The Light of My Hearts

A few days after the events of “Babysitting”...

The sun was lowering as afternoon transformed to dusk. Kendrick and Twillow were out walking the forest together. Twillow fluttered around Kendrick, landing on him from time to time but enjoying her flight. The gray giant couldn’t help but watch her with loving fondness. Nothing made him happier than she did. He wasn’t even sure if he’d known true happiness before her.

When they came across one of the rivers flowing through the forest, Kendrick knelt down to get himself a drink. Twillow flew over, landed on top of his head, laid down amid his black locks and began stroking.

“You have soft hair.” She mentioned.

Kendrick’s eyebrows flicked up, “Do I?”

“Mm-hmm.” She snuggled into his hair, massaging his scalp.

He closed his eyes, enjoying the gentle tickling sensation. One nice thing that came from their size difference was she was always discovering sensitive areas he never knew existed. He wasn’t used to physical touch; one might even say touch deprived. But Twillow was proving time and time again that he secretly craved it. (at least...from her)

“You know, we should invite your father over and introduce him to Sig and his family.” Twillow mentioned as played with his hair.

Kendrick glanced upward, uncertainty sneaking into his expression. She peeked over his forehead and noticed the look.

“What?”

Kendrick blinked, then averted his eyes a moment, “No one besides you knows that I have a father.”

His father’s existence was one of Kendrick’s most well-guarded secrets. The mere fact that he had family would be a source of weakness for others to exploit. Not to mention Alec’s blindness made him vulnerable. A large, well-armed group of slayers could easily hurt him or even take him down and kill him. That was a scenario he had worked his entire adult life to prevent. If no one knew he existed, then no one would hunt him.

Twillow understood that fact. But she was also determined to bring out Kendrick’s trust in humans more. Not to mention, try and repair the dark reputation he had sown for over a century. Neither goal would be easy nor be fully attainable, but Twillow would try tiny steps.

“I think your father would love to meet Sig and his family.” Twillow insisted, “He doesn’t get many guests and it would be a nice time for everyone.”

Kendrick mulled over the idea for a minute or two until he said, “I suppose I can ask if he’d like to come over.”

Twillow flew off of his head, “Why don’t we go ask him now?”

Kendrick hadn’t been to his father’s place in a couple weeks, so it seemed only fitting. He smiled and nodded, veering off to the north.

...

The day before the party...

Alec had been very receptive to the idea of meeting Sig and his family, just as Twillow predicted. Ever since she had met Kendrick’s father he had been utterly kind to her. Still, when they had first brought the news of their newly bloomed relationship, Twillow had been nervous. Though Kendrick’s father liked her, she wasn’t sure how he’d take the news of his son being intimate with a fae. The match was rather odd on the surface and Twillow feared Alec would believe it would be dooming their species or diluting the bloodline since it seemed giants were all but extinct. But the smile that had lit up his face was evidence enough of his delight with the announcement. There were no prejudices nor disapproval.

So plans were made for a luncheon.

The couple set to work making sure everything was clean and presentable for company. It was definitely a first for Kendrick. He kept his home presentable, but he’d never thought about what others might think of his home. No one dared come near enough anyway...save for the Slayer. It was a strange feeling, knowing someone was willingly coming to his home. He still didn’t know how to feel about it. But Twillow was steadily directing him in all manners of “pre-party prep”.

Twillow had flown out to Sig and Leida’s to ensure any last-minute concerns or plans were addressed.

When she returned, she spoke with earnest, “Kendrick! Do we have any apples that are ready?”

He blinked at the random request, “I can check the trees...why?”

“Well, Leida needs to make one hundred pies.”

“One hundred pies?” Kendrick raised his brows, “That’s... a lot. Why so many?”

“Well, when I spoke with her today, Leida said she was commissioned to make that many for a special party held by one of the King’s official’s...a Duke, I think. It would make her family a lot of money, but she wouldn’t be able to come out to our get together if she did. So, I told her we’d help her.” Twillow explained as she landed on the counter.

“Oh?”

She gestured to the fireplace and kitchen, “Well, the way I see it, our fireplace oven could bake all those pies at once. We can have a pie making party and help her get it done quicker.”

“Hm. But...I could make one pie for her...save her the trouble?” Kendrick offered.

Twillow smiled at him, “As sweet as that offer is, I think the humans would be baffled and suspicious of a pie that big.”

A small part of Kendrick was mildly annoyed at the idea of baking for other humans he didn’t know. But he liked Leida and he did owe her plenty of favors for her repeated kindness to him, so his ill feelings were swept away.

Kendrick chuckled, “I suppose you’re right.” He laughed deeper, “No human would probably want to eat anything I helped prepare anyway. Probably would think I put some of their neighbors in the pie.”

The fae flapped her wings, “You’re terrible...you know that’s not true.”

“That’s the story.” Kendrick smiled dryly.

“She said she’d bring all the other ingredients if we’d provide the apples and the workspace.” Twillow explained, landing on the counter.

Kendrick nodded after a moment, “All right. If that’s what you want my light. It sounds...interesting.”

...

The following day...

Kendrick had awoken bright and early to go retrieve his father and lead him to his home. Though Kendrick visited Alec often, it was rare for his father to come over. It was just easier and more familiar for the blind giant to be in his element. If worse came to worse, Alec could navigate on his own, albeit the task wouldn’t be easy or quick, but his keen nose would lead him where he needed to go. In fact, when Kendrick arrived, Alec had already gotten a few miles from his home using his walking stick.

“Looks like you’re ready.” Kendrick remarked as he approached through the woods.

Alec nodded, feeling around gently with his tree-sized walking stick, “I haven’t been to your home in half a century I don’t think.”

Kendrick flicked his eyebrows, “No...you probably haven’t.”

His father grinned, “I know. It’s easier for you to come to me.”

“Something like that. Here.” He turned so Alec could touch his back, using him as a guide.

Together they slowly walked through the forest.

“So, tell me, what is this human wizard like? Describe him to me.” Alec prompted.

Kendrick shrugged his broad shoulders but humored his father with detailed visual cues, “Um. Well, Sig’s a young human, with blonde hair and a small beard, light-colored skin, and green eyes.”

Alec nodded, forming a portrait in his mind, “I see. And his family?”

“He has a pretty wife named Leida. She’s dark-skinned, exotic-looking for human, blue eyes...and a hell of a baker. They have two children, Leon and Fina. Leon has blonde hair like his dad and medium dark skin and he’s bold and talkative. Fina’s a shy little thing... lighter complexion, long, curly dark hair.”

Alec smiled, “How old?”

“Uh...I don’t know. But they’re old enough to run around and talk clearly...Leon’s older than Fina.” Kendrick wasn’t a good judge of human age.

“I’m eager to meet them...this human family.” Alec scratched his beard, “It’s been a long time since I’ve conversed with humans.”

Kendrick slowed, then glanced over his shoulder at him, “You... talk with humans?”

“It’s been several decades. But yes, one winter night.”

“You mean they were near your home?” Kendrick’s tone rose slightly.

“In my home actually.”

“WHAT?!” Kendrick stopped.

“No need to get excited.” Alec waved his hand, “It was only an old woodcutter, his daughter, and her little son. They were lost in a snow storm and found my home during the night. I offered them shelter until the sun warmed the next day. They were nice to talk to once they realized I wasn’t going to hurt them. Especially that little boy. So many questions that one. Heh. He’s probably as old as his grandfather by now...if he’s still alive.”

Kendrick blinked at his father’s casual brush-off of the encounter. He had no idea any humans had ever gotten that far into the forest, much less found where his father lived. It made him wholly uncomfortable to know that fact.

“And what if they told some slayers where you lived?!” Kendrick barked.

Alec spread his hands, “I’m still here, aren’t I?”

“Tch!” Kendrick huffed, “That was still reckless!”

“Any more reckless than what we’re doing today?” Alec chided.

Kendrick huffed again, “I’ve had time to test Sig, get to know him in order to prove he’s trustworthy. I don’t just throw my trust at any random human! You, most of all, should know what happens when you let your guard down with them!”

“That may be true in some ways, Son. But if you build your walls too high then nothing bad AND nothing good can come in.” he gave a sage smile, “Your “walls” had gotten fairly high...until Twillow and this Sig.”

Kendrick couldn’t argue the wise words, but it still didn’t put him at ease. This argument wasn’t a new one between them regarding humans. But then again, that was before he actually made friends; taking a few bricks out of his “wall” and adding a small door.

Alec patted his son’s shoulder with a pleased tone, “I don’t know if I told you or not, but it warms my hearts knowing you’ve found your good life.” he smiled, drawing in a satisfied breath, “I’m glad for you...and Twillow. She makes you happy?”

“Very much.” Kendrick smiled, relaxing at the thought of her.

“It’ll do you some good to settle down...be domestic.” Alec smiled at Kendrick. “I always wanted that for you, Son.” His face turned serious as he tapped Kendrick with his stick, “And you do everything in your power to keep it; your pride be damned. Do you hear me?”

Kendrick nodded, “Yes, Pop.”

“Good.”

Alec made a quiet coughing noise, “I am curious though...how are you able to...consummate your relationship?”

Kendrick turned his head around slightly, smirked, and said, “Magic.”

“Ah. The magic that transformed your size?”

“It...has it’s benefits.” Kendrick admitted.

Alec chuckled.

....

Later that day...

“Just a little further up ahead.” Twillow called out as she fluttered over Sig and his family in their horse-drawn wagon.

Twillow had flown out to the humans’ home so she could guide them while Kendrick had walked north much earlier to guide Alec. They planned it so Alec and Kendrick would arrive first, and Kendrick could prepare the lunch they would all eat.

Sig’s wagon was loaded with bags of dry goods, baking utensils, and other necessities for the pie making marathon. Leida had been so grateful and humbled when Twillow offered her help to complete the large job which easily would’ve taken her and her family a couple full days to pull off. Having the help of a fae and a giant would certainly speed things up.

“I remember this!” Leon announced, pointing to a particular set of rocks amid the trees.

Sig smiled at his son’s excitement. He almost felt jealous his children got the privilege of seeing Kendrick’s home before he did. Honestly, he wasn’t sure what to expect other than everything was going to be...well...huge.

Even though he and Kendrick were friends, the giant kept many things about himself secret. Sig could understand on a basic level though. He himself didn’t have that many friends either and kept his personal life secret...so secret he dared to live in the forest of the Gray Shadow just so no one would discover he was a wizard. It felt kind of nice to have another one of Kendrick’s “doors” unlock and open to him.

The trees began to clear, and a very broad, rocky path formed. Mountains began to peek from between the trees; smaller mountains that gradually grew taller and bigger.

Twillow pointed to the ground ahead of them, “Watch out for that.”

Sig directed the horses to go around and as they passed, he realized he was avoiding the hole made from one of Kendrick’s boot prints. It wasn’t too long before Sig and his family saw the mountain with the broken top that was so notorious. Somehow, despite no one ever setting foot there, the human stories always referred to the mountain with the broken top as the home of the Gray Shadow. Sig surmised some sneaky (or lucky) author managed to figure out that information and live to write it down. It was very big, as a mountain should be, and was gouged with a wide, tall crevasse.

“That’s where Mr. Kendrick lives!” Leon announced with an enthusiastic point.

Since he and his sister had stayed over at Mr. Kendrick’s, Leon had talked about nothing else that week.

Sig ruffled his boy’s hair with one hand, “You were right, buddy. It is big.”

Twillow turned, gestured with a coaxing arm, and then flew into the crevasse, “Kendrick! We’re here!”

From somewhere deep in the mountain, Kendrick’s voice rolled out, “Come on in...and welcome.”

The family did so, marveling at the height of the “doorway”. It wasn’t long before the darkness enveloped them, only to be lit with the pale soft glow of the flowers lining the entrance ceiling and walls high above as well as Twillow’s natural skin aura. Already they could smell the rich, aromatic smell of fresh bread and some sort of savory meat dish. No doubt, the lunch that was promised. At the other end of the tunnel entrance, they could see more warm light and that was quickly blacked out by an immense silhouette that appeared.

“Hi, Mr. Kendrick!” Leon waved really big.

“Hey, kid.” He greeted, “Sig, Leida.” He softened his voice, “Hello, Fina.”

Fina smiled and made Sheeshee her doll wave up at him. He gave a small wave in return. Twillow flew up to his face and gave him a greeting kiss before flying back down to the family.

“Come on in. You can put your wagon over there. Made a small pen for your horses and there’s a pile of grass for them.”

Sig looked over and saw the pen which was in essence a couple big trees stacked to form a pen against the wall, “Wow. Thanks, Kendrick.”

Twillow waited for the family to climb down from their wagon before raising her hands. They glowed magically and with graceful hand movements all the ingredients and supplies they brought to bake pies floated out of the wagon, across the cavern, and settled in neat piles on the stone kitchen counter. The humans were awed by the trick, the children pointing and clapping.

“Well, that made unloading easy.” Leida remarked. “I’ve never seen you do that before.”

Sig nodded but explained, “She received a special crystal from her father that lends her more magic rejuvenation. So, now she can use her magic more freely.” He could almost feel the pulse of magic in the cavernous home tingling around him.

Leon’s eyes suddenly got big with curiosity when he noticed there was another very large presence in the room sitting quietly at the table, “Who’s that?”

The other family members almost didn’t notice Alec (which seemed impossible given his size) and nearly startled upon seeing him.

Kendrick cleared his throat gently and knelt down nearby, “That is my father.”

Sig and Leida were equally awed and baffled by the revelation. They never knew there were two giants living in the forest! He was wearing similar garb to Kendrick, but he was darker gray, had a thicker, peppered beard, and wore a band of cloth over his eyes. The humans felt taken aback by that detail.

“Your... father?”

Kendrick nodded and laid his cupped hands down before them, “Yes. It’s time I introduced you.”

Leon, of course, ran and tumbled into Kendrick’s awaiting hands with child-like abandon. Seeing how comfortable their son was with the giant seemed to prompt both parents. Sig gestured to Leida and helped her step up, as they both sat comfortably in his palms.

Surprisingly, Fina tugged at Twillow’s hand. The fae smiled at her.

“You want me to help you?”

“Fly with you.” Fina requested.

A beautiful smile lit up Twillow’s face, “Oh! Ok. Come here then.”

With a gentle lift, Twillow held the girl to her body.

“Just put your arms around my neck.” Twillow requested.

Fina did so.

“Ok. Here we go.”

With a powerful thrum, her crystal-like wings transformed into sparkling blurs. Fina startled from their windy power but recovered quickly when they lifted off the floor. Kendrick watched Twillow lift Fina into the air with fascination and stood at the same pace she rose. Then, gently they placed the human family on the tabletop.

Fina was giggling as Twillow put her down. But when she noticed how close she was to Alec, however, she grew shy to his enormous new presence and scurried over behind her mother.

Alec sat quietly and patiently, not moving a muscle. He subtly took in their scent whilst they took him in with their eyes. It wasn’t hard to tell he and Kendrick were father and son.

Kendrick gestured subtly, “This is my father, Alec.”

Sig straightened his back, stepped forward, and cordially greeted, “Hello, Alec. My name is Sig. I’m a human wizard.”

Alec smiled gently his deeper voice restrained and quiet, “It is an honor to meet you, Sig...and your family.”

“Thank you.” He gestured even though Alec couldn’t see him do it, “This is my wife Leida, my son Leon, and my daughter Fina.”

Alec nodded in greeting, “Hello, Leida, Leon, Fina. It’s very nice to meet you.”

“Why do you have a cloth over your eyes?” Leon asked point blank.

“Leon! That’s rude.” Leida scolded in a hushed tone.

Alec chuckled gently at the question, “You must be Leon. My son told me you’re a curious one ...as a child should be.” He seemed to direct his voice toward the boy, “I wear this because I lost my eyes a very long time ago.”

“What happened?” the boy persisted.

Kendrick and Twillow both seemed to share and uncomfortable look. Telling the truth might be awkward since humans were the cause of the injury.

But Alec remained tactful and kind, “Well, child, I was injured. So, since I can’t see anyway, I cover them.” He smiled and lowered his voice like it was a secret, “Makes me look mysterious.”

His comment drew quiet laughter.

“I understand your mother is a wonderful baker?”

“Yeah! She cooks really good food!” the boy agreed.

Alec smiled, “I would love to taste some of your baking sometime, Leida.”

“Well, I think you’ll get a chance today since we’re making apple pies.” Leida stated.

“I thought I smelled cinnamon and sugar.” Alec commented. “And...hm! I’m smelling something savory with pork in it.”

Leida seemed surprised but nodded, “Oh. I did bake a special meat pie for Kendrick to try. It was going to be a surprise.”

“Oh. Forgive me for spoiling the surprise.” He tapped the side of his nose. “My sense of smell is very precise.”

“It’s fine. Kendrick probably smelled it too.” Leida surmised.

Kendrick got a funny, embarrassed look on his face. Honestly, he hadn’t picked up on it until it was mentioned. Twillow saw his look and giggled privately.

The younger giant cleared his throat, “Well, speaking of pies, shall we get started after lunch?”

The adults all nodded agreeably to that. Twillow flew in behind Kendrick to help him bring over the smaller table, sitting pillows, and dishes for the humans while he brought the meal on a huge wooden plank tray. The humans were marveled at the size of the meal: sliced cheeses, fruits, and fresh bread all lined up like building materials for a barn made of food. On the fire were skewers of dozens of roasting deer, wild boar, and what looked like a day’s catch of fish. Kendrick removed them quickly and used a knife to push them off the wooden rods and onto another serving tray. He selected one of each species for the humans (which was too much for a family of four) and placed them on a separate tray. The rest he divvied between him and his father.

Kendrick’s forest territory was plentiful with wild game, hence why he defended it so ruthlessly from poachers. If his and his father’s appetites had to compete with the human population, he’d have to ration his meat intake; something he was not willing to do.

Twillow flew over and giggled at his portions, “How much do you think they can eat?”

He shrugged, “Maybe you could help me with that?”

Twillow waved her hands over the meat selections, and it sliced itself up into portions which she put on smaller plates for Sig and his family.

“Thank you, my light.” He smiled, placing his father’s meal in front of him and his own opposite him.

Alec smelled the offerings, “Mm. This is quite a lunch. Thank you, Son.”

“Thought you’d like it.”

“Yes, thank you Kendrick.” Sig and Leida agreed.

“Well…you cooked for me, seems only fair.” He replied, sitting down. “Help yourselves. If you need more, I’ll get it.”

Sig laughed, “This is more than we could eat in a year!”

The family wandered over to the cheese and fruit platter and plucked off little bits that were still huge to them and then sat down to eat. It was a refreshing and delicious lunch. The humans were still blown away at the amount Kendrick and his father could eat in one sitting…or even in one bite. It just reaffirmed the size difference even more.

Once everyone was finished with the meal and the dishes were gathered for washing. Leon and Fina were antsy to play and eagerly ran to the edge of the table to beg Kendrick to let them play on his bed. Leida was milliseconds from yelling at them to stay away from the edge when Alec inexplicably placed a tree-sized arm in the children’s path.

“Whoa. Not so close, little ones. You could fall.” He mentioned gently.

They bumped into his arm and Leon had a perplexed look on his face, “How did you know where we were?”

Alec smiled, “I still have my ears and nose.”

“Oh.” Leon tapped the big arm, “Can you put us over on the bed? We wanna play over there!”

“Leon…” Leida began to scold him.

But Alec nodded with a second smile, “I can. As long as your mother doesn’t mind me carrying you?”

“Um…no. As long as it’s not an inconvenience to you.” Leida admitted.

Alec shook his head, “Of course not.” He stood up, touching the table slightly as he maneuvered around it. When he got to the end he placed his hands openly on the tabletop, “All right, little ones.”

Leon grabbed Fina’s hand and like a brave older brother led her over to Alec’s awaiting hands. Kendrick glanced over his shoulder and gave a subtle smile when the children climbed into his cupped palms. When they felt settled, he turned and carried them over to Kendrick’s bed. There he sat down and placed them on the blankets to play beside him.

“I’ll mind them while you all make the pies.” He announced.

“Ah. And speaking of pies…” Kendrick mentioned, turning back toward the table.

Leida startled when she was suddenly plucked up in his huge fingers. No matter how many times it happened, being held in the hand of giant was very alarming.

Kendrick had a mischievous grin on his face as he delicately placed her on the counter. Both hands came down on either side of her as he loomed.

“Now that my elaborate plan to kidnap you has been successful…you will show me the secret of your delectable apple pies.” he ordered playfully.

Leida straightened herself and pointed to the pile of goods she’d brought, “Then I’ll need my apron over there.”

Kendrick reached over and pinched up the blue cloth, handing it to her.

The dark-skinned woman fluffed, tied, then smoothed down her apron, “I’ll need my big wooden spoon, also.”

One of his hands lifted, went over her head, and retrieved a wooden spoon to give to her. She accepted it graciously.

“All right. You want to know my secret recipe?” she asked.

He grinned, “Yes.”

She glanced around to make sure no one was listening as she coaxed him closer with a hand gesture. He bent down, resting his forearms on the counter in front of her so he was at eye level with her. Suddenly, she rapped the wooden spoon against the tip of his nose sharply.

“Then cut me up one of your apples, you brute.” She commanded sternly.

He blinked with a roguish laugh, “Yes, ma’am.” He glanced over his shoulder at Sig who was still on the table, “She’s a spicy one, Sig.”

“You provoked her.” Sig shrugged, “Don’t blame me if she takes over your kitchen.”