Say No To This

  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ sun spirit

    Elwin had been on edge for two and a half days before the Council finally summoned him, having found out what they'd done for Aerith and Nyrel after questioning a few servants who had seen the pair climbing into a carriage bound for Ashwick in wedding attire. They were quite displeased with Elwin, and had reprimanded him heavily, and while he'd expected that, he hadn't been expecting what they'd said next. He'd been arguing with them for nearly an hour by the time Ceren arrived, sitting in his chair as he stared at the table angrily, not willing to look Ceren in the eyes as she sat next to him, although he did squeeze her hand tightly, knowing she wouldn't take what they said next well.

    "Lady Ceren," The head of the Council began, giving them both a stern look. "We are aware that your brother has married Princess Aerith, despite our orders for her not to, and we know of your involvement in the affair. Because the wedding took place two days ago, it can only be assumed that they have consummated it, making it impossible for us to break apart the union. In light of this, your engagement to King Elwin will be ended, so that he can marry a Lady from the south or the West, who will be a good political match for the throne. We recognize that this is an unfortunate outcome, due to your planned wedding being so soon, and we are willing to compensate you with additional lands near Ashwick." The man explained, as if he wasn't ruining their whole lives.
    Aerith smiled a little as she listened to Nyrel talk about his mother, glad that he remembered her fondly. She had memories like that of her mother, and even though thinking about them was bittersweet, she wouldn't want to forget them. "That sounds nice... Do you think you would do that with our child?" She asked softly, tilting her head up to look at him as he wrapped his arms around her and reassured her that their parents would have been happy for them, nodding a little as she tucked her face into his chest. "I think you're right.. Mama liked you, and Papa loved Ceren, so I bet they would have been fine with us marrying." She tilted her head up to press a loving kiss to his lips. "I would have married you even if they didn't approve, though."

    She smiled, pulling away after a moment to tug at his hands. "Come on, lets go to your room, we can finish the tour tomorrow. I'm starving, and I still feel exhausted despite sleeping most of the way here, I can only imagine how you're feeling." She murmured, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
    July 15th, 2019 at 03:41am
  • sun spirit

    sun spirit (120)

    :
    Magazine Staff
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    @ katahdin

    The fact that Elwin seemed so tense concerned Ceren, but she was prepared for whatever the Council had to say to her. Or, she thought she was, at least, up until the moment she was told, as if it had already been put into effect and having this discussion were merely a courtesy, that the Council had decided to dissolve her engagement to Elwin. Suddenly, she knew why the room had seemed to go quiet when she entered. She was sure Elwin had been arguing over the decision.

    “You can’t do that,” she blurted, her usually soft-spoken nature abandoned. “Elwin and I love each other, the same reason why we helped Nyrel and Aerith marry. I don’t care about Ashwick or additional lands—that would all still belong to Nyrel if not for what happened last year—and I don’t care what the lords and ladies spending their days gossiping around the castle think either. This is about love, not politics, and I won’t accept it.” Her hand tightened around Elwin’s, something close to panic settling in her chest as her mind tried to think. Even if they didn’t budge, they couldn’t send her away as easily as they would’ve Nyrel. Not when she was the Royal Healer. If nothing else, she and Elwin could sneak into the chapel to marry like they’d done for Nyrel and Aerith.
    A little grin stole over Nyrel’s face as Aerith said the words ‘our child’. It wasn’t something he’d thought about but… he would get to have a family with her one day, even if it was a small one. “I think… I think I would,” he admitted. “I could teach them about manners and conduct and the things I’m good at, and you could teach them about wild things and how to fight and what you’re good at.” He wasn’t sure how far away that future was, but it sounded like one he could look forward to.

    Nyrel chuckled, returning her kiss. “I’d like to think I would marry you even if my parents disapproved as well, but I was mildly terrified of my mother,” he teased, letting her go when she moved out of his arms to take her hand and lead her upstairs. “I’m a little tired, but I’m pretty okay,” he admitted as he led the way to his room. “Although I could go for food too. And to be back in my own, clean clothes.” Once they reached his room, he opened the door for her, letting her go first. It was spacious, organized, neat, with a large bed, an adjoining changing room, and adjoining wash room, the whole suite overlooking the gardens below. Aerith's suitcase had already been delivered, and it sat in a corner, waiting to be unpacked.
    July 15th, 2019 at 04:15am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ sun spirit

    Elwin ground his teeth together as Ceren squeezed his hand and argued against the Council, using all of the same arguments he had been making for the past hour. At least they couldn't send her away, like he'd done with Nyrel, as she was the Royal Healer.. But to have to see her every day, after being forced to marry someone else? Watching her fall in love with some other man? He'd rather abdicate than have to go through that. And he'd told the Council as much, but they were still insisting that he could not marry Ceren, knowing he couldn't go through with his threat.

    "I'm sorry, Lady Ceren, but our decision is final. For the sake of the Kingdom, Elwin must marry a good match, so that it doesn't look like the monarchy is favoring one particular family, and won't think of rebelling." The Council explained with a frown, knowing that it must be hard for her, but he hoped that she would understand that, for the good of the kingdom, Elwin had to do it. "If you are not happy here, or happy with your titles, we advice that you return to Ashwick and transfer your title as Baroness to your brother."

    Elwin was on his feet in an instant, furious that they would think about sending Ceren away. "She's not leaving, and I'm not marrying anyone else. I'm the King, I get to decide who I marry. I've valued your advice when I was younger and new to being King, but I will not allow you to continue to make your decisions for me and my family if you keep pushing for us to be unhappy. I disband the Council indefinitely, until I call upon you again to serve. Now get out."
    Aerith smiled as Nyrel spoke about what they would teach their children, resting her head against his shoulder again as they walked. "I like that.. If they don't like the things that one of us are good at, hopefully they'll like the things that the other is good at.. Or maybe they'd like the things that both of us are good at." She liked talking about their imaginary child, although she wondered how long they would really be imaginary, given that they were married now.

    She followed him happily as he led her upstairs to his room, excited about the promise of food, although changing out of her wedding gown and into her nightgown sounded like a nice idea, thinking about maybe even taking a bath. "Hmm.. That sounds nice.. Your room is bigger than mine!" She observed as he led her into his room, releasing her arm before heading over to his bed to flop down on the bed with a little huff, closing her eyes with a content sigh as she sunk into the mattress a little.

    "This is much comfier than a carriage... So, what's the plan now?" She asked as she sat up on her elbows to look at him, swinging her bare feet a little over the edge of the bed. "I ought to get out of this dress before I ruin it.. It was my mothers, and I'd hate for anything to happen to it." She explained, reaching a hand out for him, wanting him to help her up.
    July 15th, 2019 at 05:06am
  • sun spirit

    sun spirit (120)

    :
    Magazine Staff
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    @ katahdin

    Elwin was standing before Ceren could even think to reply, to the fact that they refused to listen or to the suggestion that she leave despite the fact that they would be losing a gifted Healer were she to do so. And Elwin… judging by the shocked faces of the men staring at their king, he’d certainly never lost his temper like this in front of them. He argued with the Council, he worked with them, around them, against them, but she was sure he’d never dismissed them.

    She was only happy they had the good sense to leave quietly, rather than attempt to continue their argument, and after the last man had left, Ceren put her head in her hands, trying to comprehend what was happening. “I can’t believe they’re doing this. That they thought I would be okay if they offered me lands or tried to suggest I leave the castle.” She looked up to Elwin. “They aren’t going to stop. They’ll just… try to find some way to have me removed as Royal Healer or come up with some excuse for me to need to be in Ashwick, or, gods, to the northern territories to learn from them or something, even if they stop arguing with us directly.” She felt tears starting to form in her eyes. “They’re going to separate us.”
    Nyrel laughed, leaning against the door and crossing his arms as he watched Aerith flop onto his bed. “You know, that’s really sad, given you’re a princess. If they can’t give you a room bigger than some baron’s son, what are they in that castle?” He moved away from the door, coming to sit by her, and reached out to brush stray hairs away from her face.

    “Hmm, I think a change of clothes is in order for the both of us. Then dinner. Then, ahh, I suppose we should at least talk about that wedding tradition I mentioned earlier,” he said, taking her hand and helping her sit up when she reached out to him. “Then sleep, and I believe tomorrow I owe you a true full day in bed,” he added, pressing a kiss to her lips.
    July 15th, 2019 at 05:39am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ sun spirit

    The tension left Elwin's shoulders as the last of the Council members left, letting out a little sigh of relief now that they were alone. He turned to Ceren as she spoke though, frowning deeply as he saw the tears forming in her eyes, kneeling in front of her to cup her cheeks in his hands gently.

    "They won't separate us, I won't allow it. They have been dismissed until I call the Council back to order, which means they have to return to their estates and families and leave us alone. I'm sick of them telling me what to do. It was helpful when I was fifteen and didn't know what to do, but now I can handle myself. They're not going to rule over our lives anymore." He reassured her, standing so he could lift her into his arms, holding her against him as he carried her to his room which wasn't too far away. He'd decided that he was done with paperwork for the day, and he figured Ceren wouldn't want to go back to the infirmary, so he locked the door behind him and set her in his bed before climbing in next to her, wrapping his arms around her securely.
    "I'll get a bigger room, one way or another, I promise." She said as she looked up at him, smiling as he brushed her hair away from her face. She nodded in agreement as he mentioned changing and dinner, sitting up with his help, although she frowned a bit when he mentioned the wedding tradition. "I told you, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to... I don't think either of us are big on tradition, so we could just skip this one if you wanted."

    Aerith stood and stretched her arms up above her head lazily before heading over to her suitcase to pull out her nightgown, leaving the rest of her things to be dealt with tomorrow when she had the energy to unpack. After removing her veil and the flowers from her hair she attempted to reach around to undo the buttons holding the back of her dress closed, although she couldn't reach all of them and was struggling quite a bit, turning to her husband with a pout on her lips. "I can't get it off.. I'm stuck."
    July 15th, 2019 at 05:53am
  • sun spirit

    sun spirit (120)

    :
    Magazine Staff
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    @ katahdin

    Ceren tried to blink back the tears before they could form in earnest, not wanting to somehow always end up crying when she was upset, and when Elwin crouched in front of her and raised his hands to her face, she knew that he’d seen them before she could banish them. “You can’t just ignore them though,” she said softly, covering one of his hands with hers. “Elwin, you can’t pass laws or make decrees without them. We still have six months until when the wedding’s supposed to be. You can’t just dismiss them for that long.”

    She frowned when he moved away, the expression transforming into surprise when he then picked her up and carried her out of the room. “El, I can walk,” she said softly, blushing as they passed others in the halls, who blatantly watched, but Elwin didn’t put her down until they were in his room, and even then, it was on the bed, not her feet. Still, she curled into him when he joined her, finding comfort in his arms around her and his reassurances, despite her worries, and she wrapped her arms around him too, pressing close and breathing him in. “Gods,” she breathed, “I’m sorry I’m such a crybaby.” She retracted her arm and used it to wipe at her face, where a couple of tears had fallen.
    Nyrel gave Aerith a little smile, scratching the back of his head as he said quietly, “Well… if we want a child someday, we can’t skip it forever.” Gods, he hoped she knew what he meant if he left it at that, rather than make him say it all. But as important as he knew consummating their marriage was to ensuring the Council wouldn’t be able to break them apart, he couldn’t bring himself to just put it to her that way Whatever they did, whenever they did it, he wanted it to be her choice, especially given how little she’d known just yesterday.

    So he quietly waited for her response, having spoken as she began undressing to put on her nightgown, and he smiled softly when she revealed that she couldn’t undo the buttons in the back that held her dress together, getting up off the bed. “Good thing I’m here to the rescue.” Standing behind her, he gently and deftly began to unbutton her dress.
    July 15th, 2019 at 08:49am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ sun spirit

    "Then we move the wedding up." He said simply, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "The only reason it's so far out was because the Council wanted to make it a big affair. I'd be happy doing the same thing that Aerith and Nyrel did, if that's what it takes." He explained as he scooped her up into his arms.

    Once safely in his room with her in his arms he pulled her close, tucking his face into the crook of her neck, breathing her in with a gentle sigh. "I'm not going to let them take you from me, Ceren.. I can't let them do that." He murmured, pulling back enough to run his fingers through her hair, shaking his head when she apologized. "Don't apologize, I was in tears about twenty minutes before you arrived trying to argue with them. They're impossible, and I don't want to see them until after we're married."
    A blush heated up her cheeks as she realized what he was he meant by 'wedding tradition,' her heart fluttering a little in both excitement and nervousness. "Oh.." She was understandably nervous, especially after Ceren's less than exciting explanation of the whole thing, but Ceren had also skipped the part where she waited to be married, and she and Elwin had gone ahead and done it anyway the night before, so it couldn't be too terrible.

    She looked back at him as he began to unbutton the back of her dress easily, shivering a little as his fingers brushed against the exposed skin of her back, which only caused her to blush more and to look away from him, eyes focusing on some painting on the wall. Her back was littered with little scars from her adventures and combat training, with a few bigger ones here or there along her shoulders, although they weren't nearly the worst of the scars that she had. She turned her head back to look at him after a moment, the blush still on her cheeks. "Do... Do you want to do the wedding tradition?" She asked softly, wondering what his opinion on the matter was.
    July 15th, 2019 at 03:14pm
  • sun spirit

    sun spirit (120)

    :
    Magazine Staff
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    @ katahdin

    It was no small thing to make Elwin cry, and hearing that the Council had, that they hadn’t been moved to reconsider by that alone or budged in the least, almost upset Ceren as much as the attempt to separate them. “They’re awful,” she said suddenly, a vehemence in her voice that surprised even her. “If it wouldn’t cause even more trouble, I’d suggest we get married today and then call them back just to show them they can’t decide everything for themselves.” She took a breath, trying to calm the hectic emotions that had built up, and pressed her face into Elwin’s chest as she held him a little tighter.

    Maybe it was because her mind wanted to find something else for them to focus on, to push past the Council’s attempt to dissolve their engagement—after a year, when their wedding was just months away—but something occurred to Ceren then. Rather than pull away to speak, however, she turned her head so that her cheek was pressed against Elwin’s chest. “You know, I just realized how often we end up here, in this bed together,” she said. “It seems like whenever something happens, it’s here, and I tend to wake up here if I fall asleep in the infirmary. I think at this point, I might actually spend more time in your room than I do my own.” There was a little smile in her voice, and when she moved to look up at something, her eyes caught on a book she’d left last she was here. The timing was perfect. She shifted a bit, pointing to the book without disentangling them too much. “Look, I’ve started leaving my reading with you!”
    Nyrel wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or embarrassed as Aerith blushed and only uttered that one word, obviously knowing what he meant. It was hard to gauge how she felt about it from that reaction though... Although, it didn’t exactly seem favorable. He went quiet, unsure what to say and unwilling to pressure her to talk about it if she didn’t want to, instead focusing on the buttons in front of him.

    And, even though he was only doing it because she’d needed help getting out of her dress, he couldn’t help but feel as if the moment was just a little intimate. He could so easily imagine himself in this same position someday for a completely different reason. But he stepped back after he’d finished, not giving in to the impulse to trace the little scars he found littered across her back. And when she turned to him with her question... he knew she wanted his opinion, but he had to be careful. Taking in a deep breath, he reached for her hand as he met her eyes. “Aer, what I want, what I honestly want... is to wait until you are comfortable and ready and want anything like that to happen between us. I never want you to feel pressured or as if you have to do anything, and I don’t want you to worry for a moment that I’ll be upset or any worse for waiting or feel as if you owe me anything. I love you, and I’ll be a happy man if I just get to spend the rest of my life being able to hold and kiss you.”
    July 16th, 2019 at 09:13am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ sun spirit

    Elwin chuckled a little as Ceren declared that she hated the Council, pulling her close as she tucked her head in against his chest. "That's a good plan, but I want Aerith and Nyrel to be here.. Waiting a week or so before calling them back won't hurt anything, I promise. Besides, it means I'll have less meetings and paperwork, and can spend more time with you." He murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

    He looked down at her as she began to speak again, a slow smile spreading over his lips as he nodded a little in agreement. "Well, I'd hope that you spend more time here, after all, in a week it will be your room too." He pointed out, pressing a kiss to her forehead with a laugh as she pointed out the book, moving to lay on his back with a content sigh. He was glad he didn't have to worry about the Council for the moment, and could just be here with Ceren.
    Aerith frowned a little as Nyrel spoke, squeezing his hand gently as she rested her other hand against his cheek. "Of course I want something like that to happen between us.. I love you, and you know me, I'd never let anyone pressure me into anything." She murmured softly, smiling a little as she gazed up at him. "I'm just a little nervous. I feel like anyone would be nervous in my position, but that doesn't mean that I don't want to. Besides, the only way I'll not be nervous about it is if we do it, and waiting a week or a month or a year won't change that."

    She smiled up at him, slowly moving to wrap her arms around his neck, standing on her toes so that she could press a little kiss to his nose. "Plus, I want to see your butt." She whispered teasingly, nose scrunching up a little as she tried to hide a giggle, gently brushing her fingers through his hair. "I love you, Nyrel."
    July 16th, 2019 at 05:20pm
  • sun spirit

    sun spirit (120)

    :
    Magazine Staff
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    @ katahdin

    Ceren had spoken more out of frustration than any real intent, so when Elwin suggested next week, once Aerith and Nyrel had returned to the castle, it felt like her heart stuttered for a beat. But.. they had waited for over a year, and if Elwin had said he wanted to marry her today, she would’ve agreed. “Just let me know what day, and I’ll be there,” she responded with a smile, holding him a little tighter.

    A week. In such a short time, so much was going to change. When Elwin laid back, Ceren moved with him, until they were laying so that she rested on his chest. She couldn’t help but smile at him, sitting up enough to meet his eyes. “That was your plan all along, wasn’t it?” she teased. “Get me used to spending a lot of time here so I don’t leave the infirmary one night and accidentally sleep in my old room.”
    Nyrel squeezed her hand as she spoke, a little smile forming as she reminded him that she did what she wanted. “Well, I’ve been seeing a different side of you recently, and I wanted to make sure, especially given how much you didn’t know,” he explained and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I just wanted to make sure.”

    When she moved close, he wrapped his arms around her, his hands settling at her lower back as he held her close and chuckled as she claimed to want to see his butt. “Well, I do have a nice butt,” he teased, giving her a soft kiss. “I love you too,” he murmured against her lips, just as a knock came at the door. Nyrel pulled back, picking up the nightclothes Aerith had discarded and passing them to her. “You go change. I’ll set up dinner.”
    July 17th, 2019 at 01:55am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ sun spirit

    Elwin grinned at her when she agreed to their tentative wedding in a week, pressing a kiss to her cheek as he pulled her close. "I'll wait until Nyrel and Aerith return to pick a day, and wait until you have a dress picked out." He explained as he drew her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

    He chuckled as she teased him, running his fingers through her hair slowly. "That's it, you caught me. I'm going to give your old room away to someone else so that way you can't go there." He laughed, pulling her close. "If you really wanted to keep the room you could, I wouldn't mind, you know." He wasn't sure if she'd like to have her own space, void of the infirmary staff and him, and if she did he was more than happy to let her have it.
    Aerith pressed close as his arms wrapped around her waist and she felt his hands on her lower back, giggling a little as he teased and kissed her. As she kissed him back she let her arms move from around his neck so that her hands rested against his chest for a few moments, before finally wrapping her arms around his waist, although she reached one of her hands down further to pinch his butt, the girl barely able to suppress her giggle as she broke the kiss, biting her lip mischievously as she looked up at him.

    She looked toward the door when she heard the knock, reluctantly pulling away from him once she had her nightclothes to go to change, humming to herself as she did so. She returned about ten minutes later, having taken her time removing her wedding gown in order to make sure she didn't ruin it, leaving it hanging safely in the changing area. She returned to Nyrel dressed in her nightgown with the tangles brushed out of brushed out of her hair, looking at the dinner he'd set up excitedly. "Do we get to eat now?"
    July 17th, 2019 at 04:34am
  • sun spirit

    sun spirit (120)

    :
    Magazine Staff
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    @ katahdin

    Ceren smiled, giving him a small kiss. “Good thing I was supposed to do that this week anyway, huh?” She asked as she reached out and linked their fingers together. Tomorrow, actually. And she’d wanted to take Aerith with her—to help her, for opinions—but she guessed she was going alone now, with Aerith gone and her other closest friend being the one she was marrying.

    Ceren laughed, shaking her head. “Never underestimate a tired healer. I won’t realize someone’s there until they start yelling because I’m in their bed,” she warned with a smile, blinking at his next words. “Why would I want that?” She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “I could see where Aerith and Nyrel might need something like that, with as many plants and creatures as Aerith keeps, but I don’t have much. It wouldn’t take me an hour to move on my own. As long as you don’t mind some plants in the windowsill or making some room for my clothes and books and my bath things, I think we’ll be fine.”
    Nyrel was still giving Aerith a blatantly shocked look when she disappeared to change, shaking his head to himself a little as he went to the door and opened it to let a made in, who carried their dinner and the honey tarts that he’d secretly asked be made for Aerith. He asked the girl to just set them on a nearby table and he’d take care of the rest, and after she left, he hid the honey tarts, guessing that if he left them out, Aerith would just eat them instead of dinner.

    With the honey tarts on top of a tall dresser, still covered, Nyrel made plates for both of them with what was brought to eat, the food smelling delicious, and then poured two cups of wine. Their dinner was set up when Aerith came back out from changing, the wedding dress gone as well as the braids and flowers in her hair, and laughed at her question. “Of course we get to eat. And I have a surprise for you after dinner,” he said, kissing her cheek and leading her to the table.
    July 17th, 2019 at 05:30am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ sun spirit

    Elwin chuckled a little, nodding as he returned her kiss. "It is lucky.. is anyone going with you? I can change the appointment date if you want to wait for Aerith to come back." He offered, his arms snaking around her waist to pull her closer, pressing a kiss to her cheek as he rubbed his hands up and down her sides gently.

    When she talked about moving her things to his room he laughed a bit, nodding. "Of course you can bring your things in here. I barely take up any space anyway, so you can put whatever you want wherever you want. But you make a good point about Aerith and Nyrel.. I ought to arrange for them to move into one of the multiple roomed residents. That way Aerith can have room for her.. collection, and the two of them can have space for themselves. That'd be a nice wedding gift, don't you think?"
    Aerith pressed a quick kiss to his lips as he said they could eat, taking her seat before digging into their meal, the pair having not eaten since the night before, and that meal had been burnt. When he mentioned a surprise she looked up at him excitedly, swallowing her food before smiling. "I thought you said that other people are supposed to give us gifts, not us giving each other things... What is it?" She asked curiously, digging into her roasted veggies.
    July 17th, 2019 at 05:47am
  • sun spirit

    sun spirit (120)

    :
    Magazine Staff
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    @ katahdin

    It was almost as if he’d read her mind. “I just figured I’d go alone,” Ceren admitted to him with a little smile, “But… Aer surprised me by how much she got into dressing for her wedding, so maybe she really does want to come and didn’t just say yes because I asked.” And if Aerith didn’t want to go, she could take Nyrel, spend a little time with him. “I’ll change it myself tomorrow,” she decided, moving her hands to let her fingers trail through his hair. When they were alone, it seemed impossible not to be close, to have contact in some way or exchange little kisses.

    “Maybe between two of us, we’ll fill up the room a little,” she offered with a smile, glad to hear that he wouldn’t mind her things coming with her—especially the little potted plants she left in her windowsill and took care of. They were herbs, nothing that flowered or looked especially pretty, but during her free time, she liked taking care of them and experimenting with them, trying to figure out better solutions for healing. At the mention of more space for Aerith and Nyrel, she grinned. “That sounds absolutely perfect. Aer’s been wanting more space for the longest time anyway; she’ll be ecstatic.”
    Nyrel was a bit more reserved than Aerith, not quite digging into the meal the way she had, though his stomach practically begged that he eat fast, and when she asked what her surprise was, he nearly choked on a mouthful of veggies, struggling not to laugh. “It wouldn’t be a surprise anymore if I told you,” he said with a grin once he was sure he could safely speak. “And I said we aren’t supposed to give each other wedding presents. I never said I’d never give you any gifts. I’ll show it you after supper.” He returned to the deer roast that had been prepared for supper then, refusing to answer any further questions she might have about her surprise.
    July 18th, 2019 at 07:04am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ sun spirit

    "I'm sure sure Aer would be happy to go, and tell you her many, many opinions on whatever it is you're wearing." He laughed, closing his eyes contently as she ran her fingers through his hair, savoring the feeling. He enjoyed their little moments like this, and he very much looked forward to years and years worth after they were married. He hummed a little as he thought about the little ways his room might change when it became their room, liking the idea of having Ceren's things scattered around, especially since he spent most of his time here anyway.

    He opened his eyes to see her grinning about his idea to give Aerith and Nyrel more space, squeezing her a little in his arms. "We'll have to find the perfect set of rooms.. there are a few apartments that have more than one room, but Aeriths room is already pretty big even if she doesn't feel like it is. Ideally, we'd find the perfect room and move all of her things there while they're gone, so they can move in right away when they return." He was excited to work on a project he actually liked, not just whatever paperwork the Council put in front of him.
    When she noticed that Nyrel wasn't eating as fast Aerith slowed down, not wanting to finish her dinner too fast when he'd barely eaten half of his plate. She really liked the deer roast, though, and that was the first thing that was gone, leaving her with just her veggies left. She pouted when Nyrel refused to answer her, her feet gently nudging his legs underneath the table, as if that would get him to answer.

    Once Nyrel was finished with his dinner, nudging his legs some more before she got up and moved over to him, leaning against the arm so she could look down at him with a little pout, poking at his cheeks. "Do I get the surprise now? I feel bad, that I don't have anything for you.." she frowned a little. She was married to him, but didn't even really know what he liked or didn't like, certainly not what he'd like for a gift.
    July 18th, 2019 at 01:06pm
  • sun spirit

    sun spirit (120)

    :
    Magazine Staff
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    @ katahdin

    Ceren smiled as she watched Elwin close his eyes, all traces of worry and anger having disappeared from his face, leaving him looking content as she continued to run her fingers through his hair and play with strands. “Hey, she does have a girly streak hidden in her,” she smiled, curling a stand of hair around her finger. “And I’m happy I’ll be spending time with her back to her usual self.” It had been a relief just to see Aerith smiling again, even if it had been for fewer than two days before she’d gone to Ashwick.

    Seeing how excited Elwin seemed to be at the prospect of finding new rooms for Aerith and Nyrel and moving Aerith’s things into them, Ceren couldn’t help but be happy for him and that he would have a nice break before summoning the Council again. He’d been crowned King young, but he’d taken it seriously and had worked so hard for the kingdom since then. She couldn’t imagine when he’d last taken a break like this. “That sounds like the perfect surprise for them to return to. Then everything will be ready so Nyrel’s things can be moved right in when they get back,” she said, leaning in to kiss him. “I’ll help you in my free time.”
    Though Nyrel smiled as Aerith nudged his legs underneath the table and pouted, obviously wanting to know what the surprise was, he didn’t open his mouth, instead finishing his meal—much quicker than he usually ate at that. It seemed no sooner had he finished though than Aerith had come over and was leaning against him.

    Nyrel couldn’t help but laugh, pulling her into his lap and wrapping his arms around her. “Yes, you can have your surprise now,” he said, pressing a kiss to her lips. “And don’t feel bad. It was just something I thought you’d like.” And that was the truth. He knew how much Aerith loved honey, especially honey tarts, and when the subject of dinner had come up, it had just come to his mind that she would enjoy them for dessert--maybe breakfast, depending on how many there were and if she left any for later. Still holding her, he pointed to an armoire across the room. “See that covered dish up there? That’s your surprise. I can get it down for you if you aren’t tall enough though.”
    July 19th, 2019 at 02:22am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ sun spirit

    "I'm happy for her too, and for Nyrel. I know that I doubted him for a while, but I have to admit it, he's the right person for Aerith. They make each other so happy, Cer, and that's all I want for Aerith, for her to be happy." He murmured as she played with his hair, looking up at her almost guiltily. "I shouldn't have sent him away.. Imagine how happy she'd be if she could have been with him for the past year."

    When she agreed to help him make the arrangements for Aerith and her husband's new rooms he lifted her free hand to his lips to press a gentle kiss to her knuckles, smiling a little. "Thank you, my dear."
    Aerith giggled as Nyrel pulled her into his lap, fingers gripping his shirt as she snuggled close, her legs draped over the arm of the chair on one side, and her back leaning back against the other, although Nyrel's arms were supporting her for the most part. She happily kissed him back, smiling excitedly as she looked up at him when he pointed out her surprise, her eyes lighting up in excitement.

    "What is it? Is it cake? Don't weddings normally have cakes?" She asked curiously, only snuggling closer when he offered to get it for her. As much as she wanted whatever it was, she also wanted to remain in his arms.
    July 19th, 2019 at 03:37am
  • sun spirit

    sun spirit (120)

    :
    Magazine Staff
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    @ katahdin

    Ceren was a little surprised to hear how quickly Elwin had warmed up to Nyrel after everything, even if it wasn’t necessarily saying that he was a good person he’d want to spend an extended amount of time around. And the guilt… Ceren leaned in and hugged him tightly. “I think the time away was good for him, El. I don’t know if he would’ve changed as much as he seems to have if it hadn’t been for the past year, and he would’ve had to talk to Aerith anyway, about everything that happened… Even I thought he was using her. I’m not saying we should’ve ignored him for so long, but leaving was good for him. He’s acting much more like his old self these days.”

    Ceren smiled, returning his gesture with a kiss to his cheek. “You’re more than welcome,” she said. “I should probably be getting back to the infirmary now though.” She ran a hand through his hair, pushing it away from his face and smiled. “I’m more relieved than you know to see you so happy, El. You should relax and enjoy yourself before you summon the Council back. Sleep in, catch up on any hobbies you’ve been neglecting, relax. And feel free to take that as an order from your Royal Healer,” she added, leaning in to kiss him.
    Nyrel held Aerith close, trying to make her more comfortable and using his arm to brace her so that the arm of the chair didn’t dig into her back, though he couldn’t do much for her legs. She didn’t seem to mind though as she snuggled into him, and he chuckled as she didn’t move as she continued to ask what her surprise was rather than get it or let him get up to fetch it for her. “I already told you, I’m not going to ruin the surprise,” he answered, then suddenly grinned mischievously. “I’m starting to think you don’t even want it, actually. Maybe I should just keep it for myself.”
    July 19th, 2019 at 04:21am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

    :
    Member
    Gender:
    Age:
    25
    Location:
    United States
    @ sun spirit

    "At the very least, we should have given Aerith the letters he was righting to her.. There were hundreds of them, I keep finding older ones mixed in with my older papers, it's ridiculous." He sighed, returning her hug as he pressed a kiss to the side of her head. "They have each other now, and they're happy, and that's all that matters. Plus, I have you, so I'm extra lucky." He grinned, pouting a little when she mentioned that she ought to return to the infirmary, although he reluctantly loosened his arms around her.

    "Alright.. Maybe I will just relax, I certainly won't be doing any paperwork or going to any meetings." He smiled, sitting up to slip out of bed, wanting to change into something more comfortable. "If I get bored I can always come bother you."
    "Of course I want my surprise!" Aerith protested, pouting as she looked up at him. "But I want to stay here with you too.. See the pickle I'm in?" She wrapped her arms around his neck loosely, sitting up a little to press a small kiss to his lips. "Do I get up and get my present, or do I stay here and kiss my husband? I don't know what to choose." She sighed a little, looking over at the plate again. "I wish I could make things float, then I could float whatever it is over here, and not have to get up."
    July 19th, 2019 at 04:33am
  • sun spirit

    sun spirit (120)

    :
    Magazine Staff
    Gender:
    Age:
    27
    Location:
    United States
    @ katahdin

    “I thought I gave them all to Aer?” Ceren had convinced Elwin to let her keep the letters, not because she’d wanted to read them, though she eventually had, but because it seemed wrong to burn them or throw them out unread. But there were so many, she wasn’t entirely surprised they’d missed some. She couldn’t agree more that at this point, all that mattered was that everything had managed to work itself out though. “You know, I think I’m extra lucky too. Not many people would’ve waited for someone to come back as long as you did me,” she said with a little smile, giving him one more kiss before she sat up.

    She was glad when he agreed to relaxing as she got off the bed, smiling when he mentioned bothering her. “Feel free. You do know there’s every chance I’ll just have you practice magic control though, right? Since we were supposed to have a lesson this afternoon anyway. I actually thought of the perfect exercise last night. I don’t have it ready yet, but the Council got me a little off track.” She lingered at the end of the bed as he moved into the next room to change, simply speaking louder to be heard.
    “Hmm…. I think I do see the problem,” Nyrel admitted, his arms tightening around her a little as he returned her kiss. His wife. She was his wife, and he didn’t ever want to let her go. When she mentioned making things float, a slow grin formed. “Well, I have good news for you,” he said. He didn’t have extremely strong magic, but he could manage this. Nyrel reached out, a wind slipping past where they sat and moving to the domed platter atop the armoire. The platter was in the air moments later and slowly flew over their heads to gently clink down onto a free spot on the table to Aerith’s right, another bit of wind removing the top to reveal the honey tarts.
    July 19th, 2019 at 04:59am