The Light of My Hearts

Back in the Parliel Realm a month after the Kraskol attack…

Kendrick checked his list of deliveries to see which ones he had left for the day. A recently familiar name leaped out at him and he smirked. Verrys Village: Hattie Gos. Hattie Gos was an elderly orc woman who lived in a retirement community with other elderly Marlaylan citizens. She was wrinkly, olive green, hunched over, and homely, but very sweet and she had a big crush on Kendrick. So much so that she had placed several small crystal orders in the past weeks just so he would come around. And to top it off she always had a plate of fresh baked confections waiting for him. (Her cinnamon sugar dumplings were to die for.)

She wasn’t the only one either. Much to Kendrick’s amazement, the Marlaylan locals had grown used to his presence and thunderous movements. They would give him plenty of room in the streets when he walked, but they wouldn’t hide. Now most customers would come to the door to greet him instead of hiding inside like mice from a cat.

Kendrick didn’t think it would happen, but Elmry had been right. It was a strange thing…but the giant didn’t deny it was kind of…nice.

With a delicate pluck he selected the tiny package that belonged to Hattie and stepped over a shorter building to avoid going around the block. It was then he heard his name faintly in his own head.

“…Kendrick!” it was faint and sounded like Twillow.

Kendrick stopped and turned his head around.

“Hmm?”

Nothing.

He turned around in a short circle to find who had called him, but only the sounds of the city remained. Kendrick blinked. It wasn’t uncommon these days to have someone call out to him but he could’ve sworn it sounded like Twillow. Perhaps...he was just missing her and imagined it? He resumed his journey to the destination of the package.

He was nearly there when in his right ear he heard Petal’s little voice, “Master Kendrick!”

The flash of her pink light revealed her to him, “Oh. Hello, Petal. Did you try to call me earlier?”

She flittered wildly in front of his eyes shouting, “Master Kendrick! It’s time!”

For a second Kendrick wasn’t processing what she meant until it hit him like a brick to the head, “Oh. OH!”

He glanced around with a frantic look and held the package in his hand out toward Petal, “Here. Take this to Hattie Gos at the Verrys Village.”

Despite the fact that the package was bigger than her, Petal took it from him. Thankfully it wasn’t very heavy. However, Kendrick’s turn and quick departure swirled the air, making her spin like a dandelion seed. The tiny wingbeats of a fairy had triggered a force of nature. She cringed when she saw the giant crush a cart and knock off several shop signs in his urgency to return to the Estate.

“BE…careful.” She knew he wouldn’t hear her.

…

Kendrick’s hearts went from calm to hammering intensely through his torso. Normally he was slow and careful in his movements through Marlayla, but now he was forgetting. Like an earthquake and a hurricane, he blew through the streets toward the Birchwood Estate. A few guards shouted at him but he didn’t hear them nor did he care.

He had heard Twillow. He knew he heard her!

…

Earlier...

The morning had started as it typically did at the Estate. Twillow had awoken earlier only to bid Kendrick goodbye before he went to make deliveries for Elmry. She went back to bed for more rest and didn’t awaken until almost noon. However, when she tried to get up a sharp pulsing pain hit her abdomen. She winced, wings going stiff as she clutched her pillow. Then another hit and another.

Everything in her body was screaming that it was time to expel her Life Water.

“MOM! FATHER! MARCI! SOMEONE!” she shouted, getting wracked with another wave of cramps.

One of the maids in the hallway entered abruptly, “Miss Twillow?”

“Get my mom! My Life Water!” she groaned.

The maid gasped and rushed off.

Twillow winced again and then called out with her mind, “Kendrick!”

Though he had heard her mind speak the night of the Kraskol attack, she had not able to reach him since. It was a long shot but she reached out to her mate. She doubted he would hear her but she wanted to cry out to him. This was the moment they’d been waiting for.

In less than a minute, Gelilah came flying into the room with Petal, landed, and rushed to Twillow’s side, “Twillow! Is it your Life Water?”

Twillow nodded, “I think it’s time.”

Gelilah nodded and rubbed the small of her back, “Good. Good. It’s alright. Just stay right there. When you start to feel a fast pulsing in your belly, we will stand you up.”

“Kendrick… Petal, go get Kendrick!” Twillow requested as she curled her legs in.

The little fairy took off with all speed out the balcony door. Gelilah spread her hands and magically produced an orb of glowing energy. She placed it between Twillow’s legs and it conformed to her shape perfectly. Twillow whimpered.

“It’s alright, Twillow. This will catch your Life Water. It will hurt for a short bit but it will pass once you expel your Life Water. Don’t strain. Just allow it to come out on its own.” Gelilah coached quietly but earnestly.

Aemond suddenly flew through the door as well, “Is it time?”

“Yes! Send a parchment to Dr. Wentzel just in case and send out the word that the ceremony will be happening tomorrow. I will take care of Twillow.” Gelilah waved her arm.

Aemond nodded but rushed to the bed to touch Twillow’s head, “You’re in good hands my daughter. You’ll do fine. I love you.”

Twillow smiled and nodded, “I love you too, Father.”

“I’ll be right back.” He rushed off to send for the doctor and direct the help needed to begin the ceremony.

Twillow panted as she laid on her bed. The pulses were coming and going but not steady yet. A weakness creeped through her body, like a bag of water slowly leaking.

Her eyes grew worried as she looked to her mother, “It…it feels like I’m losing my magic…”

Gelilah nodded, “It will feel that way. But it’s normal. You will be very weak after expelling your Life Water because you’ve put so much of your energy into it.”

Several more minutes passed and then Twillow felt the pulses become more constant, like a tiny drum finding its rhythm. Aemond returned and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Everything is set in motion.” He beamed, “Everyone is so excited.”

Twillow nodded then her wings went stiff with pain, “Ohh. It’s faster now…”

“Come on, let’s stand you up. Standing is easier.” Gelilah coaxed her daughter.

The younger fae groaned but slid from the bed and stood with her feet apart. The magic vessel her mother placed remained at the ready between her legs. As she stood the house began to shake through the floorboards. Twillow’s wings fluttered to steady herself.

“Kendrick…” she gasped.

In seconds Kendrick was filling her balcony window, amber eyes peeking in with urgency, “Twillow? Twillow! It’s happening? Are you alright?”

She nodded though her face bespoke of her pain. His huge hand entered through the balcony door, invading the room toward her.

“Careful!” Gelilah warned, “Be careful!”

He paused but then Aemond got up, grabbed the giant’s index finger, made him bend it into a hooked pose, and guided it forward to Twillow.

“Here. Hold onto Kendrick.” He urged his daughter.

Twillow eagerly leaned against Kendrick’s curled finger as she stood. Her wings quivered.

“It’s alright, my light. I’m here. I’ve got you.” He assured gently.

Though Twillow’s weight was nothing for him, the act of keeping his arm up to not crush the balcony or the doorway was a tad uncomfortable. Yet he remained still, watching the process of fae life unfold. To him it resembled a human birth (though he’d only witnessed a couple from a distance) with much less screaming. Twillow’s wings stiffened, flapped hard, and she suddenly cried out. Kendrick tensed as she grasped at his finger.

“Good, Twillow! Oh! Here it comes!” Gelilah sounded supportive and excited at once. (Kendrick had never heard her get very excited like that.)

Beneath her night gown Kendrick spotted what looked like a strangely shaped bubble between Twillow’s thighs. He squinted and then saw a bright glowing liquid that looked like part of the sun filling the bubble.

His first glimpse of Life Water. Their Life Water.

Twillow whimpered and laid her torso over Kendrick’s finger with shaking wings. The bubble filled more, the Life Water swirled and glowed brightly. After what seemed like too long, Twillow sighed. She looked relieved as she lay draped on Kendrick’s finger like a wet towel. Gelilah quickly put her hands around the bubble and removed it. The moment it went into her hands it changed, conforming into a sealed crystalline bottle.

“You did it, Twillow! You did it! Oh. It’s so beautiful.” Gelilah held the vessel close as if it was already a baby.

Just then Twillow’s knees gave out from weakness. Kendrick’s other fingers swooped around her backside, shoving a few pieces of furniture out of the way as he lifted her up and out of the room.

“Careful! She’s very weak!” Gelilah protested.

“I’ve got her.” Kendrick assured, cradling his mate like a tiny tired bird to his chest.

Twillow’s little hands clenched at his shirt as she, folded her wings and breathed with fatigue.

His powerful fingers became feathery gentle as he stroked her back, “You did it, my light. My strong little light.”

Kendrick had always loved Twillow for her gentle, sweet personality but in this moment, he held such pride for her strength and perseverance. With a brief flick of his eyes, he stared at the glowing vessel of Life Water that Gelilah and Aemond were admiring. The promise of their new baby resided within that vessel. His hearts almost skipped thinking of what would happen next.

…

The next day…

So much happened after Twillow expelled her Life Water. Though she was able to rest comfortably and regain her strength with Kendrick doting on her, the whole Birchwood Estate was buzzing like a beehive. Everyone close to the family was notified and were brought to the Estate via transport spell. Once everyone was gathered outside on the lawn it was soon time to go to the Tree of Eilithysis. Twillow appeared on the steps adorned in her new ceremonial wrap. In her arms she held the vessel of Life Water. Kendrick stood over the assembly nearby until Twillow flew up and landed in his hands. Hugo and Gelilah opened the new portal to the Tree of Eilithysis and as per tradition, the parents to be led the procession through the portal.

In Kendrick’s hands he carried Twillow and in her arms she carried their Life Water. The other family and friends followed. Once through the portal the light made the giant close his eyes it was so bright. He held up a blocking hand as he adjusted, but even so the Tree of Eilithysis was brighter and more ethereal than Twillow’s Memory Eyes made it seem. Perched atop a hill of fancifully twisted roots and surrounded by statuary and fields of flowers, the tree stood like a silvery beacon amid the towering gold and white trees. Even Kendrick felt small amid said trees.

Kendrick was amazed by the sight and halted in his steps, forcing everyone to stop behind his boots. Twillow had to persuade him forward and continue the procession. He snapped out of his wondered stare and walked up the path Twillow indicated he take.

As they neared the tree, several white forms began to break away from the cotton-like tufts that adorned the branches. It was the Mothuri; the fluffy moth-like beings who tended the Tree of Eilithysis. On silent furry wings they landed in two even rows at the base of the tree’s roots which led to a crystal clear pool of water.

“Stop here and set me down.” Twillow told Kendrick.

He stopped and delicately set her down. Behind him the procession of family and friends began taking seats in the floral fields surrounding the tree. Everyone fell quiet when the largest Mothuri elegantly stepped forward.

“You bring an offering to the Tree of Eilithysis?” she asked in a soft, whispering tone.

Twillow nodded, holding her vessel of Life Water and gesturing to Kendrick, “We do.”

“Then bring it forth and pour it into the Well of Offering.” The fluffy white being gestured behind her.

Twillow stepped forward slowly. She touched the top of the magic container and it opened. With a gentle tip of the crystalline vessel, Twillow poured their Life Water offering into the pool at the base of the tree. The precious, glowing liquid beaded like oil on the water. For a moment nothing happened. Kendrick realized he hadn’t been breathing and exhaled deeply. Then their Life Water moved toward the twisted roots that made the backsplash of the Well of Offering and seeped into the roots like a sponge absorbs water.

Twillow bowed her head and made a reverent gesture with her hands. Kendrick blinked, remembering he was supposed to do it too. Only when Twillow raised her head and took to the air did he stop.

“Did it…did it work?” he whispered.

The fluffy, black-eyed Mothuri gestured with her elegant feathery antennae, “The Tree has absorbed your offering. If it accepts the offering there shall be a new bloom.”

Twillow fluttered up the tree her eyes wide and searching. Kendrick stood as well to find the bloom. His eyes moved across the branches, trying to find any sort of movement or sign of growth.

Nothing was happening.

“These things can take time.” The Mothuri mentioned calmly as she alit amid the fuzzy foliage of the glowing tree, almost blending in with it.

Kendrick acknowledged her with a look and asked hopefully, “Can you sense if it’s going to bloom?”

The Mothuri gave a small smile, “The Tree will tell us when the time is right. Sometimes we must be patient.”

Patient.

In most things, Kendrick could be incredibly patient but this wasn’t something he could be patient with. He needed to know if this was going to happen or not! For months he’d mentally killed himself thinking about this day and if it would become their best day or their worst.

Twillow and Kendrick kept their eyes on the tree for at least an hour before the Mothuri suggested they relax and sit. It took some coaxing but eventually they both sat together, Twillow on his shoulder.

As she sat, Twillow could feel Kendrick’s heartbeats even through his shoulder. Normally his beats were rather slow but right now, they were hammering with ferocious intensity. His fingers were fidgeting. Of course, she was nervous too. She leaned against his neck and stroked him. His head turned slightly and he exhaled deeply but he didn’t seem any more relaxed than before as he kept his eyes trained on the tree. Ever since coming to the Parliel Realm he’d been on edge, feeling the need to protect her from anything. It had become overbearing and, frankly, scary in some instances. But she had done her best to keep him calm and restrained. She could definitely see it was a battle for him. The Kraskol attack had certainly upped his protectiveness as well as stirred the pot of doubt within him.

...

Hours passed and the family was growing even more anxious. That is until the Mothuri midwives began to move and congregate in a lower branch of the tree. Kendrick immediately leaned forward upon noticing the activity. Twillow had to hang on as he rocked forward into a tall kneeling position to gain a better view of what was happening.

“Is-is… is it here?” he asked.

No sooner had he spoken, the Mothuri began cooing in a singing sort of manner, their fluffy moth wings vibrating. The light of the tree began undulating in slow waves toward the spot where the moth midwives congregated. Then Kendrick and Twillow watched as a bud began stretching out from the tree, swelling like a balloon filling with water. The Mothuri midwives kept up their haunting singing as they positioned and caressed the growing pod. After a few moments it seemed to stop. The singing devolved into a gentle humming noise.

Kendrick exhaled deeply. He had held his breath for too long again. His eyes almost went dry, he dared not blink. But the pod remained still and closed. Anxiety twisted at his neck, wringing out his chest like a wet towel. He too could feel Twillow’s wings vibrating with anticipation as well as smell her anxiousness. That smell seemed to be prevalent amongst Twillow’s family, particularly Gelilah.

She didn’t believe this bud would bloom. She thought his non-magic blood would taint and ruin Twillow’s chance of having a baby.

That couldn’t be true. It can’t.

They waited longer still. The haze of dusk was beginning to glow as the sun sank. Kendrick swallowed hard, the lump in his throat feeling like a boulder with jagged edges. Twillow had said if the bud didn’t bloom by sunset, then the Life Water offering had been rejected. But, the Mothuri midwives had not moved since the bud appeared.

The Mothuri never abandon a viable bloom.

That tiny detail was the only thing keeping Kendrick sane at the moment. But the sun was mercilessly dropping faster and faster it seemed.

“Come on little one. Come on. Please bloom.” He pleaded in a whisper as his right hand clasped over his left fist.

More time passed; darkness was creeping across the land. The smell of anxiousness was prevalent like a thick fog. Kendrick couldn’t take it much longer.

And then the tree’s light began to undulate in slow gradual waves. The Mothuri raised their wings and began a new song. Their wing motions synced with the tree’s light pulses. Suddenly, a light as bright as a star filled the area around the pod. No one could look at it directly. The song went quiet. When the light faded, Kendrick uncovered his eyes, blinked to adjust, and he leaned forward again.

The Mothuri midwives were bustling around the empty pod, their wings flapping in an excited manner. Each one seemed to be doing something important. As if on cue, Twillow flew from Kendrick’s shoulder toward them. Amid the flurry of fuzzy white wings, the head Mothuri parted the others to meet Twillow. In her thin arms she held a small gray form. She coaxed Twillow closer and whispered something in her ear. Kendrick moved his head earnestly, trying to figure out what was happening. He could smell a rise in anxiety from his mate.

“What’s wrong?” he asked fearfully. “Is it all right?”

After a moment the Mothuri carefully passed the baby to Twillow. Twillow carefully, reverently took her baby and held it close, violet eyes flooded with tears.

Kendrick was frozen until Twillow turned and flew back toward him. He opened his hands and she landed gently in them.

She looked up at him, crying and smiling, “It’s a little girl, Kendrick!”

Kendrick felt as if his body lost all energy when he gazed down upon his new daughter, curled up in Twillow’s arms. She was gray-skinned like him with a shock of white, translucent hair covering the top of her head. Her eyes were closed but she had the prettiest face, round, petite, and lovely as her mother’s. Kendrick took in her scent instantly. It was so much like Twillow’s but sweeter and not as sharply electric, but still floral and so fresh smelling. He memorized it for the first time.

Twillow called out to the family and gathered friends nearby, “It’s a girl!”

A cheer rose up from the gathered group. Twillow could see her mother break down, covering her face as she cried tears of joy. Aemond was shaking hands all around, his wings fluttering with excitement. Marci was hugging both Elmry and Hugo, squealing that she knew it would be a girl. Very soon the Mothuri midwives began flying down to the gathered family and friends nearby and were ushering them away so the parents could have a moment with their baby.

As Twillow turned back to Kendrick, a hot wet splash nearly soaked her and the baby. Twillow felt her bare feet soaked by a tear. She looked up and Kendrick bowed his head, his massive shoulders shaking. He looked like he was desperately trying not to sob but obviously failing.

“Oh…Kendrick.” Twillow felt her own tears wet her cheeks.

He drew in a shuddering breath through his teeth and slowly settled, though his eyes could fill a couple buckets.

“She…she’s beautiful.” He whispered. “So beautiful.”

With great gentility he nuzzled Twillow’s side with his nose, breathing in the scents of his new family.

Twillow cuddled the tiny baby and kissed her forehead, “She looks like you.”

He shook his head, “No. She looks like you. So pretty…like a little butterfly.”

“Butterfly…hmm…then why don’t we call her… Kimimeyla?” she offered. “Kimi for short.”

The pair had briefly discussed names for their new baby, boy or girl. They never really decided definitively on anything but now it seemed a name had caught Twillow’s approval.

“Kimimeyla.” Kendrick repeated then smiled, “It sounds like Heymela, the first giantess. I…I love it.”

At that moment their daughter opened her eyes. The lovely violet of her mother’s eyes shown through behind perfect lashes.

“Hi. Hi, Kimimeyla. Hi.” Twillow cooed, holding her close and stroking her soft hair.

Kimi blinked sleepily and yawned, stretching her tiny arms. She looked up at her mother as she continued to talk to her.

“Hi, Kimimeyla. Hello my little one.” Kendrick whispered ever so gently.

The large violet eyes tried to find him but they didn’t seem able to focus much yet. All at once she started to fuss, crying for the first time. Kendrick blinked and pulled his head back.

“Did…did I scare her?” he asked in a worried whisper.

“You must feed her.” The head Mothuri instructed, fluttering nearby on silent fluffy wings. “The first feed is most important.”

Nodding, Twillow sat in Kendrick’s hands, unclasped her wrap, positioned Kimi, and waited for her to latch onto her breast. Kimi fussed slightly but when she smelled the magic infused milk, she began to suckle. She made tiny noises and both mother and daughter began to glow as she fed; bonding as only a mother and infant could. Even though her skin was gray, Kimimeyla seemed to glow faintly green beneath her skin. Kendrick watched, fascinated and full of pride.

When Twillow shifted their daughter, the blanket she was wrapped in fell away and Kendrick spotted two dark lines on their daughter’s gray back.

“Are…are those her wings?” Kendrick asked, trying to get a better look.

Twillow also noticed them for the first time but her face appeared worried. She touched them gently with her fingers and frowned.

“What? What’s wrong?” Kendrick asked, immediately smelling she was anxious.

“The…the Mothuri midwife says Kimi has wing stubs, but…they-they aren’t right.” Her tone was sad.

“Not right? What do you mean?”

Twillow put her finger under one of the black lines, lifting it away from Kimi’s back. It looked like the main, thick structures that connected to Twillow’s back but on Kimi’s there weren’t any membranes.

Kendrick’s brow scrunched with concern, “Will-will they grow as she gets older?”

Twillow shrugged patting Kimi’s silky white hair, “I don’t know. They look too small…and they aren’t designed right. We’ll have Dr. Wentzel look at her when we return.”

Talons of worry clenched hard into Kendrick’s throat, “It’s…a deformity?”

Twillow made a face but gently kissed her daughter’s forehead with a smile. Though she privately worried, it didn’t matter in that moment. She and Kendrick had their new baby and she was perfect. Despite all the doubts and naysaying there she was: Kimimeyla.