The Light of My Hearts

Meanwhile in Marlayla the next morning...

Kendrick awoke before Twillow and rolled toward her to watch her sleep a moment. She was blissfully curled on her side, snuggled up close to him. Nothing was more beautiful; not gold, not jewels, not magic, just her. For her, for their coming child, he would do anything.

Absently, he remembered the golden wrist cuff that Twillow had presented to him, which was now on the night table beside them. He reached over and grabbed the piece of jewelry. He stared at its simple design, turning it over in his hands.

So, this bracelet thing would keep him this size until it was removed?

This was the fourth day. He probably only had one more left at this size. After that he’d change back and things could get...more complicated.

His eyes wandered over to Twillow sleeping beside him and he gave a small smile. She was the sole reason being small was nice. For five days at a time, he could feel like a man and lover to her. He didn’t have to be so delicately careful. He didn’t have to measure the loudness of his voice or the weight of his steps. Despite feeling vulnerable, he also felt assured.

He frowned as his mind diverted to their future child.

How would this work with a tiny child?

He couldn’t stay this way forever and he was well aware of the imminent danger his normal size would pose to a tiny baby. Even normal parental affection could be dangerous. He’d never be able to live with himself if he accidentally harmed or killed their child. A shudder of dread hit him.

Even if they got a child how could he keep it safe when he was more dangerous than anything around? How could he be a father of a child if it was too delicate to even touch without the risk of harm?

“What are you thinking about, sweethearts?” Twillow’s soft sleepy voice inquired.

Kendrick turned his head to her, then fiddled with the bracelet in his hands, “Just...the future. I guess.”

“Our baby?”

He nodded, sighed again, then frowned.

“What’s with that look?”

“I just...I just don’t...I mean...” he growled with frustration.

He didn’t want to say he was afraid to be a dad. Twillow might think he was ungrateful or trying to dodge the responsibility. He’d voiced his concerns with Sig before they returned to the Parliel Realm but he had yet to voice his worries to Twillow. Namely the simple fact that he would be a danger to their child and that in and of itself would make him inadequate as a father.

Her gentle, reassuring hand touched him, eyes saying he should speak. Yet, he chose not to speak of his doubts. Instead, he shifted to other concerns he had in his head.

“I know you don’t mind when I’m...myself. But I get the feeling others won’t appreciate my presence here.” He tapped the bracelet against his palm, “Maybe it would be better if I just wore this?”

Twillow sat up, “That’s your decision, sweethearts. But I don’t want you to worry about my mother.”

“Oh, it’s not just her. She’ll hate me big or small. It’s just...I’ve always been able to take care of my own needs. But here, I can’t just find what I need without bringing misfortune to you and your family.”

“You won’t bring misfortune.”

He scoffed, “I eat a lot, I’m loud, I’m too big for most places, I destroy things without even trying.” He made an uncomfortable face, “And it’s not just those things. It’s...the everyday stuff I do. I mean...where am I supposed to bathe and go to the bathroom here?”

A giggle popped out of Twillow.

Kendrick frowned, “I’m serious!”

She laughed into her hand, though she didn’t want to.

Kendrick folded his arms and leaned into the headboard, “It’s not funny. I’ve been worrying about that since late last night. I can’t just “go” anywhere!” he grumped. “I know damn well your mother would banish me to the lowest realm of Hell if I soiled the Estate grounds.”

Twillow leaned into him, “Actually, there’s magic that can deal with “that” while you’re here.”

A black eyebrow lifted when she touched his middle, “In fact, citizens in the Parliel Realm use this spell to get rid of our trash and waste. We just make it disappear.”

Kendrick blinked, “Seriously?”

“Did you ever notice that most fae and other magical beings wear several rings on their fingers?” Twillow mentioned.

“Um. Not really...Your dad does if I remember right.”

“The rings aren’t just for decoration. They are talismans made for specific purposes. One such purpose is making our bathroom breaks discreet.” She moved her hand gracefully in front of her belly to illustrate, “So if you see someone doing this...you’ll know.”

“O-K?” he bobbed his head with a few perplexed blinks, “I guess I should’ve expected something like that.” He moved his lips, “And...how about clothes? I’m sure the population of Marlayla doesn’t need to see me naked again.”

Twillow giggled, “I’m sure you made someone’s day.”

He looked at her incredulously and flicked his brows, “I doubt that.”

Her fingers played across his sculpted abs and chest, “Marci still won’t shut up about it.”

He laughed, ”Great.”

“I’m going to have Chezzi meet with you today for a fitting. He has this cloth that is enchanted to change with the owner. Shapeshifters use them.” Twillow explained.

“Expensive stuff I’ll bet.”

“Yes. But...”

“I’ll pay for it.”

She looked at him, “You don’t have to. You’re part of the family.”

He gave her a doubting look, “I’d rather not build up more of a burden on your family. Feeding me will be costly enough.”

“You’re not a burden.” she snuggled against him, “Besides you took care of me for a year. You’ve built up some credit.”

He kissed her and held her close, “I’ll take care of you as long as I live.”

She kissed him back and they cuddled together for a while longer until Twillow mentioned, “Seems we’re always in this bed.”

“I’m not complaining.” He grinned as he fondled her under the covers.

She sat up and laid on his chest so they were looking into each other’s eyes, “How about we go for a walk around Marlayla today? I can show you around.”

He thought a moment then sighed, touching her cheek gently, “If today is my last day like this for a while, I’d rather spend it here with you.”

Twillow made a consenting face, “Ok, sweethearts. But tomorrow you’re going with me into town to shop for our baby shower.”

“Baby...shower?” the confusion was evident.

Suddenly a rapid knock at the door interrupted.

“Mizz Twillow? Mizz Twillow? Eet’s Chezzi! We fit yo man now?” the unmistakable voice of the “fashion gnome” called through the wooden door.

Kendrick had half a mind to tell him to go away but Twillow called back, “Five minutes!”

He made an impressed face, “You think we can do it in five minutes?”

Twillow gently slapped his chest and climbed out of the bed to get her robe, “Get some pants on. We need to get you fitted.”

Kendrick grumbled a growl but did as he was asked.

...

…

Later that day…

Despite the annoying prodding, commanding, and measuring from Chezzi, Kendrick was donned with his new enchanted outfit. Mostly, it looked pretty similar to his usual simple outfits with a bit more flair: faint patterns down the legs of the black paints, fancy stitching in the white shirt and burgundy over vest, and of course a new pair of boots with fine leatherwork designs. Though he found Chezzi to be a flamboyant little pest, the “fashion gnome” knew what looked good on him. He’d have to see if these new clothes would do as Twillow said they would.

It was midday when the Estate employees seemed to bustle with activity and Gelilah was shouting out commands.

“What’s this?” Kendrick inquired, almost getting run over by a well-dressed butler trying to get his bowtie on straight.

Twillow buzzed her wings lightly and smiled, “Father is coming home from his business trip. The house always goes crazy when he signals his impending arrival.”

Unlike Gelilah, Aemond Birchwood actually seemed to like Kendrick. (He had let Twillow go with him and gave her the Amethyst Well so he could only assume that was a good thing.)

It wasn’t long before all the household staff had gathered in the foyer along with Gelilah to greet the patriarch of the house.

“Twillow! Hurry up! Your father will be here any minute!” she yelled with urgency.

Twillow took Kendrick’s hand, “Come on. Let’s go see Father.”

He followed after her down the long hall until they came to the fancy stairs that led to the lower level. Kendrick was honestly amazed by the number of employees that had gathered to line the entryway. He recognized Marci and spotted little Petal and Epi hovering behind Gelilah, but the others he wasn’t familiar. He and Twillow descended the stairs to join Gelilah and much to his surprise the staff bowed their heads in response to their passing.

Twillow didn’t miss the perplexed eye squint Kendrick did and whispered, “You’ll get used to it.”

When they drew close, he and Gelilah shared a curt nod of acknowledgement but nothing was spoken.

Warm as a blizzard that one.

In moments, there was a flicker of light and Aemond appeared in the foyer. He adjusted his large wings and gave a smile to the gathering, “Good day, everyone.”

Gelilah’s icy demeanor melted upon seeing her husband and she moved to embrace him. It was nearly comical to see the height difference between the two as Gelilah was easily over six foot and Aemond stood only as tall as her ribs. He took her hands and they gave a brief kiss.

“How was business, Aemond?” she asked.

“Only a few small inconveniences, my dear. Otherwise, running as usual.” He announced with a smile.

After their greeting Aemond embraced Twillow and kissed her cheek, “My sweet daughter, how are you feeling?”

“Just fine, Dad.” She faintly touched her belly.

Aemond had been present upon her arrival in the Parliel Realm and had received the news of her pregnancy with the gusto of a proper aristocrat. He had to leave to tend to the needs of his crystal mines before Kendrick had arrived.

“Excellent, excellent. We’ll be having your Life Water ceremony before we know it!” he smiled and hugged her again.

Then he turned his attention to Kendrick and straightened his back, “And you’re the man we need to credit for the ceremony.”

Kendrick nodded.

Aemond took his hand and shook it heartily, “Congratulations…to both of you. It’s been many a century since we’ve heard little wingbeats at this Estate.” He laughed good naturedly and looked back at Gelilah, “Don’t you agree, dear?”

Gelilah gave a forced smile and nodded, “A grandchild will be wonderful, Aemond.”

He returned the nod and then slapped the side of Kendrick’s arm, “Come on, my boy. Let’s share a drink.”

“Um…sure?” Kendrick agreed awkwardly as he glanced to Twillow.

She made a coaxing gesture telling him to go.

Aemond gave his gathered staff an approving nod as he viewed the house, “Thank you all for the lovely greeting. I appreciate seeing the Estate as nice as when I left.”

Aemond’s hands parted and a pile of small, teal cards appeared. Then like flock of birds the cards flew to each gathered staff member.

“I am inviting everyone to my daughter’s Life Water ceremony. Please present your RSVPs to Epi or Petal. I hope you can all attend. In celebration, once everything is in readiness, you will be given the day off. If you choose to work the celebration, you will be paid double for that day. You may return to your duties.”

The crowd of staff bowed respectfully and returned to their tasks, most seeming excited at the prospect of more pay or a day off.

Aemond’s large wings snapped open and he flew to the top of the stairs, seeming to forget Kendrick didn’t fly. The former giant gave his mate a look and trotted up the stairs after his father-in-law. He finally caught up, following after the oddly short fae. Aemond turned, his trimmed bluish white mustache flipping up in a grin.

“So how have you been, Kendrick?”

“Oh. Fine. Good.”

Aemond came to a pair of heavy, wooden doors fit for a king in their ornateness and both opened upon his approach. Inside was a huge room that looked part library, part office, and part crystal museum. Several crystals floated magically at different heights in the air, glowing like a rainbow of glittering stars. Kendrick had never seen this room before but somehow it seemed fit Twillow’s father.

Immediately, a lithe, dark blue-skinned elf dressed in a burgundy suit appeared from the shadowy corner of the room and Kendrick tensed slightly with a startle.

“Ah, Nigel. Bring out that bottle of Oberit Swan Brandy and two glasses.” Aemond asked casually.

“Gold or White label, Sir?” the dark elf inquired professionally.

“The Gold.”

Dutifully, Nigel disappeared in what looked like a puff of smoke and reappeared with a large, gold labeled bottle. It was a funny shape for a bottle, as it was shaped like a glass swan filled with a golden liquid. Nigel floated the pair of glasses and poured them a proper swig from the “beak” of the swan bottle. Then he took the floating glasses and handed them to Aemond and Kendrick.

“Nigel’s the only one I know who can pour that damnable bottle without wasting it. Lord knows the fancy idiot who decided that bottle design was a good idea.” Aemond commented with a shake of his head, “Best brandy in the Parliel Realm, don’t you think, Nigel?”

“I’m partial to the Terrace Cloud Brandy, Sir.” Nigel commented with a secret grin.

“Ack! Never mention that swill again, Nigel! You know how ill I got from that!” Aemond waved his hand as if shooing the thought away.

“I warned you to stop, Sir.” The dark elf shook his head, “Will there be anything else, Sir?”

“For the moment, Nigel.”

The dark elf bowed his head and disappeared again with a puff of smoke.

“Good egg, that one. Stole a valuable crystal from my pocket when I was a much younger man and he was just a boy. Caught him and told him he could either deal with the authorities for stealing or come to work for me until his debt was paid off. But he liked it here and so I hired him full time.” Aemond gestured with his glass.

“Awfully kind of you. I doubt I would’ve been so magnanimous to a thief.” Kendrick admitted, staring at the brandy in his hand.

“Chances and second chances are sometimes all we need in life.” Aemond stated as he raised his glass, “To chances and second chances.”

Kendrick nodded with agreement, clinked his glass to Aemond’s, and they took a sip. The brandy was smokey and bold as it lit a cozy fire in his belly.

“That is nice.” Kendrick admitted.

Aemond smiled and lifted his glass again, “And to my new grandchild and your child…may the Tree of Eilithysis bless us.”

They toasted again, savoring the brandy. Kendrick felt a bit surprised by the divergence of opinion between Aemond and Gelilah.

“So…you don’t mind?” Kendrick asked boldly.

“Mind what?”

“That I’m…the father of Twillow’s baby?”

Aemond gave a knowing look and swirled the remaining brandy, “I can tell my daughter is happy and if she is happy then I have no qualms.”

“At least one of Twillow’s parents doesn’t want to send me back to the Lower Realm.” Kendrick mused.

“I’m afraid…your wife doesn’t share that feeling.” Kendrick grumbled. “Thinks I’m some Lower Realm barbarian with no business being with your daughter.”

Aemond tipped his head with recognition, “Sounds like her words. Though…I must admit, many in the Parliel Realm think the same of anyone from the Lower Realm. I’m sorry she hasn’t been…cordial to you.”

Kendrick gave an ironic laugh before taking another drink, “That’s putting it lightly.”

Aemond stroked his goatee and frowned, “I know it’s asking a lot, but don’t judge her too harshly. She has reason to be concerned.”

Kendrick scoffed, “Hating me because I’m not a fae?”

“No. There’s…more to it than that.” he gestured to one of the large armchairs in the room and sat down.

Kendrick sat too.

Aemond sighed and held up his hand, “Never tell my wife that I told you this. Gentleman’s honor?”

Kendrick nodded.

The mustachioed fae then declared bluntly, “I am not Gelilah’s first husband.”

It was an out-of-the-blue statement but Kendrick leaned in with interest.

“You see, long before you or Twillow were born, Gelilah had another husband. He was by all accounts a typical, fae. Gelilah wanted children. They tried many times to get the Tree of Eilithysis to bless their Life Water offerings. But each time the tree yielded no blooms or the blooms shriveled before opening. Gelilah was devastated.” He sighed, “Then she found out that her first husband was not a pure blooded fae. She became convinced that was the reason the Life Water offerings always failed. So, she split from him and she met me. Granted…I was not your typical looking fae. But gradually we saw more of each other, developed a relationship, and were married.” He frowned with regret, “Sadly, our first attempt was a failure. Gelilah threatened to leave…but then she dreaded the thought that she was reason no blooms prospered. She did a lot of soul searching, meditation, and our relationship grew stronger. Within a decade of our marriage, Gillam was born from the tree.”

Kendrick listened intently, slowly piecing together why Gelilah resented him so much for no apparent misdeed.

Aemond continued, “Not long after we had Hugo and then Elmry. Most fae don’t have so many children as we don’t truly need to, but Gelilah wanted a baby girl so desperately we tried one more time after Elmry and…”

“Twillow.” Kendrick concluded.

He smiled fondly, “Yes. The boys and I were so excited but Gelilah…she was shining like the sun. I don’t think I had seen her so happy when Twillow’s flower bloomed.” He took a slow drink of his brandy, “I know it’s every good parents’ duty to protect and care for our children but my wife…her past has made her overly cautious and defensive with Twillow. She never wants Twillow to experience what she did.”

Kendrick frowned, staring at his glass, “Hence, she thinks because I’m not a pure-blooded fae she will.”

Aemond nodded, “I won’t lie to you, Kendrick. That is a risk.”

“I’ve been told.” Kendrick replied shortly.

The stately fae continued, “But…I believe the tree doesn’t choose based on birthright or otherwise. It’s a purpose bigger than us. And…I think there might be something special about this pairing. Something the Parliel Realm has yet to see.”

Kendrick’s amber eyes moved up at him and then back down, “I just want a healthy baby…and for Twillow to be happy.”

“Nervous?” the fae father lifted a brow.

Kendrick nodded honestly, “…Yeah.”

Aemond chuckled, “The days before Gillam bloomed, my staff wanted to tie my wings to my back to keep me from flying back and forth down the halls. I just couldn’t hold still. My mind was all over the place. And…I thought I might lose Gelilah.” He smiled again, “But, it all worked out. Funny how Fate plays that part.”

“Is…there anything I can do to ease your wife’s distaste for me? For Twillow’s sake.” He asked.

“My advice? Bloom a baby and she’ll get off your back.” Aemond shook his head, chortled, then called out, “Nigel? One more please.”

…

Hours later…

Kendrick felt pretty warm in the guts from the two glasses of brandy he’d drank. Thankfully he’d eaten something beforehand or he’d probably be stumbling. His talk with Twillow’s father had been honest and somewhat comforting. A stark contrast from his conversation with Gelilah. Aemond’s story about her reasoning was understandable. However, it didn’t change the fact that the next few months might get dicey. He didn’t want to imagine what would happen if their Life Water was a dud.

He made it back to Twillow’s room, expecting to find her waiting for him, but she wasn’t there. He glanced around, smelling the air. Her scent was there…but where was she?

“Twillow?”

He took two steps into the room and suddenly he was attacked from behind. A strong force shoved his shoulders and back and the powerful sound of buzzing wings buffeted his ears. He almost fell forward on his face but awkwardly stumbled forward and made it to the soft bedside before whipping around. Suddenly, his vision was filled with Twillow flying toward him. She landed on her bed, feet on either side of his shoulders as she stood over him. Her wings stopped and she placed her hands on her hips.

“Well!” Kendrick laughed back trying to shake off the fact that his mate had jumped him from behind like some wild animal.

“Did you have a nice talk with my father?”

Kendrick seemed a bit distracted looking up her dress, “Did I what now?”

“You smell like you had some brandy with my father.”

He grinned, “You’d be correct.”

“Nice talk?”

“Yeah…nice talk.” He murmured, still thoroughly distracted by the view.

Twillow laughed, “You’re such a man.”

He gripped her ankles and unbalanced her so she fell onto him. She yelped but laughed as he held her in a strong bear hug.

“Try to jump me, will you? I’ll show you, you little minx!” he growled playfully.

He’d be changing back tomorrow, but today he was making the most of it.