A Long Awaited Return

Finally Hazel had returned to Amriel. Heron had been in a state of excitement to see her for over a week. And when he saw her carriage rolling up, ran out to meet her.

He beat Asrar to the door of her carriage and helped her out. Well, more of pulled her into his arms in a happy hug.

The bright and cheerful girl hugged him back, giving him a light squeeze before wriggling out of his arms.

The two of them went into the castle, as Asrar trailed behind. Hazel chattered happily as she clutched Heron's arm. She was chattering about what had happened in Carendlus, and Heron was glad she had had such a good time there.

Suddenly, Hazel turned to him, a teasing grin on her face. "So…do I get to meet Elswyth?"

Heron knew his cheeks heated up, but he didn't look at his sister. He muttered. "Yeah. El has been wanting to meet you too." He hesitated and then said, "Um, El and I…well, we –"

"You're going to marry her aren't you?" Hazel interrupted brightly.

"Probably." Heron sighed. "That is, we aren't engaged, but I'm pretty serious about her."

"Now I really want to meet her? Where is she?"

"Up in the aviary. She was spending time with Sun."

As soon as he told her his sister ran off, leaving him and Asrar. The young sorcerer rubbed his neck then said quietly, "Um, I should probably tell you that Hazel wants to marry me."

"I know." Heron said. "You want to marry her too, right?"

Asrar sharply nodded. "I'll make her happy, I promise."

"I'm sure." Heron placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. "I've always thought you would make the best husband for her. You'll need to talk to father of course, but I did give him a heads up."

"Do you think he'll accept me?"

"Probably easier than he'll accept El." Heron said with a laugh. He still had not told his father of the fact he and Elswyth had started courting. He was a bit scared his father would out right reject it.

Not that he would listen. Just… he would have liked to have his father's blessing.

From the short conversation about Hazel and Asrar though he got the impression his father had already more or less been expecting that development.

"Anyway. While Hazel go finds my sweetheart let's spend some time together. I'm sure you'll be quite interested in what is going on with the knights?"

"A bit. How are they taking the change in policy you were implementing?"

Heron noted the slight hint of anxiety on Asrar's face and knew he was worried about what his colleagues might think. "Actually quite a few of the younger knights helped push for it. They should accept your abilities pretty easily. Oh, there's even a new order for knights who want to focus on magic. If you're interested."

Taken aback, Asrar managed. "I'll think about it."

Heron suddenly grinned. "Carendlus was good for you. You're totally talking normally now."

"Your sister was quite adamant about getting me to talk less formally." He sighed, then smiled. "It was a bit of a pain at the time, and uncomfortable, but it's just one of the reasons why she is so loveable."

"She is cute when she gets stubborn." Heron agreed with a laugh.

"Yeah…" Asrar was faintly blushing. "But she's always cute."

This made Heron smile. It really was good seeing Asrar being so honest about his feelings. He had caught a glimpse last time he had seen the young man, but now it was much more than just a glimpse.

His sister must be very happy with how her knight was more accepting of his own feelings.