The Light of My Hearts

Back in the Parliel Realm...

It was early morning when Marci appeared on the veranda searching for Kendrick. Predictably he was easy to find but she wasn’t sure if he’d be awake or not. Luckily, he was awake, sitting outside Twillow’s window. Twillow typically was not the earliest riser and since her pregnancy she was sleeping longer.

“Kendrick? Your breakfast is ready.” She announced.

He glanced over at her, “I’m...not really hungry.”

“Really? I made you something nice and meaty. One of my elven cooks used some special magic to make it bigger and everything.” She coaxed.

He had detected the scent of the food ever since he awoke. It did smell nice but...

“Guess I just don’t have much of an appetite.” He replied sullenly.

The elven succubus crossed her arms and leaned her head slightly, “You seem upset.”

His eyes slanted over to her and he sighed.

She persisted, “Food usually helps. Come on around to the kitchen and we can talk about it if you want?” she turned and shouted back, “I won’t let you waste my food!”

Guilt-tripped, Kendrick sighed again, took one last look at Twillow asleep, then stood up, and wandered around the mansion to the other side where the kitchen was situated. Marci and her staff had made a “small” dining spot for him for when he was his true size. A large wooden tray that he could place in his lap for meals was situated with a plate that had a large breakfast meat pie and a glass of some sort of bluish-purple fruit juice.

He was about to sit when a yellow blur flew at his face and before he could stop her, Silky was coiled around his neck, rubbing her head under his jaw. A happy chirp came from the dragon. Ever since he’d been on the Birchwood property the friendly dragon always came to greet him and get pets. She seemed to really like it when Kendrick was his normal size because he could pet her entire body. To him she was about the size of a smaller pet ferret.

“Hey, Silky.” He scratched her feathered neck with his finger.

She chirped a purr at him.

Marci reappeared through the back door of her kitchen and she threw up her hands, “Ok, Silky! That’s enough. He needs to eat his breakfast. Here...I’ve got a treat for you.”

Hearing her master’s command, the dragon gave a last rub to Kendrick’s face before flying down to receive her treat. Marci fed her, rubbed her muzzle, then gestured. Well-trained, the dragon flew back to its nesting quarters away from the mansion.

Free, Kendrick took a careful seat and positioned the breakfast tray on his lap.

“See? Just your size.” She proclaimed.

He nodded, “Smells...nice.”

“You’d better eat it.” She smiled, took a seat in an outdoor chair, and slathered on the guilt thick when he hesitated to eat, “I’ve been slaving away in the kitchen during the wee hours of the morning just so you can tell me you’re not hungry...?”

“Fine! Fine. I’ll eat.”

The light purple-skinned chef leaned back against the back rest with an overly dramatic arm over her eyes, “Everyone must think my cooking is terrible since they are so hesitant to eat!”

Kendrick rolled his eyes and took a big bite of the meat pie, “Oh for the love of...SEE? I’m eating it. Sheesh.”

“Good boy.” She laughed.

It was really good as usual. Nothing the elven succubus had made was bad.

“So, what’s on your mind?” she prompted as he ate. “You’re a bit sullener that usual.”

Kendrick shrugged, “Nothin’.”

She stared at him and shrugged back in a mocking way, “Sure. You disrupt the mansion yesterday and everything is sunshine today?”

The giant picked at his food, frowning.

“Are you nervous about starting your job today?”

He looked at her, surprised how perceptive the woman was. A half-nod moved his head.

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Why not?”

His right eyebrow lifted with a look that said “seriously?” and took another bite of his breakfast.

Marci leaned back in her chair, “It can’t be easy being ten times bigger than everything and everyone around you. Being...different.”

He swallowed and nodded.

“I understand being different. An elven succubus is not exactly a common thing...or a well-liked thing.” Marci stated.

Kendrick stared at her with scrutiny, “People hate you too?”

She huffed, “Well...more like they don’t trust me. Elves are overwhelmingly accepted here, but a succubus... not so much.” She looked up at him curiously and repeated him, “‘Hate you too?’ You’re hated?”

The giant frowned but admitted, “Yeah.” Kendrick took a sip of his juice, “At least you don’t scare people.”

She laughed, ”You were afraid of me.”

He blinked at her, “I was not.”

“The first time I met you, you looked like you wanted to hide under the table.” She continued to laugh.

“Well...not-not exactly.” He mumbled, shoving more meat pie in his mouth.

“More like I thought about coming over the table for you...”

Marci giggled until he asked another question.

“Does Mrs. Birchwood like you?” he inquired.

“Sure. But I’ve lived in the Birchwood mansion my whole life and had a chance to build her trust in me.” She held up a hand, “Oh, believe me, there was a time where she thought I was a bad influence on Twillow and didn’t want me near her. But when Twillow caught Sylphus Blight and didn’t want to eat...”

“Sylphus Blight?” he interrupted, not liking the sound of the word.

“Yeah. It’s a disease that fae can get. Their magic can fight it but it can’t cure instantly. Their wings get flimsy, their skin gets splotchy and dull, and sometimes it can kill them. Twillow caught it and Gelilah was devastated when she refused to eat and was growing weaker. I tried so many things until finally I got her to eat when no one else could. And from then on, she trusted me implicitly with Twillow and herself.” The elven succubus illuminated.

Kendrick blinked, seeming worried at the very thought of Twillow being so sick, “She...can’t get Sylphus Blight again, can she?”

“Not likely.”

He sighed with relief.

“I know it’s a pain, but Gelilah will realize how good you are for Twillow too.”

The giant grunted and finished his breakfast, “I wouldn’t count on it.” He set the tray aside, “Thank you for breakfast. It was delicious as always.”

“You’re very welcome. Oh! Here.” She rushed inside a moment and returned with a new tray, “I’ll bet Twillow would love some breakfast in bed from you.”

Kendrick tipped his head with a coy smirk, “I don’t suppose I’m dressed in the proper “uniform” for that?

Marci laughed, “I’m sure she wouldn’t complain if you did it in less clothes.”

He chuckled quietly and took the tray between his fingers, “Nice try.”

“Fine. Don’t make my day.” She pouted falsely before smiling again, “And don’t worry. You’ll do fine at the job.”

“Thanks, Marci. I appreciate the vote of confidence.” He replied before standing and walking back around to where Twillow’s room sat.

He opened the balcony doors with a gentle push of his finger. (Twillow left them unlocked so he wouldn’t break the lock again).

With is finger her gave her a light nudge followed by a gentle voice, “Wake up, my light. Time for breakfast.”

Twillow groaned and seemed to hold her blanket tighter, “Mmm...not now. Tired.”

He was going to prompt her again when he heard his name called from far away. Kendrick squinted and glanced to his right near the veranda. No one was there. He scented but couldn’t detect anything. Dismissing it, he turned back to Twillow’s room.

“Master Kendrick?” a little voice, almost too quiet to hear, squeaked in his right ear.

“Hmm?” he turned again, eyes searching.

Again, he didn’t see anything but suddenly a pink light flitted in front of his eye. He closed his other eye and quickly Petal the tiny fairy came into focus. When he was shrunk, she wasn’t much bigger than a sparrow, now she was the size of a fly to him.

“Oh, Petal?” he said in a normal voice which seemed too much when her tiny hands covered her ears. He then whispered, “Sorry.”

She said something but he couldn’t hear her clearly. Kendrick gestured to his ear and squinted.

Petal took a deep breath and shouted in her loudest voice, “Master Elmry is here for you!”

He gave her a small smile and nod, not wishing to overwhelm the tiny fairy with his voice.

She made a gesture to the front of the house, shouting, “Follow me!”

Kendrick raised a finger in a “just a minute” gesture.

Since it seemed Twillow wanted the extra sleep, Kendrick gently placed her breakfast tray on the table inside Twillow’s room. With a careful grip, he picked up Twillow’s bed gently and brought it out of the window.

She sat up in a bit of shock, “Kendrick?”

He nuzzled her in the bed, “I don’t want to leave without my kiss.”

Though tired, she smiled and kissed his upper lip, “Have a good day, sweethearts.”

“Rest. I’ll be back later.”

He kissed her stomach, placed her bed back in her room, then stood up to follow the tiny pink light that was Petal. When they came around, Elmry was standing on the front steps with Aemond. Kendrick could smell he was nervous.

He looked to Petal and whispered, “Could you make sure Twillow eats all of her breakfast when she wakes?”

The rose-colored fairy gave a distinct nod, bowed her head, and darted off.

“Good morning.” He greeted the fae males.

“Good morning.” They reciprocated.

“Are you ready for your first day on the job?” Aemond inquired.

Kendrick shrugged with his hands, “Just...tell me what I need to do.”

Elmry nodded his head, took to the air, and gestured with his arm, “Follow me.”

...

Later in a large building several blocks from the Estate...

“This is Birchwood Crystals Emporium where we house, crate, and quality test the mines’ crystals.” Elmry explained when they arrived at a large stone building. “I’d show you around...but we don’t really have a door you can fit through.”

Kendrick shrugged, “Didn’t expect one. But how am I going to help you?”

“Well...we have to see where you can help. Obviously, you can’t test the crystals since you don’t possess magic.”

Kendrick shook his head in agreement.

“You can’t fit in the building so crating the crystals is out.” Elmry thought aloud.

“Dad only told me about this last night so forgive me if I seem ill-prepared.” He requested, “I think maybe I’ll have you try local deliveries first.” Elmry explained.

The giant bobbed his head, unsure what that meant exactly, “So...what do I have to do?”

Elmry gestured around to the far side of the building and Kendrick followed with careful steps. There was a larger doorway with several species of guards standing at the ready.

“Magic crystals are very valuable and can contain a lot of power the purer they are. We have to take every precaution to make sure they don’t fall into the wrong hands.” Elmry explained, gesturing to the guards.

“Your father said there have been some shipments that have gone missing?” Kendrick asked.

“A couple. We have guards and some barriers but thieves can be clever and elusive...especially if they are magic users themselves.” He looked up at Kendrick, “Typically if we deliver crystals, we send guards to accompany the couriers. But if you make the delivery, you’d be a courier and a guard all in one. Then we’re not spread so thin here.”

Kendrick nodded, “I see.” He felt awkward for asking but he did, “So...what am I specifically supposed to do?”

At that moment a brown-legged satyr wearing the purple and gold uniform of the business came out, “Mr. Birchwood! Where is he?”

“Up here, Barker.” Elmry waved to get the goat man’s attention. “What’s wrong?”

The satyr looked up to him and instantly saw Kendrick too. His strange goat eyes went wide. Suddenly his whole body seemed to go stiff as a board and he fell over, limbs out and appearing frozen.

“Oh...” Elmry grimaced, flying down to the satyr.

Kendrick tipped his head with curiosity at the odd manner of the faint, but sighed heavily, “Sorry. Guess you should’ve warned him.”

“Well...Barker faints easily.” Elmry explained as he patted the satyr’s face to rouse him, “Barker! Hey, Barker!”

The goat man’s eyes blinked and his stiff limbs relaxed as he seemed to awaken, “Oh...oh my. I fainted, didn’t I?”

“Yeah.” Elmry nodded then gestured up at Kendrick, “This is my brother-in-law, Kendrick. He’s going to work for us.”

Barker barely blinked as he stared up at the towering gray giant, “Brother...in-law?”

“Yes.”

It took a moment for the young satyr to process that as Elmry helped him up. The goat man shook himself and flicked his tail.

“My...apologies.” Barker stated, brushing himself off.

“What were you about to tell me?” Elmry pressed.

“Oh. We...we had another box turn up missing.”

Elmry groaned, “Again? Didn’t anybody see anything?”

“Well, one of the night guards says they scared the perpetrator off but he still got away with a box. And they said whoever it was uses ice magic. He left a slick of ice on the floor and froze the door shut so the guards couldn’t catch him.” Barker explained.

“Hm. Well that’s more than we had before.”

“Which door?” Kendrick asked out of the blue.

“Um...” Barker pointed around the building to a smaller exit door.

Kendrick took a long careful step and knelt down. He scented around the area. The scent was tingly, like eating mint and breathing in sharply and it was mixed with the smell of sweat and cedar.

Elmry approached from the side, “You smell something?”

“Hm. That’s a new one.” Kendrick replied, “Haven’t smelled something like that before. But if I smell it again, I might be able to figure out who’s taking your stuff.”

“Oh! Well, that would be great if you could.” The fae sounded hopeful but cautious, “But please...don’t do anything drastic.”

Kendrick nodded.

Elmry then looked to Barker, “Do we have any deliveries ready to ship out in the city today?”

Barker took out a roll of paper and read it, “Yes, sir. Several small orders today. I’ll go get the cart.”

“No need, Barker.” He pointed to Kendrick, “I’ll have Kendrick carry them while I deliver to show him how it’s done.”

“O-oh. But...you’ve got a mountain of paperwork, sir.”

Elmry waved a hand, “That can wait. Give me the delivery roster.”

Barker did as commanded and Elmry reviewed the papers a moment, “Ok. This will be a good start. Are all the boxes ready?”

“Yes sir. I’ll have them brought out.”

In a short time, the doors opened and several workers were carting out a pile of wooden boxes ready for delivery. When they were ready Elmry pointed to the pile.

“Ok, Kendrick. Carefully pick those up.”

Kendrick nodded and knelt down, gently stacking the crates in one of his hands until both hands were full. He stood.

“Follow me.” Elmry waved to him as he flew away.

Taking gentle steps, Kendrick followed after Twillow’s brother. They arrived near a store-lined street a couple blocks away.

“Here we are.” Elmry announced, pointing to a red signed shop.

Elmry landed in in Kendrick’s hands and mulled over the collection of boxes a moment. One of the boxes magically floated out of the pile and came to the shorter fae.

“Ok. Watch closely.”

Elmry landed in front of the shop and Kendrick watched him.

One of the workers, an elf, exited upon seeing Elmry.

“Good morning, Shyla. I have your order here. Five bags of healing crystals and five medium soothing turquoises?” he greeted warmly.

“Yes! We’ve been wait- OH!” she noticed Kendrick’s boot nearby and then the rest of him.

She smelled afraid so Kendrick looked away, pretending to be disinterested.

“Oh, don’t be alarmed. This is Kendrick, my brother-in-law. He’s helping me deliver today.” Elmry reassured her.

“I-I-see.”

“Here you go.” Elmry handed her the crate and a paper on top, “If you’ll just sign here.”

She signed the paper.

“There we go. You have a great day and if you need anymore, just contact one of our representatives in the market.” Elmry bowed his head pleasantly.

“Thank you.” She disappeared with her goods into the store.

Elmry flew up and looked at Kendrick.

“See? Just like that: you greet, give them their order, have them sign the paper, and wish them a good day.” He explained.

Kendrick frowned.

“What?” Elmry questioned the look.

“You honestly think I can do that?” Kendrick sighed.

“Well, sure.” The short fae nodded, “Come on. Let’s go to the next one.”

As they moved down the street, Kendrick minded his steps while the street goers parted ahead of him. All through the morning they delivered each crate until there were only three left in Kendrick’s hand.

Elmry pointed out the last residence when they arrived, “Ok. Now you try.”

Kendrick frowned, “I...I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

But the short fae was persistent, “Come on. Don’t be shy. Just knock gently and do just what I’ve been doing.”

“I’m not shy...I just...I just know how this is going to go.” Kendrick grumbled.

Elmry pointed, “Come on. Just try. You’ve got to start somewhere.”

Giving him a look, Kendrick sighed, took the tiny slip of paper, knelt down, and with a single finger, tapped the door. A pause followed. Then a blue and purple haired flower nymph with a pretty face answered the door. At first, she didn’t seem to notice Kendrick as she looked from left to right.

“Hello?” she inquired.

“Um…hello.” Kendrick replied in his gentlest voice.

Fear scent shot up his nose when her eyes suddenly darted upward. Before he could utter another word, she shut the door with all haste. Kendrick sighed and gave Elmry a pessimistic look as if it say, “See?”.

Elmry made a coaxing gesture with his hands, “Tell her why you’re here.”

The giant frowned, exhaled, and placed the three crates in front of the door, “I’ve…brought you your crystals.”

“From the Birchwood Crystal Emporium…” Elmry prompted.

“From the Birchwood Crystal Emporium.” Kendrick repeated.

Another long pause.

Then the door cracked open and the petite nymph peeked out, “J-Just leave it there.”

He slowly held the piece of paper in front of the crack in the door, “I…just need you to sign this.”

“Please.” Elmry whispered.

“Please.”

A cautious arm poked through the doorway and with a magic movement, her signature appeared on the paper. The delicate arm disappeared behind the door again.

“Thank her and wish her a good day.” Elmry prompted.

The giant sighed, “Thank you and have a good day.”

Not wanting to waste any more time, Kendrick stood up and left.

Elmry flew in front of him, flying backwards, “See? You did it!”

Kendrick wasn’t so optimistic as he frowned and shook his head, “She was afraid of me. I can’t imagine that would be good for your business if I scare your customers.”

“They’re just not used to you yet.” Elmry stated.

“Thank you for trying, Elmry. But…I don’t think this will work.” Kendrick disagreed. “I think it would be better if you gave me some other job. Something that doesn’t cause so many issues.”

Elmry crossed his arms, seeming to think, “Tell you what…give this job a week. If it doesn’t get better or I see it’s not working then I’ll figure out something else. Ok?”

Kendrick looked at him and finally nodded. It sounded like a fair enough proposal…but he didn’t have high hopes for it.

…

Later that day…

Ever since the morning the Birchwood Estate had been in decorating mode for the upcoming baby shower. Brightly colored decorations adorned the veranda accompanied by floating lights around the garden paths and along the eaves of the mansion. Several trees were being wrapped in colored cloth around their trunks and several bushes. The kitchen was in full prep after the menu had been decided upon. Twillow and Gelilah had overseen much of the decorating in various parts of the Estate until Twillow felt fatigued.

Gelilah spotted her leaning against the wall near the ballroom, “Are you all right, Twillow?”

“Just a bit tired I suppose.” She admitted.

Her mother touched her shoulder, “You’re doing too much.”

“I feel like I haven’t done anything.” Twillow complained.

“You will get tired more easily as your Life Water demands more and more.” Gelilah explained, “I was tired all the time with all four of you. The creation of a new life requires so much energy.” She observed Twillow a moment, “But, I suppose we could call Doctor Wentzel in tomorrow just to be sure.”

“Mom, I’m fine. I’m just tired.”

“I’ll contact him so he can check you before your shower.” Gelilah insisted, “It’s been a few weeks since you’ve seen him.”

“Two weeks.” Twillow grumbled.

She touched her face, “I just want to be sure you’re not overdoing anything. You don’t need any stresses. Besides, this is your first time carrying Life Water, we mustn’t take chances. Epi!”

The little, sharply dressed fairy appeared in seconds, “Yes, Mrs. Birchwood?”

“Can you see Twillow upstairs. She needs her rest.” She requested.

“Of course, Madam.” He bowed and waited for Twillow to start up the stairs.

…

Half an hour later...

Petal was gracefully flying a piece of cloth around the trunk of a tree to decorate it when she spotted Kendrick returning from afar. The fairy knew she was small, even amongst her own kind, but seeing Twillow’s husband in his true form was something else entirely. The biggest person she knew was the cyclops guard Callan. But Kendrick made him look like a doll.

When she went to get him that morning, he couldn’t even hear her properly unless she shouted and if he talked normally her whole body felt like a vibrating bell. It was almost like talking to a storm, imposing and powerful. Thankfully, he seemed to understand and whispered.

“Petal!” Mrs. Birchwood called, her voice betraying annoyance.

“Yes, Madam?”

“Will you please make sure that brute doesn’t wreck anything when he comes onto the grounds?” she gestured.

Though she felt like protesting such an unfair assumption she bowed obediently. If anything, Master Kendrick was remarkably careful for being so big. Well…unless he didn’t want to be…like yesterday.

Quickly, Petal flew out to meet Kendrick. She made sure to flash her natural light so he would see her more easily. His amber eyes found her and he came to a stop.

“Hello, Petal.” He greeted in a quiet voice.

“Hello, Master Kendrick!” She in turn raised her voice, “Mrs. Twillow finished her breakfast this morning just like you asked!”

He nodded with a smile, “Good. Thank you.” He glanced around at the new decorations that had gone up, “What’s all this?”

“We’ve been decorating for the baby shower today. It’ll be the day after tomorrow!” she shouted in explanation.

“Ah.” He nodded, eyes wandering again, “Where is Twillow?”

Petal gestured behind her, “She got tired and is resting in her room!”

Kendrick suddenly had a concerned look and briskly moved around the tiny fairy straight for the mansion. Petal spun like a leaf in the wind when his huge body displaced the air around him. She flew after him, near his ear so he could hear her.

“She’s ok, Master Kendrick! Just…mind your steps, please!” she tried.

The moment she said that he crushed a couple decorated bushes.

“Oh. Oh my.” She fretted, flying down to rejuvenate the unfortunate plants.

It seemed he was very concerned about Mrs. Twillow. So sweet.

…

Kendrick arrived at Twillow’s balcony and pushed open the door, “Twillow?”

Abruptly, a pink light shot toward his eye. He pulled back slightly to see Epi. He looked like he was scolding him but he couldn’t hear what the fairy was saying.

“Hello, Epi.” He greeted quietly but flatly like someone greeting a little dog that was barking at them.

Epi seemed to realize his quieter voice could not be heard raised it, “You’re disturbing Miss Twillow’s sleep!”

Unconcerned by the minuscule fairy attendant, Kendrick smirked. He blew a quick puff of air which sent the tiny fairy spinning away like an out-of-control firefly. Outraged by the action, Epi glowed brighter and was about to fly off the handle when Twillow spoke.

“That will be all, Epi.” She stated sleepily.

He buzzed his wings, glared at Kendrick, but then bowed to her and did as he was told.

“Sweethearts?” Twillow called.

“I’m here my light. Are you alright?” he reached into the room to touch her outstretched hand.

“Just tired. It’s normal, mother says. Doctor Wentzel will come by tomorrow to check up on me. How was your day?” she asked.

“Oh…um…kind of…not good.” He mumbled the truth awkwardly.

Twillow rolled toward him, her violet eyes concerned, “What happened? Didn’t Elmry help you?”

“Elmry was good help but I…I scared people.” He looked away, “You know. Normal stuff.”

She stroked his finger supportively, “Oh, sweethearts.”

“I told Elmry it wasn’t a good idea to have me deliver things directly to his customers, but he says I need to give it a week.” He explained sourly.

“Don’t worry, Kendrick. It’ll work out once everyone sees how wonderful you are.” She encouraged.

He huffed, “I think you’re inflating that idea a bit…”

“It took me time to not be afraid of you, you know?” she stated.

A shrug lifted his shoulders, “Yeah.” He looked in at her fondly, “Well, get some rest. I’ll be right here when you wake.”