Chapter Text
Ronin had just come back from a patrol and dismounted his hummingbird, one of his fellow leafman taking the reins from him. He nodded to the soldier, walking down the line of guards to the queen's quarters. The ferns unfurled as he walked towards them, the other plants moving out of his way as he marched towards the queen.
Once he passed the last checkpoint of plants he took off his helmet and continued to walk through the isle of plants. He couldn't help how his eyes widened in amazement at the sight before him, bowing in respect.
There stood the queen, his childhood friend, and her most trusted advisor; the object of Ronin's long-time desire. You stood near the queen, silent as Ronin addressed Taraa. "Queen Taraa," he spoke, not looking up. "We need to discuss today's ceremony, the Boggins have crossed our borders-" she cut him off.
She caressed the flower gently. "You're not getting enough sunshine are you," she chided softly, kneeling next to the flower. She was completely ignoring Ronin's concerns, which you had desperately advised her against, but she never paid much attention to your concerns.
She spoke to the flower, talking about Ronin to it, chuckling to herself. You stood there, trying to contain an eye roll. As she continue to speak to the flower, you slowly moved away, wanting to stand closer to Ronin.
"I think the Boggins are scouting out defenses," he stated, trying to gain her attention. He stood up at that point, casting you a fleeting glance. "You know they'd do anything to stop you from choosing an heir." He spoke, holding back his annoyance.
She continued to ignore him, only speaking to the small flower she had been infatuated with since the beginning of the encounter. Ronin grew more annoyed, the feeling being clearly expressed through his body language.
He walked closer to her, trying to get her to go with the plan he had laid out in hopes of avoiding her getting hurt, or killed. He spoke, telling her of a diversion and him picking the pod and bringing it back to her.
She chuckled, and shook her head, "it doesn't work that way. I can't choose unless I'm there, it's about a feeling Ronin. I'm sure you know all about those right?" She questioned as she giggled and wiggled her eyebrows towards you.
Ronin's own brow creased, clearly frustrated by her insistence and by how she was so desperately trying to get him to act on his feelings for you. "She's right General Ronin," you sighed. "Sadly the queen must pick the pod, or else the magic won't transfer properly," you explained as you stepped forward.
"I still feel as though this is a bad idea, the Boggins have never been this aggressive." As he was going on his spiel, Taraa brought vines up, grabbing his wrist and tightening. She also sent them to grab your own, dragging the two of you closer. "Your majesty," you both spoke exasperatedly.
You were almost chest to chest then, staring at each other, flustered. She sighed, waving the vines away. "I understand your concern, but this is the one day in a hundred years I can choose an heir, if I don't do this today, there won't be a future to protect." She left the ominous warning in her wake.
Ronin sighed and frowned, turning to you for some kind of backup. You shook your head, sorrow showing in your eyes. "I understand your concerns general, but she must choose the pod herself. I will be there to watch over her as well. I know you will do your absolute best to protect her," you smiled and patted his shoulder, turning to follow after the queen.
As you disappeared from sight, Ronin frowned again. "That's what I'm worried about," he whispered. He watched longingly after you but turned away and walked back towards his hummingbird. He thanked the soldier for holding him, and mounted, going to plan for the ceremony.
The ceremony was beautiful, Ronin riding beside the barge as you stood closest to him. Taraa stood in the center waving to everyone, and you stood beside her silently, as you always have.
She leaned over and nudged you, to which you couldn't help but smile and chuckle. Your gaze wandered over to Ronin, who nodded to you and flew off, up toward the canopy.
He'd let you in on the security plan, and you knew he was placing himself up, resting on a tree limb, a place with a good vantage point.
The barge set down gently, unfurling into a beautiful lily pad. You waited for her to step off first, following after her slowly. She made sure you were able to walk with her, as you both moved closer and closer toward the snail and slug that maintained the pods.
"Gentlemen," she greeted politely. You nodded toward them. She asked which pods they like, and Mub brought of the biggest one. You frowned at the pod, feeling that it wasn't the right one. "That's one way to go," she laughed, looking off towards the other pods.
She pointed towards a small one. Mub looked shocked by her choice while Grub went and grabbed it, assuring her it was perfect. Taraa looked at the pod affectionately, the roots of it twisting around her fingers. She raised it high into the air, and you could feel the forest shift at the newfound heir.
Ronin sat on his bird, perched high in the tree, when the sound of a crumpling leaf caught his attention. Next to him, a leaf began to decay. "Boggins," he growled, drawing his bow and shooting at the tree behind him.
His shot caused the rest of his leafmen to prepare, their own bows drawn and at the ready for a Boggin attack. The forest stood silently for a moment as if holding its breath and waiting.
Ronin's shot rang true and a Boggin crumpled forward, falling towards the ground.