Author's Note

I'm baaaack! Sorry for the wait - between Covid scares (I'm fine, btw), moving, and mourning the loss of my old computer, it's been a crazy last month or so. Hopefully, I'll be posting this and at least one more chapter this weekend. I promise - it will start to pick up really soon... there's a lot of new characters to introduce and plot to set up, but it won't be long! Thanks for all of your patience (assuming you're still there!) - WR

Chapter Six

Two mornings later, Wyatt stood in his bathroom and eyed himself in the bathroom mirror with an air of critical consideration. His left hand brushed over the stubble quickly growing into a beard on his face, and he frowned as he resisted the urge to shave it away. The hair on his face was a darker gold than the hair on his head, and DG would have said it made him look rugged. This knowledge didn't make Wyatt feel any better – since being rescued from the Iron Suit, he had taken great care to keep himself clean shaven, and he wasn't particularly pleased that he would need to stop this routine. His clean and well put together appearance, in concert with his cool blue eyes and chiseled clean shaven face were too recognizable, he knew, and would hinder his task as the Seeker. Despite the necessity of having to look the part of the rag-tag drifter, it felt dishonest to the former lawman, and a deep-seated uneasiness settled in his stomach. Then Wyatt's hand, which had been absently running over the stubble on his chin, stopped, and he looked down at the wedding band on his finger. His grimace deepened, and he slid the band off and turned it over in his hand – already the life he had planned with DG seemed to be slipping away, being quickly replaced by the same scenarios that had taken him away from Adora and Jeb all those annuals ago. Although DG had been amazingly understanding, he was certain that under the surface, she was just as disappointed as he was that they would not be retiring to their quiet retreat soon. Despite this, the uneasiness remained, particularly when worries of DG and the baby's safety came to mind.

These thoughts served only to further rile the man, and with a low growl, Wyatt stepped away from the mirror, tightening the towel around his waist before he walked out into the bedroom. As he stepped into the room, he stopped by his bedside table and slid open the top drawer; looking down at his wedding band once last time, he placed it gingerly within the small wooden butler resting inside, while his jaw clenched in grim resignation. There was no doubt in his mind that his assistance was necessary for both capturing Vizor and determining the man's involvement in whatever dark plots were forming against the royal family. He only wished that the cost did not involve postponing his new life with DG. Even worse, while parts of their life seemed on pause, their daughter continued to grow with every passing day, and the Tin Man struggled with the guilt of knowing that he might be absent when DG needed him the most. With a deep huff, Wyatt closed the drawer on his wedding band and these thoughts and decided in that moment that at the very least, he would do everything he could to be back before their daughter's arrival. Just as soon as the Tin Man's eyes had steeled over and his jaw hardened, they softened just as quickly when DG slid into the room, coffee in hand. Wyatt watched her as she crossed to the bed; a pair of his sleeping pants tied loosely around her small yet noticeably round abdomen and an oversized cardigan over a tank top that clung to her temptingly. Her countenance was almost always flushed now, and an almost shy smile played at the edge of her mouth as she watched him back, almost certainly catching his interested gaze as she neared. It was endearing to Wyatt that she should be so bashful as her body changed, and caused a bloom of warmth to spread through his chest, melting away any of the hard edges in his thoughts that had been there just moments before. He gratefully accepted the mug of coffee that she held out to him, and let an easy smile spread on his face as he leaned down to place a soft kiss on the princess's lips.

"Morning Mrs. Cain," Wyatt smiled against her lips, his eyes sparkling into hers for a moment.

"Hey Tin Man," DG purred, brushing the fingers of her free hand against his rough cheek before he straightened back up. When she spoke again, her voice had a sultry quality to it, and she asked suggestively, "Sure I can't get you to stay a little longer? I think I might want to see what you look like with a beard."

Wyatt huffed, raising an eyebrow at her. "I'm sorry Dorothy, you know I can't."

Wyatt paused long enough to see DG's resigned nod, and she answered with a sigh as he crossed to the dressing room, "I had to try."

When Wyatt emerged a few moments later, a smirk had settled on his face, and an eyebrow was still raised at the woman who sat on the other side of the bed. The towel was gone and had been replaced by a pair closefitting tan riding breeches, which hung open, offering DG a final tempting view of her spouse. While Wyatt pulled a blue button-down shirt over his shoulders, he ignored DG's playful smile, and turned instead to find his riding boots and vest, the latter of which he threw on the bed so he could get his duffle bag and holster. When he deposited the empty bag on the bed, DG put her mug down and climbed across the bed, and still on her knees, she sat up and placed her hands on his exposed chest, forcing him to stop and look down on her.

DG stretched up to meet him in a soft kiss, and she growled against his lips, "I'll miss you, Wyatt. Don't be gone long."

The corner of Wyatt's mouth curled upward, and his eyes darkened as he wrapped an arm around her small waist, his hand resting on the swell of her posterior. With unexpected force, he dragged her to him, causing DG to squeak in surprise, and with the other hand resting at the base of her skull; he pulled her mouth to his. DG's surprise melted away as Wyatt's lips crashed down onto hers, and she sighed while he urgently tasted her, both acting as if it was their last opportunity. DG's fingers slid underneath his shirt and dug into his shoulders as she abandoned her control, and she let herself be awash in Wyatt's imposing presence as long as she could. DG's reactions to him acted as a powerful drug to Wyatt, and his pants began to feel as if they were constraining him, so he finally pulled away, growling in moderate frustration. DG sighed heavily as she slumped back onto the mattress, watching with disappointment as Wyatt buttoned his shirt and tucked it into his pants before closing them as well.

Wyatt huffed as he continued to dress in earnest now, and he finally replied as he donned a chocolate-colored vest, "I'll miss you too, Dorothy. It's not going to be easy being away from you. I'll try to send word when I can though, and if you need to pass any messages on to me, you can always send them through the new head of security, the General will make sure they get to me." DG considered Wyatt's offer while she repositioned herself on the bed, bending and crossing her legs in front of her. Between DG's childlike posture and the thoughtful frown on her face, Wyatt could not help the fond twinkle in his eye as he covertly watched her, and a smirk appeared on his face when he asked, "What's got your goat, Princess?"

DG shrugged and replied while she watched him pull on a pair of riding boots, "I'll try to keep my pestering you to a minimum. I don't guess royal couriers running in and out of the realm will help you much more than me actually being on your heels."

Wyatt stopped packing the duffle bag that he had deposited on the mattress and considered his wife with a sympathetic frown. DG's blue eyes were clouded, and she was trying her best not to look directly at him, as if meeting his gaze might break her resolve. When Wyatt sat down before her and tilted his head to meet her line of sight, she finally stopped avoiding his gaze and met him with a set of water blue depths and a sad sigh.

Wyatt echoed her sigh with one of his own, and he pushed the bag out of the way so he could move closer to her, lacing his fingers with hers. "DG," Wyatt replied softly, "I don't want you to worry about that. General Jinjur is a pretty able soldier; she'll make sure my cover isn't blown. So, if you need to talk to me about anything, including even the smallest changes in your pregnancy or the latest glitchy thing Ambrose did, I want to know about it. Okay?"

When DG did not answer immediately, Wyatt gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. When a smile appeared around the corners of her mouth, Wyatt smiled back and kissed her on the forehead before rising once more and stating firmly, "Now that that's settled, I'd better get a move on." With a huff, he then strode back to the dressing room, coming back moments later with a stack of folded clothes and his duster, which Wyatt proceeded to stuff into his duffle, pausing only to frown thoughtfully at his old coat.

Maybe I should leave this thing behind, he pondered, it's a bit too much of a signature. In moderate annoyance Wyatt dropped the duster back on the bed, still eyeing it while DG looked on silently. The Tin Man seemed distracted by the loss of his favorite duster, and the Princess took silent note of his hesitation. DG scoffed at him internally, finding humor in Wyatt's attachment, and using his hesitation as an opportunity, she jumped off the bed and ran into the dressing room, suddenly giddy for her flash of brilliance. Wyatt's eyes followed her through the door, and he stood listening with interest to the sounds of her rustling with hangers and grumbling. Just as he began to walk in after her, his curiosity getting the better of him, DG reappeared, looking triumphant as she marched forward, holding aloft an alternative coat and hat in her hands. The coat was a tan herringbone frock coat, and DG held it out for him to try on, causing Wyatt to smile down at the garment – DG had given it to him a few cycles ago, attempting to wrestle him out of his duster, which was starting to look weatherworn. The fabric was light enough that he could wear it in the summer, and warm enough to layer it with other articles of clothing during the colder cycles. He was a little perplexed that he had forgotten about the coat, but thankful for DG's attentions in his moment of frustration. Having settled it in his mind, Wyatt took only a moment to fasten his holster on his hip and slid his gun into place before taking the coat from DG with a smirk. As it slid down his arms, he tested the fit in the shoulders, satisfied that he would be comfortable on the long horseback ride to the realm with it on.

Next, DG presented Wyatt with the hat, which Wyatt huffed about in a fit of almost childish irritation. He was even more fond of his beloved fedora than he was the duster and knowing that he would have no choice but to leave it behind only added to his existing frustration over the rapid change of plans. Even without his displeasure over their circumstances clouding his mood, Wyatt had had to begrudgingly accept his celebrity, and that fact only served to irritate him today. Since the Eclipse, pictures of the heroes had papered the realms, depicting Wyatt and the others in all manner of ways. In most, Wyatt's beloved hat played a prominent role of its own and was most often secured on top of his head in many depictions. For this reason alone, he was certain he would be recognized right away with it on his head in just about any place in the OZ. Abandoning the headgear was a necessity, so he reached for the hat in DG's hands with a grunt. As he pulled the brown Stetson down over his eyes, he smirked at DG and grumbled incoherently.

DG smirked at him, laughing, "Yup. It works. I'm glad I convinced you to bring it back with you from Kansas."

Wyatt turned and eyed himself in the mirror briefly before turning back and shrugging, pushing the hat up his head leisurely as he replied defensively, "I'm picky about my hat, sorry."

DG shrugged as well and clambered down from the bed to stand before him. As she reached up on her tip toes to place a kiss on Wyatt's lips, his hands grasped her by the arms, and he rubbed them slowly as he moved to embrace her tightly. As their lips parted, Wyatt allowed his nose to be buried in her hair, and he inhaled deeply before murmuring to her crown, "I'll be home as soon as I can. I promise."

Even with all of Wyatt's reassurances, a certain amount of concern still clouded DG's mind. She would have liked to think that her husband's repeated promises of being safe and returning soon were meant solely for her, given her heightened emotional state, but DG knew better. Behind his stony expression, Wyatt Cain was an intensely emotional man, and right now, he was worried. Some of this worry could easily be attributed to their shared discomfort of court life, and the very real possibility of having to continue such arrangements for an undetermined amount of time. Given that Wyatt preferred his personal sphere free of drama and as simple as possible, DG was certain that this played a role in his current state of mind. Other worries were certainly tied to his mission, and although DG knew that many of his concerns were justified, she also knew that there was a good deal that he had not yet voiced, and wouldn't until he had the information he needed to process his suppositions. On top of all of this, the unabashed family man had readily admitted his concern for her and their child, and whether or not he would be returning to them at all. DG watched him silently as he slung his bag over his shoulder, thinking on these things, and noting the stormy look in her husband's eyes that only seemed to clear when he met hers. Voicing her own concerns would not aid Wyatt in any way, she determined as she let him take her hand in his, meaning to walk with her towards the outer doors of their chambers. In this moment, Wyatt needed her trust and support, and so DG provided it in the best way she knew how. A small smile crept up on her face as they ambled towards the door, while she pondered her own evolution over the past few annuals. At one time, she would have rolled her eyes at any other woman who might willingly zip it and play the role of the doting housewife. Now, she knew that this was an unfair characterization, as her complicit silence had nothing to do with becoming a mindless automaton. Even if she had recently worried that she might not be anything more than a trophy for Wyatt, this worry had been born out of frustration and hormones, and not due to anything Wyatt had done or said. To Wyatt, DG was his partner in all things, and he trusted more of his inner self with her than any other. DG knew this, of course, and so in that spirit of partnership, she was willing to forgo some of her usual boisterousness in favor of supporting him in his time of need.

Wyatt was no fool, and although he had noticed DG's sudden turn in behavior, he said relatively little on the subject, other than to increase his reassurances to her. Knowing his wife to be naturally vociferous and incapable of sitting on her hands for any length of time, he hoped that his promises might do something at least to ease her mind. So while the pair silently pondered their shared concern for the other, they walked slowly towards the outer doors, drawing out their goodbyes as long as they could, both hoping that their last few moments together might do something to bolster the other during their separation. It was still early, and the suns had just started to rise in the past hour, so between this and their blinding attention on each other, they were both surprised by the knock that sounded from their doors as they approached. Wyatt grasped the handle and opened it to peer outside. Gates stood outside, looking apologetic as a rather sheepish looking viewer peaked around his massive shoulder.

"General, Sir, Master Raw to see you," Gates spoke quietly so as not to disturb the rest of the floor, in a voice so low that it seemed almost unreal to be coming from one so large.

Wyatt dropped his bag near the door and broke into a grin, pulling the door open, "Come in Raw, I hoped I might be seeing you before I left."

Raw tip toed around Gates and stepped inside, nodding kindly to the giant man before Wyatt shut the door behind him. When Wyatt turned around to greet their friend, he smiled at the sight of DG's arms already wrapping around Raw's neck, her face glowing with fondness.

"Good morning Raw, it's good to see you," DG whispered to him.

Raw separated from DG with an equally warm smile and his eyes glistened somewhat as he looked down on DG. DG's head tilted with curiosity, and she started to ask him what had him so misty eyed, but she was interrupted by Wyatt, who greeted Raw warmly. Wyatt and Raw faced each other, and Wyatt embraced Raw with a small chuckle.

When he released the viewer a few short moments later, he peered into his eyes with an inquisitive look and asked, "So I take it that in usual fashion, you have something important that you want me to know just before I leave?"

Raw looked from his hands to Wyatt and back again before he nodded and met Wyatt's eyes with quiet intensity. "There is something dark coming from the East. An old danger. I feel it." Raw stepped closer to Wyatt and looked intently into him, "Tin Man will always be able to find Raw when he needs help. All you have to do is ask."

Wyatt frowned as he searched Raw's eyes. The earnest nature of Raw's statements troubled Wyatt deeply, and cast a shadow over their parting. Raw was seldom so direct and saved his most direct communication for matters of grave importance. Although Wyatt wished to dig further into the Furball's mind to ask him what he had seen that made him so concerned for Wyatt and emotional over DG, Raw seemed to have closed the subject, and grasped Wyatt's hand in both of his and shook it gently.

Wyatt returned the man's handshake with a resigned sigh and he replied, "Alright Furball, thanks for the warning. I'll keep it in mind."

With that, Wyatt turned to pick his duffle bag back up, and slung it over his shoulder. While jerking his head in the direction of the door, he inquired sardonically, "So, you two going to walk me out, or what?"

Raw smiled and held the door open while DG and then Wyatt stepped out. A cryptic smile crept up his face as they passed him and his eyes followed them, watching the way they gazed at each other as they moved down the hall. Raw followed noiselessly after them, quickly catching up to capitalize on the short amount of time he had left with the Tin Man before he left for parts unknown. Although he knew that Wyatt had hoped for a longer conversation with him, Raw knew all too well the effects of disclosing too much information at one time to humans. Although he suspected that more than one ancient had come into the fray of their latest adventure, he feared that telling the lawman too much might sway him from his task, which he knew was of utmost importance. There was no reason to worry him needlessly, not while he and Glitch would be staying behind to watch the princess. For now, he thought, the Tin Man needed only the support of his closest friends, and as he followed beside Wyatt, he endeavored to do just that.

When they arrived at the top of the grand staircase, they were met with the sight of Ahamo and the Queen saying their own good-byes at the foot of the stairs. Much like Wyatt and DG, the royal couple seemed reluctant to separate, and maintained some semblance of physical contact while they spoke quietly to each other. Azkadellia and Ambrose hovered nearby, waiting patiently to give their own farewells. Azkadellia seemed nervous, and while relatively motionless, she worried with her hands, wringing them constantly as she watched her parents perform yet another difficult farewell. Ambrose stood at her elbow, rubbing Azkadellia's shoulder in a show of support to the guilt-ridden woman who still blamed herself for the lingering darkness caused by the witch and her cohorts. When DG, Wyatt, and Raw appeared, Ambrose turned his attention to them, and stepped closer to the stairs, ready to grasp Wyatt's hand when he reached the bottom.

"Wyatt," Ambrose greeted the man with a firm handshake, "I guess you don't really owe me one anymore, eh Tin Man?"

Wyatt scoffed in return, replying, "Well, let's settle up after I get back, alright Zipperhead?"

Ambrose and Wyatt exchanged a chuckle, and Wyatt hugged his brother briefly before they parted. Jeb appeared a short time later and stood quietly by the door whilst the rest of the part said their goodbyes, waiting patiently for their eventual departure. The young man seemed uncertain of how to insert himself if what was clearly a family moment, DG observed, and she slid up to him, greeting him quietly.

"Morning Jeb," DG greeted him, leaning her head affectionately on the young man's shoulder in a show a familial solidarity.

Jeb emitted a sigh in response to DG's display, finding himself oddly at ease with the princess's easy affection. Although he and DG had formed a quick friendship over the past two annuals, with him serving as her most frequent guard detail when his father was unavailable, he had been initially uncertain how their relationship would change once she married his father. It had been a relief to find their rapport virtually unchanged, with the exception of the Princess being even more openly affectionate than before. Also of particular relief to the young man was the fact that DG had made no attempt to change the nature of their friendship, and showed a good deal of respect for the continued importance of Adora Cain in the hearts of the Cain men. This had cemented DG's place in Jeb's heart, and although he would not say so for fear of embarrassing her, he found himself seeking her out in much the same way he would have his own mother, being of the firm opinion that Adora Cain would have approved greatly of DG's introduction into their small family. This morning, he was also warmed by her careful attentions to his discomfort, finding it difficult to remain uncomfortable when DG drew near.

"Morning DG," Jeb returned quietly, tilting his head towards hers to return her small show of affection.

DG grinned, pleased with the outcome of her risk, and she stepped back to look up at Jeb, fixing him with a serious expression as she whispered, "Look after them Jeb."

Jeb nodded, understanding her request. Both of their fathers had a penchant for taking risks, and he quietly bonded with her over their mutual concern. DG exhaled in relief in response to Jeb's nod, and gave him one final squeeze around his middle before withdrawing to say her goodbyes to her father. Ahamo was visibly anxious, and after saying goodbye to his other family members, had moved closer to the door, looking out to see if the jeep that would taking them to the stables had arrived. DG noted an expression similar to her own written in the lines at the corners of her father's eyes. She'd inherited her doer attitude from him, after all, and even after spending two annuals in luxury, he still itched to be out in the world, doing something of value. DG smiled to herself with this thought and felt a surge of gratitude for the man. DG's relationship with her father had improved vastly over the past two annuals, partially because of their shared knowledge of the Otherside, but also because DG's memories were quickly coming back. Even with these flashes of insight and shared knowledge, DG still struggled periodically, feeling as if he still saw her as a little girl. It felt important, however, for her to reach out to her father in this moment and show him the trust that he desired so much from her, especially now, as he set out on a potentially dangerous mission.

As she drew near, DG laid a tentative hand on her father's arm, and croaked out, "Hey Dad."

Ahamo turned to his youngest daughter with a smile and wrapped her in his arms, "Hey Spitfire. Keep my seat warm for me, will you?"

DG looked up at her father and smiled weakly, "If you'll keep Wyatt and Jeb out of trouble, sure."

Ahamo laughed, admiring the defiant look in his daughter's eyes. He smiled, finding himself overwhelmed with the woman standing in front of him. Time, it seemed, had gotten away from him, and where his tomboy rabble rouser had once been, there now stood a strong, beautiful woman. He beamed on her with pride and a little apprehension, fearing that she would find him somehow unworthy to the task of protecting her husband and stepson. He still carried a fair amount of remorse over not having stayed with her on the Otherside when she was still so young and vulnerable, but his duty to ensure her safe return to the OZ took precedence, so he had begrudgingly left her all of those annuals ago. A small part him would not have blamed DG had she not wanted to trust him with the wellbeing of her own family after her own apparent abandonment, and this small glint of fear showed momentarily in his eyes, causing DG's defiant spark to soften with compassion.

"I love you Dad. Stay safe." DG muttered into his chest as she snuggled back into his arms.

Ahamo gladly hugged her tighter, thankful for the rare opportunity with her. It didn't last, however, as the sound of the Jeep's brakes squealing as it stopped just outside roused them from their goodbyes. Ahamo released DG to give his wife a final embrace, and he and the Queen disappeared outside, Jeb following closely behind. Azkadellia, Ambrose, and Raw, meanwhile said their final goodbyes to Wyatt before they slipped away, wanting to give Wyatt and DG some final moments of privacy.

Wyatt strayed behind everyone else, waiting expectantly for DG, and as all the others filtered out in separate directions, his eyes resting on the form of his wife, standing near the outer doors. As the others departed, DG's eyes stubbornly refused to meet his, and while she gazed out the window, she visibly struggled to maintain her composure. The sounds of their family faded away, and the hall became silent once more, and a sense uncertainty hung in the air like a physical thing between them. DG finally turned to face her husband, and her stomach clenched unhappily when she met his eyes. Wyatt, meanwhile, dropped his bag unceremoniously at his feet as he stepped swiftly forward to reach DG, and she jumped into his arms with a sharp intake of air. Wyatt clutched DG in his arms, breathing her in deeply, his own breath shallow and sharp, his heart thudding loudly in his chest. DG shuddered against him, the dam having finally broken, and her tears began to wet his vest as they poured out unencumbered. Wyatt tilted her head upwards, with gentle tender attention, placing a soft kiss on her lips. The tenderness with which he kissed her seemed to unglue them both though, and was soon replaced with urgency, and they both clutched at each other as if holding tight against an oncoming storm. All of the feelings they had been bottling up over the past days in an effort to bolster the other washed over them in a wave, causing them to become enwrapped in each other, their limbs tangling while their kiss became feverish and hurried. When they finally parted, their faces were both flushed, and both seemed breathless, and leaned against the other as they regained their senses.

While Wyatt still held DG close, his lips resting softly on her forehead, DG nestled her nose into the opening of his shirt, breathing him in one last time. When she'd finally caught her breath, she murmured huskily, "This is ridiculous, Wyatt. It's not like we haven't been through worse before. So why am I so afraid now?"

Wyatt's eyes, closed while he breathed her in, opened as she uttered this self-admonishment and he looked outward while he considered his answer. Finally, he came to a conclusion, and clutched her more tightly as he softly replied, "Because now we know what we could lose, and it's not just you now. It's us, and we have someone else to think about now, too." DG huffed sadly in response, and Wyatt now gently grasped her shoulders, causing her to step back so he could meet her eyes. His own were wet and his voice waivered when he spoke, "Dorothy, I'm scared too, but I promise you, I'm coming back."

DG sniffled, and a smirk appeared when she replied defensively, "You'd better, Tin Man, or I'll have to come after you. Put my own Cain bloodhound skills to good use."

DG had finally managed to crack Wyatt's veneer, and a brilliant smile flashed across his face, and he chuckled as he pulled her close once more, "I believe that one, Princess. You fit right in with the rest of us bullheaded Cains." His voice softened now, and his kissed her forehead before finishing, "I'm going to miss you Dorothy Cain. Keep yourself and our girl safe, okay?"

DG hummed in response, and reached up to offer him one final, soft kiss before answering, "I will Wyatt. I promise, and I'll send word to you as soon as I figure out the music box mystery, okay?"

Wyatt's eyes seemed to smile with this promise, and Wyatt felt awash in gratitude for DG's thoughtfulness. So with a small nod, he released her and picked up his bag, replying as he slipped his finger under her chin to tilt her head up to his, "I'll hold you to that, Mrs. Cain." Wyatt paused to place a kiss on her upturned lips, and added, "I love you, Dorothy."

"And I love you, Wyatt." DG replied, stepping back to add with a sigh, "Now you'd better go before I decide to go with you."

Wyatt smiled in response and pulled the hat down slightly before tightening his grip on the bag now slung over his shoulder. No further words were spoken, other than a sigh from the Tin Man, and after tipping his hat to his wife, he turned to exit the hall. DG stood motionless, watching with bated breath as he walked to the door, offering him only one weak smile when he turned back minutely to gain once last glance of her before closing the door. When the door shut behind him, DG remained motionless, starring absently at the space he'd vacated only moments ago, as if time had stopped when he left. The sound of the jeep roaring to life outside finally shook DG from her thoughts, and she swiped furiously at her face as she spied it moving down the drive, deciding then to make a hasty exit before her mother could see her distress.

As upset as DG was, she knew that what generally helped to improve her mindset involved some form of physical labor. Since hopping a twister back to Kansas was well outside the limits of her promise to Wyatt, she'd quickly decided on finding other tasks to occupy her mind since their return from Finaqua. Wyatt had been so consumed with how she might react to the change in their moving plans, but what he had never considered was DG's similar concern for him. Where DG was generally adaptable, the Tin Man was not, and she'd quickly decided that she would have to do something to remedy what would quickly become an untenable situation for her husband. Even once they managed to move residences, she reasoned that they'd still require quarters in the palace for special events, and they'd both still need somewhere to work when the need arose. With this in mind, DG had quickly and covertly requisitioned new quarters for them and had been secretly arranging them for the past week. Knowing that Wyatt would be giving up his beloved office to the new general gave her an excellent excuse to move his office furniture without him knowing it. What was more, once DG learned that the new Major General was a woman, and the youngest general in the Royal Army to boot, DG felt it even more important that she was properly welcomed to her new home. So, DG had quickly assigned herself two tasks: decorating and making their own quarters ready for Wyatt's return, and giving the new Major General her own space that she might appreciate.

This reminder had given DG some renewed energy, and she bounded down the hall, skittering to a halt in her slippers when she reached the threshold of the Major General's office. The doors were thrown wide open, and morning light poured in from the windows opposite the door. Wyatt had often kept the curtains pulled closed in this room, preferring the warm glow of lamps and the fireplace, so the bright sunlight both surprised and warmed DG, and she grinned as she stepped into the room.

DG had the walls repainted a cool sage green, and where Wyatt's heavy oak office desk once stood, was a smaller wooden desk, painted white. Matching credenzas flanked the windows behind the desk, and the dark curtains had been replaced with raw silk the color of cotton. DG's inspection turned to the fireplace, where two plush emerald green armchairs sat in the place of Wyatt's leather wingbacks. DG smiled when she noticed that a pale lavender rope rug had been added to this arrangement, as well as a matching throw blanket, draped haphazardly over the edge of one of the chairs. Although they had not been of her choosing, the new occupant had apparently shared her aesthetic. Just as DG was finishing her visual inspection of the room, the door from the bedroom opened, and the Major General stepped out, carrying a large canvas in both of her hands. She did not initially see DG, as she was inspecting the subject of the canvas as she crossed the room to the fireplace.

Major General Jennifer Jinjur was a small woman of about twenty-eight annuals, and she walked as if she always had a purpose. The woman had long fiery hair which she kept pulled back in a complicated braid, and although petite, she was fit and healthy. Jinjur had spent a great deal of time proving herself as a capable soldier, and then officer, so she was seen as no-nonsense, and was frequently found in uniform. Today was no exception, and she was neatly dressed in military slacks and a well-tailored pale blue button down, even though her station had no such requirement. As competent as Jennifer had to be, being that Wyatt himself had hand-picked her for the position, her oversight of DG's appearance in the doorway did not go unnoticed by the spry Princess, and as Jinjur stood in front of the mantle adjusting the painting in her hands, DG crept forward and leaned her hip on the chair closest to her, a satisfied smirk planted on her face.

DG gazed at the painting and admired the handiwork. The image, DG recognized, was of Ozma, and the beautiful woman was surrounded in a swirl of lavender and sage green. DG cleared her throat lightly and spoke up, "That's a lovely piece. Did you paint it?"

Jennifer swung around, her pale face red around the cheeks and across the bridge of her nose and green eyes flaring in surprise. When she realized that it was DG who had taken her by surprise, she gasped slightly, taking a step backwards as she grasped her chest. "Oh, Your Highness, I had no idea you were here!" Jennifer Jinjur exclaimed with surprise, "Yes, I did actually."

DG's smirk widened into a grin, satisfied that she had managed to get one over on the General so soon. DG straightened her face quickly, not yet ready to show her hand to the woman who Wyatt had left in charge of her safety. "It's okay, I've been known to sneak up on people from time to time," DG waved off the apology, "consider yourself initiated then." DG spied Jennifer's eyes narrowing suspiciously, so she changed the subject, looking around the room, "So, how do you like your new digs?"

Jennifer exhaled in reply, taking in her surroundings with a satisfied smile. "Well, someone was definitely thinking of me when they decorated this room. I couldn't have done better myself." Jennifer turned to sit in the chair opposite DG, motioning for DG to join her.

DG gladly obliged and deposited herself heavily in the chair. DG dropped her slippers on the floor in front of her and, while folding her legs underneath her body, asked, "What do you mean?"

Jennifer shrugged and replied in a thoughtful manner, "Well, army barracks and resistance camps aren't exactly known for their feminine appeal. Besides, when you're a woman commanding a bunch of rowdy guys, you don't really get a lot of opportunity for the nicer things." Jennifer frowned as she said this, and finding a sympathetic smile on DG's face, she relaxed with her own small smile.

DG chuckled, "Well, I'm glad I got it right then."

Jennifer's eyes widened, and she asked in shock, "You mean, you did all of this?"

DG nodded knowingly, mock look of seriousness on her face. With a heavy exhalation, she rose from her seat, Jennifer following suit. "Well," DG sighed with a tired smile, "I just wanted to check in on you and make sure you were settling in ok. Now that I'm satisfied that I haven't messed up in my décor choices, I think I can rest a little easier."

Jennifer nodded and replied, "Yes of course, Your Highness, thank you again."

DG stopped in her tracks and turned back to Jennifer, replying earnestly, "Jennifer, I hope you'll stick around. That said, if you're going to be here for some time, you might as well call me DG." Jennifer began to protest, but DG raised a hand and continued, "If I manage annoy you half as much as I do my husband, I'll take you a little more seriously if you're bawling me out with my first name rather than some stuffy title."

Jennifer stifled a laugh and replied almost as if she were thinking out loud, "General Cain warned me that you'd be a handful. It seems he wasn't kidding."

DG giggled in response, and Jennifer attempted again to thank her, "Thank you DG."

DG shrugged, and spoke before she walked out, "See you around, General."

DG did not stay to see the look of relaxation overtake the normally stern look of seriousness on Jennifer Jinjur's face. The woman had been so accustomed to putting on an act for all of her military cohorts that she had almost forgotten how refreshing it could be to just be herself from time to time. DG's personal touches to Jennifer's office had put her oddly at ease, and once she finally had a chance to meet the Princess, she found herself feeling more at home than she had in annuals. DG had been content to see even a fraction of this response, and Jennifer, relieved to have been given the opportunity to be flummoxed in private, and so both went about the rest of their day in relative contentment as a result.

While General Jinjur returned to the task of putting her quarters in order, DG shuffled down the hall and up to her other project, which was in a state of disarray from the drastic changes she had been making. Gates walked quietly behind, chuckling to himself, which caused DG to turn on him as they approached the doors to her apartments, and she put her hands on her hips in mild irritation. "What?" she asked in exasperation, "Can't a princess make a few friends?"

Gates shrugged as he reached past her for the doorknob, "Not at all DG, I just didn't expect that you'd be such fast friends with the General. She's not exactly warm and fuzzy."

As Gates opened the door for DG, and as DG stepped through, she replied with a fair amount of sarcasm, "Have you met my husband?" Gates declined to comment, but his eyes said enough, making DG chuckle as she continued, "It amazes me that even here, women aren't really given a fair shake. I like Jennifer. Give her a chance, will you?"

Gates shrugged in reply, and removed his jacket, ready to be given chores by the spritely woman in front of him. After over an annual, Gates had grown accustomed to DG's proclivity for taking on large tasks by herself, and this particular project had been her labor of love. She had done a fair amount of work by herself but hadn't been above enlisting anyone who would offer a hand. Gates had been her most frequent victim, being that he was her bodyguard, so he didn't expect anything less than to be given something to do the moment they stepped through the doors of her apartments.

Gates stood by quietly as DG surveyed the room. The large sitting area in front of them was fairly barren, with the majority of the furniture sitting in storage while DG completed the monumental task of repainting the walls, which had been a somber shade of grey. DG knew that Wyatt would be horribly shaken by the original colors of the room, so she had first set about removing the carpet, leaving warm, hard wood in its place. Repainting the room was of utmost importance, and she had lined the floors with tarps to protect the surfaces underneath. The opposite wall from the entrance was of curved glass with double doors in the center leading out to a balcony, and faced north so as to let in a pleasant amount of light throughout the day without blinding anyone who happened to be sitting at the round breakfast table positioned near the doors. DG had decided to keep these windows unadorned, to give the room as much natural light as possible. At either end of the breakfast area were a set of twin double doors, where, on one side, one would enter Wyatt and DG's bedroom, and on the other, one would enter what DG had privately termed "the man cave," as she had meant for it to be Wyatt's private space.

Originally, the space had been designed so that a royal couple could live separately if needed, with both side rooms operating as fully functioning bedrooms with their own dressing areas and bathrooms. Neither Wyatt nor DG was truly cut out to be royal to this degree, however, so they had both had a rather unpleasant reaction to the concept. Knowing that Wyatt shared her disdain for traditions in this department, she had been pleased to turn his bedroom into a private office, and deposited most of his original heavy oak furniture into it, adding a few pieces of comfort that he would appreciate.

Apart from these rooms, which did not require any significant changes, DG had been ecstatic to find a third, smaller room adjoining the common area. This one was smaller than the others, and already seemed perfectly arranged to serve as a nursery. So apart from the rather dour décor choices in the sitting room, the apartment seemed as if it had been meant for their small family, and although she would have preferred their cozy getaway, she was certain that she could transform this space into a close enough facsimile. Given that the other rooms were already suitable, DG had spent most of her time in the main room, and after painting away the grey that had adorned all of the walls in the space, DG had decided to bring the forests of the Wyatt's childhood to the wall opposite the fire place. Trees that were impressively lifelike lined the wall, and when the morning light spread across it, it made one feel as if they were sitting among them. DG was still finishing this mural and handed Gates a roller with which he could continue to paint the opposite wall a hazy blue, before removing her sweater and donning a paint besmeared smock. With a firmly set expression, DG climbed a ladder and got right to work, focusing heavily on the strokes of the last few trees that she had left to finish. Gates sighed and got down to work as well, knowing that with the Princess so determined, he would have no other choice that to be so engaged as well.

By the late afternoon, the walls of the sitting room were complete, and DG stepped off her ladder to survey her work, a manic smile splitting her face like the grin of Jack O'Lantern.

"This is really somethin', Princess, the General will be beside himself." Gates sighed, surveying their work with a keen eye as he stretched his stiff limbs.

DG's face reddened at the compliment, and she turned away from her work to remove her smock, "I guess it will do," she answered nonchalantly while stooping to collect her sweater from the floor, "since he can't bring me to the forest, I'll have to bring the forest to him."

Gates scoffed absentmindedly, and blustered in surprise once the realization dawned on him, "Wait, how did you know?"

DG smirked, shrugging as she pulled the sweater on, "He might be the Tin Man in the family, but I've been told that I make pretty good sleuth myself. I have my sources."

While Gates looked on the Princess in mild awe, DG stooped once more to pick up her tools. As she straightened, her face fell suddenly. The room seemed to spin, and her vision blurred around the edges. DG began to sway as she placed a hand to her forehead, feeling as if she was standing on the deck of a rocking ocean liner. Gates had not initially noticed DG's change in demeanor, but once she stumbled, groaning as she fought to stay upright, he rushed to her side and helped to steady her as she recovered.

"DG, are you alright?" Gates asked in a hushed tone, looking down on her with concern as she clutched his arm.

DG frowned as she considered his question. Well this is new, she thought, I don't know if I am alright. I don't think I've ever felt this way before. "I'm fine," DG lied, and then continued her act in an effort to ease her own concern, "I just haven't had anything to eat today, and I think my little parasite is trying to eat a hole in me in revenge. Maybe I ought to have someone bring me something instead of trying to have dinner with Mother."

Gates replied in agreement with her, "I think that would be a good idea, Deeg. I'll have a message sent to your mother letting her know." Gates started leading her to the door as he continued to plot on her behalf, "Let's just get you to your room so you can lie down while you wait."

DG was in no shape to argue, and silently allowed Gates to lead her by the arm down the hall to her room, grateful at least for his attentiveness in Wyatt's absence. Gates, for his part, had no experience with pregnant women, and although he harbored some concern, he remained silent on the matter. Instead, after helping DG to her bed and removing her slippers for her, Gates pulled Wyatt's quilt over her, hoping at least that the Princess might feel somewhat better after resting, and resolved that he would keep a close watch on her despite her assurances. DG was too exhausted to notice Gates' concern and nestled into the quilt as if wrapped in Wyatt himself, quickly falling into a deep slumber. Gates glanced at the Princess once last time before closing her bedroom door quietly, all while saying a silent prayer to Ozma for her wellbeing. DG did not hear Gates leave, nor did she hear his utterances, and she tumbled deeper and deeper into dreamless sleep.