Progression

Their vacation in Heaven was... A mixed bag to be honest. The sights were incredibly beautiful and the angels themselves were among the most polite, kind, and honest people they'd ever had the fortune to meet. Though, most were almost like carbon copies of each other, abiding by the same rules, believing the same things, and thinking eerily similar thoughts to their brothers and sisters.

Their personalities seemed restricted, with only the Archangels being able to express their differences. Reima didn't speak about it to anyone else though, he came to the conclusion that this was just how Angels are, where Demons are chaotic and unpredictable, Angels were lawful and uniformed.

Staying in Heavne was fun at first, but a few days spent under the ruthless sunlight and in the placid air made most want to leave. That was fine, Reima hadn't wanted to have a prolonged stay anyway, he'd already set up the portal between Ichor and Heaven anyway so they'd just take that back.

The only person who really wanted to stay was Solaire, the man thought this place was the ultimate paradise and the manifestation of his very beliefs. Being a more pragmatic person, Reima saw an opportunity in his words, if Heaven had had such an effect on Solaire himself, perhaps this was one way of massively improving his Empires capabilities at casting Miracles... The power of Miracles was in their beliefs, and what would reinforce that more than a visit to literal Heaven?

So they left Heaven, Tyrael had brought Auriel and Malthael as the two were very, very curious about the Holy Empire, the latter more so on the knowledge they possessed. Reima couldn't shrug off the feeling that Malthael was on the edge of becoming a supervillain, so he only allowed the Archangel of Wisdom limited access to his libraries... Apparently it was understandable as their pact had only just been made, giving instant access to all their most important archives would be stupid and reckless.

Needless to say, the effect the revelation of real actual angels had on the populous was instant, the church of the two gods was flooded by new believers who'd seen the error of their ways, and Reah was perfectly happy to accommodate them, conveniently forgetting to mention the Angels weren't affiliated with the church in any way.

Reima himself had quickly organised a group of the best priests to go with Solaire to Heaven, it was more of a test group to see what the effects it'd have on them, but he more or less knew they'd come back way stronger and loyal than before.

Auriel spent a lot of time with Tyrael, the former-angel showing her all the great sights of the Holy Empire, their various industries and magical innovations the Angels hadn't considered possible. Reima was more than happy to show them their progress towards combining science and magic, he simply just left Rickert to ramble to the Archangel of Hope who seemed perfectly content to listen. Reima didn't know whether this was because she was too polite to refuse him...

Not long after that, it was time for Selina's 8th birthday, the day itself was a national holiday for the empire, but Selina's personal one would be held in private. The Angels had even offered to host it in Heaven, but they'd had to refuse due to certain people who'd literally melt in its cleansing light.

So, they were holding it next to the Everlasting Dragons frozen body, many gazeboes made from dragon skin had been set up around the place, the House Elves diligently cooking every conceivable food in existence that may suit the guest's palate

The birthday girl herself was almost vibrating in excitement, she was sat under a gazebo in-front of a table that was almost buried in presents from various people. The Empire's people weren't shy about celebrating their leaders, and the ungodly pile of gifts was a testament to that. Selina would be tearing it apart to see what she'd gotten were Ciri not keeping her still. She'd have to at least wait until the guests arrived.

Selina "Pleeeeaaassseee! It would be rude to not immediately open the presents I've been sent." she argues in a childish manner.

Ciri "Just wait for everyone to arrive, most of them would like to see you open the gift they'd sent."

Selina pouts, "Fine." she huffs as she crosses her arms.

Reima walks beside her and pats her head, "Don't start acting all smug and pretentious, I'll not allow a child of mine to become spoiled." he warns, causing the girl to straighten her back and send puppy-dog eyes at him.

Soon enough, it was time for the guests to start arriving, and to no-ones surprise the first people here were Geralt, Yennefer, and their son Calan who was currently four years old.

Reima and Ciri get up to hug the duo, but are beaten to the punch by Selina who teleports in-front of them and hugs them both.

Selina "Grandpa! Grandma!" she exclaims happily, not forgetting to rub their toddlers head.

Geralt can't help but smile at his granddaughter's affection, patting her on the back, "A year older huh? You definitely seem heavier than last I saw you."

Selina "But you saw me last week!"

Geralt chuckles, "I know, its strange right?" he receives a mock punch by the girl who's taken up into Yennefers arms.

Yennefer "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me Grandma? It makes me feel old." she admits, giving the girl a peck on the cheek.

Selina "But your not my auntie, you're my Grandma!"

Yennefer shakes her head with a smile and hands her to Ciri, "Take your demon-child back if she's going to insist on making me older." she says sarcastically before hugging Ciri herself, "How have you been dear."

Ciri "Same old, I was worried you wouldn't turn up... You've been spending a lot of time in Toussaint lately."

Yennefer "Oh, you know I wouldn't miss this for anything." she says, giving a peck on the cheek to her and then Reima. "And you, I see my warning about keeping your hands to yourself hasn't been followed."

Reima pales slightly and scratches the back of his head, "Er, what can I say? I'm not good at dealing with desperate crying women."

Yennefer "Some self restraint maybe?"

Geralt decides to come to his rescue fortunately, "It's alright Yen, it's not like you hate having so many Grandchildren."

Yennefer's mouth forms a thin line, but its obvious to see that she'd mildly pleased about the situation, despite how she'd warned against it in the past.