Maric's tears of sadness turned to one's of joy as he heard Nimue's words.<br/>"Do not worry." Maric said. "You have healed my only wound. My heart is now healed, and I am now at peace once more.<br/>"The women at the Tor are unharmed as well. Luckily my friends came to their aid in time, and I do not think that anyone sustained any horrible injuries."<br/>When she told him of the necklace she had taken, the knight held her close to him. He knew that she missed her past family terribly, something he understood himself. Except the difference was, his came back. When Nimue was ready to go, Maric wrapped an arm protectively around her while taking her hand with his other.<br/>"I'm proud of you Nimue." He said with a kiss on her brow. "You did well when you started escaping. I am the luckiest man alive to have such a strong woman to be wed to."<br/><br/>As the young couple and the armed men accompanying them arrived home, family members rushed forwards to greet their husbands, brothers, and fathers. Maric's own family came forwards to embrace him and Nimue. When they had finally calmed down, Maric brought everyone inside his home and had them and Nimue sit down at the dining table. Telling them to make themselves comfortable, he began to make tea to help calm everyone's nerves. Heavens knew his mother could use it once he told her that he was actually married to Nimue already. Nimue wanted to help him with the tea, but he gently forced her to stay down, telling her that she'd gone through enough trouble for one night while he was used to such things from years of experience. And so as he prepared their drinks, Nimue filled his family in on what had happened. Maric's father and mother were both agasp, while Talia leaned in and hung on every word.<br/>"Story time will have to wait for now." Maric finally said as he distributed the tea, much to the relief of his parents who seemed like they couldn't take anymore. "I need to tell you all something."<br/>Sitting down next to Nimue, he looked into her eyes and squeezed her hand softly.<br/>"I was not entirely truthful with you earlier." He began. "It is true that I and Nimue are officially being married at the planned ceremony, but in truth we already are."<br/>The paladin paused for a moment to let the news sink in. His father seemed quite surprised, but his mother was even more so. It almost looked as if she was splashed with ice water. Meanwhile, his sister was just plain old excited.<br/>"Oh, that is sooo romantic!" She squealed. "How long has it been? How did you get married? What did you do? How did he ask?"<br/>"Calm down Talia." Maric said with a chuckle.<br/>"Now, I'm sorry I had not told you sooner, but I knew that you were not accustomed to change."<br/>"We understand Maric." His father said kindly. "We really wanted to be there the day you were married, but we always knew that we probably wouldn't be there for that day."<br/>"Yes." His mother added, her eyes tearful. "W-we can just be happy t-that we are here to see this ceremony."<br/>"Mother, there's no need to cry." Maric said, walking over to embrace her.<br/>"I k-know." She replied. "I-I just can't believe that my little boy has grown up. And to find such a w-wonderful woman as his wife t-too."