======Love, Community, and Future======

Almost a year has passed since the return of the sun.

Goddess Tephra has proven herself to be a steady guardian. She curbed her violence outbursts and replaced them with open curiosities. Like a child, Tephra spent most of her time learning and visiting new places all around her own domain, bonding with anyone that she crossed paths with.

This has led to a much more popular annual worshipping ceremony at the Mount Incisor. Volgeckos of all tribes and agents of the Fort attended the ceremony as equals. Tephra only claimed a modest amount of ore and food items for her own consumption, leaving the rest to be shared with the attendees. 

Fort personnel can be seen dining with Volgeckos.
 
Adorning a more appropriate ceremonial garb, Angus, now a production manager for the Fort’s blacksmithing department, stands tall next to his lover, Serenity, who has also adorned a similar outfit. They were invited to sit with Keahi and Alana at the Volgecko chieftains’ table up at the front.
 
During the ceremony, Tephra used the occasion to celebrate her freedom and the new-found peace in the world. She mentions names of people who had given her a second chance, and those who had supported her efforts in proving herself.

Alana, Lady Hope, Pika, and Angus were mentioned. A jubilant cheer can be heard following the mentioning of Angus’ name. 

In return, he stands up and bows deeply at Tephra, who laughs happily and gives a wink with her blazing eyes in return.

When the celebration is over, after the guests have feasted to their fill, people begin to depart the venue.

Instead of taking the horse carriage with Keahi, Serenity proposes a hiking trip back to the fort. 

“Care to join us, Keahi? Just like the good old times”

Serenity has spotted a nice prairie that has grown alongside the newly constructed road on her way to the ceremony. Such an ecosystem has just been recently found -- a part of Tephra’s unique approach to developing her domain by allowing plants and wildlife to take hold of the land that used to be lava rivers and rocky plains.

“Oh you two… this is clearly your private time. Plus, I might puke if I catch you two kissing again.”

Keahi teasingly nudges Angus with his elbow, and turns to give Serenity a goodbye hug before departing. The Castellan has more duties than ever now that the Fort is accepted as a part of Lizard’s Fangs society. There is no time for Keahi to go frolicking in the field with his old friends. 

Besides, he still feels a little iffy about the public intimacy that is occasionally shown by the love birds.

As Angus and Serenity set out, the steady cool breezes and the bright shining sun welcome them into the perfect hiking weather. It is now afternoon, and the sun is moving closer to the western edge of the sky.

They are half way home now, approaching Mount Molar.

The blasted volcanic side of Mount Molar has now been reclaimed by a grassy prairie. The barren rocky surfaces have turned into green patches of grasses and small bushes of hearty plants. Squirrels, hares, and small birds can be seen along the walk, dipping in and out of their covers while chirping and singing a happy song of nature.

The blades of the grasses can be seen swaying gently in the breeze, creating a meditative hum that contrasts with the site of devastation and death just a year ago.

“Can we sit here…?”

Serenity speaks up all of sudden as they gently squeeze Angus’ hand.

Angus turns to them, before looking around to find an appropriate spot to sit.

A rocky clearing beneath a standing bounder has a nice dry and shaded area. 

No one is around, too. Just them and the animals prowling the fertile field.

What a perfect spot.

He leads them down the hilly trail, holding their hands while leaping over small crevices, before sitting down next to them in the shade beneath the standing rock.

Angus puts his arm around Serenity, pulling them close. Serenity, in response, rests their head against Angus’s burly shoulder.

Serenity remains quiet for some time, watching the symphony of movements in the grass and the gentle smoke billowing from the distant volcano.

Angus leans down to kiss their head from time to time. The hint of smoked wood with a note of tobacco and rosemary mixed in with Serenity’s usual odor gave Angus’ heart a bit of stimulation.

Then the idle conversation starts. 

It begins with the food they ate that day. Things she enjoyed at the feast. The weird look she got at the elder’s table. The interesting conversation she had with Alana.

Then it moves to Angus’ day. The weird sensation of proudness he felt when Tephra personally thanked him at the ceremony. The comradery he felt with the Volgeckos and his old coworkers in the last few months. 

Serenity then asks about Angus’ work at the Fort. Though they live together, Serenity has retired from her post, and opted to work in a nearby farm.

Thus, Angus updates them on his current project, which is tinkering with the black ore from the Sky Islands. He just finished creating special mechanical parts for Wax’s aircraft construction, which relies heavily on the strength and light weight of the ore. Angus also talks of other possible uses for this light-weight light-absorbing metal, such as heat-resistant tools, room-darkening balls for better sleep, and light-absorbing panels which could be used to store heat during the night.

His speech is suddenly interrupted as he feels Serenity’s hand squeezing and massaging his thigh. The Mydlin is looking up at him. Her eyes are half-closed, and implying something.

A request for intimacy? Angus huffs before gently patting her head and plays with her hair.

Recently he has noticed that Serenity has been much braver at showing their feelings and initiating affectionate acts. It has been a while since they have started, and they've finally come out of their shell.

Angus takes a quick look around, checking for their privacy, before leaning down.

He plants a gentle kiss on her forehead before moving down to her juicy lips.

His hand reaches up to gently hold the back of her head as they share affections that have been brewing since the start of the day.

Serenity’s hands are busy caressing his back. The warmth of her body beneath his.

Perhaps the rebuilding of Lizard’s Fangs will have to take a hiatus, as Angus and Serenity will be too busy exploring the love they have for each other for a while.