How it applies to the Dream of Zeal: As you will find out as you read this, Zeal is very much tied into this story. I've always though of Marle as being a decedent of Zeal, so I used that in my story. The Dream of Zeal is still very much alive! I hope you all enjoy!
The Proposal and the Ring
Crono was nervous. Ever since that fateful day that he bumped into Marle at the Millennial Fair, he was in love with her. Even after saving the world together, he still couldn't believe that she loved him. He was a commoner, she was a beautiful princess and he knew she could have any man she wanted... and she chose him! Some days he still couldn't believe how lucky he was.
Crono had had a private audience with the King around a month ago and was given the King's blessing to ask for Marle's hand in marriage. He took this moment to apologize to Crono about their first meeting; telling him he was still embarrassed about it to this very day. "I was very closed-minded then," the King started, "I judged you before I even knew you and I believed what the Chancellor had told me about you. If I had known then what I know now..." the King trailed off. "I will always be sorry about that Crono." He continued. "I do hope one day you can forgive me." This was very difficult for the King, as he wasn't used to being in the wrong, but he wanted to set things straight with Crono before he and Princess Nadia got engaged. He wanted to have a fresh start with his future son-in-law.
Crono, not expecting any of this, replied sheepishly, "Of course, Your Majesty. It was a long time ago now, don't feel bad about it."
"Thank you Crono," the King said, relieved. "Gracious as always." He straightened. "Ah-hem! Now that that's out of the way, let's get down to business. Here is the Royal Engagement Ring. Every female royal since the formation of Guardia has been given this ring. I gave it to Queen Aliza and your friend King Guardia XXI gave it to Queen Leene. I've already had it sized for you as I had a feeling this day was coming and I couldn't ask for a better man to marry my Nadia. I know you will take good care of her." With that, the King handed Crono the box that the ring was in. Crono took it gently, the worn felt of the box soft in his hands. He opened it gingerly and had to hide his surprise. The ring looked just like Marle's pendant, only set as a ring! What did this mean? He wondered. It troubled Crono but he didn't want the King to think he was ungrateful. "It's very beautiful, thank you Your Majesty. I'm sure Ma-- I mean Princess Nadia will love it." The King smiled. "Believe it or not, Nadia has never seen this ring. She was so young when her mother passed and I thought it would be a nice surprise for her for when she did fall in love someday. That day came much sooner than I would have liked, but you are very good for my daughter Crono."
"If you need any help with the proposal, please let me know." The King continued. "Now you better head home before Nadia comes home and becomes suspicious about us talking alone! Luckily for us, I sent her on a 'royal engagement' today." The King laughed. "Welcome to the family Crono, a man like you is exactly what Guardia needs."
"Thank you Your Majesty." Crono bowed to the King and then headed home.
In the coming weeks, he had been thinking about how to propose to Marle and about the ring. What could the resemblance to her pendent mean? It too was obviously made out of Dreamstone. What kind of powers did it hold? It greatly troubled Crono, but he didn't dare talk to ANYONE about it. He hadn't even shown the ring to Lucca, who was helping him plan the proposal. He didn't want any negativity or darkness shadowing this special event. Once Marle had the ring, they could discuss it then. He was jittery enough as it was!
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Their date was at 7:00 and Crono was already waiting under Nadia’s Bell at 6:30 for Marle to arrive. He got some weird looks, he supposed he looked out of place being in the square with a suit on, but he didn’t care. He was too nervous to care. He did notice though that some people began to hang around though, it’s been happening ever since the Kingdom discovered that he was courting the princess. People thought if they hung around long enough they would get to see her, which was true. Crono had gotten somewhat used to it but not completely.
At 6:45 Marle entered the square. She was stunning in a sky blue shimmery, sleeveless dress with a matching shawl around her shoulders. Her dress was very acceptable for her being a royal but also showed off her every curve. Her cheeks were flushed with happiness and the warm summer night. As she worked her way up the square to Crono, every man bowed and every woman curtseyed. She smiled and said a kind word to every person. While at one time the Kingdom viewed her as a spoiled brat, she was now starting to be viewed as the people’s princess, as she always took the time to greet her people with her upbeat and positive demeanor, giving hope to the people for Guardia’s future.
She finally reaches Crono and notices he can’t keep his eyes off of her. He bows to her, as is custom, and takes her hand. "How are you, Your Majesty?" He asked and has to try not to laugh because she hates it when he addresses her that way. Marle laughs after playfully punching him in the arm and replies, "I’m good! I’ve been waiting for this all day and what is up with the secrecy??" Marle has noticed the last few weeks that Crono and Daddy have been acting strangely around each other and her, as if keeping a huge secret. She’s been racking her brain and she couldn’t figure it out. Her birthday wasn’t for 6 months and she couldn’t really think of anything else. She didn’t dare entertain the thought of a proposal as she wanted that more than anything else in the world. She did understand though that marrying her did come with a price, her being royalty. So for that reason, she wasn’t sure if Crono was ready yet. But he loved her, and that was enough for her.
Crono, now suddenly serious, takes Marle’s hand and says, "I have a surprise for you but it’s at Lucca’s house. Will you join me for an evening stroll?"
"Of course! I haven’t seen Lucca in so long, it will be great to see her again! Let’s go Crono!" exclaims Marle as she pulls at Crono’s hand.
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Lucca and Glenn were putting on the finishing touches on the hot air balloon and making sure everything was in order. Well, it was more like Lucca was doing all the work and Glenn was watching her and admiring the way she moved. Lucca wanted everything to be perfect, Marle was one of the only female friends she had and Crono was her best friend growing up. She wanted them to never forget tonight and she was happy to be a part of it. Yes, at one time she had a crush on Crono but that has since passed and now he was happy with Marle and she was happy with Glenn.
The hot air balloon was all up and ready to go. Lucca was just putting the finishing touches on the basket that would carry them. She had decorated it with ribbon of every color she was able to buy; orange, yellow, pink, blue, purple... you name it, she got it! Lucca also put a light blue blanket in the the basket in case they got cold. It was summer but they were going to be up in the sky! Always better to be prepared, as she always said. Everything was all set and good to go. She knew Crono and Marle would be there any minute. "Ok! Everything is all rea—" she didn’t realize Glenn was behind her when he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her close to him. It was a beautiful, starry night without a cloud in sight. It was the perfect night for romance. He took in the smell of her hair and planted a trail of kisses along her neck. Lucca giggled and tried to futilely escape. "Not now Glenn! They are going to be here any minute!" Despite her protest, she turned around and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. She could never resist him. It seemed like the most romantic night in the world.
Just as she was pulling away, she heard Crono and Marle laughing. "Showtime!" she whispered into Glenn’s ear. He smiled at her.
Crono and Marle got to them quickly once Lucca and Glenn could hear them. The first thing Marle did when they reached them was give Lucca a huge hug. Crono and Glenn laughed. "It’s so great to see you Lucca! Daddy has had me out on SO MANY royal engagements, I haven't had time for much else and I’ve missed you so much, you need to come over to the castle sometime!" Marle exclaimed. She then moved on to Glenn and gave him a huge hug too and he laughed. "It’s great to see you too," he said. Lucca, still reeling from Marle’s positive energy sheepishly replied, "We’ve missed you too. I’ll make sure we come and see you soon, don’t worry!" Lucca smiled at her as her energy was contagious. Suddenly Lucca became very excited about tonight’s events. "I just need a quick word with you Crono," Lucca said, eyeing him. He went with Lucca while Marle and Glenn chatted.
"Ok Crono," Lucca asks, "do you remember how to operate the balloon?" Crono rolls his eyes. "Yeeeeeeessss. More gas for higher, less to go lower."
"Ok good. Just in case though, I have these walkie-talkies in case you have any trouble."
"Walkie-what?? What is it?" Crono asked her. He had never heard of a walkie... whatever it was.
Lucca sighed. "I got them from 2300 AD. We turn them on and then press the button and talk into it and we can communicate with you."
"Ok sounds good" Crono said. "Wait.....will you be able to hear everything going on when we’re up there?! I’m nervous enough as it is!!" Lucca sighed. "No. We can only hear you when you press the button." She rolled her eyes. "Ok, ok, I got it," said Crono, exasperated.
"So on a more serious note, do you feel ready?" Lucca asked.
"I am, but I’m nervous as hell." Crono responded as he ran his hand through his spiky red hair. "But it’s either now or never!" Full of emotion, he gives Lucca an unexpected tight hug. "Thank you. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done. I appreciate it more than you will ever know and it means a lot to the King too." He murmured in her ear. He pulled away and he could see Lucca was blushing. "Hey, we’ve been friends for a long time, I’ll always help you. Now go do this thing before she says no you big dummy!" She and Crono both laugh, breaking the emotional moment. They walk over to Glenn and Marle. "Are you ready Marle?" Crono asks as he opens up the basket door for her. "More than anything!" Marle exclaims, still excited but was curious what he and Lucca talked about and what that hug was about. She had to remind herself they’ve been friends since birth and that she had nothing to worry about. Sometimes Lucca’s intelligence intimidated her.
Lucca handed Crono the walkie-talkie. "Better safe than sorry!" She said. Marle eyes it. "What is that?" She inquires. "I’ll let Lucca explain it later. Just know that it will help us if we get stranded or anything."
"Oh ok... do I need to be worried?" Marle questions. Lucca laughs. "Not at all, it’s just a precaution." She closes the basket door behind Crono. "Now have fun kiddos!" Crono turns on the gas and and Lucca releases the sandbags and unties the ropes holding the balloon down. They begin to float in the air. Crono puts his arm around Marle as they float away. They both wave and Glenn give Crono a thumbs up and Lucca waves back. Crono’s heart is pounding in his chest. As they continue to float away Marle shouts, "We’ll see you soon!" And then Lucca and Glenn are as small as ants.
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Finally, alone at last, Crono thinks to himself. He was still nervous but he never felt more ready. They have been together for 2 years now and he knew in his heart that the time was right. He was just waiting for them to get a little higher, so he increased the gas. The view was breathtaking and perfect. He couldn’t have asked for a better night.
He turned to face Marle, took her waist with one hand and with the other brushed the hair away from her eyes. "I love you so much Marle, I hope you never, ever doubt that..." he started. Marle, not used to Crono being so open about his feelings replied, "Of course I would never doubt your feelings for me. Is everything ok Crono?" She searched his eyes for an answer.
"Never better," he replied and kissed her softly and deeply. They’ve kissed many times before but Marle felt so much more... emotion behind this one. She allowed herself to get swept up in it as it frightened her and excited her at the same time.
Crono knew now was the time. He pulled away and took a deep breath, looked deeply in to Marle’s eyes and then took out the small box that held the ring. He got down on one knee and opened it for Marle to see. The ring shone with a beautiful blue light. Marle gasped and happy tears glistened in the corner of her eyes. She couldn’t believe what was happening.
"Marle... I’ve loved you ever since we bumped into each other that fateful day at the fair." Crono began. "I still can’t believe how lucky I am that you love me. I’ve never loved anyone other than you and I could never love anyone else the way I love you. You have opened up something in me that I never knew existed. Please Princess Nadia Guardia, do me the honor of being my wife. I promise to spend the rest of my life making sure that you are happy and safe." Before she could respond, Crono took her hand. "Please say you will marry me." Crono looked up at her, pleading with hopeful eyes.
Marle was crying happy tears. Never in her wildest dreams had she thought he would do something like this for her. "Yes Crono! Yes, yes, yes, a million times yes!" Crono then took the ring out of the box and gently put it on her finger. It fit, just as the King promised. Crono got up, put his hands on either side of her face looked deeply into her eyes. "I love you Marle. I will love you until the end of time and I can’t wait to marry you and to start our new life together." He then kissed her passionately. She responded, tears streaming down her face. She still couldn’t believe what just happened. Her heart was bursting with joy!
When they finally pulled away, Marle murmured, "I love you so much Crono." She wrapped her arms around his waist and snuggled her face in his chest. He put one arm around her shoulders and with the other he wrapped his fingers in her hair. They just stayed like that for awhile, happy and silently holding each other. They both wanted to savor this precious moment. Neither had ever thought they could be so happy.
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Back at Lucca’s house, she was preparing for what she hoped would be an engagement party. She had balloons and decorations, a cake and all kinds of finger foods. Ayla brought her famous Skull Smash. She also had music blaring from every corner of her house. Glenn was there, of course as were Ayla and Kino, Robo and Atropos. Lucca even convinced Magus to make an appearance, even though he claimed he didn’t care. Lucca knew deep down that he did. She just wanted to put together a small get-together for their closest friends. Plus Lucca really wanted to see her ring. She knew it was from the King but Crono wouldn’t show it to her, which was weird for him. He said she had to wait until Marle had it. Well with any luck, she does now! Lucca kept the walkie-talkie near her but no peep from it. She took that as a good sign, she wanted tonight to go smoothly for them.
Lucca looked out the window and saw that the balloon had landed! All of a sudden Lucca had butterflies in her stomach, hoping all went well. She made everyone be quiet and told them to hide until she came back. Not even Crono knew about the party.
Lucca ran out to where the balloon had landed and as soon as she saw Crono and Marle she knew everything had gone well. Crono and Marle waited for Lucca to put the sandbags back on the balloon and to tie it down. Crono turned off the gas. Lucca opened the basket door for them and Marle walked out, then Crono. After Lucca closed it, Marle gave her a huge hug. "Thank you so much for everything Lucca! Everything was so magical and now we are engaged to be married! I can’t believe it, I’m so happy!" Marle exclaimed, jumping up and down as she hugged Lucca, happy tears in the corner of her eyes again. Crono laughed. He sounds more like himself again, Lucca thought. Marle pulled away and Lucca suggested going back to the house so they could tell her and Glenn everything. "Sounds great!" Marle exclaimed excitedly and they walked towards the house.
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The lights were off. They entered, Lucca turned the lights on and everyone popped out from their hiding spots and yelled, "SURPRISE!" Well everyone except for Magus, he just stood in the corner and said a lame "Surprise" like he was at a funeral.
It was beautiful. There was a huge banner that spelled out "CONGRATULATIONS" and balloons and ribbon of every color. There was a cake and some finger foods, compliments of the palace chef, and Ayla’s Skull Smash. And of course, Guardia’s special drink, soda pop!
Crono was in awe, as was Marle. "Lucca, Glenn, GUYS this is incredible!" Crono exclaimed. "Thank you so much!" Marle was equally as surprised. "This is so great! We’ve missed seeing all of you!"
The group then encircled the newly engaged couple and gave them a group hug. Except for Magus. He was still standing in his corner wondering why he was even there.
Marle whispered something into Lucca’s ear. "Ahem everyone." Lucca started. Ayla was pouring Skull Smash for everyone for the toast. "Tonight we toast a very special couple. Their engagement is not only a testament to their own happiness but also the future happiness and stability of Guardia. All of us, as their closest friends, wish them nothing but a lifetime of love and happiness. Cheers!"
"Cheers!" Everyone shouts back and they all partake of their drink. "Now let’s start this party!" Shouts Lucca. The guests then start to mingle. Marle said that she and Crono wanted to talk to her alone for a moment, so the three of them go to a quieter corner of the house.
"Ok, so what is going on?" Lucca asks. Marle shows her her ring. Lucca gasps. "That looks just like your pendent, just smaller and in ring form!"
"Exactly." Marle said. "What could it mean Lucca? I’m so happy we are engaged but I’m hoping this ring isn’t a sign of anything bad."
"Hmmmmmmmm.... do you mind if I bring Magus over here? He might know something."
"Please do." said Crono. Lucca walks over to Magus and whispers in his ear. All the blood seems to drain from his already pale face and he walks over quickly. "Let me see it." He demands. "Please be careful with it," Marle pleads and takes the ring off and hands it to Magus. "I just can’t believe this... I wonder how this was ever found after the Ocean Palace ruin. My mother wore this ring, my father gave it to her. Do you realize what a treasure you have here? Like your pendent, this is also made of Dreamstone. My parents got married shortly after their engagement and it’s been said that this ring was used at the Mammon Machine and so it contains powers like what your pendent does. But also because it was used at the Mammon Machine and my mother wore it until the day she died, that Lavos used the ring to control my mother’s thoughts that made her descend into madness. Now it’s been thousands of years since it’s been in contact with the Mammon Machine, plus Lavos is defeated, so I don’t believe it can control your thoughts, but it definitely has powers in it like your pendent does." Magus kept talking the others came over and were just as surprised when they saw Marle’s ring. Magus handed Marle back the ring. "Only time will tell as to what kind of powers is harbors. Especially with you being a magic innate, it will more than likely awaken the powers it has." Marle delicately put the ring back on. "Well I think His Majesty would be upset if we gave it back and asked to buy our own ring. He was very sentimental about Marle getting it, especially since her mother wore this ring." Crono said. "We’ll keep an eye on her." exclaimed Lucca. "We’ll make sure either one of us is with her at all times, until we see what the ring is capable of. It may just be another Gate Key." Crono and Marle both nodded in agreement. "Ok now that that’s settled, let’s celebrate!" Lucca. "This is a happy occasion!"
"Yeah!" Yelled everyone, except for Magus. As everyone went to mingle and party in the main part of the house, Magus sat down in a large, overstuffed chair with a troubled look on his face...
