[ At first Dion only feels relieved. He wasn't sure about the globe, not after all that Jill's been through...but nothing else he found in the markets felt right. He's glad that she likes it, that there are yet memories that she can recall with joy, and that he can help her recount those blessings.
Though what she whispers has his throat catching. ]
I...
[ His hold on her tightens, Dion pressing his head against her shoulder as his eyes start to sting. ]
[How fortunate she is to have strong bonds not forged by blood, but companionship. She's only glad to have the sentiment reciprocated, and the emotion she feels in him has her smiling, even if her eyes threaten to burn, too.]
This city could give me no greater gift.
[It only saddens her that Valisthea had not given them the time to get to know one another properly. She doubts it would have changed anything, in the end, but it would have been one more person praying for his return.]
Terence's love is precious to Dion, it always will be, but the love of a family...
Dion dares not breath too hard, lest he scare the feeling away. But he cannot stop himself the graceless sniffle against Jill's shoulder. Would that he could have found this in life, but...Jill is right. This is a precious gift, no matter the source. His throat is thick as he speaks, having to push the words out as he tries not to weep. ]
[She understands the fight to not cry, but happy tears are a different beast than those from sorrow. She smiles to herself, content in a way she hasn't been in some time. At ease and comfortable, even if there's a much taller dragoon in her arms. She is glad for his love as much as she's glad to be able to give it to him in return.]
Given I am the elder of the two of us, I can hold you at no fault for tears, Dion.
[There's both teasing and warmth in the words as she rubs his back. He can weep. She'd wiped away Joshua's tears for worse things.]
[ That does the trick. Dion laughs, deep and halting but real, and when he lifts his head it's just in time to let the tears fall down his cheeks. He doesn't want to ruin her dress! So Dion rests his chin on her shoulder instead of hiding his face, letting out a deeply held tension under her soothing touch. ]
Thank you. A thousand, thousand times, thank you...
[ He laughs again, more easily than before. Perhaps it's childish...they're near enough to the same age that it shouldn't matter, but Dion finds himself helpless to do anything but accept the comfort given. After a moment he gives her one more squeeze before pulling back, his cheeks still wet but his eyes clearer. ]
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Though what she whispers has his throat catching. ]
I...
[ His hold on her tightens, Dion pressing his head against her shoulder as his eyes start to sting. ]
...I love you too, sister.
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This city could give me no greater gift.
[It only saddens her that Valisthea had not given them the time to get to know one another properly. She doubts it would have changed anything, in the end, but it would have been one more person praying for his return.]
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Terence's love is precious to Dion, it always will be, but the love of a family...
Dion dares not breath too hard, lest he scare the feeling away. But he cannot stop himself the graceless sniffle against Jill's shoulder. Would that he could have found this in life, but...Jill is right. This is a precious gift, no matter the source. His throat is thick as he speaks, having to push the words out as he tries not to weep. ]
I am glad. I am so very glad...
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Given I am the elder of the two of us, I can hold you at no fault for tears, Dion.
[There's both teasing and warmth in the words as she rubs his back. He can weep. She'd wiped away Joshua's tears for worse things.]
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Thank you. A thousand, thousand times, thank you...
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I don't know what to do with that many thanks. It's a little excessive, don't you think?
[Joking aside, she speaks softly again.]
It's my pleasure, besides.
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[ He laughs again, more easily than before. Perhaps it's childish...they're near enough to the same age that it shouldn't matter, but Dion finds himself helpless to do anything but accept the comfort given. After a moment he gives her one more squeeze before pulling back, his cheeks still wet but his eyes clearer. ]
The pleasure is mine...happy Solstice.
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[She lets him pull back, looking upon him with a fond smile. Her eyes are a touch glassy, but it's obvious she's feeling nothing but happiness.]
Happy Solstice, Dion.