Page 80 of Grulen

“Son.I’m relieved to see you hale and hearty.”Nurin extended his arm for a warrior’s clasp.Rivezt stood quietly behind him.

Grulen frowned.

“I’m sorry I don’t remember you.”He held onto his father’s forearm.

“Yet, my son.You don’t remember me yet.The healers are confident you will in time.”Nurin pulled his son close and hugged him tightly for a long moment.Tears filled his eyes when he stepped back.“Even if you never do, you are alive and well.That is what is important to me.”He turned to Morgan.“And who is this?”

“Morgan Calloway, a friend of Grulen’s.”She held out her hand.

Instead of a handshake, Nurin kissed the top of her hand lightly.Oh, my, he’s a charmer like his son.

“Lady Morgan, it is wonderful to meet you.”

“Won’t you come in and sit?I made some snacks if you’re hungry.”

“I would love to if Grulen finds that acceptable.”

“Of course.”Grulen’s tail touched her back.

They moved into the living area.Grulen led her to a couch and sat close to her.His father rested across from them while the healer took a seat just outside their triangle.He must not want to interrupt their reunion.

“I’m not sure what to say.”Grulen’s tail wound around her ankle and his elbows rested on his knees with his fingers laced together.

“I am happy to answer any questions you may have or share memories if you want.Whatever is most comfortable for you.”Nurin leaned forward.“I don’t want to overwhelm you.”

“Truthfully, information isn’t an issue for me.Frustration at not being able to recall is.”

“Maybe you can share events since you woke up instead.I have always enjoyed knowing what is happening in your life.”

Grulen relaxed and relayed much of what he did after waking on theMorning Star.Morgan hadn’t known some of it.She listened eagerly to his stories and his father asking questions.Her heart lifted as she watched them become more comfortable and noticed the similarities in some of their speech patterns and body language.The males had a good relationship before the accident, I’m sure of it.They’ll be close again.

When Nurin began telling tales of Grulen’s early childhood, the love for his entire family shone brightly.He spoke of his wife and daughters and their interactions with Grulen, his only son.Laughter rang out at some of the more outrageous shenanigans his children engaged in.Even Rivezt chuckled from his offset chair.

Nurin’s expression turned somber.

“In some ways, I envy you at this moment, Grulen.You don’t remember our grief when we lost all of them to the virus.So much promise and love gone within days of each other.”Surreptitiously, he wiped a tear from his eye.“If it weren’t for you, I’m not sure I would have survived their deaths long.”

Grulen reached out and squeezed his father’s hand.

“I want the memories, even the pain.From what you’ve said, they deserve the honor of remembrance.”

“You have always had a solid heart.No sire could be prouder of his son than I.”

Oh, shit.I think I’m going to cry.

Needing a moment to collect herself, she rose to get the prepared snacks.Thankfully, both males had moved on to general conversation by the time she returned.

Several times during his father’s visit, Grulen’s tail moved to caress her absently.

When he rose to leave, Nurin said, “When you are ready, I would like to take you to Nestune and show you where you grew up.”

Rivezt spoke for the first time.

“I think it’s best if you wait several days before you schedule a trip, Jevax.Let today’s information settle and see if it prompts any memories.Pushing too hard or too fast could impede your progress.”

Grulen nodded and tentatively hugged his father.

“Thank you for being patient with me.When the healers approve it, we will gladly accompany you to Nestune.”

---