❝ Gilgamesh? The legendary warrior of the rift? ❞ Her tone conveys surprise but with a moment of reflection she decides that the card is oddly suited to him.

The pack is pulled free of the foil and the first card turned and presented. ❝ A Funguar... ❞

The laugh that escapes her is sudden and unexpected, pure and unfiltered joy. Taking the pack from him, she turns it over to admire the packaging before shooting him a look.

❝ Are you sure? ❞ But she's already tearing the seam, nodding in the direction of a nearby seat.

The Japanese buy a box promo for #MTGxFinalFantasy is this amazing Force of Negation and it slaps so hard, depicting Edea Kramer thwarting her assassination attempt. 10/10. No notes

He's right, overthinking it wouldn't do either of them any good and would lead to nothing.

Best to let sleeping dogs lie.

❝ Have you been well? You look well, if you don't mind me saying so? ❞

She never knew what was and wasn't appropriate for her to ask any more.

❝ I'm not sure? ❞ She responds with a shrug, though there's hesitation in her tone.

❝ Saying it is fated feels... it feels like choice isn't a factor, like everything has been decided... ❞

And that is more ℎ𝑒𝑟 way of thinking.

❝ Is that was you believe? ❞ She asks him, genuinely curious as to what he thinks on the matter.

❝ That we're always destined to meet, or at least cross paths, no matter what? ❞

❝ That seems to be the case for us, doesn't it? A great passage of time between partings. ❞

I couldn't bear it if something happened to you. You've been through enough, I don't want you suffering because of me. ❞

❝ I won't stop you from worrying, you'll do it regardless of what I say or do and I adore you for that... The emperor... I'm not going to lower my guard, and I will do what I have to in order to... to avoid being in another lab. But please, no matter what, protect yourself.

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Ultimecia, felt it in her own body how her malice and hunger twisted her up inside, made her mind into a warzone all its own.

Ardyn's fears were valid, Edea didn't think that they weren't, yet what could she do to assure him that she could take care of herself? That he needn't worry so much?

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Edea offers him a reassuring squeeze, her body leaning into his just a little more in order to offer him any comfort or dash any concerns he may be having, and it would appear he's got many.

It's a common theme, for those in or with power to go mad with it. She'd felt it first hand with

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And yet she understands his reservations, his worries over keeping her safe, and not just from the opposing side.

❝ If that is how you're able to see me, to soothe your mind and heart of any worries you may have... well, you already know you're always welcome. My door is never closed to you. ❞

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And now she comes to a new world, a world where none save Ardyn know who and what she is, and war has found a home here too.

Not that it would change her mind about being here, she was here for Ardyn, to support and cherish him, perhaps even love him if he will let her do so.

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War. It felt like no matter where she went, war seemed to have a grip upon the land. This would be her third war in her life time, the first spear-headed by one of her 'sisters', and the second... well, she supposed she had been the face of that even if she weren't the mind of it.

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❝ Is this your way of telling me you wish to see me in the middle of the night? Whisper sweet nothings to me as we bathe in moonlight? ❞

She wanted to kiss him again, a little peck on the cheek, but refrained. ❝ I would like that very much, I enjoy our nightly talks.~ ❞

in his heart, she had learned that it was solely directed at those that deserved it, those that had wrong him. She was not one of them.

A blush began to form on the apples of her cheeks as he spoke of secret meetings and late night rendezvous', though she was excited by the prospect of it.

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familiar with him in case their antics were reported on. ❝ I trust you, Ardyn, and I know you won't betray that trust to sell me out and have me subjected to... well, let's just say I've had enough of scientists to know how they work. ❞

And though she knew Ardyn had a lot of anger and hate

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❝ I just need to dazzle him with my feminine wiles and seduce him with my magic and— ❞ No good, she can't keep the gag going any longer. ❝ No, no, sweet one, I have no intention of replacing you... how could I? ❞

Once more she patted his hand that held her arm, not wanting to risk being overly

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❝ Oh, darn, you found me out.~ ❞ Her tone was playful, though she lowered it so that she wouldn't be heard but still keeping the mirth in her tone. ❝ I'm actually still possessed, and all of this has been an elaborate ruse to get to the Emperor. ❞

She's smirking as she continues.

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❝ I appreciate your concern, I do... but I'm not going anywhere, not without you. So, if you are to remain in Gralea? Then I shall remain at your side. —You won't be left alone again, you have my word. ❞

change from my home in Centra. I also figured that was the angle the Emperor was playing, but you needn't worry... he has no idea what I'm capable of and it's best we keep it that way. ❞

A light pat was offered to Ardyn in reassurance, she wasn't a fool and knew there was a game being played.

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It had come as no surprise to her that the Emperor insisted she remain in quarters that weren't near Ardyn, no doubt the man knew what she was and the potential that came with it, but she had played her cards close to her chest all the same.

❝ The suite is very comfortable and a welcome

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in a cell, ready for transport to Esthar and then the stars themselves.

❝ You did indeed make that promise to me, and I'm suitably excited to have my brain pickled over the mundanity of it all.~ ❞ She was joking of course, trying to help Ardyn feel less tense about the whole ordeal.

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There was a distinct sense of déjà vu as the pair began walking together, the MT's following behind them. It reminded her of when she had awoken, of how Balamb's SeeD had secured her and marched her out of what remained of Galbadia Garden.

Had it not been for Cid, she would have been placed

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