Chapter 23

Elysia

The group went back to the inn, packed their bags, and left immediately. After consulting a few maps, they were pleased to see that they weren't quite as far away as they'd previously feared. Their travels and their journey had taken them all over the map and they'd been going from place to place over the course of several months. They'd gone where they had been needed, and as such, hadn't traveled in a straight line. Because of this, they discovered that Tolrin was on the opposite side of Mt Mabinogio. They'd essentially traveled across the entire continent in a huge circle, coming back up and around their home. As such, it looked like they would be able to reach Elysia in a matter of only a day or two.

They traveled quickly and in silence. Knowing better than to run, for they didn't want to tire themselves out, they still found themselves hustling in a speed-walk type of way. Taking the path through the forest, they headed northwest. They were making good time, even with a human who tired more easily than his seraph companions. After all, even with Sorey's unique handicap, he had more than enough willpower to muscle through. This was his home. And he wasn't going to slow down because he was a little weary.

By the time the sun set and they had to make up camp, they'd cut their journey nearly in half. They were nearly there at the base of the mountain and would be able to go up it the next day.

Spending the night outdoors and setting up camp was just as silent as their travels had been. Everyone was anxious and everyone was scared. No one knew what to expect the next day. And no one knew what kind of condition Elysia was in. No one made jokes around the fire as they ate what they'd packed. And a certain wind seraph didn't hit on a certain fire seraph. And a certain earth seraph didn't jab her umbrella into a certain water seraph. And after they'd eaten in silence, they cleaned up in silence too. Then, mumbling their goodnights, they went to bed.

That evening, Mikleo and Sorey held on to one another in the dark, their little tent shielding them from the world outside. And with the anxiety and dread they were feeling, neither fell asleep for hours. Feeling the other's heart beating as fast as it was in their chests didn't help matters, and knowing how afraid they really were only made things worse. But of course, eventually, with Sorey being human, he lulled off into a fitful sleep first. And once he drifted off and Mikleo felt his heart start to slow, and heard his breathing come more evenly, he followed suit shortly after. Even as frightened as he was…knowing Sorey was safe made him feel safe too.

The next day, in the morning light, the team marched their way into the forest at the base of the mountain. What the sales woman had said was true, and it was crawling with hellions. The hellions were no push over's either: they were large, and teeming with malevolence. As such, Sorey and his team spent plenty of energy taking them down. One by one they fell, and using the fire in their hearts as a weapon, they plunged through.

Seeing hellions where they didn't belong only served to heighten their worries. And they had long ago passed the place where they knew Gramp's barrier should have been. But still no one said a word as they fought. No one wanted to be the first to admit to anything.

But then, suddenly, halfway up the mountain and to everyone's shock, all the hellions vanished as they passed through a blessed barrier and into what was clearly a powerful seraph's domain. Edna, Zaveid, and Lailah all lifted their heads and looked around as they sensed it for the first time, but for Sorey and Mikleo, it was a feeling of coming home. The clean, clear smell was the same as it always had been all their lives. And the cool feel of holy air against their skin made them feel alight.

"Gramps!" They said in unison as they turned to each other. And just like that, all the fear and worry they'd been feeling vanished. Although his domain was clearly smaller than before, it was still there, which meant their grandfather was alive and well enough to produce a barrier. Not far from Elysia, the pair suddenly turned and started to run up the rest of the mountain.

"Hey! Wait up you guys!" Zaveid cried after them. Quickly, their remaining party members had to scramble to catch up.

Breaking through the trees, Sorey and Mikleo were greeted by the lovely sight of their home. And although they were used to it, the vision of it was still breathtaking after having been away for so long. On top of the mountain's peak, grass as green as Sorey's eyes grew. The sky was as blue as a robin's egg. And because they were so high up, the clouds that were scattered just beneath them were white and looked as soft as cotton. A gentle breeze ran through their hair, and the sun smiled down on them. The grass rippled as the wind moved through it, and it shimmered under the sun's yellow beams. The huge archway that represented the start of their village stood tall and untouched and everything appeared as it should.

Simply seeing Elysia and feeling the blessed domain and taking in the scent of the air and grass was enough to make Mikleo feel safe and carefree. And since it was where he had always been as a child, it was also easy to feel a little younger than he was. Obeying his instincts, he let out a laugh. Then, reaching out his hand, he grabbed onto Sorey's beside him.

"Come on Sorey!" And with that, he took off running through the grass, eager to move so easily through the fields.

Between the feeling of Mikleo's hand clasping his, and the presence of Gramp's domain, Sorey's spirits were tremendously relieved. It didn't matter how tired he was: now that they were there, right on the brink of their home town, Sorey felt like it was impossible to not let a sliver of his childhood shine through right at that moment. As such, he was more than happy to run along with Mikleo, a grin spreading across his face as they moved across the green, green grass over the hills he knew better than the backs of his own hands. Maybe things were alright. Maybe Gramps had been able to stave off the hellions, and he'd been worried about nothing.

The pair ran all the way up the hill and in through the archway. And once inside the borders of Elysia, they found that all the little stone houses stood where they always had. Everything appeared as it should. But even as they were taking in the sight, the other seraphs who lived in the village noticed that they'd entered. Several faces turned their way, and very quickly their family members started to rush over to them, their faces lighting up with delight.

"Sorey! Mikleo!" They cried. And within only a moment, they were surrounding them. Reaching out, one of the seraphim clapped Mikleo on his shoulder, while another roughed up Sorey's hair.

"Welcome back!"

"You two look good!"

"Have you traveled far?"

"Sorey, you must be tired and hungry. Do you need me to get you some food?"

"Mikleo, where's your cloak?"

Sorey and Mikleo grinned, color and joy coming to their faces. Everyone appeared well, and it felt so nice to have such a warm reception.

"We're fine," Sorey said. "But what about Gramps? We noticed his domain was smaller and there're hellions at the border."

"He's ok," someone quickly answered, and it was the speed in which she answered and the frown that overcame her face that let Mikleo and Sorey know something had indeed happened while they were gone. Sorey and Mikleo didn't even need to ask, for seraph Natalie continued. "Yesterday a girl walked into town who looked exactly like you Sorey. She was a seraphim, so none of us sensed anything strange and the barrier didn't keep her out. We all thought you'd returned home…"

"Although we should have known better, since Mikleo wasn't at your side!" Someone in the crowd called. Several chuckles arose from the crowd.

"But anyway," Natalie said. "We sent her straight to grandpa. She of course had the advantage of surprise, and she attacked him. She injured him pretty badly, but you know how powerful he is, he banished her within only a few seconds after he discovered she was a fake."

It was Mikleo that suddenly interrupted,

"Is he ok?" And the look on his face would have let them all know how worried he was.

Natalie nodded, "Yes. He's fine. He needs some time to recover. The girl laces her attacks with malevolence somehow and so we can't heal him right away."

"I'm familiar with that…" Mikleo mumbled.

"It's because of his injuries that the barrier is smaller than usual. He has to conserve some energy for healing. But he says he should be fine in another day or so. Then the barrier will be back to normal."

Sorey and Mikleo glanced at each other. It sounded almost exactly what Symonne had tried to do with Mikleo only two days before. Facing the crowd, Mikleo addressed them.

"It's great being home, and we love seeing all of you, but we have to go see Gramps, you understand?"

The others only smiled.

"Of course we do," they said. And Mikleo and Sorey were about to turn and head toward his house when an irate voice lifted up from the archway.

"Excuse me!" Edna cried. "How rude can you be?! At least introduce us!"

Everyone turned. And of course, standing there just under the archway was Lailah, Zaveid, and Edna. Edna was looking quite cross, her arms crossed over her chest. Lailah was standing, smiling politely, her hands folded in front of her dress and Zaveid, as soon as he saw several female seraphim in the crowd, put one hand on his hip and the other to the tip of his hat. He flashed his white teeth their way.

"Why hello there ladies," he crooned.

"Ugh…" Mikleo groaned. "Can you please not do that Zaveid, these are our family members!"

"So? They aren't related to me."

Sorey laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head as he realized their mistake. He wasn't as perturbed, however, as Mikleo was with Zaveid's flirting. It was to be expected and if anything, Sorey was actually a little relieved to have someone lighten the mood. He'd been so worried about Gramps. Symonne had done the same thing to him as she had to Mikleo...even transforming into Sorey to dupe everyone. It would be easiest to just not think about that right at that particular moment, and go through with some pleasantries and introduce everyone to each other.

"Sorry guys! Everyone, these are my friends and teammates. Zaveid, an air seraph, Edna, an earth seraph, and our Prime Lord Lailah, a fire seraph," he said, gesturing to each of his friends as they went. "And this," Sorey gestured wildly, "are mine and Mikleo's family. They've had to put up with me since I was little," he said, green eyes starting to twinkle. His response earned a few laughs from some of the older seraphim. One even rolled his eyes in agreement.

Zaveid moseyed into the crowd, looking as suave as possible.

"Hello," he said as he approached the nearest woman. "Why hello there." Reaching out, he took her hand. Then he lifted it to his lips. "Would you like to hear an erotic poem?"

"Zaveid!" Mikleo snarled. But the seraph Zaveid was flirting with didn't seem to mind. In fact, she lifted a hand to her chest and seemed to almost swoon.

"You've made some, ah…exotic friends Sorey!" she said merrily, her cheeks pinkening. Mikleo sighed heavily, appearing quite exasperated. Turning away from the scene, he instead looked out and toward their grandfather's house.

"You can stay out here and flirt if you want, but I want to go and see Gramps," he said. Then quickly, he started off toward the house without waiting for the others.

Sorey chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head. He knew better than to not follow Mikleo. If the water seraph was going to see him, then Sorey needed to follow suit. Still, he felt like he had to say something to Zaveid. These were his family members, after all.

"You behave, Zaveid! Lailah, Edna, I know everyone will treat you well. Mikleo and I will be back soon!" And with a smile and a wave, Sorey turned and quickly jogged through the sweet-smelling grass to catch up with his boyfriend, who was still moving briskly towards Gramps's house.

"Whew! I caught up," he said, smiling at the seraph, before his gaze turned more serious. "I hope...I hope Gramps is alright," the shepherd said, clenching a fist at his side. "I know he's powerful and he's, well...Gramps, but I'm worried." he said, his gaze darting to look at Mikleo's fair face as they moved. "To think that she'd disguise herself as me..." he said, his green eyes narrowed with discomfort. It was beyond disturbing. At least...at least everyone was alright. No one got eaten... Like Maison had.

"Well, it stands to reason that Symonne would use the same trick for as long as it continues to work for her," Mikleo said as Sorey fell in step beside him. "I still feel incredibly foolish for having fallen for it. But I hate that she used it to hurt Gramps even more." He glanced from Sorey to Gramps house. "I'm sure Gramps is fine. His domain is intact after all. What we really need…is some sort of test to determine if Symonne is using one of her tricks again."

Mikleo glanced side-long at his boyfriend, and then a sly, mischievous grin stretched over his face. "Like asking you to cook something. If it comes out as anything other than black stuff, we know it's a fake."

Sorey started.

"H-hey!" he protested, sticking his lower lip out as he pouted and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "I've been doing a lot better at that lately!" the shepherd defended, cheeks pinkening as the embarrassment took over. "The last time I tried cooking, the end result wasn't black!" he stated, looking towards his boyfriend. "I mean, green is a little better than black, isn't it?" he asked, mumbling more to himself than to Mikleo.

Mikleo couldn't help himself, he lifted a hand to his mouth as he stifled a chuckle.

"I might not die if I eat your cooking Sorey, but don't ever try feeding it to a human, ok?"

Before Sorey could protest any further, the two reached their grandfather's house. They didn't stop at the door or knock. They never had. Having grown up together, they had always come and gone as they pleased. Grandpa's house was always open to all and he welcomed everyone in the village. As such, they stepped right in.

Inside, it appeared the same as when they had left many months ago. The spacious, circular room had warm, wooden floors, and a fire burning in its center. The walls were lined with bookshelves and Grandpa had more books than some of the human library's Sorey and Mikleo had been visiting throughout their journey. They'd grown up reading everything they could get their hands on, and so, Gramps had always ensured to get new materials for them as often as possible.

There was one big difference however: Grandpa wasn't seated on the carpeted area in front of the hearth. It was the usual place Sorey and Mikleo found him. He was always working on some project and he was pretty big into carpentry. And if he wasn't carving something he was usually reading. After all, Sorey and Mikleo got their thirst for knowledge from him.

Looking around, and not seeing him, made both boys feel a bit hesitant. It was strange for him to not be in the main room. And since seraphim didn't have bathroom needs, it meant there was only one other room to the house: the bedroom. And that of course meant that their grandfather was resting in bed.

"Gramps?" Mikleo called out, sounding unsure of himself. But as soon as he did, an old voice rose up from the back bedroom.

"Boys?" And only a second later, the curtain was pulled back and their grandpa was revealed to them. He had a small, square, bandage taped to his forehead, and one of his arms was in a sling, but other than this, he looked the same as always. He had the same huge, bushy, gray eyebrows, the same pointed beard, and the same aura of warmth and love around him. And as soon as he saw his two boys, he rushed forward to meet them. And of course, when Sorey and Mikleo saw him, they rushed forward in turn.

"Gramps!" Running to meet each other, the three came together in the center of the room. All three outstretched their arms, and a second later they embraced. Hugging, and holding on tight for just a few seconds, they took in one another's presence. It felt so good to be home. And Mikleo had always loved the static charge and feel of ozone that he got when around his grandfather. As a lightning seraph, Gramps had always exuded such an aura.

"Welcome home boys," Gramps said to them. "I'd hoped you were safe on your journey."

Pulling back, they all took in the sight of each other. And of course, as they did, Gramps focused on something quite obvious.

"Mikleo, where's your cloak?"

Immediately, embarrassment overtook Mikleo. And even though he knew it wasn't his fault, he felt as if he were somehow in trouble for not taking care of his things.

"I uh…I…th-there was an accident, Gramps. It…got damaged."

A short silence passed between them. And even in that few seconds, Mikleo saw on his grandfather's face that somehow, he understood. He was old and wise, and Mikleo had always had the sense that he'd lived through a lot of things that he never explained to them. He'd always seemed worldly. And that experience and wisdom was showing now. Mikleo saw a type of sadness overcome him.

"I knew hardship would be a part of your experiences when you left Elysia. It had to be. It's simply part of living outside of the village, and it's part of what humans are. All the same, as your guardian, I wish you didn't have to endure it." Lifting his hand to his chin, Gramps stroked his beard. "Even so, I can see you're both not only baring it well, but you're growing because of it. You are not the same boys who left here a few months ago. You're immensely, almost unimaginably stronger in both body and spirit. Yet you've both kept your kind hearts…"

Joy started to emanate from the older seraph. "You've both made me so proud."

Gramp's words were so heartening that Sorey felt tears start to well up inside his eyes. He and Mikleo and the others had been so busy that he hadn't had a lot of time to really miss Elysia, but now that he was back in their village, the youth realized how much he'd really missed being home. And, moreover, how much he'd missed the elder seraph.

"Gramps..." he said, his still-innocent face lighting up with the compliments. "I'm so glad, that I could make you proud," the brunet said, all smiles for his caretaker. "Parts of the journey have definitely been hard, and it's been incredible seeing the world..." Sorey paused, his expression softening. "But it sure is nice to be home. I just wish...you weren't hurt," he said, his green eyes filled with concern. He was sure Mikleo was right and that their Gramps would be okay in just a couple of days, but the gentle shepherd still hated to see someone he loved so much, be in any sort of pain.

I wonder...I wonder how, and when, we can tell him about us, Sorey thought, looking to the water seraph next to him. He knew there were more pressing things to talk about, but Sorey couldn't wait to tell him about that development either. He knew Gramps would be happy for them...right?

Grandpa chuckled.

"I'll be just fine Sorey," he said. "I am a seraphim after all. It's nice to see you're still a little naïve and innocent, despite all you must have gone through."

And before Sorey could object, or appear too embarrassed, it was Mikleo who let off a scoff as he crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"You can say that again," he concurred. "He might have become a force to be reckoned with, and a brilliant shepherd, but he's still a total doofus. And that'll never change."

"Hey!" Sorey cried indignantly. But Gramps didn't give a second to the poor brunet to defend himself, for instead he turned to Mikleo.

"And you, Mikleo, I'm sure, are the reason he's still maintaining his nativity? You've ensured with all your might that he remains a doofus, have you?"

A quick, hot, blush, overtook Mikleo's pale cheeks as he quickly glanced off and to the side. Holding his chin high with as much dignity as he could maintain, he gave a quick sharp nod in response. Gramps chuckled all over again, clearly overjoyed at the state his boys were in. It was easy to see that they weren't just whole and healthy, but they were happy and had grown considerably both inside and out. They felt a lot more adult to him. And although that always made any parent feel a little bitter sweet, there was also nothing a parent wanted more.

Sorey couldn't help it: he started chuckling a little when he saw Mikleo blush at Gramp's teasing. He at least put a hand up to his mouth to mask it, but the glee was evident in his leaf-green eyes, which shined with mirth.

All the same, he was sure to stick up for Mikleo once he'd found his voice.

"Mikleo's the reason I've made it as far as I have," he admitted openly. "He's taken great care of me, and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him," Sorey said, sending a fond look over towards his boyfriend. "So, please don't tease him too much!" he said to Gramps, his green eyes still filled with humor. "I'm glad I'm still a 'doofus."

Grandpa smiled, and for a second, a warm, comforting silence passed between the family members. But then, of course, it was always Mikleo that put everything back on track.

"Gramps," he said. "We have a lot to talk about. Sorey, the others and myself all rushed back here to see if you and Elysia were ok because we heard from someone in Tolrin that there were hellions at the base of the mountain. And then when we arrived here, Natalie told us that Symonne made it into the village by passing herself off as Sorey. We've been hunting Heldalf, and we know she's connected to him. Did you happen to know where she went after she left the village, or why it was she came in the first place?"

"Why she came is an easy enough question for you to answer yourself Mikleo. You've always been a sharp seraph. The only reason you're asking is because you don't like the truth of it and you're hoping I'll tell you something differently."

Mikleo frowned deeply.

"She came to attack you and the village because her goal is to turn Sorey into a hellion, thus dooming the world. And of course, you and the village are so important to him that if anything ever happened…"

"Yes," Gramps confirmed. "And I'm assuming she went after you in a similar fashion and not too long ago? I can feel her essence lingering on you."

Mikleo lifted his hands to his bare arms and lightly hugged himself as if he could brush off the energies grandpa spoke of. Hearing of it made him feel a little corrupted. Gramps frowned, not liking the look that had just come over Mikleo's face. But just after his frown formed, a smile followed.

"She went after you because she knows how incredibly important you are to Sorey," he said. "And she must have failed, or she never would have become desperate enough to come here instead. Myself and the village are only second place it would seem, which wasn't the case a few months ago when you two left. Which would mean…"

And a knowing twinkle entered his wrinkled eyes then, but as seemed to be his way, Gramps didn't say anything directly. He'd always avoided such things because he wanted very much for the boys to pick their own path and figure things out for themselves. He'd never wanted to steer them in one direction or another or ever make them feel pressured in any way. And so he'd hoped that one day they would voice things for themselves. He knew, especially for Mikleo, a water seraph, that saying things out loud and directly was hard. Water seraph's had such an indirect nature about them. And so, even though Mikleo's suddenly embarrassed expression gave it all away, Gramps still turned to look to Sorey instead.

Sorey didn't always pick up on the subtleties of conversations, but he knew what Gramps was asking. Or, rather, what he was stating. Mikleo's blush spoke volumes about it already, but Sorey had no issues voicing what their caretaker wanted to hear,

"Yes," the brunet started. "Mikleo and I are a couple now," he admitted. "We...figured a few things out about our relationship on the journey. Although Mikleo figured it out before I did," he admitted, blushing and rubbing his hair, feeling embarrassed. "I understood things eventually though," he said, smiling brilliantly at both his boyfriend and at Gramps.

It went without saying, because Sorey always knew their foster parent would be supportive about it, but the shepherd could tell the older seraph was happy for the two of them. And that meant a lot to the green-eyed youth. He didn't know it, but...not everyone had family and a community that would be as supportive of the two of them being together in a romantic way. That didn't, however, mean that Sorey wasn't grateful, because he was. Gramp's approval was wonderful, and he loved the warmth that emanated from the lightning seraph. Even with all of the more difficult things they had to talk about, Sorey felt that kindness and warm energy seeping into his bones. It really was good to be home.

"In any case...yes, she did go after Mikleo," the shepherd said, face turning sorrowful. "She'd disguised herself as Edna, one of our companions. I..." And Sorey suddenly fell silent, his fists clenching to his side, and he suddenly couldn't look at Gramps anymore.

"...She almost succeeded," he admitted, feeling more guilty than he ever had before. And he took a breath, and looked up at the ceiling. "I...I'm so sorry she came after you too Gramps." And it would be easy for the older seraph to see just how pained Sorey truly was. He kept up a cheerful face, but Sorey felt terribly guilty that he was being used to hurt the people he cared about the most. That was probably another part of Symonne's plan, but...he felt the guilt all the same.

Mikleo looked to his boyfriend's face, always hating to see or hear any sadness in him.

"Sorey…" he said softly. Then, stepping closer to him, he extended his arm and took his hand gently in his to offer support. And when Gramps saw it, despite the seriousness of the situation, he couldn't hide the warmth that filled him.

He'd known how the boys felt about one another for many years now. He'd seen it in them even back when they were children. And after so many years of watching them struggle with it, it was wonderful to finally see it uncovered and out in the open. Love was such a wonderful thing, and he firmly believed that in order for it to reach its full potential, and be as powerful as it was meant to be, it needed to be unbridled, and worn proudly for all to see. It couldn't be hindered in anyway, or it would do no good. They were finally doing that, and he knew it would be the source of their greatest strength.

"It is a human's nature to feel guilty about things, even when there is no need," Gramps said. "Do not stifle your emotions Sorey. They are a huge part of being mortal. The best way to avoid malevolence is to admit to your emotions. Don't try to deny them or bottle them up. Feel them, work through them, and become stronger because of them. The trick is to not allow them to consume you. You need to find that balance in order to become a powerful shepherd."

"Admit them?" Sorey asked, looking confused. But he contemplated over the elder seraph's advice. It made sense. Stifling things certainly never helped. But the idea of allowing himself to feel certain things was, well, terrifying. He hadn't liked the anger that had filled him when Symonne had attacked and hurt Mikleo. Would it really be possible for him to feel things like that, and not be overcome by them? How did someone do that, exactly?

After a moment of silent contemplation, Sorey hummed in agreement, nodding his head in affirmation. He also gave Mikleo's hand a grateful squeeze, looking to the aquamarine-haired beauty in gratitude, before addressing Gramps.

"And a balance it's going to have to be," he admitted. "I'll work on it," he said, as earnest and as determined as always. "Thanks, Gramps," he said, offering the tiny man a smile. If the elder thought he could do it, then...with Mikleo's support, he could. He had to learn, or else Symonne might find a way to manipulate him again. And that just couldn't happen.

Grandpa gave a nod, and when another lull came into the conversation, Mikleo once again looked to his grandfather.

"Gramps, about Heldalf's location…"

"There'll be time for that later Mikleo," Gramps interrupted. "For now, I think we all need to celebrate your return to Elysia. And we need to celebrate Sorey's union to you. And I think it's also about time that you introduced me to your traveling companions, no? How much longer do you plan on being so rude?"

"R-rude? Me?!" And Mikleo seemed absolutely horrified by the idea, as of course, Gramps knew he would be. And a bright pink blush overtook his features as his grandfather used the word 'union.' It was the perfect word, and Mikleo found himself not only loving it, but repeating it in his mind,

Union… he thought. And in hearing the word in his own thoughts, made him feel wistful and dreamy. Unified with Sorey…

Sorey had his own rosy glow at the mention of their union. He was, however, aware of how sly Gramps was being. He knew exactly what to say to get Mikleo derailed and stop his protesting. As much as the shepherd would love to stay and daydream about his and Mikleo's new status, and the fact that Gramps wanted to celebrate it, the brunet knew that the elder seraph was right: they needed to introduce him properly to Lailah and the others. And so, he reached down and took Mikleo's hand in his own again, and smiled at his boyfriend.

"Come on. Let's go take Gramps to see our friends," he said, looking much relieved now that he knew their family member was alright - and also now that they'd talked about Symonne. It was a good time to go find the others. "And...let's also make sure Zaveid is behaving like he should," Sorey said, sounding a little worried. "Our wind seraph companion is, um, quite interested in women," he exclaimed, his green eyes darting down towards their Gramps.

Gramps only smiled, almost knowingly, and as Sorey led the way, he was more than happy to follow his boys outside to meet the rest of their companions. Once the three stepped outside, the rest of the village wasn't far off. Sorey's traveling companions had made quite an impression, but also knowing that gramps was speaking to Sorey and Mikleo about their adventures was also exciting, and so most of the group was eagerly awaiting them as they exited. And once the three exited, they were greeted by the same sight as when they'd left: the seraph villagers surrounding Edna, Zaveid, and Lailah.

"Tell us more about the desert!" someone shouted.

"Were there lots of hellions there?"

"How is it that you fight alongside Sorey again?"

"Lailah, can you teach me some more fire artes?"

Zaveid at least looked like he was eating up the attention. Lailah was much more poised and dignified, while Edna appeared downright miserable. But all of the chattering stopped once grandpa emerged.

"Zenrus," one of the villagers greeted. "How're you feeling? You look better."

"I am better, Rin, thank you. And how couldn't I be, with the boys back home?"

Rin smiled, and it was clear from his smile alone that everyone knew how much Zenrus really loved Mikleo and Sorey.

"Now, everyone stand aside please," Gramps said. "I need to see what kind of company my boys have been keeping."

Everyone fell silent and parted as requested, leaving a nice open path for grandpa. He moved forward on his wooden shoes through the grass and over to the three seraphim that were new to his village. Then, standing before them, his height came up to just beneath Edna's as he started to take them all in.

All three seraphim: Lailah, Edna and even Zaveid fell still and silent. They could sense how old Mikleo and Sorey's grandpa really was. And although he wasn't nearly as old as Nadia had been, he was still far greater in age than any of them, and that warranted respect.

It was funny, seeing Zaveid be quiet and respectable for once, Sorey thought. He'd always thought that Gramps had an effect on other people, but it was fascinating to see his traveling companions act like...like his grandpa was something of a big deal. Of course he was. Sorey knew that much, at least. He was old, and powerful; the young shepherd wasn't sure how old the lightning seraph actually was, but he had to be much older than even Lailah, and Sorey felt like she'd been around for quite some time.

"Gramps, these are our companions, and our friends," Sorey said, smiling reassuringly at his friends. He motioned towards Lailah first, who greeted the shorter seraph with a polite bow, keeping her sea-green eyes focused on Zenrus's face.

"This is Lailah. She's the Prime Lord, also known as the Lady of the Lake," he explained. "She's the first seraph that I met in the outside world," he added, feeling like he needed to give at least a little bit of explanation. "And this is Edna," he said, motioning over towards the little sassy blond. The earth seraph for once didn't say anything sassy, just held her head up a little higher and met Gramp's eyes, affecting a bored and nonchalant look as best as she could. Finally, he looked towards the taller, older wind seraph. "And this...is Zaveid," he said with a chuckle.

"Yo!" the long-haired seraph said, grinning at the older seraph. "These kids talk about you all the time," he divulged. "It's nice to finally meet this 'Gramps' Sorey's always talking about," he said, feeling more sociable and easy-going than Edna. "Thanks for the hospitality. You have a lovely village here," he said, before sneaking a glance over at one of the lady seraph's he'd been flirting with earlier. The implication was clear: he didn't just mean the village was pretty. "We're all honored to be here. And glad everyone's safe."

And that much was true. Everyone, even Edna, had been worried about Elysia, and not just because it was a village important to both Sorey and Mikleo. The others...they didn't have villages. Edna, before she'd joined the group, had spent hundreds of years alone and isolated in the mountains, watching over her brother Eizen as he'd terrorized the area in his dragon form. Once every now and then, Zaveid had shown up, and that was about as much social interaction as the bitter blonde had gotten for quite some time.

Lailah, herself, had been isolated inside the temple, waiting for someone to come claim the Shepherd's sword, for hundreds of years. No one had ever been able to see her, much less talk to her. Although people had been around her, she'd been completely alone. And of course, Zaveid was something of a wandering vagabond. He moved around and talked to a lot of people, but never had an actual home or people to belong to. So, the idea of having a whole village of nothing but seraphs was incredible and a little foreign to the other seraphs on Sorey's team. And each had wanted to see this place with their own eyes, and uncover some little truths about what life growing up must've been like for Sorey and Mikleo.

Edna, in particular, felt bitter about it. She'd thought it before, but the two of them were awfully lucky to have family like this. It really made her miss Eizen. And so, she stayed quiet, and let loudmouthed Zaveid do most of the talking.

As Zaveid talked, his words seemed to blow by just over Zenrus's head, seeming very ineffective and unimportant. And they were: for even as Zaveid chattered on, Zenrus was taking in the three before him. And after only a few seconds, he'd sensed enough to be pleased.

"I shouldn't have expected anything less. My boys know how to find good seraphs for company. And although the three of you certainly have your uh…quirks…I can tell how well you must work together as a team. You're all different enough and honed enough to make a well-rounded group."

Zenrus smiled at them.

"You're welcome to stay as long as you'd like. Fellow seraphim are always welcome in Elysia. Make yourselves at home…"

But Zenrus's voice trailed off when he spotted Zaveid leaning in toward one of the younger girls they had in their family.

"But not too much at home!" he chastised. And this time instead of Mikleo disciplining Zaveid, it was actually Lailah. Deep frown on her face, she barked,

"Zaveid! Show some respect!"

"Yeah," Edna second. "Even if you don't have any, you could at least pretend like you do…"

Sorey winced in sympathy for Zaveid. Even if he was glad Gramps and Lailah were chastising the wind seraph for his flirtatious behavior with their family members, the green-eyed teen knew it wasn't fun to be on the receiving end of Gramp's special glare. It could make anybody want to shrivel up and hide.

"Ahah, well...I'm glad everyone's getting along," the shepherd said amicably, doing his best to ignore the traces of irritation that floated around everyone. He reached down and grabbed Mikleo's hand. "It's good to be back, huh?" he asked, flashing his boyfriend a happy, pleased smile.

There was something about being back in their little village that made Sorey feel more at ease, despite the difficulties he, Mikleo, and the others faced. It felt good to be around familiar people, and familiar sights and sounds. Their little home was safe and secure, thanks to Gramp's protective domain, and the young shepherd felt like they could relax a little, even if just for an evening. And he felt like everyone really needed it. Plus...he really wanted to do something nice and quiet with Mikleo. Maybe look at the stars together, once they had some alone time, like they used to when they were younger. Of course...now things were different. And he had some things to talk to Mikleo about that...were going to be hard. But he wanted to absorb as much of this peace and happiness as they could, before they went searching for Heldalf.