Deckard had found a protégé within the Order, a young man named Oren Brennen. The year prior, Evylin and Deckard had been called to West Allund to recover the sixteen-year-old, who had accidentally sliced through an entire city block while running for his life from zealous Waulden-regime sympathizers, known as The Sterling. These zealots clung to the Faith of Eight,seeking Blount’s children—legitimate or not—as the legal heirs to his throne.
Oren was one of these illegitimate heirs.
While attempting to escape The Sterling, Oren’s magic revealed itself with unrestrained violence, and the teenage boy was terrified. From the moment they found him in Verlund Province, Deckard took him under his wing and ensured he learned everything he knew. Oren proved to be a promising Mage.
Best of all, Deckard was now utilizing his office at home. With limited literature available on the study of Space, he took the initiative to document his findings, aiming to eventually author books on the topic for others to explore. He urged the other Mages to follow his lead.
As for Evylin’s contributions to Allund, the Warriors of the Order were renowned for their immense strength, intelligence, and readiness to act. Their techniques rivaled those of any other Order, although Evylin hesitated to claim all the credit. She based their training on everything Hewitt had taught her and led with the support of Brea and Emmaas’s knowledge behind her. She took pleasure in the work and appreciated the excellent company.
Eventually, Colonel Valen Reid joined the Order of the Day, carrying with him many skills he had acquired from the Order of the Heavens, which Evylin was pleased to learn were equally beneficial in Norhels. In the third year of Allund, the Administration requested Evylin’s insights for the Orders still refining their training programs. Although drafting the letters was a tedious task, Deckard assisted her, making the work far more bearable.
Brea led the Order Guard with a strong and steady demeanor, and her soldiers admired her with deep loyalty. She dedicated herself to ensuring that Evylin, Deckard, and the entire provincewere safe, while Thom, as Lieutenant General, managed the Allundan Army within the city. Together, they formed an effective team. Thom became the supportive brother, devoted friend, loving husband, and brave soldier Evylin always knew he could be, his daily happiness surpassing her greatest hopes for him.
In their first year of marriage, Thom and Brea welcomed their first daughter, Isla. She was a delightful baby, and Thom became the most devoted father one could imagine. Evylin was surprised that Brea wanted children so soon, but when she inquired, Brea replied, “I have one life, Evylin. One life to fill with as much goodness and love with Thom as possible. The best way to enhance that life is to include more of him in it. What better way than through our children?”
Two years later, they had their second daughter, Rosa.
Between the two girls, Evylin and Deckard welcomed their own firstborn. While he had wished for a daughter, she desired a son. Her wishes prevailed. He accepted his defeat the moment he cradled his son. Ryen Deckard inherited his father’s green-blue eyes, but he bore his mother’s dark hair.
The family often engaged in a lively debate about whether Ryen, Isla, or Rosa would possess magic. Thom insisted they all would, while Brea pointed out that it was unlikely any of them would inherit it. Meanwhile, Deckard and Evylin tried to remain indifferent. They had one life, after all. They would fill it with as much joy and love as they could, no matter the trials they’d face.
Entrusting the province to Emmaas, the ministers, the clerks, and their Order, the Deckard family returned to Nettershire late in the year to visit Stocburrough. Every year, Deckard prioritized a trip around their anniversary, and Evylin persuaded him to visit his family this time.
“It’s not very romantic,” he contended, “celebrating your fifth anniversary in a small village surrounded by family.”
Evylin embraced him. “No, but we’ll have a built-in babysitter. If that doesn’t spark romance, I’m not sure what will.”
“Being intimate in your childhood bed isn’t exactly romantic either, Evie.”
“Then I suppose we’ll just have to find somewhere else,” she teased.
Regardless of his objections, they traveled to Nettershire with Thom and Brea. Their family was ecstatic upon their arrival. Serah and Meria continuously played the role of hosts, while Mathes and Vaan queried them about Loclight, the Order, and their work. Little Isla toddled off to play with Liliette and young Jonn, while the three youngest children—Ryen, Rosa, and Ivana, Meria’s third child—played together inside the house.
They planned to stay for a week, and Evylin observed how Deckard immediately relaxed upon entering the village. With each visit to his family, she noticed how he shed some of the burdens he carried in his daily life. Occasionally, she felt remorse for encouraging him to leave the simpler life he once desired, but then she recalled his true nature and his passion for his work. He was content, and so was she. She had no doubt that they’d made the best decision.
On the third morning of their stay, Evylin woke to find Deckard beside her. This unusual occurrence was even rarer during their visits with his family. However, she had expected it this morning.
“Happy anniversary,” she whispered, snuggling closer to his side.
Deckard ran his hand along her arm and kissed her forehead. “Happy anniversary, my love.”
“I have a surprise for you.”
“Do you?”
She nodded. “But first, we have to get up.”
“Do we have somewhere to be?”
“Actually, we do.”
“Oh? And what engagement have I forgotten in this meager village?” he teased.
Evylin smirked at him. “It’s more a promise than an engagement.”
“Do explain.”
“Almost five years ago, you vowed to teach me how to swim, and now you are finally going to fulfill that promise.”
