signs of movement.
Their parents had repeatedly told them not to bother their leader and his beloved one who took care of them when they were unwell. They were told about how these two men would stay up late into the early morning, ensuring that everyone could live without worry.
They had stars in their eyes as the children shared whispers of wonder. They hurriedly made their way to the where the water fell, and created a deafening backdrop for them to scream, laugh and play to their hearts content.
Oblivious to the movement that was going on inside the shelter they once stood outside of. As the two highly-respected individuals were coming to an exhausted finish, having filled the time spent for the remainder of the clan to wake up.
Even so, as and when everyone was up and ready, going about their normal routines, there was no word from the two men. Instead they remained out of sight of everyone else, within the safety of the treehouse both now called their home. It allowed Finch the time to gradually open up about things he had not been forthcoming about.
He couldn't bring himself to tell Falcon about the reality of the situation, what waited for him on the other side whether he succeeded or failed. But he didn't possess any sense of guilt, just like he hadn't with his previous lover's reincarnations. There was something in the back of his mind that whispered warnings of keeping thing in some semblance of an order.
Instead he told his lover about the curse, about Zephyr's identity of being the god of anguish. And to both of those truths, Falcon didn't show a shred of surprise. He only sighed and shook his head, as if confirming what he had already been thinking.
The man who usually stood tall, even when littered with injuries, allowed his shoulders to slump when in front of the man he trusted the most. He dipped his head and his silver eyes reflected the wisps and flickers of the fire-pit that cooked their breakfast.
"The only one left from my family is Fyre." He spoke mostly to himself, but Finch crouched close enough to hear every word.
"Yet is untouched by the curse himself. You are his adopted son, and I have seen it with my own eyes that he wouldn't want to harm a hair on your head." Finch slowly ran his hand up his lover's arm and squeezed his forearm. It drew those unusually coloured eyes back to his own, where they belonged.
"And don't forget that you have me. If the god of anguish couldn't have predicted me, nor that he would have to aid with my resurrection, then there must be more to it than meets the eye." Falcon turned his hand over and in turn clasped Finch's forearm in return. They had spent many enjoyable hours getting to know the feeling of each other's skin, but even still, it wasn't enough. A deep feeling of contentment coaxed them simultaneously as they clung to each other for support.
"I can't help but wonder," Falcon admitted quietly, "if my brother was always destined for the way he met his end, or if he was pushed."
Finch clambered up to straddle the anguished man's lap. He then abandoned Falcon's arm so that he could cup his face instead, running his thumbs gently across the skin of his cheeks. "No matter the answer, it will only hurt you. What does matter, is that the people who love you, are still here and more than willing to follow you wherever you decide to go."
Looking up at the young man who once stood side by side with Hawk, Falcon couldn't quite believe how much he had come to care for the little bird. In such a short space of time, it was as if a storm had swept through and blown everything he believed he knew about himself into the air. But even more surprisingly, he was content with the fact.
Wrapping his arms around his lovers waist, keeping him safely in place on his lap, Falcon happily captured the pair of bruised lips he had become addicted to devouring. What continuously made his heart race, was Finch's devotion. There wasn't a shred of hesitancy in the way he spoke or acted. It was an endearing quality, something that addicted some.
Falcon opened his eyes as their kiss broke, to take in the tantalising sight of Finch recovering his breath. Flushed cheeks, with red lips that glistened due to their vigorous smooching which only proved to become increasingly more passionate as Falcon gathered more experience.
Zephyr's face involuntarily appeared in Falcon's mind, but instead of souring his mood, he found himself wanting to fall back onto the furs with his young lover for the umpteenth time that morning.
The deity possessed unlimited power, with a talent honed over his many years of existence, for being able to charm mortals. But in the end, Finch chose him. And although Falcon knew there was more to it, more that his little bird was struggling with himself to keep a secret, he was in no rush to find out. He knew what was important, and that Finch would continue to stand by his side even through the hardships of a curse.
So anything more than Finch was willing to disclose, was never asked about. Which, to the surprise of the undergoing the test, continued to be the case as time rapidly moved on. The ever-changing world, along with those strong enough to adapt to whatever was thrown their way, kept all distracted.
The only sign that Falcon showed that their previous conversation actually played on his mind, was when he chose to conduct a small, private ceremony for his brother. Hawk's body, which was overlooked for good reason, removed along with all those who had fallen for one man's greed, was taken away by Falcon.
He disappeared up the mountain, and remained lost for a couple of days. Long enough for people to notice, and become worried. It was so soon after the battle, where all had seen their leader afterwards appear drenched in blood. So they could only suspect the worst.
Finch waited patiently, everyday taking a longing look in the direction he had last seen Falcon disappear off into. He hadn't been told anything, but it was clear to him why Falcon chose to mourn his brother in private. To mourn what could have been. Now he was left with too many 'ifs and 'buts' when it came to Hawk.
So in order to put them to rest, he needed to appropriately bury those all-consuming thoughts along with his body. Which understandably, took more than a couple of days. During which Falcon fasted, keeping his stomach as empty as he willed his mind to be.
It was late afternoon when he returned, soon falling into the welcoming embrace of Finch. Who spent the remainder of the day nursing him back to health.
Falcon spoke drearily about his brother, and the revelations he had made over the past few days. It only lasted the rest of that evening, where Finch held his lover closely in his arms and supported his every word. But when the next morning came, Falcon never brought it up again.
Instead there was a sudden resurgence of life within him, and he reappeared in front of all those which worried, looking as strong as ever. Which is when the first ever celebration took place, where everyone could remember those who had fallen, but also be thankful for the life they currently possessed. Which was aided by Thorn, who introduced everyone to a special concoction he had kept under wraps the entire time.
As blood was being spilled, under the ground a potent alcoholic substance was fermenting. One which quite literally knocked people off their feet, and kept Finch busy the following morning as he had to swiftly conjure-up a hangover remedy.
With the prime threat gone, more attention could be spent on the construction of more suitable housing. And although Fahren was a modern-aged man, he was no architect. He could only somewhat delegate, helping in some parts, as construction went ahead. Most of his attention, though, was permitted to be put to good use. In a field he was more than comfortable with.
In such a short period of time, vast improvements were made and wounds which may have once ended an individual's life, were now no match for their prickly yet wise doctor. Few major changes were made, but diets for some were severely altered. Like the diet consisting solely of red-meats for those recovering. Which was swiftly exchanged for broths and an abundance of vegetables.
Which backed up what Fyre had once stipulated about regulating the amount of hunting that was carried out. Ensuring there was enough food to go around. So once it was known and supported by Finch, that their meals weren't required to be topped up with meats, and that strength through foods could be achieved in different ways, not only was construction the sole focus of everyone's efforts, but farming was as well.
Their once tentative presence within the forest, expanded. Branching out with the confidence to go deeper, laying claim to the land which had been flattened due to erosion from the old river. Just like the obscure rock formation that created the shower, the barrage of water that funnelled through the land had distorted the land into shapes that could only be beneficial to them in the future.
Fahren's only input came when he disagreed with one of the men who had returned from scouting the future location of their new home. He rarely stirred trouble when it came to the big decisions, but on this occasion he had to intervene.
They knew where the river now flowed, and the power behind it. More than anyone, Fahren knew from establishing a Hydroelectric City once before, how beneficial it will be to have the water on their side. And how it was impossible to predict the temperamental mood-swings of Mother Nature. So he firmly disagreed when the man suggested the first of the homes be built within the shell of where the river once flowed.
Fyre had instructed to the scouts that along the way, they should plot what they find. So in the end, what sat in front of the men discussing what steps were going to be taken, was a makeshift map. It allowed Finch to point out what was unclear to the men who had yet to apply basic physics to the plan that was suggested.
"This is where the river currently flows," Finch tapped on the parchment before dragging his finger along. "And this is where we are thinking of relocating to. From here to here, there's a continuous dip in the land. Which means that if there's a storm, and we've already experienced the force of one of them, it won't take much for the river to overflow its banks and then come rushing down. We won't have the opportunity to react before we're flooded. So I suggest we build here instead." Finch pointed to one of the highest points. Which would prove to be the most difficult to acquire, and yet looking to the future, will be the most rewarding.
Aside from the man who had originally chosen a different location, everyone else quickly supported Finch's suggestion and logic behind it. When it came to the 'occasionally very intelligent young man' many chose to quickly accept his abnormalities without question.
So they got to work.
And by the time the cluster of homes came together, forming a beautiful and intricately-designed village, many of those storms had passed. But while the river acted as predicted, flooding the grounds and marshes that acted as water-storage, the village stood strong. Untouched by the volatility that the village had once used in order to jumpstart their whole ambitious plan.
Dams were erected as soon as the first flood appeared, since they now knew exactly where the weak-points of the land were located. So when the second flood came around, with the initial suggestion from Finch, a portion of the water was redirected.
A filtration system of sorts was what greeted the steady stream of water, consisting of interconnected strips of wood tightly bound together and dredged into the ground so it wouldn't go anywhere. Separating debris and mud from the liquid itself, it allowed for cleaner water which would then go into a man-made well.
Finch deliberately held back from implementing too many drastic differences. He only contributed on elements that would genuinely mean life or death. And considering how many contaminants lay within the river, he knew it was the right decision. Especially when more children were popping up everywhere. Or more specifically, out of everywhere. Which the worried parents quickly discovered...he was not experienced with.
Since on the first occasion where he was ordered to get more hands-on with the labour, courtesy of the old prude who called himself the best healer, Finch actually screamed. While the mother didn't appreciate it, everyone else who heard the story couldn't help but feel relieved.
Finally, a reaction someone of his age would have.
But although Finch was forgiven by the parents of the child who wasn't ugly enough to warrant being screamed at, his fellow village doctor was less than pleased. Instead he decided to drag Finch around every pregnant lady, and have him see to them in his stead. Which proceeded to be the case even when they were popping said children out.
He was at least a tiny bit more grateful for System dulling his senses to his previous lives. As Fahren vaguely recollected giving birth himself at one point. But he was fortunate enough to be so drugged-up and also not standing on the other end.
Needless to say, Finch got over it pretty quickly. But he was more than happy to get back to his usual scrapes and breaks.
—
The surrounding lushness provided sufficient cover. The wind echoed through the trees and howled loud enough to mask any sounds created by clumsy footsteps. To the untrained eye, other than a small herd of deer munching away on grass, no one else was lurking about.
Not even when an arrow-head appeared through the density of the foliage of a nearby bush, were the deers disturbed. It hesitated as it took its aim, finding which would be its target, and sliced ahead. The sound startled the skittish creatures and they took off, not even looking round to see if one of them had been hit.
What had been struck.. was in fact the trunk of a tree. One which wasn't even close to the targeted deer. It had an immediate reaction, and not with the animals that were the object of today's hunt. Instead, amongst the hedges, two grown men attempted to suppress their laughter. To the expense of the one who had fired the arrow.
Fyre pushed himself up and sat back on his haunches, rubbing his shoulder with a wounded expression on his face. "Fine. You win." Was his reluctant admittance.
Either side of him appeared two younger men. One of them was wearing a scar on his face, but it could only further add to his handsomeness. With age, he had only grown more appealing and the wounds proved to attract many people. Thorn couldn't hide it anymore, and laughed aloud, spooking any prey that remained in the surrounding area.
"Don't be sad, you knew it was inevitable." Came the apparent words of support from Fyre's adopted son. Falcon was grinning, something he had been doing a lot more of in the past few years. He even joined Thorn with a slight cackle when he took in the defeated face of his uncle.
Although the village had overcome many hurdles, there was inevitably going to be some conflict. Which usually came about when the strong-headed individuals who were tasked with the job of steering the village in the right direction, disagreed with one another. And so friendly competitions like these were introduced.
Other than for Thorn, the choice of archery was intended to put the men who preferred to use spears, long-knives and their fists, out of their comfort zone. And inevitably have them struggle through the unorthodox challenge. Slowly but surely, the various different opinions were whittled down until there was usually only two remaining. It left those who had lost, with no other choice but to back one or the other.
On this occasion, it had come down to Fyre verses Falcon. This was quite uncommon, and made the flurry of men who were elected to help with the decision-making for the village, eager to see the outcome.
But when it came down to it, it was Falcon who achieved the most points. With his uncle completely missing his final target, which probably would have won him the mini-battle. And with that, the decision was made for the village and no one was left with hard-feelings.
All spectators filtered back towards the heart of the village, leaving behind the three men who were still entertaining themselves. Fyre was grumbling about his age, as he continuously rubbed his aching shoulder. But ever the compassionate type, Thorn teased him by offering to get him a trainee bow, which was usually given to children on their first outing.
Falcon shook his head as he sat on a nearby rock. He had his leg propped up, where the taut muscles of his thighs were visible. One of his arms rested casually on top of his knee, as he chuckled along with Thorn. But he knew that it was inevitable that his uncle would get him back sooner or later. That's why Falcon's grin was particularly predatory.
Something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. He snapped his fingers to get the other two's attention, and gestured with his head. Not too far from where they perched, was a hare. It was more daring than any deer, because it had a better chance of escaping.
Thorn adjusted his position, lifting off the ground from where he sat and turned over so he was on his knees. Immediately becoming a hunter. But it was Fyre who was more determined to regain some of his dignity.
All three got back into the competitive spirit. Branching off ever so slightly, taking up their own allocated positions. The poor hare was completely surrounded, but didn't care much as its face was stuffed in the grass chomping away.
The shot came far quicker than expected, and it even took Thorn by surprise. He had only just been adjusting his position so he could boast the cleanest kill. Instead, not only was it quick and clean, it also came from a completely different angle than the three men.
Heads popped up like meerkats on the look out. Not too far away, seated sidewards-on on horse with a leg propped up, was Finch. He looked completely relaxed, and also understandably smug. It made the three older men sigh, knowing that it was inevitable they would lose if the little bird was their competition.
Falcon scoffed and stood up, slinging his borrowed bow over his shoulder. He approached Beasty, who stood regally and moved as quietly as ever. He ran his fingers through the horse's mane, but his gaze always remained on its rider.
Just as they all had done, Finch had aged. In his mid-twenties, he had lost what previously made him look vulnerably innocent and now looked like a desirable young man. More muscle clung to his body, but his figure remained lean due to his preference of archery and his job as healer keeping him running all around the village.
His brown hair now sat as long as Falcon's own. But Finch always referred to keep it tied back, usually braided prettily courtesy of the many women who loved to visit their beloved healer on a regular basis. But Falcon thought it added to his lover's charm. Especially when he knew that on the regular occasion that his hair was let loose, it was when Finch lay beneath him with a flushed face and completely dishevelled appearance.
Quite like last night. Unfortunately Falcon had to rise early, so he hadn't been able to see Finch all day. Until now. And damned was he tempted to join him on the back of Beasty so they could escape somewhere more private.
But that wish would come true later.
Falcon laid his hand on Finch's knee, fingers brushing upwards onto the soft bronzed skin of his thigh. His fingertips tracing over the faint outline of red pigment that was applied by hand. It wrapped around both of Finch's upper thighs and then everywhere up from that. Intricate designs were finger-painted onto his supple skin.
No part of his body was spared, just as it was for Falcon as well. Which is why the pigment was applied by their intended spouse. It was an old tradition, but one Finch learnt about and immediately demanded they acknowledge.
After their union, wherein the celebrations had dragged on for many days and nights, the pigment was intended to act as a timer of sorts. Once applied to the skin, the couple is supposed to remain behind closed doors and in bed until it all but fades. By the time its completely gone, there's usually a strong chance that the wife has become pregnant.
For obvious reasons, an element of that tradition wasn't going to happen with Finch and Falcon, but that didn't mean the younger of the two didn't want to have fun with it. Which quickly proved to be more to his demise, than Falcon's.
Finch thought that a few days where he wouldn't be expected to do much would be greatly relaxing. What he hadn't expected, was for Falcon to devour him the moment they retreated out of sight. And the village leader was unrelenting.
Three days later, people were surprised to see Finch out and about. The little bird had actually escaped!
But he had to return home at some point, and Falcon made sure not to waste a single second when he did.
So the position Finch was in, seated on Beasty, was perhaps in attempt to alleviate some discomfort. But only his husband would truly know that.
"Did you come to find me?" Falcon wondered, dipping his head and giving that tempting thigh a lingering peck.
Finch raised a brow, "I heard you won."
"Of course, as if I would let your teachings go to waste." He offered sweetly.
"That explains it!" Fyre suddenly called and sliced through the intimate moment between his two most cherished ones. He didn't hesitate like Thorn, and walked over with an almost prideful look on his face. "If Finch had given me some tips, then I would have won."
Falcon turned around with his back against Beasty, but in between his partner's legs. "Didn't you have Thorn teaching you, yesterday?"
Fyre suddenly cleared his throat a few times and even Finch felt the need to make the man sweat a little more. He leant forward and rested against Falcon's tall body, draping an arm over his broad shoulder. "Are you finally admitting that I'm the better archer, o' respectable village leader?"
Thorn scrunched up his face as he butted into their conversation. "Don't forget that I taught you, you ungrateful beast."
Finch leered at him, "And yet here we are, the student has bested the teacher."
They argued back and forth, as they usually did in their strange dynamic.
Thorn sighed, "Aren't you two supposed to be going on your... what did you call it.. berrymoon?"
"Honeymoon." Finch corrected and tightened his hold on the man he clung to. "And yes, I came to fetch my partner. I have finished my healer duties, and am ready to leave."
Fyre nodded his head and patted Falcon's shoulder. "You only had one thing left to do, and that was today's archery challenge, so you can both go and enjoy yourselves. Though I don't know what a honeymoon is particularly, I think it's a good opportunity for the both of you to explore what's out there and gather some great ideas to bring back home!"
Needless to say, the newly married couple were being told that they shouldn't waste such an opportunity and keep working when able to.
Falcon decided that it was the appropriate time for retreat, and joined his partner on the horse. He held Finch against his larger body, and with a brief glance spared towards his uncle and Thorn, they escaped.
When Finch had previously suggested the idea of a honeymoon to Falcon, not only did the man not know what it was, he also didn't understand how it would be any different from the tradition of the pigment; where they would spend all that time alone anyway. But Finch explained to him that it was a period of time where they could spent, as a couple, entirely alone. But not necessarily restricted to being in one place.
It didn't take much for Falcon to be persuaded, especially when his thoughts were often drifting back to the time he and Finch spent travelling together when they fled from Viper. So he was quick to nod his head and rush off to find his uncle.
"So where are we going?" Finch wondered when they arrived back at their treehouse and packed up the essential items.
"Didn't you tell me that it was supposed to be kept a secret?"
"From everyone else, so they can't find us. Not from me."
Falcon mulled it over, but in the end shrugged his shoulders and climbed on his own horse. "You'll see when we get there."
It took them a short while to actually leave the village, given that every single person seemed to appear out of nowhere and wish them safe travels. But two strained smiles later, they left the tree-line and didn't hesitate with their speed.
Finch went first, confident in Beasty's ability as he urged him on. Over his shoulder, he cast Falcon a sly grin. So began the race as they galloped across the open lands. Finch quickly took note of where they were, and of the mountain he had identified as a volcano.
Zephyr's mountain, as Falcon had once told him it was named. Unpredictable and potentially life-threatening.. how very accurate.
Unlike before, when they had travelled in the winter time, they now had the good weather on their side. They were able to make some distance between home and where Falcon was taking him. But Finch had to laugh when his husband brought them to a stop near to the volcanic baths they had once enjoyed.
The smell was the same. But that didn't deter them from stripping off and jumping in. At least they weren't being chased by wolves this time.
They spent a considerable amount of time there, enjoying the complete silence and the warmth of the water against their sweaty skin. But the blissful silence was cut short when the pair indulged in the fantasies they had both dreamt about at one point in time.
The water sloshed around them as Finch gripped the rocks on the side of the bath. His fingertips aching under the pressure, but he couldn't bring himself to care as his head tilted back and he filled the open air with delicious-sounding moans. The weight of the body behind him was an added pleasure, as Falcon rocked his hips against him.
He was taking it slow, slower than usual anyway. As the older of the two cheerily knew how many times they had indulged their desires as of late.
But that didn't mean their slow love-making had to be cut short. No, instead the couple explored all different positions within the volcanic rock-pool. Bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase 'leaving no stone unturned'.
It meant that afterwards, it took some time before Finch could climb back onto Beasty. Not that they were in any rush.
When the next morning rolled around, they had reached the far outskirts of what was once considered Viper's territory. This wasn't part of the original plan, but Finch could tell that Falcon was eager to see what had become of his old clan. But they weren't foolish enough to get too close.
Falcon did as he did best, and took charge. Ordering Finch to stay close and to keep slightly behind him at all times. They knew all the best hiding spots, and were about to retreat when they heard a handful of voices and horses, but decided against it when they saw ladies guiding horses that were lugging carts behind them.
Within them were various grains and in others were meats. A far cry from the weapon-wielding warriors they had expected to see. In fact, these women looked more scared of them.
As much as Falcon was a natural charmer, he was hardly the type to reassure fearful strangers. So Finch greeted them with a loving smile. "We are just passing through. We knew people who were once part of Viper, but they were originally brought from other clans to forcibly serve here."
The women looked at one another, looking hesitant, but eventually one lady spoke up. "Our husbands were once slaves for that clan, but they fled when it collapsed."
"Collapsed?" Finch echoed.
The same woman looked at them peculiarly. "There was a battle between the Chief of Viper and his brother. Although the brother won, Viper clan lost far more than that. Their deity abandoned them. They blamed those who stood beside the heretic Chief. The clan completely collapsed and people left. Those who remain are simple folk who have no where else to go, and rely on our trade."
"There's no one to stop you, if you wish to take a look?" Another lady, suspecting they were nervous, spoke up.
Finch looked over and found Falcon looking quite sullen. His attention was towards the clan that now looked so small and lost to the past.
Falcon eventually shook his head. "There's no need. That place is now the home for those who need it, for those who deserve it after what they have been through. Leave the past in the past." He mumbled the last part, willing himself.
Finch smiled at the ladies, "Thank you for sparing some time.
As the two men left, the women continued to watch their backs. Only when they were almost out out of range, did the eldest of the women think of something her husband had told her about. How the heretic chief's father had silver hair and eyes, and it was apparently a gift from the deity himself. Which apparently was continuously passed down from father to son.
She opened her mouth to share the news, but then the young man's sad face came to mind. She could only sigh and encourage the horse to get moving.
—
Falcon probably wasn't aware of how silent he had become. He focused on what was ahead of them and didn't remove his gaze. But Finch didn't want to snap him out of it, because his lover had a canny ability of brushing topics off when he knew very well how important they were to him.
They hadn't spoke about Hawk, nor the curse, for many years. Finch thought he understood why, but sometimes he found Falcon sitting on his own, quietly lost in his own thoughts.
This silence continued until Falcon looked around and saw Finch happily riding alongside him. His heart warmed and he stopped his horse. When his little bird looked at him curiously, Falcon leant over and stole his lips.
"Thank you," Falcon whispered before pulling back.
Finch just smiled. "So, where are you taking me next?"
"You don't recognise where we are?"
Finch looked around and for a long moment, he didn't recognise the place at all. But then he set sight on a particular mountain range. And a path that led up it. The same one he had opened his eyes only to be dragged up by his brother.
"An interesting choice of honeymoon locations, my love. The place where my family were killed." Finch tried not to laugh at Falcon's sudden look of realisation.
He shook his head, "That's right.. of course it is. I just couldn't stop thinking about wanting to see the place you were born."
"Even if it's the charred remains?" Finch teased. He couldn't help it, not when Falcon looked so guilty.
For the rest of the short journey, they left the horses, choosing to walk the same route Finch had taken when brought to Viper. It was strange returning to a place Finch couldn't really identify as his old home. He had spent all but three seconds within it, as he escaped the infernos. But even that felt like it was so long ago.
They continued walking and Finch squinted his eyes when he saw something white in the distance. Only when they grew closer did they both come to a halt. Surprise on both of their faces, as they took in thousands upon thousands of white flowers. All sprouted from the smouldering remains of Bison.
"It would seem I'm not the only one who cares deeply for where you have come from." Falcon revealed as he took in the beautiful scenery.
And yet, Zephyr knew about Finch's true identity. He knew that Fahren was not from this world, so perhaps the deity made these flowers bloom beforehand?
Finch grasped Falcon's hand tightly in his own. "You standing beside me means more to me than a field of flowers. These are offerings for my old clan, and the clan alone."
Falcon lifted their clasped hands and kissed the back of Finch's own. He lingered for a moment before smiling, "I know that, and I know how lucky I am to have you. It just makes you think how he is capable of anything. Make a strong clan crumble, make a vast amount of flowers bloom to perfection. Sometimes I worry, that with this curse, we are still under his thumb."
Finch was taken by surprise by the mention of the curse. But after thinking about it for a moment, he clicked his tongue. "I don't have a curse on me, and yet I died. None of my family were cursed, and yet they did too. Zephyr could be lying to me, for all I know. But what does it matter? You're alive. You should listen to your own advice, and leave the past in the past. Look towards the future, and look forward to the storm that will be our happy marriage."
"A storm and happy marriage.. don't exactly go together."
"Neither does dying and coming back to life."
"Are you going to use that as an example every time?"
"Hey," Finch said dramatically. "Between us, who died?"
Falcon scoffed, but a large grin formed. "You did, my mighty warrior. But you returned to my side." He wrapped his arms around Finch's narrow waist and tugged him close.
"Well, I knew you wouldn't be able to cope without me." The little bird joked.
The silver haired man touched their foreheads together. "Then I am eternally grateful, because you are right. I wouldn't have lasted a day."
Both men smiled, hopelessly and ridiculously in love with each other. The flowers provided a serene backdrop for the pair as their mouths connected and their fates were sealed.
Even if the curse came to be in the future, Finch would brazenly meet it head on.
[ TBC ]
[ 4th World — End ]
[ A/N: If you still have questions relating to Zephyr, then don't fret. We're not done with him, just as someone else isn't either. <3 ]
[ A/N: If you want to skip the complex thing that is time, then check out my Patreon page where the next two chapters are up! www.patreon.com/Bethworthington ]