They returned to the first village Prunhilline and Britina had visited, where the villagers joyfully greeted the Prince. Once everything was explained, some of the skilled trackers of the village were dispatched to monitor the progress of the Lich Lord and his undead army. The rest packed and started to relocate to the fortress. A messenger was sent to warn the king.

As they walked up the path to the fortress (yes, dear reader, the same one our heroes napped at), Prince Darren said, “I’m a little nervous about talking to my father. We didn’t leave on the best of terms.”

“Darren, I’m sure it will be fine,” Brianna said, patting him on the shoulder.

“Besides, don’t you think your father has bigger things to worry about than tea?” Britina pointed out.

“Prince Darren!” Came a shout from the gates of the fortress. One of the advisors to the king came running out to meet them.

“I have to speak to my father now!” Prince Darren said, “The kingdom is in danger.”

“Of course, we got your news an hour ago." the advisor said, "Scouts brought news of a mass of undead horde coming this way. They think they will be here in four days.”

“That’s good news. It gives us time to prepare.” Britina said.

“Point me in the right direction; I’m ready to fight.” Prunhiline swung her war hammer onto her shoulder and turned back to the forest.

“No, dear love, we have something more important to do right now. We need to study and research Brianna’s notes.” Britina smiled with the joy of an academic.

Brianna did a fist bump with Britina, “Yes! Research!”

Prunhiline tilted her head back, “Research? Study!” She let out a mournful moan of a teenager being asked to take a bath. (Hello, Dear Reader, this is a shout-out to all the parents in the world, you know this sound well).

“Actually, ladies, I suggest a bath,” Prince Darren said, smoothing his rumpled beard.

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Brianna sniffed and nodded in agreement. Prunhiline dropped her war hammer and tilted her head back with another loud, mournful wail. The companions looked at Prunhiline, and even Bob, the bear, gave her a look of disdain. They were going to bathe, even the bear.

Bathing at the Dwarven fortress was unlike anything Britina had experienced before. The lava pits were used not only for the most dangerous prisoners (hint, Prunhiline and Britina) but also to heat the baths. The entire bath was marbled with the finest stone carved not far from the fortress. The pleasant surprise to Prunhiline was that the bath at its deepest was enough for her to stand at her entire six foot seven inches and four-quarters height, and the water was up to her jaw. She didn’t want Britina to know, but she didn’t mind this bath; she didn’t feel as confined as in other normal tubs. All that was missing was her toy duckies.

“Dear love, are you okay?” Britina called across the water, concerned by Prunhiline’s sudden silence.

“Yeah,” Echoed the relaxed Prunhiline.

Brianna cut in, ”I know I was supposed to leave them alone, but I couldn't help myself. I translated all the scrolls. I don’t remember Lawrence in them. The notes are mostly love poems, a recipe for something called Pumpkin Spice latte, whatever the hell that is. Nothing about a Lich Lord or undead.”

Britina settled into one of the steps, slipping into the water up to her neck. She had her hair tied up. Brianna could have been talking to herself. Britina had needed this bath since they left their home. In fact, she had started planning to enjoy her huge tub once she got home. Thinking of home made Britina feel guilty that she hadn't been completely honest with her wife.

“Lady Britina?” Brianna interrupted Britina’s daydreaming, “Do you have any thoughts about this?”

“Yes, big tub with lots of hot water,” Britina murmured with a contented smile, her eyes drifting shut.

“Um, Lady Britina?” Brianna looked over at her companion, ”Britina?” Nothing was bringing Britina out of her daydreams, “Britina!”. Her name shouted startled Britina, suddenly causing her to splash water while sitting up.

“Bri, you okay?” Prunhiline asked, standing before the two women.

“How did you get here so fast?” Brianna was now startled to have the giant warrior standing over her.

“You good?” Prunhiline asked again, ignoring Brianna.

“Yes, dear love, I got lost daydreaming about bathtubs, hot water, and home.” Britina blinked in embarrassment.

“Huh, sometimes you are weird, Bri,” Prunhline waded back to the deeper end of the spa.

“Your wife is a little overprotective,” Brianna smirked, “So, uh, if you don’t mind me asking..”

“How did we end up married by accident?” Britina interrupted. Brianna nodded. “It was, uh, you see, we. Uh, it was by...” Britina shrugged.

“Accident?” Brianna added helpfully.

“Ladies!” Came a voice from the door. It was one of the attendants, “I apologize for interrupting, but the King would like an audience.”

“Well, time to see the king,” Britina rose from the warm water, quickly getting out of the conversation. “Prunhiline, bathtime is over.”

“Ah! I mean, yay! I hate baths.” Prunhiline didn’t convince anyone.