[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Indril surreptitiously dashed a tear from his eyes as he watched the two young men exchange their vows of betrothal. After all they had been through together, he was sure he could petition Alistair... King Allistair to allow him and Zevran to marry. He was startled out of his thoughts by a not-so-gentle elbow to the ribs, and he looked to see Wench offering him a linen hankie.

"Ma serannas, thank you," Indril murmured. Wench chuckled softly, her own hankie being put to good use.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand laughed, a bright rich laugh that carried all the joy in the world in it. "With everything I am, I accept, my heart." Tears of happiness were running down his cheeks, and he had never looked more radiant as Satoshi slid the ring onto his finger. "Your beautiful song, cormamin. Will you play it for me later, and sing the words to me?"

Satoshi nodded, and pulled Sand in for a passionate kiss, a kiss that was returned as eagerly as it was given. Hamalitia waited until they had finally separated, and joined their hands.

"Before Hanali Celanil, and before all of these witnesses, let this marriage be made." Hamalitia the golden cord around their joined hands. "Be thou blessed all of thy days, and in Arvandor to come, until time itself ends." She looked up as a shower of golden light blessed Sand and Satoshi as well, her heart soaring at the marvelous love before her.

Once more, Hamalitia held out her hands. "We also are celebrating a vow of betrothal today, and therefore I ask Hayashi Tatsuya en Nosse Iradil and Erion en Nosse Iradil ar' Sulandorn to stand before me."

Erion all but ran to stand before Hamalitia, Kansas just a quick to arrive. Before Hamalitia could say anything, Kansas took Erion's hands in his, stepped a little closer, and then swooped in and captured Erion in a kiss, the young elf tilting his face up eagerly. Hamalitia cleared her throat gently, her tone warm. "We generally wait until after the vows to kiss, my dearest ones."

Completely unabashed, Kansas gave Erion's lips one last nibble before stepping back a bit. Erion gave Kansas a look of utter adoration, and then smiled his beautiful smile.

"Everyone has always thought that the blue ring around my eyes was because my mother has blue eyes. I've always known better. I've always known that it was the mark of my soulmate, and all I had to do was wait until he found me. It is the blue of my soulmate, and the silver of my soul, always together in my eyes. You are my blue dragon, and I am your moonbeam, and I pledge myself to you until I am old enough to marry you, because in my eyes our souls are already joined." Erion slid the delicate sapphire and diamond band onto Kansas's finger. "Will you accept my pledge, 'lokiaimin?"

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Indril leaved over a bit to murmur in Wench's ear, "Perhaps I should bring Zevran here, eh?" He grinned at her, pale blue eyes bright in his tanned face, his elaborate facial tattoos a darker blue.

"Didn't dear Zev give you a ring already?" Wench countered. "Evereska's survived a great deal, but it might not survive Zevran Arainai, or you, for that matter, my dear Rake of Fereldan." She kissed Indril lightly on the lips. "Now hush, I want to hear the lovely vows and get teary-eyed."

Indril chuckled and pulled Wench closer, listening with her, profoundly moved although he would never have admitted it willingly.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale's smile could have outshone the sun itself. "I accept," he whispered, his eyes locked on Yuji's eyes, tears brimming. He felt Yuji slide the ring into place, and his entire world fell into place.

"Before Hanali Celanil, and before all of these witnesses, let this marriage be made." Hamalitia took a slender golden cord and placed Vale's hand in Yuji's hand and looped the cord around their joined hands. "Be thou blessed all of thy days, and in Arvandor to come, until time itself ends." She looked up as a shower of golden light fell across Yuji and Vale as their lips met in a tender kiss, Hanali's hand upon them both.

Hamalitia extended her arms. "Mori Satoshi en Nosse Iradil, and Mori Masato, Sand en Nosse Iradil, stand before me."

Sand walked forward, his robes swaying gracefully and his blue eyes seeming to glow with happiness. He waited for Satoshi, so beautiful in his rich purple kimono, to stand before Hamalitia as well, his eyes taking in the intricate braiding in Satoshi's hair. "Oh, my heart," he whispered. Sand picked up the gorgeous braided ring from the tray and turned to face Satoshi, his voice as clear as a bell throughout the temple.

"I can promise you that I will fail you as magnificently as possible, and I will make you want to throttle me, and I will make you scream with passion, and I will love you until time stops. You are my life, and I will add to my promise this as well. When your life ends, I will follow you, for this world would be empty without you, and there would be no joy for me until we meet again in the afterlife. Will you accept my promise, and my bond as your lifemate, our souls as one?" Sand slid the ring halfway onto Satoshi's left ring finger. "Amin mela lle, cormamin, ten'oio."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Hamalitia looked out at the gathering. It seemed like half of Evereska had turned out to see Eryn's family expand, and her smile grew even brighter. She could feel a certain warmth to the air that had always signaled that Hanali was taking a personal interest in the proceedings. Of course, with the intricacies of the bonds being witnessed here today, it was no surprise to Hamalitia. Such a web of love and lovers was bound to catch Lady Goldenheart's eye.

The crowd, like the wedding participants themselves, was not entirely elven, and that made Hamalitia smile even more. She loved to see her goddess receive the reverence of non-elves as well as elves, for love was too precious a thing not to be shared widely. She noticed the human woman called Wench, who had actually been to Evereska once before. Wench was accompanied, as usual, by an elf, but this elf was not from Toril at all. He did, however, have the most gorgeous facial tattoos, and Hamalitia wondered if Wench would not mind allowing her to explore those a little further at the feast after the wedding. But that was for later, and there were weddings to be conducted.

Hamalitia stepped forward, her ankle-length hair following her like a cloak. "Oh, my dearest ones, what a truly blessed day this is. We are gathered to celebrate a most unique marriage, a marriage that binds six people together in love and respect. Two of these marriage are lifebonds, an even more blessed thing, for how often do we find the one who truly is our partner in both body and soul?"

Hamalitia paused for a moment, her eyes lighting on a radiant human woman in a breathtaking gown and elegant jewels, who was with a very tall human man with hair that hung below his waist. He was dressed most fetchingly in a skirted attire that revealed and highlighted long, well-muscled legs. Gathering herself, Hamalitia returned her attention to the ceremony, and the very eager participants.

"As is proper, let us begin by joining the first lifebonded pair, by the laws of Evereska and in the sight of Hanali Celanil." Hamalitia extended her arms. "Hayashi Yuji en Nosse Anorongil, and Vale en Nosse Anorongil, also called Hayashi Akira, stand before me."

Vale felt his heart soar as he walked forward, his eyes fixed on the gorgeously clad form of Yuji. The priest held out a tray, and Vale picked up the ring he had placed on Yuji's finger once before, his voice strong and firm as he opened his bond and let his love flow outward.

"Yuji, the last thing I expected when I went on that vacation was to fall in love, but from the moment I looked into your eyes, sitting next to you at the piano, I was lost to something that was so right, so perfect. My heart yearned for you, and I knew then and there that I would never be complete without you." Vale smiled, even though his eyes were glittering with unshed tears. "When you told me that you loved me, I thought I would shatter. It was a dream, and one I thought had to end. But I can't face life without you, and so I'm here, and I offer you all that I am, my heart, my soul, my life. You complete me, and make me whole, and for as long as you want me, I am yours, if you will have me." Vale slipped his ring on Yuji's left ring finger, his smile incandescent. "I am yours."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion looked almost mutinous as he followed Sand and Vale into the room assigned to them to prepare. Sand lifted his nephew's chin, staring into the tear-filled eyes, and he stroked his cheek gently.

"Do not look so distraught, aier." Sand smiled gently. "You are going to announce your betrothal to all of Evereska. That is cause to be happy, and you need to have your hair properly braided, as befits a bridegroom, and dress in your formal robes. Sit, and let me braid your hair." Sand began to weave a long braid at each of Erion's temples, weaving in mithral and sapphire beads into the silver locks. Vale was already weaving his first set of braids, using gold and emerald beads.

"What if Kansas changes his mind again?" Erion asked, fidgeting a little. "What if he decides that this is a bad idea?"

"Do you honestly think that is possible? The two of you could barely be parted to dress." Sand pressed a fond kiss to the top of Erion's head. "The moon rises and sets in your eyes for him, never doubt that."

Erion sighed, but subsided a bit, and Vale stroked his cheek affectionately. "Sand is right, you know. There's nothing to worry about."

Sand was already on the second set of braids for Erion, bringing them from his temples to the back of his head and joining them into one braid. Vale opened the wardrobe and pulled out a sheer linen under tunic for Erion, snowy white and nearly transparent. As Erion began to dress, Sand finished Vale's second set of braids, and then let Vale help him with his own second braids, using diamond and amethyst beads that glowed against his raven hair.

Erion reached for the long high-necked tunic that went over his sheer tunic. His was woven from cloth of silver, and his sash and outer robe were a deep, rich blue. He slipped soft doeskin boots on his feet, and turned to look at Sand, hesitant.

Sand smiled, his eyes filled with love for his nephew. "You look radiant, aier."

Vale sighed a little as Sand reached into the wardrobe for his own linen under tunic, and then handed Vale a pair of loose pants in transparent golden silk. Vale looked at him, startled.

"I thought I was wearing --" Vale stopped, and flung himself into Sand's arms, holding his husband tightly.

"It is just the pants, anoramin. Do not overreact," Sand said, but he held Vale tightly, stroking his golden skin. "The rest of your wedding garb is quite sedate, I assure you."

"Thank you, ithilamin," Vale murmured, and pulled Sand into a lingering kiss, his green eyes brimming. "I'm sorry for being such an idiot."

"You are not an idiot, my love." Sand returned Vale's kiss. "I love you, do you know that?"

"I know," Vale replied, stroking Sand's cheek and smiling at his elven husband. "We were almost enough for each other, weren't we?"

Sand smiled back. "Had we not found our lifemates on that vacation, I would have been content to end my days at your side. Never doubt that, or our love."

The two older elves dressed quickly. Sand's high-necked tunic was a very pale pearly grey, and Vale's was a thicker golden silk that shimmered as he moved. Sand donned a sash and an outer robe of deep purple, and Vale quickly tied his emerald green sash and slipped on his robe.

"You're both so beautiful," Erion sighed, looking at Sand and Vale. "Like the sun and the moon together."

There was a knock on the door, and Eryn came in, tears springing to her eyes as she looked at her son and her grandson, and her son in law, all of them looking impossibly handsome and elegant in their robes.

"Oh, you look like elflords, the three of you," Eryn said. She was holding a small jewel casket, and she set it down and opened it carefully. She lifted out a mithral and amethyst circlet, and set it on Sand's head. A mithral and sapphire circlet followed for Erion, and Vale's was gold and emerald. "There you are, as befits such noble elves. You are beautiful, all of you, and the love in your eyes is brighter than the stars. My blessings on you all, this day and every day."

Eryn embraced each elf in turn, wiping away a tear of pure happiness. Sand held her hands for a long moment.

"Did you ever think this day would come, atara?" Sand teased.

"No, I did not, and now so many new members of our family, and the little ones," Eryn laughed. "We have been blessed indeed."

"Then shall we join our husbands?" Sand gestured for Vale to precede him, and then followed behind him, Erion in the rear as they walked into the main section of the temple.

Hamalitia, senior priestess of Hanali Celanil, waited for them at the front of the central chapel in the Fountainheart of Shimmering Gold. As befitting one who served Lady Goldenheart, she was wearing robes of cloth-of-gold, her black hair unbound and unbraided, and hanging to her heels. A priest stood behind her, near a table that held several small trays with their wedding rings and engagement rings resting on golden velvet.

The three elven men lined up on one side of the golden altar, their eyes bright as they awaited their spouses.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale woke from his reverie just before dawn, his green eyes wide in the gloom. Yuji was still asleep, his silky hair filling into his face, his skin golden against the crisp white linen of the sheets. For a moment, Vale wanted to wrap himself around Yuji, and wake him with passionate kisses and make love to celebrate the morning, until he remembered. It was their wedding day.

Part of Vale wanted to jump out of bed and start getting ready immediately, but the larger and somewhat saner part took over, and he slid out of bed and rummaged for sleep pants and a t-shirt. Taren would probably be up already, but if not, the least Vale could do was get the tea going. Yuji was hopeless in the morning without his tea, and Sand was just hopeless in the morning, period. Willow would want tea as well, and the children needed to eat, and then everyone else would be coming over. Vale could feel his heart starting to hammer, and he sank back down on the side of the bed, his hands buried in his long blond hair.

Vale had spent days organizing things, making lists and annoying everyone as he tried to make sure that every single detail would be perfect, and now he could barely decide if he should make tea or not. He looked over at his husband in quiet desperation, startled when Yuji looked back at him, perfect eyes brimming with love. The first rays of sunlight began to spill into the room, gilding them both, and Vale took a deep shuddering breath.

"What's the matter, love?" Yuji popped a breath mint into his mouth as he sat up, slipping a mint into Vale's mouth and gathering his elf into a warm embrace.

"I've made a horrible mess of everything, haven't I?" Vale said, his voice muffled against Yuji's chest. "What was I thinking? I've been driving everyone crazy with all my lists and questions, and what if I've gotten everything wrong, and it's all a complete disaster?"

Yuji tugged Vale up to face him, his smile strong and bright in the face of the elf's dismay. "Everything will be perfect, because we are getting married today. That's all that matters, amaelamin. We're going to stand there, and we're going to exchange our vows, and we're going to be married, and then we'll exchange more vows with all our other spouses and make this crazy family real." Yuji gave Vale a tender kiss, nibbling a little on his full lips. "Then we'll feast with our family and our friends, and we'll head off to that wedding chamber in the temple and we'll make love until we can't see straight and none of us can even walk."

Vale managed a grin. "Right. It'll be fine. It will. I'm being an idiot." He leaned in and stole another kiss. "Santhiel will do your braid, alright? Just the one braid, just this one time."

"I said yes, love." Yuji reached for his own sleep pants. "But right now, I need tea."

"Tea!" Vale jumped up, dismayed all over again. "The children! Aiya, Seldarine!" He dashed to the door, graceful even in his haste, and then turned around and ran back over to Yuji. "I love you, verno'amin." He gave Yuji another kiss, and then ran off again, leaving Yuji shaking his head and chuckling.

It had been decided that everyone would dress at the temple, with the elves and human men splitting up. Mist would help Willow with her dress and hair, and Eryn and Sora would take charge of the children. Santhiel had volunteered to braid hair for Yuji, Satoshi and Kansas, and Ryuu had demanded a braid as well. Their rings had all been collected by a priest from the temple last night, Erion parting reluctantly from his betrothal ring. All that was really left to do was to have breakfast, and then bathe and dress for the walk to the temple, Vale's nerves nonwithstanding.

Yuji headed down to the kitchen, and Taren greeted him with a large mug of hot tea and a quick embrace. Vale was nowhere to be seen, but Yuji heard Hikaru and knew exactly where his husband was. He would drive Hikaru crazy with his nerves until Willow smacked him and sent him down for tea for her. Sure enough, Vale appeared in the kitchen doorway even sooner than Yuji expected, his cheeks flushed.

"Willow told me to stop being a fucking idiot, and get her some fucking tea," Vale reported indignantly, taking the large mug that Taren held out to him. "I'll just run this up and I'll be back."

"A little nervous, is he?" Taren asked Yuji. She put a platter down on the table, heaped with fruit, and rolls that smelled of cinnamon and honey. She dipped a bowl of miso soup for Yuji and set that in front of him, turning around to get some rice.

"I think we're all a little nervous," Yuji admitted, liking this quiet elven woman. She managed to always be in the right place at the right time, doting on the children and making sure the adults were fed, and she never seemed anything but relaxed and happy. She was the peaceful center of the storm, reminding Yuji a little of Sora.

Vale flew back into the kitchen and flung himself into a chair, burying his face in his hands. Yuji reached over and took one slim hand, tugging Vale closer to hold him for a moment. He stroked the silky gold and green hair as Vale nuzzled into him, smiling as he felt the elf relax into the embrace.

Taren brought Vale tea, and then set soup and rice in front of him as well.

"Oh, I couldn't eat," Vale protested, but Yuji watched as the elf tucked into his miso soup. He reached out and smoothed a strand of hair back, tucking it behind a pointed ear, the gesture so familiar and comforting to them both that Vale forgot to be nervous and flashed Yuji a bright smile. The food and Yuji's calm presence settled Vale, and by the time he was done eating, he was more his usual self, sneaking a kiss from Yuji as he stood to clear their dishes.

"I'll go wake Sand and Satoshi, shall I? You want to give Kansas and Erion a poke?" Vale sauntered off, and Yuji let himself get lost for a moment in the sway of Vale's hips before he followed.

The others were already awake upstairs, and Vale found Sand and Erion in Kansas's room, although Kansas himself was already gone. Erion was sprawled out across the bed, taking up a remarkable amount of room for one young elf, and Sand was just closing a small casket as Vale wandered in.

"Where's our imp?" Vale asked, and Erion heaved a huge sigh from the bed.

Sand arched an elegant eyebrow as his nephew. "Kansas went off to our room to confer with Satoshi. I was told to make myself scarce, so I came to see how Erion was doing."

"I'd be doing better if I was sixty years older and getting married today as well," Erion grumbled. "Kansas is getting married today. I'm the only one who's not getting married." Erion heaved another dramatic sigh. "I don't suppose you have a potion that would make me one hundred, do you?" Erion squinted at Sand, the blue ring around his silver-grey irises even more pronounced than usual. "You two are so lucky, being able to marry your lifemates today. I have to wait, forever." He pouted a little, looking so completely adorable that Vale began to laugh.

"The time passes quickly enough, aier," Sand said, stroking Erion's silver hair fondly.

"I don't suppose you have a nasty-tasting potion that will age me, do you, toror' en atara'amin?" Even the hint of a whine in Erion's voice was enough to make Sand chuckle. "Oh, well, at least we're announcing our engagement today. I'm the luckiest elf on Toril, you know."

"I came up to tell you that Taren's got breakfast ready. Miso soup, rice, fruit and cinnamon honey rolls," Vale said, grinning as Erion's eyes lit up.

The slim young elf slid off the bed in a fluid motion, heaving one more dramatic sigh. "I suppose I should eat something, or I'll pass out from hunger before the feast." Erion dashed off, and Sand burst out laughing when he heard a giggling shriek from the hall as Aika got swung up onto Erion's shoulders for a ride to the kitchen.

Vale leaned into Sand for a moment, his arms sliding comfortably around his elven spouse. "How are you doing, ithilamin?"

Sand wrapped strong arms around Vale, nuzzling the gold and green hair for a moment. "I am eager to get this done, anoramin. But this makes atara happy, to finally have a wedding to celebrate."

"Fourteen of them, and an engagement," Vale grinned, angling for a tender kiss. "By the way, I think I changed my mind about my outfit again."

Sand stepped back a little, giving Vale an exasperated look. "No, you are not. You are not changing your mind. You have changed your mind thrice hourly for nearly a tenday now, and it is final."

"But what if -- " Vale began, only to be cut off.

"Yuji will marry you if you show up in your sleep pants. Stop behaving like an elfling. I have made up my mind, and you are not changing yours anymore." Sand gave Vale a stern look. "Do not test me on this, anoramin."

Vale suddenly grinned. "You're right, as usual. Fine, no last minute changes to my wardrobe. Now, are you going to eat? You need to keep up your strength."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale looked at Yuji, his green eyes shining. "I want to be married to you in both those names, so that even though I know we're not legally husbands back home in Tokyo, here on Toril, Hayashi Yuji and Hayashi Akira are married. I'm a ditzy elf, I know, but it's how I feel."

Yuji's heart soared again at the casual way Vale referred to Tokyo as home. He tucked a few stray strands of golden hair behind a pointed ear. "You're my ditzy elf, though, so it's okay," Yuji teased, loving the warmth in those wide green eyes.

Vale sighed happily, and wriggled a bit as he rolled over onto his back, flaunting himself wantonly, his cock half-hard just from his proximity to Yuji. One slim hand toyed with a golden nipple ring, and the tip of a pink tongue crept out to moisten full lips. Yuji laughed, delighted at the open invitation from his husband, and he straddled him, catching slim wrists in his hands and pinioning Vale's hands above his head.

"Oh, no, you don't, my wicked elf," Yuji growled, leaning down to nip at Vale's jaw. "You had your way with me last night, and tonight I'm going to have my way with you. I'm going to make love to you until we both forget our names." His perfect eyes glowed with love and desire, and Vale moaned in delight.

Yuji latched on to the pale skin of Vale's throat, worrying the silky skin and sucking a livid mark along the pulse point there, not stopping until he tasted a slightly metallic tang. Yuji could feel Vale's cock, fully hard, pressing against his flat belly, and he released the elf's throat and plundered his mouth, feeling those full lips swell from the fierce kiss. Vale's hips bucked a little as he strove to grind his cock against Yuji's belly even harder and Yuji chuckled as he moved away.

"Not so fast, beloved," Yuji murmured, and Vale writhed beneath him in frustration. Yuji released Vale's wrists, moving down the elf to capture one tight nipple in his mouth, teasing it roughly with his tongue before tugging on the golden ring with his teeth. Vale gasped, the slight pain turning into a wave of pleasure that ran straight to his groin, making his cock twitch. Already, small beads of precum were leaking from the slit, and Vale moaned louder as Yuji switched to the other beringed nub.

After teasing Vale's nipples thoroughly, Yuji licked and nipped his way across Vale's taut stomach, dipping his tongue into the elf's navel and thrusting, coaxing a wanton howl from Vale as the sensation sent a tingle up his spine.

"Yuji, oh, fuck," Vale moaned, his cock aching with need. Yuji licked at the tender skin in the hollow of Vale's hipbone, and then bit sharply, Vale's delighted shriek encouraging him as he worked the soft flesh, leaving another perfect love bite. Vale's slim fingers were buried in Yuji's hair, and Yuji looked up for a moment, watching his husband's face as Vale sighed with happiness.

Yuji ran his tongue across the head of Vale's cock, lapping up the drops of precum that had gathered there, delighting in the taste of his elf. Vale moaned again, his hips bucking helplessly as Yuji slid his hot mouth over the swollen head, teasing the cleft underneath before he took all of Vale in his mouth, relaxing his throat to swallow the elf to the root. His hands slid underneath Vale, gripping that round ass tightly as he drew back, hollowing his cheeks as he sucked. Yuji watched Vale's eyes glaze with bliss as he let the head come free with a soft pop, blowing softly on Vale's twitching cock.

Yuji moved fluidly, throwing Vale's knees over his shoulders and rising up, his own cock so hard that it hurt. Vale's pink pucker was visible, and Yuji quickly smeared his own precum over the head of his cock and pressed it against the tight ring, feeling it relax at the touch. A shiver of lust ran up Yuji's spine at how ready his elf was for him, and he breached that eager asshole as Vale howled with abandon, his hips rising to try and take in more of Yuji's cock. Yuji pulled back a little, keeping only his head sheathed in the velvet heat of Vale's ass as he bit another livid mark into the elf's long creamy thigh. Vale's balls tightened, and Vale screamed as he came, thick ropes of cum covering his own chest and painting his chin and lips.

Yuji watched, mesmerized, as Vale's tongue slid out to lick his own cum from those kiss-swollen lips, and then Yuji drove himself fully into the elf, his tight ass still spasming from his orgasm, and Vale screamed again, a primal sound of pure bliss as Yuji drove over his prostate. Yuji paused for a moment, marveling at the sight of his elf, totally lost in pleasure, his gold and green hair fanned out beneath him. As Vale panted and shuddered through the last waves of his orgasm, Yuji began to move, setting a languid pace and opening his bond with Vale to let Vale know how it felt to be sliding through that tight passage. Vale moaned, returning his own sensation of being filled and owned by a thick, hard cock that buried itself to the balls in his ass. Vale's hands fell over his head again as he gave himself over the slow and maddening thrusts, his cock already twitching back to hardness.

Yuji wrapped one hand around Vale's cock, stroking it in time to his slow plundering of Vale's ass, and let his own pleasure come, heat growing and coiling in his belly, building towards what promised to be an explosive release. Vale moaned beneath him, his eyes almost black with lust, his hips rolling with the steady rhythm of Yuji's thrusts. Just the sight of Vale, so wanton beneath him, tightened Yuji's balls and he increased the pace of both his thrusts and his stroking of Vale's cock. Vale writhed, his own balls drawing up again, and he came again, covering Yuji's hand with his cum. Another thrust or two, and Yuji felt his own balls empty, and for a moment he nearly lost consciousness as more cum that he thought possible erupted from his cock to fill Vale's ass with liquid heat. He screamed his pleasure and triumph, driving in as far as he could into Vale's ass as he pumped the last few jets of cum into his elf, and then Yuji slumped forward, Vale's legs sliding down off his shoulders as the elf reached up to gather him in strong arms.

They lay there still joined, while their hearts beat in synchronicity, both of them breathing raggedly. It took a few minutes until Yuji was able to ease himself out of Vale's ass, rolling to one side with Vale still in his arms. He looked into the flushed face of his beloved husband, smoothing sweaty locks of golden hair back off his forehead.

"Watashi wa anata o aishite, Hayashi Akira. I love you," Yuji murmured, kissing Vale's soft lips.

Vale smiled, his green eyes glowing. "Amin mela lle, Hayashi Yuji en Nosse Anorongil. I love you."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand stripped off his clothing, watching Satoshi undress with open admiration. "How is it that you get more beautiful every day?"

Satoshi blushed bright red, ducking his head, but Sand hurried over to gather him in his arms. He tilted Satoshi's face up and kissed him with infinite tenderness, his blue eyes filled with love. "I'm sorry, cormamin. I always make you blush so, but you look even more ravishing when you do."

"I'm not used to anyone saying things like that," Satoshi admitted slowly, still blushing furiously.

"Sora said it as well, as do the rest of our husbands, and I know Willow finds you beautiful." Sand kissed Satoshi again and led him over to the bed, laying him down and curling up beside him. Sand let his fingers trail lazily along Satoshi's jaw for a moment before he pulled him closer and swiped at his piercings with an eager tongue. Satoshi moaned and fell into the kiss, letting Sand devour his mouth and teasing the elf with his tongue stud in return. They finally broke for air, and Sand looked at Satoshi with a smile.

"Before I make love to you, and rest assured that I intend to make you feel very loved tonight, I feel that I should answer your question from earlier." Sand stroked Satoshi's cheek. "I have nothing that compels me to remain in Neverwinter. I work only if I choose to, and Beredir will be more than happy to look after the house when we are gone. In fact, I intend to tell him that it is also Sora's home, since she is our family, and she may use the house whenever it suits her, although I hope she will visit us often even in Tokyo." Sand watched as Satoshi's smile bloomed on his beautiful face, his brown eyes glowing as he realized what Sand was saying.

"Vale told me about citizenship there, and what is required, and he'll produce the appropriate papers to make a history for me." Sand looked remarkably unconcerned about the paperwork. "As soon as I legally can, I will apply for citizenship. My home is at your side, my heart. Where you are is where I will be, and I agree that Ryuu should grow up in Tokyo, and go to school there. Kansas has his own schooling to finish as well, or so Vale tells me."

"You have no idea how happy you've made me, poldoramin," Satoshi whispered, his beautiful eyes brimming with tears of joy. "I'm so glad you want to come with us, and Ryuu will be happy to have his gifu there." Satoshi pulled Sand into another kiss, pouring all his love into the kiss and through their bond.

"The only thing that remains is a name, I believe." Sand grinned suddenly, looking almost as young as Erion and nearly as mischievous. "Vale thinks I should be called Masato, which he tells me means 'elegant.' Do you think Mori Masato sounds as good as I think it does?"

[Week 21: 2-27-2011]

Pen Name: BronxWench

Story link: http://games.adultfa...hp?no=600086374

Type of fic: Flashfic

Rating: Adult+

Fandom: Dragon Age: Origins

Warnings: AFFO, ChallengeFic, HJ, M/M, OC

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale woke from reverie, Yuji beside him, his skin golden in the afternoon light, and Vale could not help but smile. The wedding was a day closer, and Vale's heart soared. He could not resist feathering kisses on Yuji's full lips, his green eyes bright as Yuji dragged himself awake.

Vale poked a breath mint between those lips, and dipped in again for another kiss. "We've slept the morning away, amaelamin."

Yuji chuckled a little, pulling Vale close and plundering his mouth. When they broke, he regarded the elf with amusement. "You're in a good mood. Had fun with Neko last night, did you?"

"Mmm," Vale agreed, nuzzling his face into Yuji's shoulder. "Neko was wonderful, but I came back here for reverie. I rest better when I'm with you."

Yuji felt a rush of love for this elf of his, wanton and loving and utterly his, and he wrapped strong arms around Vale. "I like waking up with you, too, amaelamin." He held Vale tightly for a moment, and then slapped his ass lightly. "We'd better get up, though. I don't know about you, but I'm hungry."

They gathered clothing and wandered off to the large bathroom, scrubbing quickly before jumping into the tub. Vale made such a production out of lathering Yuji that Yuji dunked him, and then wound up being pounced on by a sputtering, laughing elf who proceeded to take full advantage of his position to impale himself on Yuji's cock, mewling happily as Yuji tongued and tugged on his nipple rings, one hand wrapped around the elf's slim waist while the other stroked Vale's cock with casual expertise, knowing exactly how to drive his wanton husband over the edge. Vale howled as he came, his ass clamping around Yuji's cock as he ground himself down and writhed. Yuji felt his balls tighten convulsively, and he growled as he too came, pumping Vale's ass full of cum as the elf nibbled Yuji's ear.

Grinning, they finished washing, and dressed quickly, sauntering out of the bathroom in time to see Sand and Satoshi about to enter. Vale kissed Sand lightly, his eyes dancing, and then he pulled Satoshi into a tight embrace and kissed him tenderly. "Mela en' coiamin," he murmured. Then he hurried to catch up to Yuji, rejoining his at the kitchen door in time to see Yuji hugging a small elven woman with tears of joy running down his face. Vale sauntered over to kiss Willow, and then scooped Hikaru out of his cradle, ignoring Willow's swat as he nuzzled his son, grinning as a small hand fisted itself in his hair, Hikaru's eyes still firmly shut, while Eryn explained what was going on.

Yuji and Sora chattered happily in Japanese, Vale only catching the occasional word but not caring because Yuji looked radiantly happy. Vale curled up next to Willow, a cup of tea and some small tarts on hand to tide him over until dinner, his son sleeping in the crook of his arm.

"Hamalitia will be by later to discuss a few details of the wedding," Eryn told Vale, and his grin widened.

"Wonderful!" Vale looked at Willow, who just shook her head. Vale chuckled, and addressed his sleeping son. "You see, Hikaru? Only chichi cares about the wedding. It's true," he crooned, nuzzling the little half elf again. "I am the only hopeless romantic in the family."

Erion leaned over his shoulder and stole a tart. "Excuse me, but I am the romantic of the family, according to Falon." He avoided Vale's goodnatured swat and devoured his treat in two bites.

A sob alerted them all to Satoshi's presence, and they watched in amazement as Satoshi turned and buried his face in Sand's chest, one hand over his mouth and his eyes streaming tears.

"Cormamin, what is it? Hush, my heart, my life, it is fine," Sand soothed, stroking Satoshi's back as he shot Sora a look of mingled dismay and puzzlement. Sora's presence was a surprise, but Sand would have thought it would have been a joyous surprise, not the occasion for tears and trembling.

Finally, Sora held out her arms and called Satoshi to her, murmuring to him in Japanese as he buried his face in her lap. She stroked his back as tenderly as Sand had done, the love on her face identical to the love she had for Yuji. Sand crossed to her side, giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek and then hovered a bit, not understanding Sora's Japanese but watching as the trembling eased a bit under the soft flow of words. Finally, Sora lifted his face in strong, workworn fingers, her beautiful eyes brimming with love.

"Tell me, Toshi-chan, do they help? Did they make you stop putting your fingers and other things in your mouth?" Sora smiled at Satoshi, and he managed a weak smile in return.

"They do help, hibaba." Satoshi touched his piercings hesitantly.

"Then don't be ashamed of them." Sora kissed his forehead, smoothing his hair a little. "Now, all of you scoot and give a person some room to work. I'm going to teach Taren how to make a proper meal for my magomusuko."

Sand held out a hand to Satoshi, his smile radiant as he looked at his husband. "I would suggest we do as Sora tells us. I have discovered that no matter how young the woman, they are to be feared and obeyed when they take that tone." Sand bent and gave Sora another kiss on the cheek. "You look well, aier."

Sora gave Sand a swat on the arm. "Watch who you're calling 'little one' if you want to eat tonight."

"There, you see?" Sand hugged Satoshi to him, kissing him with great love. "As I have said. Let us leave these fierce ladies to their own matters, and take Ryuu and Aika amd Tomio to the market for a treat. Maybe some strawberries with sweet cream?"

"Bring back more for dessert if you find any, utinuamin," Eryn said.

Sand gave Eryn a soft kiss on the cheek. "Of course, atara."

"Otooji carry me," Aika announced.

Ryuu just rolled his eyes at her. "She silliest one, gifu."

Tomio settled the dispute with a grin. "Well, they're both otooji to me."

"Don't take too long. Hamalitia needs to talk to all of you about rings and vows," Eryn called.

Sand groaned a little, and Satoshi looked at him, a little startled. Sand hastened to explain.

"Marrying you is probably the best thing I will ever do in my life, my heart." Sand kissed Satoshi, making Aika dimple happily. "It's just the whole fuss that makes me nervous. What if I forget our vows? What if I do something foolish, like drop the ring?" Sand kissed Satoshi again, lingering a little. "I liked the vows we exchanged, my husband."

Satoshi blushed, but it was with pleasure. He got even redder when Sand continued.

"And although no one has even thought of this, I would be very, very happy if that lovely song you wrote was played as we were wed." Sand looked at Satoshi, his blue eyes shining. "I still cannot believe that something so beautiful was meant for me."

Satoshi could not even speak for a moment, so great was his surprise and his happiness. "I could ask Tsutomo if he could play it." The radiant look on Sand's face made Satoshi's heart skip a beat.

Sand and Satoshi arrived back with the children and enough strawberries and sweet cream for all of Evereska, in time to be greeted by the senior priestess from the Fountainheart of Shimmering Gold, a breathtakingly beautiful moon elf dressed in golden robes that seemed to float around her, fine jewels in her elaborately done hair.

"The blessing of Hanali Celanil, my dears," Hamalitia said, kissing with Sand and Satoshi, and tugging them into the great library. Sand shot Satoshi a quick look of mischief and conspiracy as they joined the rest of the family.

"Now, my dearest ones," Hamalitia said, her smile bright. "I would suggest, since we do have two pairs of lifemates being married, that they may wish to write special vows of their own. What do you think? For the rest, I think the usual vows would be fine."

"You may want to tell them the usual vows, Hamalitia," Eryn prompted.

"Oh! Of course!" Hamalitia laughed a bit, shaking her head at her own foolishness. "Of course, some of you are new to Evereska! Our usual vows go like so: 'I give you my laughter, my loyalty, and my love. I give you these things without limit, and as the circle symbolizes infinity, so shall this ring symbolize the infinite love between us on this, our wedding day, and on every day to come.' You can add your spouse's name at the beginning, if you wish. Just a first name is enough, but if you want to use full and formal names, that is your choice as well."

Vale leaned his head into Yuji, sighing a little, his green eyes bright. "I am thinking of using both my names, Lady Everlove, my elven name and my Japanese name." Yuji looked a little startled. Vale had mentioned choosing a Japanese name, but he did not know his husband had decided on one yet.

"I think that is most appropriate, my dearest one." Hamalitia beamed at Vale and Yuji. "Now, will you be using the rings you have already exchanged to mark your unions?"

A murmur of agreement rose from the family. Hamalitia beamed again.

"Well, then. May I say that I am pleased and delighted to be celebrating such an unusual and yet such a beautiful tribute to my Lady Goldenheart? You all embody the spirit of love, and her blessings shall be will you always." Hamalitia bowed to them all and left, her elegant robes floating gently around her.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand found a shallow dish and poured a little wine into it, and set it on the floor in front of Satoshi. "Very good, Neko. Drink your wine."

Satoshi leaned forward and lapped up the wine, a small purring noise escaping him as he enjoyed his reward. Vale started digging in the bag, spilling toys out onto the bed. He found the vibrating beads that he loved, a bullet he favored with its remote, and a stiff riding crop that looked like it would sting and leave a lovely welt. Those Vale put on the side to take back to his room for Yuji. He resumed rummaging, and pulled out a dildo that made Sand's eyes widen. Vale tossed it to Sand.

"Hold that," Vale instructed, and went back to searching for what he wanted. He pulled out a cat of nine tails with a grin and tossed that to Sand as well. Next was a set of wrist restraints, followed by ankle restraints. "That should do it." Vale bounced across the bed to search for the lube.

Satoshi had finished lapping up his wine and had sat back, watching the elves and waiting for his instructions. Sand picked up the dish and stroked his cheek. "Such a good Neko. Now, I want you to strip, slowly, everything but your collar." Sand's voice was firm and strong, and Satoshi shivered again as he complied. Vale scooted back over with the lube, and leaned into Sand, pulling up his t-shirt and toying with Sand's nipple as he watched Satoshi undress.

Sand chuckled darkly, and then turned and stripped off Vale's shirt and tight tank top, tweaking the nipple rings that decorated Vale's chest. Sand peeled off his own t-shirt, his skin so pale next to the golden elf. Then Sand eased off his jeans and boxers, gesturing for Vale to do the same, and enjoying the sight of Vale's cock springing free. Sand stroked his own cock lightly, watching as Satoshi finished taking off his jacket and began to slowly roll up his tight little t-shirt, revealing his own pierced nipples. Once the t-shirt was gone, Satoshi shed his boots and socks, and reached for the waistband of his shorts.

"Wait," Sand commanded. "Come here and turn around." Sand reached for the kitty tail, running his hand up it to where it met Satoshi's shorts, tugging a little and watching the muscles jump in Satoshi's back. "Such a pretty little tail, Neko. You were waving it so nicely tonight." Sand gave it a sharp tug, and Satoshi fell back into Sand's lap as the elf reached around to twist a nipple ring roughly, sucking a livid mark into Satoshi's shoulder as he did.

"You are mine," Sand said, his voice rough with lust. "I shall mark you so that you will know you are mine." Sand bit a little harder, not enough to break skin but enough to leave a bruise.

The tugging on his tail had Satoshi nearly delirious with desire, his cock so hard that he was sure it would explode on its own.

"Take off your shorts and boxers, and bend over the bed," Sand commanded.

Satoshi hurried to comply, the show over as he stripped quickly and rested his torso on the bed, spreading his legs to make it more comfortable. Sand took the lube from Vale and slicked his fingers, pressing one and then a second into Satoshi's ass. Vale had loosened Satoshi up back at the tavern, and Sand was able to add a third finger quickly. Then Sand lubed the enormous dildo and began to push it past the tight little asshole. Satoshi mewled, the burn almost a little too much for pleasure, but Sand leaned down and began to nip his way along Satoshi's left side, leaving a trail of love bites that was faintly purple. At the same time, he continued to press the dildo home, until it was fully seated in that tight ass.

Vale tossed Sand a strap, and Sand fastened it in place to hold the dildo in place. Satoshi whined a little, wriggling at the feeling of the giant dildo practically splitting his ass.

"Quiet, Neko," Sand warned. "Sit."

Satoshi backed off the bed and sank onto his heels, mewling again as the dildo shifted within him. Sand frowned, and Satoshi hurriedly pressed his face against Sand's leg.

"Vale, same position as Neko, now," Sand barked, and Vale moved to comply, languidly draping himself across the bed, graceful and golden, his pert ass in the air. Sand reached over and slicked a little lube over Vale's ass, dipping a pair of fingers into his asshole and thrusting a few times.

"Neko, fuck Vale, hard. I want him screaming." Sand knelt by Vale's head, stroking his cock idly and wiping a little precum across Vale's lips.

Satoshi gripped Vale's hips tightly, and pressed his aching cock into the waiting heat of Vale's sweet ass, feeling the walls grip him as he thrust in. Sand grabbed the cat of nine tails and slid off the bed to stand behind Satoshi, and timing it carefully, he laid the first stroke as Satoshi was buried balls-deep in Vale's ass. "Speak, Neko," Sand barked, and Satoshi screamed in pleasure, the combination of the sting of the whip, the dildo churning in his guts, and the tight heat of Vale's ass making him nearly delirious with pleasure.

Sand watched as Satoshi's balls tightened, and he laid a second set of stripes, crisscrossing the first across Satoshi's ass. Satoshi screamed again, and came explosively, shuddering as he emptied himself in Vale's ass, a seemingly endless stream of cum pumping forth. Finally, Satoshi gave a last shudder and slumped forward across Vale's strong back, mewling helplessly.

"Oh, Neko, very good," Sand told him, reaching down to ease Satoshi out of Vale's ass and letting him sprawl on the bed, face down. Vale growled a little, but he helped Sand remove the strap holding the dildo in place and watched appreciatively as Sand eased the enormous thing out of Satoshi's ass, his hole gaping. Sand laid down on the bed, and Vale helped Satoshi to straddle Sand, easing Satoshi down on to Sand's waiting cock. Satoshi mewled, but Sand was not as big as the dildo, and he sank down, looking down at Sand.

"Beautiful, my Neko," Sand told him. "You're doing so well." Sand gestured to Vale, and gripped Satoshi's hips in his strong hands, raising him up until only the head of Sand's cock was inside him. Vale, his cock lubed, moved onto the bed behind Satoshi and pressed the head of his cock in alongside Sand's cock, and he pressed forward slowly as Sand carefully lowered Satoshi onto them.

Satoshi howled, the feeling of being filled by both elves almost too good to bear, and his cock twitched, hardening again as the pair of cocks moved and shifted within him. Vale was watching carefully as they seated themselves fully within Satoshi, and they let him rest a moment once they were both fully within him, his ass adjusting to the intrusion. When Satoshi mewled and wiggled a little, Sand guided him up again, and the elves moved in tandem as they fucked him together, their cocks sliding against each other and igniting fireworks behind Satoshi's eyes as his prostate was thoroughly plundered with every stroke.

It was such an intense sensation for both Vale and Sand that they shared a look, knowing they would not last long. Vale reached around and grabbed Satoshi's cock firmly, stroking in time with their thrusts, his other arm helping to support the imp as they plundered him thoroughly. Vale moaned and came first, shuddering as his hot cum bathed both Satoshi's ass and Sand's cock in liquid heat. Sand howled and came as well, and Satoshi screamed again, his cum spilling out to splatter Sand's chest and stomach.

They collapsed in a boneless heap, both elves still buried in Satoshi's ass as they shivered with the last throes of their orgasms, Satoshi mewling nonstop. Vale recovered enough to carefully slide out first, pressing kisses to Satoshi's sweaty, flushed face as he did so, and then he helped ease Satoshi off of Sand's cock. Vale helped Satoshi to lay down facing Sand, and Sand carefully removed the collar that was still around Satoshi's neck. Vale staggered off to the bathroom, coming back with a basin of warm water and a soft cloth, and began to gently clean Satoshi as Sand kissed him lovingly.

"You were perfect, my Satoshi, my heart, my husband. I love you, forever." Sand kissed Satoshi with infinite tenderness, letting his love pour forth through their bond and cradling Satoshi against him. Vale put the basin to the side and crawled into the bed, pressing himself against Satoshi's back and holding him gently.

"Mela en' coiamin, my perfect love," Vale murmured. "What a treasure you are."

The elves kissed and petted Satoshi, watching over him as he gave himself over to sleep, sated and with a blissful smile on his face. Then Vale kissed Satoshi and Sand, collected his clothes and toys, and padded across the hall to cuddle with Yuji, while Sand slipped into reverie with his heart's desire wrapped tightly in his arms.

[RECAPTCHA Adventures]

Just for you, SK

Oh, dear sweet fecking moonbeams.... ::wipes eyes::

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Vale and Sand sat on either side of Satoshi, trying very hard to not to give in to the temptation to play tug the tail. Sand pulled Satoshi into a kiss, plundering his tight mouth and running his hands into the spiky hair to play with the kitty ears. Vale reached around Satoshi, slipping his hands under the jacket to play with his nipple rings as he nipped at Satoshi's neck.

"What a pretty kitty, ithilamin," Vale murmured. "Should we play with the kitty?"

Sand lifted his mouth away from Satoshi's mouth, giving a last swipe of his tongue across the piercings. "What did you have in mind, anoramin?" His blue eyes were dark with lust as he grabbed Satoshi's hand and pressed it to his groin. "You see what you do to me, Neko? I have a mind to bend you over this table, right here and now."

Satoshi mewled, grinding his hand down on Sand's erection at the same time as he pressed his ass back into Vale's groin, feeling an equally hard cock meet his ass.

"If we take him home, we can find some toys to play with," Vale replied, his breath hot on Satoshi's neck. "Maybe even something that vibrates."

Sand looked over Satoshi's shoulder at Vale, raising an elegant eyebrow. "Toys? And you have not been sharing these?" He gave a wicked chuckle that ran straight to Satoshi's groin. "Oh, I think we need to take this bad kitty home and see what he has been hiding."

Satoshi shivered, the dark amusement in Sand's voice promising a good game. He mewled again, not trusting himself to speak, the prospect of being thoroughly owned by both elves so delicious that he shivered again.

"Although, I will admit, the idea of seeing that sweet ass bent over the table, right here and now, is very tempting." Vale scraped his teeth along the shell of Satoshi's ear, nipping sharply at the lobe. "I'd like nothing better than to be buried to the balls in that hot, tight hole, and pump it full of my cum. Would you like that, kitty? Would like me to fuck you so hard that you scream my name loud enough to shake the roof?"

"Oh, I think Neko would like that," Sand replied, and Satoshi could feel his cock throbbing inside his tight shorts, his mouth going dry with anticipation.

Vale wrapped strong hands around Satoshi's hips and lifted him up, turning him face down and bending him over the table. Sand's hands slid over the round globes of Satoshi's ass as Vale reached for his waistband. The others had already wandered off, and the tavern itself was nearly empty, the few remaining patrons engaged in equally amatory pursuits. Sand slid onto the table, scooting over and opening his jeans as he positioned his groin below Satoshi's face, while Vale worked the tight shorts over Satoshi's hips.

As Sand's cock sprang free, Satoshi moaned, licking his lips in anticipation of having his mouth fucked by his husband. Vale smacked his boxer covered ass with a small growl of frustration as he yanked those down as well, revealing the pale golden globes, one cheek reddened slightly from the blow.

"So fucking sweet," Vale purred, rubbing his jeans-covered erection against that pale ass, grinding down until Satoshi moaned. With a moan of his own, Vale freed his own cock. Vale fumbled out the small tube of lube he carried, and slicked the head of his cock, rubbing a little across Satoshi's asshole and sliding a slippery finger past the tight ring. Vale did not waste much time preparing Satoshi, however, knowing that part of the game they were beginning was to play a little rough. When he felt like Satoshi was ready, Vale looked at Sand and nodded.

Sand fisted one hand in Satoshi's hair and pressed the head of his cock against Satoshi's mouth, demanding entry as he smeared precum over Satoshi's pouting lips. At the same time, Vale breached Satoshi's tight asshole, pausing for a moment once the head of his cock was past the ring of muscle, and then plunging in to the root, his balls slapping sharply against Satoshi's ass. Satoshi pushed back against Vale, whimpering a little as Sand began to fuck his tight mouth, his cock bumping the back of his throat.

Vale set up a punishing pace, slamming into Satoshi's ass eagerly angling to strike Satoshi's prostate every few thrusts. Sand moaned as Satoshi relaxed his throat and swallowed the elf fully, his nose pressed to the soft black curls. Satoshi's hips were digging into the table, his cock hanging below the edge and bouncing a little with each of Vale's thrusts. When Vale caressed Satoshi's ass, and then slapped it hard, Satoshi let out a muffled howl, his balls tightening as he spilled all over the floor. Vale growled and leaned over to bite Satoshi's shoulder as he gave himself over to his own explosive orgasm, pumping Satoshi's ass full of cum. Sand followed a few moments later, as Satoshi sucked and swallowed convulsively, his breath rasping through his small nose, and he drank down Sand's cum with a happy moan. Satoshi let go of Sand's cock with a soft pop, and his head dropped onto Sand's lap as he caught his breath. Vale eased himself out of Satoshi's ass and tucked himself away, giving those pale globes a bite before helping the trembling man pull up his boxers and shorts.

"Well, that was a good start, but I think we need to go home, and do this properly," Sand purred, his eyes still heated as he gripped Satoshi's collar and tugged him in for a kiss. "Tell me, does Neko want to play?"

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

"Okay, who has the leash?" Vale demanded, trying very hard not to giggle and failing miserably. Sand looked like he was ready to devour Satoshi at any moment, so Vale was pretty sure neither one of them had taken the leash, and he himself had just had a lovely taste of what he was after in the bathroom. Since that day on the vacation, when he and Yuji had talked while he patched up Yuji's injuries and then agreed to go play pool with him at the bar, Vale's heart had belonged to this incredible man. The thought that in a few days Yuji would be his lawful husband made Vale almost weak-kneed with joy. He did make a note, however, to pay Adalon a visit in the very near future.

Still giggling, Vale dipped into Yuji's jacket and fished out his cigarets. A couple of humans were smoking pipes, and Vale had discovered that he liked a cigaret or two when he was out drinking like this. Seeing Vale light up, Satoshi all but dove for his cigarets, and Kansas did the same, handing one to Erion as well. The bartender brought over a couple of alabaster dishes for their ashes and butts, smiling pleasantly. Sand waved off the cigaret Satoshi offered him, running slim fingers down a muscular thigh with a small moan of desire. He remembered the game with Kansas, when Satoshi had played neko, and he had to force himself not to just toss Satoshi on a table and bury his aching cock in his husband on the spot.

Erion was looking at Yuji, a small frown creasing his forehead. The young elf had quickly gathered that Yuji was the focal point of this unusual but incredibly loving family, and so Erion sidled up to Yuji, and pulled him on the side for a moment.

"Yuji, this game with the leash?" Erion looked straight into Yuji's eyes. "What is it about? Why did you call him Puppy?"

Yuji looked back at Erion, his perfect eyes never wavering. "You know that Kansas was owned by someone, as disgusting as that is. One of the things he was taught was that pain was pleasure. It's been a long time by human standards since he needed to do that to survive, but it's a hard lesson to forget." Yuji took a deep breath, and then poured another shot of Quefirre and refilled his glass of dwarven ale. He drank down the Quefirre and followed it with a long swallow of ale.

"Sometimes, Kansas needs to let go of all the self-control he's learned, and go back to letting others take charge. It comes out most in the bedroom. Puppy is what we call him when he wants to be taken hard, when he needs to let one of us call the shots." Yuji looked hard at the young elf. "It looks like we're hurting him sometimes, or that we're being cruel to him, but it's what he needs and wants from us. We'd never do it otherwise. That's the rule in our family. Nothing happens that you don't want to happen, and no one's more important than anyone else. And he has a safe word. He says Ivankov, and everything stops."

"Does that mean I'm not enough for him?" Erion's frown had deepened a little. "I love him more than life."

Yuji chuckled a little, and threw an arm around Erion. "You're the best thing that's happened to him in a long time, Erion. I've never seen him this happy. But he's still working out some of the dark places inside him. Maybe in sixty years, when you two get married, he won't need this anymore."

Erion's expression cleared and his bright smile returned. "Well, whoever's got the leash, I hope they're ready for me, too." The young elf grinned at Yuji, and then sauntered off to find his betrothed.

Kansas was snickering when Erion found him, sitting on the edge of the table with a mug of tui, while Sand was swatting Vale.

"I am doing this properly, anoramin, so please do stop being difficult." Sand dropped gracefully to one knee in front of Kansas.

"You're drunk, ithilamin," Vale observed, and downed a glass of Berdruskan Dark, tossing it back nonchalantly. He swayed for a second, and then grinned and refilled his glass.

Sand ignored Vale and turned back to Kansas. "Hayashi Tatsuya en Nosse Iradil, on my knees, I ask for your hand in marriage. Would you do me the honor of becoming my husband?"

Kansas grinned at the kneeling elf. He hopped off the table and planted a kiss on Sand's lips, and then climbed back up, letting his feet dangle. "That was a nice proposal," he said. "Okay, I'll marry you, you ditzy elf." He threw his head back, laughing, and that was when Yuji cupped his chin, held his head still, and clipped the leash to the O-ring of his collar.

Kansas promptly sagged back against Yuji, and Yuji tilted his face up to give him a searing kiss, plundering his sweet mouth. Then Yuji handed the leash to Erion, who looked at him in surprise. "Go play with Erion. Play darts, have fun, have a drink, smoke, whatever." He turned to Erion and spoke very quietly into the young elf's ear. "You need to tell him it's okay to do something now. He needs to be told once the leash goes on." Yuji gave Erion an encouraging smile, and then waved them off.

"Come on, play darts with me," Erion said, and Kansas followed, keeping his eyes on Erion for guidance. Erion stopped by the dart board and pulled Kansas in for a kiss. "It's okay," he murmured. "Yuji explained it, and I think I understand. It doesn't matter, because I'm still going to love you more tomorrow than I do today, just like I will for all our tomorrows."

There was a roar of laughter from the table, and Erion turned around to see Yuji grab Sand and kiss him breathless, cupping his ass while he did so.

"Of course, I'll fucking marry you, you crazy elf, because I'm as crazy as you are," Yuji said, laughing his goofy laugh. He poured a round of Quefirre shots, and raised his with a grin. "Here's to getting married, and married, and married some more! Kanpai, cheers!"

"Quel marth, good luck," Hawk shouted, and there was a renewed round of laughter.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

The group of men headed out of the house, a great deal of laughter erupting as they jostled each other down the street.

"Where are we going?" Vale asked Sand, his hand trying to slide into Yuji's back pocket. Yuji just laughed at his impetuous husband, who grinned back. "I was busy this afternoon, and I hear you all had fun without me. You all owe me tonight, and I intend to collect."

Sand left off toying with the buttons on Satoshi's jacket long enough to grab Vale and tug him into a fierce kiss. Vale responded eagerly, his free hand sliding into Sand's glossy hair, plundering Sand's mouth with abandon. Erion was twined with Kansas, stroking his waspie with a rapt look on his face, the tip of his pink tongue poking out from between his lips as he ran his fingers along the smooth leather.

Sand finally broke the kiss, his blue eyes glittering wickedly. "I was planning on going to the Unicorn and Crescent, since that inn caters to non-elven visitors as well as elven customers. The drinks are good, and we can relax there."

"Weed first," Tsutomo replied.

Sand looked utterly intrigued. "What kind of plant is this? What are its properties and effects?" He gave Tsutomo an expectant look, until Santhiel smacked Sand's shoulder playfully.

"Obviously, it's some kind of intoxicant. I say we try it," Santhiel said, surprising Yuji and Satoshi. Kansas was not entirely surprised, though, having gotten to know his prospective father in law a little better. Santhiel, like many men who were professional soldiers, actually had a very bawdy sense of humor, and enjoyed a night's drinking as much as the next elf. Santhiel looked at the loose dried herb as Tsutomo pulled out a large clear pouch. "What do we do?"

Tsutomo gestured to a small public garden. "Let's sit down a minute, and I'll roll some up." Tsutomo pulled a small packet of delicate white parchment, and proceeded to make small tubes of the weed. He passed one to Satoshi, who pulled out his lighter and inhaled deeply, holding the fragrant smoke in his lungs. Satoshi passed the lit tube to Kansas, who also inhaled deeply. Santhiel was slightly surprised to see Erion inhale with nonchalant confidence, but he grinned when his son offered him the tube, and took it.

Santhiel took a deep pull on the tube, holding the smoke in his lungs. He would have offered the tube to Sand, but it was down to a very small stub, and Tsutomo handed Sand a fresh tube with a grin. Then he took the butt from Santhiel, pinched it carefully, and inhaled, finishing it. Sand coughed once, but Vale took a deep drag before handing it to Yuji, and then turned around and kissed Satoshi, still holding the smoke in his lungs. He did not exhale until a fresh tube was passed to him.

Several joints later, an even giddier group of men resumed wandering in the direction of the inn. Santhiel had thrown an arm around Sand, and pulled Satoshi in with his free hand, and was trying to tell them a story about one of his lieutenants and a very pretty elf eagle rider, but once he got to the part where her eagle had come looking for her to resume the patrol, he began to laugh so hard that he couldn't continue. Satoshi was giggling just as hard as Santhiel, and Vale was trying to walk while nibbling on Yuji's ear, which made Erion start to snigger. Tsutomo and Kansas were busily planning an addition to the garden at Neverwinter as they walked into the inn.

The Unicorn and Crescent was a warm and welcoming inn, with a mixed crowd of humans and elves, and the men headed towards the bar until a clear voice rang out.

"You took your time." A tall elf, with a long black braid hanging to his waist and dressed in skintight leather, sauntered over to the merry group and Sand flung himself into the elf's arms.

"Hawk! When did you get back?" Sand hugged his older brother happily. "Come and meet my newest husband, and the others I'm hoping to marry." He dragged Hawk over to Satoshi. "Cormamin, this is my brother, Hawk. Hawk, this is Satoshi, my husband and my lifemate. This is Yuji, who may be foolish enough to marry me as well, and Kansas, who would make me very happy if he would also consent to wear my ring. This is Tomo-chan, Tsutomo, who's married to Yuji's sister. I'm not introducing you to the rest because you know them already."

Hawk started to laugh. "Atara filled me in on most of it already. I'm impressed, toror'amin. I just sleep with a number of people at a time, but you? You manage to find a group that can hold together and marry each other. Atara thinks I should learn from your example."

Hawk waved at the bartender and then herded the group to a large table. The bartender came over with pitchers of tui and dwarven ale, and then brought over bottles of a heavy dark-red wine and a paler liquid. "The red stuff is Berdruskan Dark, and can knock a dwarf on his ass. The pale stuff is Quefirre, and I'm told it's like what you call sake." Hawk waited until everyone had filled a glass with something, and then raised a brimming goblet of Berdruskan Dark. "A toast! Welcome to our family, and it's too late to run!" Hawk knocked back his drink in a single draught. "Anyone know a good drinking game?"

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Later that morning Eryn set out on a stroll across Moondark Hill, stopping to chat with various elves she encountered. Eryn was not dressed in her priestess's robes today, having chosen a simple indigo dress, the neckline coming to a vee under her delicate collarbone. It fitted closely through her hips and then flared out to float around her ankles. A gold chain belt adorned with sapphires sat on her slim hips, and her flat slippers matched the dress's hue.

Eryn eventually stopped in front of a small house, the garden fragrant with blossoms. She tapped on the door and waited patiently until it swung open, to reveal a small woman, her jet black hair covering her ears, and her gracefully tilted black eyes lighting up when she saw Eryn. She held to door open wider and stepped back.

The interior of the small house was not like most elven houses. The floors were covered with woven reed mats, and delicate screens made of wood and sheer linen helped define the living room and dining room. Eryn slipped her shoes off just inside the door, and followed the other woman into a small but comfortable kitchen.

"It's been too long, Eryn," the woman said. "The temple keeping you busy?"

"I've been in Neverwinter, actually," Eryn replied. "An interesting stay, to be sure."

The woman set a tall glass of fruit juice in front of Eryn, and a plate of crisp sweet wafers. "Neverwinter? Doesn't your younger son live there, with his husband?"

Eryn laughed. "He does, indeed. But what a story this has become. I actually came today to invite you to a wedding, or several weddings, to be precise."

"Been spending a little too much time in the sun?" The woman sat down, her lips curled in a wry smile. "Why would you want a dry old stick like me there?"

Eryn snorted. "I'm almost six times your age, so be careful about throwing around terms like dry old stick, young one." Eryn grinned. "Sand is marrying Vale at long last, but he's also taking at least one more husband. Vale is adding three more husbands and a wife in addition to Sand. One of Vale's husbands is my sochi-chan."

The woman stiffened. "Your what?"

"Sand and Vale went to another world for a vacation, with a human friend of theirs from that world. Vale met someone, and followed him back to a country called Japan." Eryn reached out and took the woman's hand. "Sora, Vale is marrying Yuji, and Sand is marrying Satoshi."

Sora shook her head, her hand clenching in Eryn's hand. "That can't be."

"The Seldarine move in their own manner, Sora. They are here, and living in my house at the moment." Eryn watched as Sora tried to grasp what she had told her.

"My Yuji, my magomusuko, is here? And Satoshi?" Sora's face was a picture of yearning.

"Yes, with their children. Yuji married a woman named Willow, and she and Yuji have a daughter, Aika. Willow and Satoshi have a son, Ryuu, who calls me sobo. And Willow and Vale have a son, Hikaru." Eryn smiled in delight. "My family has grown quite large quite quickly, and their other husband, Kansas, has betrothed himself to Mist's son Erion. But, Sora, our families are joined now, and it would mean the world to them if you would come to the weddings."

"They know I'm here?" Sora asked.

Eryn nodded. "Yes, they do. I told them." She reached out and stroked the other woman's cheek. "Sora, embrace them again. They understand that you are elven, but I told them little else. How much you tell them is your choice."

Sora took a deep breath. "My Yuji and my Satoshi, here. I can't believe it, Eryn."

"This may help." Eryn handed Sora a basket. "Vale said Satoshi always talked about your soba, so he went shopping when they were back in Tokyo, moving into their new house."

Sora looked into the basket, and began to laugh. The basket held all the ingredients for the meal, and enough to satisfy even Satoshi's appetite for her soba. "I may have to cook this in your kitchen, Eryn. I don't think I can fit them all in here."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand looked at the glass in his hand as he raised it. The gray liquid was indeed viscous, and the warmth of it through the glass was not reassuring in the slightest. Sale's sensitive nose wrinkled at the smell, and he shot Vale another doubtful look.

"Honestly, ithilamin, it's better to drink it while it's warm. It gets a bit thicker as it cools," Vale advised with a radiant grin. "The effects are, well, let's just say that Satoshi will be delighted with your prowess."

Sand arched an elegant eyebrow. "And I should shout out something I would consider nasty to eat or drink first?"

Satoshi nodded, his own glass held firmly. "That's the idea, poldoramin. It distracts us and makes us laugh a little."

Erion and Kansas were holding their glasses, but Erion was much more interested in nibbling on Kansas's neck at the moment. Yuji was smiling serenely, and Sand could find no good reason not to take the concoction, other than its general lack of appeal, which seemed a foolish reason.

"Very well. Candied hag's eye," Sand announced, and raised the glass to his lips and took a healthy swallow.

Vale matched him, and with an effort of will that demonstrated why he had risen to leadership in the Many-Starred Cloaks, he swallowed without gagging. Yuji caught Vale as he staggered, but the blond elf did not gag. Kansas was hopping on one foot and trying to rub Erion's back, as his nephew's face turned an alarming shade of red. He watched Satoshi take a manful swallow and choke it down, tears streaming from his eyes.

Sand's eyes widened and he wondered briefly if one could die from the simultaneous suicide of all one's taste buds in a single instant, because he was quite sure every taste bud on his tongue was contemplating ending its existence immediately. Then the true taste hit. The stuff seemed to thicken in his mouth, and Sand nearly panicked for a moment when something seemed to wiggle, until he realized that there were... clumps of something floating about.

Sand had a choice. He could swallow, thereby freeing his concentration so that he could then throttle Vale, or he could commit an act of cowardice and spit out the noxious drink. Vale was watching him with the intent gaze of a predator, green eyes glittering with dark amusement, and Sand very nearly regretted all those years of asking Vale to taste test his potions. But no, regret was also a form of cowardice, and Sand choked down the herbal drink just as he choked back any ridiculous thought of apologizing to Vale. He was an archmage, who had faced down dragons and lived. No mere drink would defeat him.

That was before it hit Sand's stomach, landing with the delicacy of a charging orc and Sand gasped, his eyes streaming tears. It was for the best, because with his eyes watering so profusely, Sand could not see Yuji shaking with laughter, the sound muffled in Vale's neck, nor could he see Kansas pinch his nephew's nose closed to get him to swallow.

Sand took a deep and shuddering breath, a mistake because it brought the aroma of the concoction to his nostrils, and he sneezed delicately as he wiped his watering eyes.

"I misspoke." Sand managed to gather the shreds of his dignity, throwing an arm around Satoshi's waist and clinging for dear life to his husband. "Candied hag's eyes do not do it justice. This would be the scrapings from beneath the bootheels of a drow Matron Mother, mixed with rothe droppings."

Vale threw his head back, screaming with laughter and falling into Yuji. "If you could see your face, ithilamin," he gasped out.

"Don't let it get cold," Satoshi warned. "This stuff's evil when it's cold." Sand shot him an incredulous look. The idea that this liquid could be any worse was nearly impossible to comprehend.

"Erion's turn to call out a nasty," Kansas said, kissing Erion quickly as the young elf looked at him, wide-eyed.

Erion took a deep breath, and, his beautiful voice soaring, he shouted, "Uncle Sand's potions!"

Downstairs in the kitchen, Willow, Eryn, and Taren sipped hot tea while Hikaru nursed contentedly. Ryuu and Aika were still asleep, and as dawn painted the cheerful kitchen rosy, the three women snickered as they listened to increasingly more revolting descriptions being shouted, and even worse howls of anguish as the six men choked down their herbal brew.

"They do this regularly?" Taren asked, wide-eyed.

Willow snickered. "They do it two or three times a year, and they think I have no idea. Honestly, the whole kitchen reeks of it, and it tales all day to air the place out. But they do it to please me, and each other as well."

Eryn looked up as Sand let loose with a stream of drowic of such profound obscenity that she burst out laughing, quickly muffling her amusement behind her hands. "Does it at least work?"

Willow smiled, her whole face lighting up. "Oh, yes, it works!"

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion heard a voice that he knew, a voice that he longed to hear, a voice filled with love and tenderness, and his eyes fluttered as he struggled to open them. Kansas's tunic was under one cheek, and a pale hand was fisted in it. His dry, cracked lips parted, but he could not seem to force any words past those lips, and Kansas stifled a small sob at how quickly Erion had deteriorated.

Looking around, Kansas spotted a bowl of cool, clear water and a soft linen cloth, and he quickly dipped the cloth in the water, wiping Erion's lips and letting a tiny amount trickle into his mouth. Erion turned his face blindly, seeming to seek the wet cloth, and Kansas patiently repeated his careful wetting of Erion's lips until the tip of a pink tongue poked out. Erion's voice was barely above a whisper.

"'Lokiamin? Ta naa lle? Ta naa anwa lle? Saes, kwaraamin." Erion's hand tightened on Kansas's hand, and even though he didn't understand what Erion had said, the moonbeam grew brighter and twirled tighter around the royal blue faerie light. Then Erion said something Kansas could understand. "Amin mela lle, 'lokiamin." The elf struggled to move, trying to crawl closer to the edge of the bed, and Kansas surged to his feet and slid onto the bed, pulling Erion into his arms and feathering kisses on his pale face.

"I'm here, isilmeamin," Kansas murmured between kisses. "I'm here, I have you, come back to me."

Erion's eyes opened, and he shivered a little as he focused on Kansas's face, searching it intently. As Kansas watched, the blue ring around his irises darkened, and a faint smile formed on his lips.

"It's you," Erion murmured. "It's really you, and you're holding me. Don't let me go. Don't ever let me go. I don't care if we only have a day. I want to be yours for that day."

Kansas smiled, his face radiant, and he kissed Erion softly on his lips. "I had a vision. I saw the day I'll die. And what a day it will be. We will go to swim in the Pond and we will play harder than the day we did when we first met. The sun will be so bright, and the water so warm, and we'll throw ourselves off the cliff so carelessly and so happily, trying to out do the other."

Erion's eyes brightened as he listened to Kansas, and Kansas stroked the lank hair tenderly.

"And when we are all pruned up and winded we will go to the Temple and make love until we can barely walk," Kansas continued. "Then we will go home and have dinner with our family, and it will be loud and boisterous, and there will be so much laughter and so much joy that we cannot remember anything like it."

Erion's smile was stronger, and there was a definite sparkle in his eyes. Kansas feathered a few more kisses over Erion's lips as the elf's hand crept up to touch Kansas's cheek. "More, tell me more," Erion murmured.

"We will go to bed late and make love until we both pass out. Then I will wake up, and greet the dawn. I will climb back into bed with you, and kiss you and tell you once again how much I love you. And you will rouse from your reverie and tell me you love me. I will close my eyes, and die in your arms, happier than I have ever been. You will shed a tear, but then you will lie down with me and begin to fade. You will follow me within the hour." Kansas gently rubbed Erion's back, and the elf arched a little, pressing against Kansas with a small but happy sigh.

"I will be eight hundred and twenty three." Kansas watched the joy light up Erion's face as he said that. "And I will love you more every day, than I did the day before, for those eight hundred and two years that we have left." Kansas kissed Erion again, lingering a little this time, and Erion's hand slid into Kansas's hair to hold him there, and his eyes widened as the glitter of gemstones from a slender band caught his eye. Erion looked at the ring, diamonds and sapphires alternating around the ring that graced his right hand.

"'Lokiamin, it is us," Erion said, looking at the ring and then into Kansas's tear-bright eyes, brimming with love. "Blue dragons and moonbeams on my finger."

"It's my promise, that on the day you turn one hundred, we'll stand in the temple and be married," Kansas said. "I love you, Erion."

"I don't have a ring for you," Erion replied.

Kansas took his hand and gently placed the second ring in the palm, looking at Erion with his heart in his eyes.

Erion reached for Kansas's right hand, and very carefully slid the ring partway onto Kansas's ring finger. "On the day I turn one hundred, I will stand before the world and declare myself your husband. But until then, this ring is my promise that I am yours, always and forever, and when we are done here, eight hundred and two years from now, we will walk in Arvandor together for all eternity." Erion slid the ring all the way on Kansas's finger.

Kansas's cry of joy echoed throughout the house, and Ryuu looked up with an angelic smile.

"Oniisan kissed Erion's heart all better," Ryuu stated, and Mist burst into tears of joy and buried her face in Santhiel's chest as he looked up to see the blue and silver faerie lights tightly twined and once again inseparable.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion stared after the small boy, and touched his cheek where the small, soft hand had rested. Mist smiled reassuringly at Erion, taking his cold hand between her own two warm ones.

"He is Satoshi's son, and Satoshi is Sand's beloved," Mist said softly. She stroked Erion's forehead, the clammy feel to his skin worrying her. "I'm going to go and see what is happening downstairs, and maybe find something soothing to drink. Santhiel, my love, are you alright for now?"

"Go, my life. I've got him," Santhiel said, pressing a kiss to Erion's forehead. "Falon's here to help as well."

Mist went downstairs, heading in to the kitchen where she found Taren hard at work rolling out pastry, tears glittering on her lashes, A tiny, exquisitely beautiful little girl was trying to imitate Taren, making the elven woman smile. Taren looked up as Mist entered, and held out her arms.

"Oh, Mist, sweetling, how is he?" Taren asked, stroking Mist's back.

Mist leaned in to the comfort, resting her head on Taren's shoulder for a moment. "He's hurting, Taren. I've never seen him like this. Seldarine, I've never seen anyone like this. And Kansas is as bad." Her voice broke, and she let her tears fall, safe in the arms of her mother's oldest friend.

Mist brought a tray of food upstairs as did Eryn, and they exchanged somber glances before going off to try and feed their respective charges. Eryn was able to cajole Sand and Satoshi into eating, but Kansas could only be convinced to drink a little chilled fruit juice. For her part, Mist insisted that Falon and Santhiel eat, but Erion would not even touch the juice. Mist managed to get a few small sips of cold water past his lips, but then he turned his head away, his eyes a lifeless grey, the blue ring nearly invisible.

Vale and Yuji and Willow ate with Taren, doing their best to reassure Aika and Ryuu. Hikaru had fallen into a fitful doze, and Vale cradled his son gently, sending out as much love and reassurance as he could through his bonds. No one had much interest in socializing, and they all retired to their rooms early, Willow taking the children into bed with her while Vale held Yuji and promised him over and over that Adalon would help them.

Sometime in the middle of the night, Kansas slid out of bed and wandered down the hall until he found the room where Erion lay, his head on a cushion that was resting on Santhiel's lap. Erion was on his side, one cold hand hanging over the edge of the bed. Santhiel was in reverie, his silvery eyes open and Falon lay next to where he sat, also deep in reverie. Mist was awake, watching while her lover rested, cradling Falon. She watched as Kansas drifted over to the side of the bed and sat on the floor, his hand creeping up to take Erion's hand in his.

Erion's eyes focused briefly, and he looked at Kansas, but Kansas did not make eye contact with his lover at all. Erion's eyes were wet, tears rolling slowly from the corners, but he was beyond sobbing by now. He eyes fluttered closed, and he fell into a fitful state that almost resembled human sleep, a place where he could hide from the memories of reverie. Kansas held the cold, pale hand, never saying a word, not acknowledging Mist as she kept watch until Santhiel roused from his reverie and took over. Kansas fell into a light doze, still gripping Erion's hand, and above their heads, the faerie lights wound slowly, the blue light pale and almost faded as it was torn away from the almost invisible moonbean.

The morning finally arrived, and Vale went into the bedroom where Kansas sat, Erion's hand in his, his pale eyes watching Vale as he crossed the room. Vale held out a hand, not saying a word, but the waves of love pouring out from him washed over Kansas. Kansas stood slowly and pressed a tender kiss to the icy fingers of his lover, and he followed Vale to the bathroom, getting into the hot water and letting Vale wash him and shampoo his hair. Vale dried him tenderly and handed him clothing, his usual shorts and tight little t-shirt and a hoodie, and then his platform boots.

Vale led Kansas down the hall and to the portal that Adalon had established the day before. Standing in front of the portal, Vale spoke one word in draconic, his voice oddly sibilant. "Ossalur." The portal began to shimmer, and holding tightly to Kansas, Vale stepped through.

The room they emerged into was vast, the ceilings soaring a hundred feet above them. The walls were crystal, delicately carved and reflecting the light of a few scattered magic globes until it seemed like the crystals held nothing but light. There was a scraping noise, and a large and breathtakingly beautiful silver dragon entered the room, her eyes ancient and wise. She paused before Vale and Kansas, her voice echoing off the walls as she spoke.

"Be welcome to my lair, young Tatsuya. You are known to me and to all my kind, your scent and taste familiar." The dragon observed Kansas for a long moment. "It was my wish to meet you under better circumstances, you and your guardians, your Right Eye and your Left Eye. I am Adalon."

Kansas looked up at the regal dragon, his eyes wide. His heart was so heavy and yet he could not help but think that Adalon was the most magnificent creature he had ever seen.

"I thank you for that, young Tatsuya," Adalon said, her voice amused. The great slitted eyes were warm as she brought her head lower, her magnificent wings rustling as she stooped. Kansas felt an odd tingling in his tattoos, and Adalon nodded. "Such pain you hold within you, and such gifts as well. The old pains, they have made you who you are, and they have served their purpose. You are becoming, and such a wonder you will be. Your gift shines very brightly within you, nearly as bright as my own."

Adalon nodded again, and turned her gaze to Vale. "You did not exaggerate, my friend. He has been touched by my kind, and he is glorious indeed."

Adalon looked at Kansas. "It is this new pain, though, young Tatsuya, that concerns me most. How is it that you have torn your soul asunder?"

Kansas could not help but show Adalon his vision, and how it had changed. He could feel her in his mind, content to read his surface thoughts as he showed them to her, going no deeper. She had not asked his permission, but he suddenly knew that no dragon would ask. He also knew that Adalon had stopped counting the long millennia of her life when the elves were still newly come from the Feywild, and that the magic she knew was as much as part of her as breathing, and as natural. There was a small spark deep within him, a glimmer of hope. He looked up at Adalon, his eyes darkening a shade.

"It was written long ago that we would meet, young Tatsuya, and so here we are. It is within my power to grant you what you most desire, and it is my will to do so." Adalon paused again. "I must hear from you the answer to my question. Tell me, young Tatsuya, what is it that you wish most?"

"All my life I've wanted to be a dragon. But I do not wish for that any longer. I am a dragon, in my world, in here," Kansas pointed to his head, his voice a little rough but becoming stronger as he spoke, "I am a god. But I do not want to be a dragon any longer." Kansas paused, gathering his thoughts. "All I wish for now is to be with him. I wish I could grow old with him, I wish to hold him and see him grow. I wish to marry him and stand by his side through the ages, until it is our time to die. I wish for a longer life, so I can love him the way he deserves. My life is meaningless without him, and my death will be even more meaningless. I wish for longer life so I can make him happy, and see him smile. That is all I ask for."

Adalon raised herself up, spreading her wings to their full glory, the light of the thousands of crystals reflecting off her silver scales and turning her molten. Her eyes took on a glow, and Adalon breathed out very softly, the air glittering as her magic spun around Kansas, flowing through him like a gentle breeze.

"It is done, young Tatsuya. You will live for as long as an elf, and nearly a millennia lies before you. Use it well, and love him as you have said." Adalon extended one massive forelimb. A single scale fluttered loose, falling into Kansas's hand. "Deliver that to the child called Ryuu. It is not time for us to meet, but we will."

Kansas trembled, feeling that spark of hope flare up. "My vision?"

"Look within you. You will find it easier to control your gift. The visions will come only when you bid them, and the dark ones cannot touch you." Adalon regarded him with that same warm gaze. "We will meet again, young Tatsuya. I will look forward to it."

Adalon turned her head and the portal shimmered again. "Go, and live, young Tatsuya, and before the end of your days, come and tell me all you have seen."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion stared blankly for a moment when Kansas charged out of his house, those awful words ringing in his ears. His soul screamed in pain, feeling torn apart as Kansas raced away, but Erion could not move. It was not until Falon, of all people, let out a choked sob that Erion stirred.

"Atar? Atara?" Erion's voice cracked a bit as he looked at his parents, his hands clenched so tightly on his thighs that his knuckles shone white. "What did I do wrong?"

Erion sounded so bewildered, so lost and young that Santhiel jumped up and threw his arms around his son.

"You did nothing, aieramin, my little one." Santhiel held his son, feeling Erion tremble against him. The childhood nickname calmed Erion slightly,and he looked up at his father, his silvery grey eyes wide.

"Well, Sand and the rest of the family should be arriving soon," Mist said briskly, hiding her own dismay behind a facade of practicality. "Let's clear these dishes away, and we can walk over to the house."

Falon lingered behind a moment, as Erion followed Mist into the kitchen. He looked at Santhiel, his usually lively face grim. "If Kansas meant that, I'm going to beat him senseless. I know how much Erion loves him, but that doesn't give him the right to hurt toror'amin."

Santhiel hugged his younger son. "Let's hope this is a misunderstanding, and we can clear it up when we get to your atararim's house."

Mist ran over to hug Sand, torn between her delight at seeing her younger brother and her concern for both Erion and Kansas. When Kansas had seen Erion, he had turned away from the stricken elf. The young man was clinging to one of the humans that were part of Sand's family, a gorgeous young man with black hair tipped with amethyst, and dark-rimmed spectacles that had been knocked slightly askew by Kansas's frantic bids for affection. Sand shot Mist an imploring look as Erion choked back a sob. Kansas reacted by fleeing to his room, and Erion let out a howl that was part grief, part outrage and tore after him, the rest of the family following with varying degrees of urgency. Santhiel kept a tight hold on Falon, however.

The family followed the raised voices, both Erion and Kansas screaming at each other. Kansas was doing his best to push Erion away, and Erion was diving back in, grabbing Kansas's tunic and refusing to be turned away, grabbing frantically at his lover until Kansas finally grabbed Erion's tunic and told them about his vision dream. Erion sank to the floor with a pitiful sob, and Sand rushed over to gather his nephew to him, carrying the stricken young elf from the room with Santhiel on his heels, Falon still firmly in his grasp. Eryn helped support her beloved grandson, her face stricken.

Sand took Erion to the room he always used when he was home, sitting on the bed and cradling his nephew. "Breathe, Erion," he told the sobbing elf, stroking his back gently. "You know that visions do not mean that what is seen will occur. Kansas said his vision has changed, and it may be that there is a way to change it yet again."

Erion looked up at his uncle, his tear-streaked face pale under the tan. "Then we have to try. I can't lose him, I can't. I love him so much it's like fire in my veins. I won't live without him, Sand. I don't think I can go on."

Santhiel winced a little from behind Erion, his heart aching for his gentle son. He did not doubt Erion's words, for he had seen the love between Kansas and his son. He shot Sand a searching look, knowing full well that his lover's brother was far more than he appeared, and rarely promised what he could not give. Erion had his face buried in Sand's chest, soaking his uncle's tunic with his bitter tears.

Santhiel sat beside Sand, and Sand passed Erion to his father, watching as the young elf clung to Santhiel in desperation. Falon hugged Eryn tightly, his eyes brimming with tears at the thought of losing his brother, and Eryn stroked his dark head lovingly. Sand slipped out, and returned to Kansas's room, in time to hear Vale making plans.

"Oh, good, you're back, ithilamin. I need you to open a link with Adalon," Vale said. He looked at Kansas, who looked just as bad as Erion had.

"Of course," Sand said calmly. "I have a small mirror with me."

"But it won't do any good," Kansas moaned, clinging to his three husbands, tears streaking his pale face. He closed his silver-grey eyes. "I can't live without him, and I won't risk his life. I can't do this!"

Sand had finished murmuring over a mithral and silver mirror, and handed it to Vale wordlessly.

Vale waited for a moment until the mirror's cloudy surface cleared, revealing a striking woman with floor-length hair that was pale to the point of being colorless and eyes that were entirely silver, with slitted pupils.

"My Lady Adalon, I greet you, orndarastrix." Vale bowed his head politely.

"Vaecaesin," the woman acknowledged. "I greet you, erthurirl. Is it time?"

"Past time, my Lady. I may have left this too long," Vale replied, letting his grief ring in his voice.

"Then come at this time tomorrow. Bring the kosjdarastrix." The woman gestured, and the mirror went blank, at the same moment as a portal appeared. It was not active, but Vale knew it would open when Adalon wished it so.

"Kansas." Sand spoke up, his voice gentle and filled with love. "Go to him. Neither one of you can bear to be without the other, and you will not undo what you have seen by tearing your hearts out and fading together instead."

Kansas's eyes widened a little at Sand's words. "Erion won't fade. He'll forget me, love someone else." The utter lack of conviction in Kansas's voice was not lost on his husbands.

Sand reached out and touched Kansas's cheek. "Satoshi knows this, and he can tell you it is true. I have come this close to fading myself, and I see the signs in you and in Erion. Go to him."

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

"Do we have everything packed, amaelamin?" Vale slipped behind Yuji and nibbled at his ear as his arms wrapped around his husband.

Yuji chuckled. "You're in a better mood for this trip," he commented mildly, but he turned around to press a lingering kiss on Vale. "You want to tell me what's in the bag of holding for Eryn?"

"No," Vale replied cheekily. "I value my life."

From the master bedroom across the hall, they heard a small shriek of outrage, followed by Sand's most wicked chuckle.

"I wouldn't rush to open the portal, love," Yuji grinned. Vale snickered, his slim fingers toying with Yuji's hair. "What're you doing?"

"Mmm, practicing wedding braids," Vale replied, his green eyes bright.

"I'm not wearing fucking braids!" Yuji protested, trying to pull away.

Vale looked briefly outraged. "Oh, yes, you are, at least one braid. It's traditional for each spouse to undo the other spouse's braids after consummating the marriage, to symbolize their new intimacy. I want at least one braid to undo."

"We've consummated this marriage every fucking way possible already," Yuji growled, his perfect eyes narrowing.

Vale leaned in and kissed Yuji, so thoroughly and so passionately that Yuji almost forgot to breathe. "It's the only thing I ask, verno'amin. I'm yours, completely and without any reservations, but this one thing I want."

Yuji sighed and pulled Vale in for another kiss. "How can I say no to that? But only this one time."

Vale gave Yuji a radiant grin, not pushing his victory. "I'd better give Willow a hand with Hikaru, or we won't live long enough to get married." He took one last nibble of Yuji's lips and sauntered out, hips swaying.

A very flushed Satoshi was heading into Ryuu's room, and Vale pulled him in for a quick kiss, nibbling at his piercings.

"Good morning, mela en' coiamin," Vale murmured, one last swipe of his tongue making Satoshi moan a little, before he swayed off to find Hikaru.

Satoshi shook his head, beyond trying to explain ditzy elves this morning, and hurried in to Ryuu to finish dressing him. "Come on, my little dragon, let's brush that hair."

"Chichi, why can't gifu brush my hair?" Ryuu asked plaintively. "Gifu doesn't pull it so hard."

Satoshi looked at Ryuu, his smile bright. "Then take your brush and go find gifu," he told Ryuu, watching his perfect son dash off. Ryuu had decided that certain tasks belonged to Sand, maybe to make amends for his initial rudeness to the elf, and since Sand seemed delighted for the chance to have time with Ryuu, Satoshi complied happily. He never tugged Ryuu's hair too hard with the brush, but that was Ryuu's excuse to assign the job to Sand, who was now also in charge of bedtime reading and showers. He grinned as he heard Sand greet Ryuu with vast love, and his heart swelled.

Willow was in a good mood when Vale swayed in, all elven grace and eager lips. She melted happily into the kiss, and then patted Vale's ass and gave him a little push toward Hikaru, snugly bundled up in his crib. Aika giggled as Vale stooped to nuzzle her and kiss her as well.

"My ladies are both perfectly beautiful this morning," Vale said, giving Aika another kiss. Then he scooped up the sleeping Hikaru, marveling again at the perfection of that small face. "My sleepy son," he murmured softly. "Sochi-chan."

Willow looked at Vale and shook her head. "Yuji must have been in good form last night, sweets. You're cheerful this morning."

Vale just smiled, his face blissful. "We're going to our other home, and then we're heading to Evereska to be formally married. So, on at least one world, in one of our homes, you'll be my legal wife. Why shouldn't I be cheerful, lirimaer?"

Sand popped his head in, Ryuu at his side. "Should you not be opening a portal, anoramin?"

Vale gave Sand a heated kiss. "Mmm, of course, ithilamin, as soon as my breath returns."

"You're only this happy because you found out that atara arranged for the wedding to be held at Hanali's temple," Sand laughed. "Come on, Ryuu, let us find chichi before otooji gets sillier than usual." His blue eyes shone with love for his elven husband, his tone light and teasing.

"So why the excitement over the temple, sweets?" Willow asked, taking Aika's hand and looking around to make sure nothing important was left behind.

"The Fountainheart of Shimmering Gold is the temple dedicated to Hanali Celanil, our goddess of love, and romance, and beauty," Vale replied. "It is extraordinary, and you'll love it. There are gardens, and a maze, and sweet grottos for wooing your lover, and inside the temple are rooms for wedding nights, so that the goddess can bless our marriage as we consummate it." Vale looked at Willow with a wicked grin as they went down to meet the rest of the family in the living room.

Vale opened the portal, and they all stepped through it, arriving in their living room in Neverwinter, Ryuu giggling happily. He loved portal travel, and thought his otooji was especially wonderful for being able to do it. Aika giggled because Ryuu was giggling, and Hikaru slept through it peacefully, snug in Vale's arms.

As everyone set about settling back in, Satoshi grabbed Sand. "Poldoramin, I need your help with something."

"Always, my heart," Sand replied, and let Satoshi lead him to Kansas's room. Satoshi fumbled under the mattress, and dug out a small box. He opened it to show Sand the glass-bladed knife that Kansas had used. Sand's eyes darkened with grief as he looked at the blade, remembering all the blood from that awful night.

"I want to get rid of this, break the blade and do something with the handle," Satoshi explained. "This part of Kansas's life is over. He's not cutting himself any more." Satoshi's voice was firm, his expression adamant. "I can't take it, Sand. I can't see him like that anymore. And besides, now that we're back on Toril, I can feel him again. He feels... peaceful, happy. He doesn't need this."

"What were you thinking of doing with the handle?" Sand asked, examining It. It was silver, and heavy, and Sand knew he could definitely craft something from it.

Satoshi shrugged. "It would be nice if Kansas had something that would have better meaning, something that could mark a turning point for him. He's been doing a lot of growing up lately. He's better at handling things." He gave Sand a serious look. "Your mother, she can really help him?"

Sand gave Satoshi a gentle kiss. "Yes, she can, and yes, he is maturing a great deal. He needs to find his place, though, and I fear Vale and I have only made it harder, especially me." He stroked Satoshi's hair lovingly. "I did take you away from him, more so than Vale, who is Yuji's."

"I love Kansas, and I'll always love Kansas, and I love that you love him, too," Satoshi replied. "Don't ever feel guilty, though. We've tried for years to help Kansas find himself, and still, as much as we love him, it isn't enough. But since you and Vale came into our lives, and our family, he's been maturing, so you've been good for him, and for us all."

"Your heart is so large and loving," Sand said, kissing Satoshi tenderly. "I am so very lucky to be loved by someone like you, and so very much in love with you. Now, let us go hide in the basement, and see what we can do with this blade."

Satoshi stuffed the box in his hoodie pocket, and he and Sand headed to the basement where Sand kept his alchemical bench. Sand dismantled the knife, tossing the handle in a small crucible and conjuring a small but intense flame to start the metal melting. He tossed the blade into a thin leather pouch and laid it on the bench, handing Satoshi a small crafting hammer. Satoshi nodded, and smashed the blade to bits, crushing even the fragments of glass. He did not realize that he was crying until Sand wiped his face with a soft linen cloth, and gathered him into a tight embrace.

"Hush, cormamin, we will make sure he is never in so dark a place again. He has a mother now, and husbands who love him, and one more who would be his husband if he would have me." Sand nuzzled his face into Satoshi's hair. "We will keep him as safe as we can, and we will be there when he needs us. Now, did you have any inspiration for the silver?"

Satoshi nodded, the answer clear. "A bracelet, with a dragon's head, for our dragon becoming, our Tatsuya."

"I may have enough silver here to craft two such bracelets," Sand said, looking at the crucible.

"He can give the second one to someone else, whoever he wants, or just wear it himself. It doesn't matter." Satoshi looked relieved. "It'll mark a beginning for him, a good one."

Sand smiled, and held Satoshi close for a moment longer before he set to work, his concentration absolute, while Satoshi watched.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion looked at Kansas, his eyes silvery in the moonlight. He reached out one trembling finger and caught the tear that ran down Kansas's cheek. "You would give them up for me?" Erion's own eyes shone with unshed tears. "Kansas, 'lokiamin, I can't ask you to do that. I don't want you to do that."

Erion leaned forward, resting his forehead against Kansas's forehead, one hand cupping Kansas's face tenderly. "I love you more than life, and when I am old enough, I want to be your husband, and I will always put you first, above all others. I understand how you feel about your other husbands, and I don't want you to lose them. But I want you now, too. Will they understand? Do they have room for me, too?" Erion looked a little wide-eyed for a moment. "Well, except for Uncle Sand and Uncle Vale. That would be too weird. But I can share you, too, Kansas. I can."

Erion slipped his arms around Kansas, angling for a kiss and diving into Kansas's mouth eagerly when Kansas lifted his head, moaning a little. "Marry them, and teach me how to be a part of your family, too." He took a shuddering breath. "We have all the time in the world to talk about your past, 'lokiamin, but I want you to know that I love you, and nothing you say will ever change that. Nothing in your past is going to frighten me away, or make me stop loving you. All that made you who you are today, and who I love today, and tomorrow, and forever."

The tears that shone in Erion's eyes now trickled freely down his cheeks. "I feel like I'm too young and silly for you sometimes, and I can't believe you want me. Will you teach me about how to love you like I should? I want to love you properly, like a husband should. Please?" Erion's eyes were locked on Kansas's eyes, filled with love and pleading and hot desire.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Erion looked at Kansas, the silvery eyes dark with lust, looking so incredibly wanton that Kansas's breath hitched. Erion looked at the beautiful body beneath him, the tight little nipples erect and hard as pebbles, the slim torso well muscled and pale in the moonlight. Kansas had stripped off his sleep pants before laying back on the cushions, tossing them onto the floor. The elf's eyes were drawn to Kansas's cock, standing out proudly from the nest of curls at his groin, and it was Erion's turn to have his breath catch in his throat. Kansas's cock was thicker than Erion's, and his eyes widened a little in anticipation of tasting it.

Shivering just a little from excitement, Erion leaned forward to kiss Kansas, nibbling at his plump lips, the tip of his tongue darting out to tease a little. He trailed kisses along Kansas's jaw and down his throat to where Kansas had indicated, the juncture between his neck and his shoulder, and he nipped, tentatively at first. Kansas made a small mewl, encouraging Erion to nip harder, and the young elf bit down with a little more pressure, and then licked where he had bitten. He could see the reddened marks where his teeth had pressed into the flesh and he shivered again, strangely aroused by the sight. Kansas had turned hid head slightly to allow Erion better access, and the trusting way he allowed Erion to explore him was thrilling.

Erion moaned a little as he let his kisses trail downward again, heading for one pebbled nipple, feeling it hard under his lips as he dragged them across it. Erion let his tongue dart out again, teasing the nipple with little flicks from the tip of his tongue before he chanced a little nip there as well. Kansas slid one hand into Erion's silver hair, pressing him down and encouraging him to be less tentative, and the young elf bit a little harder before suckling on the nipple. He could feel Kansas's cock twitch against his thigh, smearing a little sticky precum on his leg. Kansas moaned softly, his fingers urging Erion downward.

Erion kissed and nibbled the taut muscles along Kansas's stomach, working his way over to Kansas's ribs and seeking the last rib as Kansas arched into Erion's kisses. Erion's fingers trailed along Kansas's ribs as well, the skin so silky beneath them, and the elf mewled a little with excitement as he ran his tongue along the tender flesh beneath Kansas's bottom rib. This time, Erion was a little more confident, and his first bite was deliciously sharp, making Kansas writhe beneath him in pleasure. Erion licked and bit, dragging his tongue along the whole line of the bottom rib, and Kansas shuddered happily.

Erion felt a strange and thrilling excitement as he moved further down Kansas, nibbling along the line of his lover's hipbone and nuzzling the sharp hollow there. He tried to remember what Kansas had done that had so aroused him, and so he let his tongue circle Kansas's navel before plunging the tip into the hollow. Kansas's sharp intake of breath and the way his back arched a little thrilled Erion, and made him feel proud of having coaxed such a strong response from his lover. He was a little nervous about the next part, but he was also intensely curious and more than a little eager, so he moved down again until his cheek brushed against Kansas's cock.

Now Erion reared back a bit, looking at the long thick cock that rose from its nest of curls. He had wrapped his fingers around Kansas's cock before, but it looked bigger now that he was contemplating taking it in his mouth, and Erion shivered again, a small moan of pure lust escaping him. His mouth was actually watering at the prospect of tasting his lover. He wrapped one slim hand around Kansas's cock, looking at the drops of precum that were beading on the swollen head, and he could not resist swiping the head with his tongue. Kansas's moan thrilled Erion, and he licked again, this time letting the tip of his tongue press against the slit. He knew, from touching himself a little, that the cleft under the head was sensitive, and he ran his tongue over that sweet spot, and Kansas moaned louder, his eyes slate blue and gorgeous as he watched Erion explore.

Erion licked his lips, wetting them, and then he took a quick breath and slid his lips over the head of Kansas's cock, his tongue pressing against the cleft.

"Flatten your tongue," Kanss whispered, his voice rough with arousal. His fingers, still buried in Erion's hair, tightened a little as Erion complied, sliding his hot mouth further down the thick cock, and Kansas moaned, forcing himself not to buck into that enticing heat.

Erion slid his lips down as far as he could, his sweet mouth stretched wide to accommodate Kansas's cock, and Kansas thought he had never seen such a beautiful sight as those kiss-swollen lips wrapped around him. Erion was totally absorbed in what he was doing, his breath coming in small puffs through his nostrils as he took Kansas's cock in until it bumped the back of his throat. He halted there, his eyes widening slightly, and Kansas stroked his head gently.

"Fuck, isilmeamin, that's so good," Kansas moaned. He tugged a little on Erion's hair, urging him to withdraw, and the young elf began to slide those pink lips back up along Kansas's cock. "Suck a little, oh, fuck, yeah, like that."

Erion's cheeks hollowed as he sucked, bringing his lips back up until they were at the head of Kansas's cock, and then he slid down again. He repeated that a few times, and then his hand, still wrapped around Kansas's cock, began to stroke in time with his sucking, and Kansas moaned louder, his hips wriggling as he fought the urge to fuck that beautiful mouth with abandon.

Kansas's wanton wriggling served to encourage Erion, and he began to stroke and suck harder and faster, his silvery hair falling around his face like a curtain, his free hand sliding up to rest against Kansas's hip. As he reached the head, his tongue swirled over the slip, lapping at the precum that was forming steadily, and Kansas's moans increased in volume.

"Erion, fuck, I'm close," Kansas gasped. Erion's response was to suck even harder and faster, his tongue pressing down on the throbbing vein on the underside of Kansas's cock. Kansas howled, his balls drawing up, and he pulled on Erion's hair, urging the elf to pull back a bit as the first hot spurt of cum erupted into that tender mouth.

Erion's eyes widened when he felt the cum hit the back of his throat, and he swallowed reflexively, and then more and more cum filled his mouth, the taste salty and slightly bitter, and uniquely Kansas. Erion swallowed as fast as he could, drinking down his lover's cum, a little escaping to dribble from the corner of his mouth, and Kansas thought he would die from seeing something so beautiful as the sight of Erion at that moment.

Erion swallowed until nothing more came, every drop of cum milked, and then he pulled his mouth off Kansas's cock with a wet little pop. Kansas let go of his hair and grabbed Erion's shoulders, pulling him up and plundering that wonderful mouth, licking the small dribble of his own cum from the corner. Erion giggled a little, snuggling against Kansas, his slim body fitting as perfectly as if they had been made to fit together, the faerie lights above them twined even tighter than they had been before.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Santhiel looked at Erion's Kansas as he bowed and said, "Hayashi Tatsuya en Nosse Iradil. It is an honor to meet you. Please accept my humblest apologies for being so late."

Santhiel bowed formally in return. "Santhiel en Nosse Sulandorn. Cormamin lindua ele lle, my heart sings to meet thee. The honor is mine, to welcome to my home the man who has won my son's heart." As he straightened up from his bow, Santhiel broke out into a radiant smile. "Kansas, is it? I heard so much about you last night. And please, you both were up late last night, I'm sure, so we won't worry about being late." Santhiel gestured for a blushing Kansas and Erion to join him at the table in the courtyard.

Mist came out with a tray, her smile wide. She set plates of melon, sweet rolls, a clear soup and mugs of tea on the table. "Hello, my sweetlings. I'm sure you two haven't eaten." She kissed Erion and Kansas both, and then curled up in a chair with a mug of tea, watching as Erion piled a plate with melon and sweet roll and pressed it on Kansas, sneaking in a kiss as he did. Santhiel reached for a sweet roll and tea, relaxing in his chair, and watching as Erion added a bowl of soup for Kansas.

"You need to eat, 'lokiamin," Erion said, giving Kansas a beautiful smile. He heaped a plate for himself as well, and pulled his chair as close to Kansas as he could get it.

"This is all delicious, Mist. Thank you for going to all this trouble for us," Kansas said, ducking his head a little.

Mist laughed. "It's entirely my pleasure, sweetling."

Falon came tumbling out of the house. "Hey, food and no one called me?" He kissed Mist and threw his arms around Santhiel, giggling. "Do I at least get a sweet roll before these two devour everything?" He plopped into a chair and took a sweet roll, grinning.

Santhiel shook his head, his eyes bright. "So, I feel I owe you thanks, Kansas. Apparently, you're going to be relieving me of one rascal, or so I'm told."

Kansas's eyes widened for a minute, until Erion began to giggle.

"I told you he'd thank you." Erion pulled Kansas into a kiss, nibbling his lips happily.

"Erion tells me you're a Vale Guard, Santhiel," Kansas said, still a little shy but trying to make conversation.

"I am indeed," Santhiel said. "For the most part, it's routine patrols these days, but we're always vigilant. The Anauroch Desert borders our lands, and strange things come out of there." He shrugged lightly. "What is it that you do, Kansas?"

Kansas took a deep breath. "Right now, I'm still studying at my college. But what I want to do is become a social worker."

Santhiel looked a little puzzled, and Erion stroked Kansas's arm encouragingly.

Kansas tried to think of a way to explain, and realized he would have to talk a little about his past to have it make any sense at all. "I guess it's because of my own past. I was sold when I was little, and for seven years I belonged to someone."

Santhiel looked both shocked and saddened. "I am so very sorry, Kansas. There are lands that allow such things here as well, but none of them are elven lands. Such a thing goes against all that we hold dear." His silver eyes were very gentle and warm. "To have survived such a thing... there are many elves who would not have survived."

Kansas's eyes widened a little, slightly paler than usual, but Erion's gentle touch and Santhiel's kindness made him feel safe. "It was Satoshi, Sand's husband, who rescued me. He saw me, and saw that I wasn't free, and he spent everything he had to buy my freedom. And that's what he bought. Not me, because he never owned me, but my freedom. Satoshi sent me to school, just like every other kid. I'd never been to school before that, but Satoshi wanted me to be just like a normal teenager, like a normal child. He gave me that back, my childhood and my freedom all in one."

Santhiel nodded, understanding the distinction clearly. "This Satoshi is a good man, and I will be proud to welcome him as a brother."

Kansas grinned, relieved that Santhiel understood, and the elven warrior had a sudden clear look at the Kansas his son loved with all his heart. Santhiel felt a wave of tenderness towards Kansas, and he caught Erion's eye and nodded very slightly. Erion beamed and snuggled closer to Kansas, knowing that his father intended to bless their relationship.

"So, anyway, I thought if I studied ways to help others that were in the same trap I was, children that needed someone to listen and help them find their way, that would be a good thing to do with my life," Kansas finished. "I had Satoshi, and Yuji, and Willow, and they helped me as much as they could, but I really understand, from the inside, and I'll know why they scream, or cry, or rage."

"Cormlle naa tanya tel'uruloki, your heart is that of the dragon, Kansas." Santhiel held out a slim, callused hand, a swordman's hand. "I think such things will matter to you, and so I will say it formally. Hayashi Tatsuya en Nosse Iradil, you have my blessing to claim the heart of my son, and I will be honored to stand as your father in law."

Kansas took Santhiel's hand, his emotions rising up in a huge swell. Erion gave a delighted squeak as Kansas struggled for a moment to find his tongue. He spoke straight from his brimming heart. "Thank you, Santhiel. I can't tell you how much that means to me, because I love Erion, and I want to do this right." He smiled, that incredibly beautiful smile that made him look like an angel.

Erion jumped up and threw his arms around Santhiel, kissing his father's cheek and hugging him tightly. "Atar, thank you! I'm the luckiest elf on Toril!"

Falon looked over at Kansas, his mischievous face serious for once. "Kansas, I'm proud to be your brother." He hopped off his chair and hugged Kansas tightly. Then he turned to Erion. "Be happy together, okay?"

Erion threw his arms around Kansas, and gave him a breathtakingly passionate kiss. "I love you," he murmured, his silver eyes shining with joy, and Kansas just melted into those eyes happily.