*So, I gave myself a black eye while working out. My awesomeness holds no bounds.

This is one of my favorite ships in the game, and conveniently enough was a request made by several people. WHY DOES STAHL HAVE TO BE SO AMAZING?!*

"I bet you could totally ride her into battle!" a young child excitedly spoke as he looked at Panne in her Taguel form.

"I beg your pardon?" Panne asked, still in her form.

"Oh my gosh! No one would see it coming!" a little girl giggled. "Most people ride horses, Pegasi, or Griffons, but a giant bunny? No way!"

"I am no 'bunny'. I am a Taguel."

"Can you give us a ride? Pleeeeease?" a second girl begged, her hands folded together, her big blue eyes begging themselves.

Her husband nervously messed with the back of his hair. "Erm, she normally doesn't like that, you know. Now, her son may-"

"Very well," Panne cut him off. "Just this once."

A second boy ran in place, exhilaration overwhelming. "This is the best day ever!"

Taking turns, Stahl would help the children onto Panne's back, and she would slowly run around the village to ensure that they would not fall. All the while, the children laughed and had smiles on their faces. Stahl observed his wife as she made the little ones happy, his smile just as bright as theirs. When it was all over, Stahl and Panne headed back to camp with the rest of the Shepherds, the children sad to see them go. They each gave Stahl and Panne hugged and thanked them, and he could see the delight in his wife's eyes.

Inside their tent, Stahl removed his armor and changed into his slack wear while Panne stretched out on their bedroll. The lantern gave just enough light in the tent as they prepared for bed. Stahl thought about the day's events with the children, and it still brought a smile to his face as he lay down beside Panne, whom was on her side, nearly asleep. He put his arm around her and held her close to him.

"Panne," he whispered, "are you awake?"

"Barely," she murmured. "Is something the matter?"

"No. I just…" He nestled his head on her neck, her fur giving cushion. "When this war is over… you're going to be a great mother."

He felt her body shift. "Am I not a great mother now?"

"Well, yes, but Yarne is already grown."

"I see." She rolled over and looked into Stahl's eyes. "I suppose it would be different, having to completely raise a child." Her cheeks then turned red. "You really do think I would be a great mother?"

"Definitely!" he grinned. "The way you handled those village children was amazing."

"Hmm…" This time, she leaned her head into the crook of Stahl's throat, her eyes closed and a smile on her face. "You also performed admirably with the young ones. They liked you." She then planted a kiss on his Adam's apple. "You will make a great father."

Stahl let out a sleepy laugh as he put his arms around her and held her. "We'll be awesome parents together, huh?"

He heard nothing else from her, indicating to him that she had fallen asleep. He could feel his eyelids become heavy, so he closed them as he relaxed his muscles to permit sleep to overtake him. A smile again appeared on his face.

When this war is over… let's make a family.