Tale of a Hedonistic wizard

She turned to look at him—really look at him, taking in the lines around his eyes. He was right, of course. They weren't the same people they had been all those years ago. And yet...

"Do you ever regret it?" she asked suddenly, needing to know.

Jaegar shook his head without hesitation. "Never," he said firmly. "What we shared, Fiona... It was beautiful. How could I regret that?"

Before Fiona could respond, they were interrupted by the approaching familiar voices.

Pierre, Jennifer, and Sarah were making their way towards their table, their faces bright with the lingering joy of the wedding.

"Mother, Jaegar," Pierre called out as they drew near. "Mind if we join you?"

Fiona straightened in her chair, composing herself with the ease of long practice. "Of course not, darling," she replied, her voice warm and steady. "We were just reminiscing about old times."

Pierre looked at them sceptically, but he just ignored it for the moment.

As the younger trio pulled up chairs, joining them at the table, Fiona watched the interplay between them all with a mixture of love and wonderment.

Pierre, her beautiful boy, was now a man grown and newly married.

Jennifer, radiant with happiness, was already feeling like a daughter to her.

Sarah, Jennifer's sister, held onto her sister's hand and followed her along. She was beaming with smiles as she looked at Jaegar, like he was some sort of star.

And Jaegar. Fiona watched as he interacted with Pierre and saw the easy affection between them despite their complicated history. There was no awkwardness, no lingering resentment.

Just love, respect, and a bond that went beyond simple definitions of family.

Sometimes, the people who love you are right in front of us, but we fail to notice them, and it was the same for Jaegar right now. Pierre and Jennifer were two people who were his best well wishers, and Fiona, after talking to her, felt like she had grown to attach to him in a way that was unexpected but comforting. Jaegar realized that family isn't always about blood, but about the people who choose to stand by you through thick and thin.

And seeing them talk so candidly with smiles, he remembered his aunt and the argument they had. He didn't know why he reacted in the way he had, but he was regretting his decision to leave. He thought, Maybe he should have been there and talked to her.

Jaegar just sighed, joining back in the conversation.

Fiona noticed his brood, but stayed silent.
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As the conversation flowed around her, touching on the wedding, and plans for the future, Fiona found herself filled with a profound sense of gratitude.

Yes, there were regrets. Yes, there were moments of 'what if'. But looking at the people gathered around this table, she couldn't deny that the present was beautiful in its own imperfect way.

-

-

As Pierre, Jennifer, and Sarah settled around the table, the conversation took on a warmer, more celebratory tone. Fiona couldn't help but beam with pride as she looked at her son and his new wife. The love between them was palpable, radiating outward and enveloping everyone around them in its glow.

"I couldn't be happier for you both," Fiona said, reaching out to squeeze Jennifer's hand. "You two are perfect for each other."

Jennifer's eyes sparkled with joy as she returned the squeeze. "Thank you, Fiona. That means so much coming from you."

Pierre wrapped an arm around Jennifer's shoulders, pulling her close. "We're just grateful to have such an amazing family supporting us," he said, his gaze sweeping around the table and lingering on both his mother and Jaegar.

The mention of family brought a thoughtful expression to Fiona's face. "And I'm grateful that you've invited me to live with you," she said softly. "It means more than I can express."

Pierre's expression softened. "Of course, Mother. We wouldn't have it any other way." He paused, a mischievous glint entering his eye. "Although, fair warning - you might have to put up with some newlywed antics."

The table erupted in laughter, the joy of the moment chasing away any lingering shadows of the past.

As the laughter died down, Sarah, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, suddenly burst with enthusiasm. "Prince Jaegar!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. "Is it true that you can control lightning? Can you show me?"

Jennifer admonished her sister, but Jaegar just waved his hand, saying it was all right and no harm in entertaining her questions.

Jaegar chuckled, his expression a mixture of amusement and patience. "Well, Sarah, it's a bit more complicated than just controlling lightning..." he began, launching into a simplified explanation of his abilities.

Fiona watched with a fond smile as Sarah peppered Jaegar with questions, the young girl's energy seemingly inexhaustible.

Jaegar answered each query patiently, his natural teaching instincts shining through.

As the night wore on, more guests approached their table. Jennifer's parents made their way over, their faces beaming with happiness.

"Prince Jaegar," Jennifer's father said warmly, extending his hand. "We wanted to thank you for being such a good friend to Jennifer. It means a lot to us to know she has people like you in her life."

Jaegar stood, shaking the offered hand firmly. "The pleasure has been all mine," he replied sincerely. "Jennifer is an exceptional young woman. You should be very proud."

The conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and the clinking of glasses. As the hour grew late, Leo and Watson approached the group, looking slightly worse for wear.

"We should be heading out," Leo announced, his words slightly slurred. "Early start tomorrow and all that."

Watson nodded in agreement, swaying slightly on his feet. "Congratulations again, Pierre, Jennifer," he said, his attempt at formality somewhat undermined by his inebriated state.

Pierre stood, ever the gracious host. "Of course, thank you both for coming. Let me walk you out."

As Pierre escorted his father and Leo to the door, Jaegar caught Fiona's eye. Her expression of relief that the more volatile elements of the evening were departing without incident.