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ItsTheLocket — Until We Are Gray and
#dancing #disney #frollo #geocaching #lovers #blackgirlart #fanfictionthoughts #blackguyart #blackgurlmagic #cluaudefrollo #hotairballoon #husbandandwife #thehunchbackofnotredame #disneyvillain #fanfictionstory #ladytremaine #disneyvillainess #cinderelladisney
Published: 2023-10-20 02:15:31 +0000 UTC; Views: 7698; Favourites: 7; Downloads: 3
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“Until you grow old I will be the same; Until your hair is gray I will keep bearing you. As I have done, I will carry you and bear you and rescue you.”- Isaiah 46:4
32 years ago, Ica McMoté at the time, and Claude Frollo met in the park, walking every chance they got. They became quick friends even with the 36 year age gap between them. Soon they realized that they had feelings for each other, but it was only after they parted ways for nine mo this. Claude afraid of Ica finding out about his past, thought it would better if they not see each other anymore. Later, a care free man who was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses knocked on his door. He was kind and caring and still took an interest in Claude even though he had treated him so harshly. After seeing Liam in a café, while he was on a break from field service with his friends and his wife Lauren, they both apologised and Claude agreed to study the Bible with Liam. Eventually, he got baptized as one Jehovah’s Witnesses, however, he came to find out that Ica had also gotten baptized when they saw each other at a circuit assembly. Of course Ica’s family wasn’t to keen on the idea at first, but as they continue to get to know each other as they dated, Ica’s friends and family, eventually saw how much the two lovers cared about each other. Not long, the two were married and had a son a year later, whom they named Zephyr. Since then the two of them have enjoyed 31 years of marriage together as husband and wife. Ica is now 61 and Claude has reached the grand age of 97.
20 years later, Claude and his family decided to visit France and there he found out that He had a twin sister, Cliona Tremaine and instantly the part of his heart that was gone from losing his family so young, was mended and hers was too. Not wanting to be separated after just finding her brother she agreed to move back to America, in Aurora, Oregon. Not long after moving Cliona hired a 31 year old man named Eli Deslauriers as her landscaper. Eventually the two of them began to become closer and they two fell for each other. Like her brother and his wife, there were 36 years between them, but that didn’t stop them from getting married either. Soon after, Cliona phenomenally became pregnant and they had a daughter whom they named Emory who has grown up to be as beautiful as her mother at age 30. The two have enjoyed almost as many years together as the Frollos, one year shy. Like Ica and Claude, Eli is 61 and Cliona is 97.
Today, the Frollo and Deslauriers will enjoy a couples day, in which they do together 4 times a year. Today they have a full schedule planned. First, they would enjoy an early morning hot air balloon ride, then they would have breakfast, after that they would be taking part in a geocaching event, then dinner, followed by stargazing.
***
“Claude…” Said Ica gently shaking her husband awake. “It’s four o’clock. Time to get up.” Claude sat up slowly and rubbed his eyes. When he looked at his wife she had an enormous smile on her face. Being 61, her laugh lines were more pronounced but nonetheless, she was just as beautiful as when she was 30 years old. “I can’t wait for the hot air balloon ride.”
He smiled at her and kissed her cheek. “Me either mon amour. Although I wish we could have breakfast first.” He said as his stomach squealed. I’m already hungry.”
Ica bent down and put her face close to Claude’s stomach. “Listen here Mr. Stomach, you need to piped down. Claude can’t feed you right now. He might throw up when we are hundreds of feet in the air. You’ll have to wait till after.”
Claude laughed out loud. “Oh my crazy girl. Only you would argue with someone’s internal organs.” As she sat up he pulled her into his arms and held her close. Ica layer her head on his chest listening to the steady beat of his heart. “But…I wouldn’t know what I would do without you.” He murmured into her now gray hair.
She looked up at him. His hair was now pure white and his wrinkles more pronounced but his dark gray eyes were as bright and loving as ever. “I feel the same about you. But we should get going. We are supposed to meet your sister and Eli at their house at 5:30.”
He nodded and kissed her forehead. The two of them got out of bed and began to get dressed. While Ica was in the bathroom brushing her teeth, which for her age were in magnificent shape, Claude’s phone rang. When he peered over at the screen, he saw his twin’s face on the vibrating screen. “Hey Cli, Ica and I will be there in about thirty minutes. Are you guys ready?”
”Yes, just about. Although, my stomach isn’t very happy right now. It’s making noises since I’ve often up.” She said chuckling.
”Mine too. Guess our stomachs are on thee same wavelength. Ica was arguing with mine this morning.”
Cliona tilted her head. “What?”
”She basically bent down and told my stomach to be quiet.” Said Claude, chortling.
Cliona laughed. “We’ll just keep her away from mine when you get here.”
”I’ll try but…I can’t make any promises.”
Cliona shook her head smiling. “Alright, well I need to finish getting ready. I’ll see you soon, brother.”
”Okay Cli, se you soon.” After a Claude hung up, Ica was making her way back into the bathroom.
”Was that Cliona?”
Claude nodded, and threw her an humorous smile. “And do me a favour, don’t yell at her stomach if it makes noise okay?”
“Wha- oh I see. Must be the twin thing. Which means your stomachs are both making noises. Alright, I promise no arguing.” She grinned at him, her hazel eyes sparkling. “Anyway are you ready? It’s 5:15.”
“Yup, let’s go.”
While the Frollos made their way over, Cliona and Eli were just about ready themselves. A Cliona was putting the last of the dishes away, her husband walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her willowy body, kissing the side of her face. “Are you ready my Queen? Soon we’ll be soaring across the sky, watching the sun rise.”
His wife crabbed her neck to look back at him. His pale brown eyes were warm as he smiled at her, the crows feet at the corner of his eyes crinkling a bit. “Yes, I am very much looking forward to this.”
“And don’t worry, if you get scared, I’ll be right there with you.” He gave her a playful look.
She turned around and swiped his graying locks off his forehead. “You cheeky man, you do know I have no fear of heights right?”
”Oh, I know, but still. I want you to know that I’m not going anywhere, and I will protect you always.” Like her brother’s, Cliona’s hair was now a pearly white, and the lines had deepened on her face but her emerald green eyes hadn’t dimmed, but seem to have become even brighter with age. He kissed her gently on the lips.
“Well…that goes for me too, my Brave Knight.” She whispered.
Just then, the door bell rang. “Allow me my Queen.” Eli strode to the front door and opened up to see his sister and brother-in-law standing with their fingers laced together. “Good morning you two. No need to come in, Cli and I are ready to go.”
”Oh I see. What are you hiding in there?” Ica teased.
”Nothing that concerns you.” He smirked at her.
As Cliona appeared behind her husband Ica threw her arms around her. She was thinner now, her bones becoming more fragile with age, but Cliona hugged her back. “It’s nice to see you too crazy girl.”
“Don’t worry I won’t yell at your tummy.” The twins glanced at each other, knowing laughs escaping their lips.
Eli just looked at every dumbfounded. ”Okay, do I want to know?” All three of them shook their heads. He huffed an amused laugh. “I didn’t think so. But, we’d better he’d out if we re going to get here for six.”
As the four of them made their way to the balloon grounds, it was still dark outside. “This is going to be so fun!” Yipped Ica bouncing in her seat. And the best part is I get to do this with you guys.”
“Just don’t jump around the balloon basket too much crazy girl. I don’t want all of us plunging out of the sky.” Eli and Cliona stifled their laughter.
“I won’t don’t worry I’m too old for that childish stuff anyway…” Said Ica.
”Yeah okay, you should be happy that I am the young 97 as you say. If I wasn’t I probably wouldn’t be doing all this stuff we have planned for today. Especially this geocaching thing or whatever you call it.”
”Yeah…” began Eli. “What exactly is that anyway.”
“It’s like a scavenger hunt except you use you phone as…well almost like a compass to find things….uh…I think. Not a hundred percent sure.”
”Oh…well…guess we will find out when we get there.”.
”That’s why I chose it.” Grinned Ica.
”Oh look! We’re here!” Cliona peered out the window to see an array of beautifully colored hot air balloons, lighting up the night. It was as if someone had took a paint brush and made master pieces on each balloon. “They are magnificent.”
”They are!” Agreed her sister-in-law.
Eli parked in the designated area and the four of them eagerly got out of the car. As they got closer they could hear the roar of fire being blasted into several balloons and warmth hung in the air from constant flames burned in the balloons. They looked like giant stained glass lightbulbs as the colours radiated through the early darkness.
“Hi there folks.” They all turned around to see a young man dressed in black trouser, a polo shirt and a wind breaker. He wore a navy blue baseball cap covering his thick brown hair. “Are you here for the sunrise ride?”
Ica stepped forward. “Yup!”
“Perfect, my name is Gregory by the way, and I’ll be your aeronaut today. Now, you can all follow me.” He said waving a hand in the direction they needed to go. The Frollos and Deslauriers followed often the Aeronaut until the stopped at an extraordinary looking balloon. It had splashes of dark blue, purple, and magenta that popped out against the off white base color. And soft green humming birds with fluttering wings fluttering wrapped around it like the powerful rings that encircled Saturn. Gregory gestured toward the balloon. “This will be your hot air balloon today. Her name is Glory.
Ica gasp. “Like the dragon in the Wings of Fire books!” Claude and Eli huffed a laughed and Gregory looked at her briefly bemused.
”Right…so…” Gregory glanced at Eli and studied him for a minute but looked unconcerned. His eyes skipped right over Ica completely disregarding her, then focused in on the twins. He looked them up and down with their pure white hair, aged willowy frames, and the deep groves around their eyes and corners of their mouths. “None have heart issues right?”
“No…why?” Asked Claude feeling slighted.
“Well it’s required of me to ask people over 60 if they have heart issues. You know being older and all. You, “ he pointed at Eli. “You should be good. You look fit enough, and I know you’re fine, I don’t need to ask you.” He said waving a dismissive hand at Ica.
Claude wrinkled his nose slightly feeling just a tad indignant. ”Well be assured that even though we are old, we are relatively healthy for our age. And my wife here is actually 61 so technically…”
Ica put a gentle hand on her husband’s arm. “It’s okay Claudie bears. You know how this alway happens to me.” His wife giggled then looked back in the aeronaut direction. “But my husband is right.” Her voice was up beat and playful. “I’m 61 but do heart issues here.” Gregory was silent for a moment and Ica threw him a grin, and gave an innocent shrug of her shoulders.
”Well, alrighty then. Let’s get this baby fired up and into the air.” He opened the door of the basket and held out his arm gesturing them inside. Once all four of them in, Gregory stepped in and closed the door behind him. “Is everyone ready?”
The Deslauriers and Claude nodded, but Ica gave a bounced of her knees and cheered. Claude just shook his head. “Okay crazy girl, I know you’re excited but don’t rock the ballon while we’re up there okay?”
His wife laughed. “Don’t worry, I won’t. Like I said I’m more mature now. I’m not 30 anymore.” She said puffing her chest out a little bit.
“Yeah right.” Eli poked her as if there was a button to delete her. “You’re till a womanchild, like our mom #2 calls you.”
Gregory watch the family, amused at their banter, but also saw the love they had for each other, even in their advanced years of life. Then without warning, the aeronaut yanked on the thick rope and sent a surge of fire that rammed into the ballon. Immediately the four of them felt the heat on their skin as the jerked their head up to see a controlled flame that danced inside of the beautiful balloon. “And away we go!”
The balloon slowly began to raise into the air and Ica quickly made her way to the peer over the side and down at the world below becoming smaller and smaller the higher they got. “Ica, be careful.” She looked back at him and smiled. He was always a little over protective even though she was in her 60s, but she knew that was only because he loved her so much and would do anything to keep her safe. She stepped away from the edge and went over to give him a hug. His slightly anxious features melted away and he hugged her back kissing the top of her head.
By this time the hot air balloon was well or the ground and teaching it’s peak height. With the coming of the sun, the morning sky began to transform into shades of light pink and orange. “Now, may you enjoy the beauty of the morning sunshine. Gregory gave another pull of the rope sending more fire in the balloon taking them a tad higher. The Deslauriers and Frollos marvelled at the masterpiece over taking the sky and the bright sun shined gold, ignited the colours. The bright rays warmed the skin in the chill caused by the high altitude.
Eli pulled Cliona close to him, wrapping his arms around her thin body. She leaned into him, enjoying the closeness. “This brings back memories my Queen.” He murmured. “The morning you and I watched the sunrise together on the hill, after our first night together as husband and wife.”
Cliona looked up at him. Though the skin in the corner of his eyes crinkled a bit his pale brown eyes radiated warmth and love. His graying locks falling across his his forehead. She tilted her head up a bit more and leaned in. Bringing her lips to his. Eli kissed her back and held her a little tighter. Gregory stood there with his hand on the rope feeling a little awkward. When he looked over at the Frollos, they were also in the midst of a romantic kiss. Eventually wanting to give them as much privacy as he could he turned his head and gazed out at the horizon enjoying the sunrise himself.
When the five of them were safely on the ground, Gregory politely ushered them out from the basket. “I hope you folks enjoyed your ride today. It was a pleasure being your aeronaut today. You are a lovely family and I wish you a wonderful rest of the day.” As he bid them farewell with one more wave and turned to assist the next person Cliona and Claude’s stomach rumbled at the same time and they both placed their hands on their middles slightly embarrassed. Both their spouses laughed.
Ica bent down and like she had done this morning, spoke directly to her husband’s abdomen. “Okay stomach, since you’ve been so good on our hot air balloon you can have some food. Then she kissed his stomach and his cheeks turned a tad red.
Cliona and Eli burst out laughing. “Okay, I admit it, my wife is extremely weird.” Said Claude. He peered down at her but he couldn’t help but start laughing to.
Ica stood up then sauntered over to her sister-in-law with a mischievous, smirk on her face and did the same thing as she had done to her husband. Cliona stiffened not knowing what to do. “Okay, you’ve been good too, so you get breakfast as well with your twin brother stomach over there.” This time is was her husband and brother who guffawed. The laughed so hard that they doubled over grasping their middles.
Cliona full on flushed with embarrassment half heartedly yanked her sister-in-law up by her arm and glared at her. Ica held her gaze until the corners of Cliona’s mouth twitched then broke out into a full on smile, followed by a laugh. “You’re lucky I love you. Because I would have smacked you for that. I agree with Claude you are extremely weird, crazy girl. But,” her pretty features softened. “I don’t know what I would do with out you.” She took Ica in her arms and held her close. Ica surprised but her sudden change from half hearted annoyance to affection, she hugged her back.
“Me either.” She whispered.
”Okay, let’s get breakfast because if we don’t my stomach is going to start acting up and I don’t want this one, “he jerked his thumb in his sister-in-law’s direction “Having a conversation with my stomach.” Said Eli.
”Okay, Okay let’s go.” Said Ica letting go of Cliona.
***
After satisfying their appetites, it was time for the next part of their day together. Geocaching. Which would be taking place in in the city of Coachington.
“You brought the change of clothes right Claudie bears?” Said Ica as Eli parked the car on the lot.
He nodded. “Yes, I figured I’d better do it as you have a habit of just stuffing stuff in a bag…or a drawer…or closest.”
Ica laughed. “Okay, okay. I get it.”
”And I have ours my Brave Knight.” Said Cliona holding the bag up and smiling at her husband.
He smiled back. “Thank you, my Queen.”
”Now…we have to find a bathroom or something so we can change.” Said Eli looking around. “Oh..there, I see one. He pointed to a blue sign sticking out from a brick building that read RESTROOMS. The couples temporarily split up so they could change into more appropriate attire for the next activity.
“Sometimes I can’t believe it.” Said Cliona.
Ica looked over at her and tilted her head. “Believe what?”
”That I still have Eli in my life.” She said smiling to herself.
Ica pulled her shirt on over her head. ”Did you think you would lose him?”
”No…not exactly. I know how much he loves me…he loves me with all his heart. But…you know when you’ve been hurt in the past…especially by someone who you thought loved you, sometimes I worry that…I’m not good enough or…I don’t know.”
Ica gave her sister-in-law an half smile and went over to zip her wind breaker jacket up for her. “Eli isn’t your ex-husband. Actually, I’m surprised he hasn’t hunted him down and killed him yet.” Cliona looked up and huffed a laugh. “Like you said, that man loves you with everything he has. He’s not going anywhere.”
Cliona smiled. “I know, and because of that I feel like the luckiest woman alive.”
Ica smiled back and hugged her. “That’s my girl. “
Back in the men’s room, their husbands were having the same conversation. As Claude buttoned up his shirt, Eli noticed that his brother-in-law was grinning to himself. “What are you cheeseing about over there?” Asked Eli.
“Just how my sister actually threatened to slap my wife.” Said Claude chuckling. “And you know her, she wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
Eli chuckled himself. “True, but my Queen isn’t one of those fairy tale Evil Queens. She loves your crazy girl to death.”
”Yeah, the two of them are your modern day Ruth and Naomi.” Said Claude.
Eli cocked his head, making his smoke colored dreadlocks flip to one side. ”Huh?”
”Two women from the bible. Ruth and Naomi weren’t sister-in-laws, but they were mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Both were widowed and their bond became immensely strong after that. In Ruth 1:16 and 17 It says,
16. But Ruth said: “Do not plead with me to abandon you, to turn back from accompanying you; for where you go I will go, and where you spend the night, I will spend the night. Your people will be my people, and your God my God. 17.Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May Jehovah do so to me and add to it if anything but death should separate me from you.”
“Ruth refused to leave Naomi after that, no matter what. So…if both you and I were to die…they would be like them. I know those two would take care of each other, so we don’t have to worry. Their be sad that we’re gone, I know, but they will find comfort in each other, and Ica will help Cli find comfort in him too.” Claude gave him a warm sincere smile.
Though Eli wasn’t really religious, he found comfort in Claude’s words and the verses he had just shared with him. Knowing that his beloved wife of 20 years wouldn’t be alone if something did happen to him. He gave his brother-in-law a wry smile, his pale eyes playful. “Well, that’s good to know, but for now, we have to try our best to stay alive old man. I’m not leaving my Queen just yet.”
Claude chuckled but his heart clenched briefly. He wasn’t ready to leave Ica either. Even knowing the hope of the ressurection, it hurt to think of when he eventually did fall asleep in death how it would break her heart. But reguardless he pushed back tears that he felt brewing behind his eyes and mustered up an optimistic grin. “Sounds like a good plan to me.”
***
Once the two couples arrived at the geocaching activity, none of them exactly knew what to expect as they made there way over to where the geocachers were. Standing up at the front was an athletic looking woman with a too belt around her waist. The twins eyed her wearily, then looked around the crowed and noticed that most of them were much younger. Eli noticed to then looked at Ica with a pointed look on his face. “Ica?”
She slowly turned her head in her brother-in-law’s direction trying to look innocent. “Yes Eli?”
”Are you sure we are able to do this? We aren’t necessarily spring chickens.”
Ica opened her mouth then closed it again as she noticed some of the people, who looked as if they were in great shape, eyeing them curiously. “Um…well I-“ before she could finish her sentence, the woman at the front of the crowd began to speak.
”Hello GEOCACHEEEEERS! Are you ready to get started?” There was a resounding cheer from the crowd. “Awesome now, has everyone downloaded the app?” Cliona, Claude, and Eli swung their heads in Ica’s direction. She nodded her head guiltily and they all rolled their eyes.
”I’ll do it now.” Ica quickly fumbled with her phone and opened up the App Store. She found the app and quickly downloaded. “Got it.” She said grinning in their direction.
“Right then. My name is Kelsey and I’ll be the host of today’s session. So I assume that many of you are here with friends and family, so if you could separate in groups for me that would be amazing.” Kelsey waited for everyone to separate before speaking again. She looked around and her gaze caught on the Frollos and Deslauriers, for a few moments but she then went back to address the groups. “For those first timers, I will walk you through how to get started. First off you may be wondering what geocaching exactly is.”
”See guys, she’s going to explain it to us.” Said Ica, feeling a bit relieved.
”Geocaching is a type of global treasure hunt of people looking for caches, or hidden stashes of objects. Geocaching may also be described as a series of hide-and-seek games, where hiders provide online clues for seekers. Seekers use global positioning system (GPS) devices to find hidden caches. On your app you’ll get coordinates that you will follow to find your cached. Common materials found inside caches might include foreign currency, keychains, ornaments, or booklets. Valuable objects, food, or other items that could be easily damaged are not allowed in geocaching. Now, when you do find you cache, you must replace it with something else. It doesn’t have to be fancy but it can’t ne something like trash or anything. In basically it’s like scavengers hunt but instead of clues you get coordinates on your phone.” Finished Kelsey.
”See I was basically right!” Said Ica.
”Yeah, yeah.” Droned Eli. “Let’s just hope we can get through this.”
”So, let’s get out there and start geocaching!” Kelsey raised a fist in the air.” There was another cheer from the group then everyone began to disperse.
”So…where do we start?” Asked Cliona.
”Let me see.” Ica looked down at her phone begin. Immediately there were several screen names listed and as people began choosing a location, they names dissatisfied. “Oh…I have to create an account. But that should be no problem!l” She added quickly. Ica went through the steps in creating an account. “We need a screen name.” She said looking up.
”What about the…” Eli scratched his head trying to think of a screen name for their group.
”I got it! The Wise Wonders!” Claude, Cliona, and Eli all looked at each other an shrugged.
”Okay, that works for me.” Said Eli
”Great. Now let me just hit done and assign location map.” Ica hit the “find coordinates” button and a map spread out across the screen. “So we have the All Hail Trail. That sounds cool!”
Claude shook his head. “Okay crazy girl, where do we get started first.”
Peering down at the phone, she tilted her head. “Um…I’m not good at…”
”Let me see.” Said Eli reaching out to take the phone from his sister-in-law. “I was in Boy Scouts. We had to learn how to read paper maps, this shouldn’t be much different.” Eli took Ica’s phone and looked at the screen. “Okay the first coordinates is west so we follow this point from where we are now over this way.”
Ica’s face lit up and she plowed into Eli and wrapped her arms around him. “Yay! Now we won’t get lost!” Cheered the energetic 61 year old as she yanked him back and forth.
“Okay, okay.” Said Eli, trying to keep from falling over.
“Let’s go!” Ica quickly made her way ahead of the group then slowed her pace and looked back at them.
Cliona and Eli had had their hands laced together, as the walked side by side while Claude stood there shaking his head. But he was smiling. “Some things never change.” He walked up to her and took her hand, kissing her temple. “Let’s stay close to each other like these two. Okay crazy girl?” He gestured his head in the direction of his sister and Eli walking hand and hand. Ica felt him slip his slender fingers in between hers, a perfect fit.
”Okay, wily old man.” Said his wife leaning up to kiss his cheek.
As the three of them made their way to the first coordinate, a large tree with thick branches sprouting every which was came into view. There was a peep on the phone like that from a medal eye tore and the dot that represented their location began flashing. “Okay, so our first cache is around here somewhere.” Said Eli looking around.
Ica gently let go of her husband’s hand to get a closer look at the tree. Then she craned her neck to look up at his immense branches then pointed. “Um…it might be up there.” The three of them tilted their heads back. “I could climb up there and see.”
”Ica, no.” Said Claude taking her hand again, “You are still in very good shape for your age, but you aren’t as young as you used to be. I don’t want you to fall.”
Eli ran a hand through his graying locks. “I’ll go.”
“But Eli…” He looked back at his wife and gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry my Queen. I know I’m old but I think I’m just as fit as those youngsters we saw.” He paused. “Okay well, maybe not as fit but pretty fit.” Cliona eyed her husband and looked him up and down as if she were making sure that his body could in-fact handle the strength needed to climb a tree. For being an older man, she did have to admit that his body was my no means frail with the tone curvature of his muscles in his arms and legs.
”No fair, if Eli goes then I want to go.” Whined Ica.
Claude gently took both his wife’s and gaze into her hazel eyes. He didn’t even need to say anything. He could tell that he was terrified of her going up into that tree. And she knew it wasn’t because he wanted to deprive her of having fun or trying to smother her, but he was thinking that if something did happen and she got hurt, that he’d blame himself. And she couldn’t do that to him. Her face softened. “Okay, the three of us will look around own here. Eli be careful. Don’t give your 97 year old wife a heart attack. And to be fair, I guess Eli is stronger than me.” She felt Claude’s body relax and he pulled her into an embrace. “I love you.” He murmured close to her ear.
“Okay, here I go.” The Frollo couple let go of each other to see their brother-in-law reaching for the first branch.
Cliona clasp her hands together in front of her heart as she watched her husband hoist himself up on the next branch. “Be careful, Eli.”
“Don’t worry my Queen, you just focus on looking around down there.” He threw her a humorous grin.
“Come on.” Said Ica bending down. “Let’s see if anything is down here near these branches.
While the three of them began to search around the trunk of the tree, another group was passing by them. A man who looked to be about in his mid 20s pointed up to Eli in the tree, then cupped his hands around his mouth and called up to him. “Hey old man! You sure you should be up there? You could fall and break a hip. Do you have a death wish?!” Eli craned his neck around to see who was yelling and lost his balance a bit, wobbling. He quickly grabbed on to the next branch to steady himself. Ica and Claude gasp and held their breath.
“Eli!” Yelped Cliona.
The man continued with his taunts. “Oooo looks like you’re getting wobbly up there. You want me to call the fire truck to come get you down?”
Cliona’s face flushed with fury and she angrily made her way over to the man insulting her husband. She stood in front of him, her bright green eyes burning as she came face to face with him. “Listen.” Her voice came out in a hiss, low and deadly. “Say one more thing about my husband up there…and you’ll regret it.”
The 25 year old took a step back, slightly befuddle by this 97 year old’s boldness. But then he recovered deciding that he wouldn’t let this white haired woman push him around. “Ooo whatchya gonna do. Hit me with your caaaaane?” He paused and looked Ciona up and down, his eyes roving over her entire body. A raunchy smirk graced his features. “Say, you actually don’t look half bad…for an old hag. Maybe I’ll go easy on you.” He turned his attention backto Eli. “Hey! Do you let your pretty little wife here fight all your battles grandpa!” He took a step closer to Cliona. Claude and Eli tensed ready to scrambled to her aid but before they knew what was happening, Cliona’s eyes narrowed and she swung her arm out, her hand colliding with the bully’s face. Her finger long nails gouging his cheek, leaving four streaks of bright red. He staggered back, holding his stinging face as he felt warms sticky liquid staining his palm. He slowly took his hand away and looked at the blood on his hand. When he glanced back at Cliona, his eyes ere as wide as saucers and his bloody hand shaking with in disbelief. “Cr-crazy bitch.” He said his voice shaky. The group he was with stood there in silence as they gapped at Cliona, who was still reeling. Claude, Eli, and Ica were doing the same.
“Now leave.” Growled Cliona. Stunned, and his face flushed with humiliation,the young man turned and left quietly as team murmured amongst themselves.
Shaking off their shock, the Frollos ran up to her. Eli quickly made his way down the tree and ran over to his wife and threw his arms around her, picking her up off her feet. He held her close until he was done processing what had just happened. “Oh my Queen…I…”
Cliona laughed. As he put her down. “I guess I turned into an evil Queen just now. But no one messes with my Brave Knight.” She gave him a rebellious smile, her eyes confident and sincere. Unable to speak Eli took her face in his hands and kissed her. She smiled through the kiss and kissed him back.
When the two of them broke apart, Ica bounded up to her. “Now I’ve seen it all. Cli…what were you thinking?”
”Exactlly…” Was all he brother could say.
”I…don’t think I was thinking.” She chuckled. “My only concern was defending my husband.”
Eli took his wife in his arms again and nuzzled her cheek. “Thank you. I love you so much.” He said quietly.
”Yeah…usually Eli’s the one threatening to beat people up that mess with you. You are the gentlest, amiable person I know. Guess not anymore.” Said Ica. “I think he’s rubbing off on you. Let’s just say I’m never talking to your stomach again. I know you said if I did it again you would slap me.”
Cliona laughed out loud. “No matter how much you bug me, I would never, crazy girl.”
“You okay Eli? I thought you were going to fall. That guy was pretty harsh. Good thing you have quick reflexes. Said Ica.
“Yes, perfectly fine.” He grinned. “And look.” He pulled a small plastic bag from his pocket and held it up. Inside were about 10 colorful legos.
”Is that it?” Asked Ica, her face beginning to light up.
Eli tossed the bag of legos from hand to hand. ”Yup. It was up there in a cut out in the tree.”
Ica hopped up and down. “Cool! Nice job…old man ninja.” Eli shook his head but he was smiling. “Now…we have to replace it with something we have.”
”How about we just leave it here on the ground.” Suggested Cliona. “I don’t think I want my Eli in that tree again.”
Eli nuzzled his wife’s nose with his. “That’s fine by me…my “evil Queen.” He teased.
Cliona chuckled. “Oh you cheeky man, but I guess it’s only fitting.” She kissed his cheek.
”So…what exactly should we leave?” Asked Claude.
Eli put his knuckle to his chin. “I have a bottle opener key chain. Don’t you think that’ll work?”
“I don’t see why not.” Said Claude.
Eli took the bottle opener out of his wallet and took one of the containers they were provided. “There, now let’s bury it under that root right there.” He pointed to a thick root.
Immediately, Ica bent down on her knees and vigorously began digging with her hands. Claude bent down next to her and placed his hand over hers. “They gave us shovels remember crazy girl?”
His wife stopped digging and turned to look at him. He had an amused smile on his aged face. “Oh yeah, oops.”
”Here, allow me.” Claude took one of the shovels and dug a shallow hole and placed in their new cache. “There.” He said standing up and dusting off his hands.
“Great! Now where to next Eli.” Ica gave a little bounce of her knees eagerly waiting to head to their next location.
”So…now we have to head northeast. Which is in that direction.” He said pointing.
”Awesome!” This time instead of running on ahead, Ica took Claude’s hand and laced her fingers with his again. He looked down at her and smiled. “I guess you are maturing, crazy girl.”
She stood up a little taller giving a quick shimmy of her shoulders. “I guess I am.”
For the next location, Eli led them up a trail of wooden stairs slightly over brown with vines, but otherwise easy to climb. When they arrived at the top, the four of them were standing on top of a grassy cliff. Ica walked toward the edge making Claude tense a bit but then he relaxed when she stopped a few feet away. “Aren’t you glad we didn’t have to go this way.” She said grinning and pointing over the cliff.
Eli, Cliona, and Claude all joined Ica close to the edge of the cliff. There was a sheer drop that that ended in a thicket of trees. Below them they coul see other team members making their way along the trail, glancing up as they passed. “Uh…yeah. I don’t think I could even climb that. Even hen I was younger.” Said Eli. “I hope none of those people down there try to come this way.”
”Yeah…anyone with half a brain wouldn’t dare make an attempt.” Ica paused. “Well I mean there is always that one person. But, anyway where are we supposed to start looking?”
”Pretty much anywhere up here.” Said Eli looking up from his phone.
Cliona looked around. “Well it’s not too big of an area. Let’s do it.”
As they began searching around Ica stopped and watched her husband and in-laws. They looked reload and interested in the activity. She smiled to herself. “Are you guys having fun?” She asked. “I know at first you had doubts but I just wanted us to have an adventure together. Even though we aren’t spring chickens like Eli said.”
Claude walked over to his wife and gently took her face in his hands and kissed her nose. “Yes mon amour. Thank you for always keep my life interesting.” He huffed a laugh. “I think you’re the reason I made it to 97. Trying to keep up with you gave me longevity.”
She giggled. “Well, maybe. But I’m glad we get to do this all together.”
Eli put his hands on his hips. “Okay, I have to admit I’m having a pretty good time.” He winked in her direction.
”Me too.” Chimed Cliona. “Even if I did slap a man probably 70 plus years younger than me.”
”That might have been my favourite part of the day so far.” Said Eli hugging her close.
“Eli! You crazy man, we shouldn’t be proud of acts of violence.” Yipped Ica. “But…I guess the urge to protect our loved ones is super strong. So I can’t judge you Cli.”
“Trust me…I don’t know where that came from.” Cliona chuckled. “But come on, let’s keep looking. I’m really having a good time crazy girl.” Ica beamed and she went to go giver her sister-in-law a squeeze.
As they went back to searching, Eli glanced back at his phone. “The signal is strongest in this area.”
Ica spotted a tiny dirt cave like outcrop, with grass and shrub around it, similar to that of a fox den. “Hey! Maybe we can check in there!” Said Ica, to the little den.
Eli tilted his head and examined the size of the entrence. “Well, I mean it will have to be you. You’re the only one small enough to fit.”
“Okay! I’ll g-” Ica turned to look at Claude to make sure it was okay with him if she crawled inside the den. She didn't even have to say anything. Claude knew what his wife was thinking and it warmed his heart to know that she was mindful of his feelings when it came to her safety.
He hugged a laugh. “Go ahead crazy girl.” Ica’s face kit up and she hugged him tight. “Just be careful.”
“And if someone insults you about being in there because of your age, well, I may just have to turn into a evil queen again.” Said Cliona. “And that goes for you too Claude. No one says anything about my twin brother and gets away with it” Eli looked at his wife amused, but he couldn't help admire how she wanted to protect what was important to her.
Ica laughed. “Cli, I think you have gotten more bold with age. But, no more violently slapping people okay. They could know some martial arts or something and really hurt you…and then Eli will probably kill them. Which is more violence…which is not good.”
“Well, you are my sister-n-law, actually more than that, your like my sister, and I love you. No matter how old I get, I will always take care of you and protect you.” Said Cliona, her voice resolute.
Ica felt tears stung the back of her hazel eyes, which were now gentler creased at the corners, but she pushed them back. Instead she ran up to her sister-in-law and threw her arms around her thin body. “I love you, so much.” She murmured. Cliona hugged her back and stroked her graying hair.
Claude watched them affectionately. It made his heart swell at the bind between his twin sister and his wife. Then he thought back to the conversation that him and his brother-in-law had in the locker room. He had told Eli that he knew if something were to happen to the both of them and their wives became widowed that Cliona and Ica would take care of each other. Just like Ruth and Naomi did. Then he glanced at Eli, who was also watching them fondly with soft pale brown eyes and hope that he was thinking the same thing.
When Ica let go of a lion she turned her attention back to the den. “Okay, I’m going in.” She walked up to the entrance and bent down. She stuck her head in first and looked around. When she didn’t see anything, she crawled further inside, her petite body disappearing. Still not being able to see well, she called back to her family. “It’s kind of dark I can’t see anything.”
”Do you want the flashlight they gave us?” Called Eli.
“Yeah, I’ll come get it.” His sister-in-law crawled back to the entrance and popped her head out. Eli handed her the flashlight and she flicked it on and we t back to searching.
After a few moments of not hearing an update or how things were going, Claude called out to her close to the entrance. “Mon amour, are you okay?” No answer. “Ica?” He called again.
”I’m okay. I think I found something.” Ica shined the flashlight toward in the direction as a small stone, covering a dugout in the soft dirt wall. She grinned and eagerly yanked the stone away. Nestled in the sandy earth was a flying disk toy. “I got it! I got it!” She cheered. “I just need something to replace it with.” She quickly crawled back to the entrance.
”I have this rubber duck.” Said Eli. “I won it a while back out if those grab machines, but I won’t miss it.”
“Oh! I have one too. I keep it in the car. That’s so ironic.” Ica traded the duck for the top and put it neatly in the space she found the flying disc toy. Finally Ica made her crawl to the entrance for the last tie and emerged completely.
Claude chuckles when he saw that his wife’s face and thick hair was covered with dust and debris. “Come here crazy girl. You’re all dirty.” Ica walked up to Claude as he pulled out a wet wipe from his pocket. He tenderly wiped the dust from her face until it was clean. Ica stood still, admiring how attentive her husband was. “Close yours eyes.” He said gently. Ica closed her eyes as he licked out pieces of grass and ruffled as much dirt and sand he could from her coily hair. Cliona and Eli watched the two of them with quiet amusement. When he was done he kissed her forehead. “There all clean. Although…” he spoke a little softer, “You and I might need to take a shower after this.”
Ica blushed as her in-laws giggled, apparently still hearing what Claude had said. “Come on you wily old man. Let’s keep going.” She grabbed her husband’s arm and guided him along back down the trail.
“Okay,” began Eli, once the were back on the main route. “We need to go North. That’s our last location.
”Oh! I know where north is.” Yipped Ica. She spun around and pointed confidently in the direction of a beautiful castle like building in ruins, resting in the distance.
“Wow, you’re right.” Said Eli slightly astonished. “How’d you know?”
“Well, see that teeny little star up there? It’s faint now, but it will get brighter when it starts to get dark. But that star is always the first one out, and it’s called the North Star. So I’ve been told. And then there’s also the fact that I hoped it was north because that old building over there looks really cool.”
Cliona chuckled. “I should have known.”
“Well, you’re in luck. Because that’s exactly where we are going.” Said Eli, his expression amused.
His sister-in-law’s face lit up. “Really? That’s awesome! Come one let’s go!” She grabbed Claude’s hand an hauled him along. He glanced back over his shoulder to see his sister and brother-in-law laughing. Then he looked down at his hand clasped in his wife as she led him along and chuckled to himself thinking, Well at least she didn’t run off without me…she took me with her this time.
When the two couples got to their next location, the stopped, their breaths temporarily caught in their throats. There before them was a medieval style dome with steps that were dirtied and cracked with age. Then Ica broke the silence, a soft grin breaking out across her face. “I’m so glad it was here. I have seen so many Beautiful buildings in my life and now I get to add another one to my photographic memory.” Then she glanced back at Eli. “Is our treasure in there?”
Eli glanced down at the GPS on his screen to see not one, but two blinking red dots. He tilted his head quizzically. “Yeah…looks like there are actually two finds in here.” He looked around the open room, the black and white columns, and the rounded walls and ceiling cracked and crumbling in the most artistic way. A gentle breeze danced through the air, rustling left over brown and gold dead leaves as they swept across the concrete floor. “It’s not too big in here so we shouldn’t be searching for very long…maybe.”
”They do always say the last of everything is the hardest though.” Chimed Ica.
Eli shook his head, but he was smiling. “You have an answer for everything don’t you?” Ica just grinned at him. “Come my Queen. Why don’t you and I look over here. Claude, you and Ica can start over there. Just be careful. This building is kind of old. Even older than us.” He chuckled.
Ica rolled her eyes. “Come on Claudie bears. I bet we can find ours first.” Immediately his wife dashed for one of the corners of the dome.
Claude looked at Ica then back at Eli and Cliona, a mischievous grin playing at his mouth. “She’s right. We’ll find ours before you two.” Turning on his heels he hurried over and joined his wife in the search for one of the caches.
The Deslauriers glanced at each other, their mouths slightly parted then burst out laughing. “You’re on.” Eli shot back.
As they all looked for their caches, the couple’s teased each other and friendly competition. They searched high and low but still didn’t find anything but the sound of each other’s laughter and the occasional roly-poly under a rock.
“Okay, okay.” Said Cliona, humour tinting her voice. “To tell you the truth, I haven’t been looking that seriously. You guys keep distracting me with your antics. But if I’m being honest, I don’t mind. I’m having a really good time.”
Ica stood up and dusted herself off. “I’m glad. I’m having a good time too Cli.”
”And me.” Chimed Claude.
”Well I fourth that.” Piped Eli, swiping out his fingers in a mini solute. Just then he heard excited beeping coming from his phone and he dropped his gaze to the screen. “Hey…looks like our caches are right above us.” All four of them looked around then looked up toward the ceiling and saw a crevice in two of the columns. “You thinking what I’m thinking?” Asked Eli turning to Claude. He grinned and gave a single nod. Eli nodded in return. “So we think we know where the caches are girls. The only thing, we can’t reach them. You need to get on our shoulders.”
”Wait…Claudie! I can’t…I’ll be to heavy. I’ll hurt your back, you aren’t in your 60s anymore.” Yipped Ica. A look of concern flashed across her husband’s face as if he didn’t want to admit that this could possibly be true. “I can get on Eli’s shoulders after Cli…” She trailed off.
“No…no I can do it.” Said Claude. He glanced at his brother-in-law who didn’t quite know what to say.
“But…”
Claude leaned over and kissed his wife’s forehead. “I’ll be fine. You won’t be to heavy. I promise.”
Ica sighed. “Al..alright. But if you feel any strain put me down right away.” Claude nodded then sat down on one of the cracked benches, and looked over his shoulder at her as if to say ‘hop on.’ Ica carefully put one leg and draped it over Claude’s shoulder, then the other one…but then froze. “Claude I can’t.” She huffed.
He craned his neck to look up at her. “Mon amour, you are fine…I’m fine. Please get on.” Holding her breath Ica let Claude take her weight and he stood up taking a firm hold of her legs so she wouldn’t fall. She opened one eye, then the other to see Claude looking up at her, his dark gray eyes bright and a grin on his face. To Ica, she thought he looked quite pleased with himself. “See I’m okay. And you actually feel a little lighter.”
Ica giggled. “Oh alright, I apologise for pinning you as a weak old man.” The two of them looked over just in time to see Eli quickly hoist Cliona up onto his shoulders in one fluid motion.
“Oh! My, Eli.” Giggled Cliona as she steadied herself on his shoulders.
“Are you okay? My Queen?” He tilted his head back to see her smirking down at him.
”Oh, yes. I’m quite alright.” She giggled again.
The Frollos gave each other exaggerated glances. “Show offs.” They said in Tandem.
”Alright Claude, you and Ica go searched that column. And Cli and I will go search this one.” The two couples went in opposite directions until they came face to face with each of the columns. “Okay my Queen. I’ll steady you and what I need you to do is reach up and see if there is anything in that crevice up there. Can you do that for me?”
”But of course My Brave Knight.” Said Cliona sunnily. Eli smiled and kissed her hand that rested by his cheek, the position her so she was at eye level with the crevice.
Cliona peered in and squinted her bright green eyes. Something sparkled. “I see something!”
“Good My Queen!” Said Eli encouragingly. “Can you reach it?”
”I think so.” She reached her hand in and felt something cold and box like brush her fingers. “I’ve got it!” This time she reached both hands in, confident that no matter what Eli wouldn’t let her go. With a soft grunt, Cliona hauled out a black charcoal coloured box with a lock on it. Once it was secure in her hands Eli gently set her back down on her own two feet. “Look Eli! I got it.”
Eli shook his gray locks from his pale brown eyes to see his wife grilling the box in her hands, her emerald eyes bright with accomplishment. Eli thought she looked adorable. He laughed out loud and hugged her close. “Yes, you did my Queen. I’m so proud of you.” He let her go and rubbed noses with her. Then they both turned their attention to Claude and Ica, who were attempting the same method they used.
”Arghh…” Claude I can reach it!” Called Ica, her voice straining as she reached inside the crevice.
Claude stood as high as he could his toes, leaning forward so his wife might have a better chance of reaching the box. As they watched the scene playing out in front of them they couldn’t help but burst out laughing. Their guffaws echoed off the walls of the dome but the Frollos ignored them. “What about now?” Called Claude. Though his wife wasn’t heavy, she had been right. He wasn’t as young as he was and his neck and shoulders were starting to ache.
“Almost!” With a squeal Ica thrust her hand in as far as she could until she felt a box like object. She grabbed at it frantically. “Got it!”
Relieved, Claude lowered himself back down onto flat feet. Then immediately, he heard his wife yelp and then felt the weight of her disappear almost instantly. He spun around just in time to see Eli placing Ica back down in the ground. “I thought you could use some help.” He said smirking wryly.
Claude smiled and shook his head
Ica and Cliona held matching charcoal boxes in their hands. “I wonder what’s inside.” Said Ica turning the box around in her thin hands. Oh good, the key isnwkth it. Cliona does yours have a key?” Cliona nodded. “I know! Let’s let Claude and Eli open them at the same time!” Everyone nodded in agreement and Cliona and Ica handed the boxes to their husbands. “On the count of three. One…two…THREE!” Eli and Claude turned the keys in the locks and flipped open the tops at the same time and looked down to see what was inside. When they saw what it was, their eyebrows raised.
“What is it?” Asked Ica, popping her head over Claude’s shoulder. Cliona doing the same. Then Claude and Eli shared a quick glance and smirk of understanding and slammed the boxes shut again.
”Eli…” Said Cliona, taken aback. “Why didn’t you show us?”
”Don’t fret. My Queen. I will you just have to close your eyes first.
Cliona tilted her head. “Close my eyes?” Eli nodded, trying to keep the sly smile off his face.
”You too Mon amour.” Chimed Claude. “Close your eyes.”
Their wives shared a curious glance but nonetheless, they both shut their eyes. Claude and Eli grinned in each other’s directions then reached in the boxes. In Cliona’s box was a beautiful rose gold costume necklace. The chain was adorned with several roses that gave way to a white rhinestone butterfly charm, that glitterened in the afternoon sunshine. In Ica’s, was a gleaming silver Chinese dragon bracelet, with flecks of indigo.
