I looked up from the cup of tea I was enjoying on the couch as I heard a soft maow, and footsteps coming down the hallway.

Diana padded down the hallway just in front of Winna. The new mother was clearly tired, but beamed with joy, carrying a little blanket-wrapped in her arms. Lear was right there beside her, helping support her and keeping her steady, glowing with pride. Pima and Baree followed, smiling as well.

“Oh!” I gasped, drawing Arden’s attention from where he was in the kitchen, working on making a snack.

Winna came and sat by me, and I hurriedly put the teacup down as she said, “I’d like you and Arden to meet our daughter, Sage.”

The little baby slept peacefully in her mother’s arms. Lear sat on the other side of Winna. “She’s so f*cking cute.” the new father giggled gleefully, reaching a long finger out. Despite being asleep, the newborn’s tiny fingers curled around it. “But of course we’d have cute kids. I’m me, and you’re hot as hell, Winna.” he leaned down and nuzzled her neck. “I love you.”

They were so adorable!

“So you say, dear.” Winna rolled her eyes at her husband, but was smiling. “I love you too.”

Arden came over, bearing a tray of snacks, setting it down and saying, “There should be plenty for everyone. Winna, you look like you could probably use a pick-me up, so I finished just in time.”

“A snack would be nice.” She nodded.

“She shouldn’t be up at all.” Lear muttered, “But she wanted to show you Sage herself, and sit with you all.”

Arden went around the couch, since there were no more seats on it, and peered over our shoulders at little Sage. “Aww, she’s absolutely adorable! Any fey features yet?”

“Some scales on her shoulders and back, like her papa.” Winna sighed happily.

“She may get more as she grows up. With me being such a mix of different fey blood, it’s hard to say what any child of mine might wind up with. But I think it’s safe to say she doesn't have wings. I was born with mine.” Lear said thoughtfully.

“I see.” Winna nodded.

“She’s precious!” I giggled.

“Do you want to hold her?” the human mage asked kindly.

“I’ve never held a baby before.” I grimaced, “I’m also afraid I’d wake her!”

“That’s alright. Here.” Winna carefully detached Sage’s little hand from her father’s finger, helped me arrange my arms, then gently placed the baby in it.

“She’s so light!” I marveled.

“Yep!” Winna nodded.

Arden leaned over and smiled at the little baby. “She’s adorable, Winna. Congratulations!”

“Thank you!” Winna smiled happily.

Lear leaned over and gathered his wife into his arms. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Curious as to what was getting all the attention, Lou hopped up onto the couch, peering warily at the newborn. She hissed once, then sniffed again, hesitated, then started to purr.

Winna reached out and lifted Lou onto her lap, smothering her fluffy forehead in kisses, “You silly little kitty! Don’t worry, my goofy little lovey, you’re still my baby too!” she giggled.

Rowan entered just then. “Oh! The baby!” he gasped.

Irving and Serha stood behind them, hands clasped, now free of their metal restraints. They lingered just on the threshold, looking in a little cautiously.

“Come in, you two.” Winna smiled at them as Lou settled down onto her lap to loaf. “You’re both welcome here. Come meet our daughter.”

Serha let go of Irving’s hand and rushed over, sighing, “Oh, she’s perfect!”

Irving followed, smiling a little, but staying quiet while Serha gushed and cooed happily.

Lear looked up and studied the ogre for a few moments. “I didn’t notice it earlier, since I’ve had other things on my mind, but we’ve met before haven’t we?”

“Yes. Before I wound up sold into the circus, I was a blacksmith and frequently did work for the fey palace.” Irving nodded.

“I didn’t know that!” I cried, then winced, remembering the sleeping baby in my arms, and said more quietly. “I’ve known you for how long, and I didn’t know that?!”

“It…hurt to think too much about the past.” Irving frowned.

I sighed, “Well, I can understand that. I guess I can’t be too angry.”

“Okay, I wanna hold her.” Lear reached out and carefully took his daughter. “She’s so cute!” he grinned.

Winna took a sandwich off the tray, holding it high enough to keep Lou’s curious sniffs from turning into opportunistic nibbles. “Goodness, I’m tired. Having a baby is exhausting!”

“Of course it is!” Baree laughed.

“Absolutely!” Pima nodded.

“It didn’t look fun.” Lear grimaced. “I’m sorry I couldn't do more to help. You really should go have a nice long rest.”

“I’m fine, Lear, I promise. I’m just glad you made it home in time.” Winna murmured, reaching out and patting his arm.

“You cut it a little close though.” Arden said wryly.

“Thank the goddess I didn’t let Asher delay me any longer.” the captain grumbled, shaking his head.

“Shove his head in the toilet next time you see him. We almost got captured by a very evil dwarf because he kept you for so long!” Winna told him, half-jokingly.

“Oh, that’s an excellent idea! It’ll be just like when we were kids!” Lear cackled.

“I’m just glad you got back when you did.” I muttered.

“Me too. I saw how you were treated.” Arden said in a low voice.

“Can we…go…rescue everyone else? They’re probably still being held by the runes because Bellows gave Meeks and other employees power over us too.” Serha said softly.

“Yes, of course.” Lear nodded, now serious again.

“We’ll have to let Dern know when we go, we’ll need Silver.”

“Yeah.” Irving nodded.

“I’ll go, and Tip will too, but Mira doesn't need to.” Pima said.

“Mira can come help me take care of the baby.” Winna told her faun friend.

“And I’ll have to stay, I’ll only slow you all down, given I don’t have legs.” I sighed, annoyed I wouldn't be able to do anything yet again because I didn’t have feet.

“I can stay here, if you want.” Arden offered.

I smiled, shaking my head, “No, I’m just whining. I want you to go and help my friends since I can’t.”

Diana maowed.

“Yes, I had assumed you’d stay. I feel safer with you here, guarding the cottage, little queen.” Lear said, smiling at the cute little familiar.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Lou maowed as well.

Lear snorted, “Yes, you too, you silly beast.”

“We’ll have to find places for everyone to stay.” Winna said thoughtfully, reaching down to pet the very goofy cat on her lap, “I’m happy to put up as many folks as we can fit here, but I have a feeling we won’t fit everyone.”

“I’ll reach out to Rina.” Pima said thoughtfully, “Since Wulf’s father sent his mother back to live with her own people, their farm is a much friendlier place for fey folk now. And their house is large, with many bedrooms. They might be willing to house some fey folk who need a little time to get back on their feet.”

“Is there another dragon who could maybe help Charlie?” I asked. “He’s big, much bigger than Silver.”

“Windscale will be able to help. She’s wonderful.” Winna smiled.

“Oh good.” I nodded.

“Everyone else is small enough that anyone who can’t fit somewhere tucked away inside the cottage could make do in your barn, I think.” Rowan said thoughtfully, “I’m happy to stay out there, too. A stall with hay suits me more than an actual bed.”

“Are you sure?” Winna murmured, concerned.

“Yes.” Rowan assured her warmly. “It’s pretty similar to my sleeping situation back before I was captured.”

“Alright.” the human mage shrugged.

“I expect we can find some more fey folk to help. Windscale would probably come with us. I’ll ask around later.” the white-haired fey soldier nodded.

“Can we do it soon? I’d rather not let them suffer any longer than necessary.” Irving asked hopefully.

“Of course.” Lear nodded, “We’ll get a good night’s sleep, and go tomorrow morning. Everyone can meet here.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Arden said, then added, “We may want a couple of humans, just in case.”

“I expect Wulf would go.” Winna said thoughtfully.

“I’ll ask him when I stop by.” Pima nodded. “His father might too.”

“Think Jedda would come?” Lear asked his wife.

“Yes. Biren might join him as well. Will you run by and ask him later? You can also take the opportunity to share our happy news!” She smiled down at their child, slumbering peacefully in her papa’s strong arms.

“Of course.” Lear leaned forward and gently kissed his wife.

Lou maowed and Lear broke away, laughing. “Oh alright!” he bent and kissed Lou’s forehead. “There!”

-

“They’re off on a mission!” Mira said, sounding excited as she looked at the small crowd gathered in front of the cottage.

“They are!” Winna agreed from her rocking chair, she looked up to Lear, “You’ll be careful, won’t you?”

I sat in the other rocking chair, trying not to feel too guilty since I couldn't go with them. Arden was holding my hand and kissing it almost absentmindedly from where he was perched on the arm, waiting to head out.

“Of course.” The fey captain leaned down and kissed his wife on the mouth, and then his new, tiny daughter on the forehead.

“And no deaths, yeah? Two people is already enough, even if they weren’t a good sort.” Winna frowned.

“In my defense-”

“I know, I know. You were protecting me and Marri. It’s fine. Just no more, yeah?”

“I’m not going with the intent to hurt anyone.” he said. “But if they get violent, I won’t hesitate to end it.”

“That’ll do, I guess.” Winna muttered.

Lear looked at Arden, “You ready?”

“Yeah.” Arden stood, letting go of my hand.

“Alright.” the dark-haired fey man nodded, stepping forward, clearing his throat. Suddenly, he was the captain, instead of the doting father and husband. His presence commanded attention. The chatter died down and all eyes turned to him. “The plan is simple. We’re not out to hurt anyone, but you can defend yourself if you need to. We’re hoping that Windscale’s presence will be intimidating enough to keep anyone from bothering us. Thank you, Windscale.”

The large dragon nodded. Her voice echoed in our minds, I am most happy to help. As large as she was, she cut quite an intimidating figure, but she’d been very kind when we’d been introduced. Unlike Silver, who was a lesser dragon, though no less wonderful, Windscale, a greater dragon, was every bit as intelligent as any other adult present, whereas Silver was about as smart as a five or six year old, and couldn't speak, much less speak telepathically like his much larger relative.

There were greater and lesser dragons of all sizes, what classified them as greater or lesser was their level of intelligence. The lesser dragons of larger size were often quite dangerous, jealously protecting their hoards. On the other hand, the lesser dragons of smaller stature, like Silver, tended to be a peaceful bunch, and didn’t keep hoards. Greater dragons could be dangerous too, just depending on their personality, much like any other person, but typically they were law-abiding members of whatever society they were in, like Windscale.

“If it does come to fighting, Arden and I will try to deal with the bulk of it. You should focus on getting the fey folk to Dern and Silver, who will be removing the metal restraints they each wear, so that they can then make a proper escape.” he told them. “Alright?”

The group gathered on the lawn nodded.

Lear turned to his wife, her husband once more, “Will you be okay without us?”

“Yes.” she smiled.

“We’ll have ourselves a tea party, won’t we, ladies?” Ena said. She’d asked her brother and his wife to watch her kids for a while, since she’d decided to keep Winna company alongside Mira and me, since Biren and Jedda were helping by going along to the circus.

“Good. And don’t worry too much. We’ll be just fine.” Lear smiled, he turned to his troops again. “Alright, let’s head out. Fey folk, use your fey speed and follow Arden. Humans, Windscale has offered to fly you there. We’ll stop just before we get to the circus and regroup. Let’s move out!”

Arden bent and kissed me briefly, “I’ll be back.”

“Be safe.” I murmured, reaching up to pat his face as he pulled away.

“I will.” he promised.

“And Arden?”

“Yeah?”

I grinned wickedly, “Give Meeks hell for me.”

The white-haired soldier returned my broad smile, “With pleasure, my dear!”

They waited a few moments longer as the humans, and Dern, boarded Windscale’s back. Then Arden shot off, moving at fey speeds, and everyone else followed. The large dragon launched herself easily into the air, keeping up without much trouble thanks to her huge wings.

“Well, now we have to occupy ourselves. It’ll be at least a day, yeah?” Winna sighed, watching the group quickly disappear.

“Yeah, at least. We couldn't run as much, so it took us longer, of course.” I nodded.

“I can’t wait to sleep over!” Mira giggled.

Winna smiled at the little faun. “We’ll have so much fun! There are lots of books for us to read, and some games we can play!”

“Sounds fun! And I can help with the baby. I’ve helped with my niece and nephew before when they were little.” Mira said.

“You must be such a big help!” Ena smiled.

We were quiet for a few minutes.

“Well, let’s go inside and you can play with the kitties for a while. How does that sound?” Winna asked.

“It sounds like so much fun! Do you think Diana would play with me and Lou too?”

“We’ll have to see!” Winna smiled.

I frowned, “I just realized…”

“What’s wrong?”

“There’s no one here to carry me around while everyone is gone!” I grimaced.

Winna blinked then smacked her forehead, “Oh no! And I definitely can’t lift you!”

“Oh no.” Ena frowned.

“Well, I can get myself out of the seat. I guess I can just drag myself along.” I shrugged, frowning. Winna and Ena definitely didn’t need to try to lift me. Mira would one day be strong enough, but she was still a child and hadn’t grown into her full fey strength, at this point.

“Hmm, let’s put a blanket beneath you so you don’t wind up getting floor burn as you do, cause that hurts.” Winna said. She hurried inside and came back with a silky blanket. “This one is slippery, I think it’ll work well enough.”

“Good idea. Thank you.” I said. I scooted to the edge of the chair, then lowered myself down and onto the blanket that Winna had spread out for me.

Winna went inside and held the door while Mira kept Lou from running outside and Ena followed after me, I guess for moral support.

“That wasn’t so bad. It worked pretty well.” I told her once I was inside and the door was finally shut.

“I’ll see if Lear could get you a wheelchair or something, and we’ll figure out some kind of ramp up the steps so you can come and go at your own leisure.”

“Thank you, that’d be nice.” I nodded.

“Will you be able to get yourself up on the couch so you don’t have to sit on the floor?” Winna frowned.

“Yeah, don’t worry! I might be heavy, but I am also as strong as any other fey person.”

“Alright.” the mage nodded. “We can also pull on the blanket too. I should have thought of that sooner. Let’s get you to the couch.”

Between me pushing myself along, and Winna and Ena pulling carefully on the blankets, I was soon hauling myself up and into the couch.

“There!” I sighed, smiling.

“I’m sorry we couldn't do more.” Winna grimaced.

“Oh, it’s alright!” I waved away her concern. “You’d have only hurt yourselves if you’d tried to pick me up. I’m heavy. Please don’t feel bad.”

Mira came and put Lou on my lap, giggling, “Here! Have a kitty to pet!”

“A kitty!” I grinned, scooping the silly cat up, hugging her close, and giving her lots of kisses. She purred contentedly in my arms. Diana was watching from a comfy spot on the armchair, and was blinking slowly at all of us.

“Do you want to start working on baking some stuff, Mira?” Winna asked. “If we start now, we can have lots of delicious things made by teatime!”

“Okay!” Mira nodded.

“I’ll help Mira, Winna, you stay there with that baby.” Ena told her.

Little Sage had been put in a bassinet nearby to sleep so Winna could easily keep an eye on her as she went about the day.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes of course! You only just gave birth yesterday! That’s why I’m here, to help. You need to take it easy.”

“I can help too, Winna.” Mira said earnestly, “I’m a big enough girl that I can play by myself, you don’t have to entertain me. I can do the chores outside too.”

Winna smiled, “Thank you, Mira. You’re very kind. Poppy and Daisy and the sheep are all very fond of you because you do such a good job with them!”

“Yeah!” the little faun giggled.

“We can do the chores together, how about that? It’ll go even faster, with two sets of hands!” Ena grinned.

“Okay!” Mira nodded.

I smiled, pleased to have found myself in such a peaceful place, full of such wonderful people.

Hopefully the rest of my friends would soon get to enjoy that peace with me as well.