"...And then the baby otter made it to the other side of the river, and everyone cheered, and he got the hug from his mother he wanted so much."
The small, ethereal otter spun in the air and winked out in a burst of sparks, leaving the room in dim candlelight. Gareth looked fondly over at the children in their beds: Zelly, Ben, Kyrsie, and the rest--and watched them for a moment or two to make absolutely certain they were really, truly asleep.
He let out a quiet sigh, content, happy that he'd been able to weave his magic for the kids and help them get to sleep. He knew that after the untimely demise of their ward, Mother Gail, rest would be hard to come by. So a little accomplishment like this... it meant a lot.
He readied himself to get up from his position sitting on Zelly's bed, and was already considering a way to do it without startling her awake, when he spotted a blue face peering into the bedroom. He raised his eyebrows and put a finger on his lips to silence her... although he certainly didn't need to, since Winter was so kind and attentive to children already. Some of their companions he worried now and then about leaving Zelly with, but others... okay, just Winter. Only Winter. She was close with Zelly already, maybe even closer than he was.
He got up slow and walked over to Winter, smiling tiredly. "Welcome back," Gareth whispered. "I just put the kids to bed."
She held her tongue, surprisingly well for someone with the habit of blurting things out at the worst of times. Still, she smiled a little, glad to see the small ones all curled up, resting comfortably. It had been rough for them and she was glad they were at ease-- perhaps having had rushed back in order to check on the lot of them. It seems, though, she had less to worry about than she expected. She liked all of her companions, but many of them were quite rowdy, not the sort used to children perhaps?
"Thank you." She smiled, bright and toothy in reply as she folded her hands behind her back. One last glance to Zelly before she stepped away, not wanting their conversation to rouse any of the little ones. "It seems you did quite a good job with that, I had not thought of magic being used with stories before. You're good at it." A patented Winter nod of approval.
"Of course!" he answered easily, following her close behind in the small upstairs hallways. She smelled, as always, faintly of flowers and herbs: he often wondered if it was some aspect of her draconic heritage or if it was simply from the pouches she carried, each full of some interesting root or berry. Their many uses escaped him but she somehow always managed to have the right thing at the right time--and when she didn't, she scavenged it.
"Aww, what a compliment," he thanked her. "That was most of what I was doing on stage, anyway. Not so much acting."
"I'm sure you've seen much more interesting things at home, though. This kind of magic is pretty boring at its core. I guess." he said it and shrugged lightly, like he just didn't care.
"Ah." She huffed at him, disapproving of his dismissal of his own abilities. "I don't think it's boring at all." A shake of her head, enough that wobbled her large braid. She didn't want him being discouraging about himself, even if he believed it, because to her each talent was important-- regardless of what she had seen before. And regardless,
"I couldn't do a thing like that." Sometimes she could produce flame, or ice, but never anything so magical like this. A story told, visually, with magic. She could see why he was in the troupe, it was something she'd have sat and watched with the children had she been in the cottage at the time. "It was like a picture that moved, not many people could paint words with images. You should be proud!"
"No?" he asked in surprise, forgetting to moderate his voice as much as he should. He returned to a whisper and made sure he hadn't misheard her. "Really? It's such basic magic, though. The kind that even a child could do."
He winced as he immediately put his foot in his mouth. "I mean, if it's the kind of magic that you can do." He smoothed down his tunic and tried to find an escape, but she presented him with another compliment instead. He cooled down, looking at the floor as they walked along the hallway. "Really?" Gareth said at last. "You thought it was interesting? Not a waste of magic?"
If she was offended, it didn't have time to sink in, and she did not show it. Instead she listened, thoughtful as ever, and when he came to the end she almost snorted. "A waste?" She held her hands out in front of her, palms up. "Magic is not something that comes and goes-- there is not a limited supply. Nothing is a waste of magic." A little giggle as she turned her gaze on him completely, bright yellow eyes glittering with mirth.
"Bringing joy to others is never a waste, even if magic was limited-- how can one say that doing a good thing is a waste?" She shook her head just a little, the idea seemed foolish to her. "Most think magic is all might and force; but that which I remember clearly, and in the most fondness, was the times in which it has brought light into my life, not darkness."
He was pleased the insult, unintentional as it had been, had sailed over her head. That was one of Winter's most endearing points: her undying naivete. It was just as charming as it could be frustrating. But Gareth liked it.
He listened to her philosophy with a hopeful smile on his face. It turned into a big grin as she giggled, fixing him with those striking yellow eyes. "You think a lot differently from my teacher," he remarked. "She was all about magic being important only because it's used solely where it's needed, never for frivolous things... although frankly, she and I had different definitions of 'frivolous.'"
He snapped his fingers (quietly!) and sent up a shower of sparks. "But I always, I don't know... kind of liked the flashiness of even the simple stuff."
"Do you... would you mind telling me about that? When magic made your life better?"
"I think she is wrong." She puffed her cheeks, blunt as ever. "Humans think magic is sacred or to be kept secret, but magic is pure and of the earth, it is for people to enjoy!" A little bounce of emphasis as she tried to prove her point.
"Oh." She seemed to think about it for a moment because there were many options to choose from, and she wanted to be able to tell a good story, like he did. "When I was younger, back home, all the younglings would get restless-- as did I. Always causing trouble and playing.
"So my older brother got tired of all of us bothering him, as he was in line to be in charge after my mother and was tasked with all the things she did not have time for." A small, almost impish laugh. Perhaps she was trouble for him on occasion. "Anyhow, to occupy us during the colder times, my brother took it upon himself to ice much of the cave floor in a corner. It let the younglings and I slide around, slipping and playing for hours. Even as I got older he continued to do it each year for them."
A pause as her smile softened. "I think he quite liked hearing their laughter."
He couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Thank you, Winter. That means a lot to me." She bounced gently and he was reminded of a precocious child--but her body, and at times her mind, were undeniably womanly.
He listened to her story intently--not just because of the magic, although that was a treat in and of itself. He always loved hearing about magic in faraway lands or in this case, done by entirely different beings. The race of Dragons was close to magic in a way that Humans weren't and possibly could never be. Anything they did was likely a marvel in Human magic, no matter how mundane it was in their society.
"It must have been nice having siblings," Gareth mused. "I'm jealous. I was an only child and always thought about having an older brother or sister."
"Well, now you have all of us." She offered, in earnest, as she continued smiling. "I couldn't imagine not having siblings-- and more so all the other younglings." They were her siblings too, in a way. Perhaps not by blood, but in the same way she considered those she traveled with now to be her family, those she had nested with were family too. Though even without them, she suffered the weight of several older brothers and one younger one. Her mother used to jest that she was a 'rare egg' and that there were far too many boys to count.
"I would give you one of mine, but they teased me often-- I think they would you too." A little puff of air, her bottom lip stuck out with it in a 'huff'. "We are both 'shrimps'."
Her earnest, honest optimism warmed his heart. He couldn't help but laugh at her suggestion, but it wasn't a mocking or cruel-sounding laugh. It was just him being caught off guard, again and again, by her happy demeanor. It was nice being with someone who was so ready to see a sunny day in between the clouds.
"Younglings?" he inquired, and smiled at her offer. "I bet they definitely would! Not only am I a shrimp, I'm a human. This is as big as I'm going to get, and my time is relatively short."
"Dragons, on the other hand? They just keep going and they just keep growing."
"Younglings, little dragons, or wyrms." She rolled her eye, she didn't like having been a 'wyrm' or a 'shrimp' or any other noodle-shaped thing. Except Noodle. But that was only for her Papa and no one else! After a second she actually had to think about what he was saying. He was human! It was easy to think in human terms and human years. The idea of being around such a short time was such a curious thing she couldn't really understand.
"It's okay, I think you are good for a human." She wasn't sure, really, but he seemed an alright size next to her, and that's what mattered right? "My brothers are old, so they're big, but I hope they don't get any bigger." A sniff as she took an imitation of a serious tone, "As father says, 'their heads are big enough'."
"Awww, that means a lot coming from you." He reached out and ruffled her gorgeous red hair, his fingers brushing her horns by accident. "I think you're a pretty great Tiefling, and a good dragon too. But more than that, you're a good friend."
He laughed at her impersonation of her father. "He seemed like a very... intense man. Nice of him to give us that egg trinket, though. I think maybe he worries about you staying safe: he'd have to be keeping pretty close tabs on you to know we were fighting Vampires and to get us exactly what we needed."
"What's your mother like? If you don't mind me asking."
The giggle is near instant when he touched her horn, a shiver following as she angled her head timidly. Not that she really seemed to mind; but more it was her body reacting before she had even thought about it. Something that actually managed to embarrass her, if the look on her face is anything to go by before she looks down, calming herself before she even tries to continue talking.
"He is probably watching, at least sometimes." She admitted because Gareth was right. Her father knew just what to do, as he always did, and with the gifts, he brought he must have been prepared. Unlike most, however, the idea didn't seem to bother her in the least. She trusted him implicitly and thus there was no worry about if he was following her.
"My mother is the most beautiful person I have ever seen." She said a little breathless, clearly just in awe of her mother in some sense. "She is strong and smart. She cares for all of us-- she protects us, and she has lived so very long. She loves humans so much! And she can make many of your foods. She is the greatest dragon, I am sure of it." She was beaming when she turned on him. "You would like her," a few small, sage nods. "I think she would like you too.
"She always seems to know just what is right, she has a good heart. She taught me all I know of magic."
He smiled at the giggle and the angle she gave him, like she wanted him to continue. It reminded him of the way a small, adorable animal would act, and it was so endearing he couldn't help but give her another couple pats before he withdrew his hand.
"That's what I thought," he nodded. "I guess that's good and bad news: maybe we were never in enough danger for him to intervene. Hopefully he doesn't mind I talk with you like this." he shuddered briefly: the idea of that man getting it in his head that Gareth was aiming for Winter, that was a quick way to get dead. Not that he wasn't. Or was. They were just companions.
He listened to her preach about her mother, and smiled kindly as she extolled her virtues. "She sounds like a great woman," he said when she was done. "And I'm sure she has a great deal to say about magic. I'd like to meet her one day, if you don't mind."
"I think you should meet her." She couldn't help but agree, or perhaps confirm. "It would be fun!" And many other things, probably, considering how well her mother knew humans-- but to Winter it just sounded like a good time. Besides she doubted her family would have any issues; they were welcoming to most humans despite the 'risks' and Gareth was a friend!
Something in her stomach warmed at the idea of them all sitting around chatting about magic. Her own opinions were largely formed because of her family, so being able to listen in to their opinions going back and forth was a dream.
"Even if they do not, you're always welcome, that I am sure of!"
"I think so too," he said, and smiled warmly. "Especially if you vouch for me. Which you would, wouldn't you?" Gareth gave her a gentle tease, unable to refrain from playing with her just a little.
"I'd have to be ready to show off some magic, though," he thought out loud. "And maybe come up with a new story. Sometimes they can be hard to think of, you know? Although I suppose I can always use some of our adventures."
He leaned back against the wall, looking into Winter's eyes as he relaxed. "What do you think the best part of our adventure so far would be? If I was going to tell it like a story."
"Of course!" She couldn't think of a reason she wouldn't now. Perhaps more than ever, considering they had bonded in a way over their mutual care for Zelly. Beyond that, he seemed keen on helping them right what had happened, and doing the right thing was important to the druid.
She stopped next to him, standing in the hall as they murmured amongst themselves. She was enjoying the talk however, and his company, which seemed to be more and more common as of late. It proved to her as she always thought, not all humans were bad and some could even be quite good.
"It is hard to say..." She tapped her lower lip, thinking, though while some may tell tales of their adventures or fights, she just smiled. "I do not think it would make a great tale, but I did so enjoy the times we all gather around the fire and talk. Those are good memories."
A beat, scratching her hip. "Perhaps battles make better stories."
"I enjoy them too, a great deal," he agreed with her. "Learning about our different companions--and you as well, of course--is always fascinating. But maybe you're right, it might not be a good tale. Those are moments we shared together, and I think the best stories are ones where everyone can feel as if they participated in them."
He contemplated the idea, running a hand through his hair. Winter was always a fun one to watch: she had so many interesting mannerisms, and they were all charming. He belatedly realized his own nervous tic and froze with his hand, but then pushed away his embarrassment and kept thinking.
"I think... maybe a story about Zelly would be good, at some point, although right now we don't know exactly how it ends. Or even really what it's about." He thought some more, and then snapped his fingers: "what about our daring entry into the sewers and out again?"
"Oh yes!" She agreed, with more than enough enthusiasm for the both of them. "Our defeat of the vampires and the rescue of the city." She nodded firmly, it sounded like quite a tale. She had never really thought much of being the topic of a story, even when the odd plays had been going. She liked it, but what was there to do with that information. Still, even though she had been there, a small part of her felt excited at the idea of seeing Gareth retell their tale to the little ones.
"With all the riddles and fights it is sure to be a good tale." And like that she was sold on it, watching him with that easy fondness she did not bother to try and hide.
"Exactly. And the nice thing about being a storyteller is that you can give emphasis where it's due. To Winter, for brokering a deal with our enemy the general, and for the thrilling conclusion where we faced off with two ancient Vampire children."
He couldn't help but melt a little under the fond look she gave him. If he had to admit it, he would easily say that he valued her as a friend and certainly a companion. But he hadn't been forced to yet. Yet.
"Let's see... I think we'd start entering the city, in media res, no explanation of how we came by Zelly. That way they'll be clamoring to know what came before. And then we sweep right in with the church, the palace, the princess..."
As he talked he waved his fingers and small figures sprung into life. Zelly, hidden underneath a cloak. Gareth and Winter, beside her. They emerged from sparks and walked carefully on thin air, the size of a hand each.
She listened with nothing short of facination; she wasn't even sure what some of the words he said meant, but the idea came through clear as day. And when he started to create images with his magic? Her eyes were wide and nearly sparkling in delight. There had been no jest from her about enjoying his gift, and it was clear as day when she watched him work.
She was so caught up in his story, even though she had lived it, that she fell silent. She wanted more, that much was clear, and while he may have thought it simple magic-- she found it absolutely delightful. Or, perhaps, that was just his ability to set a story; he hadn't gotten far as she was already eager to hear more.
Only after a few moments did she manage a, "You're so good at this."
He made his little story, getting more and more into it as the tale went on: Zelly hid behind Winter's--the real Winter's--head, peeking out from behind her comparatively giant horns. When the audience with the king and queen was over she gave the real Winter a quick, ephemeral wave and dashed over to the illusory, much smaller tiefling woman. He was so wrapped up in it that he didn't quite realize how much he'd become distracted... until Winter spoke up.
The images vanished in a flash of sparks and Gareth blushed bright red. "Oh. I got, uh, I carried--I mean..." he blew a long sigh, closing his eyes, and tried to focus. "Thank you. That means a lot."
"I..." he searched for something to say, running his hand through his hair again. "Do you think Zelly will like it?"
Laughed, and for the first time it was probably at him, rather than with him. "Of course she will!" What a silly question to ask! It was what made her laugh in the first place, perhaps Gareth did not understand his own talent. She had heard of people like that, but she would do her best to make h im see what a wonderful one it was.
"I have no doubt it will easily become her favorite and you will have to tell it again and again." She nodded, hair bobbing a little, the few loose strands near her cheeks wavering along with the movement.
"You have an excellent way with words, even better than most I have ever met, that is a true talent! People will listen when you speak, I am sure of it."
Gareth missed that the humor was at his expense for once, he was so busy smiling at the idea of Zelly enjoying his little story. Even though she'd participated in it herself! It was enough to make him feel warm from the very inside.
"Winter," he spoke, and faltered. He wasn't used to this much kindness. It made him want to tear up, just a little.
After a long moment, he continued. "I used to be jealous of you. I still am a little, since you and Zelly have developed such a close bond. It reminds me of how she and I were before she was... you know. And it made me so regretful I might never get that again."
"But I think you're the best friend she's ever had. Or mother figure, or whatever. And I... I really appreciate you doing so much for her. She's so happy these days, and I think it's mostly you."
He looked up, studying the beams on the ceiling. Focusing very hard.
It was perhaps to his detriment that he was looking away, he had no way to brace himself for the sudden onslaught of the small dragon woman. Arms thrown up and her body squished into his as she gave him the biggest hug she could manage. Squeezing him with a good amount of affection before pulling back. It was something that made her heart swell, in all the right ways. She was glad he thought she was good to Zelly, she tried her best to be, and the fact he cared about that just made her all the more emotional.
"Zelly will always care about you." She insisted, with the sort of assurance probably only she could have. Smiling up at him with ease. "I think perhaps things are hard because she is scared you won't still see her the same as she is now, but if you spent more time with her-- or with us, she would know that you do still care.
"It is easy to be scared you do not belong, that is a thing I have learned about humans in our travels. But it is an easy thing for us to overcome.
"Together I think we do a very good job, and even without me, you would do a very good job."
He was purposefully looking away from her, so it came as a complete surprise when she threw herself at him. He let out an "oof!" as she collided with him, pushing him back into the wall, her chest pressing into his. At first he wasn't sure how to react but after a moment of panicked surprise he wrapped his arms around her and gave her a hug in return.
"I know, I know," he insisted, although the tone of his voice made it clear he wasn't one hundred percent certain. It was clear it was important for him to hear it.
"I think we've done an alright job, sure, but I think you're giving yourself too little credit," he argued. "Without you, I don't know... she's changed a lot just because she's been around you. It's amazing, really. She used to be a little brat." He said it a little louder than he intended, then glanced over at the room and lowered his voice. "I think one day you might make a really good mom."
And while he may have had a better grip on keeping his composure, there's no missing the way his final comment makes her lip suck in, or how the faint bubbling of tears threatened to tip over her eyelashes, the little pinpricks glittering in the faint light. Still, she smiled, bright and wide and with absolute adoration in that brief moment. "Thank you Gareth." And it was clear that perhaps that was something she always needed, or wanted, to hear.
"I'm just glad she is happy and safe with us." Perhaps Zelly had been a brat, she hadn't thought much of it then. She saw the girl as lost and hurt, and that was something she could help. Gradually warming up to each other. It made her so happy to hear things had improved, she could only hope to continue making them better for all of them, not just Zelly.
"It's the truth," he grinned. "Have you seen the way she follows you around? It's like she's a little duckling. It's adorable. And more than that, I think it's really good for her: you show her so much of the natural world around her, and that's something I don't think she ever really saw until you came along." Not that it had really been her fault: there wasn't much to do about being cooped up inside a castle.
"I have," he admitted. "And frankly, I don't think I want to part again. Not just because of Zelly, but because you--all the party--is becoming... special to me." It wasn't easy for him to voice it, but he did his best. Winter was that kind of person: it felt like he could tell her anything and never be judged.
"I'm sorry for always dipping out at the worst moment. Hopefully things will be different in the future."
The idea of Zelly as a duckling sent a little warm flutter through her heart. Adorable indeed. "I'm glad." And she was, she had seen how Zelly did not want to return home, did not want to be trapped, and she could understand that. Freedom was a blessing, though it came with hardships, she would not damn anyone to be trapped in a tower unable to live their life with happiness.
"It is okay." Her voice was gentle, warm. Blue hands sliding up to cup his face, as he was forced to endure her ever-present optimism and warmth. Trapped in a hallway with someone who perhaps cared too much. "I believe in you." She nodded staring up at him, earnest as ever, eyes scrunched a bit in warmth. "You are a good man at heart, I can see it in your eyes. You were always welcomed back, because even if you do not see it, we can see what is in your heart, you are as much a part of this family as anyone, so long as you want to be."
"Me too," he grinned. Thinking about Zelly, perhaps a surrogate daughter (if he was old enough for that) or at least a ward he cared very much about.
And again he was taken off guard. Really he should have seen it coming this time, but her hands were so gentle and so soft.
He stared at her, was forced to, really--but he didn't mind. Her eyes were like yellow pools of warmth and staring into them (never mind what she said) was making him tear up just a little. "Thank you," he said shakily, and sniffed. "I would like to be. I want to be... very much. If you'll have me," he said, just staring.
"Of course we will have you." She murmured, but there was no derision, only open honesty. "You are already there." To her he was already family, already a part of the unit. He had come so far with them now, and seeing this side of him, the openness just reaffirmed her belief that he belonged with them. They needed him as he needed them. It made her smile again, giving his face a small, affectionate squeeze.
"I am allowed to be kind because you all have let me be, and I am kind because I know you are deserving of kindness." And she was absolutely sure of it now. It was clear even in her gaze she believed it with the whole of her heart.
"Together I think we can all find what it is we've left home looking for."
He simply nodded as she affirmed his place in the group. What else was there to say? Even if he opened his mouth nothing would have come out--especially when she squeezed his face again, showing her clear kindness and open-heartedness. How had their group possibly found her?
"Like I said," he grinned "The kindest person. Maybe ever." "But you're right. I think with our group, there's nothing we can't do."
He looked deep into her eyes, deep into those intelligent yellow orbs, so naive and yet so wise. Winter was a mystery to him, a big wonderful mystery that made his heart swell and his whole body feel--
"What's that for you?" he asked, suddenly plucking her hands off his face and looking away. His heart beating a little too quickly. "What are you trying to find?"
She liked to think he believed it, the words he said, and so she did. Even when he removed her hands that didn't dampen her enthusiasm or warmth any. Instead she just allowed herself to pull back, just a little so she wasn't crushing her chest into his anymore and taking a moment to think. Though some small part of her knew the answer even before she spoke.
"I wanted to see humans..." She admitted, sheepish but pleased. "My father has never much liked you, but my mother..." A pause as she giggled, "She has spent more time amongst humans than dragons, perhaps. She told us such great stories and tales, of brave humans, or charming ones, or ones who made very good food! So once I was old enough I asked to go travel, I wanted to find a purpose outside of my home." A soft little sigh.
"My mother found my father amongst the humans, perhaps I will do the same-- if not, I will have good stories to tell my children some day."
Despite his embarrassment, and his preoccupation with the new emotions roiling in his gut, he managed a smile. "Some of us are very good, it's true. I'm glad your mother formed good opinions of us. And yeah, we've been known to make good food too. I'm sure you've noticed."
"Do you... have you thought at all about what kind of mate you'd be looking for? I know you haven't been with us for long, but maybe you've come to some conclusions." Gareth swept a hand through his hair and leaned back against the wall, acting casual.
He tried not to seem inordinately interested in the line of questioning.
"Oh yes, I think human food has to be the best food." Though she had limited things to choose from, the human food was far better than the Dragon food she had had, or even the few Elven meals she encountered in her travels. It was so bright and full of flavor. So much variety! And bread, she couldn't forget the crowning achievement of the human's cooking. It had to be her favorite thing to eat. "Humans are ever so talented, doing so much even with such short lives!" Her praise was immense, she had such respect for people who did so much with so little.
"Of course." She smiled but made no attempt to hide the way her face colored a little, embarrassed but pleased. "I think all types like to imagine such things." A wistful sort of sigh, and for a second it seemed like that was all she was going to say before she perked back up. "I think it is most important to have someone kind," she laid a hand over her heart. "Someone who can smile and bring warmth. I know he does not seem it, but when my father is with his children, he is a man of many smiles.
"I want someone to look upon our young as he does. Someone who wants to adventure with me, and eat lots of food, and-- and--" She really had no practical experience with this, that much was clear, just little fantasies and needs. No request for more serious attributes. "I hope he will know things I don't, and I hope he will be brave when I cannot, and I hope he will laugh at the joy of life."
There was no hiding the way she looked at her hands, fussing those short green gloves, or the way her face was flushed all the way to her ears. "And I hope he will hold my hand and walk as my parents do."
He couldn't help but laugh at her predictable support for human food. "I've never had anything but, so I'll take your word for it." He smiled warmly at the Tiefling, admiring the way her face and her eyes lit up when she was talking about food. If he had a piece of gold for every time she'd snuck some bread when no one was looking, or even when everyone was... he supposed he might have enough money to pay for all the bread she'd eat.
Since he was watching her face so closely, it wasn't hard to notice how she blushed--a pretty, dark blue that matched the extremities of her limbs. Gareth listened to her laundry list of important qualities she'd look for in a partner, and felt a small ache in his chest, but the more he tried to quell it the more it grew. He absentmindedly massaged where it hurt, on the left upper side of his chest.
"I hope that too," he said quietly. "I think you deserve someone who's at least as wonderful as you are." There was more he had to say but it all got stuck in his throat and he turned to look at Zelly instead. She was focusing as hard as she could and failing--so far. But he knew she'd probably figure it out.
"I'll have to make you some food from my home-- I am not the best cook, but I think you may like it." She grinned a little, she would try, who knew how good it would be. That said she was sure a lot of it was influenced by human food, probably because her mother was also keen on it. Perhaps she could drag her father around some time to cook, he was the best of them. It was part of the reason her mother fell for him, she was sure. Part of many reasons.
Tightened the grip of her arms around her knees, pressing into them a little more as she found herself rather flustered. "I think we all do." She nodded gently, though it was like she had more on her mind, following his gaze to Zelly. "I don't know if I will ever really be good at finding a mate, but in my heart, I feel I have so much love to offer, I want to be as good as my mother, and her mother." A pause as she played with a little dirt.
"For now I do my best to do what I can for Zelly."
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"...And then the baby otter made it to the other side of the river, and everyone cheered, and he got the hug from his mother he wanted so much."
The small, ethereal otter spun in the air and winked out in a burst of sparks, leaving the room in dim candlelight. Gareth looked fondly over at the children in their beds: Zelly, Ben, Kyrsie, and the rest--and watched them for a moment or two to make absolutely certain they were really, truly asleep.
He let out a quiet sigh, content, happy that he'd been able to weave his magic for the kids and help them get to sleep. He knew that after the untimely demise of their ward, Mother Gail, rest would be hard to come by. So a little accomplishment like this...
it meant a lot.
He readied himself to get up from his position sitting on Zelly's bed, and was already considering a way to do it without startling her awake, when he spotted a blue face peering into the bedroom. He raised his eyebrows and put a finger on his lips to silence her... although he certainly didn't need to, since Winter was so kind and attentive to children already. Some of their companions he worried now and then about leaving Zelly with, but others...
okay, just Winter. Only Winter. She was close with Zelly already, maybe even closer than he was.
He got up slow and walked over to Winter, smiling tiredly. "Welcome back," Gareth whispered. "I just put the kids to bed."
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"Thank you." She smiled, bright and toothy in reply as she folded her hands behind her back. One last glance to Zelly before she stepped away, not wanting their conversation to rouse any of the little ones. "It seems you did quite a good job with that, I had not thought of magic being used with stories before. You're good at it." A patented Winter nod of approval.
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"Aww, what a compliment," he thanked her. "That was most of what I was doing on stage, anyway. Not so much acting."
"I'm sure you've seen much more interesting things at home, though. This kind of magic is pretty boring at its core. I guess." he said it and shrugged lightly, like he just didn't care.
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"I couldn't do a thing like that." Sometimes she could produce flame, or ice, but never anything so magical like this. A story told, visually, with magic. She could see why he was in the troupe, it was something she'd have sat and watched with the children had she been in the cottage at the time. "It was like a picture that moved, not many people could paint words with images. You should be proud!"
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He winced as he immediately put his foot in his mouth. "I mean, if it's the kind of magic that you can do." He smoothed down his tunic and tried to find an escape, but she presented him with another compliment instead. He cooled down, looking at the floor as they walked along the hallway. "Really?" Gareth said at last. "You thought it was interesting? Not a waste of magic?"
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"Bringing joy to others is never a waste, even if magic was limited-- how can one say that doing a good thing is a waste?" She shook her head just a little, the idea seemed foolish to her. "Most think magic is all might and force; but that which I remember clearly, and in the most fondness, was the times in which it has brought light into my life, not darkness."
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He listened to her philosophy with a hopeful smile on his face. It turned into a big grin as she giggled, fixing him with those striking yellow eyes. "You think a lot differently from my teacher," he remarked. "She was all about magic being important only because it's used solely where it's needed, never for frivolous things... although frankly, she and I had different definitions of 'frivolous.'"
He snapped his fingers (quietly!) and sent up a shower of sparks. "But I always, I don't know... kind of liked the flashiness of even the simple stuff."
"Do you... would you mind telling me about that? When magic made your life better?"
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"Oh." She seemed to think about it for a moment because there were many options to choose from, and she wanted to be able to tell a good story, like he did. "When I was younger, back home, all the younglings would get restless-- as did I. Always causing trouble and playing.
"So my older brother got tired of all of us bothering him, as he was in line to be in charge after my mother and was tasked with all the things she did not have time for." A small, almost impish laugh. Perhaps she was trouble for him on occasion. "Anyhow, to occupy us during the colder times, my brother took it upon himself to ice much of the cave floor in a corner. It let the younglings and I slide around, slipping and playing for hours. Even as I got older he continued to do it each year for them."
A pause as her smile softened. "I think he quite liked hearing their laughter."
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He listened to her story intently--not just because of the magic, although that was a treat in and of itself. He always loved hearing about magic in faraway lands or in this case, done by entirely different beings. The race of Dragons was close to magic in a way that Humans weren't and possibly could never be. Anything they did was likely a marvel in Human magic, no matter how mundane it was in their society.
"It must have been nice having siblings," Gareth mused. "I'm jealous. I was an only child and always thought about having an older brother or sister."
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"I would give you one of mine, but they teased me often-- I think they would you too." A little puff of air, her bottom lip stuck out with it in a 'huff'. "We are both 'shrimps'."
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"Younglings?" he inquired, and smiled at her offer. "I bet they definitely would! Not only am I a shrimp, I'm a human. This is as big as I'm going to get, and my time is relatively short."
"Dragons, on the other hand? They just keep going and they just keep growing."
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"It's okay, I think you are good for a human." She wasn't sure, really, but he seemed an alright size next to her, and that's what mattered right? "My brothers are old, so they're big, but I hope they don't get any bigger." A sniff as she took an imitation of a serious tone, "As father says, 'their heads are big enough'."
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He laughed at her impersonation of her father. "He seemed like a very... intense man. Nice of him to give us that egg trinket, though. I think maybe he worries about you staying safe: he'd have to be keeping pretty close tabs on you to know we were fighting Vampires and to get us exactly what we needed."
"What's your mother like? If you don't mind me asking."
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"He is probably watching, at least sometimes." She admitted because Gareth was right. Her father knew just what to do, as he always did, and with the gifts, he brought he must have been prepared. Unlike most, however, the idea didn't seem to bother her in the least. She trusted him implicitly and thus there was no worry about if he was following her.
"My mother is the most beautiful person I have ever seen." She said a little breathless, clearly just in awe of her mother in some sense. "She is strong and smart. She cares for all of us-- she protects us, and she has lived so very long. She loves humans so much! And she can make many of your foods. She is the greatest dragon, I am sure of it." She was beaming when she turned on him. "You would like her," a few small, sage nods. "I think she would like you too.
"She always seems to know just what is right, she has a good heart. She taught me all I know of magic."
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"That's what I thought," he nodded. "I guess that's good and bad news: maybe we were never in enough danger for him to intervene. Hopefully he doesn't mind I talk with you like this." he shuddered briefly: the idea of that man getting it in his head that Gareth was aiming for Winter, that was a quick way to get dead.
Not that he wasn't. Or was. They were just companions.
He listened to her preach about her mother, and smiled kindly as she extolled her virtues. "She sounds like a great woman," he said when she was done. "And I'm sure she has a great deal to say about magic. I'd like to meet her one day, if you don't mind."
"Maybe our adventures will lead that way."
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Something in her stomach warmed at the idea of them all sitting around chatting about magic. Her own opinions were largely formed because of her family, so being able to listen in to their opinions going back and forth was a dream.
"Even if they do not, you're always welcome, that I am sure of!"
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"I'd have to be ready to show off some magic, though," he thought out loud. "And maybe come up with a new story. Sometimes they can be hard to think of, you know? Although I suppose I can always use some of our adventures."
He leaned back against the wall, looking into Winter's eyes as he relaxed. "What do you think the best part of our adventure so far would be? If I was going to tell it like a story."
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She stopped next to him, standing in the hall as they murmured amongst themselves. She was enjoying the talk however, and his company, which seemed to be more and more common as of late. It proved to her as she always thought, not all humans were bad and some could even be quite good.
"It is hard to say..." She tapped her lower lip, thinking, though while some may tell tales of their adventures or fights, she just smiled. "I do not think it would make a great tale, but I did so enjoy the times we all gather around the fire and talk. Those are good memories."
A beat, scratching her hip. "Perhaps battles make better stories."
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He contemplated the idea, running a hand through his hair. Winter was always a fun one to watch: she had so many interesting mannerisms, and they were all charming. He belatedly realized his own nervous tic and froze with his hand, but then pushed away his embarrassment and kept thinking.
"I think... maybe a story about Zelly would be good, at some point, although right now we don't know exactly how it ends. Or even really what it's about." He thought some more, and then snapped his fingers: "what about our daring entry into the sewers and out again?"
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"With all the riddles and fights it is sure to be a good tale." And like that she was sold on it, watching him with that easy fondness she did not bother to try and hide.
"I think we would all enjoy that very much."
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He couldn't help but melt a little under the fond look she gave him. If he had to admit it, he would easily say that he valued her as a friend and certainly a companion. But he hadn't been forced to yet.
Yet.
"Let's see... I think we'd start entering the city, in media res, no explanation of how we came by Zelly. That way they'll be clamoring to know what came before. And then we sweep right in with the church, the palace, the princess..."
As he talked he waved his fingers and small figures sprung into life. Zelly, hidden underneath a cloak. Gareth and Winter, beside her. They emerged from sparks and walked carefully on thin air, the size of a hand each.
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She was so caught up in his story, even though she had lived it, that she fell silent. She wanted more, that much was clear, and while he may have thought it simple magic-- she found it absolutely delightful. Or, perhaps, that was just his ability to set a story; he hadn't gotten far as she was already eager to hear more.
Only after a few moments did she manage a, "You're so good at this."
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The images vanished in a flash of sparks and Gareth blushed bright red. "Oh. I got, uh, I carried--I mean..." he blew a long sigh, closing his eyes, and tried to focus. "Thank you. That means a lot."
"I..." he searched for something to say, running his hand through his hair again. "Do you think Zelly will like it?"
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"I have no doubt it will easily become her favorite and you will have to tell it again and again." She nodded, hair bobbing a little, the few loose strands near her cheeks wavering along with the movement.
"You have an excellent way with words, even better than most I have ever met, that is a true talent! People will listen when you speak, I am sure of it."
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"Winter," he spoke, and faltered. He wasn't used to this much kindness. It made him want to tear up, just a little.
After a long moment, he continued. "I used to be jealous of you. I still am a little, since you and Zelly have developed such a close bond. It reminds me of how she and I were before she was... you know. And it made me so regretful I might never get that again."
"But I think you're the best friend she's ever had. Or mother figure, or whatever. And I... I really appreciate you doing so much for her. She's so happy these days, and I think it's mostly you."
He looked up, studying the beams on the ceiling. Focusing very hard.
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"Zelly will always care about you." She insisted, with the sort of assurance probably only she could have. Smiling up at him with ease. "I think perhaps things are hard because she is scared you won't still see her the same as she is now, but if you spent more time with her-- or with us, she would know that you do still care.
"It is easy to be scared you do not belong, that is a thing I have learned about humans in our travels. But it is an easy thing for us to overcome.
"Together I think we do a very good job, and even without me, you would do a very good job."
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"I know, I know," he insisted, although the tone of his voice made it clear he wasn't one hundred percent certain. It was clear it was important for him to hear it.
"I think we've done an alright job, sure, but I think you're giving yourself too little credit," he argued. "Without you, I don't know... she's changed a lot just because she's been around you. It's amazing, really. She used to be a little brat." He said it a little louder than he intended, then glanced over at the room and lowered his voice. "I think one day you might make a really good mom."
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"I'm just glad she is happy and safe with us." Perhaps Zelly had been a brat, she hadn't thought much of it then. She saw the girl as lost and hurt, and that was something she could help. Gradually warming up to each other. It made her so happy to hear things had improved, she could only hope to continue making them better for all of them, not just Zelly.
"And you too, you've stayed with us this time."
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"I have," he admitted. "And frankly, I don't think I want to part again. Not just because of Zelly, but because you--all the party--is becoming... special to me." It wasn't easy for him to voice it, but he did his best. Winter was that kind of person: it felt like he could tell her anything and never be judged.
"I'm sorry for always dipping out at the worst moment. Hopefully things will be different in the future."
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"It is okay." Her voice was gentle, warm. Blue hands sliding up to cup his face, as he was forced to endure her ever-present optimism and warmth. Trapped in a hallway with someone who perhaps cared too much. "I believe in you." She nodded staring up at him, earnest as ever, eyes scrunched a bit in warmth. "You are a good man at heart, I can see it in your eyes. You were always welcomed back, because even if you do not see it, we can see what is in your heart, you are as much a part of this family as anyone, so long as you want to be."
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And again he was taken off guard. Really he should have seen it coming this time, but her hands were so gentle and so soft.
He stared at her, was forced to, really--but he didn't mind. Her eyes were like yellow pools of warmth and staring into them (never mind what she said) was making him tear up just a little. "Thank you," he said shakily, and sniffed. "I would like to be. I want to be... very much. If you'll have me," he said, just staring.
And his eyes were swimming. But only a little.
"You're... so kind," he murmured brokenly.
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"I am allowed to be kind because you all have let me be, and I am kind because I know you are deserving of kindness." And she was absolutely sure of it now. It was clear even in her gaze she believed it with the whole of her heart.
"Together I think we can all find what it is we've left home looking for."
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"Like I said," he grinned "The kindest person. Maybe ever."
"But you're right. I think with our group, there's nothing we can't do."
He looked deep into her eyes, deep into those intelligent yellow orbs, so naive and yet so wise. Winter was a mystery to him, a big wonderful mystery that made his heart swell and his whole body feel--
"What's that for you?" he asked, suddenly plucking her hands off his face and looking away. His heart beating a little too quickly.
"What are you trying to find?"
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"I wanted to see humans..." She admitted, sheepish but pleased. "My father has never much liked you, but my mother..." A pause as she giggled, "She has spent more time amongst humans than dragons, perhaps. She told us such great stories and tales, of brave humans, or charming ones, or ones who made very good food! So once I was old enough I asked to go travel, I wanted to find a purpose outside of my home." A soft little sigh.
"My mother found my father amongst the humans, perhaps I will do the same-- if not, I will have good stories to tell my children some day."
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"Do you... have you thought at all about what kind of mate you'd be looking for? I know you haven't been with us for long, but maybe you've come to some conclusions." Gareth swept a hand through his hair and leaned back against the wall, acting casual.
He tried not to seem inordinately interested in the line of questioning.
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"Of course." She smiled but made no attempt to hide the way her face colored a little, embarrassed but pleased. "I think all types like to imagine such things." A wistful sort of sigh, and for a second it seemed like that was all she was going to say before she perked back up. "I think it is most important to have someone kind," she laid a hand over her heart. "Someone who can smile and bring warmth. I know he does not seem it, but when my father is with his children, he is a man of many smiles.
"I want someone to look upon our young as he does. Someone who wants to adventure with me, and eat lots of food, and-- and--" She really had no practical experience with this, that much was clear, just little fantasies and needs. No request for more serious attributes. "I hope he will know things I don't, and I hope he will be brave when I cannot, and I hope he will laugh at the joy of life."
There was no hiding the way she looked at her hands, fussing those short green gloves, or the way her face was flushed all the way to her ears. "And I hope he will hold my hand and walk as my parents do."
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Since he was watching her face so closely, it wasn't hard to notice how she blushed--a pretty, dark blue that matched the extremities of her limbs. Gareth listened to her laundry list of important qualities she'd look for in a partner, and felt a small ache in his chest, but the more he tried to quell it the more it grew. He absentmindedly massaged where it hurt, on the left upper side of his chest.
"I hope that too," he said quietly. "I think you deserve someone who's at least as wonderful as you are." There was more he had to say but it all got stuck in his throat and he turned to look at Zelly instead. She was focusing as hard as she could and failing--so far. But he knew she'd probably figure it out.
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Tightened the grip of her arms around her knees, pressing into them a little more as she found herself rather flustered. "I think we all do." She nodded gently, though it was like she had more on her mind, following his gaze to Zelly. "I don't know if I will ever really be good at finding a mate, but in my heart, I feel I have so much love to offer, I want to be as good as my mother, and her mother." A pause as she played with a little dirt.
"For now I do my best to do what I can for Zelly."