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When all was said and done in Norvrandt, Asimina couldn't ignore the relief that followed. T'was bittersweet for the bard, a fondness having blossomed within their heart for the world that became their muse. How many troubadours could sing of traveling to different stars?
To watch their skies saturate with deep blues and violets, stars appearing like the lightning bugs their mother used to point out on the roads through the Shroud... hells, Mina still found inspiration in the sight. It almost outweighed the lingering side effects of the Light poisoning. Almost.
Even so, above all, the Moon Miqo'te needed to reunite with their son Theron. It had been a tearful journey - both missed the other terribly, and they owed many thanks to Tataru for keeping the young Elezen safe whilst the remaining Scions cared over the First.
Much of their time returned to the Source was spent tending to Theron or checking in on G'raha's progress; the poor man's body deconditioned after all he's been through. Truthfully, little else crossed their mind throughout those days... all until remembering one jarring fact.
Mina never introduced Theron to the rest of the Scions. Save for Tataru, their comrades were little more than strangers shuffling through the Rising Stones. Theron had caught glimpses, his ears perking up in obvious curiosity. Naturally he knew of the group, knew that his mother and Laurel were called Warriors of Light. He even called the name silly.
That solidified Mina's next course of action, and there was one in particular they needed their son to meet, regardless of the fact they haven't yet explained their relationship with Laurel. That would come after, once established better than just stories.
They quickly learned from Urianger where Laurel disappeared to. It wasn't a surprise to find out she was back in Limsa, an easy enough place to get to - though they did ensure to keep a firm hold on Theron's hand, lest they lose him in the endless rush of locals and visitors alike.
Given the intense sun blazing down over the coastal city, Asimina easily relented over buying lemonades and a few snacks for Theron to enjoy. They wanted him to enjoy himself, mayhap embrace traveling in a similar way they did.
“Let's step over here, sweetheart.” Mina spoke up, gently leading Theron towards a patch of shade; a willow tree blocking out the worst of the sun's rays. He was used to the heat, having spent many years in Ul'Dah, but they knew it tired him out as well. They didn't want him miserable before Laurel even arrived.
“What if she doesn't like me?” Theron asked, his soft voice suddenly more nervous than they had ever heard it.
Mina paused. They slowly knelt down to bring their faces closer, black ears twitching atop dark curly hair. “Why d' you think Laurel wouldn't like you, hm? You've been so excited all day.” Still, their baby's concerns were always their own.
Theron shifted his weight between his feet, still holding a half-eaten pretzel. His expression grew more sheepish. “I don't know magic or how to use a weapon. She'll think I'm boring because I am.” He lamented with a sad slurp of his lemonade.
Sincerely... it hurt to hear. Not just because Theron imagined himself as boring at just eight years old, but because it echoed many of their own fears upon introduction to the Scions. Before being labeled a hero, they were a performer in a traveling circus, nothing more or less. It was difficult to picture themself amongst such talented individuals.
As such, they refused to allow their son the same torment. Asimina smiled warmly, their hand moving to rest on Theron's shoulder. “My lovely boy, you know as well as I that you are not boring. You're also aware there are others within the Scions that see less combat, like Tataru, who are still vitally important and matter just as much as our other friends. You wouldn't call Tataru boring, would you?”
“No.” Theron agreed, nearly shuddering at the thought. Tataru could be frightening in her own right.
“Exactly, no. Partially for your own safety, of course.” Mina giggled, giving his shoulder a squeeze. “Besides, Theron... you're still young. Laurel an' the rest of the Scions will adore you no matter what, an' if I had t'guess, they'll want to teach you all that stuff anyway. You still have to promise t'keep outta real danger 'til you're older, though.”
Theron murmured a faint promise, attempting to hide a little smile.
When Laurel did arrive, Theron was seemingly back to his usual extroverted self. He nigh immediately approached the viera, his magenta eyes wide and starry. “Hi, I'm Theron.”
Mina saw the recognition in Laurel the instant it happened. They've spoken about him, of course, but their son was undeniably more adorable in person. “Hi, I'm Laurel!” the Warrior responded cheerfully, already kneeling to put much less height between them. At his age, even the twins were several ilms taller. “Your mom's told me so much about you, but I thought you would be tinier.”
Theron answered first with a polite handshake and a thoughtful nod. “Mom talks like I'm still a baby, but I'm basically grown up.”
“Aw, I do not!” Mina pouted, ever one for dramatics. Bards couldn't help it, just like they couldn't help endlessly skittering around battlefields. Does that help you?, Thancred once asked. No, Thancred, it just felt right.
“They do.” Theron added with a playful grin. Laurel snickered under her breath, nodding along with his logic. “I see. But you are a growing boy, and I'm honored to finally meet you. Wanna go on a private tour of the city? It's easy to get lost here, but I can show you the ropes.” Laurel offered, standing again with a glance towards Mina.
Mina was happily watching the exchange. Theron gave an enthusiastic yes, please! and soon enough they were walking the city together. Theron, despite his earlier reservations, even reached for Laurel's hand upon approaching the busy Aetheryte.
“Did you fight anything really bad on the First? Mom barely told me about it.” Theron asked Laurel during their makeshift tour. Mina didn't mind, they trusted their found family not to disclose anything that could give their son nightmares.
“Well, we fought an Ascian!” Laurel chimed in.
Hm, maybe not.
“Another one?!” Theron gasped. Mina gaped at both of them. “What do you mean another one? Did someone tell you about Lahabrea? What do you know about him?” Mina asked, almost offended someone else beat them to the tale. They figured that was who he meant, since the others were less song-worthy.
“I know everything about Lahabrea.” Theron answered with mock seriousness.
“Careful, you say his name three times and he'll appear.” Laurel added helpfully, clearly trying not to burst out laughing at the absurdity of it all. And Theron worried they would find him boring... “Enough about him, though. This Ascian was far more annoying and evil. A true villain. But worry not, your mom and I dealt with him.” Laurel continued.
Asimina was content to listen to Laurel's rendition of Emet-Selch and their ill fated meetings. It thoroughly captured Theron's attention, the Elezen gasping and asking dozens of questions along the way. When Ryne was brought up, he even looked a little sad, obviously wishing he could meet her as well.
By the time they'd explored the entire city, Theron ended up fast asleep in Laurel's arms. Mina offered to carry him - he was still very light, but Laurel insisted it was fine. Admittedly, Mina's heart sung with the sight. They knew Laurel would get along with him, but seeing them together aided in sealing age old wounds.
“Mina, love, what's wrong?” Laurel's voice, now positively laced with concern, brought them out of their thoughts. Mina didn't realize the tears that formed within their seafoam colored eyes, nor that they were holding onto Laurel's shirt like they worried about getting lost.
The bard shook their head, suprisingly at a loss for words.
“Don't worry, nothing's wrong. 'M just so happy to be home.”