In the end, there was no force in the world that could prevent the will of an Empyrean to be made manifest. Or rather, the Empyreans that could, as well as the handful of others who might hold such might, were firmly in agreement with the proceedings. To the people of Glenwood however, the transition was smooth.
Innominat's domain was established in bursts ever since his public address, receding again and again but slowly remaining longer. First it was but a day per month that people suddenly met neighbours they never knew, formed attachments to the seraphim they now met all over the continent. The single day slowly bloated into two, then three, then a week. Originally an event to expect with joy, the passing of years turned it into routine. Few noticed immediately when the Empyrean's embrace became permanent.
"And it only took us ten years to get there," Alisha mused out loud while favouring Sorey with a fond smile. The decade transformed him into a handsome and competent man, though his sunny disposition remained undeterred. The therion herself remained as young as she was the day she turned; her tail gave some people pause, but no one stopped them as they entered Lastonbell. All knew of Alisha Diphda, guardian of the unified realms. Just like all knew of the two shepherds.
Sorey sighed in response. "Ten years is a long time," he returned, settling on a bench to watch the goings-on. Humans and seraphim intermingled, as they had taken to more and more over the last decade. Housewives chattered at each other in small clusters, knights patrolled the streets in pairs, barkers called out to the crowds nearby... and several women gave him considering looks, but refrained from approaching him for once. Probably due to Alisha's presence next to him. Which reminded him of a matter he had to bring up now. "I wanted to apologise."
"Whatever for?"
"For being a jerk." They both knew he apologised plenty over the years, but Alisha since gave up trying to tell him not to. Sorey huffed. "And for being ungrateful. I've, well, I've tried to think of a solution that doesn't need Innominat or Minkkubi. It never sat quite right with me to build something better on death. Thanks, Mikleo." His brother did not respond, having shielded their conversation with the perhaps most useful wind arte, which he practiced for exactly that purpose. Alisha echoed Sorey's thanks a moment later while he pondered. "Anyway, yeah. I thought and tried, but in the end, I had nothing that would have worked. And seeing this, all this?" He motioned for Lastonbell around them, but also the continent as a whole. "It's basically everything I wanted."
Alisha understood him well enough, his admission as well as the parts he stumbled over. "Yet it is oh so easy to forget we built today's harmony on yesterday's suffering. I get your point quite well, it remains a matter of distress at times. Then again, reminding myself of how smoothly the transition went if you have enough time is nearly enough to give me whiplash."
"Yeah, me too."
They shared a laugh over the joke, settling into a more comfortable atmosphere. Then however, Alisha's grin became more mischievous. "Now, if you are done apologising needlessly, I would rather not speak of such on the rare occasion we do get to meet. Your luck with the fairer sex seems to be good."
Her gentle jab clearly embarassed Sorey, who dragged his feet at the reminder. "I don't know why exactly," he admitted a moment later. "It's not like I'm trying to get anyone's attention, you know?"
"Fame and power," Alisha countered at once, offering a gentle smile to him. It was reassuring to know some of his youthful innocence had survived to this day. "You have both, not to mention a fit sort of attractiveness that can easily draw attention. A shame that none of these ladies are to your liking. I hear Margaret found herself a partner of sorts just last year."
"Heh. If you see her, give her my regards and let her know I'm happy for her. Same for you, Edna." The only acknowledgement he got from within was a huff, which did little to distract Sorey from the other subject. He deflated somewhat. "Anyway, it's just difficult. I know many of these women would be after power or wealth, so approaching anyone isn't easy. You got the same problem, don't you?"
"Assuming I have romantic prospects for the future," Alisha retorted lightly. "My duty to Hyland keeps me quite busy." Though high standing and beauty left her with a number of willing partners, should she feel the need to destress. Much the same as for Sorey, though neither of them brought that up. "As it is, no one has caught my eye."
"Really? Wow. I always thought you'd have it easier than me."
"Quite," Alisha agreed with a chuckle, though she soon turned thoughtful. "Although there is one, I guess. A good friend, though I doubt he would be interested in me that way."
"Did you, uh, try talking to him about it?"
Sorey's question was mostly an attempt to help his friend; going by the soft shake of her head however, she might have more trouble than he expected. Before he could scramble for advice or offering to listen to her woes however, another voice stopped him: "What an idiot," Edna deadpanned before materialising by their side. "Take the hint already, nerd. Come on Mibu, we're going shopping."
Strangely enough, now Alisha was the one embarassed while his bonded seraphim trooped off. Mikleo threw him a wink that gave Sorey pause for one long moment before it all clicked together; once it did, he became just as sheepish as the beautiful woman next to him. "Oh, errr..."
"Think nothing of it," Alisha murmured a moment later, a light dusting of pink on her cheeks. "It is... no." She took a deep breath and firmed up, turning her head to meet his gaze. "No. It is true you have had a special place in my heart for a long time. However, I am well aware you would be bothered returning a hellion's affections, regardless of who."
Sorey almost nodded with how dumbfounded he was by this revelation. Alisha may have had a point once upon a time, but ten years were a long time for a human. Still, the revelation left him wondering. "For me?" he could not help but ask. "Really? Even after, you know, that day we met again after you turned?" The day he waltzed over her feelings like a rampaging elephant, he meant; Alisha understood at once, if her grimace was any indication.
"I fell in love with you long before that point," she admitted softly. "Perhaps even on the day we first met. You were my first ever friend, my first true friend. And your kindness was endearing, as was that stubborn streak whenever your morals were concerned. Then, yes, I fell and began to fret. You did little to assuage my fears that day, but it has been ten years. Time heals many wounds, and this one may not be gone, but I have moved past it. Admittedly, my feelings have changed as well, though I am still more fond of you than of most."
She was staring at him with this same intensity as earlier, leaving Sorey's throat dry. He found himself lacking the words to respond, wondering just what answer he could give. Then again, what answer did he want to give?
Seeing the soft shaking of Alisha's hand, the first thing he did was to cover it with his own; the therion fell still in surprise, at which he smiled at her. "You're right, it has been ten years. I'm not so rigid on hellions anymore, you know? This is just kind of sudden, is all. But I think I get what you mean, you were my first human friend too, and perhaps the first actual friend I made. Not sure how much the seraphim who helped raise me count, they're more like family, aren't they?" He was rambling, but could not stop himself; Alisha nodded along dutifully however. Then she leaned closer. "Um, Alisha?"
His gaze flittered to the crowds surrounding them; though there was still an arte protecting their conversation, nothing would hide phyiscal gestures from the many eyes watching them. Alisha paused to huff at him. "I am Hyland's kingmaker, Sorey. The most powerful woman on the continent, if not in the world, with exception of the gods. And unless you tell me not to, I will kiss you here and now."
She gave him a full five seconds during which all Sorey managed was to pull his jaw off the ground. When he gave no sign of rejection, she leaned forward again to capture his lips. Suddenly, he cared much less for what others may think; his focus was stolen further and further by the forceful therion, though he found himself not minding her forthrightness.