Author's Note: I know have a problem with writing characters as if the can infer things well, which may make readers following along struggle with fully grasping what's happening.

Present (part 4)

"Congratulations." he offered.

Vendel, of all the trolls residing in Heartstone Trollmarket, had known Blinkous Galadrigal the longest. He was first introduced to the blue troll (a mere whelp at the time) by his elder brother, Dictatious.

Vendel had also seen this outcome as a slow burning inevitability.

He'd known the very night Blinkous approached him with a newly flipped gum-gum general in toe, the two would be paired. The warrior had displayed signs of posturing over the blue troll that entire meeting.

Now, despite expecting Arrrgh's claim, the elder troll couldn't hide the mild surprise tainting his features.

To hear good news from his recent bringer of panic ensuing information was a pleasant change.

"Though, I suppose, you did not come here to boast. What is it you require?" Vendel asked, holding the door open and waving them in.

"We were hoping to make things official..." Blinky said, then added, "Following the Krubera tradition."

That, the elder troll did not expect. For all intents and purposes, they both viewed Trollmarket as their home. Arrrgh rarely visited the deep caves and Blinkous' origins remained here.

However, the historian DOES hold a deep respect for traditions and Aarghaumont WAS born a Krubera. Maybe it wasn't too far fetched?

"I will send in a request to the Krubera. They'll, no doubt, be eager to lend the necessary supplies..." Vendle's smile faltered slightly, "Does this not feel a bit rushed?"

A typical courting would last anywhere between one to fifty years before making it official.

"Known Blinky four hundred years." Arrrgh stated matter-of-factly, "Not rushed."

"Yes." The historian agreed, "While those years may have been without... intimacy, we have been close in every other sense. So much so, there exists no doubts in which should delay our bonding."

Vendel offered a small nod as he mused to himself. He'd expected Blinkous to draw out the courting due to insecurities about his physical status. Today was chuck full of little marvels.

"I see... What colors? Blue and green?" The opal-eyed troll guessed.

"Only green." Arrrgh said, gently nuzzling the side of his companion's head.

Blinky tried to push the larger troll away, apparently flustered by the public display.

Trolls, unlike humans, have never been all that open with physical affection. The boys had definitely changed that aspect somewhat in these two. After a while, the blue troll simply accepted Aaghaumont's touches.

"Green for both of you?" Vendel raised a single brow ridge.

That could work seeing as Arrrgh's skin was grey-

Blinky grinned, "Just for me."

"Then what will-" the elder troll stopped, then proceeded to chuckle, "You're mixing traditions! Now that clears things up."

He chuckled again.

The two really were perfect for each other... not that Vendel would ever say so out loud. He occasionally enjoyed his arguments with Blinkous and didn't want to feed the historian's ego.

"Many thanks, but we should be on our way now. I have a little research I've been neglecting these last two days." Blinky admitted sheepishly.

"I have things in need of my attention as well." The elder troll sighed, "Until next time."

"Until next time."

The paired trolls quietly exited the room and the door clicked shut behind them.

Vendel's smile dimmed.

They really were perfect for each other.

He only hoped this recent talk of entering the darklands to save the girl's brother and to kill Gunmar turned out to be a hoax... or by some miracle they'd succeed.

Back at the library...

They sat together staring at the same page for nearly ten minutes before one of them finally broke the silence.

"So... now we know where baby trolls can come from."

"Dude, you should have guessed it was at least a little bit similar to humans after the first time Blinky taught you rule number three."

"Sorry if I was too preoccupied with the existence of trolls, my destiny, training, school, and Bular trying to kill me at the time to make assumptions, Tobes."

"Guys, we found what we came for. I say we save this discussion for tomorrow."

"Mom's gonna kill me. It's already two hours past my curfew."

"Isn't it strange Blinky still hasn't shone up yet?"

And with that in mind, they tidied up a little and made their leave.

AN: Enjoy my shitty update? Also, Vendel is clearly not blind (he acts perfectly fine in the show) and I say his eyes are just opal.