As always - Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima and everything Pradesh belongs to Desna.
A/N - Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there. Please read and review :)
Farron walked into the galley to the wonderful smell of fresh coffee, bacon and pancakes. Bickslow, Vander and Lucas were already seated while Lucy cooked and hummed a happy tune. He went to get himself a cup of coffee when the cup was ripped from his hands by the blonde. She took the cup and spooned a liquid from a pot on the stove into the cup before filling it with coffee and handing it back. She had definitely poured some sort of dairy into it, normally he just took it black. Confused he inhaled the scent and the fragrant smell of cinnamon wafted up from the cup. Looking up in surprise, Lucy just winked and told him that a little birdie told her about his favorite spice so she steeped cinnamon sticks in some milk to give it a little extra pop.
Taking a sip he set it down on the counter and hugged her from behind as she went back to flipping the pancakes. "You are truly an angel sent from heaven." She blushed furiously as she told him to go sit, while simultaneously slapping Vander's hand from the platter of bacon she had yet to place on the table. Soon she started serving, each getting their favorite toppings. Lucas and Bickslow had their pancakes smothered in syrup, Vander's came with a cherry compote, and Farrons came with cinnamon sugar butter. Lucy's of course was topped with strawberries. They all sat and ate and talked and laughed. As she served a second plate to Bickslow whose appetite was almost up to dragon slayer levels, the Seith mage got down on one knee and proposed causing more blushing and laughter.
Good morning Farron. I trust the trip is going as scheduled? Kaleb's voice entered his mind. Farron confirmed they would arrive in about 4 hours. Dad and Emi should be there to greet you. How are the Celestial mage and the boy? I've been kept up to speed on the boy's progress in training but little else.
Lucas is a very sweet child, and like a sponge for information. Be prepared for hours of questions. Lucy is… well unique in about every way imaginable. She is beautiful, kind, intelligent and an extremely skilled mage. Dean Kalperden will be very interested to meet her. Also quite talented in the kitchen I must say.
There was a slight laugh from Kaleb. You are interested aren't you?
I am. There is nothing not to appreciate about her. You will see for yourself.
I look forward to it tonight at the house. The whole family should be there for dinner. Even Xally will be putting a hold on her remote work and will be working at the University Hospital for a bit.
The rest of the trip was uneventful, Lucy and Lucas watching their arrival from the deck. Palerno was beautiful from above and they couldn't wait to see all of it. Farron joined them and pointed out certain locations as they moved over the city. Lucy had to admit the White Sea Guild was quite impressive looking even from a distance.
"I have a favor to ask of you," Farron started. "I have to return to Crocus in one month for the ball and I was hoping you would join me."
Lucy beamed up at him, "That actually works out great! I was going to ask if I could tag along. Hisui is demanding my presence as well as several of the mages I know. Even though I would rather not attend, I don't trust her and want to make sure my friends aren't pushed around by her. Plus they are not exactly used to mingling with the sort of people I am sure will also attend." This caught Farron's curiosity so they discussed her dislike of the new Queen. "Her father was a good man, it was very sad to see him pass." Farron agreed.
The arrival to the air dock was smooth. Lucas' excitement was bubbling over and infecting everyone around him. They left the building and were greeted by a very handsome and distinguished older gentleman and the most beautiful blonde woman Lucy had ever seen. Bickslow rushed to the two and hugged the older man and the woman in turn, thankful he was wearing his visor so that no one could see the tears. "It has been so long my son. Welcome home at last." The three spoke for a while while Lucy and Lucas hung back with the other two Pradesh's. Wiping tears from his pale green eyes, the man turned to the rest. "Are you going to introduce us?" He looked pointedly at Farron.
"This is Ms. Lucy Heartfilia from Fiore and the ball of excitement next to her is Lucas who will be training with Kaleb. Lucy this is-"
"Ambassador Pradesh," Lucy interrupted, walking forward and bowing slightly. "It is an honor to meet you, your work and your son's humanitarian efforts are well known. I am a huge fan of what you've been able to accomplish and how many lives you have been able to affect."
Arman smiled and took her hand and kissed it. "Please just call me Arman. Heartfilia… was your mother Layla by chance?" Lucy nodded. "She was a wonderful woman and I was very sorry to learn of her passing. She was a good friend to my wife long ago."
Lucy was ripped away into a big hug from the giant blonde, "I'm Emzadi, but you can call me Emi. I'm excited to have another girl here for a while, we are going to have so much fun shopping! Xally will be coming soon so there are definitely going to be a few girl's nights out."
Meanwhile, Lucas stepped forward to Arman. He put his hand out to shake. "Hi, I'm Lucas. I'm Lucy's brother."
"It is wonderful to meet you Lucas. I hear you will be training with another one of my sons at the White Sea Guild. You will meet him tonight, I hope you are ready to work hard."
Lucas nodded seriously, "I have to work hard so that I can protect my sister."
Vander walked up and ruffled the boy's hair, "You are already doing a great job at protecting her from what I've seen kid. I'll still be helping with your training too unless I have a mission." Lucas beamed up at the Shadowquip. "Hey dad, sis." Emzadi punched him in the arm. "Ow hey, sibling abuse already? I just got here."
"Call it being proactive for whatever nonsense you are already plotting." She returned with a wink to Lucy.
"You wound me." Vander fake pouted.
They arrived at the estate not much later, Lucas asking about how the cars worked and almost everything he could see out the window. Farron and Arman took turns answering his endless questions. Emi pointed out all of the best shopping areas to Lucy as they went. "First thing we need to do is get you some veil dresses, you would look so good in them!" Both Farron and Vander were imagining just that and looking forward to the reality of it.
The estate was larger than the compound Lucy had grown up on, it was plantation style with a large amount of land and placed very close to the Grass Sea. The scent of the sea was calming and she understood why Farron splurged on that water being on his airship for the bath. They were greeted at the front door by Cristoff and Erza. Erza pulled Lucy into a smothering hug while Cris greeted his family. Lucas was frowning a bit. There were too many people he didn't know touching his sister. "It's okay kid, I warned you that she has a lot of people in her life and you had to share. That is Erza, another guildmate from Fairy Tail. The giant hulking man is her mate and my older brother, Cristoff." Vander whispered to him. "Deep breath and control your feelings, we don't need a bout of jealousy running through this crowd. Okay?" Lucas nodded and did as suggested.
Lucy and Lucas were shown to their rooms by Cris and Erza. "I don't know how we can ever thank you enough for what you've done for us Lucy." Cristoff started. "If you ever need anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask any Pradesh. We all owe you a debt of gratitude for helping me find my mate."
Embarrassed, Lucy waved her hands and denied doing anything. "I just had a hunch, you two were meant to be so it would have happened eventually without me."
"Nonsense Lucy." Erza proclaimed. "You gave me the love of my life, my mate. The same as you did for Gajeel, Levy, Natsu and Gray. We are all blessed to have you as a friend. I will continue to protect you as always and so will my mate." The mention of Natsu and Gray reminded her of their request, but she pushed those thoughts aside and just enjoyed seeing Erza again. The girls hugged, talked and cried in Lucy's room as Virgo brought and put away her belongings. Cristoff took Lucas to his room right next door.
Eventually, the two separated and Lucy changed into a short yellow and white floral summer dress. She grabbed Lucas and they started exploring, eventually locating the kitchen where a shorter, balding and stocky man was cooking up the most amazing smells. "You must be Ms. Heartfilia and Master Lucas," he exclaimed, wiping his hands on his apron. "I am Mr. Elan, please tell me what your favorite dishes are." Lucas simply proclaimed he loved everything his sister cooked, while Lucy stated she didn't want to be a bother. "It is my pleasure to create things that make people happy," Mr. Elan replied. "I will find out eventually, even if you don't tell me." Finally she capitulated and admitted her love of strawberries and especially smoothies. The cook smiled and told her she should continue to explore and something special would be brought to her.
He found them on the back porch and delivered the smoothie as well as a fresh squeezed orange juice for Lucas. He returned to the kitchen while the two enjoyed their drinks and the view of the beach across an expansive lawn. Lucy knew they were in the middle of a large city, but it felt so private and remote. She felt like she could stay there forever and enjoy every moment.
"It is very relaxing isn't it?" Arman spoke as he joined them. "This has always been my favorite part of the house. I remember sitting and watching the children play and train out here when they were young."
"Yes it is an amazing home you have. Thank you so much for your hospitality. Lucas and I will arrange other lodging as soon as we can."
"I won't hear of it." Arman replied. "This house has been mostly empty for several years now that they are grown. This old man is looking forward to the company. I also must thank you for what you did for Cristoff. He was always a romantic, but had to keep his heart closed somewhat until he found his mate. Now he is able to give his whole heart and it is a joy to see. Soon, I hope to have some grandchildren at last and this house can be full of children's laughter once again. There is nothing I could ever give you in return that would be enough. So please allow me to at least open up my home to you, whenever and for however long you need."
Lucy had the feeling there would be nothing gained by arguing, agreed and simply thanked him again. "Please come in, dinner will be starting in about an hour and my other children should begin arriving soon." Arman led the two to the massive dining room, she supposed he needed it having eight children. She recalled hearing that one had died along with his mother when very young and the rest like Vander and Bickslow were adopted to honor his late wife's wish for a large family.
Kaleb was the first to arrive and what a sight he was. Lucy had to check herself to make sure she wasn't drooling. He was clad in tight white leather with gold accents and jewelry, taller than Bickslow with long flowing platinum blonde hair and pale lavender eyes. He looked like a sculpture come to life. He greeted his father and Bickslow first, who was thankfully not wearing the visor since he arrived in the house, and then came to meet her and Lucas. He bent to one knee to get to Lucas' level and introduced himself and explained he was the guild master of White Sea and that he and Vander would be furthering his training. Lucas seemed in awe of the man and was speechless for once, just nodding when appropriate. He then stood and smiled and kissed Lucy briefly in the traditional Boscan manner. Arman noted that both Vander and Farron's smiles disappeared a little when Kaleb did so. His own smile increased. Yes, having Lucy there would be wonderful for his family.
Lucy was in shock for a few moments. It wasn't everyday an Adonis just walked up and kissed her. Then she started to feel a familiar sensation. Pulling herself together, she narrowed her eyes slightly and looked up at the tall blonde. "You are a Mindbender mage correct?" When he confirmed this, she continued. "I would ask that you not intrude on my thoughts again. If you need to know something, just ask. I don't need anyone snooping around my brain."
Looking surprised, Kaleb apologized. "It was only surface thoughts and a little curiosity. I will not intrude again, you have my promise. Might I ask how you knew?"
"First thing, I am a Celestial mage so I take promises very seriously. Second, when you've been kidnapped as many times as I have you learn to take some precautions." She turned to Bickslow who was cracking up at her having scolded his older brother. "And you," she pointed to the Seith mage, "You and Cobra are no better. I know you take peeks at souls when you think no one can tell because of that stupid visor. I have given up on doing anything about Cobra."
Bickslow stopped laughing and Vander started up instead. Arman was glad to have this woman as an addition to his house. If he had any say in it, he would have her for a daughter-in-law eventually. He would be watching his children closely indeed.
Lucy glared at the laughing Shadowquip and sat at the table with a sigh. "You are acquainted with the Poison slayer then?" Kaleb asked, ignoring his little brother.
"You could say that, he is after all partially responsible for two of those kidnappings."