A/N: Hey y'all! I'm back! So like I wrote in the author's note at the end of the last chapter I went camping over the weekend with some friends, including my girlfriend. So I didn't end up getting a chapter up before I left like I wanted to, I just got swamped at work. But I'm back from camping, miss my girlfriend like crazy, and am still swamped in work. So this chapter is going to be more rushed so I apologize for any mistakes that I make. One more note before we go to the guest reviews and continue with the story. Other than Hayden and Brian who have "human" names and are my own created characters I am going to attempt to give my other OCs elf names, so bare with me on that. Review time!

Debby: For the last two chapters you have been the first reviewer and I want to give you a shout out. Also I'm so glad that you continue to enjoy this story it means a lot that there are people who are enjoying my writing.

Qbonbon: You're absolutely right. I have been completely neglecting one of the most important things that makes Gail Gail. From now on you, and everyone else, has my word that I am going to try my hardest to keep her snarky and sarcastic.

tinq: I don't actually even know where that idea came from. I was really surprised when it popped into my head, but after I wrote it I loved it.

Guest: I'm glad you like the story and I hope you keep reading and continue to leave reviews because reviews make me super happy.

Now then ON WITH THE STORY!

Hayden lead Gail down the short path that would take them to the modest one story cabin that she, her wife, and their son shared. They were just at the gate when a young boy came hurtling out of the house. He yelled "ammè" (Mommy) as he crashed into Hayden's legs nearly taking her to the ground. As it was she had to reach back and put one hand on the gate to steady herself. When she regained her balance she reached down and lifted the boy onto her hip. "Thalin, this is my partner and my new friend Gail. Can you say 'hi?'" Hayden asked gently. He tucked his head into her neck and waved at her shyly. Hayden chuckled and Gail smiled and waved back at the boy.

They turned back to the path that lead up to the door and saw a tall blond haired woman leaning against the door frame with a smile on her face. "Thing for blonds huh? Is that why you were so willing to be my partner and listen to what I had to say?" Gail asked Hayden with a cheeky grin. Hayden reached out and pushed Gail's shoulder causing the shorter woman to stumble a couple of steps off of the path before stepping back to where she was. "Wasn't nice ammè" Thalin said with an obvious pout in his voice. "You should 'polgize" He spoke in the cutest voice. Gail smiled triumphantly as Hayden turned and apologized in a monotonous voice that showed her obvious contempt for the apology her son was making her give. Gail stuck her tongue out and smirked.

They got to the edge of the porch and Hayden put Thalin down. The blond in the doorway told him to go wash up because dinner was almost ready. "Gail I would like you to meet my beautiful wife Elinath." (Elinath means star) Hayden spoke with pride in her voice as she walked up the two steps on the porch and swiftly crossed over to her wife. She pulled the other woman into a gentle kiss that conveyed all of her love and adoration. They pulled apart and Gail bowed her head slightly to the other blond in a show of respect. "So you're the brave woman who is putting up with Hayden. I must admit I do not envy you even a little bit. One day with her and I'm starting to rethink this job." Gail said in a light joking voice. Hayden walked over and pushed her lightly "excuse you I am an absolute delight to be around." Gail shoved her back "maybe from your perspective, but not from where I'm standing." The two locked onto each others arms and began to push each other. They were locked in that position for a few seconds both pushing with all of their strength before Hayden used her height advantage to push down on Gail's shoulders causing the other woman to sink to the ground. They rolled around for a few minutes before Elinath spoke up "If Thalin comes out and sees this you're both in trouble." She teased. The two women stopped moving. "But she started it!" They shouted in unison causing Elinath to laugh loudly as she went back into the cabin.

Hayden scrambled to her feet and paused only to help Gail get up before she was running to follow her wife into the cabin, Gail was right beside her. Elinath was at the stove while Thalin was busy setting plates onto the table. Hayden wrapped her arms around her wife's waist turning her around and putting her forehead against the blond's. "Don't be mad baby" She said lightly before placing her lips gently over her wife's. The moment was broken by fake gagging sounds. The couple looked over to see Gail teaching their son to make vomit noises as they kissed. "Get a room!" Gail shouted. "Yeah, get a room!" Thalin echoed even though he had no clue what that meant.

Elinath chuckled at their antics before extricating herself from her wife's arms and moving to the stove. Everything had finished cooking so she began to hand bowls of food to Hayden to take over to the table. Once everything was out they all moved to the table. Hayden pulled out a chair for Elinath and the other three waited until she was seated as a sign of respect and appreciation for the food she had slaved away to prepare for them. Hayden moved to the chair at the head of the table to Elinath's left, Thalin was on Hayden's left, and Gail was seated at the other end of the table across from Hayden.

The food was served and everyone began to eat. It was vegetable casserole with small pieces of cooked salmon in it and a beautiful red wine to drink. Hayden and Elinath attempted to have a grown up discussion about the day, but they were distracted by Gail who was entrancing Thalin with an overly exaggerated recollection of what had happened. It involved six men all eight feet tall, and Gail told about how Hayden had run from the room screaming in terror. So Gail had to protect the princess and defeat the men all by herself. There were sound effects and slow motion karate chops and punches included. The story left Thalin in a fit of uncontrollable giggles. Even Elinath had to laugh at the ridiculousness of the story. "No way my ammè wouldn't run from danger. She's strong, and tough, and brave, it must've been you that ran away!" Thalin said pointing his fork at Gail accusingly. Hayden chuckled at her son's faith in her. "No son, she's kind of telling the truth. I took the princess and ran out of the room to get her to safety. But what she didn't tell you is that as soon as I knew the princess was safe I went back to help her." Thalin gave Gail a triumphant look. Gail shot a glare at Hayden then met Thalin's smug grin with a look of disinterest and said, "whatever she still screamed like a little girl." She grumped folding her arms across her chest.

After dinner was finished Elinath brought out a berry lembas cake with homemade whipped cream for dessert. She cut each of them a small piece, since none of them would actually be able to eat more than that. Then she put the rest of it back in the fridge for them to enjoy later.

Gail complimented the entire meal before insisting that she do the dishes. Elinath tried to convince her that she would do them, but Gail would not have it since Elinath had spent all evening cooking. Elinath finally agreed when Gail told her that she would make Hayden help while she put Thalin to bed.

Once all of that was taken care of they all sat in chairs on the porch with one last glass of wine each. Hayden and Elinath were sharing a wooden bench and Hayden had her arm around Elinath's shoulders and she placed a kiss to the crown of her forehead. Elinath asked for a real explanation of the day's events. Gail smirked, "it went down exactly as I told Thalin that it did. That's my story and I'm sticking to it." She took a sip of wine while Hayden gave her a small glare. Then Hayden told the story in detail, the correct details, about what had happened. From meeting the king to the fight that had happened. "Well Gail, I am impressed that you could remain so composed as to take down two opponents while still making sure the princess remained safe." Gail waved off her praise and took another sip of wine in an attempt to hide her blush. "She was impressive? What about me?" Hayden asked sensing Gail's discomfort. "Aw honey, you know I think you're great, but there isn't anything all that spectacular about running." She said with a wink. This caused Gail to snort into her wine glass almost choking and spilling it all over herself. Hayden pouted but it was quickly wiped away by a kiss to her lips.

The three continued to talk until their wine glasses were empty. Then Gail excused herself to go home. She thanked Elinath for the food once more, and Elinath insisted that she come around more often. Gail promised that she would at the next opportunity that she got.

As she walked home Gail thought over the events of the night and smiled. That was the most care free she had been in a long time, and she had definitely never felt that comfortable around anyone else before.

A/N: Ta Da! What do you think? Love it? Hate it? leave a review and let me know.

Until next time
Hold The Line and Don't Look Back