Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Absolutely not,” was the first thing that came out of Rian’s mouth when he saw his daughter’s surprise.

“Please, father?” Kira looked at Rian from their home’s threshold. The young fizzgig hanging in her arms barked and slobbered with glee.

Rian sighed from his chair. “You’re too young for pets, Kira.”

“Oh, she’s old enough,” Gurjin argued from the kitchen. He nodded to her. “Her wings are almost in. At least let her try.”

Kira brightened while Rian looked at Gurjin in betrayal. “Traitor,” he accused. Gurjin only smiled back. Rian hesitated, then sighed. “Alright, but he’s your responsibility.”

“Hooray!”

Chapter Text

Gurjin was seriously questioning why he offered to do this. For some idiotic reason, he told Rian that he would take care of everything else before the former came back from hunting.

The Smerth-style broth over the fire was close to burning. Kira, always an energetic childling, was squirming under his arm. Gurjin spun on his heel, doing all he could to salvage this cooking disaster. Kira tugged on his locs, giggling obliviously. At his feet, Fizzgig barked and ran.

Eventually Rian came home. He took one look at Gurjin’s crisis, and laughed. “Where would you be without me?”

“Dead.”

Chapter Text

The Garthim’s night attack had taken them by surprise.

In the chaos, Rian found himself alone. Dozens of gelflings had scattered into the woods, but his friends were nowhere to be seen. When the situation seemed most dire, they were his anchors. Now, he was left with no one.

His breathing was growing frantic as he ran through the woods, blind and lost. The fear was creeping over his mind like a cloud shadows the moon. Then he slammed into something- or someone.

“Rian!” Gurjin scrambled to his feet. “Come on!”

Rian was slow to stand. His fear had already taken hold of him. “We’re done for,” he croaked. His heart was pounding. “We’re all dead. We’re-”

Gurjin grabbed Rian by the shoulders, getting down in front of him. “Not yet, but we will be if you don’t move.” Gurjin glanced over his shoulders, watching the dark shadows creep through the branches.

“There’s too many,” Rian choked. “We can’t-”

Gurjin grabbed Rian’s palm, shoving their foreheads together. Rian accepted the dreamfast on instinct. Within moments, their hearts melded together into a single, strong beat. Gurjin let go. “Stay with me,” he pleaded.

Rian nodded, swallowing his fear. Then they ran.

Chapter Text

“BWEEEEEEEE!”

Kylan’s ears reverted from their flattened position at the sound of laughter. “Not quite that strong of a blow,” he said, chuckling. “The song of Thra is strong even without the assistance of your breath.” He waited for a moment, then played a soft note on his firca.

Jen sat next to Kylan on the bank, toes dangling in the Black River’s shallow waters. He held his own wooden instrument with tiny hands, watching his father’s bone firca in awe. “When will I be able to join Thra’s song like you, father?”

Kylan smiled. “Soon.” He ruffled Jen’s hair.

Chapter Text

“Gurjin, come on. It’s simple.”

“Easy for you to say!” Gurjin back was arched as he clung to the rock behind his back, arms braced behind him. He stared at his own feet, already despising the leather and wood that was fitted over them. “You wear these for fun.” 

Rian rolled his eyes, resisting the urge to laugh at the way his mountain of a friend was stumbling about. “Just take a step like you always do. It’s not that different.”

Gurjin made a face of displeasure. With much hesitation, he pried himself off of the rock. His heel sank into the softer earth and Gurjin held his arms out on instinct when he entrusted his full weight on them.

“See, I told you!” Rian crossed his arms, smirking with pride. “Nothing to it-” There was a loud crash as Gurjin fell after taking a second step. He winced. “Nevermind.”

Chapter Text

Kylan woke to the pleasant sound of chirping. Every morning, without fail, he always heard the chupkee’s morning song first. He smiled and sat up in his straw bed. Outside his window, their nest was on the branch that hung by his window. Kylan, still less than ten trine, rubbed his eyes. “Hello, neighbor,” he greeted sleepily.

The chupkee looked up from their eggs and cheeped. It hopped off the branch, landing on Kylan’s windowsill, then began to groom his unbraided, dark hair. Kylan giggled when it tickled his ears. “Good morning to you, too,” he said with a smile.

Chapter Text

The sound of Stone-in-the-Wood at night was drowned out by the sound of metal smashing against metal. All other chambers in the smithery’s roots were empty, but one lone forge continued to blaze on. The efforts to keep the flames bright and hot never lessened, even as the gelfling who tended to them could feel exhaustion plaguing his limbs. The moon was shrouded in dark ebony clouds tonight. This made the firebug lanterns, hearth, and the red-hot glow of the metal the only sources of light through the all-consuming shadows.

Gurjin raised his head after one more swing, taking a moment to breathe. The heat of the forge was testing his adaptation to the Sog’s humid airs. His hair stuck to the back of his neck, despite the efforts to tie it back with various knots. He pulled the blade into the cold water with sluggish, heavy arms. As the steam floated up, he ran a dirty, calloused palm across his face. His right arm was trembling, barely able to support his weight as he swallowed the rest of his waterskin in the short moment he was given to breathe.

Still, he refused to stop. Once the sword blade was heated again, he took hold out of it and brought it back to the stone. Each movement of his legs felt like he was dragging boulders with chains. A change in scenery was all he needed to look like he had freshly risen from the depths of swamp waters. Yet Gurjin forced himself to continue. He had never been as wise as his sister, but he was every bit as stubborn. With a roll of his sore shoulders and a deep, labored breath, Gurjin grabbed his hammer and began to strike at the blade once more.

It had been a promise to make him a new sword, and Gurjin was damned if he was going to let Rian go into battle without protection.

Chapter Text

It wasn’t as cold as Ha’rar, but the chill in the air was familiar to her. Brea was sitting by the fire and tried to take as much heat from the flames as she could. The others were already sleeping around her, but her always-racing mind wasn’t ready to lay down her pen just yet. The evening was colder than she had expected, and she couldn’t suppress a shiver. When her hand began to tremble with the cold, she breathed into her palms, trying to force some heat into them.

Thankfully, her makeshift attempt to provide warmth didn’t last long. A thick, worn cloak was suddenly draped over her shoulders. Brea sucked in air through her teeth in surprise, but quickly softened when the smell of Sami Thicket’s grass and wood shavings met her senses.

Kylan smiled at her as he walked around her and settled onto a patch of earth across from her. “It’s cold tonight,” he said simply, explaining his reason before Brea decided to ask.

She softened, feeling her ears begin to warm at the tips. Brea looked down at her journal, then shyly lifted her gaze to glance at Kylan. “Thank you, Kylan,” she said, gratefulness evident in her voice.

The smile Kylan sent her was just as sincere before he laid down, confident that his Spriton clothing would keep him more than comfortable through the night. Brea watched him settle in for a night’s rest, then looked back at her journal. The shivering soon stopped, and Brea continued to write the findings of today’s journey. The smoky air of the fire blended with the hood’s scent that Brea associated so strongly with her songtelling friend. It was comforting, and soon enough she found herself dozing off, journal forgotten in her lap whilst curled up in the warm folds of Kylan’s cloak.

Chapter Text

He didn’t get the nightmare often. Not that it helped, as the rarity made it worse. It always stuck with him long after he slept, keeping him awake for the rest of the day. He never mentioned it aloud. He got the impression that nobody would be sympathetic, nor offer to help if he did.

So he let them persist. He let the illusions of old comrades flicker in his peripheral. Not that he could stop the shadows from haunting him. Or stop the screams from echoing. It made him wish that he hadn’t been rescued from that damn chair.

Chapter Text

“This pilgrimage requires the uttermost precision and precaution,” the Scientist warned in their shrill voice. The shadowy figure loomed over the group, back hunched as he peered down at them with a sneer. The tone in his voice was dripping with spit and skepticism.

“We understand, my Lord.”

The Scientist gnashed his teeth and made a distrusting purr at the back of his throat. “You must. For the sake of your feeble lives.”

The threat didn’t go unnoticed, but the gelfling didn’t flinch. His steel gaze didn’t waver, only focused on the dank, musty air of the Castle before him. “We won’t fail you, my Lord,” he said, confident and cold. His comrades agreed, but lacked the strength to say it aloud before the Lords. He didn’t blame them- it was a frightening and glorious experience to be in their presence. Their confidence would come out soon enough once they were out of the Castle’s eyes.

The second shadow loomed closer. The light of the Castle lanterns cast the General in a dark silhouette. His shape was massive in comparison to the Scientists. Their commander was strong and a force not to be reckoned with. skekUng’s voice pierced their small ears with a low snarl. He leaned forward so the two rows of gelfling could all hear him.

“You bring him to us, or you fail. You die.” The order was cold. A few gelflings behind him flinched ever so slightly and he heard their breath hitch. skekUng loomed even closer. The hot, stinking breath that matched the musk of the Castle hit their faces. All of the gelflings, regardless of loyalty, leaned back out of fear. Only he stood absolutely still. “Don’t come back until you have the gelfling. Alive or dead.” Bloodthirsty saliva dripped from the corners of his mouth. The wrath burning inside was palpable within the air. The gelflings were all shaking now, trying to save face and failing before their General. It wasn’t said aloud- skekUng was never so kind with articulating- but they all knew what would be waiting for them if they failed in their task.

The gelfling didn’t so much as flinch, keeping his eyes locked on skekUng’s. Maddening yellow struck the dark iron gaze without inciting a moment of weakness or faltering. Their posture remained straight and true. Perhaps it was because of faith that kept him so strong in the face of the Crystal’s destiny. Or perhaps it was because the vengeful fury within him matched the Skeksis. Nobody knew for certain. Maybe it just wasn’t important. 

“You needn’t worry, my Lord General.” Kidan lifted his eyes and dared to raise the corner of his mouth. The knife at his side glinted in the Castle’s light. It was polished without a speck of grime or dust upon it- completely masking its past from all except the few who had seen exactly what he could do with it. “We will ensure Rian pays for his crimes.” 

For the Crystal.

Chapter Text

Fifteen trine ago, Barinn would have been confident in his abilities with a sword. He hadn’t been the best fighter on the samaudren, but he knew enough to protect himself when needed. That didn’t mean that he enjoyed doing it, as using a blade to solve one’s issues seemed redundant and, frankly, more than a bit barbaric. Now, though, the time called for savagery, so he found himself taking up the blade again regardless. He just wasn’t anticipating the burden that task would have on his body.

Barinn didn’t want to admit it, but he wasn’t young anymore. Most of the time, he was proud of his older, mature state of mind. Now he loathed his aging bones. The first minutes of his fighting had been exhilarating. Striking down a Crystal Bat with his shortsword had brought him back to his time with the Sifa in a way Barinn hadn’t realized he missed. The act of protecting a younger pair of gelfling had sparked the dulling passion that lay inert in his heart. He had smiled, triumphant and prideful of his competence.

It didn’t take long for that spark to become a flame, and his tune was quick to change. Barinn hadn’t meant to slow down, but he found himself falling against a tree despite his efforts to continue running. There was a burning pain in his chest that wouldn’t go away, too harsh to ignore and forcing him to stop moving altogether. Other gelfling ran ahead, past him and towards Cera-Na, where safety awaited in the form of fleets that would take them far away from the reaches of Garthim. Barinn wanted to join them, but the pack that held the few books he could save from the Library’s destruction never felt heavier on his shoulders. The sound of his labored breathing drowned out the distant chatter of pinchers and terrified screams. Fear gripped his heart, urging him to move, but he couldn’t. Not yet. 

Barinn shut his eyes and pressed his forehead against the bark, wondering if this tree was as old as he felt. Of all the times he had to feel his age, why did it have to be now?

He was so focused on the heartburn and discomfort that the sound of his name over his shoulder didn’t fully register at first. Soon enough, clarity returned to him in the form of an arm grabbing him harshly by the shoulder. Barinn gasped and turned to the gelfling who had taken it upon themselves to pry him away from the tree. The sight of red curls and sea-green eyes shook him. 

“Barinn! You fool, didn’t you hear me? Come on!” Cadia’s voice was sharp and higher pitched, which he recognized as an indication of panic. 

The grip on his hand was fierce, but Barinn slipped out of it with relative ease. “Leave me, Cadia,” he spat. He reached down and took to the root of the tree instead for support. “Get to the samaudren. I-I need time.” Barinn shuddered another breath, trying to force the burning in his chest to go away by force of will alone.

Cadia made his signature clicking sound of disapproval, followed by a stifled curse. “We don’t have time!” He reached down and grabbed Barinn’s forearm, more forcefully this time. “If you think sitting here like a proper git is a grand way of buying us time, you’re daft and a fool!”

Barinn hardened his gaze to glare up at Cadia. “That’s not what this is about, Cadia!” He tried to speak more, but his breath forced him to take a breath, wheezing instead. With another breath, his ears fell. “I need- I need to rest. Only for a moment.” He pushed Cadia’s hand away from him. “Go. Get to Cera-Na before the tide rises.”

“And what of you?” This time, Cadia didn’t make an auditory complaint but he still refused to move. He turned and gestured to the path ahead of them. “You’ll make it all the way there, by yourself, like this?” Cadia gestured to him.

That was a question Barinn wasn’t sure if he could answer truthfully. He took a moment, then looked down, hand over his heart. “I’ll manage.”

That answer was one Cadia had a history of disliking. This time was no different. Cadia threw his head back, groaning with an anger that came from frustration over Barinn’s inability to ask for help. Even after all those trine apart, some things between them had stayed exactly the same. “Ka- Get up.” Cadia bent down to better match Barinn’s half-kneel and caught his forearm in a vice grip. “Leave the bag. We don’t have time for this.”

In an instant, Barinn snapped his head towards Cadia. He grabbed Cadia’s wrist and squeezed tightly, catching it while it hovered over the strap on his shoulder. “Don’t you dare, Cadia,” Barinn hissed. As he spoke, Barinn made direct eye contact with Cadia- something he hadn’t done since the day Cadia’s memories were restored. He had carried those scrolls and books out of a burning chamber. He would not abandon them now. “They stay with me, whether you like it or not.”

Cadia scoffed, clenching his fist but not pulling it out of Barinn’s grip. “Then get up.”

“I told you- I can’t.” Barinn grit his teeth and leaned closer, frustrated. “I’ll slow you down!”

“Then I’ll carry you the rest of the way!” Cadia raised his voice to match Barinn’s, leaning in again so their faces were close. His nostrils flared and his ears were low. The rebuttal was unexpected and as Cadia saw the crack in Barinn’s hardened exterior, he pushed further without hesitation. “Now move your arse!”

Chapter Text

“Quit squirming.” Naia’s voice was sharp from over his shoulder. Her hand shoved against his lower back to keep him still. “You’re going to make it worse.”

Gurjin huffed and rolled his eyes from where he was sitting on the edge of the cot. “It’s fine, Naia. You don’t need to fuss over me like a childling- you’re not mother.”

Naia’s gaze tightened. Taking the salve, she pressed the medicine a bit more harshly into the cut on his shoulder. The action caused Gurjin to hiss, inhaling sharply between his teeth. Her lips curled to one side, feeling vindicated by her brother’s small groan of pain as revenge for daring to be short with her. “No, but if she were here, she’d be doing much worse than I.” She finished spreading the salve across the claw marks, then set the jar aside. 

Observing her handiwork, Naia nodded approvingly. Now that what concerned her most was taken care of, she dedicated the remains of her energy to chastising her brother. “I’d say that I cannot believe that you’d act so foolishly- but it’s you, so I can believe it.”

“I was trying to survive.” Gurjin crossed his arms defensively, not looking back at his sister as she put away the healing salves and herbs. “I’m sorry that I didn’t save myself the way you liked.” 

“Don’t try to get me to go easy on you, Gurjin. I’m not Rian.” Naia stepped closer, leaning down and over Gurjin’s shoulder to stare at him with sisterly judgement. “I understand that you were in a hard position- but using your back? The same one that I already have a hard time tending to?” She flicked his ear before rising and walking past him. “Idiot,” she muttered under her breath.

Gurjin watched her go, then rubbed the back of his neck. He knew she was right, but it still didn’t feel great to be kicked while he was still down. “Thank you, dear sister,” he called after her, sarcasm dripping from his cheerful tone. Naia sent him a gesture over her shoulder, which made him chuckle despite himself as he reached for his tunic.

It was midday, and the resistance was doing its best to recover from the Garthim’s attack the afternoon prior. They had retreated to the border of the Swamp of Sog, where the hard terrain would keep them best defended.

Chapter Text

When the second brother was just beginning to kiss the horizon, it was time for the oldest childlings to sleep. “Oh, dear. Is it that late already?” Deet mused under her breath, watching the sky from the front door. She closed it and turned back to the main living space. “Jen, Shoni- it’s time for bed!”

Jen looked up from the floor where he was sitting, cross legged in front of a game of strategy. Rian was on the other side on the board, Shoni nestled in his lap to watch her brother lose. “Aw, mum! Can’t we stay up just a bit longer?”

“Yeah,” Shoni said, crossing her arms and pouting. She slouched back into Rian’s chest, bangs poofing out and over her face. “Ollie went to bed like… a minute ago!”

“Listen to your mother,” Rian chimed in with a chuckle. He grabbed Shoni under the arms and lifted her to her feet. “It’s alright, Jen- we’ll finish this another time. It’ll give us a reason to do a rematch.”

“But we just started,” Jen argued, still getting to his feet as Rian set the game pieces into the small tray meant to hold them. “Can we stay up late tonight? Please?”

Deet sighed, feeling the tiredness in her bones. “No, love. Childlings need their rest.” She walked over to where they were. “Let’s go now.”

“I’m not a childing anymore,” Jen argued with a pout, barely reaching Rian’s chest. “I’m already ten trine! I should be able to stay up with you and father.”

“Me too, me too!” Shoni bounced on her heels in a way that threatened to undo the braids Rian already spent the better part of the hour doing while playing with Jen.

“Jen, Shoni- no. That’s the last I’ll hear of this argument- Rian?” She turned to her husband, brow furrowing as she gestured loosely to their rowdiest offspring.

Rian instantly picked up on the cue, and grinned. “Oh, sure, they can stay up with us,” he answered, setting the tray on the table before looking back to them.

Shoni and Jen swiveled on their heels as Deet looked up instantly, all three stunned. “Really?” Jen and Shoni asked in unison, gleeful excitement in their voice.

“Rian?” Deet’s voice cracked as she reeled from the betrayal.

Rian only shrugged. “Eh, Jen’s right. He’s old enough to not be treated like a childling,” he explained. “And Shoni would just be left out, so she can join us this once.”

“Yes!” Jen cheered. Shoni giggled excitedly.

“Rian…” The growing frustration in Deet’s voice was overpowered by the rejoicing of her children. She took two quick strides and grabbed his forearm. “What are you doing?” she whispered harshly into his ear, head turned away from the children so only he could see the glare in her eye. “Don’t indulge them!”

“Just go with it,” Rian whispered back reassuringly. He stepped away and clapped his hands in a casual manner. “After all, we won’t be doing much anyway. Just boring, grown-up mushy stuff.”

That made Shoni and Jen hesitate. “...Mushy stuff?” Jen repeated, ears flattening slightly.

“What’s ‘mushy’ mean?” Shoni asked curiously.

Rian smirked as Deet watched him with a hand on her hip, unamused. “Oh, you know, just those cute, romantic things that grown-up gelflings do.” He glanced back at Deet to see if she was following. Her brow was raised and her wings fluttered irritatingly. Rian swallowed, then awkwardly turned back to their children. “Things like holding hands, cuddling… kissing.”

Shoni gasped and Jen immediately scrunched his nose. “You guys kiss after we go to bed?” she asked in shock. Jen made a face.

“Oh, yes! All the time,” Rian said with a gleeful nod in Jen’s direction. “And we talk about how much we love each other for hours, and hours… It’s so nice!” He looked back to Deet. “Of course, childlings who go to bed on time don’t have to watch that. But you’re both grownups now, so it must not bother you!” Rian snaked an arm around Deet, then pulled her close.

“Oh!” He kissed her tenderly on the lips. She had caught on easily by now to his plan, and her skepticism had faded. When he broke away, she made a big show of fluttering her eyes and swooning in his arms. “Oh, yes! Finally, we can be like this all the time,” she lilted. Rian caressed her face with the other hand and she laughed before rubbing his nose with her own.

Jen and Shoni gagged and made various noises of disgust. “Ew, no!” Jen shrieked. “Don’t do that all the time! I’m not a grown up yet!” He got to his feet and quickly retreated to the room Shoni and him shared. Shoni was quick to follow, making an ‘bleh’ noise and covering her eyes. “Goodnight, Father! Goodnight, Mother!” The door to their room shut, then all was quiet.

Deet and Rian watched the door, still in their overly-romantic position. After a moment, Deet looked back at Rian with narrowed eyes. “You sneaky little… fizzgig.” He laughed. “That was such a mean trick!”

“It worked, didn’t it?” Rian pointed out, looking far too pleased with himself. Deet clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes as he continued to chuckle. “Sometimes you have to make it seem like it was their idea.”

“And now what? You’ve practically scarred poor Jen,” she pointed out, although there was a smile on her face now. “He probably won’t look at us the same for days.”

“He’ll get over it soon enough,” Rian reminded. “In a few trine, kissing won’t be quite as revolting as it seems now.” It was true, although Deet did not want to imagine her son growing up that much so soon.

Deet sighed. “Well, thank you. Even if your methods were more dishonest than I would have liked.” Rian grinned at that. She glanced down at the way Rian was holding her. “Do you want to let go?”

Rian paused, looking deep in thought for a moment, then shook his head. “No. I like this.” He wrapped his arms more securely around her waist and pulled her into his chest.

Deet made a small noise when he squeezed her. “Did you do all of this as an excuse to kiss me?”

“Not entirely,” Rian cheekily admitted. When Deet sighed, he leaned in closer. “Is it working?” Their faces were close enough to touch and Rian leaned forward just enough to press his temple to hers.

Deet softened before smiling. “A little,” she teased before closing the gap.

Chapter Text

The Frying Sun was dead at this time of night. There were specific moments of time where public spaces felt surreal and otherworldly. Rian found himself living those moments frequently due to his work obligations, but he liked it. It felt like the city was taking a breath, slowing down enough to where he could appreciate the small things. There was always so much to keep track of- so many gelflings to learn the face and names of, the people he had to meet for social reasons, and all of his financial responsibilities. That’s what made the quiet times so much more rewarding.

Despite that, Rian wasn’t feeling very rewarded right now. Work had been horribly demanding this time, even for a weekend shift. Mira and he had barely managed to get by during the evening rush and he was exhausted of all energy. He was grateful that he wasn’t the one who had to drive, as he doubted his ability to stay conscious. Two o’clock in the morning be damned- he needed caffeine in his bloodstream.

Rian stabbed his first thraffle with a bit more force than was probably necessary. The Crystal-shaped wafers were delicately soft under his fork, but Rian still ripped the thing apart like he was pulling teeth. Gurjin watched Rian brutally mutilate his breakfast-dinner, raising a brow before bringing his coffee mug to his lips. “Are you trying to eat the food or the plate?” he asked in slight amusement.

“I’m so tired,” Rian muttered. He took a bite of his food, enjoying the warm, sugary sensation on his tongue. Still, it didn’t make him feel any less of an undead creature of the night. “Can we just get this to go and eat at home?” No thought sounded more attractive than filling his gut with sweet, berry-filled carbs and rolling over onto his bed to sleep the morning away.

Gurjin chuckled. “No can-do, bedling. I need the caffeine to get us home in one piece.” He took a long sip of his coffee for emphasis, scrunching his nose at the bitterness before grabbing a third sugar cube from the ceramic dish between them. “This cup is strong- it’s almost like Naia’s.”

“Couldn’t we have stopped at a coffee shop then, or something?”

“Coffee shops aren’t open at two-thirty in the morning,” Gurjin reminded voice patient to contest Rian’s tired irritation, gently mixing in the sugar with his spoon. He knew his roommate was just bitter about being deprived of sleep. “The coffee will kick in soon, don’t worry.” Gurjin gave his coffee an experimental sip, then hummed in approval before setting it down.

Rian sighed from where he sat across from Gurjin, sinking back into the booth cushions. “I’m just drained, Gurj,” he mumbled into his hands.

“Then eat something.” Gurjin watched Rian in slight pity. He knew Rian was in rough shape, and he wondered if Mira was the same right now. He hoped she got home alright- maybe he should check? “You’re not going to feel better if you don’t,” he added before taking out his phone with one hand, swiping it open, and navigating to the Crystal Calls app.

Gurjin was right, so Rian groaned and sat up again. He took out another large bite of the thraffle with his fork. The fluffy, powdered breakfast slabs had soaked up the peachberry syrup by this point and he didn’t need to dip them in the shallow puddle at the bottom of his plate to taste the tartness. Rian sighed and shut his eyes, humming as he allowed the warm, tasty food to comfort his tired nature. “How do they make these so good?”

“Well, you don’t help make them, so that’s probably a good chunk of it,” Gurjin responded idly as he scrolled to Mira’s contact information, then set the phone down to type a quick message with his fingers. She was likely already asleep by now, but he figured it couldn’t hurt to try.

Rian frowned. “I’m not that bad at cooking,” he defended.

“You ruined our frying pan last week.” Gurjin sent the message to Mira, then flipped his shard phone over so it wouldn’t be a distraction. He gave Rian a skeptical glance before going back to his own food- a matching dish of thraffles, but with whipped Nebrie-butter on top and sweet sogflower syrup. “I don’t think you’re in the position to make a case, Rian.”

“That was an accident,” Rian reminded him with a huff. “I didn’t do it on purpose.”

“Uh-huh. Well, the pan’s still ruined,” Gurjin mumbled between bites, clearly not caring for Rian’s excuses. He hummed at the good-tasting meal, then sighed. They had reached a lull in the conversation, so Gurjin went to his default method of wasting time- tricking Rian into ranting about something. “Some night, huh?”

Rian threw his head back and groaned, loudly. “Oh my Thra, never again.” Gurjin chuckled at how easily Rian slipped into complaining, but he was ignored. “I swear, Gurjin. If I have to work a closing shift with just Tolyn in the next trine, it’ll be too soon.”

“Yeah… ditching you and Mira to clean up the place was low, even for him.” Gurjin took a long sip of his coffee, then frowned. “You two were practically running the place by yourselves. The least he could do was acknowledge that.”

“Eh, I’m used to it. He just doesn’t like me- it’s been that way since he got there.” Rian rubbed his neck and sighed, absentmindedly eating his food. After a minute, he softened. “Thanks for staying late to help us with the dishes, by the way. You didn’t… you didn’t have to do that.”

Gurjin smiled. “I don’t mind,” he assured. “Besides, I didn’t want you falling asleep on the bus and missing your stop.” Gurjin stabbed his thraffles with a fork before taking a generous mouthful, swallowing before adding “Then I would’ve had to drive again regardless.”

“Well, still… thanks.” Rian exhaled. “I was… really worried for a minute, honestly. We weren’t going to be able to finish that without going into overtime, and then Tolyn would’ve been really pissed at us.”

“Bottomfeeder,” Gurjin grumbled into his mug before taking a swig of his coffee, ears low with irritation towards their sorry excuse of a manager.

Rian’s breath hitched at Gurjin’s sudden insult, then snorted. “I mean- I wasn’t going to say it.”

“Eh, you didn’t have to. I can practically hear you from over here, and we’re not even dreamfasting.” Gurjin had smirked when Rian laughed, and it stayed on his face. “One of these days he’ll get what he deserves. Then we can get Mira that promotion and never have to worry about this sog ever again.”

“Cheers to that,” Rian said with a grin, raising his mug to clink it against Gurjin’s before drinking it. His eyes went wide and he choked, pulling it away swiftly. “Ugh- Thra above, that’s bitter!”

Gurjin laughed and leaned back into his seat in amusement as Rian recovered from the aftertaste. “What do you think I grabbed all the sugar for?” He watched his best friend for a moment, then rolled his eyes and pushed the bowl of sugar cubes towards him. At least he wasn’t complaining about being tired anymore.

Chapter Text

The Second Brother had just begun to set, but Seladon was still hard at work. She had gotten home hours ago, but with how busy she was acting you wouldn’t have been able to tell. Mayrin being absent left her in charge of the house and its upkeep. It wasn’t anything she couldn’t handle- she insists that to Tavra whenever her sister asks- but it was a lot sometimes. On nights like this, where the house was recovering from hosting a wealth of important business partners, she felt especially strained.

In hindsight, she should have made sure the meal was something more easily cleanable. She was up to her elbows in sudsy water, scrubbing at the fine porcelain plates with her brush. Her hair was tied back in a low bun, but the flyaways had still managed to get soaked and were clinging to her face. “Come on- how hard is it to get mushrooms off?” Seladon exhaled hotly as she managed to get most of the scraps off, then set it in the washer so it could handle the rest.

She grabbed the next plate, gripping it tightly in her hands before beginning to work on de-scumming it. “Just… a dozen more of these. Great.” Seladon narrowed her eyes and grit her teeth. This one was stubborn, and she groaned before grabbing more soap to soak her sponge. “Aughra’s eye- did I use cement instead of cream in the stew?” She started scrapping again, going faster with the hot water. “I swear, I’m never making this agai-”

CRACK

The plate gave away under her touch, breaking in half before crashing into the sink. The splash sent soapy water into her face and soaked the front of her blouse. Seladon gasped, freezing as the realization of what happened settled in. The kitchen was silent for many moments. The urge to curse or scream came on her and Seladon grit her teeth. A fed-up groan of aggravation escaped her throat and she raised her brush over her head, wanting to smash it into the sink and break the rest of that forsaken plate.

Her hand shook for moment breaths before she slumped. She sighed and closed her eyes, letting go of the brush and plate. Her hands braced against the rim of the sink and she leaned forward, sighing deeply. Her chest was tight as her ears fell low against her head. With a shuddered breath, she reached over and grabbed the dishtowel, gently cleaning her face before sighing. This was too much- it was always too much. Why couldn’t anyone besides Tavra see that?

Brea finished her descent down the stairs, journal tucked under her arm. As she crossed the archway leading into the kitchen, she made a passing glance inside. It took a moment for the visual to register and Brea stopped when she recognized it. She turned again to observe the room, seeing Seladon across the room. Her older sister had her back to her, but it was clear from the way she was slumped against the sink with dejected ears that she was upset about something. Brea silently watched her for a moment, unsure of whether or not she was meant to see this.

Seladon let go of the sink with one hand and brought it to her face. She shut her eyes and exhaled. Her cheek felt wet, not just because of the water, and her throat grew swollen with embarrassment. She hated crying- it made her feel weaker than she already was. “Come on. Get it together, Seladon…”

Brea’s ears fell at the realization of what was happening, then swallowed. “Seladon?” She watched her eldest sister tense up, then immediately right herself and frantically rub at her face and fix her hair. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes! Everything is just fine!” Seladon turned around, facial expression returned to that of a smile- the kind you gave when you were pretending that things were alright. “Just finishing up the dishes.” She looked Brea over, noticing the jacket over her shoulders. Her smile faded into one of confusion. “Are you going somewhere?”

Brea raised a brow and pointed to the door. “I was going to the movies with Juni. I told you earlier.”

Seladon exhaled and put fingers to her nose. “Right. Right. Yes, um, don’t forget to lock the door when you leave. And message me when you arrive and when you’re on your way home.” Brea sighed and looked ready to argue, but Seladon was faster. “Brea, just do it. Alright? It doesn’t take long.”

“Fine.” Brea looked to the door but hesitated. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

The question made Seladon fidget. “I’m perfectly alright. Thank you.” She turned away from Brea and grabbed the broken plate shards to throw into the garbage. “Have a good time.”

Brea frowned. “Thanks.” Usually, Seladon would have lectured her on late-night social gatherings and how it ruins your sleep schedule. It wasn’t like her to be so passive, let alone send her off with pleasantries. Brea resolved to ask her sister about it later, then left to meet Juni. “Bye.”

Seladon watched Brea go with a fake smile that went away as soon as she was out of sight. “Goodbye.” The door shut and she waited to hear the clicking of the lock before turning back to the sink with a dejected sigh. The sooner Mother came home to help her run things, the better.

Chapter Text

“What if this isn’t right?” Juni palmed the sides of her face as she paced the room, beads clicking through her braided hair. Her dress trailed behind her, threatening to tangle itself and cause her to trip over bare feet.

Brea finished tying off her front braid, watching her through the mirror. “It’s right.”

Juni continued to walk. She paused at the open door, flitting her gaze between it and Brea. A distressed sound escaped her lips and she fussed at the hem of her pale, fingerless gloves. Her dark hair was braided in a traditional Vapran style, but the interwoven beads and ribbons of varying shades of blue matched the ceremony’s backdrop of the Great Smerth. It fell between her shoulders, where her wings were nervously fluttering as she paced. “This is distracting everyone. What if there’s an attack and we don’t find out until it’s too late? What if it doesn’t go well?”

“It’ll be fine, Juni. Don’t be so fretful,” Brea assured, finally turning to face her friend. Her formal gown complimented Juni’s, though without the same amount of details. She took Juni’s hands and pulled them away from her face before tenderly smoothing out a wrinkle in her blouse. “It’s not the married one’s job to worry about these things anyway.”

The words of reassurance went so far. Juni turned away, worry lines covering her face. “I-I don’t think I can do this, Brea.”

“Of course you can.” Brea took Juni’s hand again and squeezed it. “You’re more than capable.” She smiled at Juni and gave an encouraging nod.

“But- this doesn’t feel right,” Juni admitted. She covered her face with the free hand. “Every day matters. And this- this is-”

“-a very good day for a wedding,” came a voice from behind them. 

Juni and Brea turned, the latter beaming as she recognized the speaker. Juni’s breath hitched and her shoulders scrunched, as if she was caught doing something wrong. “M-Maudra Naia!”

Naia chuckled as she shook her head in amusement. The bright blue fabric of her attire shined in the late afternoon suns as she stood in the doorway of the apeknot home. “I’d appreciate it if you committed to that promise of just calling me ‘Naia’,” she said. Her tone always held a bit of hardness to it, but it was especially kind now when speaking to Juni. “It seems to me that you’re trying to find an excuse to avoid this ceremony altogether.” Juni bit her lip and looked away. Naia watched her for a moment, then gently took her shoulder to garner her attention. “What’s stopping you?”

“I-I don’t want to take a day away from the Resistance,” Juni explained shakily.

Naia hummed, but her eyes didn’t leave Juni’s face. “Is that the only reason?”

Juni moved to nod, but then she stilled. With a sad frown, she shook her head. “I… I’m frightened, Ma- Naia.” She took a nervous breath. “I’m afraid that this won’t be as wonderful as I think. That it won’t be… it won’t be like what I want it to be.”

Brea watched Juni in silence, although Naia only smiled. “If it isn’t, will you still love him? Does the manner of how today ends have any say over your feelings for Daryn?”

“No,” Juni said quickly, appalled at the question. “No, of course not! I-I love him with everything I have.”

“Then today will be a good day,” Naia said. She reached over and took Juni’s other hand, clasping it in her palms. “Love cannot be weakened and it can’t be judged. You love him, and he loves you. That is what’s important- not the ceremony. It may not be how you wanted it to be, but it’ll be exactly what it needs to be.” Naia paused for a moment, then leaned in closer. “Do you know why we fight for the Crystal? For Thra?” Juni paused, then weakly shook her head. “We fight in the name of love. And today, just for a moment, yours will beat them. Because, despite the pain they’ve caused, your love persisted.” Naia gave Juni’s hand a tender squeeze. “Today is our victory- your victory. Today, we’ve won.”