A homecoming of hearts
In the vibrant realm of Ashenvale, where magic wove through the air like a gentle breeze, two unlikely companions stepped into the heart of a bustling tiefling village. Meris, a young purple tiefling warlock, returned to his hometown after two decades. His mismatched eyes—one black, the mark of a pact with a dark power, and the other a warm yellow—shone with a mix of nostalgia and apprehension. Beside him stood Zenobio, or Zeno for short, a seasoned human barbarian with a formidable presence. At 6'7", his muscular frame and the scars etched into his dark tanned skin told tales of battles fought and won, though he bore the burden of a lost arm.
As they approached a large house, the sounds of laughter and lively chatter spilled through the windows, illuminating the night. Meris hesitated at the door, taking a breath to steady his nerves. With a gentle push, he opened it, revealing a vibrant gathering of tieflings in all hues—reds, blues, pinks, and purples—celebrating a family reunion.
“Meris! My darling brother, there you are!” A towering pink tiefling woman rushed over, enveloping him in a tight embrace. Her name was Afza, his younger sister, and she was a force of warmth and enthusiasm.
“Afza, hi!” Meris managed, squirming out of her grip while Zeno stood awkwardly beside him.
“Uh, Zenobio, this is my sister Afza. Sis, this is my… um, my friend.” Meris looked away, a hint of shyness coloring his cheeks.
“Friend, huh?” Afza teased, extending her hand to Zeno, only to realize his missing limb. “Oh shit, sorry!” she exclaimed, quickly switching hands to shake his right. “Nice to meet you, big guy.”
“Nice to meet you,” Zeno replied, his stern demeanor softening slightly.
“Where’s Mama?” Meris asked, scanning the room.
“Oh, she’s in the kitchen helping meemaw with cooking!” Afza waved dismissively, but Meris was already pulling Zeno along, eager to find his family.
They navigated through the bustling crowd until they reached a cozy kitchen, where a dark blue tiefling woman rushed over and hugged Meris. “Oh my gosh, I’ve missed you, baby! Who’s this handsome young man?” she cooed, looking at Zeno.
“This is my… friend Zenobio,” Meris said again, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
“Nice to meet you, dear,” she said, giving Zeno a warm hug. “Sorry about that, Zeno. She’s very huggy,” Meris chuckled, his eyes sparkling with affection.
“Let’s go find your father,” his mother suggested, and with a firm grip on his arm, she pulled him through the crowd, Zeno trailing behind like a loyal shadow.
In a separate room, Meris’s father, a red tiefling, stood up and embraced him. “Hey, kiddo,” he said with a proud smile.
“Hey, Dad,” Meris replied, not fully returning the hug, his heart heavy with mixed emotions.
“Zeno, this is my dad and my little sister,” Meris introduced.
“Guys, this is Zenobio.” Zeno offered a small wave, still feeling out of place.
After a short while, Meris led Zeno to the kitchen, where his meemaw, a delicate pink rose-colored tiefling, was rolling out dough. “Hi, meemaw!” he greeted, pulling her into a gentle embrace.
“Meris, hi honey! Who’s this? Your boyfriend?” she asked playfully, her eyes twinkling.
“Meemaw!” Meris blushed, glancing at Zeno. “I mean, yes, he is, but let’s keep it on the down low for now.”
With a knowing smile, she nodded. “Alright, deary. You two want to help me bake?”
They spent hours in the kitchen, laughter mingling with the sweet aroma of baking treats. Zeno, though initially reserved, found joy in the simple act of creating something together.
The next morning, Zeno awoke in Meris’s bed, the warmth of their shared moment lingering in the air. “Morning, dummy,” Meris said, adjusting his long black hair as he sat up. “Get up.” He planted a light kiss on Zeno’s cheek, a gesture that sent warmth flooding through Zeno’s chest.
“Come downstairs when you’re dressed,” Meris called, and Zeno couldn’t help but smile as he prepared for the day.
At the large dining table, surrounded by family, Meris cleared his throat, the weight of the moment settling over him. “Okay, everyone…I wanted to tell you something.” Silence fell, all eyes on him. “Zeno here, he’s not my friend…he’s my boyfriend. And, well, two months ago, he proposed, so I guess he’s my fiancé now.”
He held up his hand, showcasing the ring that sparkled in the morning light.
A moment of stunned silence followed, then Afza was on her feet, rushing over to hug him. “I’m so happy for you, Browskie!” she exclaimed.
Sarza, Afza’s fiancée, clapped her hands in delight. “Oh my gosh, yay!”
Meris’s meemaw beamed with pride. “Always knew you were for the men,” she said, winking at Zeno.
However, amidst the joy, Meris’s father gestured for Zeno to step aside. “Look, you seem like a nice kid, but if you hurt my son, I swear to the gods,” he warned, his tone serious.
“I know, and I would never hurt Meris. I love him,” Zeno replied, his voice steady and sincere.
“Just don’t hurt him,” his father said, returning to the dining room, leaving Zeno in the empty drawing room.