The island of Tolgalen had been reclaimed by nature. Savage trees wrapped their roots about old buildings. Vines strangled posts. Weeds pushed cobnle out of the way. Whatever magic was left in the old HQ was being feasted upon by various flora. It was a difficult sight for Kyran to see.
However, today wasn't about reminiscing. Today was about spending time with his family after losing... time. The redhead put a hand to his head. The aches were common after returning from hell. Down there the few months had been years, decades of time. The blood mage started to lose himself in the memories.
Bel slammed into his leg. The sun glinted off the twin's sky blue hair. The beaming smile pulled Kyran into the present. He hoisted the toddler into the air. Arawn began complaining. The redhead chuckled at his son, stooping to place the obsidian haired boy on his shoulder.
Some of his kids had readily welcomed him back. Namely, Arawn and Bel. The others seemed to take thier mother's side. Gaia, as far as Kyran could tell, wasn't happy he'd gone through with his plan. He'd forgotten, in the heat of the moment, she'd offered to help. Kyran couldn't fault his wife if she was angry. He'd been an idiot... again.
He hoped a trip to the beach, where old members of WFTC were hosting a party, might make some amends. The wayward mage set off at a light jog toward the party. He flashed a grin over his shoulder. "I bet you can't beat us there!" He challenged the others. The girls looked at their mother hesitantly but Ducarius took off running. The look of determination on his little face made Kyran oddly proud.
Arawn and Bel wiggled as their brother charged closer. They urged Kyran to go faster. When he slowed instead, they demanded to be let down. He laughed, placing them on their feet. All five kids soon shot passed their father, giggling madly. The redhead felt a pang of guilt. How many moments like this had he missed?
Kyran waited for Gaia to catch up. Hesitantly, he offered her his hand. There hadn't really been a chance to talk about his trip yet. "I missed you." The redhead admitted quietly. "I never should have left without you." Hell had tempted him with her shape, her voice, her touch. It had tortured him with her tears, her screams and her pain. He'd regretted every step because no matter the reason, Kyran had left his partner behind. You never leave your partner behind.
WC: 429
However, today wasn't about reminiscing. Today was about spending time with his family after losing... time. The redhead put a hand to his head. The aches were common after returning from hell. Down there the few months had been years, decades of time. The blood mage started to lose himself in the memories.
Bel slammed into his leg. The sun glinted off the twin's sky blue hair. The beaming smile pulled Kyran into the present. He hoisted the toddler into the air. Arawn began complaining. The redhead chuckled at his son, stooping to place the obsidian haired boy on his shoulder.
Some of his kids had readily welcomed him back. Namely, Arawn and Bel. The others seemed to take thier mother's side. Gaia, as far as Kyran could tell, wasn't happy he'd gone through with his plan. He'd forgotten, in the heat of the moment, she'd offered to help. Kyran couldn't fault his wife if she was angry. He'd been an idiot... again.
He hoped a trip to the beach, where old members of WFTC were hosting a party, might make some amends. The wayward mage set off at a light jog toward the party. He flashed a grin over his shoulder. "I bet you can't beat us there!" He challenged the others. The girls looked at their mother hesitantly but Ducarius took off running. The look of determination on his little face made Kyran oddly proud.
Arawn and Bel wiggled as their brother charged closer. They urged Kyran to go faster. When he slowed instead, they demanded to be let down. He laughed, placing them on their feet. All five kids soon shot passed their father, giggling madly. The redhead felt a pang of guilt. How many moments like this had he missed?
Kyran waited for Gaia to catch up. Hesitantly, he offered her his hand. There hadn't really been a chance to talk about his trip yet. "I missed you." The redhead admitted quietly. "I never should have left without you." Hell had tempted him with her shape, her voice, her touch. It had tortured him with her tears, her screams and her pain. He'd regretted every step because no matter the reason, Kyran had left his partner behind. You never leave your partner behind.
WC: 429