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Twins...we had twins. A boy and a girl. Oh gods I'm so happy. Erionda had a tough delivery but she's doing well now.

After the fight with the beasts, we moved and set up camp at a different location. The oblivionite boy spent the night with us and in the morning we made the rest of the trip to town. Detraeus took a ride on Amadia's back and seemed to really enjoy it.

We awoke rather early in the morning. Or rather Lithian and I did. Casseth slept late, as usual. We left in search for Lithian's friends and teachers and soon found them, returning the young dovaa safely.

The boat ride back to Eowyn had been a tense one. Kilian had sat, watching his son and his friend, rarely sleeping. Too much was on his mind. He had just been forced to kill his father and then flee, leaving his cousin alone to clean up his mess. “Nekane…” he muttered as he stared out the window of their inn room. His house hunt had been cut short when he had been unable to find Casseth. It had become the farthest thing from his thoughts and would remain so for a little while longer. He rubbed his hand over his face, sighing as the sun began to raise above the buildings in the distance. A new day and a fresh start. He had that privilege. However, he had taken that same privilege away from his father. He clenched his teeth, cursing himself for even feeling pity for the man that had threatened his own grandson. It had been as much Kilian’s fault as anyone else’s. Maybe completely his.

Things hadn’t always been sour between his dad and him. There were many times he remembered family outings with his parents and cousin. Even remembered the times before his aunt and uncle had been killed. Not once had Kilian seen signs of the hatred that brewed beneath his father’s surface. Had that been something that had happened after Kilian had moved away from Soudul? Or had it been something that his dad had been very good at hiding from everyone? He shifted through his memories, trying to remember moments that his father had shown such a hostile side to himself.

He jerked back to the present when the sounds of Casseth rustling around in the room made it to his ears. His gaze shifted from the outside world and to his son. A knot formed in his stomach at the thought of his relationship with his son ever going in the direction that his had gone with Itzal. He winced at the thought of his son hating him. He knew he would never raise his swords against Casseth. Would much rather let his son beat him down than harm him. “Casseth,” Kilian whispered as his son reached for the door knob.

Casseth froze, shoulders sinking as he turned away from the door. “We need to talk,” Kilian said as Cas’ hand fell from the door knob. “Just listen to me, ok?” As Casseth’s reluctant nod Kilian moved away from the window, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly as he sat down on the edge of one of the bed. “I won’t lie. I’m very upset with you for going to Soudul.” He held a hand up when Cas’ mouth opened. “Tch, listen son.” Kilian let his hand drop back down. “You not only put yours and Lith’s lives in danger but your cousin’s as well.” He avoided pointing out that he had also had to kill his own father. There was no reason to put that onto the boy’s shoulders as well.

“When I saw you on the ground, huddled over Lithian…” He clenched his eyes shut, shaking his head. “The worst had ran through my head. I had thought I was too late. I was terrified Casseth.” He looked back up at his son. “I realize it’s mostly my fault. I shouldn’t have been so stubborn when you had asked about your grandparents. I thought I was protecting you but I was just making things worse. I’m sorry Casseth.” Casseth looked away at these words, not using to hearing his father apologize for his actions.

“I have a compromise,” he said as he stood, moving over to where Casseth was leaning against the door. “I promise I will try to be more open with you when you ask questions. I will try my best to answer them, even if I think you’d be better off not knowing. You’re not a child anymore, you’re a young man. However, you have to promise me, please, that you won’t hide things from me. That you won’t go running off like that ever again. You can tell me anything Cas. We’ll work through it together.” He moved then, tugging Casseth into a tight hug.

“I’m sorry dad.” Casseth moved, wrapping his arms around Kilian and returning the hug.

Kilian paused before picking another box up. He glanced over his new house, watched as his son carried things into the building they would now call home. It had taken him some time to find the right house. Distractions had happened, more important things he had had to deal with. His thoughts traveled back to the unexpected trip to Soudul he’d had to make. Her jerked out of the bad memories when a hand landed on his shoulder. “Valla.” A smile formed on his lips as the oblivionite woman let her hand fall away from his shoulder. “Thank you for helping us.” The woman had offered to close her shop for the day and help them move in. A much appreciated gesture. It had been thanks to her that Kilian had found the home.

“It’s my pleasure.” Valla beamed up at Kilian. “You seem stressed, though. What’s wrong?”

“Bad memories. That’s all.” Kilian bent to pick the last box up and carried it into the house, Valla close behind him. “Phew, glad that’s over with.” He glanced around the spacious room, gaze falling to Ama as she napped in the middle of the living room floor. The room was big enough that he’d be able set up her own special place in the living room. Thanks to Valla, they had found a home big enough to house both him and Casseth along with allowing Ama to stay inside whenever she pleased.

Valla frowned, certain she knew the exact memory Kilian was referring to. “When’s the last time you did something fun?” She moved over to the steps, calling up to Casseth. When he appeared at the top she smiled. “I’m going to take your dad to the festival, wanna come?”

Casseth raised his eyebrows, glancing towards Kilian. “Mmm, nah. I’m going to unpack,” he said as he glanced back to Valla. Ama’s head popped up at his voice. “Thanks for the offer though.” He disappeared back around the corner, wandering off to his room once again. Ama picked herself up from the floor and nudged her head under Kilian’s hand then headed up after Casseth.

“Looks like we’re on our own tonight,” Valla said as she turned back to Kilian and smiled. “Lets go.” She moved past him, grabbing his hand and pulling him out the door before he had a chance to say no. The sun was just setting and the air was cooling down. The desert stretched out behind them and the two in front of them. Off in the distance lights blazed into the sky. A small, spring festival set up by some traveling gypsies was under way and Valla was determined that Kilian would have some much needed fun time.

“Valla…” Kilian’s gaze was locked on their intertwined hands.

“Hmm?” She hummed as she followed his gaze. Valla instantly dropped his hand, cheeks flushing as she muttered an apology. She tucked her hands behind her back, content to walk beside the oblivionite man she’d grown to care for. She knew of his past. Knew that he had a daughter out there that he had not seen since Casseth was tiny. She frowned at the thought, biting her lip.

“C’mon, I thought this was suppose to be fun.”

Valla jumped, startled out of her thoughts by Kilian’s words. “Ah...sorry. Just thinking.” She forced a smile to her face as the approached the crowd. Her eyes widened in excitement, a genuine smile spreading across her face, at the decorations. Flowers were everywhere. The air was filled with their fragrant scent. She closed her eyes, letting the smells invade her nose. The moved deeper into the crowd, eyeing the various vendors that lined the streets, both buying some dumplings that were easy to eat on the go. “It’s so pretty,” she said as she glanced to Kilian, giving a small smile.

“It is. Thanks for dragging me out. I needed this.” Their attention turned to the gypsies as the came upon an open area. a crowd was gathered around in a circle and inside, two gypsy hybrids danced around. One, obviously had dovaa blood running through her body. Evident by the fire show she was putting on. The night grew late and though they were hard pressed to leave, Valla had to open her shop back early the next morning.

“Thanks again.” Kilian said as they stood in front of his home.

“No problem.” Valla smiled. “Good night Kilian.”

“Good night.” The urge to kiss her was at the forefront of his mind but he held back, not sure if it would have been welcomed. He watched her as she disappeared, down the road, before heading into his new home and going straight to bed.

The day faded quickly as Kilian worked on the building that would house his business. The sweat rolled down his forehead as the hot, Eowyn son beat down on his back. Evening was fast approaching but Kilian was reluctant to stop working. When a familiar figure showed up down the street, though, he dropped everything.

He winced as he rose, a pain shooting through his whole body. All day he had been dealing with pains coming and going but they had been mild enough that he had been able to ignore them. This one, however, was enough to make him pause. He forced a smile to his face as Valla walked through the gate.

“You look tired,” Valla said as she approached, a worried look on her face. Her ysali magic reached out discreetly, feeling for anything amiss. Her frown deepened as she touched on the pain in his abdomen.

“Just a bit.” He responded as he wiped the sweat from his brow. Truth was, Kilian was exhausted. His body ready to give out on him. They moved into the house, Kilian instantly sinking to the couch and sighing.

Valla watched, concert etching her face. she moved into the kitchen, intent on fetching them both some cool water. As she moved back into the living room, she gasped. Kilian was laying back against the couch, chest rising and falling rapidly as he continued to sweat, despite the cool air flowing through the house. She set aside the water and quickly moved to his side. “Kilian,” she whispered as she moved her hand to his forehead. His skin was clammy and very hot to the touch.
He groaned, muttering her name as she helped him to lay down. His eyes flit open, gaze locking on to Valla. “Sorry.” He muttered as he tried to sit back up. He abandoned that task at Valla’s soft touch to his chest.

“Shhh.” She ran her hands over his forehead, smoothing back his dreads. Valla let her hands run lightly down his arms, his chest and finally over his stomach. She lifted his shirt, gasping at the sight of the strange looking scar that spread, like vines, across his stomach and chest. The muscles of his stomach jumped and bunched as she splayed her fingers over the scar. Heat spread up into her skin at the contact. His fever was getting worse and she could feel the pain.

She couldn't hide it anymore. She had no choice but to reveal her secret. Kilian’s life depended on it. Valla took a deep breath, turning her full concentration to her magic. The green glow started at her fingertips and slowly spread to her whole hands. She pushed, letting the magic seep into Kilian’s skin, invading the scar tissue. Her eyes flit shut as her concentration intensified. Her brows pinched together as she found the source of the fever.

Deep in Kilian’s body, infection was taking over. The healers had done their job. It just hadn’t been good enough. Her whole body shuddered at the exertion of using her magic. She pushed, though, determined to fight the infection until every bit of it was gone. Sweat beaded on her skin as she worked for hours. Finally, she was finished. Every bit of infection was gone and Kilian was going to be alright. She pulled back, exhausted from using her magic for hours on end. She bit her lip as he groaned and his eyes flit open. She was worried, not for his health, but for the fact that she had been telling a lie the whole time she’d known Kilian. Her brows pinched together at the thought, realizing that she might have ruined anything that they may have had together just by leaving out the truth about her bloodlines. “I’m sorry Kilian…”

Valla moved to pull away but was stopped by strong fingers wrapped around her wrist. “Thank you,” he said as he brushed his lips across her knuckles. As he let her hand drop away from his mouth, he moved his own so that he could lace his fingers between hers. The urge to kiss her was strong as he glanced at her lips. He was weak, limbs feeling like lead each time he went to move.

She flushed as she noticed where his gaze had landed. A small smile formed on her lips as she relaxed. Valla leaned in, brushing a kiss over his forehead as she rubbed her thumb over his cheek. “Rest.” She ordered as she squeezed his hand. “I’ll be back later with some ointments for the scar and dinner.” As she left his house, all Kilian could think about was that she was the first person he’d ever considered kissing since Rio, and for once, it didn’t hurt.

Had a talk with Lithian. He cares about my son. More than I had ever imagined he might. He maybe even loves Casseth. I trust him with my son's life...I just hope he doesn't hurt him in body and spirit.

Casseth revealed to me that he was fighting in the Pit. He showed me the scar he had gotten in his first battle. That boy worries me to death.