The Light of My Hearts

Twillow was awakened from her nap by a hot gust of air against her back. Automatically her wings popped up and fluttered. The warm air was followed by a large, soft textured pressure caressing her back and up her wings. She gave a pleasured shudder and giggled when she saw Kendrick’s lips retreating momentarily.

“What are you doing?”

Kendrick’s rumbling voice was quiet and ever so mischievous, “Admiring this beauty before me.”

Twillow yawned and nuzzled back into the pillow, “Mm. You should let this beauty sleep some more.”

His huge lips returned, kissing her back again, “I would, my light. But you told me to wake you later so we can head off to Sig’s place.”

She yawned again, sat up and stretched.

The she laughed when his lips collided with the side of her face as he whispered, “But I suppose if you’d rather you could curse me and we could remain in bed for a few more days together.”

She scoffed, “Greedy boy. You only just changed back a few days ago!”

He chuckled, nuzzling her, “Your curse is my blessing.”

The petite fae kissed her giant mate and then flew up onto his shoulder, “No. I know Sig is waiting for us today. You’ll have to wait.”

Kendrick made a slight pouting look but smiled anyway, “Very well.”

Theirs was an impossible love; that of a giant and a winged fae. But despite their obvious differences they treasured one another.

...

It was early evening when Kendrick and Twillow arrived at Sig and Leida’s home. However, what they arrived to was urgent bustling of the wizard outside his home. He looked like he was packing for a journey.

“Sig? What’s all the panic I’m smelling? What’s happened?” Kendrick inquired as he knelt, watching the wizard saddle his horse with haste.

Sig talked as he worked, “Leida’s mother in Rumstead has fallen ill. I need to go to her right away.”

Twillow alighted on the roof of the wizard’s house, “Leida’s mother is sick? Let me come with you, Sig. I might be able to help.”

At first Sig shook his head but then said, “You’ll have to wear a false projection to look human...but I would be grateful for any help. I don’t know how bad she is but Leida sounded very worried in her message to me.”

“You used the message parchment I gave you?” Twillow asked.

“Yes.”

Kendrick frowned, “Twillow, I don’t think you should go into a human city like that. If you’re discovered...”

“I’ll be fine, Kendrick.” She assured, “Besides, if I can help Leida’s mother I’ll be more than happy to risk it.”

“But...” the giant began to protest, a frustrated look creeping into his brows.

“Actually, Kendrick I need your help too.” Sig stated seriously.

"My help? Oh. Do you need me to carry you there?”

Sig shook his head, “No. If you would...can you watch over my children tonight and tomorrow.”

The amber eyes went wide with utter shock, “Huh?”

“I know it’s last minute, but Leida has our wagon and I can’t take them with me on one horse and get there quickly. And you’re right here so...”

A baffled squint scrunched the giant’s face, “But I-I... You trust ME with the care of your children? Me?"

Sig stopped a moment and looked up at him, “Well, sure. I mean, who would dare try to take or harm my children while you’re here?”

Kendrick shook his head, “That may be true but they aren’t safe from me. I-I could crush them by accident or what if something happens? I-I’ve never taken care of a child in my life! You can’t be serious!”

The wizard pat the huge knee next to him, “I know they’ll be safe with you.”

As Sig moved away he startled when Kendrick’s hand came down in front of him as a wall, “Uh, no no no. There is no way this is happening.”

“Please, Kendrick! I’m in a bind here.” Sig pleaded. “Look. Tonight will be easy. I’ll put them to bed early and then I promise I’ll be back by tomorrow afternoon. Please?”

The giant huffed, looking exasperated. Twillow flew up and touched his cheek.

“You’ll do great, Sweethearts.” She smiled at him and delivered a kiss.

And there it was, his one weakness.

"But...I don’t...uuuggh.” He groaned, lifting his hand. “Fine! Fine. But I still say you’re making a huge mistake!”

“Great! Thanks, Kendrick!”

It took a few more minutes for Sig to get situated and ready to leave. The last thing he had to do was put the kids to bed as promised. Once he retreated into the house, Twillow could see Kendrick’s eyes moving the way they did when he was thinking and concerned about something.

“It’ll be fine, Kendrick. You’ll see.”

He shook his head arguing in a hushed voice, “I’ve never taken care of children before...and he wants me to watch both of them?”

“Sig trusts you.”

“I know...but that doesn’t mean he should. I mean...what would happen if one of them got hurt?” he looked at his hands, “I couldn’t help them. I’d only make it worse.”

The fae flew over and patted his chest reassuringly, “You worry too much. Just be as gentle as you are with me and you’ll do great.” She smiled, “Besides, it’ll be good practice for you.”

Kendrick sighed and nodded. He still wasn’t convinced this was a good idea by any stretch of the imagination.

You don’t ask the monster in the woods to watch your children.

...

Sig was trying to hurry and get on the road but his two young children were full of questions every step of the way.

“But why do we have to go to bed SO early?” five-year-old Fina whined, clearly not impressed with the edict.

“Because I have to go to Rumstead tonight.”

“Why?” Leon asked.

“Where’s Mama?” Fina chimed in.

Sig grabbed out the children’s night clothes from a dresser, “Well, your Mama is in Rumstead and she says your Grandma is sick. Daddy has to go help her.”

“Why can’t we go to Rumstead and see Grandma too?” Leon asked as Sig handed him his night shirt.

“Well Grandma is sick and I don’t want you two to get sick too. So I have to leave right now and get to her fast so I can heal her fast. You want Grandma to get better don’t you?”

“Yeah...” the two children agreed.

As he helped his children change clothes he smiled, “But don’t you two worry, I’ll be back sometime tomorrow. And guess what?”

“What?” the curious kids echoed.

“Mr. Kendrick is going to look after you until I get back.”

“He IS!?” Leon sounded really excited.

To the seven-year-old, Mr. Kendrick coming by was one of the highlights of his life. His younger sister Fina, however, was still wary of his great looming presence. True enough she had warmed to him when he was cursed to human size last year but his true form still kept her reserved.

“Yes. So you both need to go to b- Leon!” Sig was in the middle of explaining when his son darted away and out the front door.

With great enthusiasm the boy flung open the door to see Mr. Kendrick sitting patiently outside.

“Hi, Mr. Kendrick!” he beamed.

“Hey, kid.”

“You’re going to take care of us until tomorrow!” he announced as if the giant didn’t already know.

“Uh...yeah. Seems so.”

Sig called, “Come on, Leon. You need to get into bed!”

“Aww, Dad.” The boy whined. “It’s not even that dark and I wanna play with Mr. Kendrick!”

“You’ll have plenty of time to do that tomorrow. But now it’s bedtime. Come on.” Sig stated firmly.

Huffily, the seven-year-old did as he was told. Finally both children were tucked in for the night.

“All right. You both be good for Mr. Kendrick. You do what he tells you.”

As if they have a choice...Sig chuckled with irony.

He kissed both of them, “I’ll be back sometime tomorrow. Love you both.”

“Love you too.” The children chimed.

Sig exited his home, mounted his horse, then looked up at Kendrick, “Ok. They’re in bed. There’s fresh water in the rain barrel behind the house and there’s some food Leida left for the kids inside so they should be good. Do you have any questions for me?”

“Yeah. Are you absolutely SURE you want to do this?” Kendrick asked.

The wizard smiled, “Yes. Yes I’m sure.”

The giant shrugged in return, conceding this was happening.

With that, Sig rode off down the path. Twillow kissed his upper lip before turning and flying after the wizard. Kendrick watched them go until they disappeared. He sighed and glanced down at the house he sat beside.

Now what?

In the dusk the giant sat for about thirty minutes, a silent sentry guarding the two precious lives inside the small human house.

“Well... if all I have to do is sit beside Sig’s house and watch out for danger then this should be easy.” Kendrick thought to himself.

That is until the front door opened and a familiar blonde head poked out.

“Hi, Mr. Kendrick.” Leon greeted in a nice but cautious tone.

“Um...hello?” he quirked a questioning eyebrow when he spotted Fina standing behind her brother, “What’s wrong?”

The boy shuffled his feet, “We’re not tired.”

“Um...ok?”

He really wasn’t sure what he could do about that.

“Can we come out and play?”

Kendrick squint, “Your father said you were supposed to be in bed until morning.”

A look of disappointment wilted the boy’s face but asked again, “Can we stay up and play?”

“Go to bed, Leon. You too, Fina.” He ordered firmly.

“Pleeease?” Leon begged.

Kendrick eyed the pair a moment, mentally debating. Even if they went back inside they’d probably not sleep anyway. And he knew from his own experience in childhood that if he wasn’t sleepy he’d find something to do...something troublesome. If they got into trouble and he had to rip the roof off of Sig and Leida’s house they’d probably not appreciate it.

Perhaps if he allowed them some playtime they’d grow tired and then would go to sleep? If they were going to play outside he could at least guard them better if they were in his direct sight.

He sighed and finally relented, “Oh...very well.”

“Yay!” Leon crowed, dashing outside.

Fina hovered in the doorway, holding her favorite straw doll. She wasn’t as eager to venture out even though she wanted to follow her older brother. Kendrick tipped his head at her with a gentle smile.

“Still afraid of me, huh?” he asked.

The little girl shrunk back and shuffled her feet, holding her doll a bit tighter. Though her fear scent wasn’t overly strong it was still obvious as it wafted over to him.

Leon, however, wasn’t the least bit afraid and immediately set to climbing up Kendrick’s side. It baffled the giant how bold the kid was toward him. Grown men would fall into panicked fits if they even thought he was nearby. Sig’s son knew no such fear. At seven years old the child was starting to push the limits of his physical capabilities. Climbing was of course a favorite test and what better obstacle than a giant’s body? Trying to find footholds and maneuver the creases of the cloth, Leon made it to the area just at Kendrick’s belt.

The gray giant lifted his arm to watch the boy as he tried to scale his side. With no prompting, other than in his own adventurous mind, Leon took hold of Kendrick’s shirt and tried to climb around up onto his stomach. The giant blinked not really sure what to do or think.

“And...just what do you think you are doing?” Kendrick inquired.

The boy looked up, clinging for dear life, “Climbin’.”

“I can see that. But why?”

“Cuz.”

Kendrick huffed at the boy’s vague answer, shaking him. Leon continued his attempt to climb “Mount Kendrick” but only really succeeded in dangling from a wrinkle in his shirt for too long and kicking his legs for purchase.

Kendrick chuckled to himself as he leaned back against a couple trees, “Weird kid.”

Leon made a little noise of frustration when he realized he wasn’t getting anywhere. Taking pity on his feeble attempt, Kendrick curled his hand around and placed it beneath the boy. With the gentlest of nudges he pushed him up over the steepest part of his hip. The boy gasped but seemed completely excited. He lunged upward with purpose, grabbing another handful of the giant’s shirt. Finally he succeeded and crawled up onto Kendrick’s belly.

Like he’d done it all himself the boy turned and waved down at his sister, “Fina! Look at me! Look at me!”

She watched from the doorway with wide eyes.

The boy laughed and beckoned with his arm, “Come on, Fina!”

Typically, Fina followed her brother’s lead in whatever activity he came up with but her courage wasn’t ready for this. She timidly hung by the door frame.

Kendrick, meanwhile, still wasn’t sure what was going on other than he seemed to be reduced to a “hill” for Leon to climb. The tiny movements of the child tickled and felt very odd to him. He honestly didn’t know what he should be doing other than holding perfectly still.

"Fiiina! Come on!” Leon shouted again.

Fina didn’t move. The boy frowned but decided to continue his escapade. Since Kendrick had leaned back a bit he was at a less steep incline. With scrambling movements the boy grabbed Kendrick’s shirt again and crawled up his chest until he was at the giant’s collarbone. It seemed to Kendrick that he was trying to ascend to his shoulder. But the morbid thought of the boy getting up there, stumbling, and plummeting headfirst to the ground flashed in his head. So to foil the boy’s plans he coughed subtly, making his chest bounce out. Startled, Leon let go and slid down Kendrick’s chest, coming to a rolling stop at his belly again.

For a moment the boy sat there until he leaped up with a giggle, “That was fun!”

Without wasting a second the boy was climbing his chest again. Kendrick gave a dubious expression as the boy repeated the activity, treating him like a soft hill to slide down. Leon laughed happily and then stood up.

“Fina! Come play!” he called, jumping around. “It’s fun!”

When his dark-headed sister didn’t make a move to come over and join him Leon decided to help her. All of a sudden the boy sat down and slid off of Kendrick’s side toward the ground. The giant flinched and his hand swooped under Leon before he slid halfway off.

“Ack!” he growled, ”What are you doing?!”

Leon just seemed amazed he was sitting in someone’s hand as he looked up at Kendrick, “Fina’s being a fraidy cat. I’m gonna get her to play.”

Kendrick frowned, ”Don’t do that again, kid. You could break those little legs of yours and then we’d both be in trouble.” He sighed deeply, “If you want down just ask and...I’ll get you down.”

“Ok.” The boy agreed.

Very carefully he put his hand on the ground and the boy hopped off. He marveled at the big hand behind him a moment before running over to his sister. Kendrick watched as the boy talked to her, making gestures of encouragement. She looked down like she was ashamed and shook her head. Leon kept up his persuasive pitch until he took her hand and slowly led her back toward Kendrick. Fina’s steps were timid and short as she clutched her doll, but surprisingly Leon was being patient and not rushing her.

Much to Kendrick’s own surprise he started to feel nervous as she approached...the same kind of nervous he felt when Twillow first came to live with him. Every movement he made had to be tempered and careful so he wouldn’t scare her. Now it was the same situation. Fina had been so sweet and friendly to him when he was cursed but it was clear she had a phobia of his normal size. He’d have to be very quiet and very slow to not freak her out and start the one thing he didn’t want either of these children to do: cry.

As Leon brought her closer, Kendrick averted his eyes from them and very slowly opened his hand on the ground next to him.

Fina stopped, staring at the imposing hand waiting in front of them.

Leon shook his head, “It’s ok, Fina. Mr. Kendrick is nice, remember? He’s not like those stories you heard.”

Kendrick’s left eyebrow rose with perplexion. Stories? Was he referring to the one about him meeting their father or...the other ones humans told of the Gray Shadow? Either way, they weren’t nice. But... they were probably true.

He glanced at them from the corner of his eye but pretended to not be paying attention. Usually feigning indifference seemed to alleviate little ones’ fears. Fina hesitated some more but slowly followed her brother. Leon stepped into Kendrick’s hand as if he’d been doing it for years (even though today was the first time it had occurred). He tugged Fina after him. She closed her eyes and nervously stepped up as well. She froze. Kendrick froze. Leon smiled.

“See?” he looked up at Kendrick and pointed to his chest, “Can you put us up there?”

“What a weird kid...” Kendrick thought to himself again as he slowly lifted his hand, “Don’t scream. Don’t scream. Don’t cry.” He pleaded silently.

Much to his relief Fina didn’t scream or cry as he gently raised them and then let them climb out of his hand onto his chest. With playful enthusiasm, Leon sat and slid down the giant’s torso to resume his game he’d started. The giant’s chest rose out and sunk in with his breathing. Fina clutched her little doll so tight it looked like she might make it disappear. Her head turned very slowly behind her to look Kendrick in the eyes. He kept them averted and indifferent to her presence; the mountain taking no notice of the climber.

“Come on, Fina! It’s fun!” Leon shouted up at her.

The little girl sat down on the slope of Kendrick’s chest, scooted a bit, and slid down with a brief squeal. Every muscle of Kendrick’s huge chest tightened briefly but relaxed when he realized the sound wasn’t a frightful one. In fact when she met her brother at his middle Fina was giggling quietly.

Leon laughed with her and was already climbing back up to go again. The sliding game continued for several minutes. Kendrick held perfectly still, still unsure why they thought climbing on him and using him as their own personal playground was fun. But they appeared content so he couldn’t complain.

As the children played, Fina had wandered to the opposite side of his chest and with a startled squeak accidentally fell into Kendrick’s shirt pocket. He felt her tiny form struggle around a moment before haphazardly trying to climb out. However, it was a bit deep for her short stature. He very slowly and very carefully extended a fingertip to her. The little girl saw it coming and ducked down into his pocket, hiding.

He chuckled at her reaction, “Aw. It’s alright, Fina. I’ll get you out of there. Just grab hold.”

He wasn’t sure if the child would do it but after a moment two small, tentative arms wrapped around his fingertip. Kendrick delicately lifted her out and deposited her back onto the right side of his chest.

“There ya go.”

She looked up at him a moment with a worried expression on her face.

“What? What’s the matter?” he asked, dreading she might start crying because of him.

Fina pointed at his pocket and said in a little voice, “Sheeshee.”

“Sheeshee?” Kendrick was confused.

Leon explained like a knowledgeable big brother, “Her dolly.”

“Oh!”

Kendrick fished around into his pocket until he found the tiny toy. With great delicacy he handed it to Fina. The dark-headed girl snatched her cherished toy, holding it close. Then she smiled at him and continued the sliding game.

“Well...she didn’t scream...she didn’t cry.” Kendrick thought gratefully.

Eventually, the pair slowed, tired from the constant climbing. By the time it was getting truly dark they were just sitting on Kendrick’s stomach, reclining against him. He was seconds from telling them to go to bed when Leon started a barrage of questions.

“Where do you live, Mr. Kendrick?”

“Um.” he glanced around to orient himself and then pointed, “That way, deeper in the forest.”

“Does Twillow live with you?”

“Yes.”

“Do you love Twillow?”

Kendrick smiled gently, no longer afraid to admit that feeling, “Yes. Very much.”

“Do you have any kids?” he asked.

A quick, shocked laugh bounced the children, “Heh! Um...no.”

“Are you and Twillow going to have kids?” the barrage continued.

"Geez, kid.” Kendrick huffed at the blunt audacity of Leon’s questions.

As of late, he had pondered such thoughts. True enough they had utilized the curse stones on several occasions, but that didn’t guarantee such encounters would produce any children.

Leon thankfully switched gears, “Is your house big?”

“Well...I don’t live in a house. I live in a mountain. But yes, my home is big.”

“A mountain?” Leon beamed, “Can we go there?”

Kendrick blinked, “You want to go to my home?”

“Yeah!”

“Why?”

Leon gestured, “I want to see it!”

“Um...well...”

Kendrick frowned, thinking about that request. His first instinct was to say, no. After all, other than the Slayer, no human had ever been inside his home. But it actually wasn’t a bad idea from his standpoint. He’d be more comfortable in his own bed, there was plenty of space, food and water were readily available, and it was a place he could more easily keep an eye on the two little ones.

“I...I guess that would be ok.”

"Really?” Leon sounded excited.

Kendrick nodded but grumbled, “Just don’t make me regret it.”

“Can we ride on your shoulder there?” the boy begged.

“Nope.”

“Aww. Why not? Twillow rides on your shoulder.”

Kendrick scoffed at the child’s logic, “Yes. And she can fly. Can you fly?”

Leon looked down, “No...”

“Exactly. You’d fall off and I’d be held responsible for two dead kids. No thank you.” very gently he plucked up the two children in each hand, “You two will ride in my pocket.”

With careful slow movements he tucked them both into his shirt pocket for the trip. It was deep enough they couldn’t just climb or fall out easily and his hands would be free to push branches aside so they wouldn’t be slapped with them. The two little heads poked out like chicks in a nest.

Kendrick leaned forward slightly, “Ok...are you hanging on?”

“Yeah.” They both chorused, gripping the cloth.

“Are you sure?” he teased.

“Yeah!” they said louder.

The giant’s legs slid back underneath his body until he was crouched. Then he stood up.

“OOOO!” the children gasped and giggled when they rose as high as the treetops in mere seconds.

He smirked at their excitement. Lucky for him these kids were easily entertained. Even though it was growing darker the two children gazed around from the new towering perspective.

Enthusiastically, Leon bucked around against the pocket, “Go! Go!”

Fina joined in, “Go!”

Kendrick chuckled at the command but started his walk toward his home through the woods. Sounds of amazement rang out from his pocket. For Kendrick it was simply walking home, for them it was the ride of a lifetime.

About twenty minutes later, it was completely dark and both Fina and Leon were bobbing their heads with fatigue, practically sleeping. The steady sway and vibration of Kendrick’s pace seemed to rock them. Though it was dark Kendrick wasn’t having much trouble navigating since his sense of smell acted as an enhancement to his fair night vision. He’d had over two hundred years to perfect his paths home no matter the conditions. Another twenty minutes and they’d be at his home.

But then something disrupted the familiarity of the forest scents. He stopped, scenting the air. The smell of pungent smoke, horses, and potently humans. It smelled like a smaller group and they were off to his right. And then Kendrick saw the torch lights blinking through the spaces in the trees ahead. Thirteen fire lights he counted and they were moving in a line. His eyes slit knowing there were humans trespassing in his forest.