A ‘what-if’ with raising the heirs brought on probably by Torchwood :) Yes, it wouldn’t be the end of the world for Pol and Co. but a definite hiccup anyway.

17 years ago

‘Darian?’ Polgara called warningly, walking through the shop, ‘Darian?’

‘He’s here, Mistress Pol,’ a girl called back, the sound of giggling came from around the corner. Polgara stopped and smiled as the two storekeeper’s children decorated a giggling Darian in ribbons.

‘You’ve been busy,’ she watched as the youngest girl carefully tied a bow under Darian’s chin.

‘Pwetty,’ Darian announced with a giggle, catching the girl’s hand in his small one.

‘I’m afraid I’m going to have to take him back though, Eva.’

Eva hugged him tightly goodbye. Darian pouted and clutched at the pretty ribbons.

5 years ago

‘It’ll be a girl called Eva,’ Polgara predicted confidently.

‘You sure?’ Belgarath put his feet up on the chair.

She fixed him with a flat stare, ‘I know.’

‘Bell thing?’ Her father tapped his head.

‘Not yet. There will be. He’s always over at the family store, he comes back with ribbons tied to his wrists.’

‘Ah,’ Belgarath smirked, ‘she’s staking a claim on him already?’

Present

‘Eva’s getting married.’

‘Don’t talk with your mouth open,’ Polgara said absently, frowning at the dishwater slightly.

Darion swallowed, ‘It’s true, he proposed to her yesterday, she told me,’ he looked down at his porridge, ‘isn’t it sweet? I’m the first person she’s told, apparently he got down on one knee and everything.’

‘You seem quite excited,’ Polgara observed.

‘Oh, I am!’ Darian looked up with a great display of eagerness, ‘I’m very happy for Eva.’

‘M-hm?’

‘Weddings are lovely,’ he looked slightly wistful, then replaced his smile before quickly leaving the table. Polgara smiled knowingly after him.

1 day later

‘No bells? You haven’t felt the-?’ Belgarath waved his hand vaguely.

‘It’ll come. It’s underway.’

Belgarath snorted and helped himself to another pastry, earning himself a quick smack on the wrist. ‘Suppose Darian’s chose the wrong girl?’

‘Don’t be ridiculous, old man,’ Polgara moved the tray away, ‘I don’t believe he even can.’

‘Don’t believe?’

‘He can’t,’ Polgara said firmly. ‘Besides, it is Eva, despite slight complications. Now, did you come here just to be a nuisance and argue? And give that back,’ she wrestled a biscuit out of his hand.

‘Alright,’ with a creak, Belgarath eased out of the chair, ‘I’ll be around. Eventually. Stay out of trouble.’

‘It’ll work out.’

‘Over-confident, Pol?’

6 days later

‘Aunt Pol,’ Darian called from the doorway.

‘One moment, what is it, dear?’ Polgara made her way from upstairs.

‘I have something I have been meaning to tell you. You have always told me to be honest, and I shall be. I’m in love.’

Polgara closed her eyes with a smile in the hallway, ‘It’s not really all that big a surprise, dear,’ she dusted off the cupboard.

There was a pause. ‘It isn’t?’

‘Well, I’ve always suspected it. These things take time, but I’m glad you have realised now.’

‘You knew? I know there’s the problem with marriage and-’

Polgara set the broom down, ‘The marriage isn’t everything, dear, it can be overcome.’

‘Exactly,’ Darian said firmly, happiness radiating in his voice, ‘that’s what we thought.’

‘I’m sure I can talk to the young man’s father, the wedding can be quietly canceled and you and Eva can-‘ she entered the kitchen and stopped dead.

Darian stepped closer to the young man beside him and clasped his hand tightly.

‘Oh. Lovely, dear. It’s a-‘ her voice cracked slightly, ‘-man.’