memories.

[hearthwarming]

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"Ceremony"

[hearthwarming]

The setting is picturesque, idyllic.

The memory places you in a quiet, scenic riverside village nestled in verdant woods, and more particularly, a space within that's been decorated and prepared for a quaint but nonetheless festive wedding celebration which is now well underway. Everything feels utterly perfect, and you couldn't be happier.

Your friend, Cibark, has become wedded today - and to the twin brother of another friend, even. You watch as he and his now-husband Aeryn dance, the wedding now reaching the portion of the evening where it truly becomes a party. From nearby, your friend Dae sets off illusions and what he's begun to call "pyrotechnics" energetic as all get out. Elsewhere, two other friends, Sian and Aerie - Aeryn's twin sister - are conversing rather jovially, a sight which fills your heart with warmth for how severe the latter tends to be.

Now and again, you're greeted by villagers or other guests from more far-flung places, thanking you for your part in helping save the river - and for thwarting the greater plot it all played a part in, too. Each time, you thank them, until it becomes a little exhausting, until you're joined by yet another friend. Mellon, who practically stumbles into the seat next to you, just barely managing to deposit a cup of wine into your hand without spilling it all over your gown. You level a knowing, teasing, and somewhat exasperated look at him.

"I'm not going to keep casting Lesser Restoration on you just so you can keep drinking."

"I wasn't going to ask, but you know... If there's any night to do just that, it would be tonight."

You shake your head, roll your eyes, but you chuckle anyway as you take a drink. It's... nice, to have everyone around again. It's been months now since you all defeated great evils together and saved the realm, but most of you have gone your separate ways in the time since then. As the wine spills down your throat, you cast a sidelong glance at Mellon.

"How's it been? Traveling with Dae and Sian. Being the new Alchemighty...?"

"Well, it's great, though we're having to pick up random warriors and healers at every stop, since we lost ours," he casts a knowing, sidelong glance back at you before he adds, "How are you and Colin doing? Rebuilding Duskvale going all right?"

It's only then that you avert your gaze, instead casting it across clearing, to where the newlyweds and others dance - and to where Colin sings and plays along with the village bards. You feel your lips twitch into a smile; he looks like he's happy to be reunited with everyone, too, despite his sarcastic complaining while you two traveled from his home city.

"It's going well. Um, to both questions."

Mellon chuckles as he pours another serving of wine into his cup. Where did that bottle even come from?

"Are you going to stay in Duskvale after it's all good? It doesn't really seem like your kind of place. Too... city-like."

There's the question you've been dreading answering all night. You knew it was going to come eventually, from any or all of the rest of the party. But even knowing doesn't stop you from heaving a sigh upon hearing it.

"...No, I don't think I will."

"Ahh..." Mellon's trails off. You dreaded this sort of reaction, too. "Does Colin know?"

"No, not yet."

"Mmm." The ever-dazed yet measuring look he gives just bears into you. "It was never going to be easy for the two of you, huh?"

"No, it wasn't."

Of course not. He is the literal prince of the kingdom, after all, and you're... you.

TL;DR: Months after their world-saving adventure, the Alchemighty reunite at the wedding of one of their own after having spent the time since their adventure ended split off. Ori, who has been helping rebuild Duskvale, Colin's home, is approached by Mellon. In catching up, Ori insinuates her doubts around the sustainability of her and Colin's blossoming relationship.