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They crested the hill overlooking the cottage just before sunset. The once pinkened sky now ensconced in a thick blanket of grey-purple. Their lanterns aided the way along the path. Edgin took the lead, hands tight on the reins. Kira bobbed and swayed with the rhythm of the horse, tucked against her father's chest and half shielded by the bard's cloak. The night's chill had settled in, quickly but did nothing to sway the haze of their exhaustion. Xenk followed behind, posture straight despite fatigue growing heavier by the minute. His dark eyes focused, protectively on Kira's weaving form.
As they rounded the bend into Targos, the first drop of rain hit his pauldron. A second tapped Kira's nose, startling the young girl from her slumber. Edgin's nose scrunched in irritation, tucking his cloak further around both of them. Xenk then took the initiative to switch the lead.
Only a few more yards.
As if mocking their plight, the sky opened up and a downpour began. Their horses reared as thunder clapped above. Xenk urged them forward, the cottage's hearth a beacon in the sudden squall. They urged their horses on, hooves kicking up mud, rock and leaves with each stride. They eclipsed the distance in little time, Xenk skillfully dismounting as soon as the small barn was in view. He grasped the reins of his own horse and took Edgin's as he passed.
Edgin carefully dismounted, cradling Kira close to keep her dry. He glanced toward the paladin who now led their horses away. “I'll be with you shortly. Get her inside.” He called over the din, disappearing into the barn moments later.
Edgin sighed and guided his daughter into the cottage. Their shared cloak soaked through, but thankfully Edgin bore the brunt of the rain. Zia was up in an instant, sewing forgotten on the table as she approached them.
“Oh dear, come in come in.” Zia fussed, helping her husband out of the cloak. Edgin smiled, pulling her into a soft, waterlogged kiss in greeting once they were free. Kira then hugged her mother before she too was given a kiss to her thick curls and sent off to change.
“So glad you made it back in one piece.” Zia commented, relieved as she always was when they came back from adventuring. Now that Kira had joined them, it only seemed to bolster her worries even more. Edgin shot her a crooked grin. “Of course. It's me, remember?” He teased, starting to toe out of his boots.
“We would have been a lot sooner had we followed my directions.” Xenk announced himself, ducking into the blessedly warm cottage. The paladin stood soaked through, hair lank and a truly pitiful sight despite his stiff posture. Edgin rolled his eyes, turning and tossing his boot towards the other man.
“Herald's crossing is not the shortcut you think it is! We would have lost a day of travel if we followed you.” The bard quipped, the boot landing largely off mark under a drawing desk. He then grimaced in disgust as he went to fetch the boot in drenched socks.
“Now, now, Boys. You made it home safe with Kira and that's all that matters. Come in, Xenk, let's get you dried off.” Zia offered, taking the Paladin by the hand. Xenk dutifully followed, cowed by her charms. Edgin had placed his boots in their proper place to dry, then saw to his leathers. While he had less coverage, the leather fared much better than the silver plates that Xenk bore.
Edgin unlatched the harness of his lute, which thankfully survived the downpour with little damage. He then peeled off the outer coat, leaving him in his tunic and pants which stuck to his lithe frame. Xenk had managed, with help of Zia, to doff his armor, leaving him in a thoroughly soaked tunic and pants similar to Edgin's.
There was a fire roaring in the hearth with a lush fur rug in front. Their armor was set off to the side to dry and Zia brought them both dry clothes. “Was it successful at least?” She asked them. Xenk nodded, gesturing to a satchel at his side as he took it off.
“Yes, the amulet is now in safe hands and to be delivered at first light.” He replied, proudly. “Thanks to the brave efforts of your husband.” He added, patting Edgin on the shoulder. Edgin shrugged him off. “Wasn't hard when the nobles get too deep in their cups and a little entertainment.” He replied, wiggling his brows towards Zia. His wife swatted him with a tea towel in answer.
“Right, now off with you both. Should be plenty of hot water left.” Zia replied, gesturing towards the back of the cottage. The two wandered off like scolded children, bickering over who would get the baths first.
“Ah..CHOO”
Two heads whipped towards the bard. Edgin was sitting dead center of the fur rug, clutching a mug of hot chocolate and shivering. Xenk moved in a blink, fetching a crocheted throw blanket off one of the sofas and wrapping it around Edgin. Zia moved closer, pressing to her husband's side and sharing her warmth.
Edgin groaned, rubbing futilely at his reddining nose. Xenk eyed him from his place off to the side, gaze steady and a bit admonishing. Edgin refused to acknowledge this and stared into his mug. “I'm fine,” he groused, “Just a bit of cinnamon in my nose.” He lied, knowing full well it was his own foolishness. He had been more focused on keeping Kira warm and dry, that the consequences of being drenched had finally come to call.
“Of course, Dear.” Zia relented, sharing a similar look of admonishment. The throw and her body heat had helped, but Edgin was clearly still feeling poorly. Xenk felt as if he was interfering in a private moment, glancing away and sipping his own hot chocolate.
“I actually have a recipe my mother used when we were sick. If you don't mind me using your kitchen, of course.” Xenk spoke up after Edgin sneezed a handful of times in a row and groaned, miserably. Zia glanced up at him, thinking for a moment, then standing.
“Of course you can, Dear. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to check on Kira.” Zia replied, ducking into one of the side rooms. There was a beat of silence, then Xenk stood. He carefully set his mug down and turned toward the kitchen.
Edgin surreptitiously stood, albeit slower, and followed the paladin. The throw tucked close around his shoulders as he scowled through the doorway.
“This better not be some weird Thayan mumbo jumbo curse thing.” He grumbled. Xenk let out a small chuckle. “While yes this is a Thayan recipe, no it is not a curse. Why such little faith in me, dear friend?” Xenk replied, cobbling together what amounted to a savory but herbal based stew.
The cottage once again filled with the comforting smell of food. While they had already partaken in a lovely dinner made by Zia, this was more a broth to drink. Xenk hummed, testing the ingredients a bit and hazarding a taste after a moment. Satisfied, he ladled the broth into another mug and placed it beside Edgin.
The bard eyed the concoction, dubiously. He never had much reason not to trust the other, but he made a show of carefully handling the mug and taking as much of a whiff of the scent as his congestion would allow. He blew on it for a moment, before taking a sip. The spices and nutty aftertaste was surprising, but it comforted him in a way the hot chocolate had.
Edgin felt warmth creeping in ever so steadily, the throw slowly sliding off his shoulders. “If I didn't know any better, I would say this is magic.” He teased, taking another long sip.
Xenk smirked, not rising to the other's ploy. Zia returned after a moment, taking in the two men in conference over her stove. Edgin had regained color to his cheeks and looked much more relaxed. Xenk had also loosened up and was carefully diving up the rest for later consumption.
“That smells wonderful, Xenk.” Zia complemented, placing a hand on his shoulder as she stood at his side. The lightest blush could be seen on his darker skin. “Thank you, but it's not much.” He replied, shyly. Though she didn't need it as much as her husband, Zia carefully took one of the mugs and tasted it for herself.
“So sweet and earthy. Now if you could teach Edgin to cook like this, we'd all be set.” Zia replied, sharing a laugh with Xenk as Edgin rolled his eyes. “I can cook just fine.” He defended, though it lacked any depth.
Xenk nodded. “True, we've had many a good meal on our travels. But nothing beats home cooked.” He agreed, smiling towards Zia. The woman gained her own blush and waved him off. “Someone needs to take care of things around here. What with all your galavanting.” She replied, teasing her husband once more.
“Haha, very funny you two. Ganging up on me when I'm down.” He replied, drinking more of the broth. Once the last of the dregs were done, he set down the mug and sighed in content. “I guess Thayans really are good for something.” He complimented, rakishly.
Zia swatted him again before turning him out of the kitchen. “He means thank you, Xenk. Now off to bed with you.” She added, pushing her husband towards the bedrooms.
As the pair left, Xenk busied himself with cleaning his mess. It hadn't surpassed him that, among other times he had stayed in the Darvis cottage, that there were only two rooms - one occupied by Kira. Not that he expected much, he was the intruding guest after all. The storm raged on outside, showing no signs of letting up. The wind lashed against the windows and lightning lit up bright as sunlight.
The Thayan unlaced his sleeves, sliding them up on his arms. He returned to the main room, enjoying what was left of his hot chocolate that was now close to room temperature.
“Can't sleep?”
Xenk roused from his meditation, finding Zia looking down at him. Instead of making use of the sofa, he instead settled by the hearth and took up natural guard. The woman settled on her knees before him with a soft smile.
“Just can't get my mind to settle.” He confessed, sheepishly. It was a half truth. He felt strange in the cottage, although he had been many times. Just never when it was only the four of them. He felt a sense of unease, but he couldn't exactly leave with the storm raging outside. Zia placed her hand on his in his lap, moving closer in a mimic of how she sat beside her husband earlier. Xenk's jaw clenched.
“You can stand down, everything's okay. You all arrived home safe and sound. Edgin will be fine in the morning and Kira is safe in her bed. Is there something else bothering you?” She replied, a soft look of concern in her eyes.
Xenk stiffened. She was far more perceptive than he gave her credit for. How was he to tell her that his worries were from a less platonic place? That their wit and charm had formed a place deep inside his heart that he never expected.
“No, I'm fine really. Don't trouble yourself.” He managed, but Zia didn't look convinced.
“Come with me. You deserve a good rest.” She replied, pulling Xenk to his feet. She was far too soft and earnest to deny and he quietly cursed his weakness.
He followed her like a man entranced, arriving in the bedroom she shared with Edgin. Said man was laying starfished on the center of the bed, arms splayed as if trying to reach something or someone. Zia led him further in, stepping away to see to her husband.
The bed wasn't exactly made for 3 adults. Two adults and their child most likely, but not one built like him. Edgin of course awoke immediately as Zia touched him, her hand hovering by his side.
Sleepily, the man shuffled back at her urging, reaching to bring her back down into the bed.
“We have company, Darling.” Zia remembered, holding a hand out for Xenk. It was a tight fit, but somehow they all managed to settle onto the mattress. Zia was happily cocooned between her husband and the paladin, though he made attempts to keep a polite distance.
With the hearth down to smolders, the warmth of the cottage had dwindled in the night. He reasoned it was better to share warmth, though he tended to run rather warm himself. Edgin seemed to catch onto this, somehow worming his way to latch onto both his wife and Xenk's sleeve.
Hazy blue eyes slid open and pinned him where he lay. The pair studied each other for a brief moment, the latter eyeing him up and down. Seemingly pleased with whatever he saw, Edgin settled back down to sleep. Xenk could only look on, bewilderedly. It felt so improper, but he was now not only accepted by Zia, but Edgin as well. Though he would chalk it up to simple hospitality and Edgin's illness fogging his mind.
Zia smiled, reassuringly. “You worry too much.” She teased, rubbing his arm, comfortingly. Xenk tensed, but relaxed just as quickly. “Force of habit, but your husband does a good job of enabling it.” He replied, softly. Zia only laughed, shifting to keep both men close.
“That he does. But don't ever doubt that you don't belong here.” She agreed. Her dark eyes met his for a moment before she let herself relax into sleep. Xenk shifted, unsure, then carefully folded his hand into her's while her other lay enclosed in her husband's. After what seemed like too long, Xenk found himself falling asleep as well
The next morning brought brighter skies and brighter spirits.
Xenk was surprised to find he was the last one in bed and Edgin was just throwing on a coat when he opened his eyes. He looked much less miserable, but still a bit red around the nose and ears.
“Zia has breakfast ready, come on.” Edgin announced, walking passed in a flurry of movement much too exuberant for the early hour. Now that he finally had proper sleep, Xenk didn't think he could drag himself up just yet.
“Come on before I send Kira.” Edgin threatened, throwing the blanket back. The cottage was once again warming up, but he still felt a chill of the morning air coming through.
“Alright, my friend. I'm up.” Xenk relented, pulling himself out of bed. The pair then departed to the main room, Xenk following a few steps behind.
“I can't believe you had hot chocolate without me.” Kira commented as they entered. Her accusatory gaze found them immediately.
“You were much too tired to enjoy it, Darling. We'll make it up to you when we get back.” Edgin assured, placating the teen. “You better.” She replied, every bit as stubborn and mischievous as her father.
They all sat down for breakfast then, enjoying the morning. After they would don their now dried clothes for the second part of their mission. Kira would remain with Zia as they would be meeting with their Harper counterpart.
Edgin and Zia acted as if nothing unusual had happened. Xenk wasn't sure how to broach the subject, especially with Kira in earshot. So he simply ate his meal and went to check on his armor.
Edgin soon joined him, helping him without prompting as if it were natural for them.
“Feeling better?” Xenk asked. Edgin sniffles in reply. “Marginally. But I'm tougher than I look.” He replied, casually. They shared a companionable silence, finishing fitting the armor back into place. Edgin only had a harness and leather pauldrons to tend to for himself.
Zia and Kira walked them to the door. Edgin gave his wife a kiss as is routine and Kira a hug and kiss to the forehead. Xenk brought around their horses, Edgin mounting first.
“Take care of him.” Zia reminded, giving him a quick kiss on the lips. Xenk froze, face heating up as he dared to look back at Edgin. The bard simply appeared bored as he leaned on the horn on the saddle. He raised a brow at Xenk. “Are we going or not?” He asked, his tone the usual teasing lilt. Xenk turned back to Zia who shared the same teasing look and Kira appeared quite pleased. “Go on then.” They urged, pushing Xenk into motion.
He robotically mounted his horse, still unsure if he had imagined such a thing. With one more goodbye, the pair rode off to the path to their meeting point. They rode at a steady pace, the silence stretching between them but neither made a motion to break it.
“I can hear the cogs turning from here. Don't hurt yourself.” Edgin joked after arriving at the Harper's tavern. They dismounted and entered the building. As Xenk continued to mull things over as he stood guard over the exchange. It was a simple in and out sort of deal, but Edgin had wanted a drink before they left.
Xenk declined the offer and instead simply sat next to Edgin. He was far quieter than he ever was, still lingering on the fear that he had stepped too far. It wasn't like him to engage with a married couple like this. Much less one as close as Edgin and Zia. And he certainly wasn't the type Edgin would even consider. Bearing the marks of his past and their sensibilities just didn't align. But maybe the bard knew something he didn't.
As was his way, of course.
Leaving the tavern, Edgin swept the paladin to an alcove. “Stop thinking so much.” He scolded, pinning the taller man to the wall.
Xenk stared, owlishly. “I kissed your wife or well she kissed me. In front of your daughter.” He croaked.
Edgin stared.
“How long have we been traveling together?” Edgin asked, suddenly. Glossing over the comment.
“Eight months?” Xenk ventured. “And how long has Kira been with us?” Edgin prodded “The whole time?” Xenk answered.
Edgin nodded, letting Xenk go and dusting himself off. “Right. She has seen a lot already, so I doubt adding another father isn't going to tarnish her innocence. I mean if she has any left with me as a father.” He replied, laughing to himself.
“But it's improper.” Xenk tried to protest, but Edgin stopped him. “I can't just barge into your marriage like this.” He added anyway.
“You've been traveling with us this whole time. We've saved each other's hides countless times. You're practically a father to Kira as much as I am and Zia loves having you around. We fight just as much as a married couple, so what's really stopping you?” Edgin replied, closing in again.
Xenk was left speechless. He truly did care for Edgin as well as Zia and Kira. He had no family left of his own and they had taken him in without a second glance.
“Is there something else bothering you?”
Zia's question echoed back in his mind. Her concerned look mirroring the one Edgin gave him, although with less of the mischievous edge. He truly was backed against the wall and for the life of him, he couldn't find it in himself to keep up the fight.
“Plus, you think we take just anyone into our bed?” Edgin asked, coyly.
Xenk looked stricken.
“You planned this.” He accused.
“Well not the getting sick part, but hey whatever works.” Edgin replied.
It was Xenk's turn to pin the other, flipping their positions and holding the other by the harness. “So this whole time, you've been plotting how to get me into your bed?” He cried, uncaring of whoever may be listening.
Edgin burst into hysterical laughter.
“So nice of you to finally notice.”
Xenk silenced the bard with a forceful kiss. He then broke the kiss and dragged the bard back to their horses. Edgin continued to laugh as they backtracked toward the cottage. Xenk had some amends to make for his foolishness.
Xenk practically flew off his horse before it was fully stopped, unheeding of Edgin's protest. The cottage door swung open and Zia stepped out, wondering what all the commotion was.
He practically slid to a stop before her, taking her hand. “Zia, please accept my sincerest apologies for not seeing your affections all this time. I wholeheartedly accept and hope you give me a second chance.”
Zia glanced toward Kira, then Edgin and back at Xenk. Edgin rested his chin in his hand, not hiding his chuckling. A nervous pause passed between them before Kira nudged her mother.
“Oh Darling, is this what has bothered you so much? Don't worry about it. I gladly accept and forgive you. We certainly threw you for a bit of a loop, haven't we? Please come inside.” She replied, earnestly pulling the paladin into the cottage.
Edgin took it upon himself to tend to the horses this time before joining them. That night they enjoyed dinner once more - but this time as a family. Kira was overjoyed to officially have another father and the weight Xenk carried all these years had finally lifted.