Jubilant return

Kael walks with Ria towards his house. The streets are packed with people, both human and nonhuman, and there’s a celebratory atmosphere that seems to have drawn in everyone. Kael and Ria are recognized immediately, of course, and between the cheers, pats on the back, and in one case, a kiss on the cheek, Kael is quite overwhelmed by the attention. Ria handles it better, but she can see Kael struggling and helps him push through the crowds. The further from the palace, the calmer it gets, fortunately, and soon they’re able to relax.

Kael smiles at Ria, squeezing her hand. “Thanks. Still not entirely used to crowds like that.”

Ria grins. “Well, you’ll get better at it, big guy. Both of us will, apparently.”

Kael nods, taking a deep breath. “Yeah. Doesn’t feel real.”

Ria leans against him and smiles. “Don’t worry. Lord Greyheart didn’t make this decision lightly. And I’m sure he’ll get us fully prepared. He was right though. With us together, there’s nothing we can’t do.”

Kael smiles back at her, giving her a soft kiss. “Thanks, Ria.”

She laughs, kissing him in return. “Well, I am your queen, after all! And we have some royal celebrating to do with our fellow royalty!”

Kael laughs, rolling his eyes. “The three of you are going to kill me, you know that?”

There’s mischief in Ria’s eyes as she pulls him towards the door of his house. “You know you love it, big guy!”

Before he can answer, she pushes open the door. With a squeal of delight, Evie bursts forth, leaping into Kael’s arms. The little elf clings to him, smothering him in kisses. There’s a laugh from inside as Gabby emerges, and Ria gives the big holstaur a hug.

Evie stops kissing Kael for a moment, looking into his eyes. “Master…we’re free! We’re really free!”

Kael chuckles, carrying the happy elf back inside. “You are. All the slaves are free. Which means that people are going to look at me funny if you call me master.”

He sits down on the couch, and Evie snuggles against him. “I don’t care, master. It has meaning for us. I love you. And I’m free to love you, always, master.”

The couch gets crowded as Ria and Gabby join them, but no one minds the closeness. Gabby isn’t as overwhelmingly emotional as Evie, but the look of joy on her face is unmistakable. The four of them bask in the happiness for a while, the distant sounds of the celebration reaching them even here. After a while, Kael sighs, and speaks.

“We do have big news to share though. It’s not bad news, but it’s not entirely good either.”

Ria nods. “It’s…big.”