At the end where Destiny awaits: Book 6 of the Kinstone series
Chapter 20: The other side of the story

(Rachel)

A few months ago.

My eyes feel heavy. In fact, my entire body feels heavy. All memory seems but a fog for the moment. I wonder if I am traveling to heaven, yet how do I explain being heavy?

I fingers stretch, feeling them pop. A sharp pain then rings through me as I groan back into reality. The pain moves about, finally concentrating in my stomach and back.

I let out another groan as the pain flares again as I try to move.

“You shouldn’t move, Rachel,” says a voice. “You need rest.”

My eyes flash open as I then turn my head to see Velhemina standing over me. I feel my heart racing with joy yet also questioning how this is possible. “Velhemina,” I painfully let out.

The alraune nods as I watch her wring out a washcloth, then gently wiping my forehead.

“Aria said the greenhouse was destroyed,” I tell her. My voice rasps, dry and sore no doubt from fatigue and the battle.

She sighs heavily, nodding. The elder alraune tends to my body as I now realize that I am on my bed. The room is dark aside the gentle glow of a lamp next to me.

“I was below ground, tending to the mushrooms I’ve been cultivating,” she replies. “I then felt the ground above me shake violently as everything rocked. It took me some time before I was able to escape.”

I look to my dear friend; her green skin seems paler than usual. Alraune are able to be separated from their flower when they mature, yet they can’t live without it indefinitely. Her blood-red eyes seem somewhat tired, diminished.

I then let out and groan as I try to move, however my body seems even heavier than I realized.

Velhemina gently holds me down. “Don’t move, Rachel,” she says, “otherwise you will reopen your wounds.” She then shakes her head as she leans back, “Like daughter, like mother. Honestly, the two of you seem more alike than we care to admit.”

I smirk softly at her remark. I know my daughter to be incredibly stubborn, never truly lying still, even when severely injured.

The alraune looks to me. “I found you lying in the driveway near death and quickly brought you and the others inside,” she says. “While you were unconscious, I took charge of the golem maids and the recovery efforts.”

“Thank you,” I say, nodding slowly. Velhemina can take charge if I’m out of commission, being that she is the overseer of the groves and fields. It’s something the entire staff recognizes.

Her face then grows forlorn and solemn. “We lost many during the battle,” she says quietly. “Many harpies and dryads were killed, some of the former being shot out of the sky when Marie was forced from her nest.”

My heart sinks into the pits of sadness. Many of those brave souls were dear friends, never faltering in their love and pride for their home. I knew many of them from birth, having watched them grow into adulthood. They were especially keen when I spoke of Aria’s first visit to the Estate. They quickly fell in love with my little girl as time went on. Aria herself made numerous friends among them.

“What…what of Sil’vari?” I whisper. I fear the worst, praying what I saw wasn’t true.

The alraune huffs, “Oh, that bombastic, flame-spitting lizard is alive, if not the most cantankerous of beings at the moment. She was injured severely, but will live.” She then smiles softly, I watch as some color returns to her skin, “She did say Aria fought well with her, adding you should be proud. Sil’vari claims to have lost consciousness soon after crashing to the forest.”

I feel relieved as some of my tension leaving as I relax on my bed. Aria was crying so hard after her sister was shot out of the sky. To not only witness it, but to actually be present when it happens would scar her. The thought of having lost her sister was crushing to my little girl. When the battle shifted the driveway, she was frantic, focused but frantic.

Yet now I know Sil’vari is alive, no doubt holed up in her cave. She fought hard and proudly against so many. I watched for the first few moments from Aria’s balcony, seeing her flying through the air, ripping through juveniles and young adult dragons. While she held the advantage in size and power, it still means little when outnumbered. Having Aria battling alongside her would have definitely evened out some of the odds.

I still recall feeling my heart sinking when I saw the beam of magic rocket through the air and strike her clean in the side. Dragons maybe powerful, but they’re not indestructible.

“Now…what of Aria?”

My heart leaps in pain as tears roll down my cheeks. “I…I had to send her away for her safety.” I can still feeling her hands on me, hearing her frantic and scared voice. The image of her crying as she flew away on the back of Orga’s wave-rider is forever seared into my mind.

Velhemina nods, her lips quivering as she tries to hold back from bursting into tears. She wrings out the washcloth again before wiping my forehead. Velhemina was the first person Aria truly met during her first visit here. They quickly formed a unique bond that neither can fully define as aunt and niece.

I would replace them together as often as with myself or her sister.

“Rachel,” she chirps, “when we came to survey the battle, we found none of the invaders present. In fact, the sky is now a constant grey in the daytime. Where does this leave us?”

I nod softy as I try to garner some strength. “I had to seal us away from the world. It was the only way to not only ensure her escape but to also rob Regulus of troops.” I then sigh, feeling a weight on my chest, “However, it came at the cost to the leyline itself. It will heal in time, several months in fact in order to do so.”

I feel my body sinking into the bed. The leyline, the very river of energy that flows through these lands, granting it life and bolstering it. Leylines course throughout the world, connecting it in ways few truly understand. I chose to live here not only for the leyline but for the beauty of the lands themselves.

When I began Aria’s magical training, I taught her how to occasionally tap into it for a boost. She can also tap into it to search out things, but it’s a difficult technique and runs the risk of discovery if someone else were tuned into it. So I instructed her to use it if the need is dire.

“I can’t bring down the seal either until a certain condition is met,” I add.

She looks to me, “That being?”

“When Aria truly is safe.”

The alraune tilts her head. I nod, “Granted, I don’t know when or how that might be.”

She nods then moves to my abdomen, stroking it and wiping it down. “The wound was deep, yet your womb was barely nicked, and given enough time will heal completely. You were extremely lucky the sword completely missed your spine. Otherwise your treatment and recovery would drastically be different.”

I smile, “Thank you.”

I should be dead by all accounts. The stabbing was vicious, wild, yet should have at the worst killed me. I wince slightly, feeling pressure in my chest where another tried to stab me in the heart. The knife dissolved thanks to a barrier I placed upon myself, yet the hilt still slammed into my sternum, possibly fracturing it slightly. I take a couple deep breaths wincing each time, so running is out of the question.

Velhemina places the cloth in the basin and rises to her feet. “I need to go and tend to the others,” she says, looking to me. “Abigale should be up soon to check on you.”

I nod, smiling to her, “Thank you.” She smiles in return and turns for the door.

I turn my gaze up towards the ceiling and stare at it. All I can think of is my little girl. I pray she made it to safety. I know her knights and bonded are with her, however her heart will be in utter turmoil. Until she feels safe in her heart, I cannot do anything until the seal is lifted. Heh, a spell that seals us away only for my daughter to be its key. I truly have tailored life here around my Aria.

Two weeks pass

I roll in my bed, having finally garnered enough strength to leave my room. I’m rather weak from the battle, yet possess enough strength to at least move about.

I roll onto my feet and sit there for a moment. I have to laugh, recalling Aria after her duel with Irina, in how she too was in a similar state. I then rise off of the bed, feeling my heartrate peaking a bit before calming down.

My body aches and tingles from previous night’s rest. However it’s a good feeling, knowing the blood is flowing normally. I summon my staff only to fashion it into a cane for me to walk with as I leave my room.

My steps hobble slightly as I stroll through the halls, not from damage to them, but merely having not used them extensively beyond my own room. I look around, seeing gaping holes on the outer walls. The smell of ash fills my nose as tarps cover the visible wounds from our battle. Our home has never once been attacked on a scale like this before, yet I always prepared for such.

A cold stillness fills the hallways, one I swore to never feel again. Despite knowing many are still here, we are absent of others. Precious loved ones, lost in the world beyond the seal, fates currently unknown.

I pass by several golem maids they walk the corridors. They quickly look to me, with shock amazement. They quickly rush to me and bow.

“Good day your Ladyship.”

I smile, “Good day you two. I pray everyone is well.”

One maid nods. “We are my Lady, although many are still recovering. We do hope to begin repairs on the Manor soon.”

I smile to her, “Do not rush yourselves. Our home is still here as are we. Take all the time you require.” Although I know they will still begin regardless. The Manor is the heart of the Estate, its symbol.

They know as well as I do, if the Manor is damaged, everyone losses hope. So, the urge to repair it grows. It is the refuge for all who live here, if only for a moment from the hot day, or to wait out a stormy night. I open its doors to all, for it is home.

I smile to the maids and move on.

I pass by one of the rooms belonging to the combat maids, the leaders of my staff. This room in particular belongs to Bianca, the young glacie who has served me for many years. I quietly peek in on her, seeing the young girl resting in her bed. Her hands clench tightly to the sheets as if dreaming.

My attention then fixes upon her bandaged head, with one eye completely covered. According to Abigale, Bianca’s eye was completely destroyed. It’s heart-wrenching to lose something vital to life. I promise when I have enough strength, I will craft her a new one.

I smile to the young girl, whom I know all too well like so many others, is terribly missing my girl. Aria is one of Bianca’s closest friends, always ready with a friendly word or simply giving time and love. I do miss the glacie’s parents terribly, dear friends who met a horrible end when the girl was only a child.

After that, I took her in and nearly wished to raise her as my own. However it was Abigale who assumed to role of mother, raising the child and soon after became one of my maids. I would have wished something more for the girl, but her heart seems set on living here and serving this house.

I smile, praying the child a swift and peaceful recovery before move on.

Along my walk, I come up a set of familiar doors. My heart nearly seizes as I gently press on them, revealing my beloved girl’s room. The room is still and motionless, like the rest of the Manor, it’s cold and empty despite the outside being rather the usual hot for an early August afternoon.

Aria’s room, much like the rest the Manor, shows signs of the battle. Books lie on the floor with some of her models lay broken beneath the bookcases. Minor things, truly unnecessary in the long term, yet important to her. Even some of the furniture has been shifted. It would appear that the initial assault was meant to either take myself out or Aria. I’m grateful the dragons who attacked us were poor shots.

I know it’s rather low on list of things to be repaired, with so many needing rest and healing. Yet I still wish to do something about it. I walk around and summon forth what little magic I can muster and begin to pull things back together. I watch as books fly back onto their shelves, furniture reorients back to their proper place, even the broken pieces of models reform into their previous state. It’s not much, but it’s a start.

I then step over onto Aria’s bed and sit on it. I can still hear her laughter when she spoke with Arcturus, watching proudly and in wonder as the pair slowly grew as father and daughter. It is still my hope and dream he will truly become one to her. He is a good and honest man, one I trust with her rearing. Yet I also know her father is a wolf, who has taken care of her and raised her alongside myself.

I gaze over at the balcony, recalling how my little girl was standing there just two weeks ago. Fear gripped her face and filled her eyes, a look I never wish to see on her at any time. I sigh heavily, missing my little girl all the more. I grip my cane tightly, wishing she was here with me.

After a few moments, I finally rise from the bed and leave her room, closing the door behind me.

My slow trek through the Manor leads me to the library. I raise my hand up the door, knocking it a few times. It’s a courtesy to let its keeper know someone is there, despite being a telepath. This was one of the many things I taught my daughter. A few moments pass as one of the doors then swing open.

I step inside and look around. The library for the most part lies intact. The calming smell of old books fills my nose, a welcome respite. I try to listen for the incessant scribbling of a ravenous student, yet none is present. Instead I hear the heavy breathing of library’s keeper.

Resting near the fireplace is the massive sphinx and tutor of my girl. I smile at Xiphos, happy and grateful to seen him alive.

I hobble over to him, my cane lightly tapping on the tiled floor. the great sphinx turns and look to me, “Oh, my Lady,” he greets, trying to rise to his feet.

I hold up my hand for him to stop. “No need to rise old friend.” He nods and lies back down onto the floor. I step over to a chair beside him and take a seat. I sigh, feeling the leathery cushion consume me.

Xiphos looks to me, “I am glad to see you up my Lady. Although I wish I was in a better state to have properly greeted you.”

I smile, shaking my head. “Again, there was no need to. We both are still recovering from our injuries.” I stare into the fireplace, listening to the crackling of the fire, knowing it’s a nice place to rest and talk. I sigh, gazing out the windows, seeing the hazy, grey skies. The seal has yet to even weaken, meaning Aria is out there.

“I know your thoughts, my Lady,” says Xiphos. I grin, one doesn’t need to be a telepath to read my thoughts. The ancient librarian sighs, “The seal we enacted was powerful. Not even I can sense beyond nay think of breaking it and leaving here.”

I nod. It’s a spell I never in my wildest of dreams thought I’d ever use. Xiphos and I both crafted it as an extreme emergency if something truly catastrophic were to occur. Over the past couple of years we amended it, tying it to Aria, as is with much of the changes since she first came into our lives. We are completely removed from the mortal plane, not even fae are able to enter here. However the leyline still acts as anchor for us.

I take a long, deep breath. “I have been praying for her,” I say quietly. I grip my cane tightly, “It’s torture not being able to receive any news of her. I can’t even begin to guess where she is right now.”

He smiles to me. “Do not worry yourself too much my Lady,” he says, “she is a tenacious and clever young woman, one truly of us.” He closes his eyes for a moment and nods, “I have faith she is safe, for she is never alone.”

I smile, nodding to him. Never alone, it’s a phrase that I would always tell Aria when she felt down or sad. Before and during her visits, I was in constant contact with her in one form or another. I wanted her to know I was there for her, nothing but a phone call or even a step away from her. It gave her peace of mind hearing those words, and it allowed her to persevere even in the darkest of moments.

I stroke the handle of my cane, wishing I could reach out to her through our mana bond, something incredibly powerful between us. Lord knows I’ve tried several times in the past couple of weeks, yet the seal and barrier prevented each attempt. I shake my head, knowing I must have faith in her and her protectors.

I also must hold out hope that Marron returns and replaces her. Marron is the only person I can truly trust to watch over Aria. While I have to upmost confidence in Yukari and Asharyume if she were to travel to Japan, Marron is the only one who knows her best and able to anticipate her younger sister’s needs and thoughts. It’s an innate trait Marron has always possessed, something I’ve never been able to explain.

Regardless, I pray they are able to reunite and reconcile.

The great sphinx pulls him paw across the floor, sighing heavily. His breathing sounds haggard, even for a being as ancient as him. “My wounds require a bit more time that I thought,” he says. “The youngster truly put me through my paces.”

I nod, peering over to see the bandages around his abdomen. It was an utter and frightening revelation when the younger sphinx arrived. The battle was turning in our favor until he appeared. Neither Aria nor I would have stood briefest of chances against him.

I lean further back in my seat. “Mine are as well.” I smirk, recalling Velhemina’s mentioning of my womb. I can’t help but stroke it, thinking of Aria. She is my daughter in every sense of the meaning. While not born of me, she was born because of me. We share a bond that goes beyond understanding, beyond blood.

“Are you planning on heading out onto the Estate?” he asks.

I smile, shaking my head. “Not yet old friend. I know Velhemina and the others would not permit it.”

He grins, “I would agree with them my Lady.”

I nod, lying deeper in my chair, feeling myself drift away.

Another two weeks pass.

I walk through the Manor, feeling strength enough to finally walk outside. I step out onto the veranda, feeling a blast of chilling wind. I gaze around the Estate, feeling how truly cold it is. The fields are a yellowish green with the distant forests sharing in the discoloration. One might truly think we are in fall.

Behind me I hear the sounds of hammering. I turn and look up towards the third floor of the Manor, watching as dryads bring up construction supplies with others help place new siding on our home. It’s good to see the repairs being made.

I even have to chuckle as plumes of flame burst out from the roof as I watch Chaluk the salamander, bend metal beams into place. I can still recall Aria sitting in his forge, along with his wife Emeline and their son. I can see the repairs are coming along nicely.

I smile then feel another gust of chilling wind. While the Estate has been pushes away from the mortal world, the leyline while damaged, is still feeding some of its life energies into it, acting like an anchor. The flow isn’t strong enough for anyone to track it, while at the same time not enough to fully utilize ourselves. This means the Estate is left in a broken and cold state, yet still alive.

I travel along the well-trodden paths, forged by so many over the years. I glimpse the Velhemina’s greenhouse. It still lies in shambles yet its mistress has had some progress in its restoration. The salamanders must have erected a small structure for the alraune to have some semblance of a home. All around I can see a large crater, causing me to sigh as I move on.

I enter the forest, listening to the trees sway in the wind. It feels cut off from everything. If this were a year ago, I would replace my daughter racing through these woods, with Fenris chasing after her. Yet, she could be anywhere in the world.

I pass through several groves as I replace the enclave of dryads as they prepare to lay to rest their dead. Death rituals for dryads take considerably longer than most races, given their ties to the Earth and nature in general. This is why several are working on the Manor as they had already performed their own part of the rituals at an earlier time.

I quietly and respectfully enter the gathering. The enclave turns and looks to me. I bow my head low, “I apologize my friends if I am disturbing you.”

Many smile with a few walking to me. “No need to apologize my Lady,” says the voice of the Matriarch. I raise my head and look to her.

The Patriarch, an elderly dryad, smiles as he stands beside his wife. “We in fact thank you for coming. I hope you are doing well, given the circumstances.”

I smile, sighing softly, “As well as can be my friend.” I look over to the plots dug for the fallen, feeling my heart once more fill with sorrow and remorse. Many of the lost were dear friends, whom I knew from birth and were gentle caretakers of the forests. I sigh heavily, gripping my chest.

I feel barked hands on mine, peering up to the leaders of the enclave smiling to me.

“Fret not my Lady,” says the matriarch. “We all pass into the earth who gave us life. The manner in which we do is our choice, so it was with them.”

The patriarch nods in agreement. “They gladly fought for those who live here, all who live here.”

I smile to them, gripping their hands tightly. “May I join you in laying them to rest?”

They beam proudly. “We would be honored my Lady,” he says.

I smile and we all join the others. The younger of the dryads gather around the adults with a few huddling around me. I smile down to them as their tiny hands cling to my dress. I pan up as the leaders and adults gently lower their fallen into the earth. They are wrapped in leafy vines, with wonderfully, beautiful flowers woven throughout.

As they are lowered, I listen to the others chant in Florian. The tune is hauntingly beautiful, sounding of the deepest of falls, the lamenting of the coming winter. I watch as they sway, as though following the wind. The smell of cinnamon and clover fills the air, while known to be calming and pleasant to humans, is used to signify loss and rebirth amongst the children of Demeter.

The little ones cling tightly as I hear them crying. I kneel down and hold them to me, stroking their vine-like hair. Orphans, these poor dears. Some lost their parents in the battle, and while the enclave is family as a whole, losing a parent is harsh and cruel to the youngest. A fact I know my own little one has endured and believes to endure yet again.

I watch as the soil is poured over the fallen. I know several now reside in the front of the Estate, fully rooted into the earth and unable to be removed. These however were not and could be laid the rest here. A single sapling is placed over the grave, to which then shall take root and join the forest.

I offer my own prayers to them and the ones left behind. They gave up so much for the rest, fought alongside us all, and know we must offer them back to the earth.

Once the final tree is planted, a brief silence overtakes the forest. Even though the wind howled as I entered, it now lies still. No treetop creaks, no branch moves. All paying reverence to these brave souls.

The elders smile, with the other adults and adolescents offering their hands to the little ones still gripping me. I smile, gently squeezing the little ones for letting them go to others.

I rise to my feet as the leaders come to me. “We thank you once more, my Lady,” says the matriarch. “We offer our own prayers for the Young Miss and her safety.”

I smile, “Thank you Sedona.”

The enclave smiles as I slowly take my leave.

I travel once more through the forest, following along the very same paths Aria and Fenris would run on in the early hours of the day. I can still see her footprints in the caliche. I hold out my hands, feeling faint traces of her. Even the trees show signs of her, given her proclivity to race through them.

Overhead I hear the wisps of wingbeats. I pan up, seeing several the harpies flying through the air. I catch a glimpse of Amira, the leader and a brood mother of the flock. She quickly banks and flies down, landing before me. She looks haggard, with several of her brownish-rouge feathers missing. She smiles softly to me.

Few words are needed, especially between mothers. I know several of her flock were lost, and I wish I could have done more for them, yet I laid within the Manor, recovering.

She shakes her head. “I am happy to see you my Lady,” she says gently. “You needn’t concern yourself with grief for not coming to see us. The fact you are alive and walking amongst us once more is all we could ask for. We laid our dead to rest long ago and most pray for the spring and new beginnings.”

I sigh softly. “Even still, I should have done something or come to see you.”

She smiles, stepping closer. Full-grown harpies stand roughly shy of five feet in height, so I easily tower over the matriarch of the harpies. Amira takes my hand into hers, holding it tightly. “Think nothing more of it my Lady,” she says.

Her eyes are sincere and kind as she looks up at me. I smile, gently squeezing hers. Amira smiles, then calmly lets go, stepping back. “The skies may be grey and dower, yet it shall never darken our hearts.”

I smile, knowing her meaning as she then takes flight once more, watching as she rejoins her patrol who all wave to me. I nod as they then disappear.

My trek resumes deeper into the forest. I soon come upon Aria’s glen. My eyes pan around it, seeing the fae-carved stones as they litter the ground. Even though the leyline is still feeding some energy into the Estate, this place seems to be truly dead.

Her glen has always been the liveliest of anywhere on the Estate, given its deep connection to the fae realms. No matter the season, it always felt as if were late spring, early summer. Aria seemed to be at peace whenever here, watched and guarded by the fae.

I still have to laugh at how I never figured out why she had a case near her balcony full of tiny vials of honey from her aunt’s greenhouse. Now I do, using them as payment for the fairy messengers sent to her by their queen.

I take a deep breath, recalling the last time she was here, discovering her in the arms of Titania. I still have to marvel at how natural she looked while there. A fully-fledged kyuubi with a fae, in a place where the barriers between worlds is thin and truly magical in every way. Yet now…empty.

I clench my fists, hating not having her here with me. I want her home, just to see her shining smile. I stare at the glen for a moment longer before moving on.

I finally reach a cave at the base of the hills along the eastern hills of the Estate. It belongs to a certain dragon known to covet these lands greatest treasure, currently lost to us. As I enter it, I can feel the subtle heat emanating from deep within.

I stroll down the tunnel, coming to the first chamber, the one where Aria and Sil’vari would often reside. The dragon personally carved out this place to rest when in her half-form, which is the one she is often in. She fashioned in a style similar to most dragons, appearing homely and more polished like a human home. Although it is still a dragon’s home, with stone and crystal carved furniture.

I go down further, feeling the heat rising around me as I enter the deepest part of the dragon’s home. The chamber itself is easily twice the size of the one resting in it. Polished stone lines the walls with crystalline lamps hovering about, offering a soft light to the chamber’s occupant. Here is the home of a dragon, with carved shelving filled with scrolls and tomes, all crafted to easily withstand a dragon’s flame.

I stare up at Sil’vari, still in her full form and resting on the stone floor. Her breathing is low and consistent, not nearly as labored as Velhemina last reported. I smile softly yet solemnly as I approach, reaching out my hand and stroking the side of her muzzle.

The dragon’s eye slowly opens, revealing a shining, golden eye. A long smile forms on her lips. “Hello Rachel,” she greets, her voice a soft tenor yet still quite feminine.

I smile to her, still stroking her muzzle. “Hello Sil’vari. I’m glad to see you awake.” I glance over, replaceing the place at her side where she was shot. Heavy bandages still cover the wound, the air filled with the scent of bitter medicinal herbs.

The dragon smiles, “The wound is slowly healing, whatever shot me was powerful. However dragons can recover from anything, if given time and food.”

I smile, shaking my head, “You always say that, given that ravenous pit you call a stomach.”

She smirks, letting out a long exhale of soothing heat.

I take a couple steps back from her and summon forth a seat of stone out of the floor and slowly sit into it.

Sil’vari gazes at the wall in front of her. “I know you are worried for Aria,” says Sil’vari. “Yet I have faith in my baby sister.” She then looks to me, “She is strong and will not fall easily.

“I know,” I reply, feeling myself choking up slightly. I then smile, looking up at her, “Thank you.”

She smiles, but then growl softly, causing the chamber to ramble. “If I wasn’t shot down the battle would have turned differently.”

I nod slowly, knowing it to be true. However, there still would have been the matter of the younger sphinx. Thankfully Xiphos was there as well. I wrap my arms around my chest. “Regulus knew our battle strength and how to counter it.” I look to her, “His goal was to eliminate you first, wishing to deal not only blow to our forces but to also weaken Aria.”

Sil’vari lets out another growl, puffing streams of flame. “I promise to turn that man to ash if given the chance.”

I nod.

Many would share in her sentiment. That man, the scathing bastard, deserves a thousand hells for what he’s done not only Aria, but to everyone who has had the misfortune of crossing him.

Then there is the matter Selene Nethune. I remember her from my time in Dewloura, possessing a terrible aura about her. She, along with Regulus, resurrected Aria’s birthmother and transformed her into her own daughter. It still sickens me at the thought.

The sound of claws tapping on tile echoes in the room. I turn to see Emeline walking into the chamber, carrying her toddler son. Salamander children still retain an infantile appearance for the first few years of their life before maturing into a toddler.

Her soft, long burgundy hair is held up on a high ponytail. Her crimson scales emit a soft glow as her son sleeps quietly in her arms. Her dark, tan skin contrasts with her scales, while wearing special heat-resistant clothing.

She looks to us, “Oh, I hope I’m not disturbing you both. If I am, I do apologize.”

I smile, motioning her in. “Not at all Emeline. In fact, I’m happy to see you. I saw your husband working on the Manor earlier.”

The salamander smiles, walking towards us while hoisting her son a little. She replaces a seat near me and sits down, rocking her child. I smile watching the little one as he sleeps.

I look to her, “I have to ask, why didn’t you and your husband flee?”

She smiles, stroking her son, emitting a brighter glow to keep him warm. “This is our home my Lady.” She looks to me, “Besides, we knew we were more suited here. Here we have friends, a purpose, given to us graciously by you. These are things worth fighting for.”

She rocks her son gently, “That, and we were trapped here before the seal was in place.”

I lower my head to her, gripping my skirt. Damn my oversight. “I’m sorry Emeline.”

She shakes her head, “No need my Lady. My husband and I are more than happy to aid in the efforts of repair and the others in any way we can.” She then looks to me, “I won’t ask about the Young Miss, even though it is on everyone’s mind.”

I nod, “Thank you Emeline.” She smiles, patting her son’s back. I smile watching her. Aria used to love spending time in the salamander’s forge, watching as they worked on innumerous projects from simple horseshoes to affecting new additions to anywhere on the Estate. While there, she would tend to their son, holding him her arms.

Sil’vari slowly raises her head and shifts it over to the infant. A soft smile stretches across her face. He then hiccups, spewing a puff of hot, orange flame onto her snout.

She chuckles softly, “Your son has a good flame.”

Emeline beams, patting his back.

The dragon then turns to me. “So, what are you plans now Rachel?”

I smirk, knowing what my daughter would say in this situation. “What else? Train.”

The dragon grins to me, no doubt thinking the same.