The Godfather

Following the ceremony that evening, Varien isolated himself in his bedroom. His mind reeling in turmoil on being a godparent for a trio of royals. Due to his eccentricities, he hadn't made any friends, nor did he have much experience with children in general. Then, of course, he'd be forever and a day haunted by his temporary derangement.

If he'd looked at back then objectively? His father wouldn't have been imprisoned in amber if he hadn't tampered with the rocks. There was also the reality Rapunzel had been in the midst of a dilemma. Therefore, she couldn't abandon her obligations to her people.

Yet, he turned his emotional arousal and directed it at her and the country instead of accepting accountability for his own actions. He'd shift the culpability moreover his guilt onto those not responsible. Yes, he'd ultimately redeemed himself, plus liberated his father. However, his transgressions would remain with him until the day he died.

In light of those sins, he seriously questioned his abilities in being a good godfather even though the nobles perceived him as the most suited for the honor. Yet, how could they even consider him? Given his history, he wasn't an exemplary role model.

Furthermore? He felt self-conscious around Cassandra. Given his ludicrous crush on her back when they first met. He'd only been fourteen kid, while she'd been a twenty-something adult. Yes, crushes were normal, moreover, frequently illogical. Yet, he didn't know if he could even look upon Opal wherever he met her and not feel embarrassed by it.

His ruminations were interrupted by the antics of his pet raccoon, Ruddiger. "Hello, Ruddiger. How are you today?" as he scratched him behind the ear. The raccoon did nothing but chitter a bit and looked around for a delicious snack. "Sorry, bud, I don't have any snacks," sighing, "I really don't have much to offer."

The adorable, fashionably dressed alchemist took a hard look at his reflection. "I don't know if there anything about me that makes me worthy of such an honor. I'm still not sure how to do this," he whispered, bowing his head in disgrace.

"Son, is something wrong?" spoke a gruff voice from behind. He immediately whirled around and observed his father gazing worriedly at him.

"Hi, Dad, no, everything just peachy! Nothing is wrong!" Varien lied terribly.

Fortunately, his father knew him well enough to spot falsehood. Which genuinely wasn't difficult given Varien remained an atrocious liar. Scratch that. Except when he'd been mentally unbalanced, he wasn't a qualified deceiver.

Taking a deep breath, Quirin spoke in a soothing voice, "Son, you can talk to me regarding what's upsetting you. I rather we didn't keep secrets anymore. Therefore, please tell, me son, what's troubling you?"

Seeing there wasn't a way to deceive his father, the young man revealed his feelings. "I'm not convinced I'm the most dependable selection in being the godfather to the brand-new heirs of Corona or Cassandra's daughter, Opal.

Given my past mistakes? How can they even deem me to be the most suited for the role? Surely someone more qualified should fulfill this purpose. I'm not suited for it," confessed the intelligent young man.

Quirin contemplated for a few moments. Striving to find the correct words to reassure his progeny regarding his brand-new obligations. He sincerely wished Varien's mother, Ulla, was here. Tragically she wasn't with them anymore.

For one reason or another, mothers eternally possessed the right words. Instinctively maintaining the capability to comfort moreover help their children understand. Overall, they're much better at everything. Quirin frankly wasn't sufficient when it came to touchy-feel discussions. The words he needed escaped him, oftentimes failing when it came to cheering up his son. Still, he bucked up and resolved to help with his jumbled emotions.

"Varien, I'm not a man of strong faith. However, I do appreciate the Good Book. I can only offer some words of encouragement from it.

Though when you require comfort, remember these words. "The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1"

"How is that supposed to benefit me, Dad? I'm a man of science, not religion myself. Consequently, how is that supposed to help me?"

"Science can only take you so far, son. Ultimately it's having confidence in something that pushes you the extra mile. It helps you when everything else has let you down.

Your mother, Ulla, may've been more like you, but she didn't renounce the Bible's teachings either. For she believed firmly that science means nothing if you don't have faith and trust in God. That there will continuously be conundrums and miracles that the evidence of science cannot justify or prove.

That's the point of having faith. Is to get you through when everything else has failed."

Varien cried a little, hearing about his mother. Growing up motherless hadn't been enjoyable. Nor did his father bring her up much, considering it had broken him so much losing her. Varien pulled himself together, "So you're saying I should've faith and trust in the Lord?"

"Yes, he will guide you through this life. For he forgives of all sins. Hence even though you've sinned, he'll forgive you. He helped you find the path to redemption. If you trust him even more, he'll show you how to be a reliable godfather and role model. You've to believe in yourself first, son."

"Are you positive what I did won't send me to purgatory?"

"I cannot say if it will or not—that up for the Lord alone to decide. I do know if you trust him, you've nothing to fear in this life or the next. Consequently, if you're struggling with your emotions or doubt, turn to Him, and he shall lead you to the path of righteousness."

"Thanks, Dad. I think I'll go for a walk."

"Well, don't mull things over too much. Don't be out too late either. A good night's sleep will help you more then anything." Father and son embraced tightly before Varien departed their residence to go for a moonlight stroll. Such a stunning evening, cloudless heavens, and a full moon. Things were so tranquil.

He strolled a short distance to a nearby glen. When he arrived, he observed a miniature gravestone underneath a towering hazel tree. Encompassing the glen were freesia, campanula, alstroemeria, iris, daisies, lavender, and peony.

He wished he'd thought to bring a gift with him. Instead, he gathered a small bouquet from the nearby blossoms. Next, he laid them at the foot of the grave. Touching it, he wiped away a single tear. "Mom, it's me, Varien. I know it's been years since I visited. I should get you caught up with what's been going on," he struggled a few moments before launching into the long story.

Spilling his guts to his mother proved challenging. The humiliation of confiding in his mother over what transpired thse past several years. He could see it clearly in his mind's eye her disapproving frown.

The young alchemist didn't desire to let down his mother. He'd already done that quite a bit with his father in the past. Nevertheless, he desired his mother's spirit to comfort him in some way.

He'd never seen her face-to-face. However, he'd preferred to believe she continued watching over him from wherever she happened to be now. The tragic tale took an hour to tell. Followed by another hour of confessing his guilty conscience.

"Mom? I don't know if you're even there. Though if you can hear me, can you give me a sign? Something to tell me everything will work out? That Rapunzel and Cassandra made the right choice with me?"

As if to answer his question, a shooting star blazed across the heavens. The falling star was much more brilliant then most. The way it lingered moreover practically danced seemed to be confirmation to Varien his mother was telling him it all work out.

Finally feeling comforted as his insecurities and anxieties washed away, he returned home and collapsed on his bed. Quickly having pleasant dreams and feeling much better then he'd beforehand.

You belong

"You belong here. You may not always feel that way. Perhaps no one told you.

Right here- this is where your journey led you. You certainly belong here.

Ground yourself in that knowledge, and take up more space than you think you deserve!"