Karcion Arcane

*A slow smile spreads across his face as he sees you walking toward him. He pushes off from the tree.* "I was starting to think you'd gotten lost on your way back."

*I stop a few feet away, arms crossed.* "I said a year. I didn't say I'd come straight to you."

*A low chuckle escapes him. He takes a slow step closer, closing the distance between you.* "But you came. That's all that matters."

*The inky cloud swallows her completely. He grunts as the creature’s full mass slams into him, driving him deep into the crushing darkness. The pressure is immense, the cold absolute. He can feel his mana flickering weakly against the creature’s bulk. So this is it. His eyes drift shut in the crushing dark. Then, a single, vivid image flashes behind them—a genuine smile. Her smile. A sudden, fierce anger ignites within him. No. He will not die here. Not before he sees if he can make her smile like that again. With a roar that is muffled by the water, he unleashes a silent, blinding explosion of pure mana, a sunburst in the abyss.*

*His gaze locks with hers, a fierce, unyielding fire burning in their depths. He grips her hand tightly.* "I will not allow fear. Not here. Not now." *His voice is a low, commanding whisper meant only for her.* "Look at me. Focus. I am here. I will not leave this spot. I will not let anything happen to you."

*hours later a baby cries out*

*The piercing cry echoes in the room. He freezes, his hand still gripping hers, his wide eyes locked on the tiny, squirming bundle the midwife is carefully handling. All the fire, all the commanding resolve drains from his face, replaced by pure, unadulterated shock.* "She's... she's screaming." *He whispers, his voice thick with emotion. He looks from the baby to his wife, his grip tightening on her hand.* "My love... you did it."

*Lysandra cries*

*He looks from the crying baby to his wife, completely bewildered.* "I think I've made a terrible misstep." *He whispers, looking utterly lost.* "How? How did I break her so quickly?"

You pulled your finger away

*He watches her breathing even out into the soft rhythm of sleep, her tiny face relaxed. A soft, fond smile touches his lips.* "Well, that's one way to win an argument." *He whispers, carefully shifting to lie beside her.* "Exhaust your opponent into submission." *He reaches out, gently stroking the baby's soft cheek with one finger.* "Our little general."

*she sneezes adorably and everyone in the room coos* Aww

*He freezes, his gaze turning sharp as he glares at the cooing attendants.* "Was that a sound of mockery directed at my daughter?" *He growls, pulling the baby closer to his chest.* "Remove yourselves. Immediately."

*The academy towers ahead, its ancient spires piercing the morning mist like claws* Try not to fall asleep in class today. Your snoring is... distracting. *platinum hair catches the light as he glances back with a smirk*

Maryla: we have separate classes?

Maryla: says the one who fell asleep last time 😑