Troy noticed Vanora sitting by herself at one of the empty workstations, mostly staring off into space, but also looking over at Jules and Antheia as they sat together against the wall by the doors leading out of the lab. Part of him wanted to simply tell her to just talk to Jules, but wasn't quite sure being blunt and direct with her was a good idea. It pained him to see anyone willingly letting themselves suffer, physically or emotionally, and he had seen it one too many times over the course of his life.

He stood up to go over and sit next to her, still trying to figure out how to address the situation. His gaze shifted to Jules and Antheia, then back to Vanora. He sighed heavily, then started with a simple, "You okay?"

"As long as Jules is happy and Jack comes out better, I'm okay," Vanora said.

"But are you happy?"

Vanora didn't answer right away.

"This is just going to bother you until you say something to Jules."

"Well, it can wait, because he and Antheia are going out to dinner. No one wants to go to dinner with their date and have their mother around."

"Okay, that's… that's true, but that doesn't mean you can't talk to him. Yes, he's growing up. Yes, he has a girlfriend now, but that doesn't mean you don't mean anything to him anymore."

"Jules has always been closer to his father."

"So? That doesn't mean you're not important to him. Talk to Jules. Look, I'll even give you an opportunity. I'll talk to Antheia for a bit about something so Jules will be available."

"You're willing to do that?"

"Yeah."

Vanora looked hesitant, then sighed. "Alright. Let's see how Jack comes out first."

"He'll be fine. He's with Dietrich, so he's in the best hands possible."

Vanora nodded.

"Nothing bad will happen, and if, for whatever reason, something does happen, we'll figure it out together. I promise."

"Alright."

The two looked up when Evelina walked over to the control panel by the door of the chamber. "Already?" Troy asked.

"Looks like it." Evelina unlocked the door, then stepped aside to let Dietrich and Moffitt out.

"You weren't even in there twenty minutes," Troy said.

Dietrich shrugged. "That was all it took."

"Wow." Troy looked at Moffitt. "Well? How do you feel?"

"I feel like I just purged decades of poison from my body in the most violent session of throwing up I've ever had," Moffitt said.

"That's gross, love," Vanora replied.

"It makes sense, though," Troy said. "I usually feel better after—"

"Please, no details. Stop. I see your point."

"Overall, I feel much better," Moffitt said. "A lot of weight was just lifted from my shoulders."

"There's not much weight there to begin with," Troy muttered.

"Oh, yes, I haven't heard that a million times from you all." Moffitt rolled his eyes.

"Good to see you're still you, though."

"Of course! What did you think Dietrich was doing in there? He wasn't tearing me down and trying to rebuild me. He got me to think about certain things a little differently. That's all."

"So, we're not going to hear 'I'm sorry' every time you think you've upset us anymore?"

"Well, I think I've genuinely upset you, you'll hear it, but over little things? I'm confident I can stop apologizing."

"That's good."

"Still, though—" Moffitt's expression sobered. "I can't imagine I was fun to deal with during the war. Is an apology warranted for me being a bit frustrating?"

"No," Troy said. "If you were really annoying, I would've kicked you off the team. I should apologize for not knowing how to help you."

A grin crossed Moffitt's face. "What is there to apologize for if you didn't even know what was wrong?"

"Okay, good point."

"It's over now." Moffitt turned to Vanora, his grin fading a little. "Are you alright?"

"Mostly. Could we… talk in private, Jack?"

"Sure."

When the couple went off to the back of the lab to talk, Troy stepped over to Dietrich. "You better be careful, buddy, or someone's going to suggest you quit the military and become a psychologist."

"I would like to limit my services to us and our families," Dietrich said. "I do not have the motivation to do this professionally. Besides, I would have to spend years in a classroom in order to practice. Why do that when I already know what I am doing? What could they possibly teach me that I have not already figured out for myself?"

Troy sighed. "I once made a similar argument when my dad was trying to push me to go to college. I was told that assuming I'm the smartest person in the room was going to get me into trouble one day. Not sure I've ever assumed I'm the smartest person in any room."

"There are different types of 'smart.' I know I have made jokes regarding your unrefined tactics, but you have intelligence in other areas. You did beat me several times, after all."

"I did. What's your point?"

"A book can be a good teacher. Experience tends to be a better one."

"Can I still ask for 'Doctor Dietrich' when I need someone to pick apart my brain?"

"I am not a doctor, so please do not call me that."

"I'll try."

"Try harder."

"I'll try that, too."

Dietrich sighed and rolled his eyes. "Dummkopf." He looked over at where Moffitt and Vanora were engaged in quiet conversation. "Well, we solved his problem. Now, we need to solve hers."

"I may have gotten something started in that department," Troy said. "I said I'd pull Antheia away for a little bit to give Vanora a chance to talk to Jules. I just hope she actually does it."

"Vanora is good at communicating, but the magpie prophecy has certainly taken a toll on her that none of us have really noticed until a few days ago."

"Yeah. She didn't really say anything when all this started. Turns out she's just been bottling it up. I can say from experience that's not good."

"I think we all have experience in that."

Troy glanced over his shoulder at Jules and Antheia. "I mean, what do you think? I agree that Jules shouldn't be forced to spend time with anyone he doesn't want to, but this is his own mother, who he's on good terms with."

"Given that we have solved Moffitt's little problem, I would hope that makes Vanora's fear of Jules feeling guilty a bit less paralyzing."

"We'll never know how he feels until we bring it up with him, and I don't think it's my place to do so."

"Sometimes, in situations like this, a mediator would be necessary."

"You think I'd be a good mediator?"

"Shockingly, yes. You have already taken to talking to and comforting Vanora about this. You understand Jules's perspective. I think you are the best option they both have at finding a solution that will make both of them happy."

"Really? You think that person is me?"

"Yes. I just explained why and I am not explaining it again."

"Fine. If you think so."

"And I do. Are you not confident that you can help them?"

"No, not really. I'm usually not the one people turn to when they need advice."

"That is not true. I have turned to you for help before. Do you remember when I showed up at your doorstep a few years ago, after the training accident in Germany that resulted in ten men getting killed? I was not looking for anything specific—I was too much in shock to know what I needed—but I trusted that you would listen and help as best you could once you knew what was going on. You are capable of helping people with delicate issues like these. Antheia goes to you with problems, does she not?"

"She does, quite often." Troy thought for a moment. "She'd want me to help Jules. I know I said to you a little while back, I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes my son-in-law one day. I've watched the kid grow up. He really is the spitting image of his dad."

"He is less high-strung than Moffitt, I have noticed."

"That probably comes with having you in his life, and being taught by Anah. I'm not convinced Jules will feel guilty about not spending time with his mother, but I can understand why Vanora's worried about that."

"I think the time has come to get the ball rolling, in order for us to see where it goes."

"You still think I can help them?"

"Of course."

"Alright. As long as I know I can consult Doctor Dietrich if I need help."

Dietrich glared at him, but simply rolled his eyes and ended the conversation.

Anah didn't like how loosely she had to wrap around Tully's shoulders, but she trusted him not to let her fall off. As much as she wished she could be cooking and baking again, she figured perching on Tully and giving him instructions was the next best thing. He was the one who taught her how to cook in the first place, way back when she first became a part of the team. It helped her feel more useful, and she found it was a great way to make them happy. It made her happy, too.

"You doing okay, Anah?" Tully asked. The house had been quiet aside from soft music on the radio, which Anah had wanted turned on so it wasn't completely silent.

"Yes, I am alright," Anah replied.

"You sure? It's weird, seeing you so quiet."

"Troy said the same thing when you were all out looking for Jules."

"Well, he's not wrong. I thought you'd be telling me every last detail of everything instruction to make this tart."

"Oh, no, I do not need to guide you that much. You can actually cook, and you are doing a fine job so far."

"Thanks. You just look tired and sad. I mean, I get it—surgery's no picnic, and I'm sorry that Moffitt's been so moody. Hopefully, whatever Dietrich's doing is helping."

"I have faith in Dietrich to help Moffitt," Anah replied. She noticed the dough for the tart was looking a little stickier than it needed to be, and she instinctively pulled over the jar of flour telekinetically. "May I, dear?"

"Sure, go ahead."

Anah took the lid of the flour jar off, and used a spoon to add more to the mixture. "I greatly appreciate you just letting me help. Troy is a nag. He would not let me do anything."

"Really? Sarge said you were a nag when he had a bloody nose after he used that jackal power. I think a case can be made that you're both kinda fussy. As long as you're not overdoing it, I see no problem with you helping a little bit. Besides, it'll help you feel better. That's all that matters."

"Thank you. See, this is why I gravitated to you first after Moffitt when we met."

"Well, I'm not gonna deny that dealing with you and Sarge bickering got a little ridiculous sometimes, but it was great preparation for having two kids." Tully smirked and shook his head. "I love my girls, but they could be hell to manage when they were little."

"I have not forgotten that Aurinda pulled my tail once."

"You scared the living daylights out of her when you whirled around and hissed at her. I figured that was enough of a lesson to teach her not to do that again."

"At least she did not become permanently frightened of me."

"There's that. Auri was a handful, but she's mellowed out significantly. She's sixteen this year, and really looking forward to learning how to drive."

"Does she have an idea of what she will be doing when she finishes high school?"

"Not really. She's gotten into painting. You should see her bedroom. Canvases and easels all over with some of the prettiest landscape paintings you've ever seen. I've taken her all over Kentucky to get reference photographs, and then she turns 'em into paintings. Hitch's parents actually paid her to make a panorama of Wilmington that they've got hanging in their living room now."

"That sounds lovely. If that is her passion, I sincerely hope it brings her great success."

"So do I."

Anah rested her head on Tully's shoulder. It was nice to just talk with someone about something other than the magpies or her injuries. Like how things had been over the last six years, when Dietrich's prophecy had been completed and there was nothing to worry about. We are getting there. Just have patience, Anah thought with a soft sigh. As nice as this was, she missed Moffitt most of all. She couldn't fully fault him for his actions, though. He was worried about his son, and Jules had to come first. That didn't stop her from being concerned.

It had been difficult for her to sleep the previous night. Moffitt and Vanora wanted privacy, so Anah slept with Jules. She had slept in Jules's room before, but she had been hoping to be with Moffitt instead.

Anah had expected Jules to fall asleep quickly given that he was back in his own bed after six days of traveling by horse, but he was still wide-awake by ten that night, and had gone through several chapters of his book with no sign of stopping. That was fine. Anah wasn't tired, either.

"A whole day with Antheia tomorrow," Jules said. "That'll be nice. I owe it to her after running away."

"I hope you two have fun," Anah replied.

"I'm sure we will." Jules glanced at Anah when she curled up on his shoulder. "Are you okay? You seem sad."

"I am tired, dear, but cannot sleep. That is all."

"I'm a little surprised you're not with Dad."

"Well, your parents are… a little busy right now, and need some privacy."

"Oh. Busy with what?"

"Something you will not understand until you are a little older, dear."

"Okay." Jules put his bookmark in the chapter he started. "I've never seen you have trouble sleeping."

"It does not happen often."

"Do you hurt?"

"No."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

Anah nuzzled Jules. "Being with you will be enough." She wasn't sure she wanted to discuss what had happened after her operation, as she didn't want Jules to be angry with his father. Nor did she want him feeling guilty that Moffitt was more concerned about him than her. Jules already didn't like being the center of attention.

Jules set his book on his nightstand, then turned out the lamp. He turned onto his side, facing Anah, and started gently petting her, avoiding her bandages in the process. When his hand got closer to her head, Anah lifted herself partly to nuzzle his palm. Jules moved his hand under her lower jaw. Anah remained still while letting him stroke that spot she loved so much.

This went on until Jules finally grew tired. He put a blanket over Anah to keep her warm, then said, "I'm looking forward to when we can get back to being happy again. I know sadness is a part of life, but there's only so much sadness anyone can take."

He was certainly right about that. Anah didn't fall asleep right away, but she did daydream about when this would all be over. She looked forward to it.

Anah was pulled from her thoughts when the front door opened. Moffitt was the first to enter, and Anah immediately sensed that there was something different. A good different. His aura didn't seem nearly as heavy anymore. Overall, he seemed happier. Anah hadn't seen him this happy in a long time.

"Can I take her, Tully?" Moffitt asked.

"Sure," Tully replied.

Anah was carefully unwrapped from Tully's shoulders, and draped around Moffitt's. "This is certainly unexpected, given your behavior earlier," Anah said.

"Well, there's only good news for once," Moffitt replied. "You can come with us to the island, and Dietrich's hypnosis trick worked. I feel so much better."

Anah took a moment to read Moffitt's memories, and focused on Dietrich telling him that she had waited two thousand years for him. She waited that long for him and him alone, regardless of his personal flaws and shortcomings. He is right, she thought. I waited since receiving that first vision. The promise of being happy and loved was the only thing that kept me from going mad in that time. Oh, I hope you can maintain this, dear.

"How'd you do it, Dietrich?" Tully asked.

"I brought up everything Moffitt has accomplished over the years," Dietrich said. "I convinced him to think about things a bit differently. That was it."

"That was it?" Tully glanced at Moffitt. "We'd been trying for years to make him see that he's not a failure, and you did it in less than an hour."

"If you can do that, can you hypnotize Sarge into becoming a better cook?" Hitch asked.

"Very funny," Troy grumbled when he entered the room.

"I am not sure I can perform miracles, Hitch," Dietrich said.

"I'd argue what you did with Moffitt is a miracle," Hitch replied.

"No, there was some thought and planning into that. So far, everyone is happy with the results. Mission accomplished."

"I'd say Dietrich deserves a reward for this," Troy said.

"I am helping the people that I have come to care about over the years. I do not need a reward."

"Aw, come on, you deserve a reward for doing the impossible."

"No, the impossible would be hypnotizing you into being a decent cook."

"Shall we get you another bottle of wine, Dietrich?" Moffitt asked.

"I thought the wine was reserved for when I save your skins by shooting psychotic German officers."

"Nonsense. We can get you wine for whatever reason we feel like." Moffitt opened the refrigerator and took out a half-empty bottle of red wine. "I'll send a bottle when you go back to Germany. For now—" He took a glass from the cabinet. "You can have this."

"It is too early in the day for any kind of alcohol. Should we not have lunch first?"

"Lunch sounds like a good idea," Troy said.

"You mean, you didn't fill yourself up on all those dandelions?" Vanora asked.

Anah lifted her head from Moffitt's shoulder. "Dandelions?"

"Don't worry. They weren't from your patch in the garden."

"Oh, good, I was worried our resident grazing donkey had ruined my dandelion patch."

"Anah, that's rude," Moffitt said.

"That is what he is, though! He grazes and he acts as stubborn as a donkey, so—"

"Anah. Be nice."

Troy looked at Vanora. "Come on, you knew she was going to say something, Shauna—no, wait, you're not Shauna. Wrong wife."

"Yes, that's my wife, Troy," Moffitt said, smirking. "Your wife is five thousand miles away."

"Well, I usually don't expect Vanora to chime in when we're all in a joking mood. Shauna does, though."

"To be fair, I wasn't expecting that, either."

"Vanora and Shauna look nothing alike," Dietrich said. "I think Troy did not have enough coffee this morning."

"I did get up really early," Troy said.

"Yes, to barge into our house and annoy Anah," Moffitt added.

"No, to give your son and my daughter a chance to spend time together."

"But also to annoy Anah. We could've slept in this morning."

"Well, I'll let you sleep in tomorrow."

"Could you still bring Antheia over?" Jules asked.

Anah could sense that Vanora wanted to refuse. She tapped Moffitt's shoulder with her tail before saying telepathically, "We really need to resolve everything that is bothering Vanora."

"We do," Moffitt said. He was quiet for a moment. "I know Troy suggested that Vanora talks to Jules, but… is it wrong of me to think she might not be in a good mindset right now?"

"No, I think you may be right. Are you thinking of something else?"

"I know she's worried about Jules feeling guilty. I think I should talk to Jules first."

"That might be a better idea." Anah nuzzled Moffitt's face. "It really is nice to see you feeling so confident and stepping up to help without much prompting."

"Thanks." Moffitt gently placed Anah on the table. "Jules, come with me for a moment. I'd like to show you something."

Jules looked a bit confused before following his father outside. Anah watched them leave before turning to Dietrich. "You do not have to take the wine now if you do not want it."

"Can I try it?" Antheia asked.

"Absolutely not," Troy said. "I'll take it."

Dietrich watched in horror as Troy drank the wine as though it was juice or water. "That… That is not how you drink wine, Troy."

Troy set the empty glass in the sink. "Okay, then how do you drink wine?"

"You sip it. Slowly. It is meant to be savored along with specific pairings of food."

"A drink is a drink, and I'll have it with whatever food I want."

Dietrich sighed. "Barbarian."

"Still don't want to try hypnosis on him?" Hitch asked with a grin.

"No."

"Are you going to wash the glass?" Vanora asked, looking at Troy.

"Do you want me to?" Troy replied.

"I will do it," Anah said.

"No, you're still recovering. I'll wash it."

"Alright, then I will do the laundry while you do that."

"Nope! I'll do it. You rest."

Vanora gave Anah a look. "Are you just going to make him do all the chores in the house?"

"I might, but I am concerned about the quality of work that would be put into them," Anah said.

"There's also no laundry to be done. It was done yesterday. Jules just needs to fold the stuff in the basket in his room. It's not like him to leave that sitting."

Troy grinned. "You can't say you didn't neglect a few chores when you were dating Moffitt."

"I was already grown-up when I started dating Jack."

"That does not matter," Dietrich said with a snort. "I left some dishes in the sink for over a day once when Esther and I started dating. Every minute with her was precious. The dishes could wait."

"I forgot to change the oil in one of the jeeps when I was seeing a nurse in North Africa," Hitch said.

"Yeah, and Sarge chewed you out real good for that," Tully replied.

"How come he didn't chew you out for doing the same thing when you started dating Mabel?"

"Because that was after I started really taking it seriously with her."

Hitch looked at Troy. "That true, Sarge?"

"Yep," Troy replied. "And wasn't that the same nurse that you started staring at when we were under the hood of one of the jeeps once? You were distracted enough to drop the hood on my head?"

Dietrich and Anah exchanged a look before giggling.

"We learned some new words in Greek that day," Tully said, grinning.

"I wish I had been there to see that," Anah said.

Troy glared at her. "Yes, I'm sure you'd have been rolling in the sand laughing."

"Come on, Sarge, I apologized," Hitch muttered.

"You did, and I accepted it. But I had a pretty good-sized lump on my head for a few days."

"Yeah, yeah. Aren't you glad I grew up, Sarge?"

"We're all glad you grew up, Hitch," Tully said. "Although, you'd still probably stop and stare at your wife if you were working on a car with Sarge."

"That's true."

"Then remind me never to help you fix a car," Troy said.

Anah had crawled up Dietrich's arm to raise herself partway and look out the kitchen window. She couldn't see Jules or Moffitt, so she guessed that they were in the stables. The conversations around her continued, but she became lost in her own thoughts. She was genuinely happy for the progress Moffitt made and was glad that he was now willing to let her accompany him and Jules to the Island of Blue Adders. But she had begun wondering if that was really a good idea, or if she would simply slow them down.

It had been a long time since Moffitt had seen Vanora this upset. Even with his newfound confidence, he wasn't quite sure how to help her while they talked in private in the laboratory before going home. It was crushing, and the last thing he wanted was for a rift to form between the two people that he loved the most in his life.

Nothing would get done if nothing was said, so Moffitt was taking it upon himself to say something.

When they were alone in the stables once more, Jules said, "So, Dietrich's hypnosis really worked?"

"It did," Moffitt replied. "It's funny because I know everyone has told me before about everything I've accomplished, but this was the first time someone laid all of them out for me to see. Now, the only thing I feel sorry for is the fact that I spent so much time feeling guilty for things I didn't do, when I should have been focusing on enjoying life with you, your mother, Anah, and everyone else."

"I think even that's a daft thing to be sorry over. You've still done a lot for us. I wouldn't be looking forward to our next horseback ride together if you didn't focus on us at all."

"You're right."

"Don't try to correct what happened when there's nothing to correct. It's all over and we can make new and better memories."

"Precisely." Moffitt's smile faded a little. "That being said, there will always be problems for us to deal with. Right now, we have the magpies, but we've been given a temporary break from them." He drew in a breath, trying to find the best way to address what was going on. "Jules, have you noticed how off your mother's been acting today?"

"Yeah. She snapped at me over not eating breakfast this morning for no reason. I know that's something I need to work on, but she's never gotten upset with me before about it. I also noticed she was crying earlier in the garden. I've never seen her like this before, and it…" Jules trailed off, and clenched his fists as his face reddened. "Did I do something wrong? Is she just worried about the magpie prophecy? Why would she get angry at me if she's worried about me?"

"You didn't do anything wrong. Yes, she is worried, and has every right to be. However, there's more. We only have three days of protection from the ravens. That isn't a lot of time to enjoy everyone's company. Last night, your mother said she wanted to spend time with you. Of course, neither of us were informed that you arranged with Troy and Antheia for her to visit early in the morning, so we were a bit blindsided by that. We decided not to say anything because you're old enough to be making your own decisions, and it would just damage your relationship with us if we forced you to spend time with us when you're not interested. We do still want to spend time with you. Your mother especially."

Jules went quiet, looking disappointed and embarrassed. He sat on the bench in the tack room. "I mean… Mum getting angry with me for no reason doesn't exactly make me want to spend time with her."

"I can't blame you for that." Moffitt sat next to him. "I wish Vanora had just said something to you, instead of keeping it all in."

"Why didn't she say something, then?"

"She didn't want you to feel like you had to choose between us and Antheia."

Jules sighed. "Well, now I feel bad for choosing Antheia—"

"Don't. You didn't know this was going on. Vanora didn't help the situation by not saying anything."

"You and Mum are family. Antheia's not."

"That doesn't mean you should value her less than us. I don't want you to value her less than us. I'm so happy that you and her are spending time together, and that you make each other happy. I want to see you two succeed in a relationship, and I trust you both to know when to give each other space. I do understand with everything going on and the fact that Antheia normally lives in another country on the other side of the planet means that you both will want to spend every waking moment with each other while you can. All I'm asking is that you don't neglect the other people in your life who love you."

Jules nodded a little. "I'll… try. I just… don't know how. I-I don't… want to feel like I'm not spending enough time with anyone."

"Even if you don't, you'll have time after we deal with the magpies."

"You're not worried about… what Dietrich saw in his vision?"

"I am a little, but I'm trying not to let that fear paralyze me." Moffitt wondered if that was the best thing to say, but he continued. "The ravens seemed convinced that things will work out, and they had a good point in that you've surrounded yourself with people who will help you every step of the way. I have faith in you, Dietrich has faith in you, Troy, Hitch, Tully—we all believe you can do this."

"I'm still not sure I can, but I feel… more confident than I did a few days ago."

"That's good. I think once you get some practice in with the sword, you'll feel even more confident. Plus, you won't be alone when you go to the castle. We'll all be there."

"Thanks, Dad." Jules looked down at his lap, then back over at Moffitt. "Are… Antheia and I still going out tonight?"

"Of course. I'm not saying that you should cancel all of your plans with you."

"Okay. But, you think I should spend time with you and Mum at some point before these three days are up."

"I do."

"Is Mum going to apologize for how she's been acting?"

"I think she will when we go talk to her. Just don't be too hard on her. We all have moments where we don't pick the best option to respond to a particular situation with." Moffitt sighed. "Just look at me. I'm not perfect. Not in the slightest. Anyway… listen to your mother, and when I say that, I mean to think about what she says to you."

Jules nodded. "I'll do my best."

"Neither of you are wrong in what you're feeling. Be honest, but don't be rude."

"Okay. Should we… Should we do this right now?"

"We should. Better sooner than later." Moffitt stood, but motioned for Jules to stay. "I'll be right back with your mother. I think this'll be best conducted without the others around." He left the stables and headed to the house, hoping that this would be the last hurdle to get over before they could all finally enjoy the time that the ravens had granted them.