The Light of My Hearts
Family

It was early evening when Kendrick brought Sig to his mountain home. Twillow heard her mate coming at a distance and flew out to meet him. Before she could even speak, she spotted Sig riding in Kendrick’s pocket. Her face lit up with a relieved smile and she darted over to her friend.

“Sig!” she embraced the man with relief until she saw his beat up face, “Oh...Sig. What have they done to you?”

The blonde wizard smiled despite the colors marring his face, “I’m better than I look, Twillow, thanks to Kendrick.”

She fluttered up and fell against her mate’s cheek midair in their own form of a hug. His hand came up to hold her in place for the unique embrace. A minute movement of his hand pulled her back and her eyes met his. She didn’t have to ask the question, her eyes asked all.

“I kept my word, my light.” He assured her gently. “Although...I probably didn’t help my image much.”

The fae seemed saddened by that but nodded and looked around him, “Are you hurt?”

He shook his head and lowered his voice, “No. But Sig could use some attention. I don’t think Leida and his children should see him like this.”

“Sig? Sig?” Leida’s voice called out from the long entryway of his home.

“Daddy? Is Daddy back?” the children were asking as they followed their mother.

Sig heard them coming and tried to argue. “I’ll be ok. Please, I want to see my family.”

Twillow fluttered down to him and cupped his face in her hands, “In a moment. Just hold still.”

The fae’s hands seemed to light up as her fingers gently traced the contours of his face. Little sparkles of light seeped into his skin, erased all the ugly bruises, and made his puffy black eyes normal again.

“Oh. Oh wow. That feels so much better.” Sig stated after he opened his eyes.

Twillow smiled kindly and made room for Kendrick’s hand to swoop in, pluck Sig gently from his pocket, and set him down so he could rejoin his family.

It was a whirling flood of joyful, tearful emotion as the little family ran to one another, made whole once again. So many words were spoken at once until they seemed to coalesce in one big hug that sank to the ground.

Twillow and Kendrick silently watched the reunion a moment before the fae whisped, “What is that?”

She was pointing to the large net full of stuff slung over his shoulder.

Kendrick whispered back with smirk, “Oh...just some things the humans were very willing to give me to make me leave.”

“Kendrick...” her tone was chiding.

“I got you some things too.” He offered.

Twillow bat her wings sharply a couple times, showing she wasn’t too happy about the idea.

Again he shrugged. Not wanting to disturb the family he tip-toed around them to reenter his home.

“Kendrick!” Leida suddenly cried out, making him pause.

The woman separated herself from her family and ran to catch up. When she was standing almost beneath him she waved her arm in a circle to coax him down. At first he didn’t seem to grasp what she wanted.

“Get down here.” She finally requested, trying to keep her voice from breaking.

He backed up a step and then knelt before her. The moment he descended she made the same gesture as before.

“Give me your hand.”

Kendrick set his sack of items off to the side and brought his hand close to the woman. She stepped around, climbed up, and laid against to top of his palm where his fingers met. At first the giant expressed surprise at her action.

“Now lift me up.”

He did so slowly so as not to overwhelm her with movement until she was a few feet in front of his face. Again she gestured until he brought her very close to his face...almost uncomfortably so. Leida leaned out, laid both hands on Kendrick’s cheek, and then kissed his cheek. The amber eyes blinked rapidly for a moment. He had a feeling she was going to thank him for saving Sig but her action threw him for a loop. Other than Twillow, no one had ever done that to him.

“Um...”

Now she was crying again, “You-you saved Sig. You brought him home to us. Thank you, Kendrick. Thank you.”

That same awkwardness prickled through Kendrick, “Um...you’re welcome, Leida.”

Through her tears she laughed a bit, “I’ll have to make you a hundred apple pies.”

“Heh. No.” He chuckled, “No. You are...my friends. Friends should help each other shouldn’t they?”

Leida nodded, wiping her eyes as he gently set her down again.

Twillow flew above the family a moment, “Will you stay the night? You are welcome to stay. We’ll make you some supper.”

Sig shook his head as he kissed and embraced Leida again, his children clung to his waist, “No. We appreciate the offer...but I want to be in my bed tonight.”

“I understand.” Twillow nodded.

After a bit of time passed, the family was in their wagon heading back to their own home, weighted down with several pieces of smoked meats, some bags of wheat, and a couple dresses for Leida. Kendrick watched them go as he leaned into the arch of his door.

“Kendrick?” Twillow called from inside.

“Yes, my light?”

“Can you come here?”

The giant shifted and reentered his home. On the table he had laid out the offerings he had received, making a point to let Twillow see the dresses. She was looking at them. Each was more beautiful than the last.

“Do you like them?” he asked.

She seemed grateful but also uncomfortable, “They’re beautiful...I just...I just wish you hadn’t...”

His hand reached around and pinched up a golden dress with a wide frilly base and was covered in red brocaded flowers and some beading. It had long, wide sleeves that draped elegantly away from the wrists and were beautifully laced.

He dangled it in front of her, “I think you would look ravishing in this one.”

She reached out and touched the dress, “It is beautiful. But I...”

Kendrick gave a naughty smile, “Hmm...but this one has too much fabric. Maybe something...with less cloth.”

As he seemed to mull over the dresses, Twillow flew up off the table and toward his bed. He stopped, watching her.

“You don’t like them...or...how I got them.” he concluded with disappointment.

“Well...yes...but no...” she shook her head dismissively, “But that’s not why I called you.” she landed gracefully and then flopped down onto Kendrick’s expansive pillow, patting it, “Come here.”

Kendrick set down the dress, walked over to his bed, and carefully lowered himself beside her. As he leaned, his elbows flattened the padded “mattress”, creating a cratering trench that sent Twillow sliding down against his muscular forearms. She laughed gently. A relaxed sigh escaped him as he dropped his head down onto his crossed arms, placing himself more level with her as he stared at his little mate fondly. Twillow reached out and touched his cheek.

Habitually, Kendrick took in her scent, savoring that electrically floral aroma. But as the familiar scent filled his head it seemed...different. The scent was deeper, richer. He blinked, smelling her more closely again.

“What’s wrong?” Twillow asked when she saw his expression change.

He frowned but then dismissed the thought that crossed his mind, “Oh... nothing. Just thought you smelled a bit different.”

“What do you mean, ‘different’?” the fae inquired, smelling herself, “Do I smell bad?”

Kendrick chuckled, adamantly shaking his head as he gently stroked her side with his finger, “No! No. You’ve never smelled bad.”

Twillow sat up and bat her wings sharply a few times, “Then what did you mean?”

An embarrassed look seemed to cross his large face, “Well... for a moment I thought...” but then he made a dismissive noise as he sat up on one elbow, ”Ah...it’s nothing.”

"Kendrick...” Twillow crossed her arms and bat her wings again impatiently.

He knew the tone and posture of her wings meant she wasn’t going to let him dodge.

Though he was probably just imagining things he admitted, “You smelled...like you were pregnant.”

Twillow looked up at him and laughed with a smile.

“I know...crazy...stupid nose.” he laughed lightly, rubbing the back of his neck with embarrassment.

“Well I was just about to tell you...” Twillow stated, shifting her dainty feet.

The giant froze, eyes staring at her, “What?”

“That I was pregnant.”

Equilibrium seemed to twist out of whack for Kendrick when the hand propping himself up slid off the side of the bed. He awkwardly fell to the floor with a mighty thump.

Twillow gasped and leaped up, flapping her wings, “Kendrick!”

But in an instant he reappeared over the side of the bed. His huge arms fell around her as he loomed over her. His eyes looked either disbelieving or terrified, she wasn’t sure. He was very quiet, only breathing deeply.

“Are you ok?” she asked, staring up at him.

He blinked several times and asked in a weak voice, “W-what did you say?”

“I’m pregnant.” She laughed.

Suddenly his hands swooped in from both sides and whisked her into the air. The fae buzzed her wings to maintain balance in his palms.

“Y-you’re serious? Y-you mean it?”

“Yes!”

He blinked rapidly, “H-How?”

Twillow was laughing with happy tears, “I assumed you knew how babies were made, Kendrick.”

Kendrick turned very slowly, still holding her in his hands and sat with a heavy thud on the floor. Dumbstruck.

His back leaned into the side of his bed, “But...I...I just...I just never thought...”

She smiled at him, rubbing his huge chest in wide strokes, “You’re going to be a father, Kendrick.”

She looked up at him to see his eyes were wet, fighting back a flood of tears. His chest sunk with a massive, shuddering exhale. In all their relationship, she’d never seen him express such an emotion.

“Kendrick?”

Without much warning he brought Twillow close and pressed her to his chest gently but with emotional intensity.

“You...you’ve given me everything...everything I ever wished for.” He all but enveloped her with his body as he curled inward, “I love you...I love you so much.” He whispered.

In the dark of his embrace, Twillow fought a happy, throat crushing sob, “I love you too, Kendrick.”

After a few moments, Kendrick released her and wiped a sleeve around his eyes as he sat, absorbing the huge news. It didn’t seem real to him...like he must be having a dream. But it wasn’t.

Suddenly, he turned, deposited Twillow on the pillow again and shot to his feet quickly, “Pop! I-I’ve gotta tell, Pop he’s going to be a grandpa!”

Twillow fluttered up, “I’ll go with you.”

In a single fast motion, Kendrick’s hands surrounded Twillow and scooped her from the air again. He looked concerned.

“Twillow! You shouldn’t be flying! You need to save your strength.”

“Kendrick...!” she protested but he was already delicately putting her in his shirt pocket.

“I’ll carry you.” He insisted.

“That’s not necessary!”

But he was already marching, almost jogging out the door, not hearing anything but the excited pounding of his own hearts.

...

Later...

“Pop! Pop?” Kendrick called when he had arrived at his father’s mountain home after midday.

The older giant’s voice boomed out distantly, “Over here, Son.”

Kendrick had almost run over to his father’s home, Twillow tucked safely in his pocket despite her disagreement with the carrying. He marched quickly down the path that led to right of Alec’s doorway. Alec was sitting on the flat rocky incline near his home, making what looked like the start of a basket from shaved timbers and rope.

He set the craft aside when he heard Kendrick approach, “Well, this is unexpected. What brings you two out here?”

Kendrick came over and sat beside his father, “I...we have news.”

“Oh?”

Gently, Kendrick lifted Twillow out of his shirt pocket and held her out toward Alec. The fae sat in his palm, having already been informed of the plan.

“Smell, Twillow.”

Alec frowned at the strange request but leaned his head out a bit, taking in her scent. For a moment it didn’t seem he was getting the idea. But then, behind his blindfold his thick eyebrows went up.

“You...you’re kidding me...” he stated.

“Your nose doesn’t lie, Pop.” Kendrick smiled.

“OH! HOHO!” Alec crowed thunderously.

His hands came out, searching for Kendrick’s arms and shoulders. Though Kendrick acted like he wanted to stop her, Twillow quickly fluttered out of his hand so the father and son could embrace. The two giants wrapped their arms around one another in a mighty hug. Alec patted Kendrick’s back and then pulled back to touch the side of his neck and face.

“I...I never thought this day would come. But...oh.” His voice cracked with emotion as he embraced Kendrick again, “Congratulations, Son. Congratulations.”

When they separated, Alec heard and felt Twillow’s wingbeats nearby when he finally released Kendrick. The blind giant held out a hand into the air and Twillow landed on it to accept the invitation. His movements became more restrained as he brought her close.

“Oh, Twillow...sweet Twillow...congratulations.” He all but whispered.

The fae smiled with happy wet eyes, “Thank you, Alec.”

“Such splendid news.” Alec confirmed again, slowly standing up, “Please! Come in! We have so much to discuss.”

Together the trio entered Alec’s home and sat at the table. Alec prepared some tea and snacks for their chat. Twillow sat on Kendrick’s shoulder, leaning into his thick neck comfortably.

Alec sat, took a sip of his hot tea, and then tipped his head questioningly, “Now, forgive my ignorance, but what happens with a fae pregnancy and birth?”

Kendrick blinked. He’d been so engrossed with the idea of Twillow being pregnant and telling his father that he never thought to question the particulars of such a thing.

Twillow leaned forward and explained. “Well, when a fae female becomes pregnant she has to absorb a lot of magic in order to make the Life Water inside her.”

“What’s Life Water?” Kendrick asked.

“Life Water is what grows our babies from the Tree of Eilithyis.”

Now both giants looked confused and Twillow noticed with an uncomfortable laugh.

“Wait...” Kendrick held up a hand as if to order his thoughts, “I thought females grew and carried babies inside their bodies until it was ready to be born?”

“In most species that’s how it works. Fae have a different process.”

“Sounds like it.” Alec smiled with a shake of his head. “How about you give us the basics? Educate us in the fae way.”

Twillow laughed gently but patiently said, “Ok. Once a fae female mates and is receptive to the mating, her essence blends with the essence of her partner. When that happens her womb will fill up with Life Water. That is what is happening inside me now.”

Kendrick nodded, following the process so far.

She continued, “A few months later, after she has enriched her Life Water with magic, a private ceremony is held where the Life Water is...expelled...then collected. The Life Water is then taken to the Tree of Eilithyis; the source of all fae births in the Parliel Realm. Then we pour the Life Water at the base of the Tree of Eilithyis. A bud will grow on the tree in that moment and if all goes well a flower blooms in a few days and a new fae baby comes out.”

“You...came from a tree?” Kendrick was puzzled.

“Well, a flower that grows from the tree.” She corrected. “But yes, all fae are born from the Tree of Eilithysis.”

Alec chuckled quietly, “I have heard a story or two of fae and fairies being born from flowers. Had no idea there was truth to that.”

Twillow noticed Kendrick still seemed bewildered by the explanation. He was blinking as if his brain was trying to visualize all that he just heard.

“So...that means we will have to go to the Parliel Realm?” Kendrick surmised.

She nodded, “Yes. Even the Amethyst Well won’t be enough to sustain my Life Water. I will need to eat magic infused foods daily for the next few months until then. I must go back to the Parliel Realm to do this.”

“How many months does it take?” Kendrick asked.

“Typically five to six, depending on how much magic I’m able to absorb during that time.” Twillow explained. “But given the uniqueness of our baby...I can’t be certain.”

Kendrick nodded but then seemed torn, “Pop...”

The blind giant waved a hand immediately, “It shouldn’t even be a question, Son. You both must go to ensure your new baby is born.”

“But...will you be all right...alone?” Kendrick sounded worried.

Alec gave a soft smile, “Months aren’t that long for me. And besides, with my new garden you helped me plant I can sustain myself much easier than before.”

“Alec?” Twillow began her question.

“Yes, my dear?”

“Would you ever consider leaving the Lower Realm and live in the Parliel Realm?”

Alec shifted a bit, seeming off balanced by the question, “Why would I do that?”

“Well...you might be more welcomed in the Parliel Realm than here.” She looked over at Kendrick, “And...if you would be willing, then Kendrick would be also. We don’t want to leave you here alone.”

“I see.” Alec nodded slowly as he seemed to acknowledge Kendrick next, “You want to live in the Parliel Realm?”

Kendrick shrugged, “I...I don’t know. Maybe. There’s a lot of other species there all living together. And it’s a pretty place. Maybe we’d be better off there?” he gave an uncomfortable look, “IF...they’d be willing to let us live there.”

Alec nodded again, mulling over the questions, “I...I would have to give it some serious thought. This realm is my home after all. Would be hard for me to leave...” he gestured, “But you two should go for the birth of your child. I don’t want you to worry about me. I’ll be just fine.”

Kendrick’s silence prompted a reassuring pat, “I’ve been around six hundred years, Kendrick. Blind for one-hundred eighty of them... I think I’ve figured out how to take care of myself. A few months will be but a moment.”

Kendrick allowed himself a smile as he patted his father’s arm in return.

Alec’s voice grew serious and cautionary, “That being said: I want to caution you both about something.”

Twillow and Kendrick glanced at each other and listened.

“With the coming of this child, I feel it only necessary to warn you now since I was about Kendrick’s age when my mate was pregnant with him.”

“Warn us?” Twillow inquired.

“Kendrick...you are going to feel more protective of Twillow the further along her pregnancy goes.” Alec stated.

Twillow blinked, “Isn’t that normal for any father?”

“Oh yes. But for giants that protective instinct ramps up tremendously when our mates are pregnant...dangerously so.” Alec explained, his voice falling a bit as if remembering something but continued, “When your mother was pregnant with you, I was seeing threats and enemies in things I wouldn’t normally. Everything was a danger. And it didn’t lessen until you were walking.” He sighed, “If you are going to the Parliel Realm then you must keep this in mind. I don’t want it to start any...incidents.”

Kendrick’s gaze fell down to the table. Of course he felt protective of Twillow. He was willing to die to keep her from harm. But if he went to the Parliel Realm, a heavily populated place, and something triggered his protective instinct as high as what his father warned, something tragic could happen. At the very least he’d be banned from ever returning. At the worst...he didn’t want to think about it.

He frowned, “Then...it might not be a good idea for me to go.”

Twillow touched his neck, “Sweethearts, you must come with me. I don’t want to be without you for the birth of our baby.”

“I suppose...you could curse me? Then I wouldn’t be as...dangerous.” He thought aloud, “But the curse stones only work for a maximum of a week.”

Twillow nodded, “Hugo might know other ways to prolong it.”

Kendrick still looked unsure.

“You have a strong will, Son. If you can keep yourself focused and calm and not give in to that more baser instinct, you can keep it controlled. But...it is a very strong instinct.” Alec explained.

“But should I risk that?” Kendrick asked seriously.

Alec sighed but then nodded, “For your mate...for your child...you will.”

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