If Aaron's return was the happiest news his aunt's family could have received, Eleanor appearing alongside him was the second happiest.
As devout worshippers of Selûne, the Lady of Silver, everyone in the Salian family was delighted at the prospect of sparks flying between Aaron and Eleanor.
"Oh, you're finally back, Aaron." His aunt was making lunch. She wiped the grease from her hands vigorously on her apron, and when she saw him arrive with Eleanor, Mellie asked excitedly, "How did it go, Aaron? How much did you get this time?"
"Quite a lot, and things went very well. I think you'll find out what happened soon enough." Aaron smiled and nodded, holding Eleanor's hand. "After all, I had Eleanor with me!"
"Mm!" Miss Cleric's cheeks flushed. She tried to pull her hand away, but his large hand held hers firmly, leaving her no choice but to lower her head in silence.
The first time she had returned to Suzail with Aaron, she had been reluctant to come. This time, however, Miss Cleric never once mentioned going their separate ways. Aaron led her home by the hand, and Eleanor followed with little steps.
Miss Cleric's heart brimmed with hopes for a beautiful future.
"Eleanor! Eleanor!" His little cousin Yuta bounced out of her room and threw her arms around Eleanor's waist, her little face red with excitement. "You're finally here! I've been waiting for you to finish that story about the Lady of Silver!"
"Of course. I'll tell you after lunch." Eleanor held his little cousin, looking every bit the affectionate older sister. The practiced smile of a cleric of Selûne settled naturally onto her face as she nodded to Aaron's cousin and uncle.
Aaron watched with a smile, though he wondered how Aunt Mellie had learned that he had