“They may call me what they wish, but I want to be Rorie D’Vaire.”
“I think you already are,” Renny remarked. “Protector Roriethiel D’Vaire of the Fae.”
“It sounds grand.”
“Do you know why I’m out here by myself?”
“I dare not speculate.”
Renny bit his lip in a vain attempt to hold his tears at bay. “I’m trying to figure out what to say to you. Everything you know and every person in your race is gone. Your home is destroyed, and I don’t know how to tell you how sorry I am. My heart is breaking for you, and I hope I’m being supportive in the way you need.”
Shaking his head, Rorie let out a gust of air. “It is not for you to apologize to me. You have done nothing but be my v’airsell nioll, and that has such value to me, it cannot be compared to anything else.”
“I feel like Fate saved you for me. And I feel really shitty that I’ve spent so much time pushing you away. There’s guilt too because I’m happy we don’t have to fuck around trying to travel and maintain two complicated existences.”
“You were rightfully scared of how we would manage our lives over two worlds,” Rorie said with a watery smile. “Our biggest problem no longer exists. There is no straddling our responsibilities. We need not travel to the Fae realm or try to solve issues with no answers. You did not cause the destruction, and I have strengthened myself during this day, knowing that I need not worry about anything tearing us apart. My people…the ones Drekkoril was tasked to care for, are living amongst us now with no memory of how terrible things were for them. The elves and the last four sprites, they are…well, I am grateful they are here.”
“It’s almost like that’s why our leader is half elf and why there’s a D’Vaire sanctuary for elves,” Renny managed. “I know I’m going to do everything I can to help your people whether they remember that Drekkoril was once their leader or not.”
“I feel much the same.”
“Do you know what I’m most grateful for besides getting to love you?”
Rorie kissed him. “I love to hear of your feelings for me. What else makes you warm inside?”
“Every sorcerer in that house has full knowledge of the Fae. I know we’re going to make damn sure everyone gets to know about the specialness of your people.”
“I have kept those memories. It means that at some point I studied the books without you there. I wish I could thank my past self for that. The selfish boy Roriethiel would not have dreamed of doing something so critically important.”
“I want you to concentrate on remembering the good parts of your life there and not beat yourself up about everything.”
“I would like that too, but it may take me time to get there.”
“How do you think Drekkoril is handling things?”
“I am most pleased that he has been vocal about his feelings today and has not hidden, allowing our family to comfort him.”
“I like it when you say, ‘our family,’ ” Renny commented and brushed their lips together. “It was incredible what he did for Worth.”
“If I earn a kiss as a treat, you may count on me saying it often. And no, I did not expect such a gift, but it tells of the heart Drekkoril likes to keep hidden. I hope he finds a v’airsell nioll worthy of him.”
“Me too. So, I have a question for you.”
“All of me is open to you.”
“Good to know you haven’t forgotten how to flirt,” Renny said. “We talked about uniting our souls. The dream is over. Do you still want to have a siramen v’airsell nioll?”
“The bad dream has ended, but I feel as if a new, brighter one is opening before me. On my former realm, we had our ceremonies of the eternal soul, but my life is here now. I wish to have a matebond one.”
“Does that mean you’re going to leave behind all your customs?”
“No, but that one is forever tarnished by what my parents did to the Fae.”
“Good, because I was scared I’d never see you in Faedrekan pants again.”
“If Orlami and Zurenzi ever come out of their tent, I will ask them to shed their scales so Larissa can make me more, and I would wish for you to have some.”
“You think they’ve been having dragon sex all day?”
