The Voyager and the Rogue

Chapter 59

Laeli and I had various chores and responsibilities within the village, even with our wedding fast approaching. The chore load got heavier with Laeli's family here now, but they did insist on helping.

It was initially awkward, but I soon became comfortable around the women, especially Moana and Aihe. Sina was quiet most of the time, but I enjoyed her company. At one point, though, Aihe told me her father wanted to chat with me.

Gods help me. Okay...

He was sitting on the front porch fumbling with a small dagger, which I couldn't decide if that made me nervous. Wait, why was I nervous? I always carry a small dagger with me. Who am I kidding?

I don't think he heard me close the front door, so I cleared my throat to get his attention. He was wearing a deep red tunic Hiccup provided him and dark brown pants with boots. I knew he had to be feeling awkward with the different attire, but it was for his benefit. Hopefully, the wedding day will be warm enough...

Keoni twisted his head to face me, offering a friendly smile.

"I... uh, Aihe told me you wanted to chat?" I began, hoping I wasn't visibly nervous. He stood, patting me on the shoulder.

"I did. You know a place to talk?" With a nod, I led him to one of the cliffs near the house with a good view of the vast sea below us. We stopped near a towering pine that provided some shade. He leaned against the trunk, crossing his arms; his dark hair blowing slightly in the sea breeze. I caught sight of graying hair around his hairline and where he parted it.

He was very quiet, and Laeli had told me her father wasn't super talkative, so I wasn't sure how long he wanted to talk with me.

"You know, when I met Laeli's mother, I had no idea my life would change so drastically," he began, still facing the sea.

"Huh?"

"I know Laeli's told you about how her mother and I met," I nodded.

"She has."

"When she was home for a month, she remarked to me about how similar your situation was to mine, once upon a time. And based on what you mentioned during our dinner the other night, I'm inclined to agree."

"... What are you getting at?" Keoni chuckled slightly.

"I'm trying to tell you that we fell for the same kind of woman, Eyarr. When I was young, I lost a lot in a short amount of time, and I thought I would die alone. Moana never 'fixed' me, but she was long-awaited support, and her love and patience made me better. She gave me the room I needed to grow. Physically and mentally, I didn't realize it until Laeli was born, but Moana was everything I needed. She made me into the man I am today, and I have every reason to still thank her for it." Keoni finally turned to look at me, making eye contact, and that's when I understood how serious he was, "I don't know everything that happened to you, but I do know that my daughter is also exactly what you needed."

"So... you approve?"

"Very much so! I'd even say Laeli and her mother have the same taste in men," he smirked and playfully elbowed me. I couldn't help but laugh slightly, seeing he was comfortable around me. Based on what I knew about Keoni's background before he met Moana, it was... actually quite similar to my own past. The only difference is that I chose my isolation; he did not.

We hung out there for a little longer, chatting and getting to know each other better. Realizing how much we had in common gave me the assurance I needed that I fit into Laeli's family just fine.

It still struck me as incredible that this man's mother was transformed into a goddess to save her family and create a lasting legacy. Moana and Keoni had done so much for their communities, and now the torch was being passed to Laeli and Aihe to continue that legacy; their family's connection to the sea and sky defined them. And now I was marrying into this family, as was Heilani, in time.

The conversation had left me thinking about something Laeli had said a while ago about passing on what she'd learned to our kids when the time came.

I felt myself suddenly eager for that part of our future together.