Family Together

Posted on Tue Jun 17th, 2025 @ 7:40pm by Theeressa & Sr Journeyman Nikolai & Jr Journeyman Marika & Sr Journeyman Riklan

Mission: 3531 AL
Location: Kymos Hold
Timeline: M2 D29

Nikolai grinned to himself as he sat back listening to the gentle harper music he could hear from the gather square and it just filled him with hope for the first time in months that things were okay. His wife was off speaking to her brother, his daughters were snuggled up asleep on the sofa and he was sat on a log pile but a mug of ale with bread and cheese just staring up at the skies. It was perfect after a day spent with family and friends in the sun

Marika had truly enjoyed the day with her family. The girls had run and played all day and Riklan and Theeressa's little ones were growing so fast. She finished her conversation with Riklan before heading off to find her husband. She smiled when she caught sight of him. “beautiful evening.”

He did not need to turn to know who was approaching but he turned when he heard her voice. “It is.” He held out his hand to her after putting down his plate. “Been a beautiful and perfect day. How did we get so lucky?” He wondered seeing Theeressa and Riklan hugging in the kitchen.

Marika took his hand and sat down next to him. She leaned her head against his shoulder. “I don't know but I'm not complaining. We don't get this kind of day often,” she smiled. It was nice to have some time like this.

Nikolai moved his head and pressed a kiss to her forehead savouring the connection with her. “We really do not and everyone looks so happy. I’han and Tanly practically ran out of here to go to the ball, Rik just looks so happy… have you seen him looking this happy since the Turns End when Nika was born?”

She gave him a gentle smile. “That was entertaining to watch. Didn't know they could move that fast,” she chuckled. “And no, I don't think I've seen my brother look so happy since Nika. I am so happy that they are finally happy again.”

“Riders.” The healer stated simply with a smile. He used it to sum up most things about I’han over the turns. But he would not change anything. “I think knowing that Sophida was behind a lot of the Dragon Hold stuff and why Telena chose them to play with helped.”

Marika giggled. “Good explanation.” She was getting used to being around the riders now. She nodded a bit as she thought about those words. “I think you might be right. It has certainly helped.”

“They look so happy.” Nikolai smiled watching the pair in the kitchen as they just stood talking and smiling at each other. “If they announce they are pregnant again soon I would not be surprised. The way they stare at each other It’s how I stare at you.” He laughed while picking up his ale.

“They do. I am so glad Rik finally settled down.” She was so happy for both of them. “Oh dear. You may be right.” she could definitely see that. Marika looked over at Nikolai with a smile. “really?” she teased before kissing his cheek.

He chuckled a little at her teasing. After six turns he knew when to react and to tease back. “Yes really. It’s the look of total devotion and love. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and marrying and somehow we have 2 beautiful children.” The man declared turning as she kissed his cheek to capture her lips in a gentle kiss.

There were still times she couldn't believe they were together. Especially when she had tempted him up to the hay loft. Best thing she ever did. She leaned into his kiss, shifting to be closer. “Love you,” she whispered.

“I love you more.” He whispered as he saw Riklan and Theeressa coming out into the garden towards them. “Alright, love birds.” He teased loving having in laws who he liked and loved like his own kin. It helped that Riklan was an amazing healer.

Marika chuckled. “Don't think that's possible,” she whispered back before she looked over her shoulder.

“Us? Have you looked at yourselves lately?” Riklan grinned.

“Mmmhmm… pot kettle black there Niko.” Theeressa commented as she sat down on the blanket and leaned back on the tree stump. Nikolai just laughed and shrugged.

“No way but you are both okay after your visitor this morning?” No one else had mentioned it but Nikolai had been there when Leisa had stolen Theeressa so he wanted to check on her and them.

Marika giggled. “Think they might be right,” she agreed with a smile. That was okay with her. She quickly looked over at Nikolai's question.

Riklan nodded. “I think we are finally okay,” he answered, sitting down by Theeressa.

“I’d thought we’d been okay before today but I stand corrected. But I think this turn is going to be amazing.” The redhead commented leaning her head against Riklan’s shoulder looking up at him raising her eyebrow at him.

Riklan smiled at his wife. “Yes this Turn is going to be amazing,” he agreed. He kissed her hair. “And we were good. Now we're even better.”

“Smooth Rik.” Nikolai teased with a smile as he raised his ale to the man as Theeressa grinned.

“Was odd but I guess it is closure for everyone.” Theeressa commented softly. She had never remembered anything about the day she had been kidnapped which in her opinion was for the best.

Marika laughed at her brother. “Very smooth. But at least you have an understanding wife,” she grinned.

Riklan kissed Theeressa's hair. “It's all in the past now,” he said softly. “And I am never losing you again.”

Theeressa giggled that they all ganged up on Riklan to tease him. She looked up still and smiled. “Not going anywhere.” She promised and gently squeezed his thigh. Nikolai smiled and leaned closer to Marika.

Riklan rolled his eyes with a laugh. He didn't mind the teasing. Especially coming from the people he loved the most. “Good cause I don't want you ever going.”

Marika smiled at her husband before snuggling close to him.

Nikolai kissed her forehead gently. “Perfect day.” He mused again as he pressed another kiss to her temple. “I am glad I got to spend it with you and our family.”

“I am your family huh?” Theeressa asked giving her husband a reprieve from her teasing.

“Of course you are,” Marika answered quickly. “even if you weren't having to put up with Rik,” she grinned impishly at her brother.

Riklan rolled his eyes and nearly stuck his tongue out. “Brat,” he smiled.

“Will make me cry by saying things like that Mari.” Theeressa was only a month or so postpartum, so emotions were still a little all over the place. The woman got up and crossed over to the woman hugging her and when Nikolai tried to move she’d wet s are popped an arm around him too.

Marika knew that feeling. She had been the same after Nika and Kensi. She hugged her sister-in-law back. “All true,” she assured her friend as Theeressa caught Nikolai in the hug as well.

Nikolai glanced to Riklan and smiled as he accepted the hug and wrapped an arm around her small frame. He knew the cook was not drinking so there could only be one other explanation for her emotions. “Thank you for looking after me and showing me what family really is all about.”

Riklan smiled. He still had to tread carefully with Theeressa as he knew her emotions were running high, but at least for now it was all happy.

Marika grinned. She couldn't have been happier at the moment. Her family was together.