Author's Note:

This chapter is much shorter than the previous one, as it did not expand much beyond basic notes. At the very least, you might find it interesting to see the very basic 'building blocks' that most of this story started as.

Enjoy,

-CB

-090-

Briar can't sleep from triggered dreams. Tris is there to help him through it.

-090-

Valden and Darra visit the next day after lunch to offer thanks, and to explain about what they've done in regards to Tris (the monies they were paid from the family for Tris' mistreatment, all of which have now been transferred to Tris through their shared banking house. It is a considerable sum). Also pay the return price, as would be done in any match between equals (basically Briar's money returned to him). They announce they are leaving soon, and have one final request. To meet their 'granddaughter(s)'.

-090-

Tris braced herself against the fierce hug, holding Glaki nearly as tight as the girl crowed her delight for all to hear. Briar was not expecting a similar treatment, and was nearly bowled over when the vivacious creature turned to him. His wife cackled at his expression as the wind was squeezed from his lungs by thin arms of surprising strength.

"Uncle Briar, you need to work on your hugs," she told him when he made a sound of protest. "You don't squeeze nearly hard enough."

"I'm not trying to break people's ribs."

"Then it's not a proper hug."

"It's a Tharian thing." Tris.

"I'll remember that next time." Rubbing his sides ruefully.

"Why didn't you ever tell me about your other family?" Glaki, accusingly.

"We weren't on speaking terms," Tris replied honestly. "And I didn't think that would change, so it wasn't worth mentioning."

"Well, why didn't you tell me you loved Uncle Briar?"

"I did tell you that," teasing. "Just like I told you about Daja and Sandry."

"Yeah, but you didn't tell me you loved loved him."

"I didn't know."

"Briar said he preferred redheads, so I'm not surprised," Evvi commented from the corner with Luvo. Tris looks at Briar, who is blushing.

"She thought I was interested in her," he explained. "I was trying to reassure her that wasn't the case. And I do prefer redheads, so..."

-How long until parents arrive? A bell

-Glaki has questions: answer them

-090-

Darra was unusually nervous as they passed through the gates of Winding Circle and made their way to Discipline Cottage. Valden eyed his wife as her hand tightened on his arm once again.

"Is something wrong?" he asked quietly, leaning in slightly.

"I'm worried," Darra admitted softly. "She's Tris' foster-child. What if she doesn't like us?"

"She's almost Tom and Tam's age," he protested lightly. "Why wouldn't she?"

"I don't know," she hissed in a low whisper. "I don't think logic is figuring much into how I feel right now."

"Ah." Recognizes the tone, and goes quiet.

They reach the door, and knock on it politely. Loud, happy voices can be heard from inside. The same beautiful girl from before answers the door, and pauses as she recognizes them.

Darra tries to smile, but it comes out a little wobbly. Glaki glances over her shoulder at Tris, who appears behind her in the doorway.

"I thought I taught you better than to leave guests standing at the door," Tris rebuked her gently, saying, "Come in, there's tea and cookies," to her parents.

-Turns out Valden knows his rocks! Talks to Evvi alot

-Darra is enraptured by Glaki, and asked all sorts of questions

-Briar and Tris mostly sit and watch and talk to Lark (RT has watch at the temple)

-090-

Valden and Darra leave a few days later. They have dinner with the four one last time at Niko's, with the great mage present. They discuss the dusty little man, the enchantments put upon him, and how it fooled several lower-level legislators and mages for several years. With all of it stripped from him, they are learning several interesting things that could give leads into several crime rings around the Pebbled Sea. They will all be commended for their assistance when the Great Mages council meets next.

-090-

Tris and Briar meet Darra and Valden at the docks to see them off early one morning onto their ship.