The grand market of Aethine

A thousand wooden whistles had been blown in unison. Against the metal-sheeted walls of the buildings around me, the harmony was bright and euphoric.

My hair was nearly blown away from my scalp, a gust of wind like a shockwave erupting through the bronze atmosphere. The entirety of the platform below me shook, and a screeching whine of grinding metal erupted outwards, sparks flying through the air around me as my eyes widened with joy.

Once again, the form of a massive steel beast took shape, billowing steam from its pores and holding an angry expression upon its face.

As she stared at the look of pure wonder upon my face, too did Theresia smile bright.

“Do you like trains, Agreste?” She asked of me.

Her face was soft against the warm breeze. Her cheeks glistened like smoke, and her eyes glittered like starfall.

“Until I came to Crelle, I knew nothing of steel machinery, and of the steam that moves the world.” I smiled. “That is to say that something as new and fascinating as this… it has captivated my heart.”

Theresia walked up to the conductor who stood by the wayside, and pulled out a wooden card engraved gently with golden undertones that lined both its framing and its lettering.

“Although I have to ask, because I’m really not quite sure…” I wondered. “Where is it that you’re taking me this time…?”

And to my question, she simply smiled bright.

“I’ll show you my meaning of ‘Agreste’.” Theresia smiled. “So take my hand and follow me simply.”

She extended her calloused, patchwork hand towards me, and I took it gently.

Because as I had grown to love her, I thought I had also grown to trust her just the same.

Inside the train, on a day like any other, instead of bustle, there seemed to be quiet.

Every person inside the grand bronze city had attended the play of the playwright Theresia Hayes.

The starlight had left them all infected with awe that continued even into their waking days.

Yet, as they saw Theresia and I walk through the doors into the train, their faces were lit up with smiles I had never seen in such quantity.

It made my heart feel warm and soft.

"Do you see all of these smiles?" Theresia asked of me with a bright, softened expression. "This was you, Agreste. That is who I think you are in your entirety."

"This is your idea of 'Agreste'...?" I spoke with widened eyes.

As I turned to my side, there was a face within the steam train who's smile brought one to mine.

She had rough citrine-skin, and hands that had been calloused, aged by work and time alike. With glistening emerald eyes, she stared dutifully up at me with a gorgeous anachronistic smile.

"The sky is beautiful today, isn't it, Mr. Agreste?" She spoke softly with a shaky voice that creaked with each word.

"Do you find a sky filled with smog to be beautiful, Ms. Elin?" I asked of her.

"Any sky by which beautiful things happen underneath is a beautiful sky." Elin smiled. "And you have made it so, Baron of Lilacs."

We soon came to the sprawling marketplace by which all merchants gathered, stacked high upon each other in towering fashion that pierced the hazy-red skyline. Thousands of lanterns had been hung to combat the creeping shade, bathing the space in the warmth of creamy-orange glow.

"Will you stay here for a moment, Agreste?" Theresia asked of me with a softened smile. "There's something I want to take a look at."

I simply nodded in response, and she left me to my lonesome in the quiet of the marketplace.

Although, I didn't exactly stay as I was told.

I couldn't help but wander through the orange glow.

I found myself before a stall that held carefully-strewn regalia and bijouterie.

Amidst all the clutter of metal and glimmering gems, was a black box with an interior lined by red-satin padding. Nestled deep within its vermilion softness were two obsidian-black rings, etched in ornate fashion and lined with carefully-placed gold leafing.

With a deep breath, and a quiet heart, I stared simply forward. My brain felt a mess, but I knew then what I wanted wholly.

“I deserve it...” I whispered softly as I stared upon the twin rings.

I had to repeat it to myself as I handed an assortment of coins to the merchant, and held the two rings within my palm.

“I deserve it… I deserve it…” I whispered. “I deserve it…”

I held them close to my chest, for they meant the most to my heart.

I was scared, more so than I had been facing anything else.

"There you are." A voice spoke softly from behind me.

As I turned, I could see that in front of Theresia, my face felt hot. I knew then that my expression was a bright-crimson, and there was no hiding the flustered nature of my heart.

But as was her own nature, she didn't pry in the slightest.

So, I carefully slipped the two rings into the pocket of my coat, and smiled gently in response.

Rather, as I met her gaze, she raised her hands up towards me, holding up a white paper box that had been decorated with golden swirls. She was offering it to me alone.

So, I took it from her hands, and unraveled its softness with curiousness upon my expression.

And as the paper fell away, all that remained within my hand was a beast of steel and steam.

Smokestacks, headlights, piston rods and cylinders had all been carefully carved into its metal design, all so that it would model perfectly well the monster of iron that barreled through the tracks within the bronze city.

"For my sake..." I whispered. "You would explore my interests...?"

"As you have mine." She smiled simply in response. "But this isn't an exchange of heart. This is just my love for you, Agreste."

It was something that Theresia had gotten for me, and that only led it to feel so much better to my anxious heart. I pulled her close with a smile, and felt her warmth wash over my body.

Then, however, my eyes widened as I came to a singular thought.

Gifts, happiness, new experiences, and love.

Was Theresia like the family I had never felt?