“I hope uncle hasn’t gotten too worried by our delayed return. I suppose I should be more concerned that Z is over worried. Caderyn will listen to Nexxis.” I snickered, thinking out loud.

Malachi rose an eyebrow, “I’m sure we’re okay. If master was too worried, he’d be right behind us breathing down our necks.” He said, clearly speaking from personal experience. I wonder if my disappearance so many years ago influenced that behavior from my uncle. “Zelaphor has Caderyn. She won’t be too worried about us if Master is calm.”

“And uncle will be calm because Nexxis is calm.” I giggled happily. “Man—you are strong. Amazien. (Amazing in elvish)” I said admiring the fact he was carrying all the bags except the one with the tea.

“I don’t know much elven, but it sounds like you said amazing?” Malachi said with a light laugh. “Thank you. Master use to tease me that I had mutant strength, but I did have to do some intense training.”

My face lit up. “Yes I did say that.” I giggled excited. “I think it’s great you’re so strong. Comes in real handy.” I winked and snickered.

His strength was more defined by the training—maybe. But this scrawny cub gets his true strength from the giant cat. Zagasihr comments.

“It’s odd that you’re so strong but look so—scrawny at the same time. But I’ll take it! You’re very cute.” I said looking Malachi up and down with a smirk.

Malachi’s ears folded back and he looks at me with a jokingly offended expression. “Scrawny? Really? I’m not that small.” He said. His tail would normally sway in frustration, but he was using its flexibility to carry some of the bags.

“You’re right, you could be smaller. But you ain’t a body builder either.” I snickered. As we got closer to uncle’s I got quieter. I watched the house and my smile started to droop at the edges, not as big as it just was. Anxiety and reality started to settle in. But a sad happiness set over my heart. I’ve been reunited with my uncle after all this time. I had always stayed close but never had the courage to actually come back and now I’m here.

“I’m working on it.” Malachi said playfully, but as he glanced over to me he noticed I got quiet. “Are you alright…?” He asked.

“Hmm? Oh—y-yeah. It’s nothing…” I said softly. “Just thinking… sorry. I didn’t mean to get quiet suddenly.” I apologized, trying to laugh it off.

“You wanna talk about it?” He asked as he watched Lia. Those lovely golden eyes studying my every move.

I rubbed my arm before fiddling with my hair, not able to decide what felt more comfortable as I couldn’t get myself to remain still. My eyes never left my uncle’s house. “It’s just—I- I don’t know. I’m so happy to be back and – I missed my uncle so much… I- I just can’t believe he accepted me back so easily. As if I was never gone… no questions asked really… and—I just want to tell him everything but—” I stopped and played with my hair faster in an anxious manner.

“You’re worried he’ll be disappointed in you?” Malachi asked. “He seems to care a lot about you. I think he’s so relieved to see you again, that it doesn’t matter that happened. Everyone has their burdens and sins but that doesn’t define us. Caderyn knows who you really are and he loves you.” Malachi said softly as he looked over the home.

I didn’t answer for a moment, I couldn’t find the words. I was hurting and broken from the abuse I had suffered through my life. “I’m afraid he’ll hate me.” I said softly but it wasn’t an unprovoked fear. Zagasihr instilled that in me for so long. I shook my head. “I know, I know. Thank you Malachi. I appreciate it… do- do you think I can still talk to him about my adventures..? I’ve been gone for a hundred years… has his love for me really never changed…?” I asked.

“I think you can. I know my master. I’m sure he wants to hear all that has happened—the good, the bad, and the ugly.” Malachi said as he looked off down the road. “I don’t think his love for you has changed. I see it in his eyes and his soul. He looks at you like his daughter…” He said softly, taking in a deep breath.

“You’re right. I’m just being silly.” I said trying to laugh again. “I didn’t mean to bring the mood down. We’re about to celebrate my belated hundredth birthday. I just—I don’t know. I guess I want reassurance. But I think I must get it from him.” I sighed. “I didn’t mean to just bring all this on.” I looked up at him with guilt, twisting a lock of hair around my finger.

“I understand. It sounds like you have a lot of respect for your uncle. I’m confident it’ll be alright. Just be honest with him.” Malachi said, “You also don’t have to apologize. It’s obvious that it means a lot for you what your uncle thinks. He’s a good father figure…”

“He’s one of the most important people in my life… he took care of me. I love him.” I said softly. “I’ll have to have a chat with him… You’re welcome to be there. Learn about my past.” I teased, poking him in the arm.

“I wouldn’t mind listening.” Malachi said with a light smile. “I can understand your love for him. He is my master, but he’s been a father figure to me as well… he saved me when I didn’t want his help.”

I nodded, “He’s been my father figure as well. But I came to him willingly all those years ago.” I sighed. I shook my head and took a deep breath, “Would you like to help me prepare dinner? Or do you want to use the time to talk with uncle?” I asked slightly shifting the subject to something lighter.

“If it’s okay, I’d like to use the time to talk to my master.” Malachi said, almost asking my permission. “There’s a lot I wish to talk to him about…”

“Understandable. You’ve been through a lot too. I’ll have Z help me.” I said with a gentle smile. It was getting later in the evening, the sun dipping closer to the horizon, casting a beautiful pink and golden hue across the sky. A halo look around Caderyn’s home.

“Is it just me or does Caderyn’s home look like a little piece of heaven.” Malachi softly hummed. “It feels good to be home. Even for a short time.”

“It does, doesn’t it.” I giggled and nodded in agreement.

We finally arrived back to the house and I held the door open for Malachi as I called into the house, “Hey uncle! We picked up your favorite tea along with some whiskey!”

“Well you didn’t have to spoil me that much my dear.” Caderyn said with a smile, his eyes went wide though as he saw all the bags that Malachi carried into the house. “No wonder you were gone so long, how much did you spend?”

“Damn! We having a feast tonight!” Zelaphor said happily.

“That’s—not the only reason we were gone so long.” I said, unable to help the small blush that spread across my cheeks. “But you don’t want to know how much I spent today. I wanted to make sure you also had food for when I left again.” I said feeling a little embarrassed.

“My dear, I appreciate your kind heart. But I’m alright. You didn’t need to spend so much for me.” Caderyn said wanting to be the supporter.

“But I want to help too. I’ve been gone too long… just let me do it this one time.” I pleaded.

“I suppose this one time will be no issue… but please check with me before spending so much.” He said wanting to make sure I had the means to take care of myself. He rose a bushy eyebrow at me suspiciously though and shifted the conversation, “Oh and about you taking so long? Would you like to clarify?” He asked. Malachi looked blushed too but slid off toward the kitchen, leaving me to deal with this alone.

I felt awkward, hoping he wouldn’t have noticed that comment, and I couldn’t make eye contact with him, “Well—you see—Malachi and I are now… official.” I said awkwardly.

This surprised my uncle but before he could say anything, Zelaphor started yelling, “WHAT!? But you two just met! What do you mean you’re dating!?” She asked throwing her arms in the air. I rolled my eyes and we could hear Malachi putting away food as he hid away in the kitchen. Coward. Also, we did not just meet.

Nexxis rose her head up with her ears folded back against her head, annoyed by how loud the sprite was. I placed my hands on my hips, “What? Are you jealous?” I asked with a smirk.

“I ain’t jealous! But there is no way Malachi would agree to such a thing so quickly.” Zelaphor said fuming.

“Please, Zelaphor, indoor voice. There’s no need to be so loud and upset.” Caderyn said sternly. Surprising enough to me, Z quickly shut up and looked apologetically submissive.

“What? So do you think I’m lying then?” I asked, crossing my arms. I looked at my uncle for a moment before walking over and sitting at his feet. “It’s the craziest thing uncle. There’s this—spark, or pull, that Malachi and I feel toward each other. My soul feels like it’s calling for him.” I said softly, as if day dreaming. Malachi sure was taking his time though, dragging out putting everything away.

Caderyn ran his hand through his beard and glanced down at me. “It’s a very interesting description of your connection to each other… it almost sounds like an old story I heard many years ago. I can’t quite put a finger on it though.” He mumbled as he went into a deep thought.

Nexxis was watching Caderyn but I looked toward the kitchen suspiciously. Malachi was avoiding this. “It’s difficult to explain, but I asked him about it. We both feel the same pull toward each other. It almost feels wrong to be apart—I’ll be right back.” I was unfocused as I spoke and finally stood and walked to the kitchen, I watched Malachi close a cupboard by his feet with his tail. “What are you doing?” I asked.

His ears perked up, he stared at me with wide eyes, “Putting away the food…?” He said as he glanced between me and the empty bags. He had them put away and was simply making noise to make it sound like he was still putting things away. I narrowed my eyes.

“Yeah… I didn’t buy enough food for you to ditch me for this long.” I said crossing my arms. “So. Are you just avoiding this conversation?”

Malachi’s ears folded back and he looked down, “Possibly… I’m sorry. I’m expecting to be lectured.” He said as his tail started to fidget with one of the cupboard handles. “I swear though. I did put away the food.” He was oddly anxious over this.

“Z might chew you out but I don’t think uncle will…” I said more gently. “I see that you put away the food though, thank you. Now get out here so I’m not alone.” I teased and held out my hand to him, a gentle smile on my face. He took my hand and we returned to the living room and were met by Zelaphor’s glaring look of betrayal.

“Something you wish to share in this conversation Malachi?” Caderyn asked, looking happy for us.

Malachi was quiet for a moment to gather his thoughts, “I feel the same way as Lia. It feels like my soul dances with her.” He said softly.

“I’m glad to hear. I’m happy for you.” Caderyn said, “I hope though that you understand your responsibilities as a paladin. Know that it might create roadblocks in some areas if your relationship—” He started.

“There won’t be any issues.” Malachi said, interrupting him. That bothered me a lot. Like um excuse you? I slightly glared at my uncle and squeezed Malachi’s hand but tried my best to ignore it.

“No. There wont be.” I said with a bit of a short temper. “I think I’ll start making dinner now. Z, will you help me out or are you gonna pout all night?” I asked with a tease as I released Malachi’s hand and headed back to the kitchen.

Zelaphor finally calmed a little and exhaled, “Fine kid, I’ll help. I won’t pout all night.” She said and followed me.

Malachi sat on his favorite spot on the couch, “Are we finally going to have a talk?” Caderyn asked and Malachi nodded his head. Zelaphor peaked her head around the corner though, looking worried and hoping Malachi would be open.

Nexxis hoped onto the couch and curled up next to Malachi, resting her head on his leg for encouragement. I placed my hand on Zelaphor’s shoulder, “It’s gonna be alright Z, we’ll still be able to hear them. Just burst in there if he’s being secretive.” I teased lightly, trying to help her.

“Oh I will. He can’t lie to the old geezer.” Zelaphor said as she turned and rolled up her imaginary sleeves.

In the other room Malachi slowly started to tell his tale to Caderyn, I tried not to listen too closely, he’ll tell me in his own time and I didn’t feel right for eavesdropping. But I got bits and pieces of the story, being deployed five years ago for the civil war. His voice got quieter and quieter as it became more difficult for him to talk about it. I heard him try to be lighthearted but it was still difficult. The last bit I heard was of him trying to speak of his friends sacrificing their lives for him but he choked up.

Zelaphor paused her cooking as her eyes became watery. I stopped as I noticed Z and turned to hug her. My soul felt like it was being pulled toward Malachi, as if wanting to comfort him, but I stayed in the kitchen to comfort Zelaphor and let my uncle comfort my boyfriend. Zelaphor hugged me back tightly, “I’m sorry I’m so much trouble for you.” She mumbled, “I don’t hate you…”

In the other room, my uncle’s words caught my attention, “It’s alright to cry. You’ve been through a lot… I wish you were able to train longer before being shipped off, but don’t blame yourself for what happened. Your life isn’t less valuable than those around you… I know your allies don’t regret their choice.”

I quickly focused back on Z, despite my very soul yearning to be with Malachi, “What are you babbling about? You’re not trouble, you’re practically my sister.” I said softly. “I don’t hate you either Z.” Nexxis was also softly whispering encouragement to Malachi as she fully agreed with my uncle’s words.

Zelaphor was quiet and I lowered my head to her shoulder for a moment before going back to cooking silently. My uncle encouraging Malachi that tonight would be good and we would celebrate their lives along with my birthday. Maybe if we’re celebrating the lives gone to the celestial planes then I can also use this to remember my mother. I miss her so much, even though I barely got to know her before she passed. Nexxis finally walked into the kitchen.

“Sorry for crying all over ya.” Zelaphor said as she calmed and began working again, “Are you okay..?” She asked as she noticed my mood.

“Don’t worry about it.” I said trying to laugh it off. “I-It’s nothing.” My voice broke though and my movements were slower than usual. Nexxis watched me silently. I hate when she does that and she knows it.

“Doesn’t sound like nothing—What’s up?” She asked trying to get me to talk about it. “Don’t you be fake laughin’ at me.” She said trying to follow my lead, trying to pick up the pace with the food prep.

“Well—uncle said a celebration for me and those who passed… I’m just thinking about my mother… that’s all.” I said softly as I wipe my cheek. “Let’s just finish cooking.”

“I’m sorry kid—I’m sure your mother is enjoying paradise right now. I’m sure you’ll see her again someday.” Zelaphor said as she patted my back before jumping back to work. The mood in the other room was starting to lighten but Malachi still hasn’t brought up Shothragot. He’ll have to before we leave and he knows it.