~.✧ Love & Tradition ✧.~

~.✧ this is good ✧.~

A/N Technically this kind of spoils for the Jseckoveck one shots I've yet to write (besides the first one) but it's so cute that I couldn't be patient XD And everyone knew Kes and Ori would get together anyway so I'm not too worried haha! But anyway, enjoy! (Also super excited since this is will be our first time reading Varien's POV!)

I laughed as I watched Kes running from Ori in the water, squealing as he scooped her up and over his shoulder.

"Asria, help!" she called desperately.

"Apologies, dear friend, but I'm not sure I'd float in the water right now." I gestured down at my stomach, my baby bump protruding quite obviously.

"Varien?" Kes asked, switching to a more viable source.

I glanced at my husband as he sat next to me on the sand, his curls still damp from when he'd been out in the water as well. He stretched, his eyes gleaming. "I suppose I could order him, as his superior, to release you."

Ori looked over his shoulder, his eyes waiting. I knew if Varien ever did such a thing, Ori would be the first to obey. He was eager to please everyone, especially his supervisors. But Varien just leaned back on an arm.

"However, I don't see any immediate harm. Proceed, sir."

Kes screamed as Ori grinned. He adjusted her and then threw her into the water, though I could tell he didn't put all his force into the effort. He would never truly hurt Kes, unless by accident, and even then I think he would be so torn up about it, he would never play around like this again.

I reached over and took Varien's hand. He grinned over at me before brushing a kiss to my wrist. I was so happy for Kes. She and Ori had only started courting a week ago, but I knew their bond was strong already. I hadn't seen my best friend so happy in a long time, and my heart was so filled with love.

Glancing up at the sky, I watched as the sun was lazily making its way across the sky. If I had to guess, I would say we'd been out here an hour already. It brought a grin to my lips. Even though Varien would be casting more of his kingly duties to his mother when the baby came, he'd recognized the need for an afternoon of peace beforehand, and Mirellia had encouraged it with open arms to embrace this rare beautiful day. I think she would have gladly accepted to do all of his job for him for many weeks after the baby came if we had asked it of her; she was so excited for her grandchild.

My excitement never dimmered either, even if I was exceptionally scared as well. Not only had thoughts of Bash been so abundant lately, but so had other reminders of how our life had changed then and was changing now. Still, Varien was my support, and I leaned on him heavily through this. I could see that he thought of Bashtan often as well, especially at night, and I tried with all my might to be a support back.

"Varien," I muttered, catching his attention.

He looked over at me. "Yes, love?"

"Would you mind pouring me a glass of lemonade?"