“Bud!” Bert called. “I thought you were dealing with this?”

“I am trying!” Bud called back as he tried to pull the dwarf free from Slothy’s grasp. “Every time I get him out, she just goes and gets him again.” Bud gave an exasperated sigh.

“Slothy?” Bert called, and she looked over at him defiantly. “Will you let the dwarf go, please?”

A series of images were relayed to him through their bond. It was mostly a series of pictures of them when she was young. Him taking her for walks or giving her cuddles.

“He’s your pet?” Bert asked.

Slothy nodded.

“Tha’ fuck I am!” The Dwarf snarled.

“Shh!” Bert said dismissively.

“Ye can go fuck yerself in all!” The dwarf growled. Slothy wrapped a paw around his mouth and made scolding noises.

“Slothy, I don’t think he wants to be your pet,” Bert said gently.

Slothy whined and sent more images.

It was her in the den, all alone, and then Bert came and took her. Of him protecting her from the wolves as he ran, and then the arrival and change at the Waystation. Following swiftly on were images of the dwarf cowering in the corner of a room, all alone.

“Oh! You think he was abandoned?” Bert said, scratching the giant Sloth Bear behind one ear. “So you adopted him?”

Slothy snuffled a yes.

“But he doesn’t want to be adopted, Slothy.” Bert pointed it out gently.

The images this time were of her as a cub biting and scratching at him as he carried her away from the den and the wolves. Next came feelings of happiness and images of her current life.

“Okay, okay.” He hugged Slothy’s head. The rest of her was way too big to get his arms around. “Can I speak to your pet, please?”

The paw around the dwarf’s head pulled away.

“Will ya-” The dwarf started to scream.

“Shut! Up!” Bert snapped. “I’m trying to sort this out, and you are not helping, yelling all the time.”

The dwarf stared daggers at him but fell silent. Bert explained what had happened and why Slothy was so determined to adopt him as her pet.

“Oh, Aye?” The dwarf settled slightly. “Sounds like she doesn’t know she’s the pet, eh?” He scowled. “Ye better be gettin’ to tellin’ her is my thought.”

“She is more than just a pet,” Bert said. “She’s family.”

“Animals dinnae ‘ave us as pets, lad!” The dwarf protested. “Tell ‘er that.”

“No,” Bert shrugged. “I found her and adopted her the same way she did you.”

“So I’m just ‘er pet now, aye?” The dwarf snarled. “Supposed to just gae along with that, aye?”

“No, of course not.” Bert laughed. “I’m just trying to get her to understand you don’t need adopting and don’t want to be.”

It was a difficult conversation. Slothy refused to accept the dwarf was safe to wander around on his own. She sent repeated images of him as a toddler wandering into danger. Bert tried not to laugh.

Eventually, he managed to convince her that the dwarf was safe enough within the Waystation grounds.

“Look, Dwarf.” Bert tried.

“Name’s Gavin, nae dwarf.” Gavin the dwarf grumped.

“Sorry, Gavin.” Bert cleared his throat. “She is worried about your safety. So far, she is willing to let you wander around in the Waystation.”

“So far, eh?” Gavin pulled at his short blond beard. “Ye think she’ll ge’ bored, aye?”

“More see that you don’t need looking after,” Bert admitted. “In the meantime, I am glad to ensure you have everything you need.”

The dwarf just glared. “Prisoner, yeah?” He shook his head.

“Not really,” Bert hedged. “I’d let you run off now, but she’ll just go fetch you back… and I probably wouldn’t be able to get her to let you go again.”

A knock at the door sounded, and Bert turned to see the two Half-Pixies.

“Bell told us we are ready to begin training, M’lord,” Rose said, bobbing a curtsey.

“We will wait until you are ready,” Lily nodded and pulled her sister away.

“Who’s that?” The dwarf grumped. “More pets ah the beastie?”

“No,” Bert sighed, “They are my… well, it is difficult to explain. Suffice to say it’s not easy being a Lord of the Fae.”

“Och, aye!” Gavin said sarcastically. “I’d know all about that!” He rolled his eyes. “Cannae hold up a Lord ‘o the Fae! Please, go forth, M’Lord!”

“Oh, fuck off.” Bert chuckled as he headed for the door. “There is food, drink, whatever you want in the Bear’s Fall. Grab a room, get some sleep… have a bath.” He shrugged.

===========

“Dwarf all sorted?” Bell asked as he joined Bell and the Half-Pixies outside the barn for their training session.

“Not really?” Bert shrugged. “She’ll let him wander around but not leave.”

“Aww, she’s a good girl!” Bell laughed.

“So, where do we start?” Bert asked Bell.

“First off, let’s get the basics sorted,” Bell said. “Rose, Lily, come here.”

The girls both stepped forward immediately.

“Class and Level then spells and abilities.” Bell pointed to Rose first.

“I’m a Thief, M’Lady. Level fourteen, so no other class. I have Silent Step and Light Touch.” Rose answered promptly and then stepped back.

“I’m a Mesmer, M’Lady. Level fifteen, but only one class. I have Illusion, Mass Illusion, and Mental Influence.” Lily said calmly, then bowed.

“Hmm,” Bell looked thoughtful. “Okay, now let’s have a look at you.” The teens straightened while Bell flew around them.

“Okay,” Bell appeared satisfied. “I want to make a change; how do you girls feel about hair to match your names?”

“I have no care about my hair, M’Lady.” Rose bowed.

“I have always just had what I’ve got,” Lily shrugged. “Whatever you wish, M’Lady.”

“Okay!” Bell said. “I command you to ha-”

“Wait!” Bert cut her off.

Bell glowered at him… “What?”

“Why not matching hair? They are sisters, after all.” Bert pointed out.

“Uhh, I was going for a plant theme!” Bell groaned.

“We still can,” Bert grinned. “I was thinking dark brown with hints of red and green as highlights and lowlights.”

“Oooh,” Bell laughed. “I like it.” She nodded. “Girls, make it so.”

Bert watched as the girl’s hair changed. They both now sported dark brown hair that looked almost black at the root, but flashes of red and green showed whenever they moved.

Bell looked pleased, as did the half-pixie sisters as they oohed and aahed at each other’s hair.

“Next, we need some better clothes!” Bell demanded. “What do you each like to wear?”

“Umm, I would love a long flowing dress,” Lily spoke first, timidly. “Maybe with something Mesmer-like about it?”

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“Okay, give me a moment.” Bell held up a hand while she communicated with Way Way. After a moment, a dress and a pair of boots emerged from the ground next to Lily. It was a deep blue, with hints here and there of other colors, but the skirts were the masterpiece; folds of cloth tricked the eye, making it seem to shift and move even when still.

Bell sent Lily into the barn to change while they waited for Rose.

“Umm, I should probably have something to fit whatever you want me to do?” Rose shrugged.

“What do you want?” Bert prompted.

“Leather armor, with a cloak,” Rose said quickly, then flushed. “Sorry, I am still getting used to this. Normally, I would have lied and asked for a dress.”

“That’s easy!” Bell laughed, and a set of black and dark grey leather armor rose out of the ground, complete with a long, flowing black cloak. “We just adapted one of the orc’s gear.”

Rose bobbed and dashed off to change.

Training went pretty well. Bert and Bell took turns sparring with the girls, teaching them how to attack and defend themselves. Bell gave them a masterclass on using their wings to move about.

They first gave Rose a pair of daggers, but she did better with short swords. For Lily, it was more a case of what was easiest to use, and she ended up going for a short spear.

Bert and Bell took a short break, having a drink while the girls sparred against each other. It was incredible. Rose lost every time. Lily was simply impossible to hit as she hid behind illusion after illusion. Rose got more and more frustrated.

Bert pulled her aside to calm down.

“Relax,” Bert told her. “This is just practice.”

“She’s making me look bad!” Rose hissed. “She knows how I move, what I do, and just….aargh!”

“You know what she does, too,” Bert pointed out. “I bet you know where she likes to hide?”

“Well, yeah, I guess,” Rose admitted. “But her damn illusions!”

“Are not really there,” Bert pointed out. “But maybe where they are can tell you where she is likely to be.”

Rose thought about it, then nodded.

Bert and Bell sat back to watch the next spar.

It started as they all did, with Lily looking scared and begging her sister to go easy. While an Illusion kept doing that, Lily would hide off to one side, ready to attack the moment her sister struck. Rose crept forward, and so did Lily, getting into position.

Rose spun and kicked out at the last second, sending Lily stumbling back and breaking the illusion.

“Got you!” Rose leaped on her sister, and they rolled around on the floor, punching and kicking.

“Enough!” Bell laughed as the two separated. “Good enough for today; go get washed up, and we’ll all have lunch.

The sisters hurried off, still occasionally pushing each other or arguing.

===================

The first lunch was a little awkward. Things started off badly when the two girls stood against the wall while everyone sat down and then tried to serve everyone.

“You two, sit.” Bell waved them down to two spare chairs. Bert and Bell put out the food, and everyone started eating except the two half-pixies.

“Girls, please just eat if you are hungry,” Bert said.

“Fuck, you have to tell ‘em to wipe their asses as well?” Wendy rolled her eyes.

“Wendy, don’t be a bitch,” Scruff growled at her.

“I’m not!” Wendy protested while glaring across the table at the new arrivals. “They are just pathetic!”

“Right, you!” Bert stood, “Outside, now!”

“Fine!” Wendy rolled her eyes and stomped out, ‘accidentally’ kicking one of the girl’s chairs.

“What the fuck, Wendy?” Bert asked. “Why are they pissing you off so much?”

“As if you don’t know!” Wendy rounded on Bert. “I’m all yours! I’ll do anything you want. M’Lord!” She sneered. “It’s sick!”

“They will learn not to behave that way faster with you being nice!” Bert countered.

“Why should I?” Wendy demanded.

“Because they are alone!” Bert countered. “They needed somewhere to stay and went too far to try and prove they should.” He shrugged. “That’s what Scruff thinks anyway.”

“Do you have to adopt every stray you see!” Wendy snapped. “I’m not enough of a daughter for you?”

“Of course, you are, Wendy,” Bert said, shocked. “Where is this coming from?”

“You are kidding, right?” Wendy laughed bitterly. “They are your new kids now! I might as well just piss off!”

“What the fuck?” Bert yelled. “Get this straight, young lady, you are not going anywhere! You are my daughter, and that won’t change!”

“Promise?” Wendy sniffled.

“Of course!” Bert said. “Where is this coming from, Wendy?”

“I’m just scared,” Wendy said. “I have to tell you something, and I don’t know how you’ll react.”

“Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it,” Bert said kindly. He was getting worried.

“Me and Scruff, well….” She took a deep breath. “We are together.”

“Yes, and?” Bert asked. “What’s wrong?”

“What?” Wendy sputtered. “I know people on Earth don’t like that kind of thing.”

“Oh! Ooooh!” Bert smiled. “Some don’t. But I never had a problem with it. As far as I’m concerned, who someone is attracted to is between them and their partner.”

“Really?” Wendy sniffled.

“Promise!” Bert hugged her. Wendy cried into his shoulder for a bit.

“It wasn’t too big a shock?” She asked. “What?” She demanded angrily.

“Oh, Honey.” Bert laughed. “Bell was right; you did forget.”

“Forget what?” Wendy demanded.

“We are bonded to Way Way just like you are bonded to the Express.” Bert tried not to laugh as he watched the confusion give way to dawning horror.

“Oh, Gods!” Wendy yelled. “I want to die!”

“Don’t worry,” Bert laughed. “We have Way Way block wherever you two are if they notice things getting… private.”

Wendy looked mortified.

“I never even thought!” She protested.

“I know,” Bert nodded thoughtfully. “On that note… try and remember that sound carries.”

She blushed crimson.

“So,” Bert chuckled. “Can you try and be nice to the new people?”

“I’ll try,” Wendy said. “But what they did just creeps me out.”

“Me too,” Bert admitted.

“Really?” Wendy looked surprised.

“Yeah, I’d rather die than give over my will like that,” Bert admitted. “I understand a little of why they did it, and I hope they never regret it, but….”

“Thanks, Dad.” Wendy gave him another hug. “I’ll try and be nice.”

“You better,” Bert grinned. “Or I’ll tell Scruff about that harem comment!”

“You wouldn’t!” Wendy gasped.

“Try me, kiddo!” Bert headed back into the Barn with a stunned but more relaxed daughter following along behind him.

==============

The next morning, Bud woke the new girls early and had them join the Bud Patrol for morning training. By the time Bert was up and about, they were puffing their way through an obstacle course.

Bert watched with amusement as Bud darted about, making things worse each time they looked to be getting the hang of it.

The man was a natural. Pure Drill Sargent through and through.

“Eh, boyo.” The Dwarf strolled up to him, a flagon of something in one hand and a sausage in the other. “This ‘ere lot. They yer army, aye?”

“No, just people that live here,” Bert said.

“And that’s why they're all armed, aye?” Gavin laughed.

“We get attacked a lot.” Bert shrugged.

“Nah, I cannae imagine that!” Gavin made a shocked face. “No quiet, kindly non-kidnappin' folk like ye!”

“Got a point?” Bert asked.

“Nae, lad,” Gavin said smugly. “Jus’ feckin wit’ ya.” He laughed. “Yer beer’s pish, by the way.”

“Yeah, I had to kill our last brewer,” Bert admitted.

“Dunnae blame ya,” Gavin laughed. “So what is this ‘ere house o’ horrors?”

“The Waystation,” Bert said simply. “Court of the Travelling Lands.”

“You’re shittin’ me, aye?” Gavin gave him a sidelong look. “Wi’ all that Fae crap?”

“No, dingbat, he’s not.” Bell arrived and plopped herself on Bert’s shoulder.

“Aye, the Fae are back, oooooh!” Gavin laughed. “Cannae fool me, love!”

Bert gently cycled his mana tides, letting his knotwork shine.

Gavin scrambled backward.

“Ah, for feck sake!” He stood there trembling. “Yer a real Fae, aye?”

“Bingo, dipshit!” Bell laughed.

“Gods Below!” Gavin crowed. “I’ve been Fae-napped!” He danced a little jig. “It’s like one o’ the ole stories, aye! We’re off to travel the world, aye?”

“Pretty much,” Bert admitted.

“Well, maybe I'll hang around after all, eh?” He laughed. “An honored guest o’ the Fae!”

“Or a pet,” Bell shrugged. “Depends what Slothy decides at the end of the day.” She grinned.

“Could’ne let me ‘ave that, no?” Gavin grumped.

“Fine, crybaby,” Bell waved dismissively. “Consider yourself our guest.”

“Aye, I’ll jus’ fuckin’ do that!” Gavin belched hugely. “That dead brewer ‘o yours, they leave their stuff behind?”

“Yup,” Bert jerked a thumb at the Bear’s Fall. “It’s back there.”

“Aye, I’ll just go ‘ave a wee look.” He rubbed his hands together. “Can’t beat a wee drop of dwarvish ale, ye ken.”

“Just ask the vampire if she’s done with it first!” Bell yelled after him.

“Ahh, right!” Gavin said, “Vampires, aye!” They heard him muttering to himself as he walked over.

They both closed their eyes, watching through Way Way as he made his way back to the distillery and met Dee.

They both smiled as they heard the scream, and he ran for it.

“Feckin’ vampire! Aye, feckin laugh, ya bastards!” he yelled as he ran past, diving behind Slothy.

“I told you!” Bell yelled in a sing-song voice.

“Ge’ fucked!” The dwarf yelled back.

Bert and Bell both laughed as the grumbling complaints continued from behind Slothy.

=============

A fair distance out from the Waystation, figures moved in the mists of a long, wide valley. Animals avoided the area.

They always had. The Valley of the Mists felt… wrong.

Local legends would have spread stories of mysterious disappearances and monstrous creatures… if anyone was crazy enough to live anywhere near it.

The very existence of the place had acted as a barrier to the lords of the Three Houses for generations.

None would go within sight of it, let alone enter the sinister area. Mages had once dared to enter with the idea of discovering the cause of the mists.

Only two of the fifteen had come back.

One would never speak a word again in the years that remained of his life. The other was… changed. His loud and boisterous nature had been replaced with a solemn and serious study of a single area.

The magical and mundane banishing of mist. He lived a long and industrious life, but he lived in a house and area designed and built with one thing in mind… that there would never be so much as a hint of mist in his lands.

That was enough to strangle any interest in the Vally of the Mists and its mysterious cause.

An occasional madman or genius would insist they could traverse the area safely. No one ever found out if they were right… because they were never seen again.

On a small hill at the very edge of the mists, a scarred and cloaked figure stared into the distance at the Waystation, just a spec on the horizon. They watched without moving, without resting, and without blinking…. Until.

“They are coming!” It announced in a gravelly voice the moment the Waystation began to move.

As the figure turned, a slip of red hair showed briefly before the mists blocked all sight.