Beyond Time (closed)

[KieranSoares]

"I know..." He murmured. He'd gotten the news about Kayla while imprisoned. "Julia won't wait long to get Brogan back... And then things will start to get better once we're all here together and safe..."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Things are already getting better, love. You just have to have some faith." Dylan said softly as Ashien talked about having his brother back. "Inverness won't fall. Not any longer. Brogan will be home, you will get stronger, and I will love you more and more every day. Never forget that, Ash. I love you and I chose to stay here for you."

 

[KieranSoares]

Ashien's gaze turned to her own and he gave her a weak smile. "I still think you're absolutely mad for doing that." He pressed a kiss to her lips, his mind clear enough and the fear kept at bay well enough to enjoy his wife's company.

 

[heartofcourage]

"You're a charmer, Ashien Ghis." Dylan said with a smile as he kissed her and they settled down to enjoy time with one another. "I think it's sweet that Vincenzo calls you his sparrow. He really cares about all of you."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Kay and I have loved him since the day he helped bring us into the world," Ashien murmured. "And he's loved all of us conditionally since the day Ma told him about us."

 

[heartofcourage]

"He's a good man with a good heart." Dylan said with a smile towards her husband. "I'm glad you had someone to show you the way to be a good and honest man."

 

[KieranSoares]

"He makes it look so effortless, being everyone's support and still keeping up with his work perfectly. I've yet to master that one," Ashien smiled.

It wasn't long before the door opened up and a tiny, somewhat frail woman stepped in. Ashien's eyes grew wide and he sat up stiffly to meet her embrace. There was no doubt this was Kitty, be it by her looks or how desperately she needed to hold her son that she'd nearly lost. She would be having similar reunions with the others before long.

"Ashien Vincent Ghis," she finally said firmly, pulling back and fixing him with a stern stare. "You get married without a word to me til after the fact, you put off coming home for months, and then when you finally get here, you nearly get yourself killed and almost leave your poor wife on her own. What do you have to say for yourself?"

"I love you, Ma," he murmured, letting his head rest on her shoulder. She cradled him close like he were still a child, sitting at his side and stroking his hair lovingly.

"Troublemaker," she muttered, kissing the top of his head.

 

[heartofcourage]

When Ashien's mother came into the room, Dylan moved towards the edge of the bed, letting the both of them reunite. She smiled as Ashien held the frail woman so tightly, getting the love that he so sorely wanted and needed from his mother. It was sweet, she thought to herself, but she also felt like she were intruding on a very private moment.

"It's nice to finally be here." Dylan finally said softly, venturing to break the silence that had settled as Ashien soaked in his mother's care.

 

[KieranSoares]

Kitty smiled to Dylandra and finally let her son go. She drew Dylamdra into a warm embrace and kissed her cheek adoringly. "Welcome to the family, darling. I've waited far too long to finally meet you. It's too bad I can't have the boys beat up on Ashien for me. But then again, I think he's had enough."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Trust me, he's beat himself up enough for a life time." Dylan said as she hugged her mother in law tightly, smiling at Ashien over her shoulder as Kitty greeted her so warmly. "And this wedding was spur of the moment. If we could have had you there, we would have. It was just something that we felt we had to do."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Oh, I know. All my children seem to do that. Brogan married Julia away from home out of necessity, but Boar and Durban both did it spur-of-the-moment, Selena found a mate, and now Ashien. Kayla's the only one who might still have a wedding at home. But I always make my children have second weddings here so I get my fair chance at doting on the girls."

 

[heartofcourage]

"You know that a second wedding isn't needed, right?" Dylan said, catching the look that Ashien was giving her. "Although, Ash warned me that you won't take no for an answer, so I guess I should get use to the idea that I'm walking down the aisle again."

 

[KieranSoares]

"At least you had warning. The other girls never did," Kitty chuckled and kissed her cheek once more. "When Ashien is on his feet and everyone's ready to come out, we'll introduce you properly."

Ashien hesitated to ask, but he spoke quietly, "Is there any news on...?"

""Only speculation and rumor... Julia's off already. She was sure Sarah has Brogan. Kreston's gone with her, so Selena's a bit lonely without him, but all the rest are home safe and sound. And when Emma arrives, we'll be welcoming the newest member of our family properly. Little Kayla."

 

[heartofcourage]

"You're an Uncle again, it seems." Dylan said with a smile towards Ashien. "He failed to tell me just how large this family was before we married."

 

[KieranSoares]

"It tends to grow every couple years now," Kitty mused with a soft smile. "Not too long ago we welcomed Eli and Leon and Ciaran, and we brought Annie home not long after Ciaran arrived. Then before them was Durban's boy Seamus."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Well, considering I have no family of my own, it's nice to have one from him." Dylan said with a smile. "And if he gets his way, we'll be adding to it ourselves in time."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Just make sure you actually bring any babies to me, Ashien Ghis. No more year-long waits," Kitty chastised him with a loving smile. "I may have plenty of grandchildren to spoil here, but I demand the chance to spoil them all."

 

[heartofcourage]

"You can come to Darkwood months before any potential baby arrives." Dylan promised, laughing at the look that Ashien gave his mother. "You will be my honored guest."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I do try to visit when I can, but with my health the way it is, it's not usually possible," Kitty explained with a smile. "Even with Vincenzo here with me, it's a tough journey."

"Which is why she didn't come hunt me down in person," Ashien added with a chuckle. "But that's fine. I can always come home."

 

[heartofcourage]

"You can come and let us take care of you. I want you healthy if you have a grandchild to spoil." Dylan promised, feeling sorry for Kitty that her beloved son was so far away from her.

 

[KieranSoares]

"We'll just have to see how things go. There may be a time I can actually do that. But it won't be a common occurrence."

"Don't worry, Ma. Henry wouldn't dare keep me from you too long. And we'll find our way back a little more often." He kissed her cheek and she brushed his hair back fondly.

"You need to get some more sleep, love. I can see it in your eyes."

"You should take Dylandra with you when you go. I don't want her to have to wait for me to see Inverness. Even after a war, it's quite a sight to see."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I'm fine waiting for you, Ash." Dylan said, slightly afraid of leaving her husband alone with the horrible dreams and images that he was dealing with. "I can see Inverness when you're back on your feet."

 

[KieranSoares]

"She'll only worry more if she goes. Take it from a woman who's been there time and time again," Kitty kissed his forehead and rose from her seat. "Get to sleep. I'll be back around in a while." She kissed Dylandra's cheek on her way. She had several other children to see to.

 

[heartofcourage]

Dylan watched her mother in law go before she let out a long sigh. She was exhausted even though she was struggling to be strong for her husband. His outburst the night before meant that she hadn't gotten much sleep. Soon enough, she was crawling into bed and snuggling up to his side.

"I think we could both do with a nap." Dylan murmured. "After last night, I know I do."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I'm not too keen on it myself... But I suppose I should." Ashien sighed. Without the help of Vincenzo's herbs and teas, he was afraid to sleep.