Reunion

"You made it!" Aurora ran full force even as the portal was still materializing.

But Devrim did not hesitate to sweep the woman up in his arms. He pressed his wife's body up against his own and kissed her, the world around them falling away in the ardor of their love.

Aurora was really here, or rather, he had really made it back to her. For a moment, everything was the way it should be.

"I made it too, you know!" Reyan pouted from the corner. "Risking life and limb to bring back that husband of yours and not so much as a glance from one of my dearest friends!"

Aurora reluctantly released her husband and regarded the fairy. "I humbly thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope you know how utterly grateful I am." The Empress kissed the top of the Fairy's head.

"It's nice to be properly appreciated." Satisfied, Reyan bowed.

Devrim took his wife's hand and led her through the myriad of toys to one of the nursery's many cushioned seats. "From the message ball and what Gandr said, I thought you were not with the elves. When did you come back? Reyan was a little sparse on the details."

The fairy puffed out his chest. "Excuse me for spending days trying to pinpoint you and then feverishly portalling you back here. It didn't leave much time for idle chatter like what we have been up to..."

"I heard how much the elven kitchen admires your cookies, Reyan. Rumor has it they will be serving them for dinner. But without you there to oversee the results, I would not get my hopes up that they get things correct." Aurora watched the curmudgeon's face sour even further.

"That is a secret family recipe and sacred to the fairies! I will not allow the elves to take another tradition from our race!" Reyan turned into a speck of light and flew from the elven nursery.

"That was very effective, my love. Tell me, are they really trying to copy the recipe?" Devrim's grey eyes danced with mischief as he wrapped his arms around the woman sitting next to him.

"I did hear one of the chefs comment on how much he admired them the other day. And the elves are always making cookies or other sweets. So it very possible, if not likely, that such a thing is occurring even if I am the one who started the rumor." Aurora covered her grin.

She felt a little bad about teasing the old fairy, but he would surely find a way to return the favor later.

Devrim removed the woman's hand from her lips and pressed his own against her mouth. The kiss was sweet and deep, and only ended when he began to direct his affection toward her neck.

"You asked when I arrived. Around a week ago. Before that, Mairwen and Alaron ended up with the elves while escaping the abominations."

"Are they?" Devrim pulled back, suddenly concerned.

"They are fine. But Mairwen managed to recover the mirror and contacted me outside the barrier. With the help of some eagles, I was able to return later that day. We sent Reyan for you soon afterward. He seems to have had quite a hard time finding you." Aurora gave her husband a curious glance.

"I have an idea why that might have been."

"What do you mean? Please tell me that you are not still fighting in Oblivion!" Aurora's eyes went wide.

"The battle is over, but we can talk about it later." Devrim brought his wife's hand to his lips. "Tell me," he asked between kisses. "How long do we have before we are interrupted?"

"Only a couple of minutes. Nanny has taken Colvyr to be changed for a walk around the gardens. Lanassa sent special clothes for just such an occasion. She makes quite the doting 'Nana'," Aurora giggled.

"Lanassa? Affectionate? Now I truly have heard everything." Although Devrim was amused by the development, he was far more interested in the woman before him. She was healed, and he had to admit that the Fiery-haired woman looked even more beautiful than she ever had before.

'The healing water does good work,' he thought with gratitude. He ran his hands along the delicate skin of her face and then traced the lines of her body.

Just like every other time the two had been apart for any length of time, the reunion was as sweet as it was passionate. The two ceased talking, lost in one another's embrace.

In the fire of the moment, they did not register the door to the nursey's changing room open until a little voice piped up. "Daddy!"

Devrim shot away from his wife with a shocked expression. He adjusted his armor, which was thankfully still on his body. Opening his arms wide, he welcomed the little boy into his lap.

"Colvyr!" The father and son embraced. "I am so happy to see you! My but you have grown!"

Aurora dabbed at the corners of her mouth and looked apologetically at Nanny. The old woman had released the little prince from her embrace before placing her hands on her hips.

"I suppose I should have let you know that Devrim has returned…" the Empress blushed under her former caretaker's glare.

"You think that is the first time I have caught you two being lovey-dovey? Ha! I should be so lucky. And don't pretend more than that doesn't happen. That baby over there is proof of your love!" Nanny's voice cackled at her own joke, making the Empress turn a deep red.

Rather than continue the uncomfortable conversation, Aurora stood. She patted her son's head while kissing Devrim's cheek. "I'll let you and Colvyr have a moment. If Reyan has not already told them, I will go and get the twins and Renat. They will be very happy to have news of your safety."

"How is Renat?" Devrim could see by the woman's reaction that she knew what he meant.

"He struggles at times. He and Gela keep each other company often. Although we don't make them feel unwanted, there is a distinct hesitation from the elves in the palace that is hard to ignore." Aurora was reluctant to say too much more.

"Who is Gela?" Devrim caught his wife's hand as she moved to the door. She looked back at him, slightly surprised.

"Remember the lead I told you about in the message ball?" Aurora watched the man nod. He had gotten the gist of the garbled message enough to understand that point. "That lead turned out to be Gela. Hm, Reyan really didn't tell you anything, did he?" Aurora could not fathom why the normally chatty fairy had suddenly gone mute.

"By the time he found us and started transporting us here, Reyan was already exhausted. He puts up a brave front, but I think the old fairy is in need of some serious rest." Devrim pressed his lips together.

Having noticed the circles under Reyan's tired eyes, Aurora could not help but agree. "I will have a word with him later and make sure he has dinner sent to his room. Some time alone will certainly help speed his recovery."

The fairy had lived alone a very long time. Having so much company around all the time was extra draining for his nerves.

"That sounds nice, my love. Thank you. Please hurry back." Devrim gave his wife a longing look. Although his voice was playful, she could see he was reluctant to let the woman he loved out of his sight after just getting her back.

Nodding, Aurora put her hand on the door handle. It began to turn on its own. The Empress had just enough time to move out of the way before two ecstatic humans and one wolf came rushing in the door.

"You made it!" Mairwen chirped.

"You sound just like your mother," Devrim chuckled. "Was there any doubt I would return to all of you."

"Nothing is promised," Alaron said, shaking his father's hand and tousling his little brother's hair. "We will always try to count our blessings."

"Here, here!" Nanny was glad to hear the white-haired boy finally speak some wisdom. "I see that being a Guardian has done you some good."

After giving the entire family a moment to hug and laugh together. Nanny held out her arms for the little prince to join her.

"Ow-side?" he asked.

"Yes, I will take you outside to the garden. The big people have a lot to talk about." Nanny answered.

"Bye-bye," Colyvr climbed down from the Emperor's lap and toddled to the door. Waving and blowing kisses as he went. He loved his family very much, but his daily routine was law.

With the baby and Nanny gone, the others settled down and gathered close.

"I was indeed worried we would lose you, Father," Mairwen admitted with tears in her eyes. "There were so many of the enemy. However did you survive?"

A dark expression appeared on Devrim's face. He sighed. "Not easily..."