Moren took a deep breath as she walked down the ramp towards the low wall, taking in the stunning view of Ethos. "Finally, we're here," she whispered, captivated by the sight of the sprawling city. It was a mesmerizing blend of historical architecture and mechanical innovation. Towering spires adorned with intricate carvings and glowing magical runes stood alongside massive clockwork structures, their gears and pistons moving in a synchronized rhythm. "Amazing."
She could see the streets below were a bustling mosaic of cobblestone paths and iron pathways. Crystal-powered lamp posts line the streets with steam billowing from various gadgets, and factories dotted the landscape. Moren spotted the remnants of the old city destroyed during the Great Aether War over a century ago and stood as a testament to the city's resilience. Ancient stone buildings, partially rebuilt and reinforced with metal braces and steam-powered enhancements, showcased the city's ability to blend history or innovation.
Ethos stands as a beacon of progress and creativity, where the wonders of magic and ingenuity coexist in a captive tapestry of sights and sounds.
Moren had relaxed slightly after the ship left Stormhaven, but being here in Ethos, she finally felt free. A part of her knew she couldn't stay in the city very long before her parents would send someone to look for her here. It made sense due to the fact her Uncle lived in the city, they would assume it was her first stop.
"It's even more beautiful walking down the streets at night when the lampposts turned on," Veska said, stretching her back and letting her wing out and flap a few times. "The nightlife here is amazing, and there are a lot of incredible musicians and plays you need to see in person." She adjusts her bag over her shoulder.
"It's beautiful," Mika said after moving to stand by her daughter to look at her new city. "The description my husband sent me did not do the city justice." Mika glanced at the large clock. "How about we get some lunch before we head to Gilgamesh's Emporium?"
"Do you have any suggestions, Veska?" Moren asked the wizard. "You did say that you knew the best places in Ethos."
Veska paused for a moment before nodding her head. "I know a few places." She gestured for them to follow. "We better get there before they get packed with the lunch rush."
Moren and Mika fell in step behind her and took every opportunity to look around as they exited the Skyport.
Twenty minutes later, Veska led them to a cozy, rustic tavern called The Goblins' Grub. The building was tucked between a couple of larger, newer buildings. A Gnome waitress with a kind smile led them to a table in the corner. They each had the house special, strips of roasted boar in a mushroom stew with ale-braised potatoes. The food smelled amazing and tasted even better, especially after several days of simple meals on the ship.
"I am definitely coming back here to have more of this incredible food again," Moran said after savoring the perfectly cooked boar meat. "They need a bigger restaurant. This place is packed with people, and with this amazing food, I can see why."
"The owner likes to keep it cozy rather than oversized," Veska explained as she sipped some apple-spiced cider. "I have a list of places to show you if you like the food here." She ate several spoonfuls of her stew. "We are definitely going to The Dragon's Feast. They have great food and live entertainment."
Mika raised an eyebrow at Veska. "Excuse me?" She asked in a stern, motherly tone.
"Not that kind of entertainment, Mika." Veska snickered. "Bards, plays, comedy acts, that kind of entertainment." She gave them both a wink. "If I wanted to take Moren to a place like that, it would be the Bent Wench. Good drinks and lovely dancers of all races and body types."
Mika rolled her eyes and finished her meal before setting her fork down. "I would like a list of family-appropriate restaurants I can visit with my family." She mentioned, leaning back in her chair with a full stomach. "After I get situated, I would like to set up a weekly lunch with both of you to keep in touch."
"That sounds wonderful," Moren agreed, finishing her lunch and smiling at her mother. "I'm sure we can figure something out after you and your husband are finished getting reacquainted." She made sure to add heavy emphasis on the last word.
Mika's cheeks flushed a bright red. "Moren Fae!" She hissed at her daughter. "That is not appropriate table conversation!"
Veska snorted into her hand. "I agree with Moren that we can wait to schedule something next week when you finally wear your husband out." She teased as the Half-Elf woman's face turned a darker red.
Mika scowled at both Moren and Veska. "Just you two wait," She said, crossing her arms. "One of these days, you two will each find someone, and I will have my revenge."
Moren giggled. "I'll keep that in mind," She said, leaning back in her chair. "Not like I'm going to find someone anytime soon." An image of Tiana flashed in her mind for a moment but was gone in an instant.
"I haven't had a serious relationship in years," Veska chimed in with a shrug of her shoulders. "So, tease me all you like. I'm not the settling down type." She waved her hand to make a small wave of magical light. "I prefer to be free."
"We'll see about that," Mika just gave them both a knowing look before shaking her head. "Now, let's go see my family before I give myself a reason to postpone my reunion any longer." She started wringing her hands.
Moren reached over to take her mother's hand gently. "We will be with you every step of the way." She said with a soft smile. "I'll hold your hand the entire time if I have to."
Veska mirrored Moren's action and took Mika's other hand. "While you have every right to be nervous, I'm sure your family will be over the moon to see you again after all your years apart." Veska placed a hand on her emblem of Veysha. "The Eternal Flame will watch over us."
Mika smiled at their support and took a deep breath before blowing it out. "Thank you both," She beamed and stood up. "Veska, can you take me to the shop, please?"
Veska stood up and gave Mika a quick bow. "It would be my honor." She said, leaving a generous tip on the table for the waitress.
Thanks to Veska's knowledge of the city, they managed to move easily down the city streets, which led them to the infamous Gilgamesh's Goods. The building nestled in the heart of the city, the shop itself was a testament to modern ingenuity and timeless fantasy. The shop's exterior was a marvel to behold, with its intricate façade blending ornate ironwork and shimmering glass, powered by the steady hum of steam engines and glowing with arcane power. The shop's grand entrance was flanked by two towering brass towers of mystical creatures carved into the surface. The incredible building seemed to entice patrons into a world of magic and technology that seemed to exist in perfect harmony.
"I can't believe I am standing outside Gilgamesh's Goods!" More squealed with excitement. She had read countless books about Ironbound Vanguard and their legendary adventures, and each one mentioned this store repeatedly as the best place to get magical items. Pinch me. I must be dreaming." Moren winched when someone pinched her arm. "Ow! I didn't mean for you to actually do it!"
Veska snickered and pretended to act innocent. "Well, you did ask to be pinched." She teased. "You are definitely not dreaming."
"Girls, behave," Mika said without taking her eyes off the shop before her. "Veska, apologize to Moren. Moren, don't make comments like that because you know that Veska will actually pinch you."
"Yes, Mother." The pair said at the same time.
Moren watched Mika build up the nerve to go inside, and she squeezed her mother's hand. "One step at a time. We're right behind you every step of the way." She whispered and watched her mother nod her head. "Are you ready?"
"Now or never," Mika muttered before making her way toward the door and opened the door.
Moren thought the outside was impressive, the inside was twice as incredible, and she felt like a kid in a candy store for the first time. She had been to other magic shops in Stormhaven, but this was on a whole different level. The inside was a labyrinth of wonders, shelves filled to the brim with alchemic potions and enchanted artifacts stretching as far as her eyes could see. Gears and cogs whirred slowly, powering displays that showcased rare components like dragon teeth and mechanical gadgets. She looked up to see chandeliers made of crystalline dragon scales cast a warm, ethereal-like illumination on the rich mahogany counters and posh, velvet-lined seats where customers could peruse different tomes or discuss custom orders with a knowledgeable member of the staff. "I could spend hours here and never be bored."
"I second that," Veska smirked. "The first time I came here with my Master, he had to drag me out of here kicking and screaming because I wanted to look at everything in the shop." She glanced over at her friend. "I hope I don't have to do the same to you, Moren."
Moren did the mature thing and stuck her tongue out at Veska. "First, we need to find Mika's family, and then we can look around." She ignored the wizard's snickering, "There is one of the staff members. Maybe they can point in the right direction." She gestured to a human woman in her late 30s, dusting one of the shelves.
Mika walked over to the woman. "Pardon me, but is Matthew Mistwalker here today?" She asked politely.
The woman paused for a moment before nodding her head. "Yeah, he is in the back," She said, gesturing towards the back room behind the counter. "I'll go get him for you."
"Been a while since I've heard your last name," Moren said while watching the worker enter the backroom. Usually, her parents just barked orders at her or called her by her first name to enforce the difference in the pecking order. "Was it strange to say?"
"Yes," Mika said, shaking her head. "That will take some getting used to." She started tapping her foot out of anxiety.
Veska started humming a calming tune and rubbed circles on Mika's back until the woman's foot went still and her shoulders relaxed. "Better?" She asked softly.
"Thank you," Mika whispered, and when the door to the backroom opened, she let out a gasp. "That's him, my son."
Moren looked at the man walking toward their group. He was in his late 20s and an inch or two taller than Mika, with his dark brown hair cut short and neatly trimmed beard. He wore a dirty grey tunic covered in various stains partially hidden by a brown blacksmith apron. Matthew's pockets on the side of his black pants were filled with multiple tools. His worn boots looked like they had recently been fixed by the patches of new leather. Moren could see the bags under the man's eyes and seemed to walk toward them on muscle memory.
"Sorry for the delay," Matthew said, rubbing his tired eyes. "I was told that you wanted to speak-." He opened his eyes to look at the guest waiting for him, and his heart stopped when he spotted a familiar face. "Mom?" He breathed and slowly reached a hand toward the woman. "I-Is that really you?"
Tears ran down Mika's face, and she nodded her head. "Yes, it's me, baby," She said, choking back a sob and taking a step forward. "I'm finally free and came straight here to see you and your father." Mika let out a happy sob when her son rushed forward and hugged her. "I missed your hugs." She gripped her son tightly, afraid he would disappear if she let go.
"I missed you, Mom," Matthew murmured and hugged his back mother just as tightly. "Dad and I have been saving every spare coin we could to free you, but the letters from Lord Ravenheart said your debt was growing larger instead of smaller."
"He lied," Moren said, lowering her eyes to the ground. "He never had any intention of letting your mother out of her servitude to him. She was too valuable and knew too many of his and his wife's secrets." She reached into one of her enchanted pouches and pulled out a sealed envelope. "Here is an extra copy of Mika's release papers and proof of her freedom with Lord Ravenheart's personal seal on the envelope and all documents." Moren gave Mika and Matthew a respectful bow. "It is the least I can do for her."
Mika released her son from her hug and turned to face Moren. "I've told you before, my servitude is not your fault, nor is it Matthew's," She said, resting her hands on her hips. "I chose to borrow money to take care of my family and fell behind. Moren, you weren't even born when I made that deal."
"You're Moren," Matthew said, giving Moren his full attention. "Mom mentioned you in all of her letters." He gave her a small smile. "She told us all about how you slipped extra gold into her pocket to help and always looked out for her despite what your parents did to her." Matthew stepped in front of Moren and offered his hand. "Thank you for looking after her and bringing her home to us."
"It was my pleasure," Moren replied, shaking Matthew's hand. "She was like a mother to me my entire life, and I wanted to make sure that you were reunited with her before I go visit my estranged relative and his family." Moren gave Mika a wink. "I'll let you have time with your son and check in on you in a few days." She hugged Mika quickly and started to head toward the door, with Veska giving her a supportive pat on the back.
"Wait!" Matthew called out and hurried forward. "Please, have dinner with us tonight." He said, gesturing to himself and Mika. "I'm sure my father and fiancé will want to meet you after hearing about you all these years as well."
"Wait, Fiancé!" Mika exclaimed with a shocked look on her face, "Who is she? How did you meet? When is the wedding?" She bombarded her son with a dozen questions without taking a breath.
"I swear there is never a dull moment around you two," Veska mused with a smile. "How about we have dinner? My treat to celebrate Mika's return, and then I can lead Moren to her relatives." She raised a hand when Mika and Matthew tried to protest. "Please allow me to handle the bill tonight, and I know just where to take all of us."
"I'll chip in as well," Moren said, patting her money pouch. "It's the least I can do to get to know Mika's family, and spending my family's money at the same time on something that would cause them to have a meltdown is just a bonus."
Mika huffed playfully. "Fine, but expect home-cooked meals at some point for the both of you, in addition to our weekly lunches." She grinned. "I'm sure you both will need a mother figure to keep you out of trouble."
"I did ask you for a sibling when I was a kid," Matthew teased, giving Moren and Veska a wink. "I just had to wait a few years before they showed up." He gestured to the two grinning women in question.
Mika sighed tiredly and shooed her children out of the shop. "Let go before you three conspire against me any further.' She grumbled.
Several hours later, everyone was in a joyous mood as they swapped stories, and everyone listened when Matthew started to tell his to Mika, Moren, and Veska.
"So, we had been friends for about three years, and I wasn't picking up on her subtle hints that she was interested in me," Matthew explained with a chuckle at his mother pinching the bridge of her nose. "Rose finally got tired of waiting for me to stop being dense and asked me out on a date."
"It was worth the wait," Rose said with a fanged smile. She ran a hand through her long black hair and had to move around her short, curved horns resembling those of a cow. Rose's light blue skin contrasted against her simple black dress.
While Veska was a Luminari, a celestial-touched, Rose was an Ashborne.
Ashborne, in contrast, are a fiend-touched race, their lineage traced back to ancient pacts and infernal bloodlines. Their appearance manifests in a smoldering warmth beneath their skin, faint ember-like flecks in their eyes, and a variety of curved horns such as those of a cow or ram. Their skin tones range from deep umber to ashen gray, often carrying subtle, smoke-like markings. Though feared by some, Ashborne are not inherently malevolent—many walk the line between their infernal heritage and their own chosen path, navigating the world with an air of quiet mystery and simmering power.
"He did surprise me with a romantic evening and proposed with a stone that matched my eyes." Rose finished, showing her silver ring with a square sapphire.
"That is so sweet," Moren cooed at the romantic story.
They made a short stop to pick up Rose from her teaching job and Mika's husband, Jack, from his job. After years of separation, the older man nearly collapsed at the sight of his wife. Veska had taken them to The Dragon's Feast and told everyone to order what they wanted from the grand dining hall. The live entertainment was a known singer that put the whole restaurant in a joyous mood.
"You are one lucky lady to have such a sweet man like him." Moren finished raising a glass to Rose.
"He gets that from me," Jack said with a boisterous laugh. His dark hair was streaked with gray, and his face was clean-shaved for his position as a guard. His average build was deceptive as his muscles were compact and earned with years of hard work as a dock worker and now a guard. "They still haven't set a date yet or when they will give us grandchildren."
"Dad!" Matthew blushed at his father's tease and saw the excited look on his mother's face. "Oh, no. Not you, too, Mom!"
Veska sipped on her wine with a conspiratorial grin at Moren, "I mean, they are young and in love," She started with an innocent smile. "It may be any day now that Rose will announce she is pregnant."
"My bet is a month at most with how adorable they are together," Moren chimed in with a wide smile. "I look forward to being the fun aunt and spoiling that baby rotten." She burst out laughing at Matthew's face turning a bright red and Rose's cheeks turning a bright purple.
"You did want siblings, remember?" Mika grinned as she watched her son let out an exaggerated sigh. "This is what happens when you have siblings. They will tease you until you tease them back."
"Noted." Matthew sighed as his fiancé patted him on the back. "Well, as much fun as this has been, I have to be up early in the morning to make up for what work I didn't finish today."
Rose nodded her head. "I need to work on my lesson for my students tomorrow." She gave Moren and Veska a kind smile. "I hope you don't mind if I join you for your weekly lunch."
"The more the merrier," Moren said, setting several coins on the table for the staff that had waited on them. "I want to get to know you better, and I am sure Mika would like to hear more stories about her son."
Matthew closed his eyes and lowered his head in defeat. Rose patted him on the back to show her support.
Moren chuckled and stood up from the table. "You all have a good night, and I will see Mika in a few days to set a time for our lunch." She said as Mika rushed over to hug her. "See you soon, Mom. I have the address that Jack gave me."
Mika nodded her head. "Please be safe," She murmured before looking at Veska. "Look after her for me, ok?"
"I will," Veska replied with a slight nod. "You enjoy your family time, and we will see you soon." She set a pouch of coins on the table and headed for the door after Moren gave hugs to everyone else. "Ready to see your Uncle?"
Moren took one last look at Mika and her happy family before looking at Veska. "I just hope I will get the same reception Mom did with her family." She admitted as her anxiety reared its ugly head. "It has been six years since I last saw Uncle Jace. A lot can change in that time." She remembered how excited she was when he visited her as a child. He always brought her books and the best toys, but the most important thing her Uncle did for her was spend time with her. Moren remembered all the trips to the bookstore or a candy shop, just the two of them.
"You worry too much," Veska said, patting Moren's arm in a comforting manner. "I know by reputation that your Uncle is a kind man and is respected by many on the council and beloved throughout the city for all the improvements he's pushed through to make Ethos a better city." She playfully elbowed Moren. "Besides, you're forgetting something important."
"What's that?" Moren asked, raising an eyebrow out of curiosity.
"You forgot about someone after we arrived in Ethos," Veska replied with a smirk. "I'm sure she will be a little miffed at you." She watched Moren's eyes go wide with realization and suppressed a laugh at her plan to get Moren to think about something else, which worked perfectly.
"Shit," Moren swore and rubbed her face with her hand. "Luna is going to be so angry at me." She stepped off to the side and summoned Luna back to this realm. Moren watched the tawny owl appear at her feet, glaring at her. "Hi, Luna."
'You forgot.' Luna said with an angry hoot. She flapped her wings and flew up into the air to swat Moren in the side of the head with her wing.
"Hey!' Moren cries out, stepping back from her angry familiar. "I got sidetracked! I'm sorry!" She said, hold up her hand to block Luna from swatting her again. "How can I make it up to you?"
Luna hovered in the air for a moment and locked eyes with Moren. 'Head pats.' She said with a stern bark. 'More head pat!'
"Deal," Moren said, offering Luna her arm and watching Luna land on her forearm with a knowing gaze. "Here." She patted the owl on the head and smiled as Luna leaned into her hand.
Veska was giggling at the dynamic between Moren and her familiar. "Let's get going before it gets any later." She mused, waving for the pair to follow her as the street lights started to glow brighter.
"Lead the way," Moren said in awe as they walked down the street, watching the lights reflect off the polished building, creating a unique light show as the sun went down behind the buildings.
Moren's jaw dropped as they approached the massive building, her eyes drawn to the familiar crest gleaming above a black wrought-iron gate.
"T-This is my uncle's home?" she stammered, barely able to tear her gaze away from the towering structure. The castle loomed before them—elegant and imposing, its dark stone walls lined with ivy and flanked by polished statues. Ornate windows shimmered in the sunlight, and the intricate detailing on the balconies hinted at generations of wealth. "I-Is everyone around here this wealthy?" she asked, her voice small.
A pair of guards stood on either side of the gate, their armor gleaming, hands resting on the hilts of their swords. Both watched her intently, their expressions unreadable.
"Most of them are," Veska said, gesturing to the nearby homes of equal abundance and size. "These homes belong to those that hold the rank of Councilor. The Council built these to allow members to be close in case of an emergency meeting." She gave Moren a light shove on the back. "Now, stop stalling and go talk to the guards."
Moren nodded, slowly walked to the gate, and noted that each guard gripped their weapons tighter as she approached them. She couldn't blame them for reacting that way since it was growing late and a pair of strangers were standing outside the gate of such an important city figure.
"Halt," One of the guards barked out. "What business do you have with Councilor Ravenheart?"
Moren did as instructed and politely bowed her head. "I apologize for the inconvenience, but I have just arrived from Stormhaven and was hoping to speak with my Uncle." She said, gesturing at herself. "My name is Moren Ravenheart, his niece."
Both guards tensed at her introduction, and the first guard whimpered something to his companion before returning his attention to Moren. "Please wait while we contact the Councilor, Ma'am."
"I understand," Moren agreed, stepping back and bowed respectfully. "I shall wait with my friend until you call me back over." She waited for the first guard to acknowledge her before stepping next to Veska. "Thank you for escorting me here."
Veska smiled at her friend. "My pleasure, and I still have time to get a room for the night," She said, patting her taller friend on the arm. "I did promise to let you know when I am leaving town to look for my Master, and that is a month away." She waited for Moren to nod and decided to change the subject. "Make me a list of places you want to visit, and I will be your guide once again."
"That would be wonderful," Moren beamed with excitement.
They made small talk of places to visit in Ethos when a man with short gray hair and a matching pencil-thin mustache in a butler's outfit hurried out of the gate, stopped before Moren, and bowed.
"Milady, I am to escort you inside immediately. My Lord is anxious to see you." The man stood up and turned his attention to Veska. "My Lord has requested you be invited in as well for escorting his niece here and to offer you a reward for your assistance."
Veska glanced at a surprised Moren and slowly nodded her head. "I would be delighted to meet such a great man." She said in a polite and proper tone. "Please lead the way."
"Of course," the butler said, turning on his heels and moving back inside at a slow and steady pace.
Vesak fell in step beside Moren with a smirk. "I think he is excited to see you after all," She teased quietly to her friend. "I told you that you had nothing to be nervous about."
Moren rolled her eyes and gave Veska a matching smirk. "You were right, and I was wrong." She said with an exaggerated sigh of relief at her Uncle requesting to see her immediately instead of sending her away.
"Just remember that," Veska giggled and linked arms with Moren. "Now, let's get ready to meet one of the most powerful men in the city." She said shaking her head. "I swear hanging around you will never be boring, and I love every minute of it."
The butler led them to a library filled with bookshelves on 3 of the four walls packed with books of all sizes. A roaring fire in the hearth filled the room with warm and light near six comfortable-looking chairs, and a small tray of drinks and snacks rested atop a polished silver tray.
"My Lord will join you momentarily. He is finishing up a meeting," The butler explained, gesturing to the food and drinks. "Please enjoy the refreshments while you wait. If you need anything, please ring the bell near the door to summon a maid." He gave them a short bow before leaving the room.
Luna flew over to the edge of the mantle over the hearth and let out a content hoot before getting comfortable.
Veska walked over, picked up one of the silver goblets, and sniffed the glass. "Oh," she exclaimed before sniffing the wine again. "This is honey-spiced wine from the Elven Veilwood Enclave, and it's not something the average tavern can get. This is made in a special vineyard that only makes a handful of bottles a year and is very expensive." Veska took a sip and let out a deep moan. "My Master talked about his all the time, but I've never had a chance to drink it until today." She rambled and took another sip. "It tastes divine."
Moren moved over to the table, picked up a goblet, and took a sip before letting out a moan as well. "You're right. It does taste divine." She took another sip and savored the wine as she walked around the room. Moren glanced at the various books and saw several titles she would love to read if given the chance. She stopped in front of the fireplace to see a large painting of a woman with long red hair and piercing green eyes. The woman stood tall, wearing a suit of red and gold half-plate armor with a black cape billowing. She had a stunning longsword resting on her shoulder, and her smile looked beautiful and dangerous. Moren's eyes drifted down to a small plaque under the picture.
Morgana Ravenheart
Commander of the Rose Guard
May you Rest in Peace.
Warrior, Leader, Mother
"Stunning lady," Veska said, walking over to stand next to Moren. "Is that your Aunt?"
Moren nodded her head. "Yeah, I was named after her, according to my uncle," She said with a sad smile. "She fell in battle against a Lich here in Ethos almost 20 years ago." Moren reached up to run her fingers gently across the plaque. "Uncle Jace used to tell me stories about her and his old adventuring party. They fought side by side for years before settling down and having my cousin, Jaycen." She explained, taking another sip of her wine. "He remarried about eight years ago and has a couple more kids."
"Did they come to visit you in Stormhaven?" Veska asked, leading Moren over to one of the seats. "I know you mentioned on the ship that your uncle visited you."
Moren took a seat and swirled the wine in her goblet. "Uncle Jace visited with my older cousin Jaycen a few times, but after he got remarried to my Aunt Heiko, my parents forbid her from coming due to her non-human nature as a Cat Beast-kin." She saw Veska scowl. "Yeah, my parents are scum." She shrugged her shoulders. "Anyway, after that, Uncle Jace would visit when he had business in the city until he and my father had a falling out."
"Families are complicated," Veska said, leaning back in her chair and finishing the last of her wine. "The sisters at the temple raised me until my Master named me his apprentice. They were always strict but kind." She reached up to run her thumb over her pendant lovingly. "They treated me like family, and I still visit occasionally." A small scowl crossed her face. "Unlike my Master." She added bitterly.
Moren finished off her wine and set it back on the table. "I'll help any way I can. Just say the word." She offered her friend with a supportive smile. "I owe you for your help back in Stormhaven."
"I appreciate the offer and may take you up on that," Veska started with a slightly stern look. "You do not owe me anything for doing what was right." A soft smile returned to her face. "Moren, you are my friend, and I have too few of those in the world. I will repeat this to ensure it sticks. You do not owe you anything." Veska reached over to pick a peanut biscuit from the plate of snacks.
Moren laughed and crossed her legs while getting comfortable in the chair. "I hear you loud and clear, my friend," She mused, feeling safe and content for the moment. Moren debated grabbing a biscuit but decided against it since she was still full from her meal with Mika and her family. Veska began singing a song in the Luminari language, and Moren closed her eyes and started swaying with the tune.
A few minutes later, Moren and Veska nearly jumped out of their seats when the door to the library flew open and slammed into the bookcase. They both turn to see a man in his 50s with jet-black hair combed back with streaks of gray at his temples. His matching beard was nearly trimmed, and his bright blue eyes were locked on Moren. He wore a finely made long-sleeved white button-up shirt with a black vest and matching trousers. His black boots were polished to a high shine, reflecting the hearth's light. Moren guessed he was a hair shorter than her and had a bulky build from years of wearing plate armor.
Moren slowly rose to her feet. "Hello, Uncle Jace," She said with a nervous smile. "It's been a while." This was still the same man who made the most of their visits together and made her feel special and loved. He looked older, and the bags under his eyes showed her how tired he was.
"It's really you," Jace breathed as his eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I came as soon as I could to see you." He took a slow step at first before crossing the room in several long strides. "You've grown so much! You are a beautiful young woman now." He wrapped Moren in a tight embrace. "I've missed you, Momo." Tears streaked down his face.
It was Moren's turn to start crying at her favorite nickname. "I missed you too," Moren cried and returned the embrace. "I was afraid you would send me away after you stopped writing all those years ago." Moren had sent her Uncle a letter a month later but never heard back from him, and her parents never mentioned him after that night. She missed his hugs and how they made her feel loved, just like Mika's hugs.
Jace pulled back from his hug with a shocked look on his face. "I never stopped writing you, Momo," He said seriously. "I sent you at least two letters monthly for the past six years." Jace let out an angry growl. "Your parents probably destroyed my letters."
"That sounds like something they would do," Moren mumbled, lowering her eyes to the floor.
Jace gave his niece another hug and smiled at her. "How did you get here?" He asked, gesturing to her seat. "I'm sure my brother and his horrid wife didn't send you here for a visit."
Moren waited for her Uncle to have a seat before doing the same. "Well, it's a bit of a long story." She said, leaning back in her chair.
"For you, I have all the time in the world," Jace told her after grabbing a goblet from the tray. "I feel like I will need something stronger before this ends." He mumbled and took a large sip of wine.
"That is the understatement of the century," Veska chimed in as the door opened again, and a Cat Beast-kin woman stepped into the room. "I take it you are the Lady of the house?"
"That I am." The woman purred after closing the door behind her. "Please call me Heiko." She walked with elegant grace. Heiko was a striking humanoid feline with mesmerizing amber eyes that sparkled. Her fur was a unique combination of white and blue, with intricate black stripes accentuating her sleek, athletic build. Her long, flowing white hair cascades down her back. She stopped beside her husband and stood tall and poised, radiating confidence and mystique. Heiko wore an elegant gray dress that hugged her body and wore ornate gold bracers featuring detailed filigree and ornate gems. A black belt with a gold circular buckle rested on her hips, with a pair of daggers resting at her lower back. Her long-stripped tail swayed back and forth. "Nice to finally meet you, Moren. Jace has told me a lot about you."
Moren smiled at her aunt. "I remember a few stories about you, but Uncle Jace's description of you didn't do you enough justice on your beauty." She said sincerely.
Heiko let out a low chuckle. "Oh, I know we are going to get along just fine, my dear niece," Heiko mused, sitting on her husband's lap and resting her head on his shoulder.
"How about you start your story from the beginning," Jace suggested, wrapping an arm around his wife's waist. "I feel that I will need your presence to calm me, dear." He placed a gentle kiss on Heiko's shoulder.
"I'm not going anywhere, dear," Heiko said softly and got comfortable on her husband's lap. "Go ahead, Moren."
"Alright, just let me get to the end of my story before you interrupt me," Moren said, taking a deep breath before blowing it out. "It started when our family was invited to Marquis's home for a ball." She began knowing that this would likely upset her Aunt and Uncle.