Disclaimer: I don't own Dragonlance, not even one smidgeon.
Author's Note: Okay so it took me a while to update AGAIN! Well I don't seem to be having much luck with getting on my computer. Between my mom and my sister someone is always on! This chapter is a bit more light. I wanted to just to slow it down after the more action oriented scenes, besides there was a few things I needed to start setting up. Thanks for beign so patient though. I hope you all enjoy this chapter!
Ahn-Li Steffraini: Thanks so much!
crazzymonkey: Yeah no matter how hard I try Raistlin does seem to be getting nicer lol, he won't be hugging Fizban anytime soon though I promise! Thanks for reviewing, Enjoy!
Guan: The reason for her sadness is strongly hinted. It will play strongly into later events. Thankiez for reviewing.
Calli-Kurama: Hehe this episode is sorta uneventful, sorry. None of your very good questions get answered, but there is a little hinting. Thank you for the great review, it made me laugh. drum rolls And here is the next episode of To Just Give In.
Chapter 16: Meeting the Parents
"I don't see why I have to come to this." Raistlin said his voice filled with profound aggravation.
"Because it is only fair. We went to show your family and friends our baby why can't we show mine. He's over a year old and my parents still haven't seen him." Crysania pouted.
"That's different. My family and friends weren't likely to send the family guards out on you for being a cleric." Raistlin said dryly.
"You don't even know them." Crysania said defensively.
"And why should I? Are we going to be having anymore of these fun little tea parties?" Raistlin said with mock excitement.
"Mr. Majere you should be nicer to mother." Aurelia said chiding
"That's another thing I'm sick of." Raistlin said leaning back in the carriage idly staring at the orb on the top of the Staff of Magius. "Why am I Mr. Majere and she's "mother". I saved your life after all."
"Ah do I sense jealousy Mr. Majere?" Crysania said laughing.
"I'm sorry Mr. Majere am I supposed to call you father?" Aurelia said her little eyebrows furrowed.
"No." he said shortly. He then turned to Aidan who was laughing at a butterfly in the carriage. "You are the most easily amused child on Krynn. I truly fear you will turn out like my oaf of a brother." He smiled slightly saying this though not enough for anyone else to notice.
Aidan reached an arm out and touched the Staff of Magius. "Dada." He said looking up at Raistlin.
"What do you want to see the staff?" Raistlin said looking at his son's now serious face. "Show them our trick." Raistlin whispered. "Watch this." Raistlin said with a slightly proud look on his face.
Crysania turned from her conversation with Aurelia and waited.
Aidan's face had a serious look on it he had one had holding the Staff of Magius and the other holding Raistlin's index finger. "Sheerak." Nothing happened he looked like he was about to cry. "Shirak." He repeated now changing the inflection. The orb on the staff of Magius began to give off a faint glow. Raistlin shared a small smile with his son as he saw the look of profound happiness that passed by his face as he cast the spell.
Crysania sat her mouth gaping open. "How..." but she couldn't finish. She sat there with a puzzled look on her face. Finally Aurelia spoke.
"That's incredible how'd you teach him to do that?" she said intensely interested. Raistlin had already realized this small girl had an acute interest in magic but she was still a little young to enroll in school and she was to busy with other things like playing dress up with Crysania and going to the temple for him to teach her.
"Well he learned the word on his own. Dalamar told me he knew it when he was only four months, which is quite incredible in itself. However he is far too young to summon his own magic, though he already has some. I simply give him a channel to open it through, myself and let him cast the spell." He smiled. "I couldn't use magic till I was eight and even then it wasn't real magic like this."
Crysania frowned now. "You're teaching him magic? I didn't agree to this."
"My son will be a mage." Raistlin said plainly. "I'm just giving him a head start."
"What if I wanted him to become a cleric?" Crysania demanded angrily. Raistlin laughed out loudly causing Crysania to shiver. "Did I ever tell you, that you have the most hideous laughter ever? Not just that I've ever heard but that I'm pretty sure ever existed."
"No you didn't tell me that before." Raistlin said with a tinge of bitter sarcasm. "You're wrong though. Did you ever hear Lord Soth laugh? Or better yet my Queen? Her laughter is rather unpleasant especially when it is haunting your dreams."
Crysania frowned for a second. "Let's stop this unpleasantness." She said with a small forced smile as she placed a comforting hand on Raistlin's thigh. He smirked slightly giving her a funny look. "Please Raistlin." She whispered blushing. Aurelia frowned confused she was about to ask what was going on when Crysania quickly filled the silence. "We're here." She said smiling. "Well I hope they'll let us in."
"What?" Raistlin said angrily. "You don't even know if we'll be admitted?"
"Well there was a rather large disagreement upon my announcement to become a cleric. You see my parents wanted me to marry some well to do noble and just be a mother and wife and that wasn't what I wanted." She frowned slightly seeing the hurt look pass Aurelia's face. "Now that I have it of course I wouldn't trade it for the world."
"Ah well maybe it will take a little attention off me if they're to shocked at the fact that you had a child." Raistlin said.
"Well also that I'm married to the head of the Conclave of Black robes." She said quickly.
"What...?" Raistlin sputtered causing him to go into a powerful coughing fit.
"I'm sorry to upset you so much I just couldn't bare to tell them that we live in that tower. You know how much it bothers everyone in the city. And if they hear you're the Head of Conclave that signifies political importance."
"But I'm not..." he said angrily. "I wouldn't stoop as low to serve the Conclave. I can't believe you were planning on telling them that!" he rasped loudly causing Aurelia to flinch and Aidan to whimper. "You will tell them the truth or I will. And I won't leave out any details of exactly who I am." He said bitterly.
"Raistlin, I'm sor..." Crysania started. But at that moment a robust Palanthalian noble with a long mustache and warm gray eyes opened the door to their carriage.
"Daughter, how we have missed you." He said his voice rich and jolly. "He appraised the rest of them and smiled slightly. "It seems you have some news for us."
"Yes Papa. We can do introductions inside." She said nervously, her knees shaking.
"Loosen up dear. You aren't going to be grounded. We are just glad to see you." A plump little woman with ornately decorated glossy black hair and deep blue eyes.
"Alright." She said smiling. She picked up Aidan who was wearing one of Gilthas' navy blue court outfits and a small blue cap pointed on the front and back with a red feather. Aurelia followed behind her in a pale pink dress the set of her ringlets of blonde hair and youthful rosy cheeks. Raistlin stepped out last, in his soft velvety black robes decorated in silver runes. His hood was pulled back shadowing his face. He saw Crysania's father glance at him curiously but with caution the way that one would approach a sleeping wolf. Her mother avoiding looking at him too long. He could already feel the dread building up inside of him. He looked at their huge manor. This was where she was raised. He felt like laughing, she was so different from him. They were escorted into the grand hall decorated in flowing sating curtains with chandeliers with hundreds of glowing candles.
"Well." Crysania's father said regarding each of them slowly. "Please introduce me." He said smiling at Crysania.
"Father, Mother, this is my fiancé." she said quickly addressing Raistlin. "This is our daughter Aurelia."
"I'm adopted." Aurelia said smiling.
"Honey you're still our daughter. And this is our son Aidan." Crysania said with a proud smile. She handed Aidan to her mother who had that happy grandmotherly look on her face. She began to smother Aidan and Aurelia with affection immediately, asking Crysania all sorts of questions. This left Raistlin alone with her father. He was once a Solamnic Knight, he could tell by the stern look mingled with curiosity he was being given.
"My daughter didn't say your name. You are a mage." He stated still staring intensely at Raistlin.
"Yes, I am an Archmagus." Raistlin said softly.
"There are very few of those. Isn't that a bold statement for one so young?" He said now with a slightly arrogant smirk.
"No, it's hardly a bold statement. Par Salian himself could never match my power." Raistlin said with a thin lipped smile.
Crysania's father's expression faded from arrogance to terror mingled with respect. "You are him." He whispered.
Raistlin pulled back his hood. "My name is Raistlin Majere, if that's what you were thinking." Raistlin said with a slight smile.
"So how did you meet my daughter. I was rather sure her profession prevented her from meeting those like you." He said seriously.
"She asked to meet me in the Great Library. Apparently Paladine told her I was evil and going to end the world, or something along those lines." He said smirking as he saw how uncomfortable her father was.
"Listen, I don't care who you are. If you ever think of hurting my daughter..." Raistlin cut him off.
"I am not planning on hurting Crysania." Raistlin said bitterly at being distrusted.
"Good. Now that I'm done attempting to be an intimidating father, would you like a drink?" he asked chuckling.
"Yes please, wine. What is your name?" Raistlin said softly.
"That doesn't matter." Raistlin frowned slightly. "Let me clarify, that doesn't matter because you can call me dad." Raistlin looked as if he was going to say something for a moment but instead he nodded and followed him to go get wine."
"Your father seems to be really hitting it off with you fiancé. I'm surprised considering he's a magic user. Especially a black robe. I mean you rejected all those nice suitors, always so picky. I never imagined you marrying, especially a magic user of black robes. But I must say that with such beautiful grandchildren I couldn't be happier with your decision. I was meaning to ask you what is his name though, I couldn't get a good look at him with that hood."
"Um...You need to stay calm when I tell you this mother." Crysania said nervously.
"Honey I'm not a child, it's no like he's that man who lives alone in that hideous tower surrounded by demons." Her mother paused for a moment and the color drained out of her face. "Oh dear." She whispered.
"Mother, he is nothing like they say." Crysania felt bad lying, he was actually quite like they said but she couldn't tell her mother that. So she said what made her love him, "Sure he is different than most men. But what is wrong with that? He is determined, ambitious, and has worked so hard for everything he has achieved that he has truly suffered mentally and physically for it. He may be callous and cynical, but he is also compassionate and cares deeply for those who suffer. He is acutely aware of the harsh reality of the world and though he may seem bitter it is only because he knows there is little he can do to change it." Crysania finished her face flushed from excitement.
"Daughter, that is not what I meant. I was simply upset we wouldn't be able to have supper at your house." She said with a jolly smile. Whispering she added, "The children are safe with all the ghosts and such?"
"There are no demons and that, there are real living people though. The house is warm and comfortable. It reflects Raistlin's love of knowledge and learning. We have food like you've never tried as well, you see his health isn't perfect." Crysania said softly.
"I noticed, can't you do anything for him?" her mother said in a tone of worry.
Crysania was touched, instead of being terrified by him her mother was already worrying about Raistlin. "No there is nothing I can do. It is what he gave up in exchange for his magic."
"Ah I see." Her mother said gently as Raistlin reentered with her father. "Is he involved with the children?"
"Very much so. When he is not studying his magic, he plays with Aidan and tells Aurelia stories of his adventures in the War of the Lance." Crysania said smiling at Raistlin who was now showing her father, Aidan, and Aurelia coin tricks.
"Oh, that is quite incredible, but doesn't it require energy to do such magic?" her mother asked watching the coin trick.
Crysania smirked, "That is not magic mother. That is a sleight of hand trick he's been able to do since he was a boy."
"There seems to be much misunderstanding about this man." Her mother said with a slight smile.
"Yes." Crysania said softly. Her mother gently hugged her and Crysania cried softly. "I was afraid you wouldn't understand either."
"Child, what is there for us not to understand? You fell in love with someone that is completely different from you? Your father was a poor Solamnic knight when I met him. And this was at a time when the knight's honor had yet to be restored. I was the most wealthy sought after woman in Panathalas, I could have married a king." Now she smiled. "But when I saw those warm gray eyes I knew I couldn't turn back. And I've never been happier with any decision I've made since." Smirking she now said, "Besides I knew you'd never settle for anyone less hard headed, strong willed, and less ambitious than you. Plus I'm sure magic has it's more practical uses in the bedroom." She said with a laugh.
Crysania turned bright red. "Mother!" she said shortly causing the rest of them to glance at her. Her father chuckled and Raistlin smirked at her. "Let's have dinner please." She said suddenly becoming intensely interested with the design on the carpet.
"Yes let's have dinner." Her father said still chuckling. They were led to a large dining hall. They sat at an enormous rich mahogany table covered in carvings of the city; every monument was visible except one.
"It's rather unusual. I'm afraid your artist made a mistake." Raistlin said dryly.
"No, that's impossible you see..." then her father abruptly stopped speaking. "Yes it seems there is an error in the carving. I'll have to have that corrected."
"Don't worry about it father." Raistlin said with a slight smile then laying a hand on the empty gap between the forest in the corner he whispered a few words of magic and when he lifted his hand an exact replica of his tower was now there.
"Thank you." Crysania's father said with an uncomfortable smile.
"Isn't that lovely. You are quite talented," her mother said smiling at Raistlin.
Raistlin smiled slightly. The food was served to them on silver and gold platters. Raistlin frowned slightly but began to eat, on the other end of the table Aurelia however was not as quiet.
"Grandmother why do you eat on gold?" she asked her childish voice suddenly turning grave.
"Well..." Crysania's mother started but couldn't think of an answer.
"Because King Porthios and Queen Alhana gave them to us as a gift when they visited Panathalas." He said sounding more comfortable than his wife.
"But why do you eat on them? This would have been enough gold to feed my entire village for the year." Her voice was now filled with a confused pain.
Crysania looked horrified, obviously not knowing what to say, and seemingly rather shocked upon thinking of it that way.
Raistlin however looked at Aurelia gravely as if he had already been prepared for this, "Child, Why is it that you wear clothes? Aren't there children without shelter that need those clothes more than you. Why do you eat more than one meal if there are people who need that food to survive?" Raistlin said staring at her with complete seriousness.
"Because you give it to me." She stated plainly her confusion increasing.
"And were your grandparents not given these plates as well?" Raistlin's voice now had a hint of cynicism in it.
"They were." She said softly. "I'm sorry Grandmother and Grandfather. I spoke where it was not my place to." Aurelia said obviously ashamed.
"Don't worry about it dear. What you said makes sense. We will donate these frivolous plates to the Church for charity. We have plenty of other plates."
Crysania finally regained her voice. "Well that meal was delicious." She said smiling slightly. The table was silent for a moment then both of her parents began to laugh.
"Dear daughter I've missed having you around." Her father said chuckling. "You will all have to visit soon." He stood and shook Raistlin's hand then hugged and kisses Crysania and his grandchildren. Her mother did the same except last she went to hug and kiss Raistlin upon touching him she jumped then looked perplexed.
"My magic." He said slightly embarrassed at her reaction to his warmth.
"That is very nice." She said smiling. She hugged him for a long moment then gave him a peck on the cheek.
After they got in the carriage Crysania gave Raistlin an odd look. "Was my mother flirting with you?"
Raistlin's face was beginning to blush so he pulled up his hood. "No I think she just never felt magically presence from another person."
Crysania smiled slyly, "Good." She said resting a hand on his thigh. "Because your mine."
Raistlin now rose an eyebrow. "I wasn't aware you owned me he said sarcastically.
"Really, maybe you should pay more attention. You asked me to marry you. That mean's your mine. Speaking of that." She said raising her eyebrows and pouting.
"Eventually." He said quickly.
"You keep saying that." She pouted.
"Yes and I mean it. I am just busy with my magic. Isn't it enough that you and the children get every spare second of my time?"
"No. I want to get to wear my dress." Crysania said smiling.
"Fine. Send out invitations in one month we'll have the wedding. Only family and close friends though." He added seriously.
"Alright." She said with a big grin. Noticing Aurelia and Aidan were asleep she kissed him deeply.
"Woman I don't know why I keep letting you have your way." Raistlin said.
Slipping her hand into one of his pockets she placed her hand on the inside of his thigh. "I think I could come up with a few reasons."
Smiling slightly he whispered his breath warm and moist on her neck. "Ah yes, how easily I forget."
"Well when we get home I can help refresh your memory a bit more." She said giggling.
Kissing her neck he then smiled slightly at her. "If you insist."
A/N: Wedding next chappie! Yay! And other things of course. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please review.