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Memories	By : Asirainis Category: +A through F > Dragon Quest/ Dragon Warrior Views: 1615 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Quest VIII, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 51
- 52
Memories
Epilogue: Crowning Of a Queen
Nine months later…
A scream tore through the castle of Trodain as Airlia gripped her bed sheets tightly beneath her fingers. She had been told to push one last time, the biggest push she could give her swollen belly. While she did not curse her husband aloud, she did damn him once or twice mentally for her pain filled state. She heard a tiny wail as she collapsed back to the bed. "Congratulations My Lady, it is a healthy baby girl." Airlia smiled weakly as she felt another contraction rip through her, forcing another scream from her mouth. She tried to breathe as she had been instructed well over thirty times since she started to give birth to her first daughter.
The second maiden in the room took the small girl from the doctor as the woman rushed to Airlia's side to examine the pregnant woman to find out the cause of it. As a second head started crowning the doctor had realized her grave error. "My Lady, you have a second child in you! I need you to push as you have before! Find the strength for your baby! I know you can do it!"
Sweat dampening her brow from the previous contractions and pushing to birth her first daughter, she dug deep. It seems Xia has a sibling; I mustn't delay in bringing him or her to the world… She found the strength as the nurse allowed Marcello inside to give his wife comfort.
"Airlia what's the matter? I was told there was some sort of complication…" He asked, fear in his eyes as he saw how exhausted she was.
The lady who had allowed him inside smiled and simply explained, "She's having a second baby My Lord. Please help give her strength to bear this child."
He nodded as he took her hand and whispered to her, "You've been so tough through this entire journey that you went on. You're almost there! Push my love!"
She pushed hard as she felt him mop her brow, her long flowing hair spread out over the pillow. She screamed as she gave the final push, getting the beautiful child out and into the world. With the airway cleared for the second baby, another wail pierced the air as Airlia relaxed against the bed, her energy drained from the ordeal of birthing two children.
She looked at the woman, "What gender is this one?"
The woman smiled as she wiped her own brow, her blonde hair sticking to her forehead. "This one is male."
Airlia smiled as she nodded. "My daughter shall be named Xia, for my mother. But we hadn't decided on a male name… Marcello, what do you think we should do?"
He smiled, "You could name him Eltrio if you wish, after your father my love."
She nodded and smiled. "Eltrio will be his name."
The doctor, Elaine, nodded as she said, "The middle names can be thought of later. For now, rest My Lady. You've been through much. Marcello, you can take her back to your room if you wish. I feel she may recover quicker there. I will have nursemaids take to the children for today's feedings. They will be brought to you when you come down in the morning." He smiled at them as he nodded before scooping his wife up.
She trembled in his arms as she held tightly to him, making him look at her in love and worry. "Airlia?"
She shook her head, "I'm just so exhausted my love. Forgive me."
They arrived at their bedroom before long as he laid her in bed before drawing the blanket around her. He kissed her brow, "You did wonderfully my love. Just rest now. The nursemaids will help take care of our babies until you're strong enough to do it on your own." She nodded as she fell asleep instantly into a dreamless sleep, unaware of Marcello getting into bed lying next to her, holding her tightly to him.
Morning came quickly as Airlia awoke to being held against Marcello's chest, the comfortable rise and fall of it soothing her as she slowly got up. Turning to look at him, she saw sapphire orbs gazing at her tenderly. "Sleep well my love?"
She nodded as she said, "I want to see my babies."
He grinned at her as he nodded. "Then change and we will." She went over to the wardrobe and pulled on a golden shimmering gown, relieved that it would allow her to feed her children when the need arose.
Turning to him Airlia saw he chose a simple blue uniform as he came over to her and embraced her once more, "My love I was worried when they said complications had occurred, but I'm glad you're safe. You're alive, and we have two beautiful children waiting for us."
She nodded as a knock came on the door. It was the nursemaids looking at Airlia, "My Lady, are you sure you're okay to be up and about?"
She nodded with a grin, "Yes my dears. I have to be. Uncle Clavius will be hearing about the births before long and I have to be ready to ascend to the throne of Argonia. When I do, Charmles will be formally rejected as the heir."
They nodded, "We would like to come with you, in case you should need us."
She smiled at the two women and nodded. "Be sure to check with King Trode and the others first, but it's okay with me." The pair nodded before running off. She gazed at her children with love and adoration as Marcello embraced her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder to look at his children.
"This is truly perfect my love. Xia has your hair and my eyes, and Eltrio has my hair and your eyes. Truly beautiful just like her mother." He turned to kiss her cheek as a knock came to the door. "Come in."
Airlia called out as Angelo walked in with Jessica, both of whom were smiling. "Oh my! Is that them Airlia? I only just heard you had twins."
Angelo came over to the babies and smiled at them. Jessica came over, "We'd like to formally invite you to our wedding. If you happen to be on the throne of Argonia at that point, we'll simply have the wedding there so you can be there!"
Airlia nodded as another knock came to the door. "Come in." Marcello spoke as he took Eltrio from Airlia as he gazed at his child with love.
Yangus and Red walked in with Alistair and Raquel right behind them. "We met up wiv them in the yard." Red smiled as she looked at the children. Since having gone into business with them, she's let her hair flow down her back, and took to wearing a tunic and red skirt. Yangus wore a light armor with his pants as he grinned jovially at them.
Red looked at Xia and smiled, "She's beautiful."
Airlia grinned, "Unlike Cash and Carrie, I'm going to put my foot down and say they were born the same time." Alistair grinned, remembering that trip to the Graveyard. Marcello chuckled, knowing the exact story from Airlia of her adventures while they were separated on her journey.
There was one more knock on the door as Marcello held the door open, Draco was there with Medea and Trode. They eagerly came in to look at the babies. The two families had made a pact of when they had children; the first family to bear children would use the names of Airlia and Draco's parents, either Xia or Eltrio depending on if it was a girl or boy. Draco smiled at Airlia, "Twins!? Wow, I can hardly believe that I'm already an uncle twice over!" Airlia grinned at him as he came to give her a hug.
Looking around, she knew the only ones who weren't overly familiar with the family situation were Raquel and Red. Yangus grinned at her. "I told Red all about the family 'istory. I know who else needs to be 'ere." Airlia grinned at Yangus.
She turned to Raquel, "The family history that Yangus mentioned is that Draco and I are part of another culture that was long since thought to be nonexistent."
She smiled as she nodded, "Alistair touched on it some when he was telling me of his adventures." Airlia grinned as she motioned to have the door shut.
Turning to Munchie… Airlia spoke, "Time for you to be able to see your great grandkids Munchie." He hopped out of the pocket and transformed into his normal form. He looked at them as he smiled. "They are beautiful, what did you name them Airlia?"
She turned to Draco and smiled. "I named my daughter Xia and my son is named Eltrio." He looked properly chastised as he nodded, "Your mother would have been proud of them Airlia." She nodded as tears came to her eyes that she rapidly blinked away.
Draco grinned to Medea, "Since she named them Xia and Eltrio, it means we get to name ours as we want."
Airlia chuckled as she said, "You can still use the names if you wish Draco, I honestly hadn't expected my second child." He nodded with a smile.
They relaxed for the day, celebrating the birth of Airlia and Marcello's children. Airlia sighed, knowing the day had come to take to the throne with her husband at her side. Swallowing her fear, she turned to King Trode. "Is the butterflies in my stomach what you went through when you ascended to the throne?"
He nodded. "Yes, but with my wife at my side, I knew everything would be fine." Airlia smoothed out her coronation dress, specially designed last minute by Elsie so she could feed her children if the need arose. It was an off the shoulder gown in green, the color of Argonia, with an argon heart red ribbon running the length of the dress along the edges that came to the ground. She would wear the tiara symbolizing the queen of Argonia, set with an argon heart in the center of the crown. Marcello wore the uniform that her father had worn however since the ruff that had been around King Clavius's neck had been part of the symbol of his status, it was missing from her husband's neck.
She gave him a small smile. "We will do this. The others are coming to Argonia to see the coronation." Marcello whispered as he hugged her around her shoulder to boost her confidence.
She smiled as she held their daughter while he held their son as they went outside to the main yard of the castle. The celebration lasted the whole day with King Clavius coming to see them. He smiled brightly as he saw their children. "They're so precious, reminds me of my little Charmles when he was a baby. What did you name them?"
Airlia smiled as she spoke, "I've named our daughter Xia, after my mother. My son is named Eltrio after my father." He smiled, happy with her choices.
He turned to Marcello, "Are you taking good care of Princess Airlia?"
Marcello smiled as he nodded, "Yes King Clavius, I've made sure the last few months of her pregnancy; she remained off her feet, much to her chagrin."
King Clavius chuckled as he nodded, "I suspect she wasn't happy about that but it was for the best. She has to keep after her health if she is to be queen of Argonia."
Marcello noticed Charmles wasn't around as he raised an eyebrow to King Clavius, "Your Majesty, is Charmles…"
He nodded. "I had him remain in the kingdom, but he is not allowed to interact with Airlia at all unless he needs something as a citizen. You will have to keep her safe from the former prince's intentions. I'm sure he won't do anything harmful, but he is still seething over my taking not only his title away, but his future wife."
Marcello nodded as he watched Airlia with their babies and smiled. "I will do everything I can to protect her. I will keep my family safe."
King Clavius nodded, "No one but my chancellor knows of what I have done to Charmles. A few guards have been instructed to keep him locked away until after the coronation is over."
Airlia nodded as she turned to her uncle, "Thank you Uncle Clavius. I do hope you'll stick around for the first few days to ensure a smooth transition? King Trode and Princess Medea have been kind enough to have me sit in on their disputation segments in the castle, to give me an idea of what lay ahead of me in that respect. They've been so good to me to teach me all that I need to learn, but I know there is so much more I must learn."
He nodded. "I'm glad they've been able to give you some tutelage and I will be happy to remain for a few days to help you Airlia. Besides, I want more time with my niece and nephew." He grinned at the two children.
The two nursemaids came up to Airlia, "My Lady, King Trode and Princess Medea have agreed for us to go with you to Argonia. They said that we may stay and serve the young children when you are unable to!"
Airlia smiled at them, "Thank you Sarah, Mary. I'm so glad!"
The two women giggled as Sarah asked, "My lady, when will we be leaving?"
Airlia looked at King Clavius with a smile, "We leave first thing tomorrow, be ready."
He smiled at them, "I'm glad we're doing this right away tomorrow. I want to introduce you first before I explain the situation with Charmles to the people. My son thinks he could keep the whispers from reaching my ears. I've long since known that people were concerned with him coming to the throne. They thought everything was secure with him getting over his fear of lizards, but the immaturity that he showed with the argon heart… Then at Eltrio's grave…"
Airlia nodded, recalling every detail as Marcello looked at her worriedly. She shook her head, "Memories that can't hurt me anymore Marcello." She brought her babies up to her shoulders to help release the air in their tiny stomachs before kissing the back of their heads. Marcello took Xia into his hands as Airlia cradled her son in her arms.
"The people will be happy to have a prince and princess already to ensure the throne remains within the family." Clavius smiled as he spoke.
Airlia nodded in agreement as she looked at her son's tiny face and even smaller hands as her father came up to her. "My daughter! I'm so glad you came through the birthing alright."
He embraced her gently aware of the child in her arms. "Yes father, my twin surprise sure made things a bit interesting."
He smiled as he looked at Eltrio. "He is precious! And is that your daughter?"
Airlia nodded, "That is Xia and this is Eltrio. And I've decided on Eltrio's full name. Eltrio Francisco Draco Adon. For Xia it will be Xia Alexandra Red Adon."
Francisco blinked as it registered with him before his smile grew wider. "My daughter…"
Tears came to his eyes as she smiled. "Father, you took me in and gave me a home. What would I have done without you?" He smiled at her as he nodded.
Airlia smiled as she looked out at the kingdom of Trodain. It had been her home for almost a full year and soon it would be time for her to go to her new home, Argonia. Lord High Priest Rolo had already promised to preside over the coronation as she turned to her husband. He smiled softly as he whispered to her, "It will be okay my love, we just need to believe in each other and we will be just fine."
She nodded as she turned to her father, "Will you be staying in Trodain?"
He nodded, "No, I believe I will come with you and live within Argonia to be close to my grandchildren."
She smiled brightly as King Clavius spoke, "You will have a room within the castle. I wouldn't dream of you staying anywhere else Francisco."
Airlia nodded in agreement. The festivities continued into the night, long after the young mother, with her two babies went off to bed. When she awoke, Marcello was in bed, holding her, his fingers lazily caressing her cheek. "I saw you go off to bed, but King Clavius wanted to speak with me, so I ended up talking with him until late."
She nodded as she got changed from her nightgown into her coronation gown. The material was light, and shimmered with movement in the light, but it was still off the shoulder, to allow her to feed her children when the need arose and the coronation was over. It was time as King Trode, Princess Medea and Prince Draco joined her. "The others are just outside. I had them remain rather than go home so we could all go to the coronation together. My minister will handle my affairs until we return tomorrow." Airlia smiled happily as they went out to the courtyard where everyone was waiting. Airlia held her children tight as Marcello grinned at her. When they were grouped together Draco spirited them there quickly with a zoom spell. When they landed, the people were staring out past the gates as they cheered for King Clavius's return.
He walked them to the island in the middle of the kingdom. With everyone standing around it, he smiled. "My people of Argonia. I have heard your whispers of worry about Prince Charmles ruling the kingdom when he comes of age. I've listened and watched for any reason as to why you worry, and I've found basis for it."
Wild whispers whipped around in frenzy for a moment before he raised a hand to garner silence. "I have searched long and hard, as you know, for my brother the former crowned prince of Argonia. However, my search has finally yielded fruit. It is with a heavy heart that I announce my brother has passed on into the afterlife. But there is some good news from this terrible tragedy. My brother's late wife has born two children. One of those children has married Princess Medea. The other child has married Marcello who is formerly known as the Lord High Priest. Airlia after much thought has agreed to take over for Prince Charmles. She will go through the coronation tomorrow making her Queen of Argonia."
The whispers picked up in speed once more as they sized her up. They didn't know that Prince Eltrio had passed, or that he had two children. One person shouted, "But she has no proof that she is the daughter of Prince Eltrio." Airlia gave the person a glare and the moment the man saw it… he froze. It was as if Eltrio was made female in flesh. Others who had been close to Eltrio smiled faintly at the one gesture, knowing they would be in good hands.
King Clavius smiled as he spoke while Airlia held both children for everyone to see, "And she has just given birth two days ago to two beautiful children whom have been named… We have Princess Xia Alexandra Red Adon and Prince Eltrio Francisco Draco Adon." The two descendants of Alexandra blushed as she grinned at them. They had figured it out! Yangus and Red looked bowled over that she had included Red within the name of her daughter. Draco's wide eyed stare finished off the startled group as the kingdom erupted into cheers as they woke the pair of babies who cried as Marcello took Prince Eltrio and began to rock him gently as Airlia rocked Princess Xia.
When they showed no sign of calming down, Princess Airlia waved over Mary and Sarah who each took a child and followed the chancellor into the castle to the infant's room so they could calm them. Meanwhile Airlia turned to Marcello as she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "People of Argonia, I know this is jarring to you all, but King Clavius merely wants what is best for the kingdom, even if it isn't his own son."
Suddenly a tomato was hurled at her, hitting her from behind, sending her sprawling to the ground as Marcello looked around for the attacker. He looked up and growled. "Prince Charmles. How dare you assault Princess Airlia?!" He knew his love needed him more as he turned to her, and brought her back to her feet, helping to remove some of the fruit from her hair.
He turned to King Clavius to see the man had vanished into the castle. Looking up, Prince Charmles didn't have far to move as his father caught him and dragged him down to where Airlia was. King Clavius drew the former prince up to the Princess as he said, "She was going to leave you with your title you selfish boy."
Charmles looked at the brunette, and cowered at the angry look in her husband's eyes. "Be afraid of me Charmles. I was foolish enough to not protect her through much of her journey, but when I knew I had to make reparations to everyone I promised to protect her." Charmles saw the man was dead serious as he paled further while one of the guards took one of Charmles's arms and a second guard took his other arm as they dragged him away to stew in the jail for a time while King Clavius offered her a handkerchief to try and clean more of the mess.
Marcello took it with a whisper, "Thank you Your Majesty." He continued to try and clean the mess as King Clavius dismissed his people and took her into the room so she could try and save the gown.
Elsie came in after knocking on her door. She saw the gown and frowned as she muttered, "Some of my best work too…"
The blonde seamstress sighed as she gave Airlia a tender, but a somewhat sarcastic smirk. "You really think I wasn't prepared for that oaf? I had the guards install locks while I was working for not only my door, but the changing room and the wardrobe inside it."
Blue eyes shimmered in mirth as Elsie giggled with a wink. "I have three exactly like it if he did such a stunt."
She turned to one of the maids of the castle behind her and nodded; the petit red haired woman came in and brought with her another coronation gown. Airlia sagged in relief as Marcello smiled genuinely in thanks. A second maid approached with another coronation uniform for Marcello. "I wasn't sure if he was going to do something to Marcello as well, so I had others prepared for him."
The seamstress hung them both in the closet as the brown haired maid came over to see the babies. "They're so beautiful." Airlia smiled with her motherly pride blooming in her chest. With Charmles in jail for the night while he stewed over his attack on the future Queen, Marcello knew his love would be safe as the babies were set down for a nap.
The future queen smiled as she said to the nursemaids, "We're going to stay here with them, so why not go ahead get something to eat."
The women nodded before leaving the room as Airlia held her hand out to Marcello, "Care to dance?" He chuckled as he nodded and they began to dance to music that was only heard by both of their hearts.
When the nursemaids came back, they allowed the parents to go to eat their meals. Marcello smiled as he informed them of the babies activities, "They've been up for an hour; please make sure they're up until we get back. Airlia already fed them so they may not need anything for a bit." The women nodded as the pair left to join everyone for supper in the main dining room.
Dinner was a quiet affair as Medea's womb kept getting in her way of sitting comfortably at the table. Once dinner was over and Medea was seated comfortably on the sofa, King Clavius approached the group. "The coronation will be quite simple, since most of my people love Airlia already. She will come down the aisle alone, dressed in her coronation gown. Marcello will be waiting at the end of the aisle to the side with King Trode, Princess Medea and Prince Draco. Everyone else will be sitting in the pews to watch. She will swear fealty to the kingdom and its people. Then she will be crowned Queen of Argonia."
Airlia nodded as she smiled at her uncle. "I'm glad I can do something to help this kingdom. You've always looked after me, and now I can help look after your people." He nodded with a smile as they went to bed shortly after to get ready for the big day.
Airlia could only sigh happily as she laid her head on her husband's shoulder. He responded simply by bringing an arm around her, holding her tightly to him. The couple fell asleep that way stayed as such into the morning.
When they awoke, he kissed her forehead, "My love it's time."
She smiled as she traced a finger along his chest tenderly as she whispered, "I know, I just wanted to enjoy a few moments to us before this begins." He nodded as they got up and dressed for the day. When she was dressed, she turned to her husband as he smiled. The pair heard a knock as the dark haired man allowed them in.
It was a petit auburn haired woman who smiled excitedly as she spoke, "We're here to do the future queen's hair!"
Airlia saw a dark haired woman behind the auburn haired female as they sat her down. The two women curled her hair tenderly and half pinned her hair up in a cascade of curls that came out of a half bun that sat like a crown on the top of her head. When the pair of women were done Airlia twirled around in her dress as Marcello sucked in his breath. He smiled at her as he nodded in approval of her dressing for the coronation as they walked down to the throne room to meet King Clavius and the others. Medea came over to Airlia, her hand rubbing her lower back. Airlia sent her a knowing smile. "Soak cloths in hot water and then place them on your lower back only after shielding it with a blanket. This will help loosen the tension markedly. Let Draco know that you're still having pain though, and I'm sure he will help fix it." Medea grinned happily as she nodded.
They went outside as everyone gathered before the chapel. King Clavius looked at his niece and smiled, "Airlia, wait until we're all inside, then you will be given the signal to come in and take your rightful place as Queen." She nodded as they went inside, Marcello taking both children in with him. When it was time the church bell rang signaling her to come inside. Taking a deep, calming breath she began up the stairs and into the church. Everyone from the town was there, as she looked around without moving her head.
Keeping her pace, she made her way to the altar where she kneeled before the Lord High Priest, Rolo who spoke to her. "Rise Airlia of Argonia." She rose as she smiled; keeping herself at inner peace even though she wanted nothing more than to run. He held out a silver goblet that was inlaid with several argon heart gems. She took it with both hands as she kept her nerves steady.
"We are all here today to witness the crowning of the new Queen of Argonia, Airlia, daughter of Eltrio, do you promise to lead us into prosperity? To put the good of the kingdom before your own needs?"
Airlia nodded, "I promise, I will always put Argonia before myself, and I will continue to lead into prosperity as King Clavius has done." He laid a red cord over her arms.
"Do you promise to always rule fairly, no matter who it may involve?"
Airlia responded with seriousness, "I promise. No matter who is before me, I will always rule fairly and with an impartial hand." He laid a green cord over her.
"Do you promise to never start a war, or to be involved in one, unless the need arises where the world's safety is at stake?"
She tightened her expression to hide any worries she felt, "I promise. I will never start a war, and I will only get involved in one if the world's safety is at stake." He laid a black and white twined cord over her arms.
He smiled as he tied them loosely around her arms. "Let it be known she will do all that has been asked of her." He instructed her to drink of the goblet. "This water is to purify you, so you may go with a light heart into ruling for the people of Argonia."
She nodded as she drank from the goblet, and when it was done, he took it and put it behind him before removing the cords as he whispered to her, "Turn around as I speak the next line, My Queen."
She waited for him to start, "I present to you good people of Argonia, Queen Airlia, and her husband the prince consort Marcello!" Airlia smiled as she waved to the people of Argonia while Marcello came up with their children. She spoke to everyone, noting which ones were happy about her ascension to the throne and which ones were unhappy. She was determined to find out why.
Celebrations lasted well through the night, leading onto morning as Airlia turned to Marcello to take Princess Xia into her arms, "And now we have peace in the world, we have each other, and together we will take care of the people of Argonia as father took care of me. Just like how King Clavius took care of them for so long." She held her daughter to her tightly while Marcello held tightly to their son.
And so the peace did last, and while there is no such thing as a happily ever after, they did at least all live happily.
THE END?
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Memories