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The morning sun peeked through the gaps in the thatched roof of the cottage. Wolfen was already awake, a whirlwind of youthful energy with his mother's dark hair and (Y/N) bright eyes. He pattered around the small space, his bare feet silent on the worn wooden floor, humming a tuneless melody only he understood.
"Mama! Mama! Wake up!" he chirped, tugging at Aphelios's sleeve.
Aphelios, still half-asleep, stirred. His normally stern features softened with a smile as he looked at his son. "Morning, Wolfen," he murmured, his voice roughened with sleep.
(Y/N), already up and tending to the small cooking fire, chuckled. "He's been waiting for you for the last half hour, Aphelios.
"Is it time for training already?" Aphelios asked, sitting up.
"Not quite," (Y/N) replied, "But he has something important to ask you, apparently."
Wolfen puffed out his small chest. "Can we, Mama? Can we go to the Poro farm today?"
Aphelios raised an eyebrow. "The Poro farm? What for?"
"I want to adopt one! Please, Mama! They're so fluffy!" Wolfen's eyes, wide and pleading, were hard to resist. He'd heard tales of the Poro farm from the traveling merchants, tales of fluffy, four-legged creatures with hearts of gold and tongues that constantly begged for treats.
Aphelios glanced at (Y/N), who gave him a knowing look. He knew they were a softie for animals, and Wolfen had inherited that trait, both would ride and care for (Y/N)'s horse every day. He sighed, but a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Alright, alright. We can go to the Poro farm. But you have to promise to help with the chores afterward."
Wolfen whooped with delight and launched himself at Aphelios, nearly knocking him over. "Thank you, Mama! Thank you!"
As they ate a simple breakfast of oat porridge and berries, Alune drifted into the room. She was a wisp of ethereal beauty, her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight.
"Good morning," she murmured, her voice a melodic echo of the thoughts Aphelios had once heard so clearly.
"Good morning, Alune," (Y/N) greeted warmly, gesturing towards a vacant seat.
"We're going to the Poro farm!" Wolfen announced excitedly, his mouth full of porridge.
Alune smiled gently. "That sounds like a lovely adventure."
The Poro farm, a sprawling field dotted with small, cozy barns, was a haven for the fluffy creatures. Wolfen was immediately captivated. He ran from one Poro to another, giggling and reaching out to pet them.
Aphelios watched him, a quiet contentment settling in his chest. He never would have imagined, after years of silent servitude to the Lunari , that he would find such happiness.
He felt a gentle touch on his arm. Alune stood beside him, her expression serene. "He is a very happy child, Aphelios."
"He is," Aphelios agreed, his gaze fixed on Wolfen.
"You have created a beautiful life, here," Alune continued, her voice barely a whisper. "You, (Y/N), and… Wolfen."
He nodded, a wave of gratitude washing over him. He owed so much to (Y/N), who had pulled him from the shadows and showed him the possibility of love and family. He owed so much to Alune, who had always been his guiding star.
After much deliberation, Wolfen finally chose his Poro. It was a small, timid creature with one blue eye and one brown. He named it Porito, a name that brought a chuckle from (Y/N) and a rare, genuine laugh from Aphelios.
As they walked back to the cottage, Porito nestled safely in Wolfen's arms, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. Wolfen chattered endlessly about his new companion, already planning all the adventures they would have together.
Back at the cottage, with a happy Poro nestled beside him, Wolfen finally drifted off to sleep. Aphelios sat by his bedside, watching him, listening to his peaceful breaths. He didn't need the moonlight to guide him anymore. He had found his own light, right here, surrounded by those he loved. He had (Y/N), with their fiery spirit and unwavering love, Alune, his lifelong companion and sister, and Wolfen, his son, the embodiment of the hope and happiness he had found in this new life. And that, he realized, was more than enough.