Interlude - Spring Flowers


So winter thaws to spring and brings about new changes and the like. Erinys ended up pregnant quite soon after the wedding, to the teasing of all, but she wasn't the only pregnancy our army dealt with. Apparently, that kiss on the cheek between Sylvia and Claude led to more serious things very quickly as a month later, Sylvia was pregnant. It seemed a little uncharacteristic, given Claude, but it wasn't my place to judge and the two were happy.

Actually, considering everything, all of us were quite happy. I loved it.


"There we are," I murmured, finishing up Diarmuid's health check. It was a relief to see him doing well. He'd been born early, and unlike Seliph and both sets of twins, who only had minor issues, Diarmuid suffered from a few health complications. Though, the others were picking up a few things… "You're all better!" I picked up Diarmuid and kissed his nose, getting an automatic smile in return. It was a relief to see him smiling.

"How is he?" Shanan asked from the table. I glanced over to him to see he hadn't looked up from making the medicine, still with the dark look he had when arriving at the infirmary. Thanks to Shanan, we'd discovered this morning that Larcei had meningitis, and Ulster had sepsis, so Claude was treating them both with Aideen's help, while I manned the infirmary and checked on the other children. After I confirmed that Seliph, Caitriona, Conall, and Lester were thankfully not sick, yet, Shanan had come to the infirmary with me and begged for something to do. Oifeye was out on patrol with Alec and Naoise, and couldn't help distract him. "Diarmuid? Is he okay?"

"He seems to be recovering well from the heart surgery, yes." I carefully wrapped Diarmuid in a blanket, remembering the surgery. It had been more than a little terrifying, truthfully, but between Claude's skill and healing staves, everything went smoothly. "I am certain Larcei and Ulster will be just as well." Tucking Diarmuid against my shoulder, I walked over to Shanan and kissed the top of his head. "You did a good thing, catching both in time, Shanan. It's unlikely Ulster and Larcei will suffer long-term effects."

"And I know it's not my fault they got sick. It's common in premature babies and Lester is the only one who isn't premature in the group. Twins are commonly born early, and ten percent of babies are born premature anyway." He rattled it off easily, and I smiled ruefully. He was young, but in many ways, he wasn't a child. It made me sad. "I just feel helpless."

"Well, you're helping now, I promise." I crouched down to look at him better, and so that he could see Diarmuid smiling up at him. Shanan softened enough to smile back and wiped off his hand to poke Diarmuid's cheek. "Trust me. That medicine will help."

"Yeah…" He poked Diarmuid's cheek again. Diarmuid flailed and grabbed his finger. "Ow… that's a strong grip."

"Well, he is of Hezul's blood, and they're known for strength." Uneasily, I looked at Diarmuid's upper right arm, where the amber lines of a Holy Mark slowly bloomed. I really didn't like how all of them were getting their Marks early. Diarmuid wasn't even a month old. "Ah, but I am getting distracted. Do you mind watching the infirmary for me while I get Diarmuid back to Lachesis? We can send for Tailtiu if you want." She was helping Lex keep calm while his children were getting treated; he lost the argument with Ayra over which of them would stay.

"No, I can do it!" He brightened up instantly, once again glad to have something to do and in the trust we put in him. "How is she doing?"

"She's recovering well, thankfully." Like me, Lachesis had suffered from a postpartum infection, as well as some complications. Unlike me, and like Aideen, we nearly lost her. Adelaide, the castle midwife who I was more than a little convinced was divine because of how quickly she managed to save Lachesis, theorized the stress of the civil war had negatively impacted her. "She's insisting on feeding Diarmuid herself, though, and it's almost time for a feeding." Almost to emphasize the words, Diarmuid mouthed my shirt, trying to get to my breast. "I'll be right back."

Leaving Shanan grinning and making medicines, I carried Diarmuid through the halls, shifting him about when he tried to latch onto my breast again. He really was hungry, but I couldn't help with that. Instead, I did my best to distract him, smiling softly when he smiled at me. He was young, and took mostly after Lachesis in coloring for now, but his smile reminded me of Finn's. I couldn't wait for Finn to meet him. I was sure it would be a happy moment I'd cherish forever. He'd probably blush and stumble over his words a few times, and Lachesis would laugh and laugh. It would be so much fun.

"Lachesis, you awake?" I asked when I reached her door. I walked in with barely a knock and smiled when I saw Ayra sitting by her bed, the two happily chatting over something. A small bouquet of wildflowers, freshly picked, sat in a jar of water on the nightstand by the bed. I wondered who'd brought them. "Well, it looks like it."

"Ayra is going to help me out with feeding Diarmuid, since last time was difficult for both of us," Lachesis explained. She was still rather grey in the face, but her arms didn't shake when she reached out for her baby. "How is he?"

"He seems to be doing well, though I'll want to check him again later today." I carefully passed Diarmuid over and glanced at Ayra. She looked like she needed a nap or twenty. "How are your twins?"

"Claude and Aideen are double-checking, but they should be fine," Ayra explained. She helped Lachesis position Diarmuid and smiled tiredly up at me. "Claude thinks they got exposed to the pneumonia that went around last week and that's what led to this."

"I knew we should've been more vigilant at who got close to the children," I muttered. Still, sadly, all we could do was do a better job for the future. "Regardless, since you're here, I think I'll go make sure the other children are still fine."

"Yep, I can watch her." Ayra grinned and tugged me down to kiss my cheek in thanks. I smiled and hugged her back, kissed Lachesis's forehead since I couldn't really hug her, and headed out again. I'd be back by lunch to make sure Lachesis ate.

As I walked down the hall, towards the infirmary, I actually almost ran into Claude, to my surprise. "Ah, Claude!" I called, catching up easily. He smiled tiredly at me, letting his healer's mask fall briefly. "Ayra said she was told Ulser and Larcei will be fine."

"They should be, but we're definitely keeping them isolated for the time being," Claude confirmed. I breathed a sigh of relief. "Diarmuid?"

"He seems to be recovering well. I was going to check the other children again."

"Oh, good, as I was heading to the infirmary to ask if you'd mind if I took a look at them. Aideen is triple-checking Ulster and Larcei."

"I would welcome another opinion, particularly with my twins." Caitriona and Larcei were becoming 'thick as thieves' as Dew once put it, and Conall's favorite nap partner was Ulster. "Though, I would've thought you'd be with Sylvia?"

"She's visiting Erinys and Lewyn at Silesse Castle, along with Azel, remember?" He smiled slightly and I pinched the bridge of my nose to keep from facepalming. I'd completely forgotten in the morning's chaos. Heck, I'd even forgotten that Lewyn and Erinys didn't live in Zaxon with the rest of us, but in Silesse Castle so that they could attend to royal duties. Though, they visited often enough. "I am definitely checking the children."

"Watch it, mister. I've been nice, but I can tease you relentlessly about Sylvia." I smiled, though, to let him know I was joking. While there seemed to be no regrets, and a great amount of affection from what I saw and heard, Claude didn't want to talk about it with anyone but Sylvia. "But yes, they're in the playroom now."

I hoped this would be the last major thing we had to deal with. It was enough panic to last me the rest of my life, truly.


As soon as winter ended, and we confirmed things were settled, Queen Rahna sent out messenger birds to Arvis to let him know we were fine. Arvis immediately sent a reply and Diadora even managed to, somehow, send a small flower along with her letter, as I discovered when I holed up in my room to sit by the fire and read through them both.

"What a pretty flower," I murmured, holding it up to the sunlight to study it better. According to her letter, it was a 'poppy', a beautiful red one. "I'll need to press it." I set it carefully to the side, and tucked my legs a little more under me to read through her letter.

'I am so glad you and your family are okay!' The words were surrounded by little drawn stars and hearts, of all things. I assumed it was a way to squeeze in a little more excitement, but I wondered who taught her that. For one thing, Arvis could barely draw a stick figure. Perhaps it was Aida. 'Especially given all the dead I've heard about. Grandfather and I have talked about trying to help out, but things are focused on the wedding for now. I'm super nervous. What if I step on my hem and go sprawling on the floor? Or what if I bump into someone and spill wine all over my dress? My really poofy and elaborate dress. It's pretty, but I swear I'm going to rip something. And I can't dance to save my life. Ah, wait, I should stop complaining… oh dear…'

I laughed a bit, reading through the rest. She really was endearing and I couldn't wait to meet her. After finishing, I set the letter to the side, carefully tucked under the poppy. I'd compose a reply later, though I had a few ideas of what I should tell her. It also touched me that she wanted to help Silesse, though given the current political climate, I wasn't sure how much help would come. But perhaps it could be the first step… ah, but that was a thought for another time. Instead, I picked up Arvis's letter and read through.

'It is a relief to know you are well. When the letters suddenly stopped, I feared the worst. It terrifies me that you were in so much danger and, worse, Caitriona and Conall were as well. I don't suppose you can just sneak back to Grannvale ahead of the rest of your army? I can send Aida to get you. (No, don't frown and yes, I know you are. I'm just worried. ...Though, if you do want to, I will arrange it as soon as possible.) I am pleased to hear that Chulainn guessed their eye colors perfectly. What were the hair colors again? Blonde and red, right? Please tell me; I'm trying to picture them and Aida is driving me up the wall with questions. Cyas is excited to meet them (and he can't wait to see you again). I can't wait either, particularly with all the fuss the wedding promises to be. It's in a few months, but I think I've done more paperwork for the wedding than I have for the guard and Velthomer combined!'

From there, he talked of lighter things, things to make me smile. I laughed when he mentioned locking himself out of his study in the castle and scared Diadora by climbing up the side of the palace to get through an open window. It was a little quirk of his, being able to climb so well. I'd have to write a warning for him to not teach Caitriona and Conall how to do that. I really didn't want to treat them for broken bones because they decided to emulate their uncle. For now, though, I simply read through and, for a moment, pretended everything was well. I couldn't pretend I was in my little house in Jungby anymore, things were much too different, but it was still comforting enough to help me relax.

"Lady Sister, are you in here?" Azel's voice suddenly filtered through the door, followed by an odd knock for him. It sounded more like he kicked the door. "If you are, my hands are full," he continued. I smiled and stood up, wincing as my legs protested. "Hello?"

"Hang on, Azel," I called. I rotated my ankles a few times to loosen them up and then opened the door. "Why hello there!" I smiled at him, and it warmed when I saw he was carrying two steaming mugs. "Did you bring me tea?"

"Better. Cider." He stepped inside and skipped over to the fireplace, careful to not step on anything. "The apple trees are only just blossoming, so it'll be a while before we can have the first fresh cider of the year, but there's still some left over and I thought it would be nice."

"That's so sweet of you." I laughed and took a mug from him to make it easier for him to sit down. He peered at the fire in the fireplace and gestured to spark it further into life. "I will never get over how amazing that is."

"You really should be able to do it too." He frowned a bit, but it was a thoughtful frown, more remembering lessons than anything. "Those of Vala's blood do need tomes to get conjure up large fires, but we can toss little fireballs with a snap of our fingers. Useful enough to, say, set clothes on fire and distract an enemy, though you'd have to be really lucky to kill someone without a tome. You could use it to quickly boil water or sterilize something. Or cauterize a wound."

"Regardless of what Arvis thinks, I am certain the pixies aren't particularly fond of me." Though it could be my own fear. I didn't like using fire or, honestly, any magic besides healing. It just wasn't my first instinct, or even my tenth. "Even if they are, I have no training and, truthfully, no desire to learn. I like my healing." Thought, part of me did wish I didn't flinch at hurting people. Perhaps I could've saved Deirdre if I hadn't.

"True." Azel grinned, perfectly accepting of it. To him, it was just yet another quirk of his sister. "However, when Caitriona and Conall are older, I'm definitely teaching them the basic fire stuff!"

"Of course." Truthfully, the mental image was amusing, and heartwarming. Azel's sparkling eyes told me he looked forward to it. "You can work with Arvis to come up with a good lesson plan."

"I can! And he'll be so jealous~" He laughed and I giggled, sipping my cider finally. It was sweeter than normal, but incredibly delicious. "Hopefully by this time next year, we can sip cider by the fire in Velthomer again, in Arvis's study." He frowned when I burst into giggles. "What's so funny?"

"That's actually the first promise Arvis ever made to me." I did want to do it again. It sounded like fun, and the memory of that promise was warm. That had been the day I'd met him, and my world changed for the brighter. "That's all." I laughed when he sulked, apparently not fully convinced. "Regardless, have you read your letters?"

"I have! Arvis is so nervous. He tries to hide it, but you can tell." Azel grinned and I giggled again. "I keep wanting to tell him about my feelings for Tailtiu because I'm bad at keeping secrets and I know he'd cheer up at it, but I really want to see his reaction!"

"Though, at the rate you're going, you'll only tell him about your feelings and not a relationship." I nudged his side and grinned. "So?"

"I've tried!" He sulked and sipped his cider, slowly turning as red as our hair. "But each time I've either mangled the confession or Tailtiu gets distracted and the mood is totally ruined. And Lex is no help because he's too busy laughing."

"I bet he has to deal with Tailtiu's side of things too." I didn't know too much, as Tailtiu talked more to Aideen about her romance difficulties, but I had heard enough to know that Tailtiu had tried just as many times as Azel. "Well, would you like me to help conspire?"

"Please!"

We spent the next few hours thinking of ways Azel could confess, some plausible and others I said just to make him squeak and blush. I wouldn't answer the letters until the next day, but I did remember to press that poppy. Though as I did, I tried to remember what symbolism a poppy had. Then I shrugged it off and decided it didn't matter; Diadora had likely just thought it was pretty and that was all there was to it.


"Oh, I hope it goes well!" Aideen gushed, clapping her hands together. The sound echoed through the gardens as we walked through, enjoying the warming weather on our break. "Tailtiu spent so long picking out her outfit this morning…"

"Azel nearly drove Lex up the wall, apparently," I replied, laughing. Sadly, I only knew secondhand. I had been working a shift in the infirmary when Azel and Tailtiu left this morning for a date. "Though, I did also hear you yanked Midir's hair for something related to it?"

"Oh, Midir saw only Azel in the stables, and thought Azel was going to ride alone. Since it is still a bit dangerous…" She shrugged, but smiled scarily politely. "I simply 'reminded' him that he was supposed to take Lester for a ride later. He caught the hint, the dear."

"Aideen, I honestly think you could make most people quake in fear with that sort of smile." I laughed at her playfully offended look. "Ah, but that is neither here nor there. You had originally wanted to ask me about something before we got sidetracked."

"But what could be more important than young love~?"

"Azel is only a year younger than me, you know."

"We're still young!" She sulked and I had to bite back yet another laugh. "Oh, whatever. Yes, I wanted to ask you about something. I want a healer's opinion."

"And you want mine on it?"

"I'll ask Claude as well, and Adelaide when next I can, but…" She shrugged, and the mention of Adelaide gave me an idea of just what she wanted to ask about. "Midir and I are talking about trying for a second child. However, given how close it was with Lester…"

"We would be more vigilant this time around for certain, particularly given Lachesis…" Thankfully, her recovery was going well, but for a second there, I had been deathly afraid I'd have to tell Finn she died. Thankfully, I could do something. Having someone I loved dying at my fingertips while I was helpless… that was my worst nightmare. "I think you would be fine, though we'd definitely have to keep a close eye on things."

"Of course." Still, she smiled and blushed prettily. It encouraged her that I didn't reject it out of hand. "And, like I said, I'll get their opinions as well." She hummed a bit, giggling. "Ah, I should think of a name for another boy. I already have one for a girl."

"What is it?"

"Lana, for a character in a story I loved so dearly as a child. You probably know it."

"I do?" I frowned a bit, trying to desperately to think of what story she was talking about. It took quite a few steps before I finally remembered it. "Oh, you mean 'Dawn Breaks Through'." Now that I was thinking about it, it had a character named 'Lester' in it as well. They were the protagonists… maybe? I couldn't quite remember.

"That took a while." She frowned thoughtfully, tilting her head curiously. "I'd always been taught it was a common story told to children."

"The church didn't exactly have story time." The thought of that was almost baffling to me, truthfully. They provided for us. They kept us safe. But things like that, they never did. At least, they never did when I was around. "But that is neither here nor there. I do think you'll be fine, having a second child, but I can already tell you I have no help for picking a name. Chulainn picked Conall's." Deirdre picked Caitriona's. "You could ask him."

"That could be fun!" Aideen giggled again and we turned a corner in the path. We both hopped back very quickly and crouched down by the bushes, however, because we discovered we weren't the only ones in the gardens. Jamke and Brigid, apparently, had decided to enjoy the flowers too.

Both of us remained crouched, spying on the two. They were talking quietly about something, too far away for us to hear anything, but I noticed both had silly little smiles on their faces. Brigid kept looking down and to the side shyly, fidgeting with her gloves, and Jamke simply laughed and looked at her adoringly. At one point, he even gave her a beautiful pink flower, tucking it behind her ear. I had no idea what it was, but it certainly was pretty and it perfectly matched Brigid's blush.

Aideen and I ducked back, worried that they'd accidentally see us, and I helped her brush the dirt off her dress. "So…?" I asked with a coy little smile. Surprisingly, though, Aideen's wasn't as triumphant as I thought it would be. "That looked nice."

"It is, but you must promise me you won't tease," Aideen answered. In fact, her smile was almost bitter. "Someone, I don't know who, but someone told her that Jamke used to be in love with me and… well…" She shrugged. "Insecurities. Jamke's fighting an uphill battle."

"But he wasn't in love with you?" I frowned, desperately trying to remember from the time I actually asked. I'd been so angry at him still, unconsciously wanting to make him uncomfortable, so I honestly didn't remember much. "He once told me that yes, he had been interested, but his primary focus had been to get you away from what he knew was a bad fate. He hoped to see you again, but specifically mentioned refusing any feelings that arose from the very odd circumstance."

"He told you?" She gave me a curious look. "Really?"

"I… uh… might have directly asked him. It was before the first fight with Sadima and I'd wanted to make him squirm." I shrugged and looked away guiltily. I really wasn't proud of that. "Regardless…"

"Regardless, that is ammunition I have for when Brigid gets nervous." Aideen smiled warmly and I breathed a sigh of relief. "Though, I can't believe you asked!"

"As I said, I really just wanted to make things awkward. I was mad." I smiled back awkwardly. If it could help Brigid, I'd be grateful, but gods, I wasn't proud of that at all. "Oh, but do you think how you recruited him might play a part?"

"Ah! Maybe!" She winced, remembering that dramatic moment. I was still confused at how she hadn't died that day. I was glad she hadn't, but still… "I'd just been… oh, I wish I could find who told her that so that I could give them a good whack in the head." She carefully stepped around that corner in the path again, and nodded. "Ah, they're leaving." A quick look showed they were heading in separate directions at that. "Um…" She glanced up at me apologetically, but I smiled reassuringly. "Thanks!"

She skipped off, chasing after Brigid to tease and reassure her. I debated for a moment before gathering up a bit of courage and going after Jamke. "Um… Jamke?" I called, mostly to make sure he didn't get too far ahead. He paused and turned, looking at me curiously as I caught up. "I'm sorry to bother. I just wanted to apologize."

"Apologize?" he repeated with a frown. He crossed his arms and glanced up at the sky as he wracked his brain before shrugging. "For…?"

"Er… truthfully, I should probably apologize for all the awkwardness I caused, but specifically, I was… ah…" I looked down, a little mortified. This was really far too long to go without an apology. "I was apologizing for my words before the first fight with Sadima."

"The… oh. I remember now." Jamke nudged my face up and smiled awkwardly. "Yeah, that… Well, I doubt it's the cause of Brigid's anxiety, but..."

"Hopefully, what you told me can help Aideen convince Brigid?" I coughed, now more than a little mortified. This was the worst. "And yes, I know what you're talking about. Aideen told me. I'd offer help, but Chulainn and I didn't have a conventional courtship."

"You can make it up by telling me how you two got together?"

"...I will accept that, on the condition that you do not tell anyone. Not even Azel knows how, exactly, that all worked out." I sighed. I didn't want to do this, but it did seem fair. "Well, Ayra knows a little bit, but not the whole thing." So did Sylvia, now that I thought about it.

"What's the little bit?"

"She knows I had to ask Arvis what I was feeling." I scowled when he instantly burst into laughter. "Oh, give me a break! I never had these crushes or infatuations everyone else seems to have had. I used to get so confused as to why many my age would sigh after handsome people being shirtless."

"Seriously?"

"Do you know how many people I've seen shirtless and naked over the years? I'm a healer!"

So, Jamke and I had a nice walk through the gardens, with me slowly telling him of how Chulainn and I got together, from our meeting to our confession, and Jamke laughing and teasing me relentlessly. It was horribly embarrassing, but it did feel 'even' and it was… nice to feel like we were moving forward past my grudge. But I did make him swear to secrecy multiple times. I really didn't want others to know; they'd never shut up about it.


"Why is it so hard to pay full price around here?" Sigurd groaned. I bit back laughter and focused navigating the market. We'd completed the infirmary shopping I'd wanted to do, so now we were on the hunt for something Lachesis would like. She was recovering nicely still, to the point that she was now getting aggravated at the enforced bed rest. "Why? And I know the shopkeeper gave me a discount, no matter what she says!"

"You are their ruling lord for now," I replied, sidestepping a puddle. Sigurd helped me over the next one and took the basket of our purchases from me to lessen the chances of me dropping it while I dodged puddles. "Most wouldn't complain about getting a bargain. Dew practically specializes in it."

"It feels wrong. Even in exile, I think I'm richer than the town." He sighed, but then shook his head and grinned. "Ah, I'm just complaining to be complaining. I should be celebrating!" He laughed warmly and almost crashed into someone. "I have a nephew!"

"That you do." Along with the letters to Arvis, Queen Rahna managed to get a messenger to Leonster, reassuring them that all was well after the sudden bit of silence. We'd gotten a reply telling us that Finn had led his first battle against the Thracians and that Ethlyn had safely given birth to a son, Leif, shortly before the end of the year. "Perhaps we should find a gift for them here as well."

"We'll have to reply soon anyway. Finn should know that Lachesis and Diarmuid will be fine." He paused, waiting for me to nod and confirm, and then smiled in relief. "Ah, I can't wait for Seliph to meet Altena and Leif. And Ares!"

"You lit up when Quan's letter mentioned Grahnye and Ares were safely in Leonster." Though, Grahnye was apparently a little distant and cold to them. But I imagined Eldigan's death hit her hard and we never got a chance to talk to her about it. Even with that distance, she still let Ares and Altenna play and she still let Ares keep the stuffed bear I gave him. "With luck, we can see them soon, and have a proper talk."

"Yes, I hope so as well." Sigurd laughed cheerfully enough, though I could hear the sadness in it. The days where he could dream of spending time with his best friends and watch their children play were gone. Eldigan was gone. "Ah, too sad. Happy thoughts. Ah… oh! How about Azel and Tailtiu?"

"They did finally confess." I hadn't heard the full story yet, but I did know it had somehow incorporated them falling into a lake. Tailtiu had badly skinned her knee due to it, and Azel had to carry her into the infirmary. I'd happened to be working that shift. "They also wear matching necklaces. It's quite adorable."

"It is!" Sigurd laughed brightly. A couple of others in the market looked at us with smiles. "Matching necklaces for a future promise, right?"

"Yes. They plan on 'properly' courting when things calm down. Tailtiu states that Bloom will insist on it."

"I bet. Bloom adores his little sisters." Sigurd kept on snickering and opened his mouth to likely continue that thought path, but then we passed by a group of people wearing mourning black. They had a small feather tucked into their clothes to symbolize the person they were mourning had been a pegasus knight of Silesse. At least, that's what Erinys had said when I'd asked. "So many dead."

"Yeah." Everyone's mood was cheerful enough. Lewyn had returned and, while he wasn't officially coronated yet, he was taking all the responsibilities and doing his best to help his home heal. The people loved that. They loved him. But it certainly was bitter, seeing how many had died, and there was no way to hide it. You saw the signs everywhere. "I think they'll wear the black until the end of summer, and continue to wear the feather until the year anniversary of the funeral."

"Yeah, that's what Lewyn told me." He glanced at the florist we passed, overflowing with customers. Families wanted to get fresh spring flowers for their loved ones' graves. "And here I am, not really doing anything…"

"We are helping Silesse." My words were automatic, but mostly because I anticipated this sort of conversation. This was not the first time Sigurd had mentioned feeling helpless, though it was the first time he'd brought it up to me directly. "If not for our soldiers, many would've frozen to death in the avalanche two months ago."

"Well, yes, but I can't help but wonder that it's my fault that they lost so many of their pegasus knights. Or, rather, my presence here gave Grannvale the excuse to…" He sighed, and tucked the basket against him as we hit a crowded part of the market. "I'm worried our presence is proving more harmful than helpful, Alicia. And we both know that no one would say anything if that was the case. Not at this point."

"That… is true." Everyone in Silesse was well aware of our part in the civil war. Their opinion of us was higher than the clouds. It would take something very drastic to bring it down. Then there was Queen Rahna, who thought we could do next to nothing wrong, because of the help we had given and because Lewyn was friends with us. "Well, what do you suggest?"

"Part of me thinks we should leave, but I don't know where." He smiled bitterly. "Isaach would be good for Shanana and Ayra, but bringing an army of primarily Grannvale soldiers there probably isn't the best idea. The Yied Desert is neutral, but I'm not sure we should travel that with children and I don't know if the few cities within would welcome such a large number of people. The Manster District would shelter us, if only for Quan's sake, but that'll give Thracia an easy ally for their war and Leonster simply cannot fight off both Thracia's army and Grannvales. Agustria is all but a territory of Grannvale by this point. Verdane is too far, as is Miletos." He laughed ruefully. "I certainly made a mess of things, huh?"

"Everything will be fine. I am certain that your kindness has earned you more allies than enemies." I smiled kindly up at him, wishing Deirdre was here. She'd have him laughing before long. But she wasn't, so I just had to do what I could to keep my promise to Eldigan. "After all, you have a nephew you need to meet."

"That's true." He didn't quite cheer up, but his smile wasn't quite as sad. "Ah, but you suggested gifts. We're near the stall that had something I think Lachesis will like, but let's hunt for Ethlyn and Leif as well."

"I'm following you through this mess." I laughed and his smile warmed a little more. He knew the hidden meaning in the words. "Lead on."


The weather continued to warm as spring fully took root and with everyone doing well, I decided to do something unprecedented, something I had never done before. I decided to take a full day off, despite being completely healthy and unshaken. I felt guilty about it, but Claude and Aideen thought it was an excellent idea, so I went with it. I asked Ayra and Sigurd for advice on what to do with said day off, and they suggested I drag Chulainn out and spend the day with my twins. The tentative plan turned into a family hike and picnic in the woods behind Zaxon, complete with blankets, baskets, and the children getting into everything.

"You need to make sure they eat that," I warned, watching Chulainn feed the twins. I should've just been setting up our own food, but I was nervy. "They're mildly anemic, and that was recommended to help fix it." I'd nearly cried when I had Claude confirm it. I was told it wasn't uncommon with premature babies, even when they were almost a year old, but I wasn't sure if that was true or if Claude was just trying to make me feel better. "You might also want to try getting the food in their mouth."

"They're having fun," Chulainn laughed off. He had food mushed on his shirt, almost as much as the twins had on their faces. But he was right in that they were having fun and, perhaps more importantly, they were eating. "You're too serious. It's your day off."

"I want them to be healthy!" I scowled and huffed, looking away. "They're still so little…"

"Meaning we should enjoy when they can't quite feed themselves yet. In another year, they'll be in their terrible twos." He laughed when I groaned. Seliph was quickly becoming a little terror, one who was far too cute on top of it. As we were leaving, Sigurd was chasing him around to get him to let go of an important report. "Though, why is it called 'terrible twos'? From what I've seen in my travels, it lasts from one to four."

"I imagine the alliteration appealed, but then again, I suppose it's just the average age people notice the behaviors." I had talked to a few mothers in the castle town, to get an idea of what to expect since Seliph was firmly in that 'age range' now. 'Tantrums' and 'stubbornness' jumped to the top, but all of them also insisted it wasn't necessarily a bad thing, though it would test even the most patient parent's limits. But it was a time where they began learning independence, right and wrong, how to communicate, etc… while also being little adorable terrors. "From there, it simply became 'common knowledge' that the scholar known only as 'everyone' rattles off."

"Like how 'everyone' says wolves are dangerous creatures."

"They are dangerous. You just think they're fluffy and cute and somehow charm them." I gave him a dirty look. "Somehow."

"You just treat them with respect, same as anyone else." He shrugged and made sure the twins had eaten all their food. Then he started cleaning their faces. I was just glad I'd thought to pack food that would keep for a while, since I somehow doubted Chulainn and I would actually eat until it was almost time to head back. "Yes, I know they're capable of killing me, but let's be honest. A particularly dedicated bird could kill me."

"Wild animals can transmit diseases, according to my studies." Though, from what I understood, it was something only discovered this past decade. "Oh, never mind. We'll just have this argument again when you next decide to introduce the children to animals."

"I'll make sure it's a dog next time?" He grinned at me and, amusingly, the twins perfectly mimicked him. "I think the butcher in town has a pet dog, actually."

"You would know better than me." I did think of the 'pets' we had back when we all lived in Verdane. All of them had remained in Verdane when we moved to Agusty. "Regardless, to change the subject, "I'm a bit worried Sigurd is plotting some sort of party for the children during the summer." Seliph would turn two years old, and the rest would turn a year old. They were separated by a couple of weeks, but their birthdays were all clumped together. "Actually, I'm more than a little worried."

"You hate any fuss that doesn't involve you being the fusser." Chulainn laughed and I rolled my eyes. I couldn't dispute that. "It's not every day that your child turns a year old, though."

"I suppose." I smiled softly as he began playing with the twins, clapping games and 'tug-of-war' with their toys. "I hope that by this time next year, things will be calm enough for you to meet Arvis, and for Arvis to meet Caitriona and Conall." I hoped that by this time next year, the fighting will have stopped and we could rest at last, and just focus on raising the children. "Maybe by then, they'll have little cousins to play with too." They would have Cyas, of course, but…

"And you will be fussing and fretting over all of them." He grinned and I sulked. "But it would be nice. I'm tired of fighting." He picked up Conall and held him high over his head. Conall laughed and wiggled, enjoying being so far up. Caitriona, bored now, began crawling into the grass to stare at the pretty flowers. "And I hope these two never have to fight."

"You plan on teaching them swordsmanship, though?"

"It's good exercise, and a good way to wind down." He set Conall down, and Conall immediately crawled after his sister. They accidentally bumped into each other, but they laughed instead of cried, and kept exploring. "A good way to stay healthy."

"I'll take your word for it." I laughed when Caitriona and Conall started batting at the flowers, finding a fluffy dandelion among them. I remembered watching the village children blow wishes on them, scattering the seeds about. I had always been confused, and simply studied on the dandelion's medicinal uses. But I thought how it might be fun, teaching them how to make 'wishes'.

"That's a pretty smile." Chulainn picked a flower and tucked it behind my ear. "It's good to see you relaxing."

"Wars rarely give you time to relax, and we had the scares with Lachesis, Diarmuid, Ulster, and Larcei." I thought about taking the flower out to study, but I decided against it. I might just default into studying and reciting the medicinal properties. "Hopefully, I'll have more time to relax."

"True." He kissed my cheek, lingering a bit. "I suppose I should look into a proper ring for you."

"Why? I don't see the point." I smiled warmly at him, laughing. "I love you. You love me. Why would I need more? You've given me far more happiness than I could've ever dreamed of." That summarized quite a bit of this little 'adventure', actually. Though I'd gone through more pain than I imagined, I also had far more happiness. There were regrets and things I wished were different, but overall, I wouldn't change any of this. "What brought that on?"

"I think… oh… the half-dozen people who have asked me about it. Including, by the way, your charming little brother." He smiled back and I laughed. "I imagine your older brother will insist as well."

"Maybe you and Lex can pick out rings together, since I'm sure they're bothering him as well."

"They are. We laugh about it over drinks. But that might be fun." He took my hand and kissed it. "We're all a little weird when it comes to relationships, huh?"

"We make it work for us. Why should anyone else care?"

"True."

"Ma… ma...!" The word made both of us freeze and we turned to see Caitriona tottering hesitantly towards us. It was her first steps, and her first word. "Da… da!" She beamed, perfectly proud, and climbed into my lap. Conall carefully followed, saying the same words. 'Mama' and 'Dada'...

This had to be the definition of happiness. I hoped things stayed like this forever.


Author's notes: Have another kid! For semi-plot, semi-comfort-for-me-to-write reasons, Erinys and Sylvia are both pregnant with their eldest kids. Brigid being worried about Jamke simply loving a shadow comes from their chapter 5 lover's conversation. Grahnye being in Leonster comes from Gen2 convos and supplementary material (her also being a bit cold also comes from that, though I think the materials mentioned it solely for Lachesis and Sigurd).

Babies tend to switch to mostly solid food at around a year old (though it's still supplemented with breast milk). Anemia isn't uncommon for premature babies, along with breathing issues (which can lead to other issues depending on severity). It's also not uncommon for them to obtain infections, due to a weaker immune system. Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major cause of pneumonia, is also the main cause of meningitis in children and elderly, as well as sepsis in HIV-positive individuals. It can reside asymptomatically in healthy carriers and spread to those with weaker immune systems. (standard PSA to always make sure you take your full round of medicine and to keep up to date with your vaccinations!)

Poppies, ftr, have long been used as symbols of sleep (because it's a sedative), peace, and death (due to the red color). In Greek and Roman myths, poppies were often offerings to the dead (though there are interpretations that the crimson color represented a promised resurrection after death). In Ancient Egypt, the seeds were used as pain relievers due to them having small amounts of morphine and codeine. They're also strongly associated with WWI thanks to the beautiful poem 'In Flanders Field' (seriously, if you haven't read it, do because it is lovely). Fun fact, iirc, it was written early into the war, so it's a bit more on the idealistic/romantic side of things, in contrast to later works which depict the war as utter hell. (Yes, opium is derived from a type of poppy; this is not the poppy that is mentioned in this story though. This one is red-flowered corn poppy.)

Oh, and since this has come up in a couple of PMs, like Katri and Hilda from my House Hanover series, Alicia's demisexual.

Next Chapter - Summer Festivals (last timeskip interlude for first gen; seven chapters from the end of first gen)