Okay I know I said this one will be the wedding but I wanted to spend more time with the kids. I mean I feel like they barely make an appearance so this is me fixing it ^^
Four days have past since Hati and Noctis left to tell the town the wonderful news of the marriage and two more will need to pass for them to get back. Maybe a little bit longer but it's hard to say really. Meanwhile the days have been nothing but perfect for everyone at the log house. Clear sky's with a few clouds to give some diversity. A little bit of wind now and then to give a cool refreshing sensation. Although the wind came in short, strong burst it was never enough to be annoying or bothersome.
The house itself emitted and atmosphere of warmth and comfort, with its two fireplaces roaring with soothing orange flames and the piles of cozy warm fur rugs littering the furniture and occupants. Surprisingly only Ahri and Y/n were inside, hugging and embracing each other. Every once in a while they would stare into each others eyes before passionately kissing and further cuddling into one another.
As for the wolves most were still out and about, hunting elk to feed potentially the whole town and finding enough dead wood to use for multiple fires. In fact the only wolf not working is Dharma as she is being lead by James. Where to, she does not know but the friendship they have built instilled a trust between them that not even the pack has with her. Strange for a wolf to trust a boy more than her own pack.
They had been walking since early in the morning and still no sign of stopping. How much further, when will we stop, what does he want to show me? All these questions raced through her mind as they continued forth. Eventually they can to a large stone structure on the side of the mountains which allowed the formation of a small cave. The cave traveled up in the mountain and stopped 30 meters in. The smell of burnt wood and James' scent lingered here.
Dharma: "What us this place?"
She asked as a small clicking noise came from James.
James: "Its a surprise!"
He sounded innocent, as usual, but for him to have made a surprise for her is a first. A few more clicks from James and a fire arose from the centre of the dead end. The flames lit the walls, floor and ceiling of the cave, revealing beautiful green moss with white, pink and violet flowers. But something wasn't natural about them... they... formed a certain shape. With the flickering of the flames it was hard for Dharma to make out so she got closer for a better look. The closer she got the more clear it became and soon she was staring at a flower made picture of her and James sleeping next to each other.
Dharma: "h-how did... you... do this James?"
He was shy of his work but excited at the same time.
James: "I... I asked mom if she could make it!"
Dharma: "But... Why?"
With a big smile he said.
James: "Because it's always nice to give your best friend a gift!"
He is too innocent for this world, she thought to herself as she walked up to James and gently sat him down by putting her head on top of his. She lay down behind him to act as a fluffy back rest.
Dharma: "Thank you James. This is a wonderful gift."
His smile only grew.
James: "And if you are ever sad and want to be alone you can come here! I'll always come to cheer you up!!"
His energy is getting too much to control and Dharma can hear it. It makes sense since he must have been wanting to show her this place the moment it was finished. Such a sweet boy. She put her tail on his lap to act as a warm blanket and to try and make him sleepy. Nothing like fluffy fur to make one sleepy.
It worked as James gave a small yawn and lay back into Dharma. No words were spoken between the two as the child fell asleep against a watchful wolf.
As for Paula, she was on a walk with Riot. The two shared only few words to point something out or to desc ribe the beauty of a natural ice chandelier or the the views they come cross. Nothing too major. They were heading north, towards the large mountains that stretched across the landscape. The snow, as usual, crunched and crushed behind their feet. A scenes of calm and relaxation came over both of them. Much more so for Riot as such sensations were rare. So much so that for once in his life he was caught unprepared when he fell into, the same hold Y/n fell in so many weeks ago.
Paula: " Uncle Riot!!"
She with fear and anoixity, desperate for the second last member of her family life. Thankfully, mostly to his reactive skills, Riot was able to land perfectly on his feet. The warm, soothing air reached all over his body and the steam, tho not concentrated, managed to relax his entire body.
Paula: "Uncle!!"
Her scream woke him and reminded him of the situation he was in.
Riot: -Down in a natural cave... about 10 meters deep... stlagmites not heavy enough to break... Paula in possibility of falling as well.-
All this ran through his mind before he heard Paula slip and scream as she fell. In an instant he turned and caught her just before she hit the ground. When Paula realized what just happened and where she was she hugged Riot. He held her close and turned around to finally see the view before them. He whispers in a tone of disbeif.
Riot: "you are not going to believe me but that fall is a blessing."
Paula: "Wh-what..."
She turned around and saw the same beautiful view of the natural hot springs. The sunlight seeps through the multitude of holes to feed the masses of moss growing on smooth and sharp rocks alike. Very small white flowers stand out in the dark green moss. A large pool steamed with three small waterfalls keeping it at a constant level. The water almost glowed against the rays of sunlight.
Paula gasped in awe while Riot slowly put her down.
Paula: "it's... so... beautiful..."
Riot: "it really is..."
They both walked to the water's edge and dunked their feet in the soothing warm water. This was the perfect occasion to relax and let the worries fade away.
An hour passes and the two stay in silence. Why wouldn't they? This place was too beautiful to disturb with talk... but sooner or later one of them had to speak up.
Riot: "Paula, can I ask you something?"
Paula: "...sure..."
Riot: "...do you hate me for killing your dad and brother and leaving you in the hands of a stranger?"
If there was one question that could ruin the mood it's that one. But in Riot's defence he had to ask. The feeling that both kids secretly hate him was worse than a gun shot.
Paula: "Well..... i don't hate you but I'd like to know why.... you did it..."
Riot: "...let me answer your question with another. Do you believe the dead should be brought back?"
She thinks for a moment before answering.
Paula: "...I think... if a person dieds... we should remember them for their life and... not wishing for them to be with us... after all... we'll all died eventually..."
Riot: "That's a good answer... now I don't know if you know or not but your father was trying to bring back your mother at the cost of Ahri's life... I couldn't let that happen... and.... and your father wouldn't stop so... well... you know what happened."
She stared at her father's killer in silence. Not from hatred or disgust but in understanding. Before Riot could say anything else she gently rest her head on his shoulder. Little did Paula know that her action was exactly the thing Riot need.
Paula: "And.... what about Kay?"
Riot: "...he was going to follow in your father's footsteps."
Paula: "So.... you killed... to prevent any... future harm?"
He gave a short nod before asking.
Riot: "...do you... hate me for killing him?.... I know you two were close and... you would do everything together..."
He waited this time, gently petting Paula as she kept holding onto him. The water remained calm and still but up from above small clumps of snow fell. Making small splashes creating echoes. Only then, when the last clump fell, did Paula answer.
Paula: "I wish... there was another way... so you didn't have to............ and Kay would still be alive."
Riot: "I too... wish there was another way.... but if there is one thing that runs in our family, it's the sheer will we posses when we are set our minds to do something. So cherish this power... and only use it for good."
The embrace each other in a loving hug. Hopefully things will be brighter and more joyous from now on.