Unmarked

Chapter 21

"Oh, Amilia!" They said looking at her. "I can't believe your back! Oh Lavina, this will be so good for you."

"Yeah." She said giving them a thumbs up.

"Why such the long face dear, this is exciting, unless you don't want your mother back."

"What? No, I'm very happy that she's back. It's just another matter." She looked off to the side.

"I had a son." Amilia said allowed.

"You had a son?"

"Yes, and we think it is a boy from her school, a boy that she has a love interest in."

"Oh dear, you mean Anghi?"

Amilia nodded her head. "His English name is Jacob and that's what I named my son, and well, he told Lavina that he was adopted."

"Well, yeah, I mean, he does look a lot like Jasvinder, now that you mention it."

"Have you seen him yet?"

"No, not yet. I just went down to the orphanage and got some papers. I'm still figuring out what to say, to him, to his parents. I mean, it's all so much, what if I'm wrong?"
"Then you're wrong. His parents will know, won't they?"

"Well, yeah, I suppose it was an open adoption."

"We can help you if you want, Amilia."

"Hm?"

"When I came back Amilia, war consumed my subjects. But all I cared about was coming back to you and Cristel." He looked over to Cristel. "I had no idea what you would be like, or if you were even still alive. And the council forced you to live with us, and you didn't like that, and I don't blame you. But I realized that I no longer was dealing with Nsefen, but a completely different person. I had to figure out a way to introduce myself into your life, as your biological father. Now, I will never be your true father." He looked over to Oglm. "Oglm will always have that spot in your heart. And it will be the same way with Anghi. His adopted parents will always be mom and dad, even if he calls you mom. And nothing will ever change that, but at least you will have tried and he'll know that you're here for him if he ever needs you. I could have turned down the council and told them no, but I wanted to make the effort to know you and to show you that I'm here. Now, will you go to Oglm first? Most definitely, but I know that if he's not around that you'll come find me." Amilia looked up at him and smiled.

"I guess you're right. He at least deserves to know I'm his mom if he doesn't already." Yxeyhfkx smiled and then looked at Lavina.

"So," He started, "What are we all doing today, hm? Any ideas, Lavina?" Lavina looked to her mom.

"Can we, maybe, walk around the Market?"

"Well, Amilia? How about it?"

"Well, it would be nice to see everyone." Amilia got up and Lavina jumped over to her side. She grabbed onto her mothers arm and smiled at her. Yxeyhzfkx and Cristel opened the door, leading the crew out into the forest.

"Where would you like to begin, Amilia?"

"How about Seyoek's house? I'd love to see how she's doing."

"Oh, uh, did Oglm not tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"You'll have to ask him dear. Where else would you like to start?"

"Hm, well I suppose his blacksmith shop. See what he's done with it."

"Right this way." Yxeyhzfkx Said, starting to walk. They walked for a little bit.

"Exactly where he left it." Amilia tried the door, but it was locked of course. "Have you ever been inside, Lavina?"

She shook her head at her. "I haven't, no."

"Ah, I should take you in here sometime. I could teach you how to make your very own sword, or fork, or plate for that matter!"

"Oh, that sounds fun."

"Say, dad!" Amilia said, yelling so he could hear.

"Yes, Amilia?

"How's Jkdek doing? I bet he's passed some great legislation these past fifteen years."

"Oh, he actually retired a few years ago."

"Really?"

"Yeah there's a new person in there."

"Who is it?"

"It's some young Marked-Crystal Troll hybrid. Plus it's a female!"

"Wow! How dramatic."

"Yes, but she's doing great work. Haven't you noticed that the Market is so much cleaner?"

"Hm, I suppose it is." She turned to Lavina. "We should go over to the Council hall, I can introduce you to all the princes and princesses!" Amilia grabbed Lavina by the hand and started to drag her along.

"You know them?"

"Oh yeah." They reached the council building and walked in. But Amilia didn't see anyone. "How strange."

"What?"

"I don't see them, they're usually here." Amilia looked around and then her gaze stopped. "Chelimizine!" Amilia yelled. The man looked at her quickly and then back down to his papers. Then he stopped and looked at her again. He walked over to her and stopped. "Hi, it's me!"

"You, you're alive!"

"And you're speaking English."

"Yes, I learned it."

"You know the king!?" Lavina said, pointing at him.

"King?"

"Uh, yes. In the amount of years you were, uh, gone, all of us on the council married, had children, and took over our respective kingdoms' thrones."

"Oh, well, that's cool."

"Sure, I have to get back to work, but let me grab someone for you." He walked off and came back with a beautiful young woman. "Amilia, this is Charlie, she's the new council representative."

"Wait, did you just say-" She turned her head and looked at Amilia. "Oh my god, Amilia Cripple! Hello." She said, shaking her hand. "I'm a bit swamped right now, but perhaps we can talk later, yes?"

"Uh, yeah, that'd be nice."

"Okay, I will see you later."

"Goodbye Amilia." Amilia turned to Lavina and put her hand on her back as they began to walk.

"Come on, I think we've had enough adventure for one day."