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The brisk walk to Dagia's was different, the entire world seemed to be that bit warmer, or maybe that was just because his skin was smothered by bandages, or maybe it was the very strange feeling of the Aranium wrapped around his neck, that he caressed, knowing what it really meant. He exhaled with a smile to catch his breath and force himself to breathe as he looked around sanctuary hills, Mincridarins cubs running back and forth across the street, some nearly barreling into him because they weren't looking, while adults congregated in packs, sitting on chairs in front of porches and garages were opened to expose personal dojo's and gyms. Old maidens rocked back on chairs sharpening weapons, and polishing the shafts and hilts with oils, while old fathers worked in makeshift craft shops built in some garages, forging weapons and tools, some whittling and wood working, while rare there were even jewelers twisting silver and gold around gemstones and crystals. It was like walking down the roads of a small city that seemed lost in time, modern homes with a medieval community. Connor couldn't chuckle at the idea that Mincridarins might have been a debated to use the parks as farmlands, because it seemed like it would be something, they would be all too happy to do.

But with so many out and about it took moments for adults and cubs alike to notice the Aranium around Connor's neck and stare at him, some in shock, some in approval, but no one looked at him in disgust, if anything the looked like they wanted to come and talk to him about it, their own conversations the only thing stopping them. Connor did his best to not stare and just kept walking along, already knowing his name was going to be on everyone's lips soon enough. Stepping up to the threshold of Dagia's home Connor reached out to knock, but paused remembering what Banavi had told him about spirits, Dagia was already expecting him and Mincridarins never locked their doors; so would it be wrong to just enter? The very idea hung in Connor's head, but he did remember both Dagia and Banavi knocking on the door, so would it still be polite to wait? Connor rubbed his brow as he contemplated door etiquette and his next step. Just raising his hand, he tapped the door and called out a greeting through the stiff material. “Hello! It's me Connor!..."

The door opened up not to long afterwards, Dagia was standing in the doorway wearing what would best be described as a gray shrine maidens Kimono with exposed shoulders; black and white threads wrapped around her waist seven times like a belt, the excess left as an ornate knot that held up a long sword. Hanging from her ears was a gray lace veil covered with draconic runes and markings of the gray god, she pulled this up, hanging the excess and let it fall over her muzzle, “What took you so long Connor?" Dagia asked as she walked away picking up woven sandals and pulling a strap over her heel.

“Sorry, the appointment took longer than I thought, I'm sorry I kept you." Connor apologized as he stepped inside and watched as Atix came around the Corner wearing much similar attire to Dagia, “Is something going on?"

“A knight died during duty, as members of the noble court of Sanctuary Hills its our duty to make sure he is buried with Honor-“ She suddenly stopped everything she was doing dazed by her rush and looked at Connor's throat and lifted her veil to expose her shock, “Where did you get that?"

“Banavi gave it to me." Connor admitted and Dagia's brow flexed as she glanced at Atix who brushed back his own veil, “Is something wrong?" Connor questioned not really understanding what the Aranium actually meant, of course it was a wedding ring… or at least something like that.

“Gods above and below Connor, no, Gods no." Dagia quickly corrected, grabbing Connor's shoulders, still holding on to one sandal, “Of course, you're supposed to wear it, it's just really stunning… Banavi really does love you." Dagia assured pulling Connor into a hug, “You have to invite me to your joining ceremony."

“Yeah, of course Dagia, I thought you were going to be there regardless." Connor agreed between his teeth as the air in his chest was squeezed out of him.

“Good." Dagia hugged in for just a moment longer with a passion before pulling away to kiss his cheek.

“Dagia… What is an Aranium?" Connor asked, “I know it's supposed to be a wedding ring-"

He was cut short by a groan, as Dagia rubbed her brow, “Of course that feral idiot didn't explain it to you—ok come here." Dagia grumbled dragging Connor away, skipping on one foot to slip on her other sandal before pushing Connor down on the newly bought brown couch. Keeping her hands on her shoulder she took a breath and tightened her hold, “Connor, there is no human translation for what an Aranium represents, it goes beyond a mere expression of love and union… It's something more eternal, spiritual… Connor, to make an Aranium, one has to cut out a portion of their own soul."

“What? Is Banavi going to die because he gave this to me?" Connor asked and Dagia raised her hand to silence him.

“No, one dies only by the fates design, cutting your soul won't kill him or shorten his life span but he has weakened himself magically. From the looks of it…" Dagia examined the gemstone at the base of collar's throat, “He's given you what looks like a couple points, more than enough to make a point, but regardless. Wherever you go, as long as you wear that you will always retain a portion of him with you." Dagia explained before pulling away to smile, while Connor only became flustered and almost ashamed of what he wore, he loved it, but sacrificing a part of his own soul was too much.

“How many points did he give me?" Connor asked looking up at Dagia.

“About ten points," Dagia breathed as she sat down next to Connor seeing the flustered human suddenly become voiceless and anxious, “Connor it's ok?"

“No it's not!" Connor cried out, snapping back at Dagia in protest, jumping to his feet, before pacing back and forth, “how is that ok? he's given me a home, he's given me everything, I would be dead without him and he goes and gives me a portion of his soul?! It's too much! I thought this was just a regular wedding ring or the equivalent among Mincridarins, I was ok with that, but he gave me a fraction of his soul, his magical power… it's too much… I can't wear this." Connor cringed as he dugs his fingernails beneath the metal, but didn't dare pull away.

Atix came up from behind and grabbed his hands and dragged them away from the collar, “Connor, if you accept any gift from Banavi let it be this, if you ever hate him for anything don't let it be this. Just as an Aranium is the greatest expression of love and sacrifice, it can be something monstrous if you give it back, if you cast it aside; it would mean you don't want to be with him, even in spirit. An Aranium is never given out without great consideration amongst our kind. Power is everything and to give that up, a fraction of our natural strength means more than you could ever understand." Atix turned Connor around and knelt down so that he was face level with him. “I know it's overwhelming, but do you love him? Do you love Banavi?"

Connor nodded tears trickling down the sides of his eyes as he did everything he could to control his emotions, before taking a deep breath and nodding, “Yes bu--."

“Then there is nothing more to consider, this is not a gift, this is Banavi." Atix shushed with heavy thumb as he wiped away the tears, before stroking the Aranium with a smile, “And I'm jealous that you get to wear something so beautiful." Atix muttered softly, glancing only at Dagia, who breathed with a smile.

“I love you but not that much hun, don't go giving me that look." Dagia scolded as she got up from the couch, before coming up beside Connor to rub his back, “Connor, this isn't a gift, and it's not to make up for the brand, so don't think for a single second that it had anything to do with this. An Aranium isn't a bouquet of flowers, or a night of passionate mating, this is a commitment more than any joining vow, more than any brand. This is Banavi saying “I love you and only you", so don't smite him for giving you this, or arguing or try giving it back, if you love him keep it, and wear it." Dagia finished but Connor exhaled, and rubbed his eyes to clean up the extra tears.

“I told him I wanted him to wear one too."

Dagia huffed with a smile and chuckled, and pulled Connor into her chest, “Well don't be scared, it's not a process I've heard that hurts, and you only have to give up a small portion of your soul." Dagia assured petting Connor's head, Connor soon wrapping his arms around her waist because he didn't want her to leave just yet. “But if you need to talk to him about this, I'll happily be a mediator."

“Thank you Dagia."

“I see how it is, cut me up and throw me out to the Benum why don't you." Atix fumed as he got up to his feet, rolling his eyes and crossing his arms in jealous anger, ears falling back behind his head as he walked away to pick up a mirror polished axe that was leaning on the hallway wall.

“Thank you Atix." Connor added, the big bear shooting a soft smile back towards him, before offering an arm to him, Connor hugged the burly male and burped unexpectedly as his back was pat.

“Be careful with Little dagger you don't want him to stain your robes." Dagia cooed, petting the blushing human, “What's this?" Atix asked flicking back the tag of Connor's shirt to expose the Infusion vest. “Where did you get this?" Atix asked with a bit firmer of a tone as his serious glance at Dagia corrected her playful antics.

“Do you know what it is?" Connor asked and Atix nodded before letting go of the shirt and putting Connor at arm's length, so he could better see Connor's face.

“I've heard of them, it's an infusion vest isn't it? AMA knights wear them, it's supposed to help them in battle. I've fought with those that have worn them." Atix explained and Connor nodded.

“I guess if anyone should know it's you two, but it's top-secret ok, I'm not supposed to talk to anyone about it, and it's a need-to-know kind of thing, ok?" Dagia put a calm hand on Connor's shoulder, “You can tell us anything."

Connor took a moment to gather himself before answering, “The infusion vest is supposed to mimic Mincridarn evolution, by infusing magic into the human body allowing us to become stronger in much the same was as a Mincridarn, never as capable but enough to make a sizeable change. My Doctor wants me to wear one so that if I mate with any Mincridarn they don't just tear me apart by accident, it won't be much but after wearing this vest for a month my skin should be like tough leather and my bones like concrete… That's kind of how my doctor explained it. Please promise me you won't tell anyone about it."

“Of course Connor, we'd never do anything to hurt you…" Atix agreed with a nod but Dagia came up from behind and leaned on Connor's back, “Speak for yourself, sometimes bad cubs need to be punished."

“Dagia, behave yourself." Atix scolded as he dragged the wolf away towards the door, “Please forgive your Auntie, she's in the middle of her heat so she's what you humans would call horny." Dagia smacked her mate, “He doesn't need to know that."

“Well he should, and you need to wear some scent blockers or everyone at the funeral is going to smell you walking in from the parking lot." Atix corrected as he hefted his axe on to his shoulder, before looking back at Connor. “We have to go, Mail is in his room studying, Hammond is off at school, we'll be back by three, if you need any help ask your brother."

“Yes sir, I should be done by twelve though." Connor answered formally as Atix left, “Be safe." Connor added only as the door started to close, a warm, “you too, little dagger," was returned before the click left the living room still and quiet; until he took a breath to calm himself and stroked the Aranium around his neck. The woven metal was a silent comfort and though something deep in his mind trembled about the value, he was able to suppress the anxiety knowing the Aranium's primary value was first and foremost, love. Connor steadied himself with a smile before walking down the hall to find his brother, as much as he'd like to get to do his chores, he had no idea where the cleaning supplies was.

However, such thoughts on cleaning were completely dashed when Connor heard a soft sprawling coming from the nursery, the padded floor clapping with soft thuds. Peaking in, he could only smile as he teetered on his toes and saw a familiar blue wolf glance up at him. Cowering in embarrassment blue, twisted her pink cloaked body out of view, and held her small army doll close to her chest.

“What are you doing here?" Blue asked petting down the hair of her doll, while Connor looked around to see a path through the small battle field of blocks providing cover for enemy troops. Kneeling down next to the pup he pet blue's head, “I'm just going to do some chores, so if you need a change just ask, ok?"

Blue's ears folded back against her head, as she nodded, and crimped the diaper between her thighs. “Did mama Dagia get you that?" Connor asked nodding towards the doll.

“Yeah, she said I was good so she gave it to me as a reward. But I can only play with her if I'm wearing a diaper." Blue answered and Connor smiled as he reached down and probed the diaper, the blue fury blushed. “You're squishy," Connor noted, before patting the front.

“I wet a little." Blue whispered as Connor smiled down at her.

“Good girl, remember to just tell me if you need a change and I'll come and take care of it, ok? I don't want you to leak. Or do you want me to clean up your accidents?" Connor asked rubbing his cheek into blue's ears. Blue cuddled back with a soft smile and cooed, “ok." Connor hugged the pup before leaving her with a wagging tail, returning to the hallway where he knocked on Mail's bedroom door, but before he even left a tap. Blue slumped out of the nursery, her body laying flat like a rug as she looked up at Connor in her vulnerable position. “Can I come to your joining ceremony?"

“Only if you wear that cute little suit, bolt." Connor teased, and bolt fumed and pouted. “That's not funny."

“It is to me, you'd be a cute little flower girl." Connor countered with a fantasizing smile.

Bolt sat up, and settled on her knees just inside the door frame, “You're Aranium is really nice Connor, it suits you." Her comment was utterly adult and sincere, it caused Connor to sigh and rubbed the metal, it still felt strange around his neck.

“Yeah, thanks, it feels so strange to wear it though. I've never really worn a collar before."

Bolt laughed, “A slave who doesn't know the weight of a collar has never been a slave. Don't worry, I'm sure Banavi will help you get used to it." She teased with a small blep, of her tongue. Before twisting her body back inside the nursery, and it was only then when she slumped back on the floor to crawl away did Connor realize that her legs were tethered together in halos of green light; A gift from Atix most likely.

Connor finally tapped on the door, and heard Mail's soft voice ring out. Pushing inside Connor looked at his little brother sitting at his desk, a small lamp turned on over his desk, note cards still being written diligently with swift swipes of a pen. The phrases copied from a thick textbook on his desk. “hey little dagger, something wrong?" Mail asked with a soft sniff of the air, before looking up at Connor. A bright smile covering his face.

“Banavi gave you an Aranium; so when is the joining ceremony?" He asked putting down his pen, “Can I be you're tattooer?"

“Tattooer?" Connor asked as he stepped into the room, and sat on a small chair beside the desk.

“Banavi hasn't told you the ceremonial practices has he yet?" Mail questioned, Connor shook his head, “No… He'll probably go over everything when we have an actual date set but nothing so far."

“Oh, ok." Mail retracted as he went back to his note taking.

“But what is a tattooer?" Connor probed as the very mention of a tattoo made his brand itch.

“During a mating ceremony a distinguished family member draws a family crest on your body to grant permission and approval. It's normally the head of the household or a close brother or sister. Someone who knows you best." Mail explained, “It's one of the most important process, because you normally preform your oaths during the painting."

“Is it permanent?" Connor asked and Mail shook his head, “No… of course not. It's just silver line crystal paint that glows with the power of your soul. Painting the body with the family crest is meant to constitute a blending of lineages, that happens when you mate with each other afterwards." Mail explained putting down his pen, as Connor shook his head, as the mere mention of family stabbed his mind, and left his lips tasting copper and salt. “I'm probably going to let your mom do it if anyone." Connor evaded as he clenched his hand knowing he could never dare ask his real family to perform in the ceremony. His tension seeped into his fist, something he tried to disengage with a stiff thumb, and he tried to smile and change the topic as he hid his bound fingers.

“You know I was thinking lately, what do you know about magical tattoos? I know Mincridarins use them as brands, but are there other types of tattoos?" Connor asked to evade the topic of family, plus he was distinctly curious about the tattoos because of what happened to him in the infirmary.

“Well yes, of course, it's essentially runic magic you carve onto your body, some Mincridarins use it to enhance strength, improve mobility or recovery rates. While some mages use them to draw distinct paths for their magic so it can travel from one point of the body to the other without resistance. There are a lot of beneficial tattoos. Why?" Mail explained emphasizing his lecture with sweeping gestures with his pen.

“I was simply curious, I thought I saw a Mincridarn using magical tattoos when he was fighting. It was the first time I had ever seen someone with tattoos like that." Connor asked and Mail nodded.

“It used to be more common, but the art and practice died out with the Manarins centuries ago. Now for the most part it's just way to amplify the body." Mail explained as he clicked off his lamp.

“Manarins?" Connor questioned, Mail nodded and got up from his desk to grab a text book from the top shelf, it was leather bound, and the inside was filled with stone tiles written in dragon dialect. “Manarins, it's normally a way we refer to aquatic Mincridarins, Lilen Vos, is a Manarin. But in this case, were talking about the lost race."

“Lost race?" Connor repeated, finding himself deeply entranced in the stone carvings written in the old worn book, that Mail waved his hand over as if to flip a page, causing the text to change.

“Centuries ago, Manarins were once the primary Mincridarn civilization on Ecorein, they had cities that dotted the world, and mystically advanced. Their home land was once the unified conglomeration of islands in Matra's southern Isle. They are the people who perfected the art of Combat tattoos. Their tattoos were their armor as much as their weapons." Mail explained as he left a page out for Connor to examine of an aquatic Mincridarn wrapped in bands of light. But there was a Celtic kind of rigidness to the pattern, woven branches that spread across the body. “IF there so powerful what happened to them Mail?"

“The gods destroyed them." Mail answered as he flipped several pages to expose a page where it seemed like Heaven and the Abyss skewered the mortal realm to destroy the capital city, of the Manarins, in a horrifying cataclysm. “Long ago, something happened in the Manarin capital that the gods retaliated against, for their insolence the Manarin people were destroyed, their civilization erased from history, even amongst the draconic codex's. Overnight it was if every man women and child had never been born." Mail ominously explained as he flipped through the stone pages to expose divine retribution on the Manarin people. “Why would the gods do something like that?" Connor asked somewhat scared to hear the truth.

“No one knows, the only thing the gods left behind was a warning, “Don't open the Doors", Mages have long been speculating that these doors refer to the doors to the underworld. Because after the Manarins disappeared demons poured out of hell and into the mortal world, starting the War of Rising Darkness. One of the most terrifying wars that once brought about the destruction of Ecorein and Earth." Mail explained and Connor nodded, remembering something about Adestrians from Lilen.

“The war of rising Darkness is the reason why Adestrians are scared to come to earth right? Because there were trying to stop demons from spreading into our world?"

Mail nodded, “Not quite but, you're in the right area. The reason they don't get involved in human politics is because of legends and fear you humans have for their kinds, but regardless, Manarins were the first Mincridarins to develop tattoos and use them as magical amplifiers. Mages speculate that the use of painting family crests during the joining ceremony actually came from Manarin tradition that just persisted through the generations; because no one can actually explain where the painting actually came from, it's not really unique to any culture across Ecorein other than Manarins."

Connor nodded listening to the explanation, “So, what happened to the capital city?"

“No one knows, and the gods and spiritual beings won't talk about it. But it's said that the gods struck the city and all who lived their into the sea, where they became the monsters we fear today. No one really thinks they got turned into sea monsters, but it's a common story people tell to warn of the gods wrath and to never challenge them." Mail explained as he collapsed the book, before putting away.

“You know that kind of reminds me of Atlantis?" Connor added as Mail sat back down in his chair.

“Yes I've heard of your Atlantean myth. However many mages don't think it's real, unlike our reality there were no gods to destroy your sea and well we have proof of Manarin existence in our world, with ruins across the world. Mages just think it's an effect of the Mirroring process between our realities. A shared distortion in your history." Mail explained as he went back to his notes, while Connor blinked, trying to wrap his mind around everything that Mail unloaded on him, but after rubbing his head Connor looked at Mail.

“You know a lot about the Manarins."

“It was actually an essay I had to do for my fifth grade history exam, compare and contrast the Manarin legend and Atlantean myth." Connor wanted to comment on the advanced topic, but corrected himself because what would be the point, it seemed like Mincridarins just absorbed knowledge in comparison to humans? However from what Connor could understand, he saw the similarities in the decimated cities he had seen before in his vision's with Tethys, and that place he visited when he saved the turtle. So if he should ask anyone about the tattoos he saw it should probably be Tethys, and if its dangerous to expose them to other Mincridarins. However that would have to come later, instead Connor got up from the chair, “Thanks Mail, but I was wondering where you also keep your cleaning supplies.

“Oh, right, mom told me you were to clean the house. Laundry is in the basket in my closet, and all the cleaning supplies is in the laundry room. It's not too hard to find just take a second to look." Mail firmly directed pointing over his shoulder with his pen, his personality chilling as he gained more of a familiar rigidity. “Of course, thank you Mail. I'll get to doing your laundry right away."

“Don't forget Mom and dads, and Hammonds diapers needs to be washed too." Mail ordered as he went back to his textbook.

“Aright, do mind if I watch TV and fold laundry?"

“No, go ahead, just keep it quiet little dagger I'm trying to study for my science test." Mail waved off, and Connor nodded after grabbing the hamper from the closet, before shutting the bedroom door as he left.

The chores were drudged through, the familiar chemical burns ruined his sense of smell, and he sneezed as he dusted away the old residue leaving the beauty of hard wood and glass polished with oils and product. Connor labored till he was finely sweating, the armor burning his chest as it encapsulated the heat pouring from his skin and muscles. He panted behind shackled breaths the unfamiliar tension of the collar strained a muscle he didn't even know existed. Connor only finished when he smacked the last of dagia's panties into a soft stack in the drawer of her dresser. Sealing the soft garments away he took a breath and pulled at the cuff of the armor around his neck and tried to expel the heat as he relaxed, but that lasted but a moment as the soft whine of a cub whimpered out from the nursery.

“Connooor….I made an accident." Blue's words carried with a soft spoken cry, she was scared of getting in trouble, but in a way Connor had already expected the outcome thanks to the bottles he had been feeding her as he worked. The water and juices eventually had to end up somewhere; it just sucks that her accident happened not a second after he had finished everything already. Regardless he sighed and steadied himself on the polished dark wood dresser before walking to the nursery with a bright slave trained smile. Connor coddled the whimpering pup and lifted her up into his arms and walked her to the bathroom, whispering soft assurance as he stripped her of the wet pink onesie stained to magenta.

“Blueberry it's ok, let's just get you cleaned up."

“Cleaned up?" Blue whispered with a shy breath as she covered her breaths with a strange sense of modesty uncharacteristic of most Mincridarins. Though it did leave Blue looking vulnerable and soft, ears and tailed tucked between her legs, as her diaper dripped with excess, matting the fur along her thighs.

“I can clean myself Connor." Blue softly countered but Connor only folded up the onesie and draped it over a whicker hamper nearby, and leaned into the pup with his shoulder, “But do you really want to… Do you really want to risk smelling like pee when you go back to the barracks?" His soft words cut the wolf down as Blue retracted and turned away in shame. “Blueberry it's ok," Connor hugged from behind, his hands reaching down to grope her diaper, spreading the pungent warmth around her crotch. The droplets of piss froze in free fall between her legs as Blue moaned into Connor's ear, leaning into his shoulder, still hugging her breasts.

“Does blueberry need a break?" Connor cooed, “the naughty pup need to cum?" he continued to whisper into her turned ear, his fingers swirling between her legs, stirring up the piss in the padding, Connor's magic vibrating a soft pattern against her clitoris, and between the lips that he parted and massaged. The tension burned in the howled moan that escaped Blue's lips, her body crumpled into Connor's chest, her legs shook under the strain and she whimpered for more into Banavi's Aranium. The Collar rumbling with her approval, her ametrine eyes shimmered with tears that were pinched off and drained into her warm cheeks.

Connor probed deeper and spread her legs with fanned fingers that dipped into the stale mess, his thumbs folding up into the crook of the wispy wet leg guard. The awkward position pulled Blue deeper into Connor's chest, it left her vulnerable and she looked down at herself and blushed, embarrassment burned her soft scent and she started to sweat from the heat the shared in each other's company. Connor kissed the rim of her stiff ear as it flexed into his cheek, and it caused the softest shivering moan to spread up the spine, a shudder of pleasure that jostled the limp tail, that wagged in the parting moments afterwards.

“Please, I'm so close, let me cum." Blue begged in a hush whisper, her eyes asking for just as much. Connor couldn't help himself he had to obey the pup's pleading gaze. “Ok," Connor kissed, his middle and ring finger stroking up the wet V between her crumbling legs. The musty liquids beneath the padding vibrating with a new life that made the wolf moan in shock, and clutch at her own breasts as her legs folded. Connor hugged the collapsing female, as her body convulsed from the shock, her breath robbed by pleasure that shuddered through her body like an earthquake. Blue's eyes closed as if to sleep, and she nuzzled into Connor's neck, still very much limp and weak she let herself be guided to the shower where she was stripped of her undergarment and politely washed under a shower of warm water. She fumbled around weakly, her limbs flexing with ease as if an organic puppet that jostled around it's strings.

Connor teased Blue as he cleaned her loins, massaging the water into her valley to wash out all the stale residue, she whined in protest still sensitive from the climax, but didn't tell him to stop. She only turned away with a blush that collapsed her ears, and a smile exposed her white fangs.

After rinsing the suds from her fur and brushing the water out with soft hand gestures, Connor folded a new diaper between her legs, powdered and oiled, she smelled like a newborn, and was dragged into a new purple onesie and finally into the crib where she was set down for a nap. Blue cuddled with her action figure, draped in a small comforter. Connor sighed as he knew he wasn't done with cleaning as he looked at the mess she had left behind and quietly started to clean up after the tired pup, before washing down the bathroom for the second time, mainly to sanitize the floor and shower. Connor finished with a bottle of warm milk that he fed the suckling female until she was completely unconscious, he left her alone in the warm afternoon darkness, and smiled at the familiar feeling of being a caretaker. He had missed that part of his life, and he wished he could have done more, but it was time to leave, Connor needed to leave and make lunch.

So, after saying goodbye to his little brother who knew all too well what had happened and chose to feign ignorance, Connor left with a hug and gentle pat.

After returning home from, Connor was only spared a beating for being late by telling Banavi about his little escapade with Blue. His mate was all to happy to listen and sip on a cup of tea until Connor dipped into darker tones as he exposed the truth and told Banavi what Dagia and Atix had told him. Banavi didn't look it, he kept his resilient posture, but he did apologize for the omission, he was ashamed but hid it behind a smile that he shared with Connor. The two held each other as they finished tea, Banavi washing away Blue's scent with his petting before leaving Connor to enjoy his freedom for the rest of the day. Connor retired to his room and settled on his hammock staring at his broken computer across the way wishing he could play games like he used to, but that'd have to wait for a different day. For the moment he was just going to enjoy a long well-deserved nap, as he stared at the wavering leaves shaking in the mystic painted wind. The cool temperature in his room died down with the fading day.

Connor only woke up to the sound of an alarm clock that he had never set, an auspicious warning probably left behind by Banavi, telling him to get up and cook dinner. Taking the hint and swinging himself out of bed Connor walked to the living room and found Banavi listening to the news. His body slumped over the coffee table as he wrote up reports with what seemed like a special quill tip pen. It wasn't until Connor leaned over the table that he realized they were hand written wedding invitations, the sight alone causing Connor to jump forward, feeling obligated to help or do something. “Sir, did you finish setting up the joining ceremony while I was gone?"

“No, but I did set a date with the tribunal, we'll hold our joining ceremony during the fall harvest." Banavi answered as he reached out to drag Connor to the couch and kiss his cheek. “I hope that's not a problem." Banavi subtly warned with a narrow gaze, clearly not wanting to edit any of his work.

“No, of course not Banavi. I don't know how to set up a wedding, but this is 'our' joining ceremony I want to be involved." Connor countered after returning the kiss. Banavi smiled, “I thought as much, don't worry I was going to ask for your help soon enough. I want this to be a culturally shared ceremony, so human and Mincridarn traditions."

“Does this mean we have to go get suits at different times… it's kind of a bad omen to see the “bride" in their 'wedding dress'." Connor joked as he picked up one of the invitations, it was written in Enos, the Mincridarn tongue.

“Ahh, human superstition, what other rituals do you humans have?" Banavi asked as he capped the pen. Connor handed back the invitation, somewhat at a loss for words, “You know Banavi I don't really know. That's kind of like the biggest one, that everyone jokes around with, but weddings are normally white, it's a symbol for purity and all kinds of stuff. Wedding toasts, vows, grooms men and bridesmaids, the bachelor party." Connor listed counting on his fingers, somewhat smiling at himself as he remembers more than he thought, before shaking his head. “But we can talk about that later, who are you inviting to the wedding?"

“The newopo's, if you're going to share their last name then the head of the linage should at least be there. I'm also inviting Woria's closest relatives, parents, siblings. They'll want to meet you." Banavi answered as he stole the letter back with a swift gesture before laying it down on top of everything else. “Is that really appropriate?" Connor asked anxiously, his comment causing Banavi to stare back in confusion.

“Connor, blood doesn't determine family, it's title. I'm a Newopo now, the Newopo's are my family. I was joined into their family when Woria and I became mates. It might be a little confusing for humans but family trees aren't based on blood relatives there based on a shared title, and a transition between them. It's normally an honor to marry into an old family title, or lineages with long histories, because it means that the family is strong and that they have survived because the heads of the house choose matters carefully and lived through battles. You have to treat each family title kind of like a noble blood line." Banavi explained as he picked up a cup of tea and his legs as he leaned back on the couch, sitting cross legged he sipped. “I married out of my family title Connor, Woria's parents are just as much my parents as my birth parents, even more so since I took their name. They aren't considered in-laws, as you humans would refer to them, they are my parents. They are my Father and Mother."

“If there that important, shouldn't I, don't know, maybe, meet them first? We've had to do all this joining and marital stuff really fast because of the tribunal's orders. Not that I mind sir, I love you, I just don't want to rush anything, especially when I should be building a relationship with your family too." Connor exhaled and Banavi held Connor's hand, “That's fine Connor, but that's going to be very hard. My family lives mostly in Ecorein, Woria's father, my father, is a high ranking guard for Mincara, and my mother is a Master Mage, she's constantly busy with obeying the Council of Seven's Commands. I've only met her once since I moved to Vegas, and we barely spoke for more than a couple hours. But if meeting my parents is important for you, then I'll try and work something out, but don't expect anything, I'm not a miracle worker." Banavi agreed before going back to his tea.

“But what about your family; do you think you'll invite anyone to the joining?"

Connor shuddered under the idea and shook his head, imagining his father would more likely commit suicide then watch his blood get married to a Mincridarn; and his mind fell silent on his mom since he didn't really know what she had thought of everything. She had her grievances, but she wasn't a zealot like Connor's father. She hated magic more than anything, Mincridarins just get lumped into it because they're the primary magical forces on Earth. “I don't think it's a good idea, the only person I'd ever invite would probably be Aron… and he's dead."

“No distant relatives?"

“No not really, before the soul bursts my family moved around a lot because of military stuff, so I never really got to meet my grand parents or any one on either side of my family. I remember some uncles and my grand parents, but I don't know them well enough to invite them to something this important. It might not be a good idea anyways, my grand parents were always distinctly religious, they weren't “Down with the Gays, may they all burn in hell" kind of people, but there not really fond of the LGTB community; and I don't really know about anyone else. It's most likely that I'll end up marrying into the Newopo's like you did." Connor sighed and Banavi reached out to rub Connor's back.

“That's ok, there is nothing wrong with that. But if that's that case I can see why you want to me my parents first. Don't worry, I'm sure the Newopo's will love you. Many Newopo's were once slaves, you'll have a lot of common ground with some of my siblings, even Woria was once a slave. So our relationship won't skew anything, however if you want to look like the best possible mate you will have to prove you're a capable fighter, magical or physical. Understand?" Banavi assured and Connor nodded, thankful for Banavi's understanding but he was still nervous about the whole circumstance he didn't want to marry into another family that'd hate him.

“But regardless how many people are coming? Do we have a big enough place for the ceremony?" Connor asked seeing the stack of invitations.

“It'll be big enough, joining ceremonies tend to be great ordeals, especially with high ranking members of the family."

“High ranking members?" Connor questioned and Banavi nodded, “My father, Granos, is the son of Serros, the head of the household. So if we are to be joined that would make you a direct descendant of Granos, and a possible head of the house if he dies. So members of several branch houses are going to be in attendance, so from my side of the family alone, I'm expecting easily between forty to fifty family members. Not including friends, from work, Ecorein, and here in Nevada. So, in total I'm expecting seventy or so attendees. Which is why I want to finish writing these invitations as soon as possible." Banavi so simply answered, but such a colossal number left Connor dizzy, and partially empty because there was no way he could come close to that kind of number with the amount of people he knew well enough to invite.

“Really?" Connor asked, and Banavi nodded, “Yes, joinings are huge family events. Depending on the size of the family, and position in the family. But Connor, I can feel you're nervous and it's ok. When I first married into the Newopo's I didn't invite my family either. I had a small handful of friends that I invited, so don't feel obligated to just drag out names from your past, to fill up seats. We're being joined, not our friends and families." Banavi tried to assure, but Connor was still left very unsettled because the reality of the situation was slowly seeping in, and it felt like a colossal leap forward, and it didn't feel like there was a floor beneath his feet anymore, and he didn't know if he was going to fall or find purchase on the other side.

“Ok, I get it. Thank you sir… I'm going to go make dinner, want anything?" Connor asked mainly just to retreat from the conversation. Banavi sighed and shook his head, “Something simple please, and Connor… you can tell me anything. I know you're feeling a little scared, we're bound together."

“I know sir, I love you…" Connor relented with a heavy breath and leaned back on the couch. “It's just I'm twenty-four years old. Never in my dreams did I think I'd be going through something like this. Yeah my parents got married right around my age, but it also feels like it's a giant skip forward in time. I didn't think I'd get married till I was thirty or forty years old, I never thought I'd find someone like you."

Banavi smiled, and laughed with his eyes, but he reached out to rub Connors thigh, “Life is strange, but I want you to feel comfortable too. This special life we share its not necessarily normal, and our relationship was forced to go to places that would normally take time to reach. But we'll be ok, we have each other's back. Just take a breath and smile, enjoy life."

“I know, I just feel nervous about meeting most of your family on the day we get married. You say there cool, but joining at such a high level. I'm just some weak human, will the branch families see it as a ploy to get power? Or that I'm using you, will they hate me because I'm so weak? In comparison to a Mincridarn?" Connor vented and Banavi took a breath.

“Connor, there is always a little bit of politics when it comes to large families, but you're not marrying into royalty. You're marrying into a family of guards, and soldiers. You're marrying into a linage that already persists your own family. Plus no one ever said we were going to inherit the family title, someone could easily challenge me for it, and win it in a battle. There will be a lot and it'll be overwhelming for a couple of days, but one day at a time." Banavi finished trying to impose a smile that Connor weakly shared, before dragging the human closer. “Do you need some cuddle time?"

“Yes please." Connor formally accepted as he fell onto Banavi who easily bore his entire weight, putting down his cup of tea, Banavi wrapped his arms around Connor and laid down on the couch holding the human close, and petting his head gently. “Love you sir,"

“I know Connor, I love you too." Banavi chuckled as he took a deep breath and relaxed with Connor wrapped tightly in his embrace.