Chapter 7: ??? has come home

Chapter 7: ??? has come home

On the trek back home, the hunter, Laelaps Terallion, looked forward as she steered her horse. She uttered a prayer as she held her goddess’ symbol in her gloved hand. She was wearing a dark mask to conceal her identity and an earthy green cloak to help her mask with the green forest leaves. She thought back to the beast.

“I am the hound of the lord of the earth.” It had spoken to her. “You are one of the wild’s chosen.”

“It was my goddess who tasked me to look for you” Laelaps replied as she laid the bound and unconscious cart driver to rest at the foot of the tree.

“You did not slay the driver.” It talked to her once more. She nodded.

“The goddess doesn’t want blood in her domain.” She explained. She thought back to the cart driver’s statement. She only knew one group who matched that statement and it would explain why they were able to capture such a powerful beast. “And he is not responsible for your capture.”

The hound huffed. “Payment for his insolence will come someday.”

Laelaps did not reply.

“How did they capture the earth lord’s hound?” She questioned.

Laelaps’ train of thought was cut off. She was greeted by a tall half-elven man at the gates of the place she called home. The gates were made from living trees. It seemed like the place was built with trees. Every structure past the gates was made from living wood that twisted and turned to form these magnificent structures.

The man waiting for her had magnificent brown hair down to his shoulders and pointed ears, a symbol of his half-elven heritage. He had gentle green eyes and a strong jawline. He was dressed in simple robes, a humble getup for who she recognized to be the Champion of the Wild.

Her husband

Orion Terallion

She smiled, ushering her horse to travel faster. He waved at her with a “dumb grin” on his face as she would say. When she arrived, she practically jumped at him. He caught her with a huff, greeting her with a quick peck on the lips as he placed her down.

“Missed me?” She winked.

“No.” He hummed, giving another chaste kiss.

“I told you to cease such acts to my daughter, boy.” A baritone voice remarked. They turned to see a rather aged man. He had long ginger locks and purplish skin. Horns akin to a goat framed his fair yet aged face. Beside him was a kinder looking man that gave off the same air as Orion. He had soft green eyes and neat brown hair. He too had pointed ears to mark his half-elven heritage. The two men stood just as tall as each other and brought about an air of comfort amongst them.

“Now, now. You act as if they had not wed under the church in this very town.” The other man had settled his partner down with a hand on the other’s shoulder.

“Your dad is here.” Orion grumbled. Laelaps laughed and kissed the two aged men on both cheeks.

“Of course we are.” The purple-skinned man huffed.

“Settle down Papa Ing .” The woman kissed her father’s, Ing’s, cheek once more. He huffed and remained silent.

“He’s been in a sour mood since there was a delay on the shipment of the tea from the East.” The other man laughed, kissing her cheek. “It’s good to see you safe.”

“Thanks Daddy Den.” She smiled. “It’s been tiring, honestly.”

Irises that mirror the Goddess’ earth

A mind that carries the wisdom

Of the hundred year trees

Touched by faith was he

He who passed the trial

And healed those who ailed

Be it their body or their hearts

T’was the man called Deneb Bridge

“I would surmise. You should rest.” Deneb nodded, holding her shoulder. She felt a surge of warm radiant energy through his hand. His eyes glowed more luminescent green as he did. It felt comforting. “Vega and Altair would have greeted you as well but they had urgent matters in the church. They had to preside over a wedding.”

“Mother Altair must be busy.” Laelaps commented. Orion leaned on her shoulder.

“You don’t need to address your mother in law so formally, dear.” Orion commented, leading her horse towards them.

“She’s still the High Priestess.” Laelaps nudged him. She stretched and leaned on the man beside her, closing her eyes. “I’m tired.”

“Of course. Get some rest. We’ll prepare dinner today.” Deneb said softly, patting his daughter’s shoulder.

“I’ll join you guys for dinner after I wash up at home.” Laelaps nodded.

“Don’t take two hours washing up.” Ing commented, rolling his eyes. Laelaps and Orion blushed. Deneb laughed.

“See you, sweetheart.” Deneb kissed his daughter’s cheek, ushering his husband to leave with him.

Once alone with his wife, Orion sneaked a kiss from her. He hopped on the horse and patted the back of the saddle. Laelaps rolled her eyes, sitting behind him. She enveloped the man in a hug, nuzzling her head in the crook of his neck. The pair silently rode through town to their abode, getting the occasional greetings from the residents. Some would bow to them respectfully as if they were revered. All the while Laelaps pushed aside the thoughts of the men in the red cloaks in her head, wanting to relish the feeling of home.

When they arrived, Orion settled the horse in the stable as Laelaps headed to the bedroom. Wanting to remove the smell of sweat and grime from her, she headed to the small bathhouse in their home. The bath was a rather simple spring formed with cleansing waters and sheltered by wood like the homes in the town. She sighed, resting her aching muscles.

She felt a familiar presence behind her and strong arms wrapped around her bare form.

“Want to take a two hour bath?” Orion whispered. Laelaps rolled her eyes.

“Fine.” She faced him, looking at her husband lovingly. Their eyes both glowed a light green. For a moment she wished to be happy with the man until their last breath

And all those that would come beyond that.

He cupped her cheek, leading with a kiss. She returned it willingly, lost in the warmth of home.