View source for Those Aren't Tears (storyline)/Homecoming, for the first time (vignette)

'''Homecoming, for the first time'''<br>
''Originally posted on the [http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/GemStone%20IV%20Announcements/Important%20Announcements/view/3180 official forums by GameMaster Quilic] on 11/01/2018 at 2:45 PM.''


Elspie and Brannogh stood hand in hand on the sandy peninsula, staring across the wooden walkway leading to their new home. Elspie leaned her head against Brannogh's shoulder and sighed contentedly.

"I already love it, Bran. Without setting foot in it, I already know it's exactly what we wanted."

Brannogh chuckled slightly before replying, "For what they charged, it had better be."

Elspie could hear the smile in his voice and closed her eyes, taking it all in. She felt her chest swell with happiness, and could almost feel the years of combat sloughing off of her shoulders, like a snake shedding its skin. Brannogh's hand squeezed hers briefly and she opened her eyes once more, looking up at him. Wordlessly, he nodded off to one side, and she followed his gaze. A school of dolphins leapt from the waves a short distance away, and Elspie couldn't help but laugh in delight.

"It's the welcoming party!" she cried, releasing Brannogh's hand and jogging onto the walkway. The dolphins squeaked their welcome in concert before disappearing beneath the choppy surf, but Elspie didn't slow. Brannogh followed at a more sedate pace, taking in all of Sunset Cay. He'd wondered if Elspie would be able to leave the soldiering in her past, but watching her now, he felt certain that everything would be alright in time.

Elspie fawned over the whole setup. Brannogh had deliberately kept her from visiting while things were being constructed, but his specifications had been precise, and the workers had done an amazing job. The Cay was perfect, and Elspie's eyes danced with joy as she took in every little detail. Brannogh lost sight of her momentarily, but found her in the small bedroom, her eyes bright with tears, as she took in the portrait over the bed. He embraced her from behind, and she leaned back into him.

"It seems like so long ago, Bran. Look how happy we were... and how innocent."

He heard her voice break with emotion, and snuggled her closer.

"We've been forged in some heavy flames, my love, but we've come out the other side indestructible. I love you more than I ever have, and that's been true every day since I met you. We've made it, El. This is our endgame. This is our sunset. Our happy ending."

Elspie wriggled free and turned to face him, throwing her arms around his neck and staring him in the eye, fresh tears running unashamedly down her face.

"Not the end, Bran. This is a beginning for us. The next chapter, better by far than the last. Ever onward, Bran."

Brannogh felt his own eyes well up as he responded. "Ever onward."

They embraced for a long, long time, amidst the sound of the waves and the beating of their hearts.

------

Nazhor strolled down Gardenia Lane, his smile wide. He glanced down at the blood on his palm and rubbed it absentmindedly against the hem of his cloak. He came to a sudden stop and his head rotated slowly to the East, staring at the horizon. He began to laugh... slowly at first, and then louder. When the laughter faded, the grin remained.

"Welcome home, my dear," he whispered.

------

OOC: Sunset Cay is now open in Mist Harbor. You can find it across the walkway off of the sandy peninsula to the East of town.

-GM Quilic
[[Category:Those Aren't Tears]]