Usual disclaimers apply.

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Chapter 37

"Are you sure this will work, Sam?"

"I'm sure, little bit." I stopped walking and looked down at my sister before kneeling in front of her. "We'll get your friends to understand how badly you felt about Marni's hair."

Standing up and taking Eve's hand once again I led her into the kindergarten. Mom and Mama had wanted to deal with this one but Eve had insisted that I go with her today. After talking with my moms they finally relented in no small part to my history with Eve's age mates, my first junior staff warriors. Shaking my head at the memories of that first class I finally took in my surroundings.

The other girls were looking at Eve and me with wide eyes and the teachers had confused looks on their faces as well. "Sam?"

"Hi Cami," I smiled at the tall woman in front of me as Eve tried to hide behind me. "Eve was just wondering if I could tell the girls a story this morning. It may help everyone understand what happened yesterday."

Finally smiling in understanding, the blonde nodded, "Sure you can, Sam. After all, Eve says you tell wonderful stories."

Smiling at my sister I kneeled down once more, "Want to sit with me, little bit?"

Eve nodded and I stood again before moving to the open area in the front of the room. Sitting down I invited the girls to join us and there was soon a circle of little Amazons on the floor of the school. Noticing that Mavis and Addy made sure to sit on each side of me, I held my smile and waited until the girls had settled.

I finally began when Cami and Dina also sat down and gave a small nod. "Well girls," I began. "I wanted to tell you a story of a princess, a witch, a tall tower, and a magical braid."

Seeing the hand raised I shook my head, "Yes, Eris?"

"So you're telling us that this Rapunzel had a magic braid?"

I nodded, "She sure did. And if she hadn't made friends with the girl who visited her in the tower she never would have been able to use her hair to escape from the tower."

"So when Anna cut Rapunzel's braid off she was really helping her?"

"Yep," I looked around the room and noticed every eye trained on me. "Sometimes mistakes happen and you think they're awful but they turn out okay. It's always good to give your friends a second chance especially when they do something they don't mean to and feel really bad about."

Heads nodded around me and I smiled. "Any other questions?"

"Did Rapunzel have a goddess to help her grow her braid back?" A voice asked.

I shook my head, "No Marni. Poor Rapunzel had to wait for her hair to grow back."

"Wow," Marni stood up and came towards me. Stopping for a minute she hugged Eve. "Thanks for having your Auntie fix my hair. I'd have hated to wait like Rapunzel did."

Smiling shyly for the probably the first time in her life, Eve hugged Marni back. "I'm really sorry for getting so carried away, Marni. I never meant to do that yesterday."

"It's okay, Eve." Marni grinned and touched her brown, twin braids. "It all worked out but it's too bad my hair wasn't magic."

"It was," Mavis stood up and began to jump excitedly. "When Auntie grew it back that was like magic."

"Yeah," Marni smiled and hugged Eve one more time. "I have magic hair now!" She exclaimed.

Quickly scrambling to my feet I could do nothing but laugh as Marni, Eve, and Mavis were suddenly surrounded by all the other girls wanting to give Marni a hug and congratulate her on her now magic hair.

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I was alone at the pond practicing my sword drills and some very advanced staff moves for the tests I would be put through on my birthday when I heard Mom's distinct footsteps. They stopped at a good distance and I continued my drills. Stopping I put my sword back in its sheath and turned to face her.

Moving to me, Mom reached her hand up and brushed the hair from my eyes. "You look so much like your mama when you do that, Sammy. How I wish you had never had to know these things."

"Me too, Mom." Heading to my favorite tree and I sat down under it and waited for Mom to join me. "I wanted to talk to you about my birthday."

"And we can," Mom's voice was soft. "But first I want to tell you how proud your mama and I are for how you helped Eve today. She came home her old self and Cami stopped by to explain what you'd done for her."

I shrugged and leaned my head against Mom's shoulder. "It was the least I could do for her. I remember how hard school was when you feel alone."

"Did you feel alone at school a lot, Sammy?"

"Yeah," I linked hands with Mom. "I'm just glad that I had Rhys. He made it okay. I'm glad that Eve has Mavis and Addy. They're her Rhys."

"They are," Mom agreed. "So speaking of Rhys, how is Rory?"

"Nice segue," I teased. "Rory is good. She's looking forward to her birthday, unlike some of us."

Mom turned her head and I was caught in her emerald stare, "Why aren't you looking forward to your birthday?"

"Oh I don't know," I shrugged. "Council meetings, maybe. Oh and then there's this stupid ceremony." I held up my hand to stop her. "And before you say it's tradition, let me share with you what I found out." Wishing the paper from my locket I passed it to Mom. "I copied this exactly as it was written from the history book in the library."

"And what exactly are you trying to say, Sam?"

"That I'm not having some big, drawn out ceremony on this birthday." I turned to face Mom. "I want a family birthday. The way it always is," I clarified. "My cake for breakfast, school, a quiet birthday meal. That's all. I can deal with the nation the day after. Please. I need to keep this the same. I don't want a ceremony. Isn't it enough the gods will start bothering me again the minute I turn sixteen? Isn't it enough that I'm reaching the age of consent and will have to go to council meetings? Let me have this, Mom. I never want to share my birthday with the nation. Not like this."

I watched as my blonde mother re-read the paper I'd given her to read. Finally looking up at me she smiled. "You're right, Sammy. You can keep your birthday quiet. I'll deal with the council and we can have a quiet birthday at home."

Bending down to hug her I smiled broadly, "Well as quiet as this family gets anyway." I teased.

"Too true, Sammy." Mom took my hand as we stood and began to walk towards home. "Is there anything special you'd like for your birthday?"

I looked over at Mom and shrugged when she looked at me again. "Our birthday tradition is a big one," I finally said. "But I'd love a closet."

"A closet?" Mom stopped walking once again and smirked. "Care to share a few more details?"

Nodding I began to walk again holding Mom's hand. "I miss my closet, Mom. Eve sleeps with me almost every night and I need someplace to be alone. I know I'm going to be sixteen, but I still miss it." Taking in a breath I stopped and turned. Looking down at her I sighed, "I think we need a bigger house. Gracie is going to be growing and she'll need her own space. I'm tired of sharing with Eve and the twins. Would you let me figure out how to solve this problem for one of my birthday gifts?"

Mom was quiet for the rest of our walk and I waited impatiently for her to speak again. "Let's go to the queen's hut, Sammy." We had reached the village and I followed her to the official hut. Entering she led me to her table and nodded at it. "Go on and look."

Confused I looked at the table top and smiled before throwing my arms around her. "Seriously? Mama and you made plans for a bigger house?"

"We did," Mom pointed. "And that is your room and a closet."

"I love you, Mom." I hugged her again and looked at the blue prints. "Where are we going to build this?"

"The other side of the village before you reach the tree line."

"Perfect, and are we giving our hut to Aunt Ephiny and Eponin?" I asked looking at the plans again.

"We are," Mom confirmed. "It's time for them to have a bigger place, just like it's time for us to have a bigger place."

"When are we starting to build?"

"Spring," Mom shoved my shoulder with her hand at my look. "I'm sorry, Sammy but winter will be here before you know it and we can't finish the house before that."

"I know," I sighed heavily and then hugged her again. "At least it will be happening before I move out."

"You aren't moving out anytime soon, Sammy." Mom teased.

"Oh really?"

"Yep. You're living with your Mama and me forever," Mom laughed at my expression.

"And how are you going to make sure that happens?" I asked.

"I have my ways. Just ask your Mama."

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"Come on, little bit, we have to hurry." I urged Eve on as she finally broke into a slow jog to keep up with my long stride.

Stopping in front of Artemis's temple I knelt in front of Eve, "Remember, this is a surprise for Mama and Mom. I don't even know if they'll help us."

"They will," Eve grinned at me. "I'm Aunt Hessie's little scamp, remember? And you're Auntie's chosen. And Artemis seems to take a special interest in Grace. It'll be fine."

"I hope you're right," I commented standing up again. "Come on, let's go inside."

Entering the temple I was glad to find it empty. Looking around for a few moments I was finally satisfied that no one else was in the temple including the attendants. Nodding to Eve I finally called out, "Artemis, Auntie…"

"Auntie Hessie!" Eve interrupted me. "We need to talk please."

A bright flash along with the scent of roses permeated the temple and the three goddesses stood in front of us."

"You called?" Auntie Dite asked moving forward to hug me and then Eve. "It's been too long, my little warrior bard." Turning she pulled Eve into a hug as well, "And how is my little peace maker? Everything okay at school?"

Eve nodded, "It is, Auntie."

"Where's my hug?" Hestia moved forward and Eve ran into her arms. "What do you need to talk about, Evie?"

Turning to look at me Eve took in a big breath, "Sam and I want to ask all of you a favor."

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"I told you it would be okay," Eve told me as we headed to the stables. "I can't wait until everything is done."

"Me either," I admitted as Eve and I leaned on the fence. I watched as Mavri left the rest of the horses and came towards me. He was still moving well but I knew that he would begin to show his age eventually. Not wanting to think of needing to retire him just yet, I petted his nose as he came over.

Haven soon joined us and Eve climbed up the fence and perched on the top slat to pet her nose. "When can Haven have a baby, Sam?"

"You want Haven to have a baby?"

"Yeah," Eve turned to look at me. "I want another horse as good as she is and I think having her baby would be great."

"I think you're right, little bit. I wish Mavri could have a baby with her," I sighed.

"Why can't he?" Eve asked.

"He can't help make babies, little bit."

"Why not?" Eve pressed.

"Ask Mama." Looking around the pen I didn't see Argo. "Stay here for a few minutes, I'm going to look inside the barn."

Heading inside I saw Argo's saddle and tack still hanging in its usual spot. Wondering where Argo could be I shrugged it off and decided to say something to Mama when we got home. Returning to the fence I shook my head as I caught Eve riding bareback on Haven. "Eve, what are you doing?"

"Practicing my balance." Eve gave me her best bored look and then got on her knees on Haven's back.

"Eve, sit down!"

"In a minute, Sam." Eve then stood up and turned a little bit so she seemed to be riding Haven like a surfboard.

"Sit down, Eve!" Running towards the paddock I climbed the fence and gave a whistle causing Haven to begin to slow.

"Damn it, Sam!" Eve finally sat down and glared at me. "I was fine. Not like I can't keep my balance on her."

"You aren't training for the circus, Eve. And if Mama or Mom ever catch you doing that your ass will be toast."

"Yeah, yeah, like I haven't had burning tail before? Please." Eve's attitude was coming from her in waves and I shook my head.

"Fine. You go ahead and keep it up. When you fall and break something don't say I didn't warn you."

"I won't." She answered sticking her tongue out at me and encouraging Haven to move towards the fence so she could use it to dismount.

As Eve dismounted I grabbed her and knelt to look in her eyes as I put her on the ground. "Don't you ever do that again, Eve! You could really get hurt."

Rolling her eyes at me Eve huffed, "I heard you, Sam. Don't get your leathers into a knot. Sheesh."

Shaking my head I looked at her hard, "I'm serious, Eve. Not again."

"Okay." Eve huffed as she agreed and I finally let her go.

Seeing the look in her eyes I sighed as I stood up. I was familiar with that look. Shaking the thoughts from my head I knew she'd try to stand on Haven again, I just hoped she didn't get hurt when she did.

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"I told you that you could do it!" Eve's voice echoed across the field as she stood on Haven's back watching Daphne.

"This is amazing, Eve!" Daphne stood on Gabrielle's horse as he slowly walked across the field. "How did you know he'd let me do this?"

"Mama trained him," Eve shouted back as she encouraged Haven to walk once more. "Watch this, Daphne!" Eve called as she crouched low on Haven and encouraged the horse to speed up. Getting her balance as Haven began to move a little faster Eve dropped to her knees when she heard her name being yelled.

"Eve! Daphne! What in the gods' name do you think you're doing?"

Bringing their horses to a stop Eve and Daphne looked at one another before turning to face the woman who had yelled at them. "And neither of you with boots on."

"Of course not, Yaya," Eve replied. "You can't ride standing bareback if you're wearing boots. If we had saddles then we could."

"Oh no you couldn't," Cyrene barked.

"Sure we could," Eve argued. "Then our boots wouldn't hurt the horses' backs."

"Get off of those horses right now, girls." Cyrene had reached Eve and Daphne and grabbed the reins of each horse. Glaring at both girls Cyrene waited until they finally dismounted before addressing them again. "What do you think you were doing riding like that? Don't you know how dangerous that is?"

"But it was fun, Cyrene." Daphne finally spoke. "Eve had me doing it in no time."

Rounding on the girl Cyrene glared. "You are old enough to know exactly how dangerous that is, Daphne. You shouldn't have been encouraging it, let alone participating."

"It's fun, Yaya." Eve tried once more.

"And if you'd fallen and broken your neck? Would it be that much fun then?"

"Probably not," Daphne deadpanned. "I mean what with the broken neck and all." Yelping as Cyrene's free hand met her backside Daphne glared at the woman.

"Both of you head towards the village," Cyrene demanded. "We are going to have a serious talk, girls."

"About what, Yaya?" Eve asked.

"About you acting too much like your mother for my taste," Cyrene muttered rolling her eyes skyward and muttering about daughters and granddaughters with no fear and big ideas.

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I watched as Yaya handed the horses off to a young Amazon and chuckled as Eve gave her directions on the proper handling of them. Seeing Yaya shake her head I winced as her hands moved to Eve and Daphne's ears. Pulling them towards our hut I figured I'd better intercept them before she got there since neither of my mothers was home at the moment.

"Yaya," I called.

"Sam," Yaya dropped her hand from the girls' ears but kept them firmly in her grip by their shoulders. "I was just taking Eve home."

"Yeah," I wiped my hand down my face noticing Eve's lack of foot ware. The fact that the horse had not been wearing saddles made it obvious what Daphne and Eve had been doing. "They aren't home."

"Where are they?" Yaya demanded as Eve sighed in relief.

"Mom's in the council meeting and Mama decided it was time for Grace to meet Xenon."

"How convenient." Yaya muttered. "I guess I'll just have to deal with this one on my own then."

"Now, Yaya," Eve tried. "We could wait for Mama and Mommy."

"We could, but we aren't."

"Riding standing up?" I asked.

Yaya nodded and then glared at me, "You knew they'd been doing this?"

"I knew Eve had," I admitted. "I didn't have a clue about Daphne. I warned Eve not to do it anymore. I guess she didn't listen."

"It's fun," Eve rolled her eyes at me. "And it's not like I can't do it."

"Sam we'll be in my hut. When one of your mothers is available please send them my way."

"No problem." Watching Yaya pull Eve and Daphne by their ears once more I shook my head and breathed a sigh of relief that it wasn't me who was in trouble this time.

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Hope this chapter was worth the wait.

Also wanted to add a shameless plug: The next book in the Mockingbird Chronicles: Coming Home will be up after Wednesday this week on Amazon. It's co-written by Stardawn Cabot and myself under the name of Alexandra James. Please check it out and leave a review if you are so inclined.