#odyssey

Gwen overheard Niamh reassuring one of the kin, “No, no one would have known to tell you to look for purple icing. I promise, he will not be upset.”

"THERE We go" Gwen says and does a arm pump in the air

"Oh right! Arcturus is bear!"

“Just like Arthur.” He grins, not letting go just yet.

"Well, yeah." She closes her eyes, her head against his shoulder. "You feel... better? Centered?"

She can feel his heartbeat quicken just a touch. He swallows, and nods. “I feel… like myself. More myself then I have been. Does that make sense?”

She nods. "It absolutely does. Like - you don't even realize what things were missing, until they're there."

"Do I get in on this hug stuff anytime this year or is Thistle getting a monopoly here? "

“Like it was right in front of me, but just out of reach.” He responds, then his ear tips go a bit red. “Of course, Gladiola - “ He releases Thistle, stepping back with a touch of regret.

She steps back, spirals glowing that particular shade of coral - between pink and orange - that Art alone seems to bring out.

Citrine flits to Thistle’s shoulder and gives a strand of green hair a tug! Jealous little thing.

Gwen is actually pleased, and picks the Squire up in a bear hug, "Arthur, you've been amazing. This was Thistle's challenge, but I think she'd agree you're in the running for MVP" SQUISH but she sets him down prety quickly, right back next to Thistle

He manages not to squeak at the hug, like one of Ivan’s toys!

"What?" A look at the Never.

“It was all of our Challenge, because neither of us would have let Thistle down, nor dreamed of leaving the island without her sister.” Art smiles.

Chime! Indignant.

Niamh, who is still standing by, innocently suggests, “I think she wants you to get to the cake.”

"Amen to that," A smile, then at mention of the cake "And Cake"

Three layers of cake, a decadent Tahitian vanilla, rich dark chocolate, and sweet, subtle red velvet, all with cream cheese frosting!

"Oh, it does look amazing, doesn't it?"

"I did promise you sweets."

“It does. All the colors.” He is perhaps looking at Thistle, and her rainbow dress.

CHIME!

“Come, celebrate!” Janice waves them over, a babe in the crook of her arm, and her mother at her side, Frankie waiting by the cake, and Greg, laughing, as he offers to Rock Paper Scissors a Selkie for the honor of cutting the cake.

"Oh wow," Gwen looks to the cooks (or those who ordered them) "Thank you so much, " A look around "All around really. "

"Coming!"

Later, they will have goodbyes and travel, and return to Silverwolf and all that entails. But right now, tonight? They have the stars, the sea, a grateful mixed family and Selkie clan - and most importantly, good friends, and CAKE.