Everyone took turns cleaning up the mess around the house. Fortunately, only a few things were broken from Treesong's running. SkekTek and Orchid managed to remove the harness from the Forest Saurio. The duo began discussing what modifications they could make to have the reins become stronger as well as making sure Amein isn't exhausted. Drum, Grujin, Rian and Hup managed to get Rowannia up to bed. The others were attending to their injuries.

Ghost had a few scrapes on her face and legs. SkekEkt managed to take care of it before the sun turned him back into a Podling. She put a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you for playing my melody. I guess we've found the missing pieces after all this time. Huh?"

SkekEkt sniffed. His tired eyes glowed. He hugged her once again. Then, he bowed his head and went upstairs.

Ghost tried her best to stop her yawning. Her eyes droop. She felt Lazul slip off her back. She watched her Djinn slither into a cauldron of water along with Amein and Magln. She noticed that SkekAyuk had fallen asleep next to some dishes with a spoon in his hand. Ghost chuckled as the Gourmand began to suckle the spoon.

"Glad to see you've calmed down." SkekMal's voice tickled in her ear. He chuckled as she turned around to look at him.

Ghost stared at him for a moment. It felt strange seeing him without his mask. His white feathers graced his head. Her heart hammered as she found that he was so close to her face. His beak was sharp as his tongue. His skin had some age but not as badly as the others. Emerald eyes glowed with a warmth that Ghost would be more than happy to dive into. She gulped back her desire to kiss him. "H-h-how are you feeling?"

SkekMal rotated his shoulders. His upper arms flexed. He even rubbed his neck. "I've been through worse, but it's strange having those 'things' on you." He gestured to the pot where the Djinn were hiding out. Faint voices heard in the din. They seemed to be talking like weary friends.

Ghost nodded. "Yes. It's a strange feeling when they're on you but not really that heavy." She thought for a moment. Maybe that's why King Neco wanted to use them so much.

She was brought out of her thoughts by SkekMal holding her hand. She shivered as he ran his claws over her wrist.

"You seem to be in good shape," SkekMal said. His eyes narrowed. "However, your hands seem to have some blisters. Do they feel tender?"

Ghost shook her head. However, her heart kept hammering. Her mouth felt being pulled to his beak. "I'm ok. I usually do a lot of weapon practice in my free time so my hands do get like that at times."

SkekMal raised a brow. "Really? I thought it would overexert you."

Ghost shook her head. "I only use light weapons like daggers or short swords. Heavier objects like hammers and halberds are too much for me."

SkekMal couldn't help but feel impressed by her skill and knowledge. For someone that barely left the castle she was surprisingly handy. Before he could say anything, a heavy thud was heard. Followed by a scream.

"Get her off of me!"

Ghost and SkekMal rushed into the room to find SkekSo on the floor. On top of the old Skeksis was Frostcrystal. Frostcrystal was breathing but was unmoving. Even the thrashing from SkekSo didn't trigger a response.

"What happened?" Ghost asked. She went over to where SkekTek was hovering over the two of them.

SkekSo grunted. "This stupid fool put me down. She wanted to have a moment to look at my face." It was a bit hard to tell but Ghost could've sworn that SkekSo seemed a little embarrassed by it. "The next thing I knew, she passed out on top of me."

SkekTek lifted Frostcrystal off with the help of SkekMal. They laid her out on a different part of the floor. The Scientist looked over the Canimoon. He tapped against her skull. Dried blood caked along the brow. He huffed. He got up and went to the nearest basket that held bandages.

"She suffered a severe head injury," SkekTek concluded. "The impact of the fall must have cracked certain parts of the skull. She's also bleeding so a few arteries have been cut."

"Is she going to be ok?" Deet asked. She put a blanket on Frostcrystal. Her large eyes filled with concern.

SkekTek grimaced. "Hard to say. She might be unconscious for a while. Best not to go anywhere for a while." He looked at the mess. "For a long while."

Mother Aughra shook her head and tsked. "A risky move, Scientist but I do agree. Been wondering about it all night yet the danger is still nearby."

SkekMal sighed. "I'll go have a look." He walked only a few feet until he was stopped by Razz.

"No need," The Bladewing said. "Just checked. Forest recovering. A few soldiers lost but nothing to worry about."

"What about that strange ice creature?"

Everyone turned their attention to Shield. He was cuddled next to the fire. A large blanket draped over him. Little baby Galenia nestled between his forelegs. The baby cooed loudly.

"What ice creature?" SkekSo asked.

Shield shuffled slightly, careful not to hurt the baby. "Well…She's….sorta like me but with a few extra legs, furry and so many eyes." His eyes glowed. "Eyes like sapphires." He received a swat from Mother Aughra.

"No time for mating." Mother Aughra sniffed. "This is the first time I've seen a youngster like you get frisky."

Shield flinched. He glared at some of the Skeksis that chuckled at his reprimand.

Ghost thought for a moment. Then, she turned to Razz. The Bladewing perched on a comfy chair. "Razz? Do you know that kind of creature that goes by that description?"

"I-Ice…crawler…"

Ghost nearly jumped at the new voice that came into the room. She glanced around the room. She knew it wasn't the Grunack. The voice was more croaky.

"It's…an Ice Crawler…"

To Ghost's surprise, it was Cerebrite that spoke. The Earth Croaker held up a book. In the old pages was the creature that matched Shield's description perfectly. This Ice Crawler did look a bit similar to Arathm. The legs were longer, covered in fur. As she got closer, she could make out spikes at the end of each leg. The eyes were indeed beautiful. Blue as her one eye.

"Ice-Ice Crawlers are common in Canimoon Territory." Cerebrite shifted his glasses. "Like cold. Stay close to water if in other territories."

SkekTek's eyes grew concerned. He rubbed his chin in thought. "That can be a problem if we need to get more water." He looked at Shield and Mother Aughra. "Where was she located?"

Shield thought for a moment. "I think she's further north from where we are now."

Ghost was about to go upstairs when a wave of dizziness reached her. She got a few steps before going down on her knees. Warm claws touched her back. Her eyes met with SkekMal's. The words she wanted to say hung as her tongue grew fuzzy.

SkekMal picked her up. A purr rumbled in his chest. "You've done all that you can. We're…safe for now at least."

Ghost chuckled. "Even when you try to be comforting, your sharp tongue can't soften your honesty."

SkekMal only holds her closer to his chest. He ignored the shocked expressions on their faces as he went up the stairs. His steps echoing as he transcended. Behind him, Grumble and Fearless rolled after them.

SkekSo blinked. "What…just happened?"

Rian was the first to speak. "Either I'm sleep-deprived and suffering hallucinations or Hunter has fallen in love with Ghost."

Mother Aughra sighed. "Ghost…" Her voice was barely a whisper as she uttered the next word. "Don't fall in love…You'll only hurt more."

—-(Later in the day)-

Once some of the debris is cleaned up. Drum began to prepare some lunch from the herbs, fruit and whatever could be found to use as food in the forest. He chopped up a root-like plant before tossing it into a boiling pot.

He turned his attention to Gourmand. The Skeksis was stirring his own pot. Various aromas wafted in the air. Drum could feel his own stomach growling. He patted his stomach. He hoped the Skeksis wouldn't laugh about his stomach.

A chirp filled the air. Drum turned his attention to see Peepers was staring up at him. The large eyes looked up at him pleadingly.

Drum chuckled. "Well. It's good to see that someone's feeling better." He pulled out a strange dumpling out of a pot. "Here you go."

The Peeper Beetle squealed with delight. It snatched its meal from Drum's claws. In a matter of seconds, the meal was finished.

Drum laughed. He patted his little friend. Suddenly, he smelled something burning. He gasped as he saw his food was burning. Drum pulled his pot away from the fire and set it on the floor. To his relief, there were only a few burnt pieces in the meal he was making.

Gourmand waddled over to him. He licked his lips. "Ohhhh! What have you got there?" He was about to put his hand in, but Drum stopped him.

"Here." Drum raised a dumpling in his other claw. "Try this while waiting. Besides, didn't you and Hup warned me about eating hot food too soon?"

SkekAyuk crossed his arms. "Ghost told you, didn't she?"

Drum nodded. "And Rian. Oh, and Gurjin…Scientist…Orchid…Shield…SkekMal…SkekEkt, kinda-"

SkekAyuk waved his arms. "Ok! Ok! Basically the whole castle told you."

Drum shrugged. "Don't know about that, but at least I saved this from burning." He went back to stirring. Humming a tune.

SkekAyuk huffed. He snatched the dumpling from Drum. In an instant, it was shoved into his mouth and chewed obnoxiously. He flinched as something bitter hit his mouth. His face contorted with disgust.

Drum looked up. His eyes filled with concern. "Are you ok?" He found the nearest pot that was empty. He picked it up and handed it to the distressed Gourmand.

Gourmand spat it out in a heartbeat. "What was that?! It tasted like SkekLach's feet on a hot day!"

Drum grimaced. "I'm sorry. Shield, Peepers and Orchid liked it. I thought you might too."

Gourmand wiped his mouth. "What ingredients did you put in it?"

Drum listed the ingredients as he started putting the soup up on the table. He gathered a few plates. Before long, one of the Grunaks showed up with utensils. " ." He took them and set them down.

Gourmand sighed. "Well…Since you're just getting used to cooking duty, I suppose I shouldn't be too harsh." He crossed his arms. "Ghost might yell at me."

Drum chuckled. "Well, I have to admit cooking is…fun…" He tilted his head. "Still a weird word to say. Fuuuuuuunnnnnn."

Gourmand laughed. "Apparently so. It seemed like yesterday you were chomping on a spoon trying to figure out if it was food."

"Well. I hope the food we made might calm everyone down." Drum yawned. "It's been a long night." His eyes drooped.

SkekAyuk sighed. He flinched as his stomach growled so loud. He patted his stomach. Then, he went to get the food ready.

Drum went over to the Gruneks. He handed them each a bowl of soup. "Thank you for all your help. Here." He smiled as they took them and bowed. "You know you can always sit with us."

The Gruneks shook their heads. Their eyes wandered over to where SkekAyuk was.

Drum followed. "Oh. Don't worry about him and the other Skeksis. We're all just too tired. I'm sure they can't hurt you after helping out earlier." He recalled how their deep bellows fitted so well with Brea's voice.

The Gruenak looked at each other. They muttered something. Bruni touched his stomach. Then, they looked at him. "All right." Bruni conceded. "But you sit by us."

Drum nodded. He peered out at the living room. He smiled as everyone was going about their usual activities. Deet and Brea were observing their mysterious pelts. Orchid was weaving something while SkekTek watched with intrigue. Shield was napping by the fire with little Galenia cuddled up to him. The other Skeksis were in their own corner, talking to each other in low whispers.

"Ok everyone. Lunch!" Drum turned her attention to Deet. "Deet can you get the others upstairs? I'm sure Ghost is awake by now."

Deet got up. "Sure. I'll go check on your friend too." She picked up the black pelt and draped it over her shoulders.

Rian stared at her. His eyes twinkled as if enchanted by her wearing that cloak. "What are you doing with that?"

Deet looked at him. "Well. Remember when Ghost's pelt came to life after she found one of those stones?" She pulled something out of her pocket and held it out. It was a pure black stone. "I think this might belong to the black pelt."

Brea, who was also observing this, leaned forward to have a better look. "Where did you get that?"

"I found it on the ground," Deet answered. "After Drum brought Rownenia in, I saw something fall off her chest. No one noticed it in the mess so I picked it up."

Rian ran his fingers across the surface. He shivered at the cold of the stone's surface. "By Thra…It's like touching ice."

Brea furrowed her brow. She rubbed her chin. Then, she glanced at her pelt. The strange pelt was only scaly with a faint tuft of hair. It matched that art of the three sisters. I wonder… "Try placing it close to where the heart would be."

Deet pulled the pelt off. She held the stone to the center of the pelt. In that moment, the stone glowed. Hues of dark blue and purple pulsed around it. Then, it latched onto the pelt. Deet dropped the object out of pure shock. She watched as the object writhed before her.

The pelt began to stretch. The head was formed followed by the body. A sheep-like form took place. A shark tail swinging from side to side. The head held no eyes but horns graced its head. Mouth opened to no sound.

Deet gasped. "Oh! You poor thing!" She set the little creature down on the floor. Her hand stroked the head.

Drum reeled back. "Oh my! I…I should probably make another dish!" He waved his claws. "Deet! Go tell Ghost! She might need to hear about this!" He ran back into the kitchen followed by a "sorry!".

Deet looked at the creature. Small and helpless. At least Brea's theory is true, she thought. It's like the same thing but the body is more apparent. Maybe…they're separated differently? She turned to Rian. "Rian, can you watch this little one for me?"

Rian stared at the strange thing. Its eyeless head moved from one direction to the other. Well…at least this thing has legs, he thought. "Sure."

Deet leaned forward. "I'll come back later, little one. Just stay with Rian ok?" She gave it one more pat on the head and went.

Deet went over to the library. There, she saw Cerebrite concentrated on a book that he was holding in his claws. Next to him was SkekOk. She marveled as Cerebrite uttered several words.

"T-Thra…is…home…to G-g-g-"

"To Gelfling." SkekOk spoke the words in a slow breathe. However, Deet could hear some of the irritation in his voice. Deet figured it was just a long night of sleep.

"Gelfling," Cerebrite repeated. His voice began to grow more excited as he said the next several words. "There are seven different tribes!"

SkekOk nodded. He even clapped. "Very good, Cerebrite. You really had improved since the last book you picked up." He yawned. "I do hope lunch is done. I'm practically starving after last night's activities."

Deet giggled. She knocked against the door frame. "You're in luck. Lunch is already made."

SkekOk grinned. "Great! Time for a break. Then, a long sleep will do nicely." He groaned as he got up. He stretched out and adjust his spectacles. A few were broken from his fall. He made his way past Deet.

Deet watched him go. Then, she turned her attention to Cerebrite. The EarthCroaker was gathering his things before heading down stairs. He too was adjusting his own glasses.

Once they were gone, she went further down the hallway. She heard soft snoring in the distance. Her large ears flicked up at the direction. She followed it until she reached a light blue door with a star on it. Mumbles were heard through the door, but they were a bit hard to make out. Another snore sounded. A bit gruffer.

Instantly, she remembered that SkekMal had brought Ghost upstairs and didn't come back down. I thought Hunter went back outside, she thought. I guess he stuck around to make sure Ghost was asleep. Should I bother them?

Deet cautiously knocked. No answer. Deet steeled her nerves and opened the door. To her surprise, she saw Ghost and SkekMal asleep together. The Hunter's body was off the bed, but his head was nestled on top of Ghost. His robes are just as muddy as before. Ghost's hand laid on top of his white feathers. Both had smiles on their faces.

Guilt crawled over Deet. She felt like a childling walking in on something naughty. Especially since SkekMal was well known to hear everything. Even when asleep. Upon realizing this, she closed the door. I'll let them come down on their own time.