**A Starry Night**
In a small village near the dwarven city, the night was calm and serene. The stars twinkled brightly in the sky, and the moon cast a gentle glow over a quaint cabin nestled among the trees. Inside, the warm light of a fire flickered in the fireplace, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
In a cozy armchair by the fire sat a woman with bright red hair, reading a book in her nightgown. It was Lyra, the knight who had once journeyed with Alex. For the past eight years, she had been waiting for him to return, hoping that one day he would come back to her.
A small voice broke the silence. "Momma, momma, can you read me a story?"
Lyra looked up to see her eight-year-old son, Joan, standing in the doorway. His hair was a mix of red and dark brown, a testament to his parentage. She smiled warmly at him.
"Of course, Joan. What story would you like to hear?" she asked, closing her book and setting it aside.
Joan's eyes lit up with excitement, his smile wide. "I want to hear a story about daddy!"
**A Story About Daddy**
Lyra's heart ached with a mixture of longing and love. She motioned for Joan to come closer and lifted him onto her lap. "Alright, my child. I'll tell you the story of a man who came falling from the sky."
Joan settled comfortably in her lap, his eyes wide with anticipation. Lyra began to weave the tale of how Alex had arrived in their world, falling from the sky into a meadow of flowers. She described the grumpy male elf, the old wizard, and the young knight girl with bright silky red hair who had found him.
"He was brave and determined, always ready to face any challenge," Lyra said, her voice filled with pride and emotion. "He saved lives, fought monsters, and became a hero to many."
Joan listened intently, his eyes sparkling with admiration. "Wow, daddy sounds amazing! Can you tell me another story?"
Lyra chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Not tonight, my little one. It's time for bed."
**Goodnight, My Little One**
Lyra carried Joan to his bed and tucked him in, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead. "Goodnight, my sweet boy," she whispered.
"Goodnight, momma," Joan replied, his voice filled with contentment. "Do you think daddy will come home soon?"
Lyra's heart tightened at the question. She brushed a strand of hair from Joan's forehead and gave him a reassuring smile. "I hope so, Joan. I truly hope so."
She watched as Joan's eyes slowly closed, his breathing becoming steady and peaceful. Once he was asleep, Lyra quietly left his room and returned to her own.
**A Mother's Wish**
In her room, Lyra changed into her nightgown and stood by the window, looking out at the starry sky. The memories of her time with Alex flooded her mind, filling her with both joy and sorrow. She had loved him deeply, and the years without him had been hard. But she had found strength in their son, in the hope that one day Alex would return.
As she gazed at the stars, she spoke softly to herself, a prayer to the universe. "Alex, please come home. Your little boy needs his father."
She stood there for a while longer, letting the cool night air calm her restless thoughts. Then, with a sigh, she climbed into bed, hoping that her dreams would bring her closer to Alex, if only for a little while.
**Conclusion**
As Lyra drifted off to sleep, the fire in the fireplace continued to burn softly, casting a warm glow over the room. The stars outside shone brightly, as if watching over her and Joan. And somewhere, far away, Alex was on his own journey, unaware of the family waiting for his return.