Hello all!

I'm excited to present the first chapter of our final section, the TDP era of the games. This marks the last bit of Heirs of Darkness, and I'm so excited to share with you what I've been working up towards.

This particular chapter is a transition chapter, to establish where they're all going from here and set the stage for Mel and Gyendal's next step with the Gynna on the loose. It is extremely fluffy, because I am sick and in my overnight writing stint decided I wanted much fluff XD I also wanted to put EdwardxStella in the spotlight a bit, they're such a sweet and wholesome ship and I loved the idea of using them to transition as a small reprieve from the angsty moments.

I hope you all enjoy! I am now going to go sleep XD


A New Direction


The sun shone over Haruakana, the air pleasantly warm in the cozy town. One could easily tell by the weather that lazy summer days were finally arriving, the heat comfortably tempered by a lazy breeze that blew over the town.

"I could get used to this you know, a peaceful town with perpetually beautiful weather. You're lucky Yvette." Mel commented lightly as they stood on the cliff looking down over the town.

Yvette grinned and spun lightly in place, her dress whirling around her.

"Well there is always room for another resident or two. The animals here like you and your friends, the mayor even spoke to me this morning to inform me that if any of my companions plan to stay long term we have an empty home down a path at the far end." Yvette offered, with a gleam in her eyes. "You and Gyendal would have the entire house to do with as you please, you would be free to live without disruption."

Mel blinked at the offer, taken aback by the readily offered option.

"Ooh you should accept! Then you can come visit me in Peliad!" June chirped from where she sat at the edge, legs swinging against the cliff face.

The thought of she and Gyendal going from on the edge adventuring to a quiet life in Haruakana coaxed a laugh out of Mel, the dark mage shaking her head in amusement.

"I think Gyendal would pitch himself into the Acropolis ocean if he had to give up traveling to stay in a sunshine-filled village. Besides, there are some loose ends that would put you all in danger if we stayed here." Mel stated, going serious.

Yvette let out a dramatic sigh at Mel's refusal.

"You humans have such strange friendships and goals in life. It would do you all well to be surrounded by animals, maybe some of their smarts would rub off." Yvette observed, June giggling at the statement.

"Yeah yeah, tell me something I don't already know." Mel said with a snort before turning her attention onto June. "Enough about me, what about you June? You have everything you need for your certification, but you're still hanging around with all of us."

The young magician paused, seeming to ponder the question a moment.

"I'm not sure, I just don't feel right leaving. I'll go back to Peliad soon, but I want to stay with everyone, at least until everyone knows where they're going from here. I'm excited to get my certification, but after everything that happened…" June trailed off.

Her expression was thoughtful, and the overexcited sparkle that had been ever-present in June's eyes had transformed into something a little quieter. For the first time, it hit Mel how much older June looked from the beginning of the quest. Not in physical aging so much, but in her expression and eyes. No one could go through what this quest had brought, the drain and seeing the loss and near death, they all had, and come out the other side the same. This had matured June, taken some of her child naivety away, and that made Mel sad.

She knew what it was like to lose one's childhood before the need, and she hoped that June would be able to settle into a new version of happy when she returned home.

"Anway, we've been up here a while. We should go find Stella and find that little garden you told us was hidden in the trees around here Yvette!" June exclaimed, expression bright once more.

"You and your flowers, you're as bad as Stella." Mel grumbled good-naturedly, the three girls gathering their coats and putting on their shoes to make their way back down the mountain.

"Hey! They're pretty, you just can't appreciate it because you're a grouch." June shot back, sticking out her tongue for good measure.

Mel reached over to lightly cuff June over the back of her head, the magician letting out a yelp and running to hide behind Yvette.

"Protect me!"

The familiar laughed, turning into a bird and mock diving Mel. The black-haired young woman halfheartedly raising an arm to guard before taking off at a slow run towards the inn.

The two girls behind her laughed before rushing to catch up, all three rounding the corner towards the inn just in time to see Stella.

"There you three are, I've been looking everywhere!" Stella exclaimed, the smile on her face the brightest Mel had seen in a long time.

"What's going on, you look far too excited to just have found a magical item here." Mel pointed out dryly.

Stella gave a little hop in place, eyes sparkling with happy tears as she reached out to grab Mel's hands in hers.

"I'm finally getting married Mel! For real this time, no Lydia to play tricks or ruin it." The pretty healer said as she pulled Mel into a sudden hug.

"You're getting married? Here?" Mel echoed in surprise, accepting the embrace before holding her out at arms length.

Stella nodded, glancing back at Edward who had just exited the Inn.

"Yes! Edward and I talked about it and we don't want to wait any longer. Who knows how long it'll take to get Lydia off the throne and take care of all the political nonsense, we don't want to waste anymore time that we can be spending as a married couple." Stella explained, stepping back as Edward came up to their little group.

"I already asked the mayor and he said that they would be happy to host it in their town square, the animals love celebrations. It isn't going to be like the stuffy wedding that was expected of us as Royals, it'll be fitting of the Naylithin traditions. Or at least, the ones Stella knows and that we can do without wings." Edward told them, grinning with excitement.

"When is it?" June enquired, giving a little clap of excitement at the idea.

"Three days. Oh Mel, there's so much to be done before then! Won't you help me?" Stella asked, turning to Mel with excitement and nervousness.

"Do you even have to ask? Of course I'll help! Set me to work."


The next three days passed in a whirlwind of activity, Mel alternating between the girls and Edward as she pitched in wherever needed. It was the perfect distraction for Mel, the busy pace keeping her active from morning right up until she headed off to bed.

Then finally, finally, the day arrived. They hadn't been completely sure they'd be able to pull it off in the short time, but somehow everything was in place in the nick of time. Yvette and June rushed around the square, taking care of any last-minute details.

"June, come with me back to Stella's room. She'll be getting ready now and she wanted us to be there with her." Mel called out, June scampering over as the two headed back towards the inn.

As they walked they found themselves being intercepted by Gyendal, the ex-vampire catching Mel's arm to pull her to a halt.

"I'm in a bit of a rush R-"

"You're going to need to make a detour. Edward is down by the Magic Mirror Express having a small breakdown." He said, cutting Mel off quickly.

Mel let out a sigh, turning to June and pointing towards the Inn.

"Go on ahead, just tell Stella that I had to take care of a small detail and that I'll be up shortly." She directed, June giving a nod and rushing to the inn. "Thanks Gyendal."

Her bond gave her a nod and let go, leaving Mel to go deal with her friend. She dodged the animals in her way, finding Edward exactly where Gyendal had said. He was pacing back and forth in front of the Mirror Express, muttering to himself.

"Ed, what's going on?" Mel called, approaching her friend.

He looked up at her, hazel eyes filled with panic as he surged forward towards her. Grabbing her shoulders tightly he gave the slightest shake.

"Mel I think I'm making a terrible mistake! I think I've done something to make the goddess angry and this is why I have such terrible luck, I don't even have a home or a throne for Stella and I'm making her marry me?! What if something happens to ruin this wedding too, it would break her heart! This is a bad-mfgmfmm!"

The hand that was plastered over his mouth muffled the rest of his words, Edward staring at Mel, startled by her actions.

"Ed, shut up. Are you even listening to yourself right now?" She asked, exasperated.

"Mhm." He mumbled, earning a snort.

"No you're not, clearly. Do you really think Stella is stupid? That she isn't aware you don't have a home right now? Need I remind you that she was standing right there when the envoy read out Lydia's proclamation?" Mel pointed out dryly.

"Mfgmhhm!"

"Stop arguing with me!" Mel snapped, not having to hear the words out loud to know what he was trying to say. "Stella may be sweet, but she's smart as a whip. I guarantee she's considered more possible outcomes to this than any of us have, Lydia's actions hurt her badly and she wouldn't jump into this a second time if she thought the same sort of thing would happen."

Edward's shoulders slumped slightly, worry in his gaze. Mel let out a sigh, softening slightly towards her childhood friend.

"I know you're worried, what happened last time was a nightmare, and you have to manage the worst of it. But this is your second chance. Stella is the best thing that ever happened to you, you're perfect for each other and you love her more than anything. You build your own happy ending Ed, and it's gonna start with marrying her today." She dropped her hand from his mouth and gave him a reassuring look. "And I'll be with her the whole time, she won't leave by hands until you take her. I won't let anything happen to ruin this for you two."

The breath that Edward let out was long and shaky, her friend looking like a scared boy. He ran a hand through his brown hair, messing it up without realizing as he shot Mel a rueful smile.

"You're right, thanks Mel. She's everything I could ever want and more, I just worry. I want to give her the world." He admitted.

"I know you do, and you will. But you do have to marry her first."

Edward laughed, nodding at her words. He straightened, squaring his shoulders and looking towards the path back to the city.

"I'm ready now."

Mel gave him a critical once over before rolling her eyes and reaching up to fix the mess he had made of his hair, fighting the stubborn locks of hair back into place.

"There, perfect. Now come on, you have a blushing bride waiting, go sit in your inn room so you don't get your robes dirty." She ordered, Edward giving a mock salute.

"Yessir!"

The two headed back up towards the city together, Mel shooting her friend a sidelong look before snorting.

"Imagine thinking you could make Stella marry you. She could totally take you on." She muttered, Edward turning pink as he let out a squawk.

"Hey! I know I was being stupid, you don't have to rub it in!"

Mel's wicked laugh followed Edward as he rushed off ahead of her to the inn, Mel following at a more leisurely pace. Tormenting her friend would never get old, no matter how many years passed.

As she walked to Stella's room, she kept a wary eye on Edward's door to ensure he wouldn't look out and catch a glimpse of Stella in her dress before the ceremony. The chaos inside that greeted her was one made of fabric, hairpins, and June singing as she wove crystal strands of beads into small portions of Stella's hair.

"Mel! You're just in time, June is almost finished and we need help with the veil." Stella said, gesturing over to the shimmering veil laid out on her bed.

To say Mel felt out of place surrounded by fine clothing and delicate jewellery was an understatement, the dark mage picking her way gingerly through the room to where Stella was sitting. The healer was practically glowing, and Mel crouched down next to her.

"How are you feeling?"

"Like the ceremony can't come soon enough." Stella said with a soft giggle.

Mel smiled at her friend before looking up at June who had taken a step back and was surveying her work with a satisfied nod.

"She's ready!" June exclaimed, the two girls hurrying over to Stella's bed to grab the veil.

With June holding the bottom up, Mel approached Stella. The headpiece was made entirely of snow white flowers and it couldn't have been more fitting. Mel set it down carefully on her head and nodded, the flower crown was beautiful, and it perfectly completed the picture of the radiant bride before her. From the hall the sound of a door closing echoed distantly, June letting out a soft cheer. Impatient eyes watched the town square visible below, excitement for Stella filling Mel as she saw Edward come into view.

With a grin Mel turned to her dearest friend, holding out a hand.

"It's time Stella."

A slender brown hand was placed in her own and the bride rose, June lifting the veil to prevent it dragging on the floor as they made their way out of the inn and across the grass to the square. All eyes turned to watch, as step by step Stella walked towards the aisle. Mel tucked her friend's arm through hers, Stella's fingers tightening around folds in Mel's coat sleeve.

The look on Edward's face as Mel led Stella up the aisle was one of wonderment, his eyes shining as he took her in. Gone was the fear she had seen earlier, replaced only with joy. She could almost see a tremble in his hand as he reached out to take Stella's arm as Mel handed her off.

Excitement for her friends filled her as she took her seat next to Gyendal, this was far too long in coming for them. The ceremony was everything it needed to be, as under the flower filled arch Edward and Stella exchanged the vows of Naylith. Their wedding bands shone in the light as they were exchanged, and Mel found herself holding her breath in spite of all her reassurance to Edward as the mayor took a deep breath.

"You may kiss!"

A cheer rose up from the gathered animals, Yvette, June and Mel. Grinning, Mel raised two fingers to her lips and whistled shrilly, both Stella and Edward jumping slightly before laughing.

Mel was amongst the first out of her seat as she joined the crush of congratulators around her friends, one of the sheep herding people out of the town square and into the sectioned off food serving space as they finished. From behind Mel, June rocketed through the remaining animals and hugged Stella tightly, the healer smiling and wrapping her arms around the younger girl's shoulders.

"I'm so happy for you! And you look so pretty together." June said exuberantly, before switching her bone crushing embrace to Edward.

"Enough of the mushy stuff, lets go get some food." Mel said with a laugh.

With a mock scowl Edward reached over to give her a playful shove, sending Mel reeling backwards into a tall form that caught her and pushed her upright. Tilting her head back, she found Gyendal staring down at her, unimpressed.

"Fascinating how you still manage to forget how your feet work after all these years." He said dryly, Mel flipping him a single finger salute with a smile.

Their group made their way to the tables heaped high with food, picking through animal specific dishes to pile their plates with delicious food. All around the square and surrounding grass animals gathered to eat and converse. A picnic blanket had been laid out for the newlywed couple to sit at, and the rest of their group took their seats on the soft grass around.

"Are you two planning to take a small vacation trip after this to spend time together and relax?" Mel asked around a mouthful of food.

"Actually, we are." Stella said with a shy smile at Edward. "We're going to spend some time in Naylith, it's completely removed from all human politics and situations and it's so pretty."

Edward nodded in agreement.

"I want to get to know her world, and it's the perfect place for us to just enjoy the peace." He added.

"From all you have described it sounds quite lovely. Perhaps I shall fly up and visit it one day." Yvette mused.

"If you do I may figure a way to come with you. My mentor says that they have plants perfect for potions that only grow there." Ulf said.

The conversation quickly moved towards discussion of their travels the previous year, and the beautiful lands of the non-humans. Mel watched her friends as they chatted, enjoying the opportunity to listen and relax. She glanced over at where Gyendal sat next to her, the black haired man idly listening as he ate. Eyeing his plate a moment, she spotted some meat she hadn't seen on the table before and with a quick movement reached over to pluck a small piece off his plate.

The scathing look he shot her was well worth it and Mel snickered before rotating herself sideways and leaning back against his shoulder. Her head tipped back and Mel allowed her eyes to close for a brief moment, the dark mage enjoying the warmth of the day and the murmur of conversation all around. Her friends were having an animated conversation about the Fairie forest and Mel felt a mischievous urge hit her. Raising her head she looked over at Edward with a wicked smirk.

"Hey Ed, you should tell them about the time that you got bewitched by a hideous slithering monster and fought us all to profess your undying affections to her." She called out, watching with glee as Edward's face turned bright red.

She caught Stella's gaze, the sweet healer smiling with a teasing twinkle in her eye as she turned to her new husband.

"Oh yes, it took hours for it to wear off, you even made up a poem for her. You should share it with them." Stella teased, giggling as Edward groaned and flopped backwards.

"What did I ever do to deserve such suffering, and perpetuated by my dear wife too! A burden too heavy to bear." He declared dramatically, earning chuckles from those gathered close enough to hear him.

The afternoon passed quickly with conversation and laughter, the shadows of their quests pushed aside for the duration of the day. Even Gyendal got in on the conversation, throwing in his dry remarks and sharing some of the things he had seen during the quest for the Death Orb on occasion. As afternoon turned into evening, lights began to glow around the village square, animals and shifters standing to their feet. A few animals had gathered off to the side with instruments, the sound of lively music filling the air. Mel exchanged a puzzled look with her friends, but Yvette and June didn't seem to share their confusion as they stood. June eagerly skipped over to everyone, linking arms with a dog familiar and whirling into the centre.

"Areas of Eldiron such as Peliad and Harakuana have a tradition, a folk dance we all get to enjoy at weddings. Come on, we'll teach you!" Yvette reached down to take hold of both Edward and Stella, pulling the couple up.

As they stood, Stella reached down to grab Mel's arm and pull her up with them, ignoring her protests as they were herded into the group. Edward and Stella were pulled off with Yvette to learn the dance together, while Mel found herself caught up in the circle of others. She felt a smaller hand grab hers, and turned to see June beaming up at her as she pulled Mel into the right line.

"Follow my lead! I'll teach you!" June called over the music, Mel hesitating for a moment before throwing her pride to the wind and giving in.

Nights like this happened once in a blue moon, it was worth enjoying. Besides, she had enough blackmail info on her friends to ensure that this was never mentioned again.

It took several tries, but Mel found herself picking it up. The steps were simple and easy to follow, incorporating the basics of formal dance Mel had learned while in school. The fast pace made it impossible to focus on mistakes, Mel just swept along with everyone else. She found herself changing partners at random, moved into a new line by other familiars as everyone laughed and clapped to the beat.

As she was moved along the outside circle, Mel's gaze swept over the grass until coming to a stop on Gyendal who still sat in the grass.

Carefully she withdrew from the circle, focus entirely on Gyendal as she made her way over to where he was watching the stars.

"I don't think that it's particularly fair for you to get to sit here away from the dancing and chaos. If all of us are part of it, you should be as well." Mel said, arms crossed over her chest.

Gyendal looked over at her and raised a single brow, a rather unrefined snort escaping her.

"Lamb, if you think for a second that I would ever lower myself to wildly dance about you've taken a serious leave of your senses." He stated,

"What, scared you couldn't do it?" Mel goaded, grinning at the irritated look he shot her.

"Trying to challenge me will not work either, y-"

His words were cut off quite abruptly as Mel grabbed hold of his arms and yanked him to his feet, gravity working in her favour as she backed down the slight hill. The startled ex-vampire was given no time to react as Mel hauled him into the dance circle, pulling him into the ringers closer to the centre to prevent his easy escape.

"Mel! I swear to the goddess above I will flay you." He hissed, his anger having no impact on the young woman in front of him.

"You'll get over it." Was her wicked reply, Mel hooking an arm through his and following the others in the quick rotations.

It was almost depressing how fast Gyendal picked up the steps, Mel had been personally betting on finding something to torment her bond with. She felt his smug satisfaction through the link and he shot her a mocking look, the next steps of the dance passing them off momentarily to different partners. Then the drumbeat started once more and Mel felt him snag her hand, pulling her towards the ring made up of humans and familiars. It was impossible not to join into the flow, and after a while even Gyendal gave up and just took part in the revelries.

All too soon the celebrations began to wind down, tiredness catching up with everyone as the moon shone high in the sky. One by one people trickled away from the dance circles, Mel gladly joining them as she and Gyendal went to gather their things from where they sat in the grass. A flick of magic and the dirty paper dishes were gone, leaving them to retreat to bed for the night. Her friends all moved towards the inn, whispered congratulations and hugs to Stella and Edward before each of them retreated to their own rooms for the night.

The bed was a welcome relief as Mel sank into it, the dark mage quickly drifting off to sleep. As the tiredness overtook her, Mel couldn't help the small smile that flickered across her lips. All things considered, today had been the most perfect day any of them could have asked for.


Mel closed her inn door behind her quietly, her bag packed and slung over one shoulder. She could hear the others bustling about, some going in and out of their rooms as everyone got ready. Today was the day that they were leaving, and it felt bittersweet after the week they had spent in Harakuana.

One step to her left, and Mel stood in front of Gyendal's closed door. She hesitated a moment before giving a couple of sharp raps on the wood, Gyendal's voice filtering through as he called for her to come in. Quietly she let herself into the room, closing the door behind her and watching as Gyendal packed the last of his things away. He spared her a quick glance, taking in her travel clothes and bag.

"I can tell you have something on your mind, even if you hide it from the bond lamb. What is it?" He enquired, closing his bag and turning to face her.

A sigh escaped her, even without the bond they had known each other far too long for either to successfully hide things away from notice.

"We can't return to the mainland, even for a ship." Mel stated, not bothering to ease into the statement. "I know that was the tentative plan, but we can't."

She expected frustration for the change of plans, or perhaps concern as to why. But Gyendal barely reacted.

"I agree." He said simply. "There is nowhere for us to hide there, and that will be one of the first places they look for us once they recover."

Mel's shoulders slumped and she rubbed her face tiredly.

"Where do we go then? Where do we safely hide and start over?"

Gyendal hesitated a moment before reaching into a pocket and withdrawing a map, one he unfolded to reveal circled islands and marks.

"The Arishta Isles."

Over the next half hour they discussed and planned, Gyendal explaining his thoughts and the two hashing out the easiest way to make it possible. It didn't take long to reach an agreement, the two exiting the room and making their way downstairs where some of the others were already waiting. It didn't take long for Edward and Stella to come down, completing their travel party as everyone readied themselves for farewells.

"We'll miss all of you terribly." Stella said, tears shimmering in her eyes. "I wish there was a way to stay in contact with writing, but we do not know where we'll end up for long after we return from Naylith."

"Our plan is to return to Thais and begin the fight for my throne. Thinking on everything, I've realized that Lydia has left me an opening to win this fight. She exiled me and annulled the marriage, but she did not strip me of my title, a separate process from exile. That was purposeful, there is no way Lydia overlooked such a key detail. Once I formally contest her hold to the throne, laws prevent her from taking that from me, her mother will lose that influence." Edward explained, determination in his face.

Mel stared at her friend a long moment before grinning.

"You know, I think that's the first time I've ever heard you talk like a king. Claiming the throne as yours like that." She pointed out, Edward shrugging bashfully.

"I can't leave Thais in Lydia's power. Her mother will use her to ruin the foundation of what Rhen Pendragon built our city and kingdom on. It won't be an easy process, we'll be forced to travel and gather allies, but we will win." He said.

Everyone nodded in agreement, a wordless show of support.

"I'll be travelling with them on their way to the ferry as far as Peliad, I'm going to go get my certificate and reunite with my family." June announced, stepping up closer to Stella and Edward.

"And you two will be travelling with us as far as the ferry docks still correct? Before you split off to head to Stormbend for a ship." Stella asked, turning to Mel.

The dark mage exchanged a look with Gyendal, a final wordless confirmation passing between them on their change of decision.

"Our plans have changed. We'll be leaving and heading to Underfall, there's a second piece to the tombs on the other side of the city that'll take us to the Arishta Isles." Mel told them.

"We'll be living in or around Veldahara, so much magic both dark and netural has been there or is used there currently that it'll mask us entirely. There is also a school, warded against otherworldly creatures and dark attacks where Mel can learn full mastery of the craft for when we must face the Gynna once more." Gyendal explained further.

The mood dropped at the reminder of the Gynna, Edward shooting Mel a look of understanding.

"I may have to visit the isle to seek an audience with the empress for her support against Lydia, if that happens I will make sure I visit. I still have the mirror, I'll keep it in pristine condition for when that time comes." Edward promised.

Mel pulled her friend into a rough hug, Edward embracing her tightly before letting go so that Stella could do the same. Final farewells echoed around the group, and just as Mel was about to start for the door Edward turned to Gyendal.

His expression was awkward and the prince rubbed the back of his neck before speaking.

"Thank you for the rings."

His statement was curt, but held an undercurrent of genuine gratitude. Mel stared in puzzlement as Gyendal gave no answer other than a sharp nod. At the look of confusion on Mel's face, Ulf spoke up.

"While the blacksmith was making their rings Gyendal gave me an enchantment to meld into them. It ensures that so long as they wear these rings, they will always be able to find the other, no matter how far apart." The orc explained, Stella nodding.

"It offers us a means of security should the Gynna come for us." Stella added.

Mel shot a knowing look at Gyendal who glared and waved her off. They all left the inn and made their way out of the town, setting off on their separate paths with final goodbyes. Mel watched silently as Edward took Stella's hand, and with June in tow faded in the distance before rounding the corner out of view. Even after she couldn't see them any longer Mel found herself unable to look away, until a hand settled on her shoulder.

She glanced back to see Gyendal watching.

"Are you ready?"

Mel let out a breath she hadn't fully realized she was holding and turned to face him, chin raised in determination.

"Yes, let's go."