Will and the Word

Chapter 11

As Belgarion stepped out of the tent with Ce'nedra on his arm his demeanor changed from bit he stood straight and looked to Ce'nedra and nodded. Ce'nedra spoke clearly in the royal voice "Family and friends we have joyous news. "Harry has asked Beldaran with our permission to court to marry at Beldaran's leisure. I would like to welcome my son Harry Potter to our family and our court."

Geran and Eleanora approached Harry and Beldaran. Geran sweeping his sister into a hug and spinning her around. Eleanora touching Harry on the face seeing his warring expression pulled him into a gentle hug "Welcome to the family little brother." Harry stood stiff as she hugged him before relaxing into her hug.

"Thank you, sister, I apologize for what I did to Geran earlier" Harry looked at his feet for a moment before looking up and seeing an impish grin on her face.

"I told him a dozen times it was a bad idea," Eleanora said happily "Harry could I ask a favor of you?"

"Of Course, assuming it is within my power." Harry answered, "What do you need?"

"To stand with Geran and me at our wedding," She asked quietly before adding "Beldaran will be with us as well"

"Does Geran know you are asking?" Harry was surprised to see her nod "I think His highness and I will need to talk a bit and get to know one another. Regardless of how well we get along if you want me to stand with you, I would be honored."

"So, he is the one?" Geran asked looking at his sister closely for anything being amiss only for her to nod "The Bear cult is going to have a hemorrhage"

"That would be amusing for the time it takes for Harry to wipe them out!" Beldaran snorted "sorry it's not something I should joke about. He hates bullies and bigots. The next time Arik Thordahl goes off on one of his rants… let's just say Harry will be less circumspect than Mandorallen."

"I get that about him?" Geran admitted "Bel, would you stand with us at our wedding and be Eleanora's Maid of honor?"

Beldaran thought about the request and then looked at harry getting a hug from her sister to be and noted how he stiffened when someone touched him "Geran I would love to but I don't want to leave harry alone during all of this" she was surprised when her brother put a finger to her lips

"Eleanora is asking Harry if he would stand with us as well," he said quietly "It will settle dad some, and the world will all know that you are intended."

"In that case yes, "she said as she flicked her gaze to her cousins, she started flicking her fingers with a quirked eye. The twins and Rhodar nodded and Beldaran smirked: "Ahem I believe we are not the only couple with the news I think Rhodar and Edrik have news to share as well."

Erik took a knee before Asrana and Rhodar took a knee in front of Alyssa the girls looked shocked for a moment before imperiously pointing toward their father "Come along lads I think Polgara and I need to have a discussion with the four of you' Durnik said motioning them off to the side where Polgara had a mysteriously triumphant smile on her face

Belgarath heard everything and smiled "One thinks that the pack is going to grow much larger today." Poledra said hugging her husband "on the morrow one should see to our new grandson's training."

"One agrees" Belgarath nodded his assent "However in the meantime I am hungry and the table is set would be a shame to waste a good meal

The rest of the day was spent in celebration. That night for the first time in 18 months Harry's tent was filled it was something he had almost forgotten what it was like thankfully the enchantments that Luna and Hermione had imbued into the tent meant there was enough room for the younger people. After everyone was asleep Harry walked outside of the tent and slowly began to transform taking pains to listen to the noise his magic made and he was able to keep it down to a whisper Until finally he resembled a smaller golden version of his friend Fawkes and he took to wing exploring the valley four hours he flew until he felt like he had a good lay of the land he flew back and landed on the ground transforming back he felt a little lighter

he was surprised when a pair of arms snaked around him Spinning him and dragging him down into a kiss "Your form is beautiful. What kind of bird is it?"

"My form is a golden Phoenix," Harry said quietly "While phoenixes are not uncommon my form is a rare variant known as the royal phoenix in my world. It is my hope I can find more phoenix's here I miss Fawkes; my mentor's companion the song of a phoenix will hearten those who wish to good and strike fear into the hearts of those that would do evil. I miss Fawkes very much."

"When I asked about your grief tonight, I was not joking. I have a vested interest in you now your grace." Beldaran said seriously "As your Physician, as a friend, most importantly as someone I have grown to love in the short time, we have been together. It matters to me that your soul aches." She spoke in hushed tones her left hand running through his hair causing him to relax into her the weariness of the last 18 months began to settle in

"Bel?" Harry asked with a yawn "Will you come to bed with me I want to … I need to hold you."

Beldaran was torn they had already slept together once and she thought her father was going to have words with her "I am not sure Harry My father…"

"Will be fine with whatever decision our daughter and her betrothed make" Garion's voice sounded from behind them causing them both to jump and for Harry to look guilty "I already know Harry is not going to do anything untoward to you and it is not like this is the Isle of winds or the imperial palace in Tol Honeth"

Beldaran groaned "Great uncle Varana is going to be unreasonable isn't he. Probably going to have his men watching me make sure no one attempts anything on me," she said her head resting on Harry's shoulder. Causing Harry to smile which made Belgarion slightly nervous "Stop smiling like a maniac Harry it is making my father rethink our betrothal"

"Maybe we should talk about what I should expect in the coming weeks." Harry surmised yawning again "Maybe now is not the best time for that can we revisit this in the morning. Goodnight your majesties and goodnight your Highness," he said taking her hand and kissing it gently. Before going back into the tent into the shower and taking a short shower and grabbing a comfy pair of red and gold sleep pants and a tank top crawling into his bed where for the first time in a long time he fell right to sleep.

Ce'nedra stepped out of the darkness "How did he know we were both here."

"Don't look at me?" Beldaran said looking at her parents "Did you mean what you said, father?"

"Yes, I did your brother and Eleanora share a bed" Garion explained "I would be a hypocrite if I did not allow you the same. I just ask please be careful I am not ready to become a grandfather."

Beldaran's eyes widened at what her father told her but then the idea that he trusted harry that much opened her eyes "We won't neither of us are even close to being ready. He will need time to grieve. I think traveling the world will be good for both of us" she took a step dove into her father's embrace "Thank you father" she said before going back into the tent and joining Harry.

"That had to be difficult" Ce'nedra pointed out "Talk to me Garion."

"It was harder than killing Torak and nearly as hard as tracking Zandramas" Garion face covered in tears lent testimony to the depths of his feelings "She is my…our little girl only she is not so little anymore. She loves him and he loves her. He will protect her probably better than I can. If there was ever a time where I wished being overlord of the west gave me some modicum of power now would be the time."

"I like having another son," Ce'nedra said with a smile "Come on oh powerful Overlord of the West. Let's go to bed tomorrow promises to be fun."

Beldaran found harry lightly snoring in bed. The covers opened and room for her to slip in. She worried for a moment before they were very exhausted and had little choice but to share the blanket looking at the ring on her finger, she let herself imagine having a family, their studies at Aldurs' feet. Shaking her head from the daydream she slid into bed next to harry who in turn rolled over, throwing an arm over and having her snuggle in. Their Faces inches apart Beldaran closed the distance giving him a slow sweet kiss before tucking her head underneath his chin and letting sleep claim her too

Aldur sat in his tower having tea with his brother they had both been silent for a good hour "Aldur what do you think of Harry"

"I believe he is very close to losing himself to grief" Aldur responded his voice tinged with sadness "Should someone hurt Beldaran or any of the people Harry comes to care for… He will burn the world to protect those he loves. Another thing I noticed is he does not seek to touch the orb."

"I believe we will be able to temper his responses he will heal in time" Eriond smiled "It began tonight when he returned his training aids to earth where they belong. You felt him transform you felt and saw his form. Unknowingly the healing process has been begun. Right now, He and Beldaran are sharing a bed. Beldaran lies in his embrace and they both dream of a life together. As for the orb he has more than enough power, unlike most men he would give anything to not have it."

The next morning Beldaran opened her eyes and found herself alone in bed. She could hear murmuring out in the common area. Her nose however smelled scents that made her start salivating. Kicking off the covers she grabbed a robe that was draped over a chair and went out. It seemed like everyone was in the common area eating save Her aunt Pol and Harry who she could see were in the kitchen cooking and cleaning alike.

"Lady Polgara, I am sorry about yesterday I should not have allowed it to happen. This is your home and I acted poorly." Harry said, "It will not happen again."

"Harry, yesterday was regrettable on multiple levels," Polgara said quietly "While I was concerned for your safety. You know your limitations or perhaps it is more that you can push the limits for a price given how you looked when you arrived here."

"That is my secret, there is no upper limit or at least none that I have found" Harry spoke intently "I have not explored it as I have had no one … and I will not put anyone through that. I truly would be a poor guest if I were to do such a thing."

"That is good to know." She said happily "That means we can push you

"Harry, Beldaran your grandparents, the twins, Myself, and Durnik would like to set aside e a chunk of time to try to get a good idea of where we need to work on Harry's education. Mandorallen wants to do some sword work, and silk would like to teach him the Drasnians secret language. Ce'nedra will have to take some time and teach him about Tolnedran politics. It would not do to have him wipe out any of the great families.

"Are they that bad? Harry asked wondering what made them so bad

"Harry the last time we were in Tol Honeth. Grand Duke Koiron Honeth Tried to buy me from my father" Beldaran said a disgusted looked crossed her face "When my father refused, he swore he would have me. Three times in the last two years he has tried to have me kidnapped."

Harry clenched his fists and walked out of the tent. Looking at the midday sun he tried to let his fury go he felt a hand on his shoulder expecting Beldaran he was Surprised when it turned out to be her mother and Her aunt. "My people are very much attached to wealth and acquiring it."

"I have a bad feeling about going now." Harry admitted his shoulders slumping "There are many people who will go to great lengths to control Princess Beldaran." He shuddered "If something should happen to her, I will destroy the ones responsible their crops will wither and die, their water will be tainted, food will turn to ash in their mouth. Should someone bring actual physical harm to any who I consider family? I will bring utter ruin upon them"