Four days after my birthday, Jasper was born. And two days later was Dad and Uncle's birthday. I made the cakes I'd mentioned to them before and they seemed to like them pretty well. Snow had no energy for two weeks after the birth of their son. Dad and I helped as much as possible during that time.
Over the next couple of months, I noticed my mom and Haril growing closer, and I moved more people into Hearthstone. Simon had slipped up and called her his mom a few times already. I wasn't quite sure how to process that. Especially once he officially became my employee.
I had a special quarters in Hearthstone prepared for him, and gave him the keys to the locks of the building. Then I asked him, "Do you wish to continue living here, or move there?"
"Well, if I'm going to be working there it'd make more sense to be living there." Haril said.
"I asked, because I can put a permanent portal in your home to your new office space. Commute isn't a concern. But if that's what you want, I did have additional living space added to the building." I shrugged.
"Well, I might as well inspect it then. See what I want to do." Haril replied.
I grinned a little and said, "Ok. Let's go see it. I hope it's to your liking."
Mom and I went with them to Hearthstone Town and I took him to the training area, and past it. There was a false wall blocking the view, and limiting sound reaching it. It would appear as though you walk into a wall to enter.
Once past the wall it shows a mirror effect of the outside sky, so it was sunny. To the left was a homey building, and to the right a seating space with a swing set and things Simon liked to play with and on.
I walked them towards the house and said, "The key with the house opens it."
"You said you added living quarters like all you did was add a room or two." He commented.
"That was your interpretation. Unfortunately, you kid is my friend and I tend to take care of my people. Gonna use the key? I assure you this is locked, and I dare not try to pick it. It would hurt."
I said.
"As amusing as that sounds, I suppose I'll use the key." He said, sorting through and using the correct key to unlock and open the door.
A comfortable simple, but comfortable living room awaited us upon entry. It had plenty of room for the Den men to get comfortable in. And a sofa type chair that let's you kick your feet up after work. It was tidy, and comfortable.
The next room was a kitchen, made for efficiency. A simple coil heating system that relied on conductivity and smokeless fire with ample food storage.. Next to check out were the rooms. Simon's room had toys he was interested in, as well as books and everything he needed to start school.
There were a few empty rooms, and then Haril's room. A sensible wardrobe and matching dresser, as well as a large and comfortable bed was here. There was a bathroom attached with a large tub that had plumbing. Something I briefly showed them how to use, before also showing them the other bathroom, which also had plumbing.
Then we wondered back through the house to a door that attached to the living room. The key with a H on it opened this door. We entered into a hallway. There were five doors. One at the end, and two on either side.
The farthest on the left was for record keeping, which is where Haril got to meet his secretary, Kaya. On the right of that one was Haril's office, which had a study desk and comfortable chair, as well as a bookcase, and had access to a private bathroom, but was sparce besides that.
The other two rooms were empty at present. Most importantly, I showed him the use of the door at the end of the hall. If he used the key with a flower on it, it opened outside near my mansion. The T key opened to the training area, C opened to the jail, P to the city, and M to the town.
I even handed him a paper so he could memorize the keys easier. I explained that a small building we'd passed is what the keys lead to, and he can go to any of these buildings and use the corresponding keys to get to his office. I recommended keeping them locked, but that was up to him.
When we were in the living room once more, I looked at him, "I apologize that it's all a little plain. I don't know you well, and I didn't know if you'd want it. I didn't want you to feel burdened.. nor did I want to decorate it to Simon's tastes Because he's five.... So, what do you think?"
He shook his head and said, "Your idea of simple is entirely different from mine. I don't even know what that stove is."
"An invention of mine based on magic pots and pans that Dwarves helped me create to prevent smoke related deaths in enclosed spaces." I explained.
"It's an interesting device, don't get me wrong, but it's not something.. the peasants usually get." Haril said.
"I am also a commoner." I replied.
"No one in their right mind would call Hearthry's commoners." Haril said.
"You're standard of living here is on equal footing to any noble. Or I'll fight them." I said.
Haril laughed heartily. When he sobered, Simon said, "Ari fights dirty."
"A victory is a victory. I don't fight to win, I fight to make the opponent regret their decisions." I said.
"You fight to punish them like an unruly child." Haril said.
"I'll have you know that besides arguments, I have not been in a physical fight since returning." I responded.
"I saw you stab a guy." Simon said.
"I have a good reason for doing so." I said. "It's not like he was maimed."
"Why did you stab someone?" Mom asked.
I looked at Haril, "He was the person responsible for the recent assaults on women. I caught word he was looking at my Mother." Truth was, Plight killed him later once I confessed to him why I stabbed him. His four year reign of the slums was cut short.
"I never heard a report or saw a body, so.." Haril's voice trailed off.
I shrugged and said, "Anything else you wanna tell on me about, Simon?"
"Not right now." Simon said.
I petted his head and said, "Then what do you think, Haril? Of the living space?"
"I think I'd be a fool not to take it." Haril said.
"I hear that a lot." I commented. "I can help you move if you want."
Which he declined. Which was fine. They didn't have much anyways. A good portion of it had been given to them since I started playing with Simon anyways. I could always tell that Haril was uncomfortable with it, but he didn't argue with me giving the stuff to Simon, because it made Simon happy.
Part of me wanted to ask what was going on between him and my Mom. I was adjusting to the idea of them, for sure. I just wondered how it'd impact our standing between eachother. Possibly not at all. Possibly a lot. I had no clue as I couldn't see the future.
Either way, Haril and Simon were resettled in their new home and Haril's new job within a week. Between spending a little time with my family, I started teach Simon about trapping and fishing. With varying success. It was actually difficult to teach him. But I figured it was because of the school work since he attended school now.
At some point. I resumed a bit of my studies with Sylvia, which meant my Mom didn't have to stay with me. I wasn't sure what she did while she wasn't with me. But she liked to have lunch with me and a morning greeting and a good night.
It was during this week that he was moving that we met a Vampire named Nia, though I didn't realize until Plight talked to me later that day and told me she is an energy vampire. So, naturally, I contacted Phintias to ask him about her. He said to not provoke her because she can leave you an emotionless husk.
Mostly, I was unconcerned. Two days later, Dean hurried to see me, demanding Plight to heal his teacher. Confused, I contacted him, as he was with his sister who was due any day now, I slowly got the information from Dean on who his teach was and why he even cared.
It was Nia, and he cared because she fed the kids. Once Plight got there I told him Nia needed help, and he led us to her immediately. There I revealed she is a vampire. To help her, Plight took her upstairs like she asked. When they briefly came back downstairs, I recognized that their need, and bribed Dean to leave for candy.
Dean would normally be turned away by the candy vendor, but they dared not turn me away, so we got some candy. Okay, we got a lot of candy. A week later, Mercia was born and Plight was officially an uncle. He was over the moon with joy over the little bundle his sister and Phintias had.
She was certainly adorable. But at the stage where all she wanted to do is sleep and eat. Around a week later, I realized my mom was a little off. She seemed a little low energy, and was put off around fish smells. Which we found out while Simon and I were fishing.
"Momma, are you feeling alright?" I asked.
"I'm not sure. I've just felt a bit off." Mom said.
I shuffled my feet uncomfortably. "Do you want to be checked out just in case?"
"Oh, I suppose." Mom conceded.
I nodded and said, "Alright. Simon, let's take your catch to your Dad. Momma is gonna see a healer."
"Ok.. Can you help me?" Simon asked.
He was a little squeamish about carrying it. So I put my arm through it's gill and out it's mouth to carry it over my shoulder. We marched along, the fish slowly giving up and thumping me all the way. Simon half heartedly tried to keep it from thunking me.
Mom had offered to carry it, but I refused. When we got to Haril, I noticed an overly fond glance at my mom before he turned to his son, who was telling him excitedly about the fish he'd caught. Haril accepted the fish from me, thankfully. My arm was tired from it.
"I'm taking Mom to a healer now, I'll come back later." I said.
"What's going on?" Haril asked.
"Oh, just feeling a little under the weather. Isarial is taking me to a healer as a precaution." Mom replied to him.
"Alright.." Haril said. Clearly concerned.
So, I took her to a healer to check on her condition in Hearthstone. While waiting for the healer, I looked up at her and said, "The fish smell is still bothering you?"
"A little, yes." Mom said.
"Momma.. it's none of my business, but.." I looked away from her, my face red, "Um.. you see.. as I know a bit about the subject.. well, I mean.. do you think.. er.. Momma, have you.. uhm.. had physical.. relations with.. Haril? Because.. it's normal for women to experience such things... in that situation.."
It clicked what I was getting at and she hit her hand with her fist. "That's it, I'm pre-... I'm pregnant. Huh." Her voice went from realization to a nearly doomed tone.
I patted her hand and said, "We'll confirm first. Then you can talk to Haril about it. It was him, wasn't it?"
"Yes, we'll have the cleric confirm, and then I will talk to Haril." Mom said.
"You needn't rely on him, Momma.. and if you are and don't wish to be I can tell you how to handle that. What you want is very important. It will never be like that fool and I." I promised her.
She smiled softly, stroking my hair. "It's quite alright. I can handle myself far better than I could before."
"I understand." I said. I felt a touch insecure, though. I didn't show it.
The healer came by then, and checked her health. It was confirmed that she was indeed pregnant and doing fine, though it was suggested she eat some more fatty foods. With the news, she carried me towards Haril's home, but I got her to stop by one of the herbalists.
I selected some herbs good for pregnancy related nausea, which was made into a nice tea for her, and then we continued to Haril's with Mom sipping her tea. She suggested it was helping quite a bit. When we got to our destination, Haril had cleaned and gutted the fish and was prepping it for cooking.
"Ah, welcome. Come in, sit, sit. Everything alright?" Haril asked.
We entered, I gave him a blank expression. "We'll have to talk about that in a little bit. But I'm fine." Mom said to him.
"Alright. Well, as long as you're ok." Haril said, turning back to his task.
We were listening to Simon prattle, when I got where I didn't feel I could stand being in the situation anymore. It felt weird to me. So I did the only thing I could think of, and excused myself from the situation.
"Momma, I'm gonna head home. You can just stay here. Tell me if you need me, ok?" I said.
She looked at me and said, "Haril, I'll be right back."
I frowned a little, uncertain. Mom went outside with me. It wouldn't be right for me to protest.
She looked at me again, "Alright. Spill, what's wrong?"
"Hm?" I asked. "I'm just over thinking. There's stuff I can organize to make things easier.."
"Over thinking what?" She asked, her tone soft.
I reorganized my thoughts and said, "Things to prepare and get ready for you. I should ask Lucretia to make a blanket."
"Alright." She said. She lifted me up and have me a squeeze.
I hugged her back and said, "At least I am light enough for you to do that without impacting anything."
"I think you'll be small enough for a while yet." Mom said.
I looked at her, "Ow. You wound me."
"And you are my son. So I get to." She said.
"Yep. I am. But that's still mean." I said.
"I never said I wasn't mean." She said.
"You like him?" I asked.
"I do. I'd be hard pressed to say otherwise." She said.
"He's been good to you?" I asked.
"Far better than the fool ever was." Mom said.
"Good. He'd have to randomly disappear otherwise." I said.
"There is no reason to make him disappear, and that would also make Simon very upset." Mom said.
"I know. But I'd do it and console Simon if he treated you badly." I told her.
She laughed. "It will be fine. I'm pretty sure I'm stronger than him."
"You are. I will get together a few different plans and you can look through the and decide what you like best, ok?" I said.
She squeezed me again. "Alright, alright. Let's get you home."
I didn't really want to head home, though. She took me all the way home and gave me a hug, before leaving me with Snow and her baby. I was feeling a little lost and super insecure. So I went to my Dad's office.
I went directly to him and climbed into Dad's lap. I buried my head against him, trying to mentally sort my feelings. Dad placed a hand on my small back.
"What is wrong, Isarial?" He asked.
"... I'm being childish." I said.
"You are a child. So it would stand to reason that you are childish." Dad commented.
"... My Mom is pregnant and I... I guess I'm insecure. I feel displaced, though there is no reason for it." I said.
"Ah.." He said. "Yes, I would say that is being a little childish, but understandable."
"It's much easier to care for a normal child.. and I was pretty unlovable from the start." I said. "I guess I've gotten greedy with all the attention."
"Well, then, it's time for that all important life lesson; sharing. One I can say I still work on to this day." Dad said.
"I just don't get it. Ma gave me attention, too, but I didn't feel like this over Jasper." I noted.
"Well, did this happen in your other reality?" He asked.
"No. Mom remained in the Arena to the point it damaged her mind in the alternate future and the other reality. In both realities her child was already an adult when they went to her and she looked after Vincent after." I told him.
"Could it be that you were prepared for Jasper, and not another?" Dad asked.
"I suppose that could be a possibility. She was also a young woman this time.." I shifted uncomfortably, ".... How should I handle if she marries him? That's gonna be messy."
"Why would it be messy?" Dad asked.
"Haril is the father of.. my sibling." I said.
"And?" He asked.
"He's my employee." I pointed out.
"Personal life and work life are difficult to seperate sometimes. But I believe you can do it." He said.
I started feeling more lost again and went quiet. After thinking some more, I said, "Am I really obvious when I'm bothered?"
"Occasionally. Depends on what you're bothered about." He said.
I went quiet again and then said, "I think I'm afraid of being replaced."
"That would be a valid fear for some." Dad said. "Not for you."
"You think so?" I asked, looking up at him. "I'm not exactly a confident person."
"You have multiple families that try to keep track of you to keep you safe. If we wanted to replace you, we wouldn't bother." Dad said.
I pondered on that some. "You've said before that no matter what I'm your family and that having a child of your own doesn't change that."
"That makes perfect sense and I still have that sentiment. I'm sure your mother does as well." Dad said.
"I don't know." I replied.
"You don't know what, precisely?" Dad asked.
"If it's the same for her." I said.
"I trust in my ability to judge people." Dad said.
I laid my head back against him and said, "Well, I'll just be clingy to you for a little longer anyways."
He patted my head and said, "Sit as long as you'd like. You're plenty small for me to work around you."
I stayed with him until Maria came to let Dad know it was dinnertime. Maria was still very efficient, moving about almost like a ghost, but appearing the moment something was needed or when meals were ready. It probably meant she knew when I'd slipped out, I realized. But I didn't say anything.
I was quiet until Snow asked about how my day went. I told her about the fish Simon had caught and what I'd studied today. Then after dinner I got to work laying out plans for my moms nursery. If Haril didn't take responsibility, I'd have her a house made. So it would be done regardless.
Whatever she picked, anyways. Snow came into the library, after putting Jasper to bed, and saw what I was doing. Once she asked about it I explained about my mom being pregnant. She immediately commented that she thought I'd be feeling insecure, then.
Dad came in while Snow was saying, "I remember when my parents had my little sibling. I was initially a little excited to be a big sister, but ultimately I was afraid. I knew that cub would recieve the attention and affection that I couldn't even have."
"I didn't know you had a sibling." I said.
"I only know of the one.. I resented my little brother before he was even born." Snow said. "I remember how jealous I was when he was born with his dark brown fur. And he really did recieve the love and adoration of my parents." She smiled a little. "I liked to hold him, actually. He'd smile and giggle. But Dougal ordered that I not touch any cubs, just incase illness rubbed off from me to them."
".. I suppose I understand. You did once say you were sick a lot when you were little." I said. "But I still hate that."
She stroked my hair and said, "I had been sick often as a cub. Being an albino, my immune system isn't good. I was even mostly blind by your age. But I wanted to say, Isarial, that what is yours won't be taken just because a new child is born."
"That's exactly what I said. Damn near to the letter." Dad commented.
Snow smiled at him. "He's smart, but still a child. It's natural for him to feel insecure with new situations, especially ones like this that he doesn't expect and that's right after Plight went and got a lady friend."
"Yes, the world is full of change and uncertainties. Even for one who had seen it before." Dad said.
"Unexpected changes are hard. I understand the buttery effect can alter the things I've done.. I certainly can't see the future.." I frowned.
"And as the rest of us do, you will have to adapt." Dad said.
"I would say he does fine." Snow said. "If a little over busy for his age."
"I agree. He should rest. Just take a little time for himself." Dad said.
"I don't think I do much." I said.
"Your humility knows no bounds, child." Dad said.
"So says the child that made an entire town and shadow controls it." Snow said. "Goodness this boy."
"I guess it has been a while since you both visited Hearthstone.." I said slowly, "Because the city is up and running now."
"Oh, wow. Already?" Snow said.
"Well, then. How about we all take a break and take a look at the city?" Dad suggested.
"That sounds good." Snow said.
"If it's what you want to do. It's crowded in the market area, and I only have a few petty things being built here and there." I said. "So the construction is pretty much completed."
"First thing in the morning we can head there and make a day of it." Dad said.
Snow cuddled up to Dad, she looked at him and said, "I love you."
I smiled a little, turning back to what I was doing.
Dad returned the affection and told her he loves her, too. He then said, "So, what shall we do for the rest of the day?"
"You two could spend some time out." I suggested. "I can let you know if Jasper wakes, but he's sleeping through the night usually now."
"The plan is to spend time with you." Dad said.
"Oh yeah. I guess you do have that vacation orb." I commented. I then flinched, as Sienna used Sending to loudly declare to me that she has so many cookies.
"What's the matter?" Snow asked, noting the flinch.
"Sienna has had too much sugar, used your favorite spell and basically shouted that she has cookies." I said. "Apparently bribing fey with sweets is a viable option. Even her mother will be interested in what you have to say if you're offering sweet custard tarts."
"Good to know. I'll.. keep that information for later." Dad said.
"Just don't give her the ones with whipped cream. She'll get drunk." I said.
"I do not wish to deal with a drunk archfey." Dad said.
"Oh, you wouldn't have to. But Alex would." I replied.
"Oh, the plans that are formulating that I will probably never need." Dad said.
I laughed, finishing up some of the plans. I started the word game, and when Snow reached her hands out for me to come to her, I did. It turned into a cuddle session with the word game. With sporadic tickles. Snow always did silly things, but she really helped the family be whole.
We played until it was bed time, which Snow was strict about. Then we had breakfast in the morning, before heading to Hearthstone Town. I brought my papers with me, knowing I'd see my Mom there. Uncle didn't go with us, Dad amazingly felt it was unnecessary.
"That ways the down time and training area for guards, and citizens if they wish to do the courses. It's fun, actually. I bet Jasper would live it when he's old enough. We put in a type of puzzle wall earlier this month that uses strength and agility to get through." I said, pointing to the right. "It was probably needlessly excessive, but I put in a low tech key based version of your office, Dad, for my guard captain to use to get to important parts of the city quickly."
"That certainly sounds like a handy thing for a guard captain to have." Dad said.
I nodded. "The library bits were all moved to the school, which is completed and fully functional in the Undertown City. To the left, of course. I used an idea from a destroyed reality and added some social baths. It's more popular than I suspected it'd be, two gendered and one that ignores such, and has been instrumental at getting the kids to bathe regularly. Many adults use it as a relaxing hot spring after work, and it's inspired new clothing that's been named bathing suits."
"Already your town is making historical changes." Dad said.
"It's even different from Sarial's Hearthstone, now." I said, grinning prideful. "The soap making area is two parts. One part, the sticky one, is outside, while the main part where they get scented in fun smells is downstairs. I've found outdoor scents are popular with men and all sorts of flowers to fruit or food scents are popular with women and children."
"Food scents?" Snow asked curiously.
"Uh-huh. Like desserts. Not like soups or meats. Though they are trying to replicate puppies breath.." I said, frowning a little.
"You have some odd people working for you." Dad said.
"They work for themselves. I majorally don't profit from anything that the citizens make unless I spend the time on the design, like for the bath houses." I informed him.
"Sounds like a missed opportunity, but.. alright. This is your town and you can run it however you'd like." Dad said.
"Profit has never been a concern of mine. At one point I simply wanted to not be bored or abandoned, then it was to prevent kids from going through the negative experiences I did." I said. "I can't say I care about people.. but I suppose if it catches my attention, I don't like to leave an injustice alone."
Jasper made a mrr sound. It was like a Leonin version of a baby coo. Snow gave him something to play with, which satisfied him quite well.
"I cannot say I care about people myself, but I've always been profit orientated." Dad replied.
Snow looked at him and said, "Guess we match well enough. I saw people as an easier way to survive. But I'm also really good at making dumb people think I care."
"True." I commented.
P
We'd gone to the left, of course, and had walked through the town. The only big changes to this area was that a water slide had been installed, a stolen idea of adult Dean's, and that there were more child oriented play things around. Like jungle gyms, spinning devices, swings and slides.
When we started down the stairs to the city expansion, I looked at my Dad and grinned like a devil. "Do you know the best part about the lay out to this town?"
"What's that?" He asked.
"The city part is legally part of the Underdark because the tallest building is a quarter of an inch shorter than is considered part of the surface." I said, "So the King can not tax Hearthstone as a city, but instead as a subterranean village."
"Oh, that is quite conniving. Well done. I'm sure that'll cause him quite the amount of rage towards his treasury." Dad praised me.
I laughed, and said, "Zeronis said similar, and was equally delighted, though I suppose for different reasons. Hearthstone is due to be put on the map officially in April, and by next week will be officially recognized as a town, even though it's legally a village.. with an Underdark city attached to it."
"Nothing like a good zoning hijink." Dad said.
"The stories of your previous future are always so interesting." Snow said, "I'm glad you were able to figure out how to get your projects going. But I suppose your dealings with Zeronis was an alternate reality situation?"
"No. I knew to go to him because he's a celestial lawyer. One of the best. I plan to regain the favor he owed me previously." I said. "I should be able to soon, because I've been catching rumors around the Capital."
"What had you done to earn his favor?" Dad asked.
"Some highly illegal actions which helped get evidence for a case he was going to lose otherwise." I said. "He said as soon as the case was won that he owed me a favor. So long as he seeks assistance again, I'll have be able to repeat what I did."