Such Great Heights

@Fletcher

Her hand was tightly clutched to a suitcase, rolling behind her as the automatic doors of the airport opened before her. Before them. After a week of planning and left to each other’s devices in their own home the pair now could continue to part two of their post-wedding celebration. And Loralei couldn’t be more excited. She finally had a chance to see the world outside of what she was confined to, magic or otherwise. Of course, she wouldn’t be alone in this endeavor. In her free hand she clutched the hand of her husband, her grip ginger yet tight as she looked around.

People were buzzing about back and forth, a few taking a bit of a notice at the rather out of place couple in the midst of a normal human country. Carl had suggested they’d visit England, to which the genie delightfully agreed. And though the trip thus far had been lovely… Well, she couldn’t help but to really feel like a fish out of water here. And not just out of water either- in the middle of the desert.

"I can’t believe we’re finally here. And in one piece nonetheless." She looked up to her husband, grinning. It wasn’t the brightest of days out as they stood in front of the entrance to their vacation spot. It was in fine location too- anywhere they wanted wouldn’t be too far off from wherever they wanted to go. After all, they were a couple with financial prospects, so anything they wanted to happen… Well, it could. But she knew somehow that Carl had a reason for picking this place of all others. Besides the fact that she presumed it was his birthplace. Which would probably bring up a lot of interesting lore… Whatever it is, this modern and bustling area was most likely not at all like it was back when he lived here.

She stood in the awning to get her bearings together, and after being in a plane for so long she really could use the chance to try to get back on her feet. There was already enough of a scrap in the luggage pickup already, with someone trying to claim her bag as theirs. Since they were so far away from home she needed to take her teapot with her, and there wasn’t a way in hell someone was just going to walk right away with it. Between that and the fact that someone mistook them for people who probably were going to some sort of fantasy convention, Loralei already needed a breather from this reality check. Before either one of them did something they were going to regret. She wanted to enjoy herself, not knock the teeth out of someone’s skull. But hey, she couldn’t be too upset. She was with the man she so dearly loved in a place she always wanted to go to. Magus and Genie or not, this was their time to spend together.

"If only I had the magic to poof us up here instead of having to take the plane. It was nice, but… Those kids staring at us from the front row was beginning to weird me out a bit." She chuckled, rolling her shoulders in a laid-back notion as her cyan eyes traced towards the faint drizzle and fog waiting for them outside the outdoor bit of shelter. "This must bring back a lot of memories for you, huh?" She asked, before grasping her back once more. She just had to take it all in…. They’d only be here for a short while, but she wanted to make the most of it.

"So… Where to first?"
​

Lori was no psychic, but the excitement she held she so clearly could tell was not shared by her husband. The fact always buried within her mind was that Carl had no attachments anywhere, but this sort of read she got from him was nothing like the normal sort of detatchmemt. He was just... Silent. Totally soundless. And that worried her immensley, considering he usually had a snide remark that always had her chuckling. They took this trip to demonstrate to each other that they were happy, and enjoying their marriage so far. Or at least, so traditions told. What this whole thing meant to them was a bit of a mystery. All she knew was that perhaps Carl didn't need this as much as her, and perhaps this whole excursion would only surface bad memories.

Well, she didn't want that, and probably Carl didn't either. She kept her spirits up in attempts to not bring attention to how he was acting. Lori didn't want to prod initially, in case she inadvertently hurt him. But she would get to it eventually. "I hope people won't give us a hard time like they did back there. I guess it takes a lot to get used to really. With the exception of that one time I've never really been out here since I first got my powers." She stated in thought, as she wondered how things have changed. But it wasn't her who should be worrying about this. It had only been a handful of years for her. He hadn't been here in several millennia, she assumed. Sometimes she forgot just how long he was here. It was just hard to fathom.

She watched as he pulled out a map, an indication for her to wander from her thoughts. A smile touched her face as she looked it over. There was a lot to see, and she wanted Carl to enjoy himself too. She chuckled at his comment about the queen, though got to thinking that perhaps Carl might end up turning the whole country against him before they left. "Hm... That's a lot of options..." She thought pensively, thinking about the both of them in this scenario. "I wouldn't mind looking around a bit to get my bearings together. Do some sight-seeing while we're at it." With a quick glance at her luggage she chuckled a bit. She didn't want to carry this everywhere, so she wanted to dispose of it. "We should probably stop by at some point wherever we're staying and check in. Don't want more people harassing me for this thing now." Besides, it was the nights at the suite they were saying that might make the best part of the honeymoon... "It's up to you, though..."

But before she could move onto any dirty thoughts she noticed that once more he fell quiet. Now... She was really concerned. There was something on his mind. Loralei hadn't really seen him like this, at least to her memory. "Hey..." She muttered out to him, moving in front of him to wrap her hands around both of his in a tender grip. "You feeling okay? You're awfully quiet." She leaned up a bit to plant a kiss on his lips, hoping to quell whatever he was thinking about. "Is there something on your mind?"​

A frown crossed her face. He was deep in thought of something, and apparently it was making him upset. Maybe this was a bad idea. Bringing him here, where his memories lay. But... He suggested here. Was there something she was meant to see? She'd have to wait and find out. For now all she could do was try to cheer him up as they made their way to their hotel. At least he would smile for her. It almost pained her to see him this way.

A short trek later and they had arrived. Instantly, she felt impressed by how beautiful it was. "Well isn't this bougie." She grinned, looking around the lobby. Only to be greeted by more dirty looks. It could have been that she did look abnormal. Or that she was wearing tight fitting clothes that belonged to more of a club goer than anything. Either way, she didn't care. This place looked great, and the only thing that would make it better was a glimpse at where they would be staying specifically.

Which was, of course, everything she wanted and more.

When he swiped the keycard to their room, Loralei looked more than happy. She dropped her luggage close by the entrance, before crossing her arms across her chest to get a good look around. "Bigger? I didn't even know they made hotel rooms this size, let alone any larger." She chuckled, before ungracefully plopping herself down on the couch. "I could get used to this. Outdoing yourself like always. Good thing that bed looks big enough for me to really express my gratitude." She laughed, before he voice died down as he silently approached the window. Looking stoic as he peered over the city. To a place far in the distance.

She remained still until he beckoned her over. To which she dutifully rose, opting to rather levitate over than walk. It made her approach more smooth, as she lightly placed her feet on the floor next to him. Squinting in the distance to see what he was talking about. Lori nodded once spotting it, and didn't take her eyes off of it as he explained himself. Where he started, and what he used to be. There was an air of mystery surrounding what was going on with him. But that air was more thick than the fog outside. She couldn't decipher him, but she could learn. Whether or not that led to negative results would remain to be seen.

He spoke of how her opinion of him might change once she traveled with him to the place marked with rocks. His voice tinged with a bit of sadness. Or at least, from what she could pick up. Though Loralei too looked worried, she soon smiled to him gently. Moving to levitate behind him, to place her head upon his shoulder and to wrap her arms around his torso. Placing a kiss to his neck. "Hey. I didn't become Mrs. Bateman/Endoleon for me to not want to know you. The real you. I mean, couples like us are supposed to learn about each other, right? Some good stuff, some bad stuff." She sighed. "The important thing is for us to be honest to each other. It's the best policy and whatever. I don't want things to eat away at you. In the grand scheme of eternity, you're too young to have this sort of baggage." Her hands went to massage his shoulders. Gently, as if to relieve the tension that he apparently had. She didn't want him to be upset on this important occasion. "So let's have fun. But I want to see what you have to show me. I'll... Try to understand whatever it is. It might take me a bit, but you gotta remember I'm only working on a little more of two decades of knowledge. You're my husband. I'm supposed to be the one person you're frank to." She finally let go prior to taking herself away from the window. She went to her suitcase to bring out her jacket, as it was a bit more chilly than anticipated. "Just... Don't sweat it. We'll cross that bridge when we get there." She didn't want to think about her opinion of Carl changing. She was just wed to him. To lose him so soon would be a travesty.

"You ready?"​

Her reassurance seem to get to him, as he once more smiled and welcomed her touch. What a relief. It worried her something fierce when he was obviously bothered by something but refused to talk about it to her. The one he could trust, no matter what. The rest of his head against her had sent waves of comfort to her body. She felt she could finally enjoy her time with him. So when she got herself geared up to get ready, she was officially pumped for whatever they were going to do. She.. Hadn’t come to a decision yet. There was a lot to do, and mainkey she wondered if Carl would be interested in any of it. Probably not but… He liked to see her happy. All she could do was find a way to return the favor to him.

But that would be a challenge as, like always, he continued to impress her. Almost an endearing one-up, because every time she found herself surprised she found herself elated. Especially when that surprise were tickets to world-class cuisine. Her eyes were wide as she got a look at the tickets themselves. "Holy shit..." She grinned, looking at him. "God now I can't wait. This awesome! Thanks so much Carl." She kissed him again on his cheek. Having an interest in the culinary arts, this was a big deal for her. But upon his skepticism of the owner himself... Loralei could only chuckle. "Y'know, that man is notorious for his ego. Bigger than anything I've seen in any human. He's like your mortal match. Except less... Explode-y." Regardless though she knew the food would be good. And she would certainly dress up for him. It was a special occasion nonetheless. And for what he did, it was the least he could do.

He brought up once more what they could do together. As a couple, to enjoy their honeymoon. She was quiet for a moment, thinking. There was just so much, but she had an idea. "There's a lot of things I've wanted to do. But I don't want to make ourselves too tired on the first day after that little incident at the airport." She shrugged, crossing her legs and looking ahead in pensive thought. "So I figure we can walk for a bit. See the city, freak out the locals... And then... I was sorta thinking there's a famous museum- the British museum- that's kinda piqued my curiosity." She laughed a bit, before shrugging. "Dinosaurs are kinda rad, what can I say." She stood up from her spot to look in her suitcase. Trying to figure out what to wear for the night out. "Does that sound good to you? This is your vacation as much as mine. I want you to have a say in everything, too."​

The plan was set. Go to the museum, meander around the city, and have dinner together. Maybe sneak a magic trick or two in the mix to stir up harmless fun. It sounded almost too perfect. She didn't want to spend her week with anyone else. He always had the best plan for everything. "Hmhm... You are pretty rad." She nuzzled him just as they left, heading off to the museum in a trek just as eventful as the place they were bound to head. Enjoying each other's presence as well as sense of humor. All in harmless fun it was. But it had to end when they reached the museum, where they were undoubtedly argued with again but Carl's impeccable ability of persuasion got them out of that situation. Where would she be without him?

"Hm, what's up with these people?" she grumbled, but ultimately nuzzled under the arm of her husband. Whatever. She had who and what she needed and wanted. He led her down the highly embellished hall of the museum, to the history section. Ornaments and paintings from centuries before her lined the walls and rooms. Though she almost went off to look at something, Carl called we back, to address something that he looked excited for.

She held onto his arm and rested her head on it. Looking up at the picture. The old picture, that depicted a very familiar figure. "Look at you being famous." She chuckled a bit, before looking up to him. "What's the story behind this one, hm?" She looked around the room. To a tour guide that looked between her husband and the picture. She shrugged and looked at him. "Maybe both of us can one day land ourselves in a place like this. Make history together or something." It was highly hypothetical, but still. "I wonder if you have anything else in here dedicated to yourself."​

Loralei didn’t take her eyes off the picture as long as Carl spoke to her of the tale of the painting. It was easy to form an image in her head because… Well, even she knew what he was talking about. It took her only minutes to decipher the period in which he lived. And, it was sort of surreal for her. This was one of the few solid proofs she had to remind her that he was no young adult. He looked the exact same as he did now as he did way back then. Well, maybe if she squinted a bit, his hair was a little different. But still.

Not only did this thought grace her mind, but so did the reminder that he really did cause a lot of trouble. Not like this was news to her or anything, but she couldn’t help but to wonder how many lives he impacted. How much he changed history, merely because he happened to be there and had a general dislike for humanity. She knew what she signed up for in marrying him. Call it twisted, but she found charm in his ego, and seemed to ignore the repercussions of it. As long as he loved her the way she was. Did… That make her a bad person? Enabling these things but not having any part of them? No… No, she wouldn’t hurt anybody. And that’s what mattered, right?

Regardless of that she’d still love Carl for who he was to her. "I guess you can’t help what people do to each other. You seem to just be… Along for the ride, for the most part." Lori whispered up to him, ignorant of the eyes on the pair as she took the hand of living history. Right as he was reflecting on his past, and perhaps his future. Their future. "But they'll live their lives, and we'll live ours. Too bad those guys got in their way. That ended up bad on both ends." She chuckled a bit, holding onto her husband's hand dutifully as he took her along. Her eyes glancing around the room. Bits and pieces of his influence were everywhere. This... This was something else.

He brought up a good point though in regards to all of this. How... Well, would she like to be seen as this? To go down in infamy? Question was, did she care? Lori sighed. Of course she did. "Hm, I guess not. At least, in terms of unfortunate events. If my mentor found out I was causing serious trouble with the humans... God, he'd have my head. And then some."

She laughed a bit, though glared as people stared at her. Just what were they looking at? Hadn't they seen a man with floating orbs around him and his grey-skinned wife before? How rude. Even if she was different though he still made her feel pretty. She chuckled a bit, kissing his cheek discreetly before turning back to the display. "You sure about that? A fine man such as yourself deserves a fair share in the spotlight. Besides, I don't photograph well." Or at least, she didn't think so. Only because half the time she didn't fuss to make herself look good. Unless it was for days like this, of course. She figured Carl didn't have one opinion one way or another, though. Her hand tugged at his slightly, to lead them forward. There was a lot she wanted to see. Natural History, Ancient…. "I don’t know why I don’t come to you when I need to write a paper or something for school. Because you’re more accurate than half the books I have to read. " Still, it was good to be immersed in what has happened to the world she lives in, even before she was a mere thought in the head of her mother. She didn’t know if or how she’d become known on his level. But… She knew she didn’t want to go down the same path as him, no matter how much she really loved him. Before she left the contemporary history section, she squeezed her husband’s hand to get his attention. Gesturing with her gaze to another picture on the wall. This one, a bit more famous, was that of a sailor holding a nurse over to kiss her. Loralei smiled. "That. That’s how I want to go down. For us." With that she brushed some black hair over her shoulder, to head for the ancient history section. Little did Carl know that Lori was on a mission. She wanted to find out about Carl. The man she didn’t quite know.

"This way? Maybe we can find something that’s from my culture, too."


​

Being here with him like this made her feel at ease. Other people seemed to migrate away from the odd couple, towards other exhibits to where more 'normal' people were. But Loralei wasn't particularly paying attention. She was just happy to be here with her husband. Where it was quiet, and was just the two of them surrounded by artifacts from periods one of them lived through.

"Can't say I know the feeling." Loralei muttered a bit. It would take her a bit of time to get use to the fact that he really was this cosmic master, and she was just some genie. There were dozens like her, and just one of him. She didn't like to put herself down though. She knew what she was in for, and was happy for the most part at her own position. "But I'm sure I'll learn. I may not be that magus of the cosmos but I still know that sometimes you can't help what happens. So why worry about it, right?" She chuckled, nudging a bit into him. Lori was happy she had this moment with him. All she could hope was that her husband felt the same way.

As they entered the new exhibit, photographs and modern commodities were exchanged for murals, sculptures carved from the earth, and depictions of events long since past. She had to admit, it was sorta wigging her out that half of this stuff paled in comparison to his age. It made her wonder everything he's seen, or if this was run of the mill for him. Something to think about as they wandered, on any case. "I'm honestly surprised that none of these tour guides or curators flipped shit because either you're a top notch impersonator of one of the guys in the pictures, or you're the real deal himself." Seeing a history buff fangirl over her husband? Now that was something she wanted to see. She'd have to restrain him though if he did attempt to reprimand them. They already paid enough for this wedding and honeymoon. Property/spinal damage wasn't something she wished to come across. "I swear I've seen half of this stuff in your basement..."

But there was one thing that probably wouldn't be there, no matter how much she searched.

"Speak of the devil." said Loralei as he began to mention her master once more. Her face seemed to light up when she approached a statue, carved in sandstone. It was apparent that there was quite a lot of wear to it, but she could recognize the figure anywhere. She took his hand, leading him over to the statue. There were two people involved in the scene. One was a highly decorated man, kneeling and having his head bowed in either respect or mercy. It was hard to tell, since his face was eroded, but he looked rather significant. The other was rather apparently inhuman. He stood at a good seven feet. His stance proud and his gaze clearly downwards. Rather muscular, too. And instead of having one pair of arms, he had a second- one folded across his chest and the others each supporting what looked like orbs of smoke. It appeared he was standing in fire, erupting from a spilled over lamp on his side. For what he was he was rather attractive in Loralei's eyes, but she'd be damned if she told that to her husband. "You think you could take him? This is who you're up against." Her hand gestured out to him, as she chuckled. She let go for a moment to approach the statue's plaque. Dated 3000 BCE. She really did know a lot of ancient men. "He told me about this incident when he first made me who I am. Or at least the abridged version. A guy wanted to rival pharaohs, and wasted his wishes on power he couldn't handle. Course he went back to my master who basically told him he was SOL." She folded her arms across her own chest. Looking up at the man. Almost in an admiring way. "Of course, he could have granted him more wishes if he wanted. He sorta... Doesn't need to follow the rules. He can strike people down with his magic, grant as many wishes he desires, make people fall in love.... All the stuff I can't do." It was like she was reminded of that everyday. She was much weaker than what she could be. But it was something just out of reach. Something she'd never get. At least, not on her own accord.

To pick her up from dwelling on the subject, he gave her an idea that she agreed to. "A camera? I think I just might." She still blushed at the mentions of her beauty. Leaning up to kiss him on the cheek, as her eyes looked back to the statue. "I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a lot of things I want to hold between us." She had an eternity with him. There were things she was bound to remember, and things she was bound to forget. With a camera, she hoped there wasn't anything she would. "So yeah, maybe I would like to immortalize moments between us. Photography seems like a fun little pursuit, anyway. Especially when/if we have kids." She looked at an empty space on the wall, laughing a bit under her breath. "I'd like to go down for something. Might as well be for looking fly with my husband."​

Looking over the stone eyes of the replica of her mentor had Loralei deep in thought. In respect to him, she was a very weak creature. Sure, she was more durable and magically adept than a human was, but she still felt pretty powerless compared to both her husband and her mentor. But she shrugged this off. A) She was young and B) Power wasn’t something she was terribly interested in. She was pleased with what she had, even if it wasn’t everything she could have. At least she took comfort in knowing someone liked what she did. "Now I can’t argue with that. My mouth’s gotten me in more trouble than it’s worth." Loralei smirked. Her gaze moved back up to his face, easier since Carl wasn’t quite as tall as the other figure. Still dwarfed her by a bit, but as he said she was a lot for such a smaller package. "It’s lucky that I have a match in you though. He’s used to me being all bark and no bite. Maybe you’ll throw him off guard by being plenty of both." Now that would be interesting. It made her wonder though is her mentor had ever heard of Carl’s name and title. Or even seen him in his scriptures. She liked to think that her husband had a distinct appearance. Even if it was a bit outdated. Like his concept of slang.

"Oh, it’s just an expression. It just means that we’d look great together." She laughed quite a bit, before nudging his arm playfully. "Besides, I already can sorta. And I could make you do it too, but that’s for another day." Lori figured he wouldn’t like that much, but it was still a funny thought regardless. She smiled at the notion until Carl became more heavy, in reference to what he was to reveal next. The heavy cloud that had hung over Carl’s head since they arrived was finally coming into light.

"Carl..." She uttered as he would place the colorful orbs over her head. Their bright, cheery colors contrasting the morbidity of out he obtained them. She reached up to touch one with the slightest poke of her finger. Watching as it danced around her head, listening as he kept talking. She was quick to grasp just how crucial this whole honeymoon was in respect to how he was as a whole. Like a puzzle to be deciphered. She wanted to get to the bottom of a few things, plus see her husband not quite so stressed over it. She had never seen him like this. And she didn’t want to.

"Let’s just get that out of the way then. I want you to take me there now." She stood in front of him. Grasping each of his arms in her hands. "You look like you need to get something major off your chest, so… Please, this all can wait. We have plenty of time until dinner and to do whatever else we want this week. Just… I don’t want you psyching yourself out over how you think I’ll interpret it all. Besides, I want to know more about you. Your… History, and how the Carl I see today has come to be." She stood up on her toes to kiss him gently on his lips. Holding it for a second, before flattening her feet once more against the museum floor. "My wish for this honeymoon is for us to grow closer as a wedded pair. So… In doing this, you’ll help fulfill my wish. It’s up to you though Carl. But the longer you let things eat away at you, the worst it will all feel when you must face the truth."
​

At long last it seemed Loralei was finally going to get an answer from what had been plaguing her mind. What was his burden though was a mystery, and for most of the trip she would be silent. To allow her husband to think, and for her own self to process what was going on. But it wouldn't be too bad right? No matter what it was. Probably something small that she had seen before, talked up into something larger.

Oh, but she was dead wrong.

"It'll be okay, Carl. I know it will." That tone of confidence shown through, as they left the museum and towards a forest. A forest that almost looked like time had forgotten it. Her grip to his hand tightened. It would be at this point that whatever contemporary habits would be left at the metaphorical door. It felt like she stepped back thousands of years with all of the ancient words he uttered. The first of which launching an effect that had her nearly jumping in shock. "Mother of..." Her voice ceased as her now wide cyan eyes glanced at the statue-lined path. Feeling a bit unnerved as they all turned to look at the pair. This could only mean one of two things, in her mind. Either he was worshipped here... Or was an outlaw. Infamous in nature.

The latter wouldn't be a surprise, really.

Nevertheless Lori tried to keep her mind open as their path narrowed. She married him because she loved him. And she made a vow to always stick by his side. He may have been acting distant, but he had his reasons. Or at least, she kept telling herself so. Even as he spoke orders to her. Telling her to keep her mouth closed like a child in a classroom. But... He was trying to protect her, right? Keeping her health and safety in mind. That's how it seemed at least. She trusted him. And even if he would tell her a thousand times otherwise... She could still see a layer of compassion underneath his war-hardened exterior. Gravely she nodded upon the instructions, bowing her head at his incantation. Taking it all in silently as his words were now law. She opened her eyes to find herself... Invisible. She knew where her body was in space, but otherwise she was a being non existent to both her and the world. She gulped. All of this was slightly intimidating, even more so ironically by how beautiful the part of the forest was where they entered. This was holy land and yet... Something seemed unnaturally hellish about it.

When they stopped, all was silent. Nothing but the sound of wind whistling through the grass, though even then that was practically silent. She looked up at her husband, letting go of his hand to try to appear that she had no presence here. She was here to watch. Nothing more. Carl spoke though that they had arrived to this place, that seemed wholly innocent and serene. Almost... Deceiving. And it was.

For when she spoke the sound of a thousand wails practically burst her ears, which caused her to head Carl's instruction and cover them. Her expression grew nearly mortified as the area filled with spirits. All of which were yelling. All of them pissed off. Ever so slightly Loralei stepped behind her husband for protection. Her magic held no water here. These creatures were beyond her understanding. At least, before Carl shouted at them. Then it all became clear. Two and two added together instantly. These were his victims. And this was their eternal purgatory that he created.

Loralei almost opened her mouth to say a word. But she could only watch. As the ringleader of these people spoke. Angry. And rightfully so. Carl had taken their magic. She knew that. What she didn't know was that they were still alive in a sense. Living in eternal hell just to get back what was rightfully there's. Just why did he take it again? She struggled to remember. But even as she took sympathy on them, it seemed the battle was not so apparently one sided. Loralei believed it was a dog-eat-dog world in which her husband used to live in. He did what needed to be done, in order to not end up like everyone else. Which... Brought forth a slew of questions. All were to be asked following this, but now... Now she had to wait in uncomfortable silence. She thought she was ready. When she was clearly not.

With a few more ancient mutters of bitter rivalry the whole reveal left as soon as it came. Those final words seeped into her brain, causing a memory that she would never forget, for better or worse. She gasped as her hand was taken unexpectedly. Her head never turning from the area as she watched the world he created slip away. The lives that destroyed themselves over him. The ones that so desperately wanted vengeance.

The transition for her was surreal. What she saw would be in her mind for the rest of the honeymoon. She reappeared once his spell wore off. Only to be revealed to be looking at the ground. Nobody else. Just the grass and dirt. She didn't speak for a good while. So much was on her mind, that she didn't know what to choose to say. But she wanted answers. And she wanted them soon.

So for the first time in what felt like forever she spoke up once more. With a question that seemed a bit obvious. "Carl..." She whispered practically, not looking at him quite yet. "Do you have any regrets? Or would you have done things differently had luck been on your side?" She let go of him. Standing in front of him to prevent him from going anywhere. "Tell me the truth. I want to know."​

No.

The word struck her, but was it all that surprising? After all… Carl was Carl. And Carl didn’t take worry or fret over much. But to think that millennia after all of this occurred, that seeing those people didn’t strike a chord within him… It was a bit unnerving. Still, maybe things were meant to turn out this way. She knew her husband wasn’t a fan of the idea of destiny. Perhaps though some god dicated that he would be the grand Magus, regardless of the consequences on others. O just maybe… She wanted to think that way. To come up with new formulas and theories to make out Carl as best as possible. She knew that she was married to one of the most infamous magic wielders in this plane. In another, he was a warrior. That was the reality she wanted to stick with. Not this one.

Regardless, his philosophy and reasoning at least made some sense. To regret was to live in the past. Those words some how resonated with her. Did she have any? Well… Not technically. She was perfectly content at where she was at now. There was no point looking at all of the bad stuff, because it didn’t have much impact on where she was at now. Besides her attitude, of course.

And if fate did exist… Well, at least she could say it brought them together.

"Yeah. It does."

Loralei spoke after he relayed all of his wisdom to her. What he has learned, and from what she could tell, what he still could afford to learn. But that would come in time. Not all at once. They were still on their honeymoon, after all. It may be difficult to recover from that downer, but not impossible.

"Carl?" She looked up at him from where he stood. Deep into those seemingly empty eyes. After a moment of silence, she stood up straight to plant a kiss on his lips. Brief, but it felt like the first in forever. "Thank you. For showing me. I… Don’t know exactly what went on back there. But I have a clue. And…. Well, I hope you know that it won’t change anything between me and you. I mean… I knew what I was in for when I agreed to marry you. Maybe not to this extent, but.. Hey, that’s what marriages are about right? Growing together? Or something like that. I guess sometimes… I need a reminder. Of the real you." She cast an awkward, almost forced smile. Still, she had some sort of happiness that this was out in the open. And that it hadn’t impacted her too much to deter her away from who she married. "Do you feel better now? Knowing that I have seen some of your past myself?" She stepped to his side, so that they could continue walking if he so chose.
"I can at least see why you were in a funk earlier. Not gonna lie… That was something else."

Her stifled chuckle was evident of that. Though nothing could deter her from him. She was the only girl who could handle him at his worst. She loved him, and always would.

No matter what.

...Right?

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