13

A butterfly fluttered through the open window of Kuina’s farmhouse bedroom, its iridescent wings catching the morning light. Kuina, still wrapped in a plush bathrobe, had just finished showering, her long, white hair cascading down her shoulder, damp and fragrant. She’d been lost in thought, contemplating the training regimen her sister Thaline might've cooked up for poor Julian, when the shimmering creature caught her eye.

Kuina paused, pursing her lips into a thin line. She’d received messenger butterflies countless times during her adventuring days - urgent missives from comrades, requests for aid, reports from distant outposts. But it had been *years* since a butterfly had sought her out, years since she’d actively participated in the network of information that flowed through the adventurer’s guild. A subtle tension crept into her shoulders. This wasn’t a casual greeting. This was a deliberate communication. She reached out a slender hand, allowing the butterfly to land gently on her fingertip. As it settled, a faint glow emanated from its wings, and a miniature projection of her daughter Eira materialized.

“Hey momma!”

Eira’s voice, bright and cheerful, filled the room. The projection widened, offering Kuina a glimpse into Eira’s dorm room at the Academy. Her daughter sat perched on the edge of her bed, radiating youthful energy. Eira’s eyes darted towards a figure standing just outside the projection’s frame, a playful smirk gracing her lips. A soft chuckle escaped her.

“This will probably be best if poppa joins you, if you’re alone that is.”

Eira mused, her gaze lingering on the unseen figure before returning to her mother. A blush crept onto her cheeks, betraying a hint of embarrassment. The implication was clear: this wasn't a message meant for Kuina's ears alone. It was a formal announcement, a request for permission, delivered with a playful nudge and the presence of a… companion.

Kuina carefully carried the shimmering projection with her as she walked into the living room. The scent of woodsmoke and freshly baked bread hung in the air, a comforting aroma that always filled their farmhouse home. Lael was there, as always, a pillar of calm and strength. He gently rocked the cradle, the twins—Soyer and Sage—slumbering peacefully within. Their faces were serene, oblivious to the unfolding events.

“Lael, Eira has something to share with us.”

Kuina said softly, glancing at her husband. Her voice held a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. She settled onto the plush sofa, gesturing for Lael to join her. He rocked the twins some more before approaching and taking a seat beside his wife. He offered Kuina a reassuring smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Eira’s smile blossomed, radiant and unrestrained. With a playful wave of her hand, she beckoned Halston to step into view of the projection. He appeared beside her, tall and imposing, his expression a mixture of nervousness and determination. He offered a polite, if slightly formal, nod to Kuina and Lael. His presence filled the projection, a clear indication of his importance in Eira’s life.

“You’ve both know I don’t sugar coat reality.”

Eira began, her voice brimming with confidence.

“So, momma, papa, I’d like you both to meet Halston...”

A calm, almost detached statement escaped Lael's mouth.

“That’s a boy.”

The words slipped from his lips, a seemingly innocuous greeting. But beneath the surface, a storm was brewing. A vein pulsed visibly in his neck, and his knuckles audibly cracked as his hands clenched into tight fists. The gentle, loving father had vanished, replaced by the seasoned adventurer, the protector, the one who wouldn’t hesitate to defend his daughter. A dangerous glint sparked in his eyes.

"What's a boy doing in her room?"

Lael rose from the sofa, his movements fluid and predatory despite his imposing stature. He towered over Kuina, casting a long shadow that seemed to darken the room. His gaze, usually warm and inviting, was now cold and assessing, fixed on the projection of his daughter and her companion. Luckily for Halston, the magical butterfly acted as a one-way mirror – he couldn’t see or hear Lael’s reaction, shielded from the raw intensity of his fatherly fury.

A shiver snaked its way up Eira’s spine, a prickling sensation that alerted her to her father’s barely contained fury. She squeezed Halston’s hand, her fingers interlacing with his, a silent gesture of reassurance and solidarity. She offered him a narrow, encouraging smile, trying to project a sense of calm despite the palpable tension.

“This is the fastest way of communication, even if it’s a one way stream.”

Eira explained to Halston, her voice regaining its composure.

“It’s ready for you to speak now, both of them can hear you.”

She gave his hand another gentle squeeze, urging him forward. The projection remained steady, focused on the two young faces. The silence in the room was thick, broken only by the gentle creaking of the cradle and the barely perceptible sound of Lael’s controlled breathing. All eyes – or rather, all attention – were fixed on Halston, waiting for him to break the tense quiet.

The nerve of the young man was undeniably astounding. Halston squared his shoulders, standing a little straighter, radiating a surprising amount of confidence. His voice, though laced with a hint of nervousness, was firm and clear. He didn’t mince words, addressing Kuina and Lael directly, with a boldness that bordered on audacity.

“Eira and I are imprinted on one another.”

Halston declared, his gaze unwavering.

“I am formally courting her. I will take responsibility if she gets pregnant.”

The statement hung in the air, heavy with implications. He wasn’t afraid to admit the possibility – the likelihood, even – of a more intimate future with Eira, dismissing any concerns about propriety or the reactions of her parents with a casual disregard.

“I’m gonna kill him.”

The words were barely a whisper, a guttural rumble that vibrated with suppressed rage. Lael’s decision was instantaneous, absolute. He turned sharply, already reaching for a sturdy travelling bag leaning against the wall. His movements were swift and purposeful, betraying years of honed instinct. He began to pack with ruthless efficiency, tossing in spare clothes, sharpening stones, and a collection of potent healing potions.

Kuina moved swiftly, placing a calming hand on Lael’s arm. Her touch was firm yet gentle, a silent plea for restraint.

“Lael, please...”

She murmured, her voice laced with a quiet urgency.

“Let’s not do anything rash, Eira is happy.”

She knew her husband’s protective instincts were fierce, but she also understood the importance of allowing their daughter to make her own choices, even if those choices challenged their expectations.

Lael’s jaw tightened, his muscles coiling with restrained fury. He wanted to argue, to unleash the storm of anger brewing within him, but a lifetime of marriage had taught him a valuable lesson; Kuina always had the final say. Their dynamic was well-established, a delicate balance where his cocky impulsiveness was tempered by her wisdom and unwavering resolve. He exhaled slowly, forcing himself to unclench his fists. The journey bag remained half-packed, a sore indicator of his initial reaction. He lowered his gaze, conceding defeat, at least for the moment.

“Good boy.”

Kuina whispered, her voice soft and soothing. She gently traced her fingertips up over Lael’s broad chest, a deliberate caress meant to diffuse his tension. Then, she pressed herself against him, her body molding to his, a silent invitation to find solace in her embrace. It was undeniably difficult for Lael to maintain his anger, his wife’s ample, beautiful breasts nearly spilling out of the confines of her silk bathrobe, a tantalizing distraction from the turmoil brewing within him. He closed his eyes, fighting a losing battle against his baser instincts.

Kuina’s lips brushed lightly against the exposed hollow of Lael’s collarbone, a delicate kiss that sent a shiver down his spine. The touch was feather-light, yet it held a potent charge, a silent reassurance and a subtle reminder of their intimate connection. His breath hitched in his throat, the scent of her perfume filling his senses, further eroding his resolve. He leaned into her touch, surrendering to the comforting warmth of her embrace.

Lael’s resolve began to crumble, dissolving under the relentless onslaught of his wife’s intimate touches and lingering kisses. He groaned softly, his body relaxing against Kuina’s warmth.

“…there has to be something…”

He mumbled, his voice thick with a mixture of frustration and desire.

“…mmm… Julian… I’ll send him a letter… he’ll… put his foot down, in my stead…”

He grumbled, the thought of enlisting his son's help was a **** admission of defeat. He knew Julian, the boy would definitely light a blaze under his sister if need be. It was a compromise, a way for Lael to assert his disapproval without directly confronting the young man himself.