To say Gerhart was nervous was an understatement. This was the first time that he had really had anyone else over to his home, others he worried about impressing at least. A few people had come in to ask for his help taking care of something, but never people he would see multiple times.

Did he spend every last solar to make something lavish and decadent for his friends? No, that felt wrong. Did he just keep it simple? That felt more appropriate. The chill of winter still lingered in the air, so go with something comforting. He spent the days leading up to this event in the Moonveil Forest. If he was going to do something, he was going to make it as true to himself as possible.

By the time anyone else arrived, his home would be filling with the smells of a warming stew. Cleaned rabbit pelts were stacked nearby, Gerhart gave himself plenty of time to clean up the mess of dressing an animal. The pot bubbled with foraged greens and vegetables and some spices he bought from the market.

Whenever they arrived, Gerhart would do his best to be ready. His home wasn't much, a simple one story building nestled deep into the city, but it was a home. Something 10...even 5 years ago he didn't think was going to be possible.

Cirice had wandered around Moonglade a bit, just passing the time as she had counted down the days until the date at Gerhart’s house. She may have came a little too early, but that was so she had some time to see the country for the first time really, totally not because she was impatient to see her boyfriend again… Nooooo….



She straightens her cloak, the beloved gerhug she has worn pretty much since the moment he put it on her shoulders, and re-braids her hair back from her face. She wasn’t dressed up super nice like the last time, she had decided that her usual attire in the best, softest fabrics that she owned would likely be much better for a nice cozy date at home.

Driving her cart up to the house and parking around the side she gets down and makes sure she looks okay before she goes up to the door with her little basket of muffins and gives it a knock.

It had been far too long since Cyran had strayed this close to Eclipse City.

If he were being honest, he had mixed feelings about returning to his homestead, a place he was technically never allowed to return to. But the years had changed him enough that he was not particularly worried about being spotted. Besides, he was here for an important reason. He could push his own discomfort aside to give Gerhart’s home a warm welcome and pay a visit to a good friend.

Nevertheless, the hood of his cloak had been pulled up as he approached Gerhart’s cabin with a familiar figure by his side, in step, as they often were. Yeux was perched on Cyran’s shoulder, disgruntled that his usual resting place had been disturbed. Curled up next to him, curiously, were a few small bundles of living, shifting shadow that almost resembled small, sleeping bats. The small shadow Yokai were currently tuckered out from the travel, but even though two of them currently rested on Cyran, the other two had taken residence on Del’s shoulders, having taken an immediate liking to her. Cyran hoped that it wasn’t an imposition for her.

“We’re getting close.” Cyran said, breaking the comfortable silence that had built between them.

The fact that Del knew Gerhart had come as something of a surprise, but a welcome one. He looked forward to being able to spend time with some of his loved ones… after a couple months of hectic activity, the break would be welcome. He’d even brought a bottle of Darkveil volcano wine as a housewarming gift.

They rounded a corner, coming upon the front door where someone had already beaten them to the punch - Cirice, wrapped in a thick, comfortable looking cloak with a basket resting in her arm. Cyran leaned over, nudging Del gently in the side. “That’s Cirice, the one I was telling you about. It looks like she beat us here.”

He’d told her a little bit about Cirice on the way here, as well as his own encounters with Gerhart… including a little bit about the tomb that they’d braved together. He’d kept the details sparse and light, not wishing to bog down travel with heavy conversation. But he’d given enough that Del would have context for the fateful event that had brought the three of them closer together.

He waved to Cirice as the two got closer to the door, a fond smile on his face.

Moonglade was not a place Del often came; it was not a place of belonging for her, so far removed from elven custom and culture, save for the Crescent Isle itself where she had lived for a good portion of her recent memory. Even so, she couldn't deny it was beautiful. And, this was where Cyran had mentioned he was from. Getting the chance to do as they had planned, exploring places with one another, had been... quite fun. Invigorating to travel with someone and be able to shift between easy conversation and companionable silence, to be in sync about direction and decisions. Without a doubt, it had been the most pleasant journey to Moonglade she'd had in a long while.

Finding out that Cyran and Gerhart were acquainted was yet another pleasant surprise. The young man was one she had worked alongside while helping to scout the long forgotten ruins in the Kingswood. She had thought him a very brave and sincere young man, one who always tried hard to help others. Hearing that Cyran had similar experiences made her deeply proud, on Gerhart's behalf. And now, he had a home. That was worth celebrating.

Taking care to adjust the pack on her shoulder so as not to disturb the sweet little shadowlings curled up in the crook of her neck opposite one another, Del looks to Cyran with a smile. "Almost there," she whispers back, speaking softly to ensure her sleeping passengers are not awakened. She loved the tiny motes of shadow, their bat-like shapes, how they followed her around. It was all she could do to not simply implode from sheer adoration, deeply taken with them.

In her own pack was a bundle of wood carved dishware, plates and bowls for convenience. Something practical, of course, but would never fail to serve him, or any guests he may have, when it was needed. That seemed a good housewarming gift.

Her pace slows for a moment as they round the corner, seeing a person standing at the front door before them. As Cyran fills her in with a playful nudge, Del grins back. Feeling giddy at the contact, she leans over to lightly touch her shoulder to his.

"Ah, that's Cirice?" Del murmurs to Cyran. She did not know Cirice, but the stories he had told about her, how highly he spoke about both Gerhart and Cirice, made her all the more excited to meet her in person. She was a soft shade of periwinkle, in this light, her hair white as snow-drops, and accompanied by a basket of pastries. "It seems so! Maybe we should have had ourselves a race, mm?" She teases lightly, giving Cyran another smile-- it was exciting to meet the people in his orbit, those he clearly cared so much about-- and looks ahead to the door and Cirice as they approach.

As they walk up together, Del inclines her head carefully, for the sake of not disturbing the little shadowlings, a more traditional, if casual, bow of the Crescent Isle, indicative of friendly respect. The slightly crooked smile remains there as she lifts her head again. "Good evening!"

Doorbells have yet to be invented, but Halcyon is a good makeshift alert. The bird has a roost atop the home, offering little kee-kee-kee's when people arrive. The first time it happens Gerhart's stomach drops in fear as he wasn't exactly prepared for that, they did not discussed this.

"H-hey." He smiles as he opens the door, taking the basket from Cirice before leading her inside. The pastries are quickly set aside to give Gerhart a chance to pull the moon elf in for a hug. "I missed you." He grins down at her, before sheepishly looking to Cyran and Del having briefly forgotten they were there.

"Sorry, I did miss you guys too, just well...." The words just kind of drift away as he can't think of a good excuse to paper over his giddiness at the reunion. "Welcome! I don't have a fancy name for this place like some homes have, not that I would've known what to call it...Food should be ready soon, but I can give the tour?"

If everyone was amenable, Gerhart would happily lead the way. The interior of the Gerhouse was very warm and inviting, it all screamed Gerhart. There were no fancy art pieces or gawdy trinkets, but lots of hunting trophies and smaller hand made trinkets. All sorts of furs were stored in a box, some big enough to be used as blankets even.

What dinner ware he had set out was woodcarved, sturdy and well made, though Del could see her gift would be very welcome as what was on the table seemed to be all he had. The home was a simple one story building so it wasn't a very long tour.

The other standout of the home was the training area he had set up. His armor rested on a straw mannequin, with his sword leaning against it and another newer sword beside it. There was also a bucket full of wooden weapons of different sizes and some striking dummies with lots of work already put into them. A broken one is stored in the corner, split in half like it was hit with a giant axe.

Eventually, they circle back around to the kitchen/living room area, "Well that is about it....I should've asked before, but everyone here eats meat right? I made rabbit stew, but I can send Halcyon to the market if you'd like something else."

“Good evening.” Cirice responds as she’s joined at Gerhart’s door by Cyran and a woman she doesn’t recognize. She smiles at them, happy to see Cyran and curious about his companion. Just as she was about to ask the other elf her name, Gerhart answers the door and her attention is immediately on him instead.

“Hey! I missed you too!” She says with a squeal of delight, hugging him back tightly and not letting go. As he looks back at the other she realizes that Gerhart seems to know this other elf as well. Interestingly, her beloved men have so many people they know in common. Perhaps she’s one of his guildmates.

She looks around the cozy room with a smile, “It doesn’t need a fancy name, its wonderful. Very comfortable. Yes a tour!” She holds his hand happily as he guides them through the house, noting how rustic and warm and inviting everything is. Its perfect for her beloved ranger, woodsy and cozy with lots of handmade things lending to a feeling of hard work and heart being put into making it that way. The training room she looks around with peaked interest, picking up a wooden sword and testing its weight. Its heavier and longer than she’s used to and she wields it clumsily, poorly mimicking a stance she’d seen him use in the dungeon so long ago. She winks at him and laughs before putting it away.

“I don’t look half as cool as you do with a sword. Your poor strawmen, you’ll need more. They’ve taken quite a beating!” She goes over and mends a few of the less-runied ones so he can save a little on dummy expenses.¹

The gang heads back to the living room and she perches on his arm trying to decide the perfect piece of furniture to sit on together. “I don’t know that I’ve ever had rabbit stew. I can’t wait to try it! But first, I feel like everyone knows everyone but me.”

She inclines her head towards Del, “I’m Cirice, Cyran’s goddaughter and Gerhart’s…” Should she say girlfriend? Is that moving too quickly? She panics, “Gerhart’s girlfriend actually nice to meet you.” She blurts out in a rush, blushing and hiding behind her strapping hero.

---

1 mending

“Another race, hmm?” Cyran tapped his chin in thought. “If I see another spire here, I’ll let you know.” He teased.

It didn’t take Gerhart long to answer the door, immediately sweeping Cirice into an enthusiastic hug, one that she returned with a delighted sound, both lost in their own little world for a moment, where no one existed but the two of them. Cyran didn’t bother to hide the smile on his face at the sight. After everything the two had been through, their joy was well-deserved. Eventually, Gerhart returned to the present, sheepish at the display of affection.

“I’ve missed you too.” He replied, holding out the basket for Gerhart to take. “I brought some things to celebrate your new home… it’s not much, but owning a place of your own is a milestone worth celebrating. Congratulations.” The basket contained a bottle of wine from Ash Lands wineries - the volcano, unsurprisingly, made ideal soil for growing grapes. There were also some snacks and other odds and ends tucked away in a cloth. “It’s a lovely home. I’d appreciate a tour very much.” He followed Gerhart inside, greeted to the home’s exterior, which resembled exactly the kind of joke Cyran would expect of the young man.

Hunting trophies, comfortable fur-pelt blankets, and homecrafted furniture. Warmth radiated from every inch of space - the kind of home where it’s occupant knew what he liked and what he wanted, and had fully made this place his own. Cyran eyed the well-used training area while Cirice mended up the training dummies with magic. Even his training room demonstrated his weapons discipline. Eventually, they left the training room behind and made it back to the house’s central room.

“Yes, rabbit stew sounds perfect.” He could already smell it where it was simmering in the kitchen - the meal would be welcome, he thought. He was not much of a chef on the road, and the stew smelled far better than anything he could make.

He blushed when Cirice finally brought up that he’d yet to carry out introductions - in his happiness at seeing everyone, he’d forgotten that Cirice and Del had yet to formerly meet. He was also struck with that familiar sense of newfound pride at being introduced as Cirice’s godfather. The younger elf grew shy, though, when speaking of hers and Gerhart’s relationship before meekly ducking behind the young fighter.

“Ah, yes, Cirice, this is Del, a good friend of mine. Del, this is my goddaughter, Cirice- though I’d already told you a bit about her on the way here. And…” He looked between Del and Gerhart, “I was not aware that the two of you were also acquainted until recently… it’s a small world, I suppose.” He said with a laugh.

“This is a lovely home you have, Gerhart.” He finished, giving the room one last appraising once-over. “You should be proud of what you’ve done here.”

Still chuckling a little at Cyran's little ease, it turns into a soft, sincere smile as she watches Gerhart open the door and greet Cirice with a joyous abandon. It was heartwarming to see the way they embraced one another, enthusiastic and besotted with their presence. When Gerhart turns back to them, Del cracks a smile as she and Cyran follow the young couple in. "--but we're not as huggable as young Cirice is, I understand," She finishes Gerhart's sentence for him, clearly teasing. "I missed you too, Gerhart. I've been wondering how you've been keeping." Looking around the humble abode, her smile widens. Very well, it would seem.

She had told Cyran on the way here how she knew Gerhart as well; that they had been conducting research for one of the scholars of an ancient place in the King's Valley, and that it had been somewhat a harrowing experience. With all that in mind, her review of the young man was glowing. He'd taken action to endure her safety and was a thoughtful guide through the woods. There was a strong bond that had been created after sharing their endured trials, and she thought that Gerhart deserved the world.

It was lovely to see that he had such a wonderful piece of it all to himself, and that it surged with affection.


"It is a lovely home," Del agrees, opening her satchel to pull out the wrapped parcel of wooden dining set for him, setting them on the counter, as Cyran presents the bottle of fine wine, "I brought you something as well. I see you already have a small set, so this should match perfectly. Congratulations on your new house, I think it suits you."[/color] It was cozy, comfortable, and homey. Very Gerhart. She nods an agreement with Cirice and Cyran, smiling; she wanted to introduce herself more formally to Cirice but that could wait a moment or two. "Rabbit stew sounds wonderful. Lead on."

Looking over what appeare to be a training area, Del takes an interest in the armor on a stand and the dummies. Not able to help eyeing the construction of the armor, the weapons, she muses thoughtfully, looking at the deep cuts in the one dummy that was quite broken. She chuckles, "I can see this room gets some good use. This is good way to keep yourself sharp." Note to self; get Gerhart a good whetstone upon next visit.

She looks over as Cirice picks up a wooden sword and gives it a test wave with a wry smile. As the young elf asks for an introduction, Del inclines her head in response, smiling, waiting until other words had been had before she replies. Her laugh returns as Cirice ducks behind Gerhart, shy, suddenly. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Cirice. Cyran has nothing but glowing words for you-- both of you, actually," she bows a little more formally, before straightening once more and looking to Cyran with a gentle smile. "I've been helping at Shade's Valley doing some carpentry for the past few weeks. It's been a very fulfilling experience, and I'm thrilled to meet more of Cyrans family."

"Oh you don't have to-" He stops with a soft smile as Cirice has already fixed it. Gerhart smiles and takes her hand pressing a kiss to her temple before whispering a thank you, "I've just been doing some training, I realized a few shortcomings down in that tomb, so I wanted to get better at sword play."

Gerhart smiled even more when Cirice hid behind him a moment, holding down the blush at using the term girlfriend. It made sense, it was just nice to hear. "I'd add to those glowing words, but I don't want Cirice to explode from embarassment." The ranger gives one last little smile as he motions for everyone to take a seat at the table.

Dishes are grabbed and stew is doled out into the bowls, some bread and goat's butter is on the table already as they sit down. "Carpentry, hm? I should've asked you then, could've saved a few solars on furniture. I only made the furs and trophies here, taxidermy is the one craft I know."

Everyone is given a very hearty serving before Gerhart takes a seat with a grin. "Shade's Valley, is that were you two met then?"

“You’re one of the best swordsmen I’ve ever seen…” She smiles at the kiss happily, “Actually you ARE the best I’ve ever seen.”

“Nice to meet you Del…” Cirice says, blushing deeply at the compliments, returning the bow, grateful to share a custom and hide her face. “I’m happy to meet Cyran’s friends. It’s cool that you all know each other. Are you from the Crescent Isles as well? I’m from Shingetsu. Gerhart’s right I might explode… ”

Cirice sits next to Gerhart and tries the stew. It’s delicious, new and different from anything she’s ever had. “This is delicious Gerhart! You’re a great cook. Thank you for this meal.”

She listens to Cyran and Del talk as she happily chows down, happy to have the focus shifted away to the other couple.

Cyran understood what Gerhart meant when he described wanting to get better at his craft and grow stronger. Cyran himself had done a lot of practice with his knives since that day - he’d recognized his own weaknesses and worked to improve - but not with Gerhart’s discipline and dedication. He was certain, just looking at the cuts and damage, that Gerhart had gotten much better with his swords since last they fought together, too. Leagues above Cyran’s own ability.

“The two of you have always been talented.” He assured Gerhart and Cirice. “But I’d love to see how much you’ve improved.” And he hadn’t forgotten his promise to Cirice to make sure she knew how use a blade.

The stew was delicious. Homey. Cyran hadn’t had Moonglade traditional food in some time but it had a warmth to it that Cyran woefully missed in other meals on the road and in Darkveil. He sipped at his meal, preferring to listen to the others chat and catch up - Del and Gerhart talking shop, and Cirice and Del getting to know one another better. Eventually, the topic turned to Cyran and Del’s meeting at Shade’s Valley.

“We met while I was running errands, actually.” Cyran toyed with the chain around his neck - a small, practical thing that contained a steel ring emblazoned with flowers. “For the orphanage. I ran into Del out on the street.” A rather strange meeting, but a fortunate one. “We got to talking, and I learned that Del is a carpenter by trade. I asked her if she would be willing to take care of some repairs around Shade's Valley, and she fixed it up and brought some toys for the kids. She’s been staying with me ever since. I hope that the accommodations haven’t been too horrible.”

He added that last part with a sheepish expression on his face. He enjoyed having Del here, but he still sometimes worried if she might be happier elsewhere. But he enjoyed her company while he had it.

"Thank you for the meal," Del eagerly takes the bow of wonderful smelling stew-- fresh baked bread, recently churned butter, and a warm, enticing home. This was the perfect definition of a humble, well lived life. It truly suited Gerhart very well. "If you need any repairs in the future, you have but to ask, of course."

Del's content to listen to this talk of combat ability, eyes drifting between the three as they spoke. She was not one who used blades herself, but she did make them, and had some fair insight into it. If there was to be a bout of training, she would certainly be interested in that, when the time came.

Her smile brightens as Cirice asks about the Crescent Isles. "Shingetsu is a lovely spot, so warm and pretty, if I'm remembering correctly. I spent many years in the outer crescent, an area called Amejisuto Taki -- Amythest Falls," She adds for Cyran and Gerhart's benefit, smiling. "There are some beautiful, old wisteria glades there among the black pines that give the area its namesake. When the flowers fall, they drift into the rivers that go over the cliffs. How did you two meet, exactly?" She looks between Gerhart and Cirice with a wry smile, happy to see them both so happy.

While Cyran answers the question about how they met, Del smiles. Her own ring, a sparkling blue reminiscent of the night sky, sits on her collarbone, the two little shadow sprites on her shoulders poking the chain for their amusement. "Horrible? Never," Del shakes her head vehemently. "My time with you-- at Shade's Valley has been my best experience in Darkveil, and every day sets a new record. I'm happy to stay. For as long as you'd have me there, of course." She adds, suddenly self conscious herself for some reason. Del looks to Gerhart and Cirice. "He's been nothing short of incredibly accomodating and generous. I've been trying to find ways to get extra work in without having to worry about payment, but nothing escapes his notice." there's a chuckle, the lightest of teases.

"I could probably show you after dinner, I have a new move I've been working on that you should be able to use even with shorter knives like yours." He smiles, blushing a little bit at all the praise and attention for the meal. What they didn't know is he spent about an hour at the market this morning speaking with one of the shop keeps about recipes easy enough that he couldn't screw them up.

Like Cirice, he is happy to let Del and Cyran take center stage for a moment. It would give him a chance to eat and settle into the feeling. It had been awhile since he had the time to sit around and enjoy a meal with people like this. Quick dinners during missions often didn't have the same cozy closeness a meal at home did. It was nice in a way he couldn't explain.

"Same place we all met...well I guess it wasn't the first time I met Cyran. First was that guy looking at volcanic woolful who ended up getting chased into a volcanic vent by a basilisk." He laughed softly remembering that whole job. "I don't know when you two met," pointing between Cyran and Cirice, "But the three of us were asked to look into some old Zeinavian Sultan's tomb, supposedly it was part of the first Zeinav City. I don't know any of the history, but they wanted people to explore it for them and those three ended up being us."

He tries to keep a subtle watch on Cirice and Cyran's expressions on how much more to share, the three of them really went through hell down there. He wasn't sure just how much would be too much for either of them.

“I’ve never been to that part of the Isles, I’d love to some day.” Cirice responds to Del, trying to imagine the wisteria and thinking it quite beautiful. “Well um Cyran and I met in Frost Gale, we took a job together after I realized he was my friend Iryla’s dad. And we bonded a lot and ended up going to the dungeon together and meeting Gerhart…”

She swallows hard, looking into her stew, “I’d never been in a situation like that before. I’d never been that scared or felt that powerless… But Gerhart and Cyran protected me and I did my best to protect them. I think from the first moment Gerhart caught me I was smitten with him. He was the perfect gentleman. He’s the most positive and loving person I’ve ever met. He’s my hero. Both of them are my heroes, but Gerhart is like a prince in an old story...” Cirice blushes, realizing too late she’s just been saying whatever came to mind, “But um yeah I worked hard to learn more since then so I wouldn’t feel powerless again. I’ve even been learning a little about using a weapon. I got a cool sword and I’ve been learning things with it.”

Cyran thought he might spontaneously combust at Del’s praise. He was under no illusions that the space she stayed in was not the most glamorous, and there were plenty of shortcomings considering it was a space cram-packed with noisy, chaotic children and bickering apprentices. Not the easiest place for one to stay. She was just being polite, he was sure. Yet, he was somehow struck with the feeling she was being entirely genuine. He stared down at his soup, suddenly bashful. “Well. Um. You are welcome to stay as long as you’d like, of course. The place is warmer with you in it.” He did secretly smile behind his hand as Del recounted how hard it was to get repairs and gifts past him on the sly. Sometimes it was useful to be an ever-watchful eye.

It warmed his heart to watch some of his favorite people converse and get to know each other. It was welcome to listen to Cirice and Del speaking of the Crescent Isles with such fondness, or Gerhart getting excited about showing Cyran some of his own techniques. “I’d love to learn.” He nodded, turning to Cirice. “I brought practice knives for you as well if you’d want to practice. Identical to a blade but with less of the bumps and scratches that come from practice.” He laughed, holding up his own hand - covered in nicks and scars from when he’d been learning himself.

The good mood soured somewhat at the mention of the tomb. “Yes… Gerhart and I have known each other for quite a while. But Cirice and I met only a little bit before we took that job. I thought it might be safe enough for her, and if I watched over her I could prevent anyone from getting hurt, but…” He shrugged. “At the end I couldn’t really do much of anything at all save keep moving until we found an escape.” It had touched them all in different ways, really. Where Cirice and Gerhart carried feelings of burden that they hadn't done enough, Cyran felt horrible he'd been the one to put them in that position in the first place. He knew the job would hold risks - hell, he should have turned them all away the moment he lost his damned eye at the entrance - but Cyran made a judgement call, and it had been the wrong one. Whether it was cockiness, or just simply a bad choice, he wasn't sure. But he'd been the one to urge them forward, was the one who asked Cirice if she wanted to do such rotten work in the first place. He fancied himself a protector at times, ready to help those in need, but that role didn't suit him. Really, all Cyran was good for was getting people hurt and killed, whether by his own hand or others. 

His eye was a small punishment, in retrospect.

He perked up when Cirice mentioned a sword, though. When had she gotten her hands on such a thing? “What kind of sword?” It was difficult not to act nervous at the thought of Cirice handling such a large blade without supervision. But Cirice was an adult, and the last thing he wanted was to be overbearing and preventing her from learning and growing and picking up new ways to defend herself. “Do you mind if I take a look?”