The alarm went off at precisely the moment I'd set it to. When I opened my eyes, I was laying on top of Mills with my arms tucked beneath him. As I'd looked at him, his eyes were wide, surprised with the alarm. I removed my arms from him, sitting up and turning off the alarm.
"Sorry, that alarm was louder than I'd expected." I say, yawning.
"It's quite alright. This is still a.. really good way to start the day." He said, gruffly. "And you were right, this is a very comfortable bed."
"I apparently found you more comfortable than the bed, since I certainly didn't start this night atop you. It does make a pretty view, though." I replied, looking down at him.
"It certainly cannot be better than mine," He says. He reaches his hand up, and cups the back of my head and pulls me down to him for a kiss.
I relaxed my body back against him, enjoying the kiss and playing with his hair. I pulled back from him slightly to look at his face again. "You're very warm." I tell him.
He placed his hands on my face and he said, "And you are beautiful, my Moon Lily. But if I do not get up from this bed right now, then our relationship will advance very quickly."
I frowned slightly, not understanding initially. Then, I remembered how relationships go.. physically. My face went red, and I pulled away from him, turning towards the door. "I'm sorry, I'm inexperienced.. I didn't realize your difficulty. I.. I don't think I'm opposed.."
He sat up and said, "It's not something you should feel hastened or pressured to do. It can happen when it happens. But it is good to know you are not opposed."
I looked back at him, face still red, and said, "I didn't know when you normally get up, and I didn't wish to cause you to be late to your morning. It's just past dawn. I really enjoyed laying with you. You're very comfortable."
"If it is just past dawn, then I have much work to be getting to... unfortunately." Mills says.
"I should likely be in town before my family arrives, if they've not already." I reply, getting up and unlocking the door. "I can accompany you back to town."
"Oh, why not. A lovely chat, and a lovely walk." He agrees.
I open the door and see the dogs waiting for me. I exit the room and give them scratches while waiting on Mills to leave the room. Once he's out, I lock it back up. I fish out the last pack of dried meat, and start giving it to the dogs, piece by piece as we walk. The dwarves are busy, so I don't interrupt them, only smiling and nodding when they mention 'Elf Silencer'.
"I'm not sure that's the reputation I want." I admit to Mills as we cross the bridge.
"Well sometimes the reputation people want, and the one they get are very different." Mills said, "You may not want that title, but they want to give it to you."
"Do you know what your old title was? In private, anyways." I ask, mischievously.
"I'm afraid not, no." He answered.
"Hidden Prince Charming. You were rumored to look just like how girls imagined the prince from fairy tails to look." I tell him.
He placed his hand on his chin, thoughtfully and said, "Oh? Do I fit the bill?"
"No. I thought so at first, but I think you're too much of a gentleman for the things Prince Charming does in the tales. You are certainly handsome and charming, though. So maybe there should be a story written with Prince Charming being like you. I think it'd outdo all the ladies novels." I inform him. "But I could be biased. I see you as gentle and sweet."
"Well, I certainly like your version better." Mills said.
"I do want your input for the town. I based what I'd do with it on the ideals I'd heard of yours when I was little, but in a way I can see it working out, regardless of assistance." I say. "I'm not trying to say your goals weren't achievable.. Just you were trying to do it the hard way. That doesn't sound better..."
He laughed a little and said, "Yes, I was going about it the hard way. And relying on others. Unfortunately I hadn't received enough training, or at least, read enough books. Had the heart, but not the mind, is another way to put it."
"You inspired me. It was impossible to meet you. Father wanted to stay out of it." I tell him as we crossed the second bridge, just before town.
"Well, if your Father had gotten involved, he'd have ended up doing what he didn't wish to do and ruling the Capital." Mills said.
"Most likely," I replied. "If I have to, I'll borrow Uncle."
"And what would you be borrowing your Uncle for?" He asked as we entered town.
"If anyone over reaches me or steps out of line and messes things up. Words are cheap, Father taught me this." I said. "I can hope all I want, but I'd rather not see my failure destroy this area."
"Fair, having some solid muscle on your side is always a positive thing." Mills agreed.
"Uncle can do anything." I agree. "He just likes being muscle, more."
"I do apologize, I've never heard of your Uncle's other strengths besides.. well, his strength." Mills said as we entered town.
"And he likes it that way." I laughed.
"Your family sure is filled with enormous talents." Mills said. "To be honest, if I were a member of your family, I'd feel a little.. pressured."
I nod and said "Yeah, I can see that. I'm certainly nothing special in comparison to them, but aren't you wanting to be a member of my family? Belonging to me?"
"I would need to talk to your father before anything like that would be settled." He replied.
Plight approaches us very abruptly. "Good morning," he says anxiously, "I've just seen your family."
"Ah. Oops. Why are you nervous?" I ask him.
"I'm not sure.. Probably all of the stories you've told me." Plight said.
I look at Mills, amused, and ask, "Escape or meet them?"
"The stall can wait. I'd say it's time I should meet them." Mills said.
"What about you, Deerling, will you meet my family?" I question Plight.
He hesitates, working his mouth, possibly debating his sanity, "Sure." He concludes.
I pat Fawn's head, then enter the Inn. I approached my family without reserve, passing my pack and weapons to Plight. I wrap my arms about my mom's shoulders, knowing she'd've known someone was approaching. She always knows. She stayed rigid a moment, before melting and pulling me around in front of her to look me over briefly.
"You didn't come from upstairs." She states, eyes narrow.
"Yes, Mom. I wasn't in the Inn last night. I was in Azerime's abandoned room." I reply.
She's giving me that look when she's dying to hear everything and question me, but she's also fit to be tied. "I'm very upset with you." She admits.
"I know. I'd be more sorry if things were going poorly." I admitted. Noting the kids and Uncle eyeing Mills and Plight. "May I introduce Plight and Mills? Mills is my beau, and Plight has become like a brother to me."
Plight gives an anxious wave and Mills gives a respectful shallow bow, saying, "It is a pleasure to meet you all."
Daelyn ran over to me and gave me a hug, which I return, then noticed he was eyeing Plight suspiciously. Vincent and Jasper eyed them both, Mills then Plight, then Mills again, Vincent with an inquisitive look, Jasper sizing them up. Seralyn had been reading a book, but she looked up, memorized their faces, and went back to reading. Uncle also sized them up, then dismissed them.
"Pleasure to make your acquaintance as well," Dad spoke low, indicating to his family his restraint, "Have a seat."
Mom glared at Mills and said, "Plight is like a brother?"
I nod to the boys to sit, shooing Daelyn back to a seat. I give dad a hug on the way to sit down. "Yes, Mom. Plight has been a great person to have at my back, even to his own detriment. I'll explain that, only with his permission, and in private."
"That's an interesting stance." Mom said, turning her glare onto Plight.
Plight's eyes were on the table, I giggled at his distress. The poor boy. "Plight helped me keep a child named Thomas safe from two adventurers who we later found unconscious in a goblin encampment. They sent an idiot after me because I punished them after Tilton did." I tell them.
"They sent someone AFTER you?" Dad said.
"Yes. Jack, a triton. And technically Fish. Mills interrupted Jack's stupidity as he tried to intimidate me, and I convinced Fish to become a guard, so Fish arrested and clubbed the fool." I shrugged, not caring.
Jasper laughed and Dirthin chuckled. Daelyn said, "Why didn't you just punch him in the jaw? Uncle always says, punch him in the jaw."
"Because I tried to make him see the error in his actions, as I had before when he was trying to rip off the merchants at the stalls." I shrugged, "Turns out, there truly are men that will do anything for a girl with big breasts."
"As it turns out, that merchant was me." Mills said. "Your daughter handled herself quite well."
Fawn was intently staring at Dad. "Mills, have you ever had to deal with an unruly adventurer before?" Dad asked.
"Yes, on many occasions." Mills replied
"Then, pray tell, why were you unable to convince them your prices were fair?" Dad said.
"I'm sure we would have been able to come to an agreement." Mills said. "Your daughter just happened to notice two unruly individuals attempting to bully a shop keep. It simply may have been she took it personally coming from a merchant family herself. I can only imagine the amount of people who have attempted to swindle you over the years."
"There have been a great many. Those who've tried to swindle me become fewer by the day." Dad replied. "Those who've tried to swindle my family do not stay in business very long."
"Well sir, as I hope Sarial can attest, I have made no attempts to swindle her. May the gods, nay you, strike me down should I be lying. Or, more likely, Sarial herself." Mills said.
"He's remained a gentleman, even in situations others would not. And with permission to be otherwise." I noted.
Everyone looked at him, Daelyn didn't understand. Mills, realizing suddenly the shit storm about to occur, agreed, "I have."
With that, Dad stood up, and said, "Alright. Mills, if you would follow me outside. The rest of you enjoy your breakfast. We will be back shortly."
Fawn turned his attention to me and set his head in my lap, so I pet him. I also noticed Theo next to Vincent, and Chaser next to Plight. "Seralyn, what language is it that blink dogs know?" I ask as Dad and Mills head outside.
"I had my suspensions of your companions." She said. "They understand Sylvan."
"Their old master used to beat them to make them obey. I just talk to them, THAT way, though, I can't Link to them." I reply. "Theo seems to like you, Bit."
Vincent petted the dog lightly and said, "Yes, he is a marvelous creature."
"He's good at biting enemies." I say, "He about took the knee off a zombie."
"Even in their decayed state that would take quite the bite force." Vincent said.
"They helped Plight and I kill a displacer beast, too." I tell him.
"You fought a displacer beast? Goodness, you have been on quite a few adventures out here." Vincent said.
"There shouldn't have been a displacer beast around here." Mom said, frowning with concern.
"Oh. I think I have a bad reputation, in a way." I say. "But I did tell Tilton what I was gonna do, along with the guard captain and no one told me not to."
"What have you done?" Jasper said, his tone slightly accusatory.
"Hmm. The wrong thing." I tease him, grinning. "I was given free drinks for doing it though, and I have a nickname that Tilton is going to be irritable with me over."
Mom said, "That confrontation with the elves?"
"Yes. I gave him a change to apologize for accusing me of stealing. He refused and doubled down, so I cut his tongue out. When his friend began to scream for guards it angered me, so I shoved his severed tongue into the back of his friend's throat and he may or may not have swallowed it." I explained.
Vincent gagged a little, then cleared his throat. "That's a little excessive if you were to ask me, but it also seems effective."
Mom gave Uncle an accusatory look. Uncle responded, "I didn't teach her that. But I do approve."
Jasper was laughing, Seralyn groaned. Daelyn was paying attention to Lana, Ash, and Jack, who were sitting together near the stage in the Inn. We were on the opposite side of the dining room. Once I'd noticed this, I also noticed they are paying a lot of attention to our direction. Lovely.
Dad and Mills came back at this point. They sat back down, Mills looked fine, despite having a private conversation with Dad.
"Anyways, that nickname I mentioned is Silencer of Elves, though I've asked the Dwarven Elder to amend it to Silencer of Bastards." I tell them, watching those idiots out the corner of my eyes.
"Yes, I had wondered how they were going to dub you after that." Dad said.
"The other actions I've taken are probably being blown out of proportion now, but I am sure I can handle the repercussions." I say.
"I'm sure you will. You've all been taught how to handle things after you've stirred the pot." Dad nodded.
"Yeah. I was debating trying to keep you from knowing about my project, Dad, but that's really not a worthwhile venture. Curious?" I ask. "And Daelyn, those girls combined aren't even as good at playing music as Seralyn is when she doesn't want to do it."
Daelyn looked at me, smiled and said, "Then it's.. fine, I'll ignore them."
"You don't have to, but they are a danger to children." I tell him, then look at Dad.
"What kind of danger to children are we talking about here?" Dad said.
"The red headed gnome is Lana, whose father is a huge fan of Azerime the bard, the red Tiefling is Ash, who says her father is Asmodeus and that she is from the 9 hells, and the blue triton is Jack, who is freshly out of jail, apparently. The danger they are is the kind that convinces children to go into dangerous areas in the woods with them. And try to adopt those children." I explain.
"Why in the world would Tilton let them stay around town?" Mom asked.
"Beyond my comprehension, Mom. I assume it's because they are supposed to be helping the town against the multitudes of trouble it seems to be facing." I shrug. "If it makes you feel better, they have one more screw up before Tilton kicks them out. Though, that could be a disastrous one."
"I would certainly hope that Tilton would be able to handle whatever chaos a few new adventurers would ever bring." Dad commented, then, "What is this project you mentioned earlier?"
"A town." I replied, nonchalantly.
"A town? As in.. what precisely?" Dad said.
"I'm having a town built nearby-ish." I tell him, looking him in the eye.
"Nearby-ish." He says.
"Yes. Within thirty minutes of here." I say, then give in, "Plight and I cleared out a goblin den and decided to take over that real estate. It's no mans land at current, and if you used the road from the East, then you passed it. It's to the left of the second bridge away from Dueling Rivers. I hired the dwarves Union to do construction which frees up my time to recruit citizens to it and adventure. East Haven has a number of cripples and orphans, who are likely ran by a thieves guild. So, I am starting with them."
"Well, it seems you have a solid plan for the beginning of this town.. but what is your plans for it's future? Just to have a town and watch it grow? Who will enforce your rule, your laws? Who will prevent theft and crime? Have you contacted merchants to start supply lines? Who'll help govern this town to help them grow?" Dad asked.
"No, I haven't established with merchants as of yet. I intend to get the people set up first so that they'll be ready for those steps. While it is small I will be using a form of good faith to prevent crime, though where the expectation is your neighbor will keep you honest in most good faith rulings, I intend to use the matriarch or patriarch of the thieves guild as a means to keep the people in line with my rules and laws. If that cannot be done I will install Dean. He has the ambition and ability to do so. As for my plans, I intend to provide an environment where people can grow to their strengths despite their weaknesses and original lack of resources. I have a group of people who are going to be backing me on this venture." I explained at length. "As always, I am open to suggestion. If I were to criticize those who will be assisting... I'd say they lack clarity in thought and action."
"That is easily remedied by a driving force." Dad said.
"Which I appear to be." I agreed.
"I'll refrain from telling you how to run this town. It is your project. Just know, that we are here, if you need help." Dad said.
"I know, Dad. I've already determined a name for it." I tell him.
"Oh? And what will this new town be named?" He asked.
I grinned delightedly, "As it's starting as a new home for others to thrive in, to have opportunities that have been and would have been denied to them without extreme stroke of luck, like me, it will be Hearthstone Town."
Dad grinned and said, "With a name like that, I'd expect great things, indeed."
"I couldn't change my mind from that name from the minute I envisioned what that cave could become." I admitted.
Daelyn said, "When do we get to see it?"
"Construction is starting, but we can all visit it anytime. I suspect houses shall be finished within the week. There is a library, and Azerime's abandoned study in it. The books are in disrepair." I tell him. "So really it's up to Mom and Dad when to visit it."
"We'll give it time to grow into something. I'd hate to go in there and .. feel the need for advising." Dad said.
I nodded and said, "I understand..." Fawn growled deeply, a nearly inaudible rumble. I'll admit I was startle by the feel of it, since his head was still in my lap. Chaser had got up to, and was sitting up next to Plight. Theo, growled audibly.
I patted Fawn's head and looked towards where Fawn was looking. Sure enough, Ash was approaching. Jack was heading outside, quickly, and Lana was trying to get Ash to come with her and Jack.
"Theo, Fawn, calm." I told them. Mentally telling them, 'It's ok.'
My family was already aware of her, but showing restraint. Mills was directly eyeing her with a realization of how stupid she is. Plight had grabbed his hammer. "Are you trying to make me keep my word, Ash?" I say.
Ash looked at me, "Huh? What?" She asked, then she looked at Uncle directly. "Hey, kitty. Want some yarn?"
My face went from irritation to shock.. Then I realized with horror... Oh shit. She thinks she is flirting... I looked at Uncle briefly before asking Theo to bring Bit to me, he closest to the two. Then I asked Chaser to move Daelyn to me, And Fawn to do the same with Seralyn.
The dogs moved instantly, each grabbing a shocked child and blinking them to me. Mom has turned to look at the dogs, children and I.
"Mind. Your. Tongue. Before I need to repeat my niece's actions." Uncle responded slowly, controlling himself.
"In the interest of not having to clean this establishment of your insides.. I would suggest you leave." Dad said before Ash could respond.
"That's kinky." Ash responded.
Uncle slapped the table as he stood up, and looked at Dad, "Brother, I tried to go on vacation but it would seem I need to go to work." Then, he looked at Ash, "You. Outside."
"Ok!" Ash said. Oblivious to the danger.
Lana realized the danger, however, and dashed over, "Wait, wait! Please, excuse my friend- she's extremely stupid!" Lana said.
"I am not Lana!" Ash protested.
"Shut up. I am trying to save your life." Lana told her between clenched teeth. "She is mentally deranged. Her father doesn't love her." Lana told Uncle. "No one's taught her better."
"Stupidity is not an excuse. Unless you wish to join her.. Stand aside." Uncle said, restraining himself.
Lana paled, "Sarial tell him!" She turned to me, desperate and scared.
"Enough. I'll pay for the damages later." Uncle growled. He grabbed Ash and flung her through the shut door. Jack shouted in surprise from the other side.
Lana looked like she was about to defecate herself. Uncle went outside to finish his work. Dad looked annoyed by Uncle, but also appreciative of the restraint he'd shown. Plight was looking to me for direction.
Mills said, "I almost feel sympathy for the poor thing, almost."
"She had a chance to walk away," I told him, "That's more than most people get."
"Why couldn't you say something for her!" Lana accused me.
"Ha!" I scoffed.
Dad slammed his hand on the table and stood up, without looking anywhere but the center of the table, "Address my daughter in this manner again, and what Dirthin is doing to your friend will seem like a pleasant dream."
Lana blanched. She worked her jaw a few times trying to work something out to say. "Ye-yes sir." She finally managed.
I was more worried about Plight and the kids. The kids were being quiet near me, and Jasper and Plight looked ready to fight. Mills was behind me, placing his hand on my shoulder. I Mind Linked to him.
*You ok?*
*
Mom, strangely enough, laughed lightly. Then her true feelings showed. "Unlike my magnificent husband and wonderful brother in law, I am a feral bitch. So how about you run, little gnome. Run as fast and far as you can before I count to ten. One."
Lana looked at me, in horror, realized I wasn't going to step in for her, and took a step back.
"Two." Mother said, with barely a pause, "Three."
Lana turned and fled. "Four." Mother called, vindictively.
My Mother stood up with ease and said, "I'll be back."
"Uh-oh." Was all I could manage as Mom left the Inn.
"I must apologize, it was not our intention to come here and stir up trouble." Dad said.
"Trouble stirred up and provoked us all.. I am sorry that I didn't handle them efficiently." I responded.
"Well, hopefully a good scare and beating will suffice." Dad replied.
I pulled Bit to me to cuddle him. "Fawn, watch for Tilton, will you? Chaser, keep an eye on Mom's back, please?" I repeated this mentally to them. They left immediately. I then used the ring's magic to repair the damage to the Inn.
"Funnily enough, Plight, if Mom ever tells you to run, don't do it. The chase will only give her more time to figure out what she wants to do to you." I said, in a tone that wasn't amused at all.
"I hope to never give your mother a reason to chase me." He replied.
I smiled and said, "That's the best bet." I glanced around and saw Inari and a few others watching from the kitchen area. The dining area had cleared out quickly, the moment they'd notice Ash approaching my families table.
I stood up and set Bit in my seat. Then I turned to give Mills a hug. Which he returned.
*Do you always have violent impulses you must control?*
*
*I do. Are you feeling protective?*
**
I giggled lightly then turned to my Dad and said, "No one got the letters Fred has, have they? I don't think he's been gone long enough."
"No, we haven't received any letters from Fred." Dad replied.
"Ah. Probably will in three more days. I don't think those two's antics would have been a surprise had you all received them. Now that I think about it, it didn't take long for annoying things to occur." I noted.
"That is pretty typical for a Hearthry day. Someone gets uppity and has to be put in their place." Dad said.
*Feel any calmer?*
*
I patted Plight and asked him, "You ok, Deerling?"
"I don't know what to do with myself at the moment." He admitted.
"Hmm. Need a hug?" I ask.
"No, I'm OK at the moment. I just don't know if I should be fighting or sitting or.. I'm just gonna sit." Plight said.
"Jasper might fight you, if you want to spar. He's tough for a kid. Don't cry if he breaks you, though." I tease him, poking Jasper.
"Why are you trying to make me fight your friends? I will, just want to know why." Jasper grouchy, ignoring my pokes.
"Because you like to. You both look ready to spar anyways." I replied. "And you don't like to fight me after my shoulder got broken when you were 9."
"I'm gonna go check on Uncle." Jasper said after eyeing me for a moment.
I started to say something as he started for the door, but there was a small explosion sound. "I think Uncle got fireballed..." I frowned.
"Tilton is not going to like that." Mills said.
I sighed and went with Jasper to the door. I'd assumed that fireball would have been the spell Ash used. It catches things around it on fire. Daelyn, Mills, and Plight followed us outside. As we stepped outside, Fawn came back. We saw a slightly singed Dirthin finishing off Ash with his great sword. Her legs and arm were broken, it looked like. The area between the Inn and the guild was on fire, with part of the Guildhall being on fire. Greggor was coming out of the guild, as I began trying to put out the fires. Daelyn, Jasper, Plight and Mills began also doing so.
Mom came back quickly, a very unconscious, or dead, Lana in one hand as Kershka came around a building. A breath behind them Tilton arrived.
"Why is my town on fire?" Tilton demanded.
"Ash." I answered.
Bibs climbed out of Kershka's pocket and snapped his fingers. A storm cloud appeared and began pouring rain, putting out the fires much more efficiently. I then checked Daelyn and Jasper for burns, which they didn't have.
"Thank you, Bibs!" I said.
"You're welcome. But why is the Tiefling dead and the buildings on fire?" Bibs said.
"Ash decided to harass Uncle, then talk about bed room things in front of my little siblings instead of walking away. Uncle gave her the chance to walk away. She wasn't taking it. Uncle threw her out of the Inn, I repaired the broken bits from that, and I assume, while Uncle taught her better than to be stupid, she fireballed him. We came out and tried to put out the fire." I explained to Bibs.
"Well, looks like the dwarves are going to have a good time fixing this up. Because mending is not something I bothered to learn.." Bibs commented.
"I can fix it." Mom said dismissively, dropping Lana and taking out an instrument. She began playing music beautifully and the scorched bits stitched themselves together, restoring to how they were before. Even the ground and plants were repaired as Mom played. The crowd that had accumulated watched Mom's performance. Dad, Seralyn and Bit came out, too. Once everything was pristine again, mom finished her performance, to applause from the crowd, and Mom said, "There. Happy now? It's fixed." To Tilton and Bibs.
Kershka quickly approached Mom at this point, he lifted Mom into a squashing bear hug, and then he gave her a questioning stare. "Oh, fine." Mom said in a helpless tone.
With that, Kershka shouted, "SNOW!" while flinging Mom into the air. Daelyn's eyes went huge. Jasper looked worried for a second, before Kershka caught Mom, gave her another squeeze and set her down, as she laughed and returned his hug.
Daelyn went up to Kershka and said, "Me next! Please!" Which Kershka happily obliged as Mom introduced them. Kershka was going to have no peace for a while.
I went and checked on Lana, mostly out of curiosity. She was indeed unconscious. I looked at Ash then, and asked the dogs to discreetly take Ash's body to the church. Lana, too. The dogs moved quickly together to do so.
"Jasper," I whispered to Jasper, grinning, "He'll throw you too. It's super fun."
"No." He said.
Greggor, I noted, was with Tilton. "Is everything settled? My building was on fire, now it's not." Greggor said.
"Everything will be settled soon enough... Where did your dogs take... it." Tilton said, looking at me.
"It? Oh. To the church." I replied.
"I feel I must go and talk to a priestess then. Snow, try to have a peaceful visit." Tilton said.
"I was. Until those adventurers started harassing my family." Mom said, giving him a hard cat stare. "Ones that you knew were a problem to begin with. Actually, I want to ask you about something that I don't want to scare your little people with."
"Then come with me for a walk. I have a priestess to calm down." Tilton sighed.
Mom went with him, surprisingly. I decided, it'll be fine. I also noted townsfolk started to clear out.l and return to their day. Looks like Dad did manage to teach Mom subtlety. The dogs returned, I gave them scratches, telling them they did well. I then looked at Mills.
"Should you go?" I asked him.
"Yes, I do need to get to my stall." Mills said, he gave me a hug, then turned to Dad, "It was a pleasure to meet you, but I must go about my day. I hope to meet you again."
"I hope you have a fruitful day." Dad replied to him.
With that, Mills went to work. Mom returned to us a bit later, no longer agitated. Greggor and Bibs were having a chat. Uncle was tidying himself while Dad chatted to him. Jasper was surveying the area, probably on alert for more trouble. Vincent and Seralyn appeared to be having a debate on Ash's fate. Plight appeared to be processing some things. Daelyn was still being tossed by Kershka.
I noticed Thomas nearby and took a cookie, quietly, out of my pack holding it out to him. Thomas, of course, took the bait- er, I mean cookie. I pointed at each of my siblings, telling Thomas their names, telling him their my siblings, as Thomas munched his cookie.
"Wanna make friends?" I asked the boy.
"Thomas likes friends." He nodded.
"Seralyn, Vincent, come meet my little friend Thomas." I tell them. "Jasper, say hi, will you?"
They approached and greeted Thomas. I passed out cookies. Daelyn spotted this and looked betrayed. Daelyn got let down to run over and get cookies, too. I offered Kershka a cookie as well. Unfortunately, this did cause me to run out of cookies, so I went to get some more. I gave each of my siblings and Thomas a bag of cookies. Kershka, I gave an Elven Pillow. I'd gotten one for Uncle, too. But I'd wait till they weren't chatting.
The kids seemed to be chatting fine. So, I asked Jasper if he wants to hunt, if it was fine with their dad, because Jack probably ran away already. I needed to anyways. So I mindfully approached Dad and Uncle with a smile. Dad was fine with it, so I gave Uncle the Elven Pillow, and told the dogs to stay with Plight. I told Plight I was going hunting with Jasper. Plight also decided to hunt, but separately.