are we having fun yet?

Deimos

Dare we know the halo's hanging low

Unaware, for now, that they were going to be much too late in terms of Ru letters, he strived to try and remain in the good graces of the moment, smirking at the dad inflection, and rolling his eyes affectionately.

The Temple was an interesting choice, out of all the possibilities – Deimos never figured Kiada would go a more traditional route, but he took the information along, nodding at semblances of priestesses and whomever Charlie was. The next statement made his eyes widen with surprise, and he must’ve reacted in some other ways, because Erebos was giggling and gurgling up at him. “Of course. I would be honored,” he acknowledged, swallowing down a sudden plethora of emotions. Had the infant not been in his arms, he might’ve reached out for another hug and held her close; instead he settled for a bright, brimming smile and dashing something out of his eye.

Opting for humor out the mess impending, he snorted and went for self-deprecating. “Do you have colors picked out? I would hate to look a fool and not be matching.”

if through some miracle, you are granted the chance to see him again

whether in this life or the next

She really should expect the surprise as it crosses his face and the very visible shock that radiates in enough of a way that Erebos starts giggling along. Kiada’s smile softens a touch, nodding and perhaps looking a little relieved to know that he would be there and in agreement to walking her down the aisle. And it’s her that reaches for him, once again in that halfway there reach, careful not to squish Erebos as she gives him a sideways hug.

Withdrawing so she can tell him the answer to his question, she clings to the bright smile offered her way, nodding and flashing him one equally as bright and fanged. “Red and orange, mostly.” She says decisively. “I wanted to match these flowers I saw in the Climb. They’re called smolder blooms and they look like fire. They burn when you touch them.. so I wouldn’t touch them if I were you.” Her smile slants a little playfully – because she could touch them all day without harboring a single injury, but for him? She warns, because she certainly doesn’t want to hurt him, even if a possessive part of her wants them added to her bouquet if only so it couldn’t be stolen after.

Not that she imagines anyone would, but.. Some habits were hard to let die.

you are, and always shall be, his

KIADA

Deimos

Dare we know the halo's hanging low

The sideways hug was well received; freeing Erebos from one of his hands to embrace Kiada. Family was an important piece to him; especially after having almost none remaining in previous intervals and lives – they were fortunate to still have one another, after all these deaths and laments within Caido and Helovia. So he wouldn’t take any of it for granted, snorting and releasing her from their hold as she went on to describe hues necessary for the impending nuptials.

Red and orange wasn’t a surprise (he’d certainly have to do some creating for it – they weren’t colors he frequently wore), but the inspiration from him caused an arch to his brow. “I have not seen those.” But he noted them carefully in his mind; they’d be intriguing to sketch and add into the journals of the Guild, regardless. With a playful roll of his eyes, as if she would have to warn and ward him from danger, he smiled. “You could always incorporate them into the scenery and surroundings though? But perhaps high, so no one would be tempted.”

if through some miracle, you are granted the chance to see him again

whether in this life or the next

As he mentions he’s never seen them, her smile grows impossibly bright with the idea of showing him one day – maybe inviting him to a trip to the Climb soon to show them off (sure that she’ll need more, since something tells her they likely used plenty for the rage room). His suggestion, though, sparks her smile to dim into something cheshire and playfully coy. “I was actually going to put a couple in the bouquet, I think.” She murmurs a touch conspiratorily, before snorting and leaning back to take a sip of her hot cocoa.

“But otherwise, yeah, in relatively high places. I don’t want anyone to burn themselves.” Unless they were trying to steal her bouquet, in which case.. She could be considered a touch territorial. “I should show you them sometime before the wedding.” She says idly, regarding him again with her bright blue gaze.

you are, and always shall be, his

KIADA

Deimos

Dare we know the halo's hanging low

Taking a sip of his own hot cocoa, and opting to occupy Erebos with a rattle lodged in his pockets somewhere (blade shaped, obviously), while the youth placed the toy in his mouth (teething had been a terrible time lately), the Sword tilted his head, listening to the plans. “Oh, in the bouquet,” he mused. “Not going to throw this one back at the crowd then?” He winked, but imagining the chaos to ensue at the potential did ease a chuckle from his chest. Maybe it wouldn’t matter if most of the inhabitants were Ancients, but he could fathom a few grabby individuals earning a burn for their efforts.

Another planned trip sounded amusing though. “Sure.” And it would be a breath of fresh air from any ongoing strife and crisis back in Halo or surrounding politics. “There seemed to be some new wildlife in the Climb too – Sah and I ran into something like an alpina, though clearly fire based.”

if through some miracle, you are granted the chance to see him again

whether in this life or the next

A chime of laughter escapes from her lips, her shoulders shrugging as she debates whether or not it would be fun. “The chaos would be a nice touch. But no.. I’m planning on drying it and keeping it.” A memento, as if the rings they both would wear and the fact that her and Fox would be officially married wasn’t one enough. The physical, beautiful reminders would be something she wants to cling toward – to make a space, a home, where she never has to leave. How long has it been since she hadn’t wandered, hadn’t lost, hadn’t had to relearn what it meant to live?

Up until Fox had taken her in from the snow, she imagines. So, there’s a possessive part of her that comes out when it comes to her future – how she’s settled quite comfortably in the day to day of her fiancé, her work, her region.

And with it, a quick portal trip to the Climb where she could meet up with her father figure to show him the blossoms in question. “Really?” She asks, tilting her head curiously. “I haven’t ventured out much. I heard something from Danta about a deer up there now that hadn’t been there way back when he was around.” So maybe a means to explore and learn, too, for the varying creatures that started to populate the Climb since Dygra had woken.

you are, and always shall be, his

KIADA

Deimos

Dare we know the halo's hanging low

He nodded at the sincerity of it all; because despite the jokes behind the notions, there would be a great deal of precious memories to have and hold dear. While there’d always be the recollection behind such events, having portions and pieces to savor were just as vivid and tangible – and gods knew Kiada had earned it. Every step of the way – through lifetimes of ventures across lands and portals, between death and resurrection and reinvention. “Fair enough,” he mused, winking so she knew it was all in mischief and jest. “Are you expecting to have a large crowd?” He wasn’t certain of how many other friends, acquaintances, and others she intended to invite – and while Deimos and Evie had kept theirs incredibly private, that didn’t mean everyone else preferred the latter.

His brow arched at the notion of deer as well; maybe there’d been multiple things missed. “I have not seen that there either – but any trips lately have been to the springs.” For obvious reasons – and still nothing to show for it. Save for next year, when Amhran’s flower would bloom.

if through some miracle, you are granted the chance to see him again

whether in this life or the next

His wink is granted a soft chime of a laugh before the question has her pausing, an almost playful smile blooming on her face. “Not giant, really.. But. I have you and Evie and Erebos --” a pause as she reaches down to playfully and lightly squeeze the youth’s foot that’s near her, her voice taking on a higher pitch of playfulness. “Then Ru and Sunjata, I guess.” Her nose wrinkles a little on the latter before she shakes her head. “Remi and Ronin… Flora, maybe? I’ve never met her but ever since I explained to Remi the relationship between Ru and I he said that we should meet.” Snorting lightly, she sits back to collect the hot chocolate.

“Charlie who’s the Priestess and is going to officiate it.. Then Danta and Astaroth, of course. I am hoping Asta keeps him in line.” Her smile is playful because she highly doubts he could – if anything, Kiada was the one that Danta likely had nightmares about (she’d really given him a good elbow in the back with that corset for the ball). “Fox doesn’t really have any family, so, it’s just coming from me. Do you have anyone you can think of I should invite? I feel like I might be missing people but my mind's been foggy.”

Listening as she nods her head to the comment of the Climb and the springs, the harpy flashes a softer almost sad smile. “I tried to find some lilies too.” Unsuccessfully, as it so happened.

you are, and always shall be, his

KIADA

Deimos

Dare we know the halo's hanging low

Even as she described the impending crowd, it had been bigger than his. This inspired a laugh, and a notion of having to cobble together some formal attire for Erebos as well, head tilting as he listened to the details. He wasn’t certain on Flora, due to them never meeting, but based on personalities it might go fine. Who knew if the Queen would accept either way. Though he snorted at the insinuation of Danta, presuming the Theocrat could keep himself together, or put an effort towards it, for his Registrar’s wedding. “Not small either,” he mentioned with a wrinkle to his nose, striving to come up with any other names and particulars.

Fox not having any family seemed a bit…sad, given how everything had transpired through the years in Caido. Nothing of found relatives either seemed to be particularly sobering, but the Sword persisted in pondering. When he couldn’t come up with any other names, save for the presence of her mother and Bastien, perhaps via lantern, his rumble returned. “I cannot think of any others off the top of my head, but that seems like a good start.” Some of those missing were likely the deceased proportions – which he left purposefully unsaid.

Her saddened smile made his brows furrow though. “From what I have heard, none of us have found any. But with the Greatwood cleansed…,” he left the insinuation there – more opportunities and potentials.

if through some miracle, you are granted the chance to see him again

whether in this life or the next

“Yeah…” She hums softly – a part of her wanting one big enough and formidable enough that the Family wouldn’t feel as though they should tread in on it (not that she was important enough), but given the fact they’d broken into the Midwinter Ball… Well… To say that gatherings of those powerful people seemed to attract trouble, and given that if Flora does accept the invite they’d have essentially everyone but Stormbreak represented.

An equally sobering thought.

As he says he can’t think of anyone else, Kiada nods and sips from her hot cocoa again, the cup still steaming as she heats it with a little flick of flame – not at all worried about burning herself as it drifts down her throat. “Hopefully no one feels left out.” She flashes a cat-like smirk his way before she settles again. Thoughts of the Greatwood and the lilies overcoming her thoughts.

Nodding with a soft sigh, she props her head up on a fist to watch Erebos and Deimos for a few long quiet moments. “Maybe Vi’s Roses would be easier to find. Shame we didn’t keep any from the blight, huh?” A memory that she still despises, even if it hadn’t been wholly her.

She remembers what she’d said to him, how she’d intended it to hurt.

you are, and always shall be, his

KIADA

Deimos

Dare we know the halo's hanging low

Despite his experience in meeting Dahlia amidst unintended consequences, he hadn’t counted on any Family member coming in. He’d hoped that neither Kiada nor Fox had developed enough notoriety to pull and entice curiosity from the foreign forces, but perhaps it was something needing to be considered. With enough people there though – the formidable portions could and would be mustered; but most of them would loathe to ruin someone’s wedding. If worst came to worst…they’d figure something out.

“You have time, in case anyone else comes to light,” he mentioned by way of a shrug. Neither Deimos nor Evie had been bothered with omitting some, and had left the reception open instead, but these were different seasons and rotations.

When the conversation shifted to Vi’s Roses, he nodded along. “That was my thought. More areas available, at least.” Save for one singular Frey’s Breath in the midst of it all. He hadn’t expected mention of the blight though, brow arching as he watched and waited for her reaction – the words she’d once pressed to him in the midst of turmoil and disease long since forgotten and placed far, far away. Many of those memories from the Grounds had been subdued. They’d all grown. Erebos alone, making all sorts of gurgling noises, served as a reminder of how much they'd all become. 

Granting a smile to indicate there was still nothing malicious from those intonations, he rumbled out his own. “I saw your mother during the Festival.”

if through some miracle, you are granted the chance to see him again

whether in this life or the next

“I do, thankfully.” She says on the edge of a laugh that she hopes warms away the dark cold feelings and thoughts that begin to encroach on her mind. She makes that mental note in her head of everyone that’s receiving an invite one more time before she shakes her head lightly and sips from the cocoa, physically trying to warm herself from within as well.

Perhaps she should plan a trip to the Greatwood soon just in case – trying to scout out the roses on the off chance there’s no lilies to be found yet. It’s a thought that vanishes as soon as Deimos mentions that he’d seen her mother – her iceberg gaze flitting up to his face with surprise.

That’s twice in a row her mother’s made an appearance – but unlike before, the frustrations and anger toward the woman that birthed her were gone in lieu of missing her and acceptance. To know her mother loved her in spite of everything she’d done. That she’d mattered. “Really?” She asks in a near whisper, still letting the surprise overtake her features, leaving the conversation open for him to continue and share however much he wanted between the exchange.

you are, and always shall be, his

KIADA

Deimos

Dare we know the halo's hanging low

There should’ve been no trepidation at all with her upcoming nuptials. But Deimos understood – those always inherent feelings of apprehension and pressure, even with something that could only be delightful and precious. All the flutters and worries would hopefully be dissuade the moment everything came together, and these residual feelings would be just that. So he gave an encouraging smile, head tilted only vaguely to glance down at Erebos squealing away, happy and content again with his rattle.

Her surprise, and perhaps an instant to jumble her out of prior contemplations, eased another soft smile upon his features. He’d witnessed the same thing happen to her last year; he’d been gratified to see not only Rexanna’s soul safe within Mort’s Realm, but that the love between mother and daughter had still been present and raw and real, despite a course of circumstances.

“Really,” he whispered in return, with a light snort to dissuade a lot of other emotions threatening below the surface. “She said some things I needed to hear.” That likely Kiada, and many others, had offered to him again and again, but it had to have come from the one who’d suffered; to know, in all the unwinding hells, devastations, and ruins, that she didn’t blame him for the horrendous pitfalls of that LongNight – even when he had for many years. His gaze flickered elsewhere, mind roaming, trying to circumnavigate the tumultuous leagues still bordering on his shoulders. “Do you want to save a space for her in the wedding, maybe? Could fill it with a lantern.” As a way to honor her, perhaps – but only if the Harpy was comfortable.

if through some miracle, you are granted the chance to see him again

whether in this life or the next

She hangs onto his words at the explanation – letting him guide the reunion with her mother as he had experienced it – and when there wasn’t much to be said aside from things I needed to hear, Kiada lets the soft smile break on her face as she leans back and crosses her legs, nodding as she heaves a small sigh. “Yeah. She’s good at that. She did that to me too.” And things had been so much better for it. She was happy now, some open ended portions of her life now closed.

As for leaving a space for her in the wedding, Kiada’s head tilts at the thought, setting her hot chocolate down to mull it over. “I haven’t thought about it…” She admits, though she honestly adores the idea of it. She’d have to check with Fox and see if maybe he wanted to add his own family’s lanterns amongst the midst. “I’ll see what Fox thinks. Maybe we’ll have a whole lantern section.” It comes out as slightly teasing, even if there’s a sad smile that adorns it, the idea not at all one she’s entirely opposed to.

you are, and always shall be, his

KIADA