Moms make everything better

Ember couldn't stop herself from giving a disbelieving snort when Briar called her father a "levelheaded, wise leader". With the recent decisions their fearless leader had made, she didn't think she'd call him levelheaded or wise even now. Maybe those disgruntled thoughts showed in Ember's snarky roll of her eyes, but it was quickly replaced with genuine interest for what her mother had to tell her as she continued to tell the story of their love. Em did so love hearing love stories, and her parents' was probably her favorite one of all. Mom and Dad always looked like the perfect couple when she saw them together, always smiling at each other when they were talking and interacting. That was the kind of relationship she wanted. Hearing how her father had helped her mother keep in touch with the roots of who she was while also blossoming and growing into the amazing fae and Lady of Cinder she was today brought a beaming smile to the adolescent fae's face.

Listening to Briar explain how she and Artorias had just kind of naturally fallen into a relationship together that developed over time was also a really sweet story. Her mother's comment about how she had only ever been with Artorias at that time did make Ember feel a twinge of guilt as she thought about the conversation she'd had with her grandmother, how that sentiment seemed contradictory to the free love mentality Tamsyn imparted on her. Did that mean she wouldn't have the same kind of love her parents shared if she was with more than one wolf? She still smiled when Briar said she just knew she wanted to be with Artorias forever very early on in her life, Ember's own braided tail mimicking the older fae's as it wagged gently behind her. Her mom was such a romantic, just like she was. That's probably why talking to her about relationships and love felt so easy.

Ember continued to help Briar collecting the grapes and fruits for the wines while her mother regaled her with the story of her parents' proposal. That had Em's attention in an instant. Listening with fascination in her blue eyes while Briar told her how Artorias had brought her up to the top of Hearthstone's tower and presented her with her diamond bangle. Em's eyes shone with wonder; her mother's engagement bangle had always been one of Em's favorite pieces that she wore. "Aww, that's a really cute story, Mom! I had no idea Dad was such a romantic like that," she remarked with a little giggle. "I hope I can find a relationship like you and Dad have one day." Ember released a wistful sigh as she imagined herself in a love like her parents'. Would she be with someone who looked at her the way her father looked at her mother? It was nice to daydream about at the very least...

"Ember" | "Carpathian"