Meet the Parents

"Meet the Parents" is a [SEASON NUMBER] thread started on [IRL DATE] and finished on [IRL DATE].
==Summary==
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==Full Text==
It had been a few weeks since the battle and Kettil was missing Iona. He hated this… Long distance thing they were doing. So the youngest Ericson decided to see if they could close that distance. He eventually found Juro and asked for a portal to Yrus. He popped out the other side no worse for wear. It was unusual for him as normally he ended up wet, but it was not unwelcome. He began asking around for Iona Lindholm.
Jan 8, 2021
“What d'you want with the Chief’s daughter, eh kiddo?” That curious Yrunian accent that he knew well from the Lindholm sisters came from this very tall woman with long, flowing dark locks that passed him, eyeing him carefully, bright blue seemingly piercing through him, skin slightly wrinkled at the corners. But there was a youthful twinkle behind them, betraying friendliness and teasing, as she adjusted the package she carried under an arm. Large, cotton like clouds shifted lazily in the sky behind them, the background of a high mountain range and a bright sun filtering through, the lazy bustle of the small village beginning to ease the half breed’s nerves. Yrus was… nice, to put it simply.
Jan 8, 2021
Kettil blushed as she asked. “Oh, well um… You see I’m her… We’re, together, I think? I-I don’t know if we’ve put an actual label on it per se, but um… Anyways I came to um… Visit her?”
Jan 8, 2021
The woman raised her brows, slightly surprised at the honesty, but also very highly amused. She leaned towards him, standing a couple inches taller than him, as if inspecting him, memorizing who he is, “Ehh, are you now…”
She finally straightened, then tilted her head back towards a small guildhall at the end of a short road, “She might be working, but she should be with the Yrus guards right about now.” She gave him another cheeky grin, before patting his arm as if in comfort, then walking away.
Jan 8, 2021
She blushes again. “Oh um, thank you!” He called after her. He took a few moments to collect himself before heading to the guildhall and looking around for her.
Jan 8, 2021
The guildhall was mostly empty save for a few stragglers here and there, dotting the common area with casual and comfortable energies. But off towards the back, Kettil noticed more activity in comparison, and he went in that direction to investigate.
It lead to a small, open air pavilion that doubled as a sparring area for the Yrunian Armed Guard. There was a cluster of people watching something very intently towards the center, blocking Kettil’s way, and he had to scurry a little towards an emptier part of it to see. That was when he finally got a clearer view.
He saw two very familiar figures, weapons locked together in a struggle of dominance. Akkey held a temporary sword to replace her original, while Iona gripped her steel lance between two hands. She towered above her aunt, wearing her usual black fitted garb, long rabbit ears twitching in the cold March wind.
There was another clash of metal upon metal, and the onlookers tittered in delight as Akkey pressed forward, attacking in quick succession. Iona instantly responded with several parries, her feet almost dancing on the ground with intricate footwork as she blocked a swing from the nix, then whirled her lance immediately after to attack towards Akkey’s left side. 
But Akkey anticipated it and leapt out of the way, grabbing her niece by the shoulders and using her as leverage to flip over her head. She kept her grip tight on the rabbit breed, and the combined momentum of this and Iona’s attack threw her off balance, and she landed on her back, her lance clattering out of her hands. The sword glinted in the sun as Akkey twisted herself and spun the weapon with one hand, and stopped right before Iona’s neck, pinning her down.
They were frozen like that for a heartbeat, before a good natured jeer called out from their audience, “Boo, Chief! Couldn’t let your niece win for once?”
“Not the Chief!” Akkey retaliated with a laugh, before slipping the sword back in its scabbard and pulling Iona up to her feet while two different soldiers geared up for their own spar. Kettil could see them conversing as the nix commented on the rabbit’s show.
“Hmm…” he heard a hum by his side. He glanced towards the voice and saw Hunter standing next to him, his chin propped up on his fingers as he observed the girls, “That was the best she’s done against her.”
Jan 8, 2021
He nods. “It was quite the display. I’m glad to hear that’s she’s been getting better though. It’s almost unfair though. Akkey has been sharpening her skills recently.” He turns and swallows a bit seeing Hunter. It was nice to see him of course. They had spoken a few times while he visited the island and they were always friendly. But he was also Iona’s father, which put a whole new set of nerves around their relationship. “It’s um… It’s nice to see you again sir.” He said as he holds out his hand for a handshake.
Jan 8, 2021
“I do wish Akkey would hold back sometimes, she can be so reckless, and I don’t need my daughter getting caught in her shenanigans,” he lamented but only half seriously. He knew Iona was skilled enough to stand her ground. He took the hand to return the shake firmly, grinning enough that it crinkled the corners of his eyes, “It’s good to see you too, Kettil. I heard what happened over at the Jaw. What brings you to Yrus?”
Jan 8, 2021
“Well, um… I came to see Iona. It’s been a while since I last saw her and she’s always coming to Haligan so I figured I would visit.” God he was so nervous his foot was tapping a mile a minute.
Jan 8, 2021
“Ah.” It was a very short word of acknowledgement, but also of complete understanding as he continued to smile at the boy, this time a cheeky light appearing in his green eyes. He crossed his arms, tilting his head towards the girls as they approached, “Well, I’m sure she’d be ecstatic to see you.”
Their boots scuffed against the ground as they got closer, then Iona stopped in her tracks as soon as she spotted who was with her father, “K-Kettil!” Her face immediately rose in temperature as she took in the scene, “What are you doing here?”
Jan 8, 2021
Kettil’s own face did the same but he smiled brightly, very happy to see her again. “What I’m not allowed to come visit?” He asks with a teasing grin. “I saw your fight by the way, you were great.”
Jan 8, 2021
“That’s not what I meant–” she faltered slightly, her grey eyes darting between Kettil and her family. Akkey smirked beneath her bangs, before going off to return the borrowed sword. Hunter made a motion to follow her, but not before calling out with a a thumbs up, “Make sure you two are back on time for dinner. I’m making shepherd’s pie!” Then he turned on his heel and left with the nix.
Iona realized she was gripping her lance a little too tightly, and she forced her hands to relax. She returned the compliment with a shy smile, “Thanks. I can never beat my aunt though…” She absentmindedly spun her weapon before setting it down in its storage, suddenly wishing she wasn’t so sweaty.
Jan 8, 2021
He chuckles and smiles. "Nothing to be a shamed of. She's got years of experience on all of us. My siblings and I only beat her by all ganging up on her at once." He marveled at her talent as she flourishes her lance before replacing it on the stand.
Her hands now unoccupied his own decided to take it's place. "Hi." He said softly. "I missed you."
Her cheeks were dusted a fiery red but she returned the hold, squeezing lightly with her slender fingers dotted with callouses, smiling prettily in the setting sun, “I missed you too.” She began walking the opposite direction as everyone else, away from the crowd so they could be alone. Her gaze slide towards him to watch him from the corner of her eye, “I heard about the Jaw. How are things?”
Jan 8, 2021
He lets out a sigh as they walk. “Chaotic. A lot of people were hurt and I… Couldn’t save everyone.” He sighs. “We’ve been working on building it up to be a new base for the Rebellion. It’s a not too bad of a spot. Nice sturdy… I was gonna say walls but I suppose teeth is more accurate.” He chuckles a little. “How about you, how are you doing, how’s Aria?”
Jan 8, 2021
“I’m sorry,” she said softly, her ears drooping slightly, somber as she turned her head to look at him, seeing the tired lines that etched his face. He looks exhausted, “I’m just glad you’re safe…” She supplied a grim smile.
“We’re fine here. Yrus is always as Yrus is,” the wind blew, gently pushing a strand of hair away from her forehead, “Aria’s good. She still zones out every now and then, but Dad can’t find anything else wrong with her so… She misses Kat though.”
Jan 8, 2021
He smiles as he watched the wind play with her hair. He found himself a touch envious of he was being honest. “I’m glad things are going well for you guys. You should bring Aria around then we can all go take a trip to Haligan to visit.” He said with a smile. Meanwhile he was contemplating on whether or not he should bring something up before dinner, after dinner, or not at all. He honestly wasn’t sure.
Jan 8, 2021
“Yeah, that’d be nice…” she said, her gaze still against the horizon. She mumbled distractedly, soft but enough to be heard, “I wish it would be more than a visit though…”
Jan 8, 2021
He hums curiously as he turns to look at her. “What do you mean?”
Jan 8, 2021
“Hmm?” She met his eyes, blinking rapidly, “What do I mean what?”
Jan 8, 2021
“You said you wished it could be more than a visit. What did you mean by that?” He asked intently.
Jan 8, 2021
“…oh, uh…” 
She snapped her head away, blushing fiercely again. She hadn’t realized that he heard that. Their fingers unlinked accidentally as she fidgeted in a panic, her pace quickening, walking slightly ahead of him now, “I meant… it’d be nice if I could see you for longer than a day every few weeks. If we could be closer. It would be easier… to be together… longer… more often…” She couldn’t look at him, stammering. 
Jan 8, 2021
The younger Half-breed quickly catches up to Iona and grabs her hand. “I… I want that too.” He says, his cheeks red but his smile bright as the sun. “Honestly… I was debating on whether or not I should ask you to come back to the Jaw with me.” He laughed nervously as he scratched the back of his head.
Jan 8, 2021
She blinked multiple times, her ears twitching in the wind as the sunlight continued to shift around them. Her face was on fire, but the feeling in her chest was a big, lighthearted happiness. She had to catch her breath for a moment, her hands clasping around his, “The Jaw?” 
Her eyes were bright, “We can see each other whenever…” A laugh escaped her, “Y-yeah. Yeah, that would be… I’d like that.” 
Jan 8, 2021
His smiled widened into the biggest grin you could imagine. “S-so you’ll come back with me?” He asked, daring to hope.
Jan 8, 2021
She nodded with another laugh,”Yeah… yeah I will.”
Jan 8, 2021
He laughs excitedly as he wraps his arms tightly around her, lifting her up and spinning her around happily before gently setting her down, hands still on her waist.
Jan 8, 2021
Her hands found their way on his shoulders when he spun her. Her feet met the ground and their eyes locked at perfect level, illuminated softly by the sun that was just about to slip over the horizon. Iona giggled, cheeks lifting and crinkling the corners of her eyes, hiding the grey in them ever so slightly when her lashes lowered, unknowingly leaning towards him and pressing closer.
Jan 8, 2021
He saw her movement toward her and his heart thundered and his foot began tapping with nerves. Not that he didn’t want to kiss her, of course he did. He was just nervous. He had never kissed a girl before this would be his first. Regardless he followed her lead and began to lean towards her.
Jan 8, 2021
She saw him come closer and her heart quickened, yet didn’t move away. But as they were only a breath away from each other, the sun completely slipped away, and the light disappeared. 
Iona looked up, realizing what time it was, “It’s dinner, we gotta go back,” she said, her ears wilting at another epiphany, “And I need to ask my parents, if they’ll let me go…”
Jan 8, 2021
Kettil quickly moved back from her his cheeks burning from embarrassment. Had he done something wrong? He must have, why else would she back off at the last second like that. 'Stupid.' He berated himself. "Right um... Well let's go then. I'm a big fan of... Shepard's pie." He said as he offered her his hand once more.
She took it hesitantly, her eyes still following the now darkened horizon, then nodded, leading the way back to her home.
–
“Okay, dig in!” Hunter placed healthy servings for each of them as they sat around the table, his wife by his right and Iona by his left. Kettil sat beside the dark haired half breed, while Aria bounced in her seat across from him. Akkey would be joining them later.
“Here you go, Kettil,” Maya offered the bread basket to their visitor, smiling gently “How are things on Haligan?”
Jan 8, 2021
He smiles as he takes a roll. “Oh thank you ma'am.” He says politely. “This all looks very good.” He said a brief prayer before he began to eat and answer their questions. “As far as I know things are well. We actually moved the Rebellion off the island after we took the Jaw of Fenrir and are operating out of there now, so the island should theoretically be safer now.”
Jan 8, 2021
“Oh, that’s good to hear,” Hunter replied as everybody began to eat, “Moving the Rebellion to the Jaw huh… well, that’s a strategy. Was that your sister’s idea?” Iona began fidgeting with her hand under the table while scooping her food around with the other as they discussed the Jaw.
Jan 8, 2021
Kettil finds Iona’s hand and gently holds it in an attempt to soothe her. “Yeah. She’s kinda leading the Rebellion at this point. I heard the original plan was to move everyone to the bunker but then we took the Jaw and it was already self sufficient and we were all already there so she figured we might as well stay.”
Jan 8, 2021
“Oh, that’s true. I suppose that’s clever.” he nodded thoughtfully, his brow knitted together as he wrapped his head around the idea. 
Maya smiled gently between both Iona and Kettil, “That’s good to hear! the Jaw is closer to Yrus. You can see each other more, it’ll be easier for Kettil to visit.” 
Iona clenched her hand around his at that statement.
Jan 8, 2021
Kettil gently ran his thumb over her knuckles. “Yes that would be nice.” He said with a smile.
Jan 8, 2021
Maya nodded, “Well, in the meantime do enjoy your stay. We’re a small village but we pride ourselves in being a great vacation spot.”
Jan 8, 2021
He smiles and nods. “Thank you I’m sure I will.” He turns and looks over at Iona.
Jan 9, 2021
There was a brief moment where she was still panicked, but with a breath she steeled herself, the icy light returning to her gaze as her ears perked up in attention, “Kettil wouldn’t really be coming here as often as you think.”
Her parents paused in their meal, returning her gaze with questioning looks as Aria continued to snarf down her pie, “What do you mean, Yona?” Hunter asked, switching to the childhood pet name. 
She squeezed Kettil’s hand once before continuing, “I mean… I want to go to the Jaw. Kettil asked me and I said I would.” The confused looks switched over to the Pookan half breed.
Jan 9, 2021
‘Aaaand now they’re looking at me.’ He thought nervously. He clears his throat. “We need more support at the Jaw. Our war on Central doesn’t stop with the Conclave and we need everyone we can get, and Iona is quite talented as she demonstrated today. But most importantly, at least to me…” He looks over at the rabbit Half-breed and smiles. “I miss her, and… I want her near me.”
Jan 10, 2021
If it was possible to explode from blushing, Iona would’ve already done that, steaming from the top of her head. But despite this, the smile on her face was the brightest and happiest either Hunter or Maya had ever seen on her. They gave each a side glance, having a mental conversation, an immediate understanding between them.
Hunter leaned back in his seat, arms crossed thoughtfully. His tone wasn’t angry nor upset, but it was obvious that there were reservations running through his mind, “It might be a little hypocritical of me to say this, after what I said today at the guild, and especially coming from a family that literally survived Ragnarok… but that is precisely why I am hesitant to agree to this.” 
His green eyes flickered up to look at both of them, “Yrus’ luxury is that we’re immensely, almost unbelievably well protected. This place is void of any disasters and wars. The one time my girls left its area, in search of a solution for my personal plight, they get separated, kidnapped, and imprisoned.” His brows furrowed at that. There was a guilt that tugged at his chest.
Jan 10, 2021
He nods, remembering that time well. “I know sir. It is a dangerous world out there. But it is more dangerous with the factions of Central in it. How long do you think their gaze will be turned from Yrus? I don’t know how you managed to keep the Conclave off your back for so long but ask your neighbors, the gaze of Central is not something you wish to have. It’s why we need support, talented people like Iona.”
Jan 16, 2021
“Between prematurely sending Iona off into the thick of battle, versus staying in the safety of her home, no matter how temporary, I’d still rather her here…” He mumbled to himself, practically pouting. Maya could only give an apologetic grin. It wasn’t often that her husband voiced his grievances so willingly and honestly like this. Their daughters’ disappearances really affected him.
Jan 16, 2021
Kettil frowns a bit as he hears this. He doesn't like it but he understands. That doesn't mean he's going to accept it. "I understand sir. But the fact of the matter is, Iona is an adult, and she's allowed to make her own choices. I mean no disrespect, but ultimately, it's her decision." It was now his turn to squeeze Iona's hand. His heart was pounding a mile a minute, and his knee was bouncing to match. He knew this might burn his bridge with Hunter but it needed to be said. At least it did in his mind.
Hunter narrowed his eyes at that, not because Kettil chose to speak up–in fact, he appreciated it–but moreso because the young man wasn’t wrong in what he said, persay. He opened his mouth in protest, but was interrupted by a very familiar hum before he could utter a sound.
“You’re such a wuss sometimes, Doc,” a voice piped up from the kitchen. The dark haired woman stepped into the Lindholm home, followed by a grinning Akkey, who took her regular seat at the other end of the table.
“Hey Kaya!” Aria held up a forkful of pie in greeting, and Kaya wiped a smudge of potato off the kid’s cheek in greeting. She gave an affectionate hug to the Yrus chief as well, before turning to Hunter and dropping some borrowed books haphazardly on his lap, “Why bother training her with Akkey if you were just gonna keep her cooped up here, hmm?”
“Extra protection!” he replied, suddenly feeling very outnumbered now that both Kaya and Akkey were in the house as well.
Kaya scoffed, “Bullshit.”
“I’m just worried! Is a father not allowed to be concerned?”
“You are, but also you’re just a wuss.”
Akkey laughed, scooping a morsel of food into her mouth while her sister shook her head in tired amusement. Iona slouched in embarrassment as the conversation progressed, but she was beginning to feel somewhat relaxed as well, hearing how her aunts were possibly on her side. Her fingers linked more comfortably between Kettil’s.
Hunter puffed his chest in another attempt to drive his point across, “I just don’t want to come home to the news that my daughter is injured, or worse…” He lowered his eyes at that, and Iona wilted slightly, “Dad…”
“You’re just gonna have to trust her to be able to hold herself on the field,” Akkey remarked, leaning back on her chair as she regarded the young couple to her right, “Which she can. I can guarantee it…”
Maya sighed, doubt still dancing on the back of hers and Hunter’s minds, “She can’t even beat you, Akks.”
“So are you saying if she beats the Chief, she can go?” Kaya interjected before anyone else could get a word in. It was met with a shocked silence, then broken by a smile from Akkey, “Heyyyy, not a bad idea.”  Iona’s ears twitched–it wasn’t.
“Akkey!”
“Come on! She can do it! Iona is 20 years old! She’s been fighting since she could hold a weapon! Are you that doubtful of her skills?” The nix waved a hand. 
“No, but fighting you one on one–!”
“Then why don’t you do a team up as a handicap?” Kaya smirked, “Boyo over there said he had to fight alongside his sisters to stand a chance against the Chief. If she can beat one of the best fighters in the Rebellion’s history, even in a joint effort, then that would ease some of your worries.” 
There was another silence for a breath, before Akkey glanced again towards Iona and Kettil with a playful light in her eyes, brow raised.
Jan 16, 2021
Kettil seemed to relax more as the two entered and were on their side. His fingers ran over her knuckles once more, it helped to calm him. He raised his eyebrows as he heard about their idea to fight against Akkey. Not exactly what he had in mind for this trip, but if it meant that Iona could come with him to the Jaw he would do it. There was very little he wouldn’t do for her. “Of course. I’m willing to if Iona is.” He looked over at the Half-breed for her decision.
Jan 19, 2021
Iona had sat there quietly throughout almost the entire conversation–she was never one to offer conversation, even when it involved her. Still, what Kettil saw was the return of the rabbit breed he first knew, with the ice grey in her eyes that seemed to freeze people in their tracks, and a cool gaze that was silent yet authentic in its resolve.
She squeezed Kettil’s hand in response, her eyes gliding to the side to look at him, then back at her family, “Yeah.”
—
It was thirty minutes after dinner and more arguing that the young couple found themselves outside the Lindholm home, in a clearing out back, a bracing evening wind against their skin. Akkey was stretching her legs as she prepared herself, no traditional weapon by her side this time. No sword is better than a replacement, she had insisted. The rest of Iona’s family along with Kaya watched from the backyard, Hunter’s nerves a lot tighter than normal.
Iona spun her weapon in her own preparation, the odd, lightweight steal spear that felt like it could snap at any moment, but in reality could withstand much force. She glanced towards Kettil, “I can cover all the short and mid range attacks… can I count on you for long range?”
Jan 19, 2021
He nods. “You got it. Do you have any plan in particular? You know Akkey’s fighting style better than I do, what should I be on the lookout for?” He asks, as he tosses a ball of air from hand to hand.
Jan 20, 2021
“Anything behind you,” she replied as she watched her aunt get into position, waiting for the attacks to come to her. She braced herself as well, grey eyes flicking and following every bit of movement she could catch, “Nix abilities let her do sneak attacks while you’re distracted up front, so watch your…our backs.”
“But we’ll do the same. I’ll attack her directly, then see if you can immobilize her when her attention’s on me,” Iona gave Kettil an encouraging smile, then took off with a bound, very light and rabbit-like on her feet, much like her aunt.
The weapon spun in a circle over her head, catching light in a very interesting arc, then she swung from above, bearing down on the nix quickly. Akkey steadied herself with steps backwards and swept her arms up in a thick tendril of water, freezing it right on time for element and weapon to clash with a solid thud.
Iona switched her weight and turned, stabbing the spear in quick succession and Akkey manipulated water once more, catching every press forward her niece made. They continued to exchange blows in a flurry of movement, feet dancing on their toes, light and mist exploding upon each impact. 
Akkey saw Kettil out of the corner of her eye, and she smirked. Just gonna… She landed on one foot, and the ground froze instantly into a slipper spot that enabled her to spin very quickly, while her other outstretched leg sent out a wave of spikes mostly towards him. 
Jan 21, 2021
Kettil threw his arms out and used a current of air to send the spikes harmlessly off to the side. He put up a wall of air behind him, anticipating a follow up from behind and sent another current at Akkey’s feet as she spun, trying to trip her up.
Jan 23, 2021
It was somewhat successful, as the lack of friction beneath her foot kept her momentum up. The current blew her backwards, forcing her to catch herself with a haphazard spike that grew from the ground, twisting her body so she could land on her feet.
Iona didn’t miss a beat as she quickly followed through, swinging the spear down hard in a forceful arc.
“Whoa!” Akkey caught it right on time, hands frozen to lessen the blow on bare skin, and they struggled against each other at that point of impact for a second, neither of them able to afford to shift and lose pressure on the other.
Jan 23, 2021
Kettil saw the opening and sent a spear of air at the older Half-Breed. He followed up with several more, always making sure to keep the wall of air erected behind him. He tried to make the air attack from all different angles so as to make it harder to avoid.
Jan 23, 2021
She barely caught the movement out of the corner of her eye, and with a heave of her entire body, she twisted her legs up in a whirlwind of movement, melting the ice spike into a wall and bringing it to her side to guard. The air spears exploded against it, sending multiple clashes of elements upwards, progressively thinning out the water as the barrage continued.
The movement forced Akkey to release her defense against her niece, and the rabbit breed took advantage of it, slicing straight down for the side of her aunt’s face. The nix moved her head to the side just on time as the blade dug into the ground, effectively slicing a chunk of black hair short.
Iona used the momentum to flip over Akkey, exactly like how she did earlier that day, just in time to get out of the way of the final air spear that managed to pierce through, catching the nix by the sleeve and sending her flying to the side. Her niece immediately ran after her, swiping up her weapon in a wide arc before capturing her aunt on the ground, the point of her blade holding her down underneath her chin.
“Got you,” she panted heavily, icy grey eyes meeting fiery green ones, slightly triumpanth in her stare. She called out over her shoulder, “Nicely done, Kettil!”
It was only then that she noticed the usual hum of a portal, and she whirled around to see Kettil suspended upside down in the air by a tendril around his limbs, pressing dangerously with sharp spikes against his skin, having gotten caught in an inconspicuous portal that had stretched beneath his feet right as the last spear had pierced through the nix’ barrier.
“You got me. But I also got him.” Akkey grinned annoyingly, before releasing all magic and letting the Pookan down, water snaking their way back to her. She gently pushed Iona’s weapon away so she could stand, working out her joints and massaging where she fell on her side. Her gaze slid towards where her hair had now been chopped at an exact length that brushed her shoulders, then back up at the dark haired half breed, “You were going for blood.”
Iona dropped her weapon in regret, “Sorry–”
“Ah ah, I didn’t say that was a bad thing, especially in a battlefield where there are thousands of others out to kill you,” she held up a hand to stop her niece from continuing. She motioned the same hand towards where Kettil was picking himself up, “But you should be more aware of your comrades. They are your most valuable assets…” she blinked slowly, almost cat like instead, expression darkening into almost a full shadow for an instant, “…and also your greatest weaknesses. Never forget that.”
A shiver went down Iona’s spine when Akkey said that, war torn grief reflecting in the nix’ eyes for the quickest of moment before her Aunt turned on a heel and headed back for the house.
Iona stared after her for another second, before spinning and making her way to the Pookan half breed, “Kettil! Are you okay?” Her brows creased with worry.
Jan 24, 2021
Kettil was embarrassed. He'd spent so much time protecting his back that he forgot about the floor beneath him. He grunted as he hit the floor and blushed as she came over to check on him. "Yeah I'm fine. Sorry." He apologized. "I was so focused on my attacks on her and protecting my back that I forgot about my feet." He rubbed the back of his neck embarrassed. "But hey! You won!" He said excitedly as he threw his arms around her.
"I didn't think about under your feet either, that was also my oversight," she sighed into his shoulder before releasing the embrace, grinning sheepishly at him. She shook her head, "We did it. I couldn't have trapped her like that in a hundred years without your help. Thank you." She squeezed his hand, linking slender calloused fingers in his.
hubwalker1
He smiles brightly and squeezes her hand back. And for a while he just stares at her, happy to have worked together with her and happy they had won. He turns to face her family. Eager to hear what they had to say.
akkeyagentofhelheim
Hunter was leaning against the fence partition that closed off the Lindholm garden property, watching each movement carefully, trying not to jump at each hit that landed on each of the fighters. He sighed as the spar ended, eyeing his sister in law as she approached his family. She returned the gaze, green finding green.
"She'll be fine, you know," the nix reassured him before the young couple finished their conversation, "All this was unnecessary."
"I know," Hunter admitted, and Maya gave the side of his arm a sad, understanding pat. Akkey exhaled an amused breath, before scooping her niece up in her thin arms, Kaya following closely as she had to leave for the night as well, "Okay kiddo, let's go in and let them talk."
iona's parents were silent for a moment as the two generations regarded each other. Hunter finally opened his mouth to give his answer, but before he could utter a sound, his daughter interrupted him, "Dad."
"I'm going to the Jaw," she said, a kind smile stretched across her face. Both her parents blinked at that. This was the first time Iona had voiced a decision so firmly, so willingly, and it took both of them aback. This whole endeavour, from the spar to the finality of the statement, was already so uncharacteristic from the young Yrunian guard. It was... refreshing, to see her resolve.
There was another moment's pause, before Hunter's shoulders sagged slightly, finally relenting, "Yes you are." But still a soft smile was returned, regarding both rabbit and Pooka fondly.
hubwalker1
Kettil was beaming. He was so proud of Iona, standing up and making firm decisions like this. "I know that Iona can take care of herself sir, but I'll make sure to watch her back." He looks over at her and gently squeezes her hand. "We're a team."
akkeyagentofhelheim
"I believe you," Hunter replied, letting tension roll off his shoulders, "Thank you for humouring my request."
A wheel squeaked as Maya turned herself around, motioning to both young ones, "Let's get out of the cold now. Kettil, do you have anywhere to stay for the night?"
hubwalker1
"Oh um... Not really, no ma'am. But I can always just get a portal and head back to the jaw." He said, not wanting to be a burden or a bother on the Lindholm family.
akkeyagentofhelheim
"I'm not teleporting anyone tonight!" a snickering voice of a nix called from the inside annoyingly, knowing full well what she was doing.
Maya shook her head and laughed, "There you go. You're stuck here for tonight. You can take the guest room, then tomorrow will be a new day," she turned to follow her husband back inside.
Iona and Kettil were left alone in the backyard once more. The rabbit half breed suddenly released the breath she didn't realize she was holding. She was extremely relieved--it had gone so much better than she was hoping for. She turned to look at Kettil, face the same calm but her grey eyes unable to hide the joy she was feeling.
hubwalker1
Kettil couldn't hide it either. He was grinning from ear to ear. "I know this may sound stupid. But I'm really proud of you tonight. And not just for how you fought, which, might I just say, total badass." He chuckles. "But because you stood up for what you wanted, and stuck with it." He pauses for a few moments before saying. "Oh I almost forgot. I have something for you." He said.
akkeyagentofhelheim
Her face flushed red at his words, but still laughed lightly, grateful for him being there. She blinked, then tilted her head, "You do?"
hubwalker1
He nods and releases his hands. They quickly find their way to her waist as he pulls her close, pressing his lips to hers as his eyes slide shut.
akkeyagentofhelheim
Her gasp was cut short as they kissed. Her hands hung in the air in panic for a breath, but then she let instinct take over and she melted into him, arms wrapping around his neck and lashes fluttering to a close. A cold breeze blew again, but it contrasted against his warmth, lips soft and gentle, and slightly salty from dinner as Iona savoured the moment.
hubwalker1
He breaks the kiss, resting his forehead against hers. "I've wanted to do that for a very long time." He murmurs, his face warm and bright red, his heart beating a thousand miles an hour, but he was happy. He couldn't remember being happier.
akkeyagentofhelheim
Her lips were still parted slightly, processing all emotions at the moment, their flushed faces matching in tone as they leaned against each other. Iona broke into a giggle as she nodded in agreement. She couldn't help it, there was a feeling in her stomach that was giddy, shocked, but also immensely content.
She tilted her head forward again, shyly giving him another quick peck, then pulled away slightly, "Come on, let's go inside..."
hubwalker1
As they walked hand in hand back to the house Kettil felt like he was walking on air. He was so happy and so excited, he figured he might as well ask her. "Hey, so... I know we haven't really talked much about us... And this may seem like a silly question but. Are you my girlfriend? And if not, would you be?"
akkeyagentofhelheim
Her steps faltered ever so slightly, her head already reeling from the day’s events. But it was a positive hesitation, as she regained her pace, leaning closer towards Kettil. She nodded, smile still bashful but now comfortable with her answers, “Yes, I would.”