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Tristan pays a call on Jaan, busy cleaning up his house after the lastest attack in his realm. He comments that
his friends are a stronger group than Phoenix Fighters, because there are fewer bonds of blood holding them together.
When Tristan questions this declaration, Jaan confesses that he thinks Aden and Adriana would never have lasted, if not for
the fact that they have a son together. Tristan is doubtful, so the two of them decide to settle the debate over a bet.
They agree to travel to a time and place where Aden and Adriana are together and don't have children, to see how well they
hold up under pressure. If Tristan wins, Jaan agrees to talk Robin into spending a week with Quinn. If Jaan wins,
Tristan will send some Niflheim diplomats to help his friends.
To settle the bet, Tristan and Jaan travel forward, into the future of their current timeline, to the time when Aden
and Adriana have just married and Philip has just rescued Ariadne from Ewan. The whole group is gathering together
to celebrate the fortieth birthday of Kally Summer. Tristan and Jaan observe Aden and Adriana for awhile, but they agree
that this is not a proper test of their relationship. Just at that moment, Ewan arrives at the party. Ewan's memory
of Philip stealing Ariadne was erased by Adriana. Tristan and Jaan agree to test their relationship by restoring Ewan's
memory. Ewan immediately becomes enraged and kidnaps Adriana. Jaan follows after them, to make sure that Adriana
isn't really hurt.
Meanwhile, Tristan visits with Aden. After earning his trust, Tristan is allowed to go along with Aden on the rescue.
Aden, however, proves to be less capable than his counter part in everything, from swordsplay to scheming. Although
Tristan refuses to take over, as it would go against the bet, he offers his help and eventually, Aden works it out to go find
Ariadne and get her help in tracking Ewan down.
Aden and Tristan find Ariadne at the apartment she shares with Philip. Philip, worried that Ewan is coming after
them, is packing up to leave. Aden appeals to Ariadne to help him find Adriana. Despite Philip's arguments, Ariadne
agrees to, at the very least, send Aden to a place where Ewan generally hides out. Begrudgingly, Philip agrees to go
with Aden on the rescue mission. Ariadne opens up a portal and the three men, Aden, Philip, and Tristan, go through.
On the other side of the portal is a cavern that Ewan uses. He has Adriana locked away and as the boys arrive,
they see him attempt to stab Adriana, and fail repeatedly. Tristan realizes that Jaan is present, keeping Ewan from
going too far. Although Aden can neither fight nor scheme, he still possesses his powers of diplomacy. Through
some quick talking, he manages to convince Ewan to let Adriana go, promising that he will help make sure that no one can ever
manipulate him again. Ewan relents and Jaan declares Tristan the winner of the bet. The Niflheim clean up the
mess they've caused and return home. Even though Tristan won, he agrees to help Jaan.
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