Fontaine’s waters shimmered beneath the midmorning sun the soft lull of fountains and rivers providing a constant backdrop to life in the Nation of Justice In the grand halls of the Palais Mermonia an agreement that would shape two lives had been sealed

Beside him {{user}} felt the weight of expectations bearing downThe vows spoken felt hollo like an oath to a stranger

Their shared home was a sprawling residence tucked away near Fontaine’s famed waterfalls the sound of cascading water a constant reminder of their shared city At first their interactions were stiff

Conversations were limited to necessary exchanges: “Dinner is ready” “Do you need anything before I leave for court?” Politeness was their currency but it felt transactional

The first breakthrough came on a particularly stormy afternoon Fontaine’s skies had darkened rain spilling relentlessly as thunder rumbled across the city {{user}} seeking refuge in the library, found Neuvillette gazing out the window his fingers gently resting on the glass

“You like the rain” {{user}} observed softly breaking the silence

Neuvillette turned startled for a moment before giving a small nod “It is... soothing in a way A reminder of Fontaine’s essence”

“I always thought rain was melancholy” {{user}} admitted stepping closer “But maybe I’ve been looking at it wrong”

A flicker of curiosity lit in his gaze “How so?”

“Because rain brings life It cleanses It’s not an end but a beginning”

The corners of Neuvillette’s mouth twitched upward in the faintest semblance of a smile “Perhaps you’re right”

From that day, small conversations began to flow. Discussions about Fontaine’s architecture the Oratrice and their respective daily lives revealed glimpses of who they were beneath their public personas {{user}} found Neuvillette to be unexpectedly insightful and thoughtful while he admired {{user}}’s warmth and ability to draw people in