Cult of the Lamb : The Man in the Forest

Chapter 15: Home Sweet Home

After her fight with Fox, Merida excelled in her curse work. It turns out Narinder was right, the threat of danger jump-started her abilities. By the time her stent at the cottage was over, she was capable of producing fire at will without fail. The next step of her training would be to produce a ring of fireballs. She was forewarned that it was a far more advanced technique, and would require absolute focus and concentration. She would return to the Cult for one month before going back to resume her training. Her goodbye to Kenedra was bitter-sweet. Sweet due to the particularly passionate goodbye kiss that made leaving exceptionally difficult. Still, she had to leave, and leave she did.

Merida entered her mother's temple just before sunset and crossed to enter her home beyond the walls. By the smell of it, dinner was on the table. Mir̃alai peeked around the kitchen doorway and smiled.

"Merida...! I've missed you, hun." The Lamb grinned and walked over to give her daughter a big hug.

"I missed you too, Mama." Merida smiled, squeezing her in return.

"Come, I just served dinner." She said as she headed back to the kitchen. Merida followed her, but halted in confusion in the doorway. Sitting at the table was her father and Lydie, as expected. Also there was Baal and Bharadei, a welcome surprise. What staggered her was the presence of Cassius. The white ox was sitting beside Lydie, a plate of food sat before him like everyone else.

"When did we get all cozy with Cassius?" Merida asked as she entered the room. Aym glanced back at her and stood from his seat. He took a step towards her and pulled her into a hug.

"I was wondering when you would return. It has been quiet without you, Merida." She smiled, hugging her father in return.

"It's nice to be home." She sighed, "So, did you get bored of trying to kill Cassius?" Merida asked with a smirk. Aym chuckled, releasing her.

"You could say that... He apologized, and we came to an agreement." He explained as he sat back down. Merida nodded and sat in the last available chair just as her mom set a plate down for her.

"Oh? And what agreement is that?"

"I will allow the relationship, with the understanding that they wait for marriage. Both Mir̃alai and I agree that you and your sister should have time to experience adulthood before jumping into marriage. There will be plenty of time to settle down. No need to rush."

"That sounds fair to me..." Merida said with a shrug, looking across Cassius to her sister. Lydie looked... tired. Passively glum as she picked at her plate. "What do you think, Lydie?" Her sister glanced over at her and gave a tiny smile.

"I'm just glad I can openly be with Cassius." Merida wasn't convinced, but figured it was a conversation best saved for a private space. She looked back at her dad.

"And Atti? Did you make up with him too?"

"Oh, yes." Aym said with a little smirk, "We had a fight the day after you left. Nothing serious, he got a fair few swings in before I put him down. With our anger aside, we had a conversation and all was forgiven..." Merida chuckled softly. Nothing like a scrap between guys to solve things... Fair too considering they both had been out of line between Aym hitting

"Fair enough..." She took a bite of her food and motioned to her uncle. "Haven't seen you in a while, Uncle Baal."

"Ah, Bharadei and I have been busy. Mistress Nykka is expanding further."

"Is she?" Merida nodded, "I bet you've been busy. Her Cult is bigger than this one. What about you Aunt Bharry, how have you been? It's been months."

"I know." The wolf sighed, "I've missed you girls, but my Mistress must take priority. Though I've been great." She smiled and held out her hand to show a silver band on her ring finger. Merida's eyes widened and she grinned.