Claymore and Dagger (closed)

[KieranSoares]

"It's not a question of letting him be included... it's a matter of repairing family ties. Everyone deserves a chance at forgiveness, and everyone deserves a family to love and by loved by. Owen is no exception now that he's seen where he was wrong."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I won't let him hide away anymore. Not after all of this." Fiona said as she glanced over towards her Da who was still helping to pile wood with the help of his drake. "He owes it to himself to be happy."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Agreed. He's been miserable and guilty for far too long. Here's hoping this Solstice marks a turning point in his life."

It wasn't long before a group of younger Foxes and weres came out and stole away some workers to help hand out a few food items across the village. The local baker had made enough bread and sweet buns for everyone to add to their dinner. Sam ended up bringing back enough for Oleg's family.

 

[heartofcourage]

The family rejoined for a full holiday feast before the bonfire would be lit. Rhett had outdone himself with all sort of different things to eat, including a few dishes from Scotland to celebrate Sam, Fiona, and Owen rejoining their family. Fiona was so incredibly happy to be there in that moment, enjoying a meal with people that loved her and whom she loved deeply as well.

"Happy Solstice, love." Fiona murmured to Sam as they took their seat, the meal spread out in front of them.

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam was almost overwhelmed by the kindness Fiona's family showed him, similar to how Fiona was overwhelmed by the Ghis family when she'd visited the keep. But as Fiona joined his side and spoke to him, he smiled and pressed a kiss to her lips.

"Kosava Solstika'am," Sam answered softly, the Lunar language crisp and flowing.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Thank you for the meal, Uncle Rhett." Fiona said as he finally appeared with a large portion of wild boar that had been roasted to perfection.

"He's been planning for ages." Anya said, giving her son a proud smile. "He even took into account just how much his brothers would eat and cooked accordingly. He wanted to make sure that everyone had a chance to sample everything."

 

[KieranSoares]

Rhett gave his mother and niece a smile, kissing their cheeks before settling beside Anya. He was there to help Anya with anything she needed, just like Juno did the same for Hanni who was having trouble picking up some of the heavy dishes. But before they all began, Oleg offered a quiet prayer to their ancestors and lost loved ones, and a special wooden plate was made up with a little bit of everything, set aside for them. It would be brought to the fire later.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Did you make the plate, Uncle Yul?" Fiona asked, looking over at her reserved uncle, giving him a smile as she took interest into the things that he was interested in.

 

[KieranSoares]

"I make one every year," Yul answered quietly as if it were no great thing.

"Every year since he was five winters old," Oleg nodded with a proud smile that made Yul's ears lay back in embarrassment.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Maybe you could make one for me to take back to Scotland. I'd like to have something for little celebrations to remind me of Sweden." Fiona said as Yuk seemed embarrassed by the praise that was being given to him.

 

[KieranSoares]

"I'll be glad to make you a permanent one, but this one is meant to be burned. I'll send you a few every year for the Solstices and Equinoxes," Yul offered.

 

[heartofcourage]

"I would like that. And if I know Sam, he'll probably pay you for them so I won't have to." Fiona said, looking at Sam with a smile on her face.

 

[KieranSoares]

"I don' have anythin' else t'spend my money on," Sam said with a shrug. "Might as well use it t'make someone happy."

 

[heartofcourage]

"You spend too much on me." Fiona answered before she gave him a kiss with a soft chuckle. "And I intend to repay every single coin that you've spend on me or Roman this trip."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Not if I never tell you want I spent," Sam teased with a kiss in return, making her family all shake their heads and laugh at their antics.

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona felt so light and free in that moment. The family was loud and boisterous. Her father seemed to be having a good time as well. She never thought that she would see this day, but it was there and it was completely wonderful.

She had fun trying all the foods that were on the table. She decided she did not like the pickled fish that seemed to be one of Hanni's favorite foods. She fell in love with her uncle's roasted boar and even more in love with his herbed potatoes.

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam was right at home, used to a loud and loving family though Fiona's was much smaller than his own. He and Voluun had formed a fine friendship over their similar professions. Yul was still quiet, but happy. Juno seemed to relax as Hanni enjoyed herself and seemed more lively than usual.

 

[heartofcourage]

"I want to propose a toast." Fiona said as she lifted her mug of warm cider towards the rest of them. "To many good years with family and to those that are no longer with us who would be so happy to see this moment."

 

[KieranSoares]

"To Tatiana and Ephriam," Oleg agreed, raising his own glass. Owen raised his own at that, giving Fiona a small smile even though the mention of his mate and father still hurt.

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona gave her father a small smile of her own as she took a sip of the cider, knowing that it would take a lot for him to completely be happy again. However, she would do her best to include him in her life and everything that entailed.

 

[KieranSoares]

As was typical of plenty of Lunar and Erygonian celebrations, everyone drank and ate until they were sated. That left Juno just a bit buzzed though he hadn't let himself get drunk because he knew he had to look after his family. Any effects on Oleg were unseen as he fell asleep beside the fire. Owen hadn't touched alcohol at all, choosing fresh apple cider instead. Whether any of it effected Sam, it was impossible to tell.

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona sat down beside her father as the others continued their celebrations. She had noticed that he hadn't touched any alcohol that evening and it had touched her. She gently took his hand and held it tightly in her own, letting him silently know that she supported him and loved him no matter what happened in their lives.

 

[KieranSoares]

Owen didn't say a word, wrapping an arm around Fiona and hugging her close to his side. In times of calm when Owen was home and Tatiana was sober, Fiona would see them sit together like this for a long time by the fire, not saying anything. They were simply trying to weather the storm they'd created around themselves.

 

[heartofcourage]

"You don't have to worry anymore." Fiona said softly as she leaned her head against her father's shoulder. "I'll never let you go."

She knew that she was all that he had left in the world. She wouldn't let him slip away from her ever again.

 

[KieranSoares]

Owen could only hug her tighter, taking some comfort in the child he'd never let himself get to know and love before. He was hurt badly, but healing after years of misery both inside and out.