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Sieg and Marien - Part 31

"So? How do I look?"

Kara Kolvest stepped back, hands on her hips. "You look just fine."

Conrad sighed heavily as he looked down at himself. His uniform had been replaced by a borrowed cotton tunic, with a pair of worn oilskin waders he'd had to buy second hand. A small woven basket containing his lunch sat at his feet, as well as a long fishing rod borrowed from a former subordinate.

"This is disgraceful." Conrad mumbled, his ears dropping. "Look at me. I was going to the Master General... now I'm humiliated, a dishonourable wreck of a man."

"Conrad..."

"And look at this place." Conrad gestured around at the small, cramped cottage that he and his wife now lived in, their official residences long since taken from them. "What kind of life is this for you? For my family?"

"Conrad, it's okay!"

"Everything I did I did for my people, my family and now...." Conrad's shoulders slumped. "At least if I had been executed I might have at least died with some measure of honor remaining. "

"Hey," Kara stepped forward and grabbed her husband's cheeks, forcing him to look at her. "I would rather have a husband who's a fisherman, than not have one at all." .

"But I-"

"And-" Kara interrupted, brushing Conrad's hair from his eyes. "I think you look handsome, and brave, no matter what you are wearing."

"Kara..."

"And on that note, I have something for you."

Conrad tilted his head as Kara bustled over to the sink and withdrew a small wooden box, hidden inside of a bucket. Hastily brushing off a few stray cobwebs, Kara handed the box to her husband.

Conrad's eyes widened. "Kara, is this..."

"Open it."

With trembling fingers, Conrad opened the elegantly carved lid. Within the box, resting upon a bed of red velvet, was a dagger bearing the insignia of the Second Legion.

"My valor blade." Conrad whispered, tears filling his eyes as he stared down at the weapon. "I earned this when I was just fourteen, at the battle of Baracain. But... But they took this from me."

Kara nodded. "I know."

Conrad set the box down and drew the dagger. The silver blade as it flashed, even in the dim light of the cottage. The Kolvest family name was etched into the hilt, and lined with iron hewn from the mountains of the Capital Island.

"Of all the things they took... this is the only one I truly considered fighting for." Conrad returned the blade to its sheath and looked back at his wife. "Thank you. But... how?"

"Well... to tell you the truth, it wasn't me."

"Then... who?"

"Someone who owed me a favour offered to help during your court martial, said she would do whatever she could to help." As she spoke, Kara took the blade from Conrad's hand and set about fastening it to his belt, keeping it hidden beneath his waders. "I requested that they save this for you."

"Yes but... Who?"

"Your daughter."

"My dau-" Conrad froze, "You mean... The westerner?!"

Kara nodded. "In truth, she did me two favours. She saved your blade, and she talked with the Judge Advocate General on your behalf. In return, I made her a promise, and I swore I would see it fulfilled."

"What promise exactly?" Conrad demanded.

"That you would never, ever, call her a westerner again."

Conrad's voice caught in his throat. "I... But that's..."

"I made a promise," Kara spoke softly, pressing her forehead against Conrad's. "Surely you don't want to see me dishonoured."

With a heavy sigh, Conrad reached up and touched Kara's face.

"My dear, sweet Kara." he mumbled, holding her close. "What am I to do with you?"

"You will think of something. Now you had best get moving, the fish won't bite all morning."

Suppressing a final sigh, Conrad smiled once more at Kara, picked up the basket and the fishing rod, and left his house.

The air was crisp and clean, the morning fog not yet lifted from the city streets. Conrad joined a procession of other fishermen as they made their way towards the docks.

As he felt the reassuring weight of the dagger at his hip, Conrad's back straightened, his gait became smooth and proud.

Slowly the glow on the eastern horizon grew, until at last the sun emerged from over the eastern hills, bathing everything in warm, golden light. The fog rolled away from the city like a ghostly blanket as air quickly warmed. Jewels of light reflected off the water as the fishing boats began making their way out into Kaiser's bay. As the sun climbed higher, the seabirds took to the sky, filling the air with their cries.

With the sun above the hills, Basikal city swiftly came alive. Streets filled with the sounds of merchants' calls, and the rattle of carts and barrows. While no one would be so uncouth as to say it outloud, the time of joining, the mating week, was drawing very near. The mere thought was enough to make Basikal city even more boisterous than usual.

From around the rocky cliffs on the western side of Kaiser Bay, a large ship appeared, its brilliant blue and white sails billowing proudly in the stout wind.

A call went up among the soldiers across the docks, General Silver's ship had returned at last.

===

Kent stood on the forecastle of his ship, the Azure Strike, enjoying the feel of the wind as it rushed past him. His cape billowed around him, his hair whipping around his ears. Gulls shrieked as they wheeled around the masts, and a pair of harbour dolphins skipped through the ship's wake.

Despite the beautiful sight of home, Kent couldn't help but feel a bittersweet pang in his stomach. This was likely one of the last times he would see Basikal like this.

"Simply put, General, the King has a job for you, something she believes you are uniquely qualified for."

"And she couldn't tell me herself?"

"Her highness feels that she needs to keep her involvement in this as quiet as possible. The situation is delicate, and though the king is well loved..."

"But there are those that feel that her pursuit of reform and peace is undesirable."

'More than that, General. The Chariots very nearly threw us into a colossal war. The king is no fool, and our spies are not blind, and yet this conspiracy went unnoticed, or more accurately..."

"Unreported...Suggesting that the military's top echelons knew about the Chariots plan and let it carry forwards."

"Indeed. High treason, against both the King, and Basidian at large."

"And what can I do?"

"The King had a thought on that, one with which I tend to agree..."

As the ship entered Kaiser Bay, Kent stepped back onto the deck.

"It's amazing!" Peregrin gasped, joining the crowd of sailors that had assembled at the railing, watching as Basikal city came into view.

"Basikal." Kent announced, clapping Peregrin on the shoulder. "The jewel of the Northeast Isles."

"The Captain says we have received permission to dock." Garda reported as he too arrived at the railing.

"Good." Kent nodded.

"I 'll have to find a place to stay." Peregrin mused, watching as the crew of a fishing boat stopped hauling in their nets long enough to wave at the Azure Strike as it passed.

Kent raised an eyebrow. "Nonsense, you can stay at my estate while we are here."

Garda's face immediately turned beet red. "B-but General, are you sure?"

"Of course, there is more than enough room!" He looked down at Peregrin, "And you are most welcome in our home."

"Thank you sir!"

"Splendid." Kent looked to Garda. "Unless you have any reservations of course."

"I uh..." Garda shifted from foot to foot before shaking his head, a happy smile crossing his face as his tail curled around Peregrin's. "No General, I don't think he poses a risk to your safety."

"Excellent." Kent smiled and turned back to stare at Basikal city as it drew closer. "Excellent indeed."

===

With a heavy thud, the mooring ropes of the Azure Strike hit the dock. They were quickly seized by dock workers before being lashed to heavy stone spars, anchoring the ship in place. Moments later, a long wooden gangplank clattered to the dock.

A small contingent of soldiers assembled at the bottom of the gangplank as Kent descended. Kent smiled as he noticed Marien standing at the head of the troup.

"Honour guard, arms!" Marien bellowed. In unison, both she and the troops around her drew their swords, points held high in the air.

"It's good to see you again, Lieutenant Colonel Kolvest." Kent beamed as he reached the bottom of the gangplank.

"You too, General." Marien replied, returning her sword to its sheath as she allowed herself a friendly smile. "I take it the inquiry went well?"

"About as well as could be expected."

Kent folded his hands behind his back as he strode alongside Marien towards the shore. Garda kept pace just behind Kent, one hand on the hilt of his sword as his eyes swept the dock for danger.

"I apologize for being gone so long. How has Basikal fared?"

"It has been... challenging. I don't think anyone realized just how far the Chariot's influence had spread, and it has caused some problems. Nothing that couldn't be handled. Interestingly, the assassin guild attempted to establish a presence in the city."

"A parting gift from ambassador Shrike I suspect."

"Indeed. They didn't get very far. Repairs to the fortress are also proceeding well."

"And Conrad?"

"As you instructed, he was granted leniency, but he's been removed from the military. I have made sure that there is a pair of eyes on him and his wife at all times. No harm will come to him."

"For all my disagreements with him, Conrad was a good man and an excellent soldier." Kent sighed, genuine pain in his voice. "Revenge destroyed him."

Marien's ears sank. "It destroyed a lot of us. "

"It must have been tempting to see him suffer for what he did, and for how he has treated you. I'm proud of you, Colonel"

Marien stared down at her hand, "To tell you the honest truth General...It's been difficult. Everyone wants to just move on, to pretend like it never happened."

"I know." Kent smiled sadly. "I'm sorry I missed the memorial. How was it?"

"It was... nice. No one came of course, but it was still nice. I think he'll be able to rest now."

"I know he would be proud of you, of all you've done."

"Thank you sir."

As he noted Bruik waiting for him, Kent looked to Marien. "Now. I hope you will forgive me for cutting our conversation short, but I have business to attend to. I would like to speak with you at my residence in three hours. Can you arrange that?"

Marien stiffened her back and saluted. "Yes sir!"

"Good."

Marien watched Kent go. She could sense there was something more, something lingering in the General's words.

"I wonder what he wants..."

Turning back to her troops, Marien called out. "Honour guard, form up! We return to the fortress, double time!"

===

Kent sat in his study, staring up at the portrait of Vahlen. In his hand was a once irresponsibly full glass, now down to its last gulp.

Raising his glass to Vahlen, Kent downed his drink, before getting up to get another. As he reached for the bottle, a familiar hand grabbed his wrist.

Bruiks voice was gentle, yet firm. "With respect, Master, I think you have had enough. Colonel Kolvest will be here shortly."

"'Master'..." Kent muttered, returning to his chair and gesturing for Bruik to sit. "Bruik... why do you still call me 'Master'."

"Force of habit." Bruik replied, sitting down in the chair across from Kent. "How did Garda do?"

"Some rough edges to smooth out, but he'll get there."

Kent could feel the question that Bruik wanted to ask, the anxiety building in his bodyguard's chest. He had hoped Bruik would finally gather up the courage to ask, but after a few moments Bruik seemed to have swallowed the desire.

"I've had some time to think." Kent leaned back in his chair, staring into the fire. "The Chariots were right about one thing. The humans are a threat. It's only a matter of time before another Trace Legacy ascends to power."

"I tend to agree," Bruik frowned. "Is this about Shani Chariot?"

"Shani Chariot is dead."

"As you say, master."

"And there it is again, 'master'. I hate being called that." Kent picked up another log and tossed it on the fire, watching as a blizzard of sparks flew up the chimney

"I will try and stop doing it, if you desire."

It was the same promise Bruik had been making for more than a decade.

"I suppose, in a way, it is about her," Kent muttered."Shani Chariot was wounded by her experience with the Sindal'Whey. The Keidran are wounded by the slave trade, both teh humans and their own. The human empire remains divided thanks to the wounds caused by the war with the wolves and the actions of Grand Templar Legacy. Hell, if the rumours are true, the Grand Templar himself was driven to madness by the loss of his wife. Wounds upon wounds, cutting this world to ribbons, with no time to heal."

Kent turned to Bruik. "And you are living proof of that. Calling me 'master'... I don't know if it is a way of trying to comfort yourself, or perhaps it is a rebuke against me. But whatever it is, you call me master because your wounds are still very much open."

Kent got up from his chair and shuffled over to his drinks cabinet. Bruik started to stand, but Kent shot him a look that made him pause.

"When I pulled you off that damned ship, I should have executed those vermin who were holding you." Kent grumbled as he poured another glass of amber liquor. "But the treaty with the empire stopped me."

Bruik felt a stirring of anger within him. For years he'd been used as a toy, beaten, humiliated, and worse. When Kent had opened the door to his cell in the cold depths of a cargo ship, Bruik had ached for vengeance, begging Kent to let him kill the ship's crew.

Stepping back towards his chair, Kent handed the glass of liquor to Bruik. "I allowed a piece of paper to stand between a young boy and the justice he was owed. And in doing so I hurt that boy more deeply than I could possibly have known."

"You did the right thing." Bruik said, though the words sounded hollow even to him.

I did the political thing. Right? I don't know... But when I thought Marien had killed you, I realized just how much I had taken from you."

"You've taken nothing from me!" Bruik protested. "You have given me a purpose, a home, training and more!"

"I put a sword in your hand, I put armour on your back and I gave you a place to sleep so that you would be able to defend me. It was selfishness, disguised as kindness. It wasn't until I thought you had died that I realized what I had done."

Kent looked back at the fire. "There is no crime in this world greater than the enslavement of one person by another. I allowed myself to commit that terrible crime without even realizing it."

"Master-"

"Teela is pregnant."

Bruik's heart nearly stopped.

"I don't know whether you intend to be a part of the child's life, but the fact remains that you have a son or a daughter coming to you."

Bruik's head spun, he could barely think. "I... I suppose I knew that would happen..."

"It's odd how it affects you, isn't it?" Kent leaned back in his chair. "I had no interest in children. Sara and I had an understanding, she would care for the children while I saw to my career."

Kent smiled to himself, "But the moment Sara told me she was pregnant with Lyle, all that changed. All I wanted was to find some way of making this world better for him."

"I understand..."

"And I want you to have that chance, so I am setting you free."

"F-free?"

"I am releasing you from my service. I've arranged for you to be paid in gold. It should be enough for you to do or go wherever you want."

Bruik was quiet for a long time, staring down at the glass in his hands.

"So, I was... Training my replacement.'

"Yes."

"What should I do?"

"Whatever you desire."

Bruik's grip on his glass tightened. "You already know what I will do, don't you?"

Kent reached down beside his chair and withdrew a sheaf of parchment papers bound with string.

"This is all the information we gained from our interrogation of your captors." Kent extended the sheaf to Bruik. "There isn't much there, but it should give you a place to start. If you decide to do this, know that you have my full support""

Bruik took the file gingerly, as if the parchment threatened to bite him.

A heavy silence settled between the two. The fire crackled away to itself as a hurricane of unspoken words flew between the two warriors. On some unspoken signal the two men stood facing one another.

Kent extended a hand, "Thank you, my friend for your-" Kent paused as Bruik leapt forward and pulled Kent into his arms.

"Thank you." Bruik muttered, burying his face in Kent's neck. "Thank you so much, Kent."

"My friend." Kent replied, hugging Bruik back.

With a light tapping on the door, Garda poked his head into the study. "Excuse me General but-" Garda's face instantly turned beet red at the sight of Kent and Bruik hugging one another.

"Oh! I'm sorry, I... I uh..."

"Yes, yes, Garda, what is it?" Kent asked, quickly releasing Bruik.

"Sir, Colonel Kolvest is approaching."

"Good." Kent cleared his throat and straightened his uniform. "Very good, bring her in as soon as she arrives."

"And this came for you as well."

Garda stepped forward and presented Kent with an extremely old, small wooden chest.

Kent took the chest with reverence, gently sliding his fingers over the rough surface of the ancient wood. "Thank you Garda... Please show the Colonel in."

"Yes sir." Garda paused, "May I ask... what is it?"

"I'm afraid that is a secret." Kent replied, carefully setting the chest on the little table set between the chairs. "It's a tradition."

"Oh... I see."

Kent raised an eyebrow. "Garda? The Colonel?"

"Huh? Oh, right!"

As Garda scampered off, Kent set about undoing the complicated latch that held the chest closed.

"You're giving that to her?" Bruik asked. 'Then... that means..."

Kent nodded. "Yes, a lot of things are changing."

===

Marien straightened her uniform as she marched up the street towards General Silver's estate. The flower pendant at her neck tapped gently against her armour as she walked. The same flower was now emblazoned on her cloak and shoulder plates, the new sigil of the Thirteenth Company. A pair of guards flanked her, their eyes keeping close watch on anyone that got too close.

As she strode past numerous vendors, peddlers and shoppers, Marien could feel their stares following her. Her ears twitched as they picked up the odd whisper, muttered just loud enough for her to hear, as she passed.

"Cut her hair short... scandalous..."

"A western colonel, how could they let that happen?"

"I hear she burnt down the Chariot manor. Western brute..."

Marien straightened her shoulders and raised her chin. She took great pleasure in turning her head slightly to meet the gazes of those who were whispering. Each and every one turned quickly away, pretending to have not said a word.

The two guards standing outside of General Silver's Estate stiffened as she drew near. But as Marien approached the gate, a voice called out behind her that made her stop.

"Mama!"

Marien turned, her face brightening, "Nicky!"

A small Basitin toddler cooed as he made his way towards Marien, one arm supported by Sara.

Without hesitation, Marien took off her helmet and tossed it aside. "Come here little Nicky! Come here!"

Sara released her hold on Nicholas;s hand and let him go, smiling as the little Basitin wobbled but managed to stay on two feet as he approached Marien.

"Come on." Marien urged, kneeling and holding out her arms. "You can do it, come on sweetie!"

With a satisfied, "Glah!" Nicholas arrived at Marien, grinning from ear to ear.

Grabbing hold of the child, Marien scooped him up and held him over her head, beaming up at him.

"Who's my little man?" She crooned, nuzzling Nicholas's cheek as she held him close. "Hmm? Who's my big strong boy?"

"I thought I was your big strong boy."

Marien's ears immediately perked up, "Sieg!"

Sieg managed a smile as he approached. He walked with a pair of canes bound to his forearms; his legs seemingly unwilling or unable to go where he told them.

Sieg was trying his best not to pant from the considerable effort of walking. "You know, it's a bit of an embarrassment when a baby can walk better than me."

Marien smiled, reaching out and stroked Sieg's cheek as he stopped in front of her. "Well that'll teach you to jump in front of daggers."

"And to do as your doctor commands." Sara chided. "You could have had much more muscle control back if you had kept up with your exercises."

Sieg shrugged "I dunno, I kinda like being a house mate."

Marien chuckled and kissed Sieg gently on the cheek, drawing a few audible gasps from nearby onlookers.

"I don't mind it either." She smiled as she pressed her forehead against Sieg's. "But if you don't get out more, I'll be able to roll you like a ball."

"I'll roll anywhere you- OW!" Sieg winced and cried out as Nicholas grabbed his right ear, shoved it into his mouth and bit down with his little teeth.

"Ow, ow! Marien! Marien help! Help!"

"Come on Nicky.' Marien laughed, enticing the baby with a little silver rattle. In an instant Nicholas released Sieg's ear and grabbed the rattle, immediately popping it into his mouth and sucking contentedly.

"So what are you two doing here?" Marien asked.

"Kent mentioned that you had a meeting, and both the little one and the big one needed a walk." Sara replied. "So we thought we'd see if we could catch you."

Garda arrived at the front gate as Seig set about trying to straighten the fur on his ear while Sara and Marien laughed.

"Colonel Kolvest, a pleasure to see you again." Garda saluted. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but the General would like a word."

"Understood."

"Good to see you again Lieutenant." Garda nodded with a smile at Sieg. "And good to see you on your feet again."

"Such as they are. Good to see you too, Garda."

Marien held little Nicholas over her head, grinning up at him as he giggled. "Mommy's going to go now, okay. You be good for Auntie Sara, okay? You be a good boy."

"Badah!"

Nuzzling Nicholas's nose once more, Marien handed him to Sara. As soon as Nicholas left Marien's arms he began to fuss, reaching out for her.

"Nah! Mama ga!"

"I'll meet you at home." Sieg called out as Marien followed Garda up the path towards the Silver house.

As Marien left, Sieg worked his way over to Sara, who was trying to distract Nicholas with a toy soldier.

Nicholas took the toy from her hands and examined it. His eyes widened as he stared, the look on his face as if he were uncovering some primal truth of the universe hidden within the little painted figure.

"Marien has taken to him quite quickly." Sara noted, chuckling at Nicholas's mesmerized gaze.

"She loves him. I do too, but Marien... Marien is different somehow."

"All true mothers and fathers love their children. But there is something unique about a mother's love."

At that moment, Nicholas decided that the toy was no longer fascinating and tossed it to the ground. He then set about trying to pull out Sara's whiskers.

Sieg groaned as he bent down to pick up the toy. "Then again, I don't know where we'd be without your help."

"It's alright, I'm happy to help." As she spoke, a shadow crossed Sara's face. "To be honest, I owe this little one a debt I can never pay."

"Debt?" Sieg tilted his head. "What debt could you owe a baby?"

"I..." Sara's voice caught in her throat. "Someday... I'll have to tell him. But for now, it is my duty to see to it that he is protected and cared for."

Sensing Sara's discomfort, Sieg shrugged. "Well he's definitely protected with Marien, that's for sure."

"I know. Now, come little one." Sara tickled Nicholas just under his nose. "Let's go get you something to eat."

"Fooboo!"

===

"General Silver, Colonel Kolvest."

Standing from his chair, Kent gestured for Marien to enter. "Welcome back, Colonel Kolvest, please come and have a seat."

"Thank you, General." Marien bowed her head as behind her, Garda excused himself.

"Can I get you a drink? Rum? Ale? I have some rather excellent whisky I had brought back from the Capital."

"Thank you General, but no."

As he poured himself a drink, Kent looked over his shoulder. "So, how are you finding parenthood?"

"I'm not sure how to describe it... Even though he isn't mine by blood I find myself looking for pieces of Sieg and I in him." Marien reached up and squeezed her pendant in her hand. "He's the center around which I revolve."

"Not a bad way of putting it really." Kent chuckled as he returned to his chair. "I am just glad that Sara found a home for the little tyke."

"I'll protect him with my life." Marien felt the fur on her back bristle at even the thought of someone touching her baby.

"I'm glad to hear that, because the family for which you are responsible is about to get a whole lot bigger."

"General?"

Kent took a sip, before getting out of his chair again and folding his hands behind his back. He began ambling around the room, stopping to examine the occasional painting as he spoke.

"The inquiry was, as we knew it would be, an utter farce. After it was completed I spoke with the man who serves as the second in command to the Intelligence General. He, his commander, and the King all share concerns about the amount of military support the Chariots were able to acquire, including from the Arms General's own adjutant."

"That high up the chain..." Marien tapped the arm of her chair as she pondered outloud. "It makes sense. Even for the Chariots, getting hold of the Goliath Fleet alone would have been extremely difficult. Add to that the equipment and transport..."

"It's clear that there are elements within the military that wish conflict with the Empire. These elements are both able and willing to resist King Adelaide's authority, something we haven't seen before. A Basitin traitor is almost a contradiction in terms."

Kent paused, staring at the painting of the Mana tower incident. "The King wants the elements identified and eliminated, and she has requested my assistance. More specifically, she wants me to take over as the Arm's General's new Adjutant."

"Congratulations, General! That is wonderful news!"

"Indeed. However, it does come with some requirements; which is why that chest on the table is for you."

With some confusion, Marien took the chest. The wood was ancient, and made from a tree that Marien did not recognize. The bronze hinges, long since rusted green, squeaked as she carefully opened the lid.

Inside the chest was an ancient piece of leather, with a sheet thick parchment bound to it. Upon the parchment was a crude map of Basikal island. The box also contained an ancient spyglass, inkpot, a few metal tools Marien didn't recognize, and a narrow brush with a delicate porcelain cap protecting the bristles.

Kent smirked as he noticed Marien frown a little at the map. "You seem puzzled Colonel."

"It's... very nice sir. It's just, the proportions of this map are all wrong, and some of the outlying islands are missing."

"True, but you must forgive them for their mistakes. After all, this was the first time anyone had actually tried to map Basikal."

Marien's eyes widened. "This is the first map!"

"Indeed. Drawn by Eillias Chariot herself."

"That would make it centuries old!"

"On the generous side of four centuries to be precise." Kent agreed, returning to his chair.

As carefully as she could, Marien closed the lid. "I-I can't accept such a gift. This is priceless!"

"I'm afraid you must accept it, Colonel. It is tradition that the commander of Basikal's defense forces passes this on to his or her successor."

Marien's jaw dropped. "S-successor?"

Kent nodded. "It would be rather difficult being the arms general's adjutant from Basikal. I have been ordered to relocate to the Capital, so I need someone to take over the military operations here. I've already cleared it with command, you are the new commander of the defense forces."

"But... but I'm just a Lieutenant Colonel! How could I-"

"Not anymore." From his pocket, Kent withdrew a pair of golden pins, each moulded into the shape of three crossed spears. There was also a golden key bound to a length of red silk string.

Marien leapt from her chair as Kent stepped forwards. Taking the collar of her uniform, Kent attached the pins.

"Congratulations, Lieutenant Colonel Kolvest." Kent announced, stepping back and saluting. "As of now, I, Lieutenant General Kent Silver, hereby promote you to the rank of Colonel. You are hereby requested and required to take full command of the Fourth Legion, Basikal's Defense forces, and Dauntless Fortress."

Marien had to remind herself she wasn't dreaming as her fingers brushed against the pins.

"General... I appreciate this, more than I can express but... B-but you can't leave! What about your home!"

Kent pressed the key into Marien's hand. "You mean your home. I have no need for it anymore, and as you helped to defend it, this seems appropriate."

Marien was in complete shock, staring down at the key in her hand. "But Bruik? And Sara?"

"Bruik has business of his own to attend to, and Sara will be coming with me."

Kent looked around. "This house was given to me by my uncle, and I never could stand him." Looking up at the portrait of Vahlen, Kent smiled sadly, "Besides... it's time to move on."

Marien tried to speak, but words simply refused to come to her.

"What's truly convenient is that this house is large enough to accommodate both a man and his wife under the law." Kent continued. He turned back to Marien, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "That is of course so long as they sleep in separate rooms. Then again, since I became commander of the defense forces, no one has bothered to actually make certain those laws were being followed. I suspect that no one wants to question the Defense Commander about such... minutia."

"General... I don't know what to say, this seems so... so fast."

"You've proven yourself in battle, you demonstrated exceptional skill and guile in combat. You even held down the fort while I was away."

"Yes, that's true..."

"Marien... you are ready for this." Kent put his hand on Marien's shoulder and squeezed gently. "Look after our people, keep them safe as you would your own family, that is your job."

"I will." marien bowed her head. "I swear it."

"And as for this place... Fill it with happy children and good memories. That is all the thanks I need."

Trying her best not to burst into happy tears, Marien snapped into a salute. "Yes sir!"

===

"'You can't tell me what to do!' the evil wolf roared. 'I am master of the forest!'. And so the bravest little soldier pulled out his sword, and he chopped and chopped and chopped, until all the trees fell down."

Marien smiled, leaning against the door frame as Sieg made chopping sounds with his mouth, much to the delight of baby Nicholas. The night had come, and Sieg read by the flickering light of a lantern. Little Nicholar lay in his crib, wrapped in soft blankets and surrounded by stuffed animals.

Sieg turned the page and continued, "The evil wolf howled: 'you may have cut down my forest! But I'm still bigger than you!' The bravest little soldier wasn't afraid, and he used the trees he had chopped down to build a HUGE tower that scraped the clouds!"

As Sieg read, Nicholas yawned. He shifted, snuggling against a stuffed bear, his eyelids drooping as he fought against sleep.

"'Ha' roared the evil wolf, 'you left the door open! I'm coming to get you!'. But the bravest little soldier was clever, and as the evil wolf started to climb the tower, the bravest little soldier nailed the door shut behind him! The wolf howled and raged, but he was trapped, the trees from his own forest turned against him! And so the wolf spent the rest of his days, running up and down the tower, while the bravest little soldier went back to his village, where he was welcomed as a hero. The end."

As Sieg shut the book, Nicholas's eyes finally slid closed and he fell asleep, his breath turning into soft snoring. Setting the book aside, Sieg leaned over the side of Nicholas's crib and carefully tucked him in.

With a finger he gently scratched between Nicholas's ears. "Good night, my son."

Sieg stepped back from the crib, but as he tried to straighten, his legs gave out.

In a flash Marien lunged forward and caught Sieg just before he hit the floor. Both Marien and Sieg turned to Nicholas, but the baby was still sound asleep.

"Thank you." Sieg whispered as Marien hauled him up and helped him limp from Nicholas's bedroom.

"Don't mention it." Marien smiled, kissing him lightly on the nose. "Now come on, let's get you tucked in as well, my big strong boy."

Soon, both Sieg and Marien were ready for bed, with only the light from the street lamps and a single candle illuminating the room.

His legs still shaking, Sieg managed to stagger over to the bed. With a sigh of relief he flopped onto his back, staring up at the ceiling.

Marien sat on the side of the bed, brushing her hair. "You are getting stronger, you know."

"At least you don't have to carry me everywhere anymore."

"Hmm." Marien leaned over and kissed Sieg's nose. "It was no problem."

"You know, I'm going to miss this place."

"Me too. I remember when you first showed it to me."

"Yeah..."

"I suppose we could stay, use the Silver Estate as storage."

"That would be a lot of storage." Seig turned his head. "Hey, maybe we could ask Paul to come and be our cook."

"Not a bad idea." Marien set her hairbrush aside and lay down next to Seig, taking one of his hands in hers.

"It's going to be strange not having Kent here, or Sara." Sieg muttered, still staring up at the ceiling. "This place isn't going to be the same without them."

"Kent, Sara, Bruik, Alwyn, Volfen..."

"Lyon."

"Yeah..." Marien smiled. "Him too."

"Seems like everyone is gone or is leaving."

"I know." Marien kissed the back of Sieg's hand. "But we still have each other."

"You know, for a long time... I was so afraid that I might lose you."

"There were a few times there where I thought I HAD lost you."

Sieg tooked a deep breath. "It scared me... No... more than that. It felt like... the whole world was going dark. The sun didn't shine as bright, the sky was empty."

"I felt it too. But I'm here." She tightened her grip on Seig's hand. "And I am never letting go."

"I know."

"You better."

The minutes passed, and for a long while Sieg stared up at the ceiling, watching as the curtains sent shadows dancing across the wooden beams. Marien still held his hand, clutched against her chest. He could feel her heartbeat, the steady rhythm of her breathing.

"Hey Marien?"

Marien opened one eye. "Hmmm?"

"Is this... it?"

With a yawn, Marien sat up. "What do you mean?"

"We have a house, you have your promotion, we have a son. Is this what it was all for? Have we... made it?"

Marien rolled over so she was laying on top of Sieg, looking down into his eyes.

"Nah."

Sieg blinked in surprise. "Really?"

"I'd go back to the tiny little apartment you used to live in with you and Nicky and call that 'it'. I'd sail to the mainland and live with the Keidran, I'd live in a cave on the damn moon! Hell, I'd even take off all my clothes and go live underground with those crazy nudists, so long as you were there."

Marien stroked Sieg's ears. "You and Nicholas, you are my 'it'. And I will never, ever, put anything, or anyone, ahead of that again."

As Sieg stared up at Marien, he felt tears welling up at the corners of his eyes.

"I'm sorry." He mumbled, trying to wipe the tears away. "I don't know why I'm-"

"Sieg..."

"I was so scared I was going to lose you... I came so close to losing you, and now I-"

Sieg stopped talking as Marien leaned in and kissed him. There was no desperation in the kiss, no raging passion, not really, just warm tenderness that filled Sieg's heart so much he thought it would burst. Reaching up, Sieg held Marien as tight as he could.

As Marien broke the kiss and pulled back, Sieg could see that she had tears in her eyes as well.

"Now you're crying." Sieg giggled. "What is wrong with us?"

"Nothing." Marien shook her head. "Absolutely nothing." A moment later Marien started to laugh.

"What is it?" Sieg, chuckling as Marien's laughter.

I was just... thinking about something Kent said."

"Hmmm?"

"He told me... that he wanted you and me to fill his house with happy children."

A smile worked its way across Siegs face as he reached up and began gently caressing Marien's ears. "I mean... I'm game if you are. Do you think Nicky will want a brother? Or a sister?"

"One of each." Marien kissed Sieg's neck. "At least. Probably two of each, just to be safe."

"I think I can manage that. I just have one request."

Marien raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"Please, no honey this time."

"Oh shut up!" Marien grabbed a pillow and smacked Sieg across the face with it. Sieg responded by grabbing a pillow of his own. In moments the bedroom was a flurry of feathers as Marien and Sieg swung at each other, each trying and failing to keep from bursting into laughter out loud.

Finally, they both collapsed, panting for breath and covered in feathers.

"I love you Marien." Seig panted, taking Marien's hand in his.

"I love you Sieg."

===

*Thump*

With a soft grunt, the aged clerk slid the piece of paper he had just stamped across the table and replaced the stamp on its inkpad.

"Here you are." he grumbled. "Your application has been approved. Here is your final mating and conception of offspring license."

A pair of young Basitins sat in front of the desk, their backs ramrod stiff and their faces bright red. The young woman seemed completely terrified, whereas the young male looked as if he might pass out.

"S-so this is it?" the young man stammered as he stared at the piece of paper.

"That is your license, yes. Was there something else?"

"And... that's all?" The young woman asked. "I mean... that's it?"

With a heavy sigh, the clerk looked over the top of his spectacles.

"As per the law you have one week to complete your mating and to attempt to conceive offspring. As this is your first mate, if no child is conceived within the allotted time, you may return and fill out a special extension form. In the meantime-"

The clerk picked up a pair of pamphlets from a stack beside his desk and pushed them across the desk towards the young couple.

"-please refer to the official guidelines regarding mating. Best of luck, long live the king." Next!"

The young woman's hands shook as she reached out and took the pamphlet. As she did, the license fell from the desk and fluttered to the floor.

The young woman hurriedly tried to grab the piece of paper out of the air, but succeeded only in knocking it further away. It slid to a stop at the feet of the next couple in line. The couple's hearts froze as they noted that the couple were both wearing military tunics.

"I'm sorry." The young woman stammered as the older female bent down and picked up the license.

"It's no problem." Marien replied, carefully brushing off the paper and handing it back to the trembling youngster.

"Th-thank you ma'am."

As the young couple started to leave, Sieg spoke up. "You two, may I ask you something?"

"O-of course sir."

Leaning on his cane, Sieg bent closer to the couple and spoke quietly. "Is this your first time?"

Both the young woman and the young man's faces turned a brilliant scarlet red. Eventually both nodded.

Sieg nodded with a smile. "Good for you. Then may I offer a small piece of advice?"

"Y-yes S-sir."

Those pamphlets he gave you, burn them."

"B-burn them?!" the young man stammered.

"Burn them. Forget about 'efficiency'. Take the time to really get to know one another and enjoy yourselves. This is your first time, and you only get one of those."

The couple stared wide eyed and open mouthed at Sieg as he stepped back. "Just my advice, young ones, do with it as you will."

With a final bewildered nod, the shocked couple left the clerk's office.

"Are you sure that was a good idea?" Marien asked as Sieg took a seat beside her.

"They'll be fine." Sieg replied, taking Marien's hand in his. "Who knows, they might even have some fun."

THE END

SPECIAL THANKS!

Thank you to all on Reddit and beyond who liked, commented, and provided critique. It is thanks to you all that I had the inspiration and drive to continue writing.

And of course-

Huge Special Thanks to Tom Fischbach

For years of hard work that has birthed inspiration, laughs, tears and more.

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And Special thanks to: Spear Mint Wolf for his stellar editing work.