[023] OOM - The truth about his birth

[tristranthorn]

Tristran can vaguely remember the Seventh Magpie being so crowded -- it's happened only once before in his lifetime, and he had been very young then. When he makes his way back through the bar, he has to move carefully, weaving his way past people -- Wall-folk and other strangers alike -- eating (lambchops, bacon, mushrooms, fried eggs, black pudding) and drinking (ale, mead, lager) to reach the exit.

The conversation had gone strangely. Or - well. It went a lot more differently than he ever would have expected it to have gone. His original vision of this fateful day was as follows:
He would get himself back into Wall with a celestial rock in his pocket and find Victoria at her house. Or maybe in front of it (it didn't really matter so much, so long as she was there). He would bend down on one knee before her and reveal the star to her in a gallant fashion like some grand hero. And she would beam and giggle and smile at him. She would wrap her arms around him and he would kiss her and ask her to marry him and they would live happily ever after from then on.

Now, everything is different. Now not only is that dream far away, but it is nonexistent. And the very thought makes him unimaginably happier than he would have believed many months ago. Imagine being stuck here -- in some place where he really doesn't belong -- with Victoria, knowing she would never truly be happy with him. And he with her. He realizes now, quite clearly, that he really could never be happy with all of the things he once wanted. It was all a dream, an ideal his foolish mind had woven because he was young and infatuated and silly.

He is now a man, and he is a man in love. It just so happened to go all -- well, wrong (unplanned), and unexpected (a complete surprise) and ... strangely, he doesn't mind at all. His heart feels lighter.

He wants to tell her. He wants to shout it to the world --

"Tristran."

As he whirls around, his eyes land on a man far older than him rising as they meet eyes. He comes over to younger man and clasps him on the shoulder without speaking.

It is Tristran who breaks the silence. "Father," he says. "You -- you look good."

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[tristranthorn]

Tristran laughs, but his throat is full of emotion. He pulls his sister closer and gives her a hug.

"I believe I've grown out of most of that, anyway," he tells her, then kisses her cheek affectionately. (Not to say that would ever stop Yvaine though.)

He lets go of her, then turns to his parents, heart swelling with gratitude.

"Dad. Mum. Thank you - for everything."

[nosequels.livejournal.com]

"You're most welcome," Daisy replies, smiling now, even though the edges might be a bit teary. It's what she does, of course, it wouldn't make sense any other way.

Dunstan nods once more, and if his eyes aren't precisely clear no one is really going to call him on it.

"That's what we're here for."

[tristranthorn]

He begins to get to his feet.

It's really ... really time to go, now. He's said all he's had to say, and he isn't sure that he can stay any longer without reverting to his six-year-old self (which might entail some salty discharge).

He waits for his family to do the same.

[nosequels.livejournal.com]

They rise from the table easily enough, Louisa taking his arm and their parents following along after.

"I do hope she keeps you in line, Tristran," she says, knocking him playfully with her hip as they walk. "Or else I will have to speak with her when you come to visit."

A stern poke to his arm.

"And you'd better come visit."

[nosequels.livejournal.com]

"Don't threaten your brother," she adds as they reach the door. "You'll make him change his mind."

She steps forward, brushing off the front of his coat and fussing for a few moments before leaning up to kiss his forehead.

"Now take care of yourselves."

[tristranthorn]

"I will visit," he promises, patting Louisa's hand before she lets go of him. "I want you all to meet Yvaine."

Then quickly, he hugs his mother - a bit tightly, and as full of gratitude as he can manage into it. To let her know that he loves her. He really always had.

And then he pulls back and holds his hand out to his father.

[nosequels.livejournal.com]

He takes the hand with a careful sort of solemnity, shaking it once with a firm nod before letting out a laugh and tugging his son forward into a strong, firm hug.

"Don't take too much care," he says, low enough that only they can hear. "Or you'll miss out on all of the really good things."

[tristranthorn]

Tristran hugs his father back, nodding.

"Thank you, dad," he returns, voice just as low. He's sure his father will know exactly what he means, what he is thanking him for.

Then straightening and clearing his throat once more, he smiles at his family. He isn't sure when he'll see them next, but he's at least quite certain that it won't be for a little while.

"Well, I guess I'd better be off."

[nosequels.livejournal.com]

Louisa has latched herself neatly to her mother's arm now and the both of them nod, murmuring quiet affirmatives and not making any move to leave the front steps for the inside of the house.

Dunstan flashes a grin, wide and knowing, "Got stars to catch then, Tristran Thorn."

[tristranthorn]

Tristran returns the grin. Then readjusting his coat, he begins to take the necessary steps forward to set him off in the right direction.

This is it.

He turns once and waves, standing still for a moment as he memorizes every part of the house, the garden, the windows and of course, his family standing by the door. He lets out a breath.

And then he turns once more towards the road leading him away from all the familiar things he's ever known.

Off to find his star.