[Halls of Bellinos] The Eternal Band

[Balthazar Black]

12 Ymiden 721

Bellinos looked much better decorated for a wedding than it looked the first time Balthazar had visited it. Then again, perhaps it was the context that made the surroundings more appealing now than they had been the first time. It felt so much more alive than it had the first time too. There was the familiar drum of conversation spread throughout the gathering that made Balthazar think back to the Mummer's Ball, though this event seemed smaller in scale. Scale but not magnitude if that made any sense. There were several faces among the crowd that stood out but none stood out as particularly familiar. He did not see Vri or the woman who he expected Vri was getting married to- whom he'd also met during his first visit to Bellinos. He did notice the food though, which he thought was odd because he wasn't a particular foodie. He had almost no skill in cooking actual food but he could burn something until it was safe to consume- even if it was not pleasant to consume.

There were figs and dates set out together on a plate but- wait a minute, they were not simply dates, they were dates wrapped in bacon! Noticing that, Balthazar felt a little more intrigued and began leading Elisabeth over to take a seat closer to them. It was not long after they were whisked away from Elisabeth's settlement that they were approached by another with black fingertips which told Balthazar everything he needed to know. The man introduced himself as Jiam and Balthazar nodded politely to him, "I'm Balthazar, this is Elisabeth, I'm sure we'd love to try something." Balthazar looked towards Elisabeth for a moment and then back at Jiam. "Can I try those and a water?" Balthazar asked, gesturing to the bacon wrapped dates someone else was eating.

Balthazar looked at Elisabeth to see what she would request and when the two of them had placed their 'orders' the food was brought promptly to them. It was when Balthazar bit into his first bacon wrapped date that he realized it was not simply a bacon wrapped date at all- it had a distinctly pomegranate taste to it. His brow furrowed while he chewed and Balthazar looked at the other few piece of the snack that had been brought out on the little plate for him. It was then that he saw there was a thin jam between the bacon and the date that seemed to spill out a little bit if you squeezed one. Pomegranate jam. Balthazar never would have thought to use it that way but that was why he was not a chef.

"Try it, what do you think?" Balthazar picked his small plate up and held it out to Elisabeth before voicing his own opinion on them. "It taste sweet."

[Elisabeth Black]

Weddings and Snacks....

12 Ymiden 721

Blinking, the young mage looked around, in a bit of awe at her surroundings. Of course, that was after being pulled, somehow, from one location to another. A first time for everything, and something she decided to savor the experience of, doubting she would ever be in a position to do so again. Truly, the only reason she was present was because of Balthazar so why not enjoy her good fortune to be able to spend some time with the man she loved in a beautiful place for a beautiful reason.

And beautiful food!

Elisabeth too thought back to the Mummer’s Ball. There, she and Balthazar hadn’t quite been a couple yet, just two people enjoying each other’s company. The night in Rharne, however, had served to bring them closer together.

Following his lead, the pair moved to seats and Elisabeth began to consider what food she wanted to sample. Jiam introduced himself and Balthazar returned the favor, making their introductions. The food selection was vast and after briefly consulting Jiam regarding choices, Elisabeth chose an assortment of appetizers and sparkling pomegranate water.

Being familiar with Balthazar’s preferred cooking techniques, the young mage found amusement in watching him analyze the bacon-wrapped date. Holding out his plate to her, she took one of the pieces, gently biting into it. “Mmmm…sweet and salty, because of the bacon. It’s a good combination.”

Digging into her plate, she started with the stuffed mushroom. Cutting it in half, Elisabeth noted the layers of flavor piled within and took her first bite. The large mushroom cap contained a bottom layer of what tasted like a tangy pomegranate and wine jam, then topped with a thick, rich creamy cheese and herb swirl. Over the top, a drizzle of thick pomegranate reduction and a bright red seed for decoration. The combination of flavors was rather divine and reminded her of the cheese filled mushrooms Vin used to make for her on occasion.

Next up, a small meat ball skewered on a slender toothpick, glazed in what Jiam had explained to be a pomegranate molasses. Biting into the appetizer, she noted that not only did the molasses have a sweet, smoky flavor to it, but there were bits of actual fruit in the glaze, giving it a pop of tartness.

Last of the trio of appetizers, little puff pastry squares filled with steak, whipped cheese and a dollop of the same pomegranate jam that seemed to be in the date appetizer Balthazar had chosen.

After sampling all the various choices on her plate, the raven-haired young woman gently pushed her plate over, smiling at Balthazar and explaining each to him before taking a sip of her sparkling water, accented festively with jewels of pomegranate seeds. “There’s enough for both of us if you want to try a few.”

She had to admit that it felt freeing to be in a place with Balthazar again where they could just be them, not having to worry about what words they spoke or being watched. Obviously, they weren’t alone, but it wasn’t necessarily about that. It felt nice to just be and enjoy their time together.

Crossing her legs beneath the long sapphire skirt, the young mage glanced around, taking in the sights and sounds, beyond curious to know what an Immortal’s wedding would look like.

[Eliza Soule]

In spite of an earlier case of nerves when she'd first awoken that morning to find an invitation laid on the little table beside her; and importantly, the honor that was being bestowed on her by request; at the appointed time, Eliza was feeling as calm and serene as it was possible to be under the circumstances.

She'd made sure to put a small sketchpad and several pencils into her evening bag. It was more than enough, given that what painting she'd do would need to be done after the fact. As for what she'd wear to the wedding, she'd chosen a gown in pale colors that blended seamlessly one into the next. Shades of Summer, to both flatter her complexion, hair and eyes. Lightweight, not at all snug but draped in a way to subtly flatter her figure. Elegant enough for the occasion but also simple, along with the minimum amount of modest jewelry she wore and the way she'd chosen to style her hair.

She'd even spent some time thinking of what song she might sing at the appointed time, assuming that Vri still wanted her to. Something sweet, comfortably within her range, and lovely in it's simplicity.

It was too much to hope that Eberhardt would have forgotten and not insisted on coming along. But eventually the tiny primate had ended up insisting on a tiny rhinestone collar to wear for the evening, before stowing herself away in Eliza's evening bag. Resistance was futile The daughter of Ymiden knew. Even if she'd stood firm and went off without her, Eberhardt wasn't restricted by conventional things and would have found a way to turn up with or without her.

The Halls of Bellinos were beautiful in Eliza's eyes, in ways that seemed and felt familiar in so many ways. But in less obvious ones than simple appearance and architecture. From the entrance to the hall where the ceremony would be held, the mortal born couldn't help but think back to the ruined keep where she and Poppy had lived for decades, just the two of them. The room where the ceremony was to take place, reminded her of a hall in that keep that Poppy had called the ballroom.

It had been too small for a proper ballroom, though as a small child, in Eliza's eyes it had seemed cavernous. It had been crumbling in places, the stone walls were stained with centuries old soot. But she'd loved that empty crumbling hall where she'd sit cross-legged on the floor and sing to her heart's contents. The acoustics in that room had been very, very good.

Apparently she was one of the first few to arrive. But at least one familiar face was present, having arrived at roughly the same time. She didn't know the other woman as well as she did others, but Eliza remembered her fondly from the time where she'd been asked to do portraits of Faith's twins. She couldn't recall the young girl currently at Faith's side having been there, however. Nevertheless she smiled and dipped her head slightly. "Hello Faith. What a nice to surprise to see you here. Hello, I'm Eliza," she said, smiling again at the little girl.

When Anaza greeted them all three, Eliza dipped a small curtsy and once she was addressed directly, she smiled and said, "My lady, nothing would please me more than to paint a portrait for you and your intended. I am so flattered and honored to have been asked, and pray that I am able to do the two of you justice. And yes, I'd be happy to," she said once she was invited to join Anaza and Faith for her fitting.

All brides were beautiful of course, but from Eliza's perspective, Anaza positively glowed with it. She knew of course, by reputation, that Faith was a seamstress of some renown. But once the garment itself was revealed, it appeared to be such a work of art that Eliza couldn't help but wonder if there was a little magic weaved into it. Shimmering, yet subtle and..."It's just beautiful, Faith. Genuinely a piece of work," I'm afraid I'm not much of a hand at this sort of thing, but if there's anything I can do to help, please feel free to direct me."[/b]

Then turning back to Anaza, Eliza added, "I'm wondering, Anaza...only if you'd like of course; in addition to the portrait, I would be so very pleased to paint a set of oval miniatures, one of you and one of Vri, and place them into a locket that could be worn, carried or as simply a keepsake?" Of course she would not be the least bit offended should Anaza rather not. Not everyone cared for miniatures or felt they had use for them.

[Faith Augustin]

The place was beautiful and, also, rather hauntingly familiar. "You see there," she said, pointing to a curving archway. "Your Papa and I walked through an archway just like that when we were walking through a portal from Ne'haer to Oscillus." Rose looked at Faith in surprise. "That's very far away why were you there?" Faith smiled at her daughter and explained. "We'd been called there, to help the Immortals. We went on a ship, U'frek's ship, and it took us to Ne'haer. Papa and I learned to hold swords from Aeon," Rose nodded. She knew the name Aeon. "Is that where Moseke healed you?" Rose asked, and Faith nodded. "Yes. In Ne'haer great hall, Moseke stroked my cheek, and it healed me of my scars. And your father and I went through a portal and we were in Oscillus. We went up a building, then down a hole and we were in Treid's armpit." Rose looked at her mother in some disbelief. "Are you being silly?"

Faith shook her head. "Ask your father," she said with a smile. "See what he says." Rose nodded.

When Eliza came in, though, Faith beamed. "Eliza," she said, "it's a pleasure to see you again. This is my daughter, Rose," Rose solemnly held out her hand. "Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Rose Augustin." Rose's amber eyes landed on the small monkey who was peeking out at her and a rare smile lit her face. "You have a monkey in your bag," she said, just in case Eliza didn't know.

Then, Ananza asked her to be a flower girl and her eyes widened. "I would love that. Thank you so much. I'll do my very best." Faith smiled at her daughter and spoke a quiet "Thank you," to Vri's champion.

Another pair of hands for the fitting was very welcome, and Faith smiled at Eliza as she opted to join them.

Ananza was a beautiful woman with pale skin and dark hair. Faith had done her best to accentuate Ananza's long legs and the natural grace the woman seemed to hold. The dress she had made had a silhouette which emphasized Ananza's height and her body shape. It's delicate embroidery and subtle stitching emphasized and accentuated the woman wearing it - and to Faith's mind that was the job of a dress. Not to be the focus, but to make the person wearing it the focus instead. The comment Eliza made brought a smile to Faith's face, though. "Thank you," she said with honest gratitude. Making sure that the dress fit perfectly, Faith then helped with Ananza's hair and veil. Finally, she reached into her bag and brought out a small handkerchief. "This is a gift for you," she said, to the bride-to-be.

"When Rose was taken from us, when she was born," Faith explained - her hand absently moving to stroke her daughter's hair as she remembered the birth, the illusions in it, and the fact that her baby was taken immediately. "I made a handkerchief out of some of the blankets I'd made for her crib. That was in Cylus. In Ashan, I met Vri for the first time and he told me that Rose was with him." The memory of that meeting, also, was burned into her mind and she would have remembered it had she not possessed Vri's blessing. "He told me that I had to let her go and I gave him the handkerchief that was a copy of this." She smiled softly. "Because I did have to let go of the physical. In the world, she had gone. But I never let go of her in my heart and then, finally, she was returned to us from Vri's realm." Rose took Faith's hand and squeezed it.

The handkerchief was exquisitely made and Faith smiled at Ananza. "It symbolises hope and love and life and the fact that our loved ones are always with us, no matter how far from us they are." She smiled at her daughter. "Love never dies. Never." Rose nodded. "Mama says that is why Vri is the Immortal of Love. Because he has to be in charge of the single thing that never dies, because he's in charge of death." She nodded with the kind of wisdom that only seven year olds can really have.

Faith stepped back and looked then at the woman about to marry the Immortal and she nodded. "My lady, you look exquisite," she said. "Are you ready?"

[Pig Boy]

!	Message from: Pig Boy
	Hello Players. So this has stalled a bit, so I'm going to impose a two week deadline starting from today. For anyone who hasn't posted in two weeks from this posting, I will continue the thread. I will of course post sooner if everyone has posted before then. Thank you.

[Hart]

12th Ymiden, 721

The ship docked in the immortal's Domain, and together Hart and Wren stepped from the ship to the docks. For a moment, they looked around the Domain, getting accustomed to the location.

Then Wren said, "Look." There was someone down at the bottom of the docks, and Wren said, "It's..."

It was Vri. But there, speaking with the immortal, were Tristan and Ayla.

"Who is that?" Wren said, looking at them. "That man looks like you," he said, and Hart said, smiling, "That's my brother."

"Tristan!" Hart said, and when Tristan went to embrace him he embraced his brother back. "It's good to see you," Hart said to him. When Tristan asked if this was Wren, Hart said, smiling brightly, "Yes. Tristan, this is Wren. Wren, this is Tristan."

Wren knew that Hart had a brother, and who Tristan was; but it was different to know that, than it was to meet that brother. Tristan and Hart looked quite alike, despite their differences in immortal marks.

"And this is Ayla," Hart said to Wren. "Ayla is Tristan's daughter."

"I know it's been a long time," Hart said to Ayla, when he'd introduced Wren. "I know I was... different, when we met in Melrath." Hart had not been himself. "But it's good to see you, as well," he said.

"It's good to see you too, Vri," Hart said to the immortal, as well. It was Vri's wedding; Hart knew it would have been polite to speak to Vri before the others. "But I've not spoken to my brother and niece in a long time," he said. "And when we did meet in Melrath, I was quite... different than who I am now. So it's been a long, long time."

"Did you know about Melrath?" Hart said to Vri. For the longest time, Hart had questioned whether the immortals had known about his death in Melrath. And, if he was to be honest, Hart had questions about the death itself. From Hart's perspective, he'd died and then lived once more.

But his death had been complicated. When he'd died, a different man had lived in his body. That man was now living in a magical blade that Hart had on him at all times.

"If you're interested, I'd like to speak to you about Melrath, sometime," Hart said to Vri. "Maybe there will be time to show you and Tristan the very odd blade I found, not long after I... was myself, once more."

But though he had questions, and though he thought Vri might be interested in those questions, Hart wasn't there to speak about his death.

"Congratulations on your wedding," Hart said, and smiled at the immortal. "I should have said before, but I'm honored to be witness to your wedding. Wren is honored, as well."

Hart introduced Vri to Wren and Wren to Vri, like he'd introduced the young boy to the others. But unlike the others, Vri and Wren had met twice before. The first time they'd met was when Hart had Wished for Wren to live; Vri had stolen the memories of the boy's torture. Vri would likely remember Wren from that time, though Wren wouldn't remember Vri.

The second time they'd met was before the Fall of the dreaming world.

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Vri," Wren said when Hart introduced him. But when he spoke to the immortal, it was evident that there was a question in his voice. Hart looked at him questioningly, and with a look to Hart, Wren spoke.

"I thought you were a caterpillar," Wren said to the immortal.

For a moment, Hart didn't know what Wren was speaking about. Then he did know. When Vri and Wren had met before the Fall, Vri had been a caterpillar. Wren had offered him an orange. "Will you be a caterpillar when you get married?" Wren said politely to the immortal. "Or will you be married like this?"

"Speaking of your wedding," Hart said, and smiled when Wren asked if the immortal would be a caterpillar. "How are you feeling?"

Was it impolite to inquire whether the immortal of Love was worried about his wedding? Maybe it was impolite, but Hart would rather be impolite than not inquire how Vri was feeling.

[Pig Boy]

Lady Anaza put a hand on her heart, as Tristan congratulated them on the wedding. Vri's expression was inscrutable as ever, bearing a deep, understated sadness as it tended to. Yet, there would be a time to mingle later, for now Anaza had her appointment with Faith and Eliza, so she left them behind, to be treated by the company of Vri.

When Ayla invited Vri to visit, Vri smiled sadly at the child, though he seemed to agree to her invitation, "I would very much enjoy that, I think we both would." Vri nodded. "Children are such a blessing, thank you for bringing them to our wedding celebration." Vri said to both Hart and Tristan.

To Tristan's request, Vri nodded, as he stood to his full height from where he'd been conversing with Ayla previously. "She is well, in health. Though her spirit suffers from the terrible devastation of the plague. She does wisht to meet you again, and I will if you insist bring her here. But not without her consent... one moment."

In a moment that wasn't much more than the blink of an eye, Ebony Venora emerged from the shadows, behind Vri. There were happy tears in her eyes, as she cautiously approached Tristan. "Tristan! Dear boy, I'd feared the worst when the plague hit... but this is Bellinos, does that mean..." Fear came over her eyes for an instant, but then Vri whispered something to her, and she visibly calmed.

She knelt, to receive Ayla. She held an arm out, beckoning her forward. "Come see me child?"



Jiam nodded to Balthazar's request, and brought over the bacon wrapped dates and pomegranate jam. There was plenty for both of them to enjoy, heaped upon a platter.

As they enjoyed the food, they were treated to sweet memories that they'd enjoyed in childhood. Even if they had a hard time of it in childhood, they would find one thing to latch onto, and remember in fondness.

In fact, the more they ate of the food, the more their memories seemed to reflect a beneficence and untroubling aspect. Even events that had been remembered as a terror were to be seen as an opportunity for personal growth. Psychological scars were healed. Perceived wrongs could be forgiven if they chose to.

Jiam stood by, waiting to see if they needed anything else. Absently, he tried a few of the appetizers that Elisabeth had picked out, and smiled at the two of them as he stood by to see if they needed anything, or had anything to ask of him.



Anaza gave Eliza a smile that effused with all the love and admiration that she could've expected to feel from a Champion of the Immortal of Love. "Eliza, we've every confidence that you'll come up with something stunning, but were it only the finger paints of a child, we'd still be satisfied to have a work of art that came from the heart."

She said it not to imply that she expected anything less that magnificent from Eliza, but to ease her tension at the task that they set before her.

Anaza seemed delighted by the suggested favor that Eliza had to offer them, in addition to the portrait she would do. She clapped her hands together, excited. "That's an amazing idea, Eliza! We would gratefully accept. We can even provide the lockets for the miniatures to be placed within?"

Faith offered her handkerchief, from when Rose was taken from her. Relating the whole episode, and long saga of her absence from her life until she was restored. It was a beautiful story, and made the gift all the more meaningful. Anaza took the handkerchief from Faith, and wept a bit, drying her tears with the cloth. "Thank you, Faith." She said, and there was more meaning behind that gratitude than for the gift and story.

But then, it was time to try the dress on, which Anaza did with the aid and supervision of Eliza and Faith. And the expert adjustments that Faith would make to render the fit perfect.

"Thank you Faith, and Eliza. I'm so happy but... also nervous." Anaza had to admit. While she didn't have cold feet, or any doubt of Vri, she wondered sometimes... "Do you think... now is the time? We've had so much taken away from us, it's hard to imagine this will go without incident..."



Vri nodded to Hart, allowing the two brothers to share their moment of reunion. That was what this was all about, afterall, reunion and love and remembering the good times. Grandmother Ebony Venora stood by, watching as the two brothers greeted each other and caught up.

Vri turned to Hart, when he was finally done catching up with Tristan, and smiled. He asked if he knew about Melrath, and Vri nodded. "Yes. I know of Melrath, and what happened there. It was horrible what was done to you, an anathema to my domain of Death." A gloom set over Vri's featuers momentarily as he recalled the ego-death that Hart had suffered. "There will be time to speak on all of that soon, I assure you. And I will of course be interested in the blade you say you recovered..."

Vri nodded at Hart said congratulations on the wedding. It was then that Vri turned his eyes to Wren, giving him a sad but caring look. "Welcome to my home, Wren. I'm glad to have met you, and you ought to be proud of your father, he's a great man."

Vri smiled at the boy's remembering of his guise as a caterpillar. "Perhaps later I will become a caterpillar, if such a form would amuse you. But I daresay my bride will complain." He chuckled a little bit.

When Hart asked Vri how he was feeling, the Immortal laid a hand on Hart's shoulder, and smiled. "I feel like this day is a dream almost. I almost can't believe it. If I didn't know better, I'd almost suspect it was an elaborate ruse... and yet... No, Anaza is who she was and Faith thought of a way to bring her back to me."

Tears of happiness fell from Vri's face, then, as he contemplated his situation.

If Hart's eyes were sharp enough, he'd notice in the canal he'd sailed in on, that there was a watermelon floating upon it. It sloshed up and down in the water, and seemed to bob its greeting to him as it floated by.

Eliza and Faith

Your objective, should you choose to accept it, is to draw on a personal experience in order to try and assuage Anaza's fears and doubts.

Tristan and Hart

Your objective, should you choose to accept it, is to relate your own dreams and aspirations to Vri, and do so with that of your children, Ayla and Wren.

Balthazar, and Elisabeth

Your objective, should you choose to accept it, is to detail the memory that is unveiled as you enjoy the food. It will be a happy or positive memory, from childhood. Even if you don't have a happy memory, perhaps a good lesson learned during childhood. The power of Bellinos will not let negative or nasty aspects of the memories intrude upon this.

!	Message from: Pig Boy
	Please post again in 9-10 days! I will post again then!

[Elisabeth Black]

More Snacks & Confessions....

12 Ymiden 721

As Balthazar and Elisabeth enjoyed sharing the appetizers, the young mage couldn’t help but noticed Jiam hovering nearby, and the fact that he decided to try a few of the pieces she had picked. He was being the perfect gentlemen, tending to their needs. A thought occurred to her, and she decided to act upon it. Rising gracefully, she leaned over and kissed Balthazar on the cheek gently. “I’ll be right back. I see a few more things I want to try. I’ll bring enough for us both.”

Turning, she glided elegantly over to Jiam’s side, gazing at all the exquisite food. “So, what did you think of the appetizers I picked? I saw you sample them.” Grinning softly, she looked to the towers, considered the choices, and pointed out one type to him.

The ones she picked were small little bite-sized scones. Smiling, she set a few on her plate, explaining the significance. “These, if I’m not mistaken, are orange scones with pomegranate glaze.” Reaching forward, she grabbed two tiny ramekins, pointing out the contents to him, if he didn’t already know. “Pomegranate, blood orange and grapefruit compote and clotted cream. What’s intriguing, is the fact that I know, without tasting, exactly what each of these items is.”

Whether or not Jiam replied to her, she continued. “When I was little, my adoptive parents had to go off for a few trials, and the left me in the company of a university acquaintance of theirs, who also happened to be a busy woman. However, her mother lived with her, and was an exceptional cook and baker. One rainy afternoon, she took me into her kitchen, and we made these things. When we were done, she made a pot of tea and had a little party. I was perhaps 5 arcs old at the time, but I remember it so clearly. The cold, drizzly rain outside versus the warmth of the kitchen. I’ve not had these since, but…they evoke lovely memories.”

Grabbing a few more items, Elisabeth slowly began to glide away from the table, but then turned her head over her shoulder and gave Jiam a smile. “You should try a few, when you get the chance. They really are excellent.”

Making her way back over to Balthazar, Elisabeth lowered into her chair again, showing him what she found and relayed the story about the scones and compote. “I learned a little cooking growing up, but I remember that afternoon so clearly. It was one of the only times I felt like I had a grandmotherly type of person. I never saw her again after that trial, but I’ve always remembered her. She was a kind woman.”

On Elisabeth’s plate were an assortment of other delights including dark chocolate pomegranate bites and little pomegranate sorbet cups. Offering her plate to him in case there was anything he wished to try, her mind wandered a bit. The food had lifted her mood considerably, or at least was allowing her concerns with the settlement to drift away for the time being and enjoy the time with Balthazar.

Her thoughts drifted back to Viden for a moment, and she decided in the spirit of the event, she wished to share something with the man she loved. They were at the table by themselves, at least for the moment, so there was no chance of being overheard, which was important to her. Privacy was something she valued more than ever.

Speaking softly, she glanced in Balthazar’s direction, reciting words she had once said. “I chose him to love. I chose him every trial after that to love and I choose him for every trial forever.”

When he predictably looked in her direction, Balthazar would find her smiling at him. “I told that to Vri. I wanted him to know. I wake up every trial and am thankful for you, whether you are lying next to me or on the other side of Scalvoris. I even remember the moment I knew I was in love with you – the balcony in Viden.”

Reaching over, Elisabeth gently laid her hand on his hand. "I told Vri, but sometimes I think I forget to tell you the important things. I tell you how much I love you, but I don't tell you how much I appreciate what you do for me and others. Or simple things like how I would do anything to make you smile, because I really love your smile, or when you laugh."

Shrugging her shoulders lightly, Elisabeth offered a mischievous grin to him. “I just wanted you to know those things. And that I love you. You know, if you hadn't guessed or anything....”

[Tristan Venora]

“Maybe after this cycle then, if you don’t have any other plans for your honeymoon yet, that is?” Tristan asked when Vri said that both Lady Anaza and he would enjoy visiting. “I have a big house, so you’d have your privacy whenever you need it. Melrath’s a beautiful place, with its lakes and its mountains, and Raelia where I live is located relatively close to the ocean”, he told the Immortal in a gentle tone of voice, smiling. He would always miss Rynmere and his family – and his duchy – but he liked his new home, even though it had its problems, such as the human sacrifices and the occasional racism.

“I’d love for you to visit as well, but I realize that you may not want to ever return to Melrath after what happened to you”, he said to Hart, the look on his face sad now. “I’d like us to stay in contact from now on though, and maybe Ayla and me can come to wherever you are”, he added once Anaza had left for her appointment with Faith and Eliza.

A few moments later, when Vri told him that his grandmother was well, Tristan smiled all over his face because he was so very happy and relieved to hear that, and then, when Vri said that he could bring her here, his eyes widened noticeably before he nodded. “I’d love that, and I’d be very grateful, Lord Vri”, he said softly, only for his eyes to widen even more when Ebony Venora who he had not seen in arcs appeared but a trill or two later.

For a moment, Tristan just stared at her, and then the former Duke and Blessed of three Immortals simply rushed over to her, closing the remaining distance between them and embraced her before he gestured for Ayla who seemed a little hesitant to join them.

“This is your great-grandmother, Ebony”, he said to his daughter who looked up at Ebony, her eyes wide before she wanted to know, smiling shyly, “How are you, Granny Ebony?”

“She’s grandfather Noah’s mother”, he explained, watching with some amusement and unmistakably joy when the undeniably tough (former?) Duchess simply hugged his daughter.

“We travelled to Scalvoris and then to Melrath when the plague hit”, Tristan explained. “I was looking for a place where Ayla could grow up safely”, he continued. Sometimes, he felt as if he had abandoned Oakleigh, but staying had become too dangerous, especially since he had a child to think about now. He’d never forgive himself if something bad happened to Ayla. To him, she was more important than anything else.

“I’m well, child, because your father and you are with me”, Ebony Venora said when she let go of Ayla again and turned to Tristan once more, a questioning look on his face.

“Ayla’s mother left her in my care”, Tristan simply said as he had no desire to explain Syroa’s actions, especially not on Vri’s wedding day. He wasn’t mad at the Immortal of Fury for her deception and the heartbreak that she had caused anyway, at least not anymore. On the contrary, he was grateful to her because she had given him something amazing – a child.

“Vri is getting married today”, he then told his grandmother. “He asked me to officiate his wedding”, he added, and Ebony Venora’s eyes momentarily widened before she curtsied. People didn’t worship the Immortals in Rynmere, at least not for the most part, but she knew what kind of behaviour was appropriate and that this here was an immense honor, for her grandson – and for her as well, because she had been brought here.

“Thank you”, Tristan said to Vri, smiling.

~~~

“Hello, Wren and Uncle Hart!” Ayla said politely after the introductions had been made and looked at Tristan’s brother curiously for a few moments before she observed, “You look just like daddy, but you don’t have silver on your face. Are you like Vri?” she then wanted to know which caused Tristan to smirk a little before he turned to look at his brother. He’d leave it up to Hart to answer the question as to whether he was an Immortal, like her other uncle. Even though he was pretty sure that he knew the answer, it didn’t seem to be right to take care of a question that was meant for someone else.

When Hart asked Vri if he knew about Melrath, Tristan’s attention was piqued, and he looked at both men with curiosity. He had met Hart when he had been Eihr – or when Eihr had been inside Hart’s body instead of Hart – but he still wasn’t sure if he understood what exactly had happened, apart from the fact that Soren Kvistson had been responsible for his brother’s death. He didn’t say anything though, not even when Hart mentioned the very odd blade that he had found. Hart was talking to Vri, and not to him.

For that reason, he simply listened.

Ayla had far fewer qualms when it came to involving herself into a conversation that wasn’t meant for her on the other hand. When Wren asked Vri if he would be a caterpillar when he got married, she turned to the Immortal and wanted to know in an excited tone of voice, “Can you really become a caterpillar, Uncle Vri? Can you become other things as well?” she continued, only in order to slip her little hand in his and look up at him when he started to cry, even though his tears were tears of happiness.

Unlike his daughter, Tristan didn’t hold Vri’s hand in order to make him feel better, partly because it was already occupied, but when the Immortal remarked that this trial almost felt like a dream, he said gently, “Sometimes, dreams can come true. Sometimes, those that we thought we lost forever, are returned to us.” He looked at his grandmother who watched the proceedings with curiosity as well as slight confusion when he said this.

He wondered if she’d be a wedding guest as well now.

“I never thought I’d see any of my family again, but you brought my grandmother to me. I only wish that we wouldn’t have to part ways again after this trial. That’s what I dream of, of a future where I’m surrounded by those that I love and can always be there for them, and where there is peace”, he admitted. That was something that he was worried about – that there would come a time when he would have to leave Ayla. She was a Mortalborn and would thus likely live much longer than he did.

He didn’t say that out loud though. Besides, Ayla might already be an adult at that point, anyway.

“I dream of puppies. And kittens”, Ayla admitted to her Immortal uncle. Other little girls were obsessed with horses, but she found Mistral and his brethren most fascinating.

“She’s especially obsessed with animals that can fly. She draws wings on everything at the moment”, Tristan admitted, chuckling.

“Soon, you’ll be together forever”, he said when Vri mentioned that Faith had brought Anaza back to him. He hadn’t known that Faith had reunited Anaza and Vri, but it didn’t surprise him that she had. Faith was amazing. He wondered if he’d see her again one trial.

Would she attend the wedding?

“Seriously though, is there anything that I can do to make the wait until the ceremony a little easier to bear, provided that you are nervous?” he wanted to know.

[Faith Augustin]

She gave Anaza a hug in return, although she was careful not to crumple her dress.

Once Anaza was ready, though, Faith listened to her words and she shook her head. "On my wedding day," she said quietly, "I thought the same thing. I don't know if every bride thinks it, or only those of us who have experienced loss, or ... I don't know." She smiled softly. "We were lucky. Nothing did. But if it had?" She shrugged slightly. "We would have dealt with it, loved each other as we do and got on. It isn't the wedding that's important here, it's the marriage." She kissed Anaza on the cheek. "Nerves are normal. If you did not care, then it would be a big worry." She distinctly remembered her own wedding trial and she smiled at Anaza. "I'd say your feeling is perfectly normal."

When she was of the opinion that Anaza was calm enough and ready to go, Faith smiled at her. "It's time, I think? I'll just poke my head outside and make sure that everything is ready." That was what she did, checking on everything. She glanced, made eye contact with Vri and nodded her head. When she saw that Tristan was there, Faith's eyes lit with unmistakable delight and she smiled at him. She hoped, most sincerely, that they got the chance to be able to spend some time together. She smiled at Hart, too, struck by how alike the two of them were. What memories they had together. She saw that Elisabeth and Balthazar were there too, but they seemed to be entirely engrossed in each other and food, so she smiled if either of them noticed her. Then, she made her way back in. Encompassing both Eliza and Anaza in her gaze, Faith smiled at them both. "It looks ready to me," she said.

It was time and now, it was over to Anaza to tell them where she wanted them to be, what she wanted them to do. Faith smiled at her. "You know, he looks nervous, too," she said. It was true, she thought he did. Faith knew that Varlum and Vivian had been angry at Vri's actions when they'd been fighting Ellasin but Faith saw him as a person in pain. He needed this, needed this balance in order to be able to continue with his function and she was grateful beyond the telling of it that he would once again know some happiness.

That they both would.

Fussing around Anaza's dress for a final time, Faith waited patiently for the bride to gather her nerves and then, when she was ready to make her entrance, Faith would go where she was meant to and do what she was required to. These two people would have their happy ever after, Faith decided. And if anyone tried to mess with their special day, then she would be quite prepared to get feisty.