Authors Note: If you've played Fire Emblem Heroes, you should recognise both the title of this chapter and the swimwear described. This was written shortly after the first special summer heroes and was then re-written to include Noire the next year. Why's Cordelia/Caeldori not wearing her Heroes summer outfit you say? Well, maybe there's another beach episode further down the line.
There's also reference to the Summer Scramble dlc for Awakening, this is a beach episode after all, but thankfully no one is going around holding a curtain over Tharja.
...
An hour after breakfast, with the visitors sourcing appropriate beachwear, the group left in carriages for the hour's journey to the beach. In addition to seven members of the royal family and Robin, there was now three Manaketes, two royal Nohrian sorcerers, a reincarnated pegasus knight, her granddaughter-girlfriend and a witch with her past life's daughter, time displaced daughter and draconic daughter which had required an extra carriage and some considerable increase in provisions.
The beach they were heading for was attached to one of the many properties around Ylisse owned by the crown and so was not accessible to the public, guaranteeing a private gathering. As well as the house, there was also a small beach hut near the shore with a male and female changing area. As it wasn't large enough for all at once, and indeed many didn't want to change in front of the others, they took it in turns to change with Caeldori forcing Soleil inside to change.
As they were first changed, they waited for the others outside and, as Rhajat emerged with Kana, who was wearing a sensible one-piece swimsuit, it was Rhajat's that caused Caeldori to laugh. "Is that your beach wear?"
"It is," said Rhajat with chuckle. She'd purposely sourced a Plegian sorcerer's uniform for the beach, firstly because it is little more than beachwear and secondly to prompt a reaction from her cousin. Though she'd also kept her witch's hat to avoid the sun.
"If I remember right, you were mortified when I pointed out you were half naked in that. How dare I compare you to the… oh what was it?"
"Beach strumpets. I thought you'd approve of the irony."
"Turn round," joked Caeldori, "have you got that talisman on your back?"
"I don't," chuckled Rhajat. "I'm now more aware of my looks and besides, there will be many wearing less," she said looking to Soleil who had picked a pretty small bikini.
"Hey, I look good," she retorted.
"Let's go and pick a spot," said Rhajat to Kana to interrupt the inevitable flirting. She, Kana and Caeldori turned to go but Soleil stayed where she was. "You're staying to see everyone in bikinis as they come out, aren't you?"
"Me?" question Soleil with feigned indignation. "Yup."
"My offer to teach you to stalk properly still stands."
What she hadn't noticed, was that those waiting to change were watching her with keen interest, they'd never seen Tharja acting so close with anyone as Rhajat was with her cousin. They'd seen she was different the previous day but to see her joking and even being gently teased, seemingly happy to go along with it, was a shock.
As the others changed and came out, Soleil took in all the beauty on offer and was overjoyed at the little flirting sessions she had with Cynthia then Ophelia over how cute they all looked.
Nowi was first to the beach as her swimwear was her normal outfit after taking off her boots, gloves, belts and cape, so she waited for the others to change by looking for some shells. When Rhajat, Kana and Caeldori arrived, she skipped over to them and looked Rhajat up and down. "You're still boingy."
Rhajat glared at the girl who countered with a smile. "Yes I am," she conceded. "As far as I can tell this body is identical to Tharja's. Kana, sweetie, you can pick where we sit." As Kana took her aunt Caeldori's hand and went to find a nice spot, Rhajat turned to Nowi and glared at her, again countered by a smile.
"Can I feel them?" asked Nowi with equal enthusiasm and trepidation.
After a few seconds Rhajat gave in, though she didn't know why the little dragon brought out such compliance. "For one second."
Nowi quickly took the deal and reached up to cup and squeeze before being batted off after her second elapsed. "They're really soft and warm. Do they feel nice to have?"
"Nowi, just say what you want to say. I know your innocent child persona is an act to allow you to cope with immortality"
"I wish I had an adult body," said Nowi sedately. "I wish I could grow up."
"You will, over time."
"But look at how fast Nah's aging, I don't think she'll have anything more than a few centuries and I'll still look like a child when I bury her."
Rhajat was quite taken aback at the darkness that clearly plagued the little blonde dragon's mind. As she couldn't think of anything comforting to say, she opted for placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I've lost lots of friends and I cried for months after you told me my parents were dead, but she's my child, she means more to me than anyone I've ever known. I don't know how I'll be able to cope seeing her grow old and die. That's the scariest thing ever."
Rhajat looked over to Kana who was drawing in the sand with her aunt. She remembered the first time her little girl had been on a battlefield and the terror she'd felt simply seeing her there. "Agreed."
"Can you divine how long she has?" asked Nowi.
"I can," confirmed Rhajat. "I won't."
"Why not?" whined Nowi slipping back into her innocent child persona.
"Because you would only ever be able to see her as a date, not as your daughter who you should be spending time with and having fun."
Nowi looked down at the sand as she thought over Rhajat's words. "That makes sense," she said looking up with a smile. "I've no time to mope about, I need to make the most of every day so as not to waste your short lives."
"I like you better smiling," said Rhajat.
"Me too. Thank you for this, I feel better about it all. Maybe when you come to visit next time, we could talk again?"
"Of course."
"Thank you Rhajat," said Nowi bouncing into a hug which Rhajat felt she couldn't refuse. For fun, she nuzzled into Rhajat's chest and whispered, "boingy."
"That's enough," said Rhajat pushing Nowi off her. "Go and play with Kana."
Nowi obeyed the order and ran to the younger dragon as Rhajat saw Caeldori trying to hide her laughter. As the others changed and came out, Rhajat didn't pay their attire much attention until her Noires appeared. The younger was wearing a sensible one piece but her elder Noir was wearing a very alluring green and brown bikini, showing an incredibly toned body with the low top doing a wonderful job of highlighting a chest that rivalled her own. As she approached, Rhajat stood up, looking her up and down repeatedly.
"I-Is everything alright?" asked Noire, shooing away her younger self toward Owain in case this got heated.
"Turn," demanded Rhajat which was obeyed. "Have you always had this body?"
"Yes."
"You are truly beautiful," said Rhajat causing shock both to her daughter and to the others present. "I wasn't aware you… took after me, quite so much," she said with a gesture to her daughter's chest.
"Well I usually strap them down a bit as they get in the way of my draw but, well, now I'm not." She could still scarcely believe her mother had given her such a glowing complimented.
"I'm glad this is a private beach or I would be too busy hexing the men harassing you to relax."
"I'm perfectly capable of that myself," retorted Noire.
"Really?" chuckled Rhajat. "And what would you do to them?"
"A runny nose or clumsiness?" suggested Noire.
"Hmph, cute. How about next time you go to your mother for some advice. She'd love it as a mother-daughter bonding activity."
Noire laughed at the idea but realised Rhajat as serious. "You'd like that?"
"Tharja's your mother," reminded Rhajat, "but she's not very good at it. She'd love to be able to spend time with you doing something like that."
Noire thought back to the time a man had harassed her in the market and her mother had afterwards offered to curse him. She'd thought at the time it was just her mother wanting to curse people but realised now that was her attempt at bonding and looking out for her daughter. "Next time I'll ask her."
"Can I ask what Soleil said to you?" asked Caeldori from behind her cousin, curious about her reaction to someone so busty who was available.
"She said by bikini was gorgeous and that I'm really, really cute. She didn't try anything on, I made it clear yesterday I don't like women that way."
"Good," said Caeldori with some relief Soleil had restrained herself. "And can I add that I agree; you really are gorgeous."
"Thank you," said Noire, unused to compliments like these.
"Did she have trouble speaking?" asked Cynthia.
"She had her mouth hanging open when I exited until I was a step from her."
"Looking at you," said Caeldori, "I think you're lucky you didn't make her faint."
"So long as she respects your boundaries," said Rhajat before turning to Caeldori and sitting down next to her. "I would take little pleasure from cursing your girlfriend."
"But still a little pleasure," observed Noire.
"A good curse is a good curse," said Rhajat as explanation.
Noire laughed as she sat next to her mother, realising that the at least some of the darkness her mother liked to shroud herself with was just a way to mask her social awkwardness and that she needed to force her way in.
Robin and Tiki were last to change and, as they were good friends, had no issues changing together, albeit not purposefully looking.
"You done?" asked Robin as she settled the purple fabric covering her chest into place to give the best lift before turning the gold ring round to hide the join under the fabric. The top left a lot of boob exposed but she rarely got a chance to look sexy and that was the point.
"I am," replied TIki sorting her shoulders straps as she turned. "You look incredible."
"You too, I never realised you were downplaying your chest in your dress. Gods you're so tight and firm."
"As are you, clearly. Did you underestimate the material required?" asked Tiki jokingly, loving seeing so much of her friend.
"Is that the wrap from your dress?
"Yes, the panties were a little smaller than I thought," admitted Tiki moving the pink wrap to show how small they were.
"Mine aren't any better."
"True," laughed Tiki looking Robin up and down. "You are exceptionally beautiful."
"So we agree we're both hot?" asked Robin as she exited the hut.
As Tiki exited as well, both women heard a thump and turned to see Soleil lying on the sand mumbling, prompting both women to run to her, with Tiki dropping to her knees to check if she was alright. Her eyes were open but they seemed to be fixed to her chest and as she became clearer, her mumblings were about bikinis. "Soleil, did you just faint when you saw us?"
"It's probably just the-" began Soleil as she wrenched her eyes away from Tiki's chest but looked up to see Robin standing over her and the large expanse of underboob on display and descended into gibberish again.
"Up you come," said Robin reaching down to take an arm as Tiki stood up holding the other.
"Sorry about that," said Soleil. "Each of you alone would have made me weak at the knees, both of you was too much."
"It's nice to know I can still get that reaction," said Tiki.
"I don't know how anyone can look at you and not freeze up at how gorgeous you are," said Soleil. "You heard me this morning."
"I thought you were so cute standing there trying to be smooth."
"And I loved your dress and the bikini is just super cute and hot." Tiki calling her cute had sent her thoughts into disarray again. She looked into Tiki's eyes, then followed them as they turned to look down at her hand on the divine dragon's chest.
"I'll just…um…" said Robin in the silence before sideling away.
"I'm sorry," said Soleil after staring in disbelief at her hand for a few seconds before removing it, unaware they were now alone.
"Don't be," said Tiki softly.
"Do you, you know, have any one?" asked Soleil.
"No. There is no one who loves me."
Soleil noticed the odd phrasing of the reply but Tiki took a step backwards to the hut, her smile left Soleil in little doubt she was to follow. No sooner was the door closed than Tiki was up against her, her lips on hers, the warmth of her chest pressing into hers and the touch of bare skin against bare skin.
After the initial surge of passion and hunger, Tiki calmed down and took longer, fuller lunges at the first lips she'd felt against hers in centuries. After Soleil recovered from the shock of the initial flurry, she started exploring the beautifully toned body pressing her against the door. Her hands had only made it across Tiki's back and down to her ass before she felt her bikini being untied and, as it fell away, hands caressing her exposed chest. It was clear Tiki was very eager for it.
Dispensing with much in the way of foreplay at her partners desperation, Soleil undid Tiki's top then pushed her to the side to pin her to the wall. "How bad do you need this?" she purred before going to kiss her nipples.
"Fuck me," growled Tiki, pressing the girls head into her chest, it had been so long she couldn't restrain herself anymore, she needed the desperately sought for pleasure.
Soleil, face firmly held against the best boobs she'd had, obeyed the command and slipped Tiki's bottoms down before running her hand back up her inner thighs, finding the first trickle of the dragon's arousal coming down to meet her fingers. As her finger tip ran up Tiki's slit, the older woman took a shuddering breath, followed by a yelp of delight as her swollen clit felt its craved relief.
As she toyed with her clit, Soleil felt Tiki wrap her arms around her head, now crushing her into her right boob, luckily she was still positioned so her tongue could torment the nipple before, and, with her free hand able to slip in between the dragons arms, she began teasing the other. Though she couldn't see, it was clear Tiki was already being pushed up towards the heights of pleasure, judging by the moans, but this wasn't how she wanted to make her partner climax.
With significant effort, she managed to push out from her chest enough that she could slip free from Tiki's grip and dropped to her knees, bringing her tongue to bear to lap up her delicious pre-cum. As she hastened her speed on Tiki's clit, the dragon's knees gave way so she was now braced between her and the wall so she slowed her pace a little.
"No," gasped Tiki, "don't stop. Never stop."
Soleil looked up to see Tiki's lust filled expression looking down between those gorgeous mounds of perfect sexiness. As she watched, Tiki lifted one of her breasts and began sucking her own nipple, maintaining eye contact with her, hoping to both spur the youngster on and increase her own pleasure.
It certainly had the desired effect as Soleil used one hand to pull her own bikini bottoms down to start fingering herself as she switched her other hand and mouth, so she was now sucking Tiki's clit and furiously fingering her. After a few muffled moans, Tiki could no longer maintain her self-pleasuring as her head shot back with a cry of ecstasy, resulting in a considerable thump against the wall.
Soleil continued her stimulation as the dragon above quivered with orgasmic energy pulsing through her, her moans growing to a peak before dying off, at which point Soleil dropped down a little to lap up her cum.
It took half a minute before Tiki could move again and carefully knelt down so she and Soleil were again face to face, kissing her to taste her own cum, ensuring her tongue explored as much of Soleil as it could. As they kissed, she hooked an arm around Soleil and gently lay her down. "Move up," she said as she stood on all fours above her.
"You turn around," replied Soleil, there was no way she was missing a chance to sixty-nine.
Tiki did as suggested, eagerly leaning down to taste her conquest, her hips bucking a little at her touch, but she remained on her knees so she was too high for Soleil, hoping to tease her a little, but the girl just propped herself up to reach the nectar above her. She relented and repositioned so Soleil could lie down, freeing her hands for even more fun.
It was clear by the frequent twitching that Soleil was already close herself, so, eager to taste her delight, Tiki wasted no time and brought all her skill to bear on the teenager's dripping slit and swollen clit. It wasn't long before Soleil's technique was faltering, her breathing becoming sharper and her body feeling the first spasm of pleasure as she pushed higher and higher.
She could feel the coming orgasm and, with her last conscious though, held Tiki's sex against her face, knowing she was going to be very loud and there was nothing else she could to contain herself. She didn't even know what Tiki was doing to her know, her mind was gone but she felt her entire body burn with orgasmic bliss as it spasmed wildly beneath the dragon as her cries of delight were muffled by her dripping pussy.
She had no idea how long it lasted but she already felt exhausted when her thoughts came back. As she lay there panting, her head still spinning, Tiki reversed up her body to kiss her, lips against lips as her tongue sought out its counterpart for another injection of pleasure. After a few seconds she had to come up for breath, much to Soleil's relief.
"You're incredible," she panted, hoping talking would keep Tiki from kissing her again as she really needed some time to recover, muffling yourself may seem like a good idea, but it does make it hard to breath.
"I can say no less of you," said Tiki picking up on Soleil's need for a rest and sat back so Soleil's head was between her legs. She leant forward so her breast were directly above Soleil's face and gently started stroking a nipple.
Looking up at the amazing sight, Soleil could see more than just arousal and lust in Tiki's expression. After a few seconds, she hefted herself up to sit cross-legged facing her lover. "Who do you love?" she asked.
Tiki looked up at the ceiling as the guilt over what she had just done overcame her. "A woman named Say'ri."
"And she doesn't love you back?"
"No." As Soleil remained silent, she continued, "I met her when she came seeking my aid during the war. She woke me from my slumber and from the moment I laid eyes on her I knew she was special. I could see the love and dedication in her soul. I tried to forget about her as she would be dead in only a few decades and I didn't want such pain again, but I couldn't. I allowed myself to feel and told her, and she rejected me." She sighed as she relieved the pain of rejection again. She was brought back by Soleil taking her hand.
"Yet you still love her."
"I do. During the war she assigned herself the role of my bodyguard and I was gradually able to convince her we could be more than just master and servant, we could be true friends."
"And she went for it?"
"Yes. I have also raised my feeling since but she again rejected them."
"Well use me as an excuse to try again."
"How can I confess my love having just been intimate with another?"
"Because I don't know how someone could be friends with you, and be so loyal as to be your retainer, and not be a little bit in love with you. Say you've felt so lonely being so near to her but not in her arms that you sought comfort in the arms of another. Ooh, then you say you realised the only arms you want are hers. One confession of love." Seeing Tiki was sceptical she carried on, "The way I see it, she could be jealous or mad at you which shows she cares about who you sleep with, meaning she cares about you, or she'll be indifferent or mad at me for defiling you, meaning she doesn't care about you beyond being the Voice of Naga. If it's the second, then I'm sorry, if the first it's just duty holding her back and you can just force the issue."
"Force the issue?" questioned Tiki who was still processing the plan.
"Yeah, kiss her, don't let her say no, just go for it. I mean, don't keep going if she's trying to say no, don't, you know…"
"Of course not. The more I think about it the more I think this may give me an answer."
"I'm good with people," said Solei as an explanation for her planning skills.
"And you are wise beyond your years, child."
"From you that means a lot. I was hoping for round two once I got my breath back but now… I can't when I know how much you love someone. I'm sorry if I pushed you into this."
"Little one, if you had attempted anything of the sort I would have simply eaten you."
"You did eat me-Ooooh you mean actual, like, dragon, eating someone. Do you do that a lot?"
"Only occasionally, but not for many centuries," said Tiki to reassure the girl. She knew people often became weary of her when they found this out and didn't want to alienate her young lover.
"It's no big deal, I've a friend back home who's been known to eat people she's killed. She's not human either, she's like a wolf version of Panne."
"Thank you, Soleil," said Tiki squeezing her hand.
"No problem, I'm not refusing to help someone in love."
"I know you probably here this a lot but you are very talented at the arts of pleasure."
"Yeah, I know. You were phenomenal, when's the last time you were with a woman?"
"I'm not sure, maybe seven hundred years."
"Well you've not lost any skill, another good argument for Say'ri."
"It's easy to see why you and Caeldori love each other."
"Truthfully, we're not dating. Cael just said that so Cordelia would have an easier time accepting it."
"But the love between you is undeniable," insisted Tiki, "it's so clear. How both of you are always next to each other when you're in a group, how you smile when she laughs, you touch each other at every opportunity. Even when you're flirting with another your eyes move to her."
"Do I love her?" asked Soleil accepting those were things expected from a romantic couple.
"Only you can know. Perhaps we should return to our friends."
"I suppose we can't sit in here all day.," said Soleil as she got up and sought out her bikini. "How's this realm with topless sunbathing?"
"It's not unheard of but there are children present."
"Oh, yeah, that could give little Owain some new urges." Having sorted herself out, she saw Tiki had found hers as well. "You were so much cuter without it."
"I though you said you couldn't now you know my feelings?"
"I can still think about you," said Soleil with a lustful smile.
"Well, whenever you're bored," said Tiki stepping up close to her, "think of me and fuck yourself." She then planted a delicate kiss on Soleil's lips as she felt the girl sag for a moment before straightening up again.
As Robin approached the group assembled on the beach, all eyes turned to her followed immediately by Chrom averting his gaze, followed a second later by Odin then all the adults but Caeldori and Rhajat.
"You can look, you know," she said to the crowd.
"You weren't wearing anything like that last time we were on a beach together," said Rhajat. "Care to slather me in oil this time?"
"I'll have to pass," said Robin, fairly sure that was just teasing.
"Heh. Your loss."
With a wary glance to Rhajat, Robin sat next to Sumia and Chrom and hoped no one would need to go back to the beach house for anything. It was, thankfully, situated a little way from the beach amongst the dunes to protect it against storms, but Robin still though she heard the occasional cry of passion above the sound of the wind and the birds. She hoped that was only because she was listening for it and no one else heard them.
When Tiki and Soleil finally arrived at the beach, they acted very natural and it seemed to Robin only Caeldori knew what they had done. Others may have had suspicions but it seemed they had got away with their fling.
As the day went on, the adults chatted or read while Odin, Cynthia and Ophelia were leading the children and Nowi in a series of games that ended up with mock battles with driftwood swords and shells substituting for spells. When they returned to the group for a drink and a snack, Soleil, regretting her decision not to join in, suggested volleyball which was immediately taken up. Cynthia immediately declared her and Soleil a team followed by Lissa dragging up her sister-in-law and Ophelia and Odin declaring themselves Team Aching Blood. Lucy managed to argue she was old enough to compete in the adult league with her father which left Thia, Noire, Owain, Nowi and Kana for the children's league, though Noire only played a couple of games before going to sit with her big sister and future mother. Caeldori hadn't planned on playing but, as Soleil was taken and then Robin volunteered to be referee, believing her bikini wouldn't survive an active game, she saw Tiki's face fall and realised the ancient dragon wanted to play and offered to partner her.
After the remaining four children had played a few games with Team Dragon Fang winning, the adult tournament began with significantly more competitive spirit. Eventually the final round saw Odin and Ophelia up against Soleil and Cynthia with Team Aching Blood winning after Ophelia flashed Soleil to distract her as her father spiked the winning point. Not that Soleil minded.
After lunch, with most happily sunbathing and several sleeping, Nowi and Kana were playing in the water, trying to make the biggest splash they could to soak the other. It had been going on for some time until Nowi attempted a splash by belly flopping. As she got up from the water, sorting her top, she turned to Kana but found she was gone. She instinctively ducked expecting a sneak attack from behind but none came. "Kana"? she asked which cause Rhajat to sit bolt upright.
As she looked around, the sea in front of her erupted and, with a significant squeal, she scrambled back while reaching for her dragonstone and transformed in time to be knocked over by Kana. Realising who her attacker was, Nowi started laughing which set Kana off too. The onlookers on the beach were then treated to the sight of two dragon's barley able to stand for laughing.
"Did I scare you?" asked Kana when she had enough breath back to speak.
"I was terrified," said Nowi, still giggling. "I thought you were sea monster coming to get me."
"Sea monster attack!" shouted Kana and leapt at Nowi who dodged sideways and tried to pin her down. After a little wrestling, the two parted and Nowi swept her wings back and pushed forward to win their biggest splash competition. Kana decided one last tackle would win her the wrestling competition and, as Nowi was off balance, she charged her, succeeded in knocking her over and pinning her on her back in the water, only her long neck remained above the surface.
"Owowowow."
"I'm sorry," said Kana jumping of off her causing an even louder 'ow'.
"You were on my wing," said Nowi as she tried to get up. On land she could use her wings to roll over but both were stretched out and the weight of water over them meant she couldn't lift them up. "I'm stuck," she said matter-of-factly.
"Hold on," said Kana moving carefully round her to avoid the outstretched wings. She stretched her neck under the stranded dragon and pushed her up until Nowi was clear of the water and could right herself.
"I'm hungry," declared Nowi.
"Me too," said Kana, "race you."
The two dragons charged out of the water and up to the slightly nervous party on the beach before Rhajat simply raised her hand and both girl slowed to a walk and transformed back.
"Can we have something to eat, Mama?" asked Kana.
"No, you've just had lunch."
"Please, Mama," pleaded Nowi.
"I'm not your Mama," pointed out Rhajat.
"Yes you are," said Nowi with absolute certainty. Seeing Rhajat still didn't believe her she explained, "all dragons are family, like Tiki's my big sister, Nah and Nah are my daughters and now Kana is my little sister. Since you're her mother, that makes you my mother too. See?"
"By that logic I'm the mother of a three-thousand-year-old."
"Only if you desire it, Mama," said Tiki causing a stir of laughter.
"It's so lonely being an only child," said Kana to make her mother feel sorry for abandoning her in the deeprealm and for being an only child. "So can we have something to eat?"
"Please," pleaded Nowi and Kana in unison.
With such cute faces, both doing all they could to look cuter, Rhajat gave in. "Fine," she sighed as she stood up and both girls took a hand, "but you're having fruit."
"Have you just adopted my mother?" asked Nah who'd been watching with interest.
"Apparently," answered Rhajat, annoyed that she'd been beaten. Motherhood had really softened her.
For the rest of the day, Nowi exclusively referred to Rhajat as 'Mama' and played the part of a happy daughter and sister. Rhajat grudgingly went along with it knowing it made Kana and Nowi happy to have more family and, while she would never admit it to her, enjoyed having another daughter.
A few hours later, everyone was gathering up their supplies and changing ready for the journey home. They hoped to be back for an evening meal together as the travellers, sans Odin and Ophelia, were planning to return home the next day. Rhajat, in particular, wanted to get back to spend a little time with just her and her Noires, something she could never have done as Tharja. Nowi helped by looking after Kana for the evening with the stern instructions from her mother that if she failed to take care of her little sister the world was not big enough to hide in.
After a couple of hours with her Noires, which Rhajat had quite enjoyed, they left for their own home so Rhajat sought out Kana and found her and Nowi in the castle games room playing board games.
"Mama!" shouted both girls as she came in as they abandoned their game and ran to hug her.
"Did you have fun?" asked Kana.
"I did," replied Rhajat as she hugged her other two daughters. "Just being able to talk with them is almost more than I hoped."
"Can we have a sleepover?" asked Nowi.
With the force of cuteness from the two faces looking up at her, Rhajat had no choice. "Of course. Do you want to take a game to our room?"
The two girls returned to the pile of games they'd played and Kana picked one out. "I like this one the best,"
"And we can all play it," said Nowi looking to Rhajat.
"Come on then," said Rhajat wondering what she had let herself in for.
The three of them retired to Rhajat and Kana's room and played the game before Rhajat insisted it was time for bed. Kana, who didn't want to sleep tonight, insisted they tell scary stories. Hers were somewhat lacklustre and Nowi purposely didn't tell a really scary story, when you've lived for a thousand years you've seen enough horror to scare adults sleepless, and Rhajat told one story meant for children before again insisting it was bedtime. With a stern look, Kana accepted she was tired and they got ready for bed. A few minutes after getting into bed, Kana's breathing told Rhajat she was asleep.
"Rhajat?" came Nowi's soft voice from the darkness.
"Mmm?"
"Thank you for today."
"Which part?"
"Pretending to be mother," said Nowi quietly and sounded to Rhajat as if she was upset. "It was nice to feel like I had her again."
Rhajat lay quiet for several seconds, unsure how to respond. "Go to sleep, sweetheart," she decided would be best.
"Night, Mama," said Nowi, happy that it maybe hadn't just been today that she had a mother.
"Good night,"
The next morning, Rhajat was up at her usual time while Kana and Nowi were still asleep. She tidied their room and laid out two set of clothes, one blue and one green, before standing in front of her daughters, still sound asleep. She stood there for some time looking at them both, Kana curled up and Nowi spread out with an arm over Kana's stomach. She concluded she wanted another child and wondered how open Corrin would be to adopting. "Girls," she said softly.
"Mmm," mumbled Nowi as she roused and woke Kana as she turned over.
"Time to get up," she said more sternly as she pulled the sheet back. As the two dragons forced themselves into wakefulness and got out of bed she added, "there's warm water in the basin, wash your faces then get dressed. You can choose which you want between you."
Nowi looked at the two dresses laid out. "What's wrong with my own clothes?"
"No daughter of mine is going out dressed like that."
Nowi was ecstatic to hear this, it was proper teenage parenting, even if it was half a millennium early. After they had washed and dressed, Rhajat sat Kana down first and brushed her hair before putting it into her bun before sitting Nowi down. After several minutes, and lot of wincing from Nowi as Rhajat forcibly detangled her mane, they were ready to go to breakfast. On the way, Rhajat made it very clear that she expected Nowi to actually brush her hair before the next time they visited.
Over the course of the morning the others came to say goodbye to the travellers before they began the journey home. Shortly before noon, Rhajat, Kana, Laslow, Soleil and Caeldori were ready to leave, with the last of their friends and family standing with them at the city gates to the city to see them off.
Both sets of Soleil's grandparents had given her something to remember them, including a new bandana from Olivia. Caeldori felt somewhat awkward as she said goodbye to her former self and former husband before Soleil pulled them all in for a group hug. Noire, Noire, Nowi and Nah, there mostly for her mother, came to see off Rhajat and Kana.
Having said goodbye and hugged both her human daughters, Rhajat turned to Nowi only to have the small dragon clamp on to her. The others noticed Rhajat hugging her back and that she seemed to genuinely like having her as her daughter. When Nowi eventually felt she could let go again, she stepped back and handed her mother a small bag containing some of her scales to help her in divination.
Nah, watching her mother react like a child saying goodbye to parent, realised that, even though she was a thousand years old and a mother, she was supposed to still be a child. As Nowi stood watching the travellers leave and trying not to cry, Nah hugged her from behind and decided that maybe she needed to be the mother in their relationship sometimes.
The travellers returned to the hole between worlds, which they were all glad to see was still open and to the correct time, before making their way back to Fort Corrin where they split. Laslow returned to Nohr, Rhajat and Kana to Valla and Caeldori and Soleil to Hoshido. Soleil found it quite hard to watch her father leaving without her as it dawned on her it may be some time before she sees either of her parents again. Caeldori made her feel better by promising plenty of annual leave.
Arriving back at Castle Shirasagi, Caeldori took Soleil back to her room to drop off her bags of presents and purchases. As Soleil was about to leave to drop hers of in her servant-sized room down the hall, Caeldori took her hand. "It's so big in here," she commented looking around her giant, sparsely decorated room. "You could easily have two people living here. Would you like to move in with me?"
"Is that normal for a retainer?" asked Soleil knowing it certainly wasn't in Nohr.
"No, but you're not a normal retainer," she said lifting Soleil's hand to kiss it.
"I think I love you," said Soleil abruptly.
"I didn't think you were the falling in love type," teased Caeldori.
"I thought so too, but Tiki said some things about us and I think, maybe I am. Do you-" she began before Caeldori's lips were against hers.
"Of course I love you," said Caeldori, slightly exasperated Soleil couldn't tell already. "I've been taking you on dates for a month; the walks, picnics, nights out."
"So are we moving in together, like, as a couple?"
In answer, Caeldori kissed her again. She then began removing her girlfriend's top, eager for their first time as a romantic couple.
As Rhajat and Kana approached their home, Rhajat reached out with her mind to find Corrin and warped her and Kana straight to her.
"Mama!" squealed Kana as she jumped on her surprised mother.
"Kana! Oh, I've missed you my little one," said Corrin lifting Kana up. She was getting a little too big to do it nowadays so Corrin had to quickly put her back down. "Did you enjoy your vacation?"
"It was so fun," said Kana nearly bouncing, "everyone was so nice and the best bit is I have six sisters!"
"Six?" questioned Corrin glancing up at Rhajat. "What has Mama been doing without me?"
Rhajat chuckled at the impossible insinuation she may have cheated but stayed silent as she knew Kana would explain.
"I've got two human sisters called Noire and I've got four dragon sisters. They're Nowi, Tiki, Nah and Nah. Nowi's the same age as me, well she's a thousand but she looks the same age as me and we had so much fun playing together. Tiki's older than us and she's so clever and pretty and nice and Nah pretends she's grown up but she really likes playing too and little Nah was too young to join in but she's really sweet."
"I don't know if I've seen you so excited," said Corrin as Kana took a breath.
"I wish you'd been there," said Kana.
"Me too," added Rhajat.
"I'm sorry my loves. Next time, I promise I'll come with you. Now, tell me everything."
Kana told her mother everything they'd done in great detail, not necessarily in order as she was too excited to slow down and think but in the end she did manage to include everything. She was telling about her sleepover with Nowi when there was a knock at the door.
"Enter," said Corrin.
"My Ladies," said Jakob with a respectful nod. "Dinner will be served in five minutes."
"Thank you Jakob." As he left with another respectful nod, she turned to Kana. "Go and wash your hands for dinner, sweetheart."
"Yes Mama," said Kana as she headed for the washroom.
As the door closed, Corrin took Rhajat's hands and stood pressed against her as she kissed her. After several kisses she moved away a fraction of a step to look her lover in the eyes. "I missed you."
"I missed you too."
"Did it really go as well with Noire as Kana said?"
"It did," said Rhajat with a smile. "She knows I can be better than the beast that she calls mother."
"Beast is a little strong," said Corrin softly as she stroked her wife's cheek.
"Sorry. I was a bad mother, that much you cannot argue."
"But you're an amazing mother now."
"And I liked having a big family."
"You did? I though you may just have been acting for Kana."
"I couldn't stop myself treating Nowi exactly the same as her. Her very existence brought out motherly instinct."
"Well, once the kingdom is sorted out and I have some free time, maybe we can talk about having another. Not using your spell."
"Agreed."
The two stood looking into each other's eyes, seeing the possible future ahead.
"Our bed was cold without you," said Corrin as she leaned in to kiss her wife.
"Aww," cooed Kana watching from the door causing her mothers to stop. "I like seeing you kiss; you look so happy."
"Come on," said Corrin holding out a hand for Kana. "Dinner time."
Upon arriving back at Castle Krakenberg, Laslow first went to his and Selena's bed chamber to drop off his bag and hoped he may find his wife there but was informed on the way by a maid that Lady Camilla had gone out with her retainers and wasn't expected back until later. As he entered their room, he saw a large pile of bags and realised Selena had done a lot of stress shopping. A cursory glance over them also had him hoping Camilla had paid for some of it or they may now be broke. After laying out the present he had brought back for his wife on the bed, he went to report to Lord Xander.
It was late when Lord Xander retired for the evening and Laslow could head back to his chambers. As he entered, he saw his wife standing in front of the mirror wearing the yukata he had brought back for her.
"Oh, you're back?" question Selena trying to sound indifferent.
"Happy to see me?" asked Laslow as he hugged her from behind, ending with his hands joined over her stomach, unwilling to let her go.
"I guess," she replied but the smile gave it away.
"I missed you," said Laslow kissing her shoulder.
"Me too," affirmed Selena placing her hands over his. "Has Soleil gone to Hoshido?"
"She has."
"I miss her," said Selena, avoiding catching her husband's gaze in the mirror.
"She's with you mother so you know she's safe and Caeldori promised to give her plenty of leave."
Selena continued looking down at the corner of the mirror for a few seconds before voicing her thoughts. "We need to be better parents for the next one."
"Are you-" began Laslow sliding his hands down her stomach.
"No," she said softly, dissuading either the thought she was already pregnant or in the mood to try, "but, soon would be nice. We have to do better for them than we did for Soleil and actually be parents."
"No argument from me," said Laslow looking at his blushing wife in the mirror. "You'll certainly never find me unwilling," he added as he hugged her tighter and kissed her neck to get a reaction.
"Down boy," said Selena with a giggle as Laslow loosened his grip and started gently swaying the two of them side to side. She leant back into him and let him take some of her weight as she enjoyed the moment. After a while she asked, "is this the yukata I got at the hot spring?"
"Your mother asked me if I could bring it to you."
"I can't believe she kept it all these years."
"She kept everything of yours," said Laslow noting how it upset her. "Soleil said she looked heartbroken when she was told you weren't with us."
"I should have gone," said Selena quietly. "I just-"
"It's alright," said Laslow knowing she didn't want to say she couldn't cope.
"Anyway," she said sounding like her usual confident self as she stood up and walkout out of her husband's arms, "how is everyone, all alive?"
"Aside from Lucina who's still missing, all are very much alive and well."
"Well, mostly good news then." She undid the belt of the yukata and let it fall open a little to reveal she was only wearing panties underneath. "Did any girl catch your eye?"
"I must confess there was one," began Laslow, enjoying seeing his wife's expression harden and close the yukata. "A very cute young thing called Severa," he continued causing his wife to smirk instead, "I feel she's going to be breathtakingly beautiful when she grows up."
"Alright, that was a reasonably good line," she conceded and dropped the yukata to the floor, happy to see Laslow's gaze fixed on her. "So, really how is everyone?" she asked as she looked out her pyjamas.
As Selena dressed and got into bed, Laslow filled her in with what all their friends had done during their absence and how their parents and younger selves were getting on. She said she had been thinking while he was gone and had decided she wanted to be herself again, to be Severa. Laslow was a little disappointed as he'd lost all his moon metaphors but was happy to call her by her true name, though he decided he would stick with Laslow as he wanted to avoid the confusion the name change would inevitable cause.