Chapter 6 ~ The Father and the Daughter

                                    

                                          
The scent of roses and saffron enveloped Mara as familiar arms eagerly pulled her into an embrace, holding her tightly. Mara felt tears cascade from her eyes as she clung to Killian. 
"Father," Mara whispered, closing her eyes to allow the familiarity to surround her, the sensation of touch accompanied by the fragrant perfume that proved it really was her father. She held him close, feeling her tears drip onto the thick fabric of his trench coat. She missed him so much, the long absence a void that was finally filled. 
Killian was overjoyed, unable to stop crying as he exclaimed, "My beloved daughter! You're here! You're finally here!" He kept crying, withholding no emotion from her. He pulled back slightly so he could see her face, as tear-streaked as his. His hands gently cradled her face, drying the tears from her eyes, though the tears kept falling like a rushing waterfall with no dam to regulate the flow. 
After all those years, they finally reunite. 
"At last," Killian murmured, kissing the top of Mara's head. "You are home." 
Mara was confused. "Wait, so you're not being held captive by this fairy?" 
Killian laughed merrily, his face like bright sunshine after a rain. "Ireyna is my wife. She was just looking out for me." He smiled warmly at Ireyna, stretching his arm out to include her in the hug. "Thank you for bringing my daughter to me, love." 
The cautious guardedness fell from Ireyna's face as she relaxed in Killian's hug. Her purple glow faded, retreating within herself. Her wings lowered behind her as Killian moved back, releasing his daughter and his wife from his embrace. 
Mara stared at Ireyna, looking back and forth from Killian to Ireyna. "You're married?" she asked Killian, surprised to learn this information. 
"Happily," Killian confirmed, pulling Ireyna close and kissing her. "She is the one for me." 
Ireyna turned to Mara, saying apologetically, "I'm sorry for not trusting you earlier. I trust you now." 
Before they could say anything further, both women were ushered into the home, the door shutting behind them. Killian resumed hugging Mara and Ireyna, excited to finally see his daughter again. He was beyond pleased that it was his wife that brought her to him. 
Mara turned to Ireyna, saying, "You're married to my father, so that would make you my – "
"Don't say the word!" Ireyna interrupted hastily. "We are strangers to each other, and I have never been a mother nor do I have any children, so please, simply call me Ireyna." 
Mara was surprised by her startled interruption, but she appreciated Ireyna's directness. "Ireyna," she repeated, trying out the name as if tasting a new kind of dessert. "As you know, I'm Killian's daughter Mara." 
"You are the exact image of your father," Ireyna said, smiling at the close resemblance. "Would you like some tea?" 
Ireyna went towards the kitchen, reaching for a shimmery purple treasure chest containing different tea blends. Ireyna selected Killian's favorite blend consisting of black Ceylon tea, red rose petals and saffron, with hints of blackberry and tiramisu. 
Killian placed a hand on Mara's back, leading her towards the small dining room table. He pulled out her chair and waited until she was seated before moving to the chair across from her. As Ireyna heated the water and prepared the tea, Killian leaned forward, excited and happy to be with his daughter again. He felt this was the most joyous day ever, aside from his wedding day. 
"Ireyna knows the best tea blends," Killian told Mara, his signature scent of roses and saffron richly perfuming the air. "Her tea is the most splendid enjoyment."