"And what did you say?" Eri asked with a hint of excitement.

Solanna continued to shift uncomfortably and kept from making eye contact. "Well… I didn't say anything," she admitted.

Eri threw Noria a confused look.

"She hasn't told me anything other than that," Noria said defensively. "One moment I was talking with Lorem then the next I was being dragged along…"

"I didn't drag–" Solanna stopped as she saw Noria's expression. "Okay, I might have been a little forceful. I'm sorry."

Noria nodded approvingly. "Apology accepted. Now, why do you need our help?"

The elven hunter took a deep breath and steadied herself. "Because I don't know what to do. And you two… You know…"

Ah. "We are courting– Or engaged in Noria's case." Though, I suppose after today's announcement… Me and Felix will be getting engaged soon.

"Exactly."

"Well, I'm not sure how much I can help but I will do what I can," Noria added with the look of satisfaction.

Eri agreed, "I suppose it depends on what you need help with. But, I will help." Might help distract me for a bit–

"Oh! Can I join in?!" a curious dragon asked, causing all three women to look up.

There was a resounding, "No," from all three.

Poor Kyrith looked crestfallen and Eri quickly sent him a mental hug. This isn't something you need to concern yourself with. Why don't you go find a good spot for us to sleep? It'll just be you and me tonight.

That made him perk up slightly but he still kept his pitiful expression. Okay… Can you at least fill me in on the gossip?

She held back a smile. Sure.

She and the others watched as the ember-colored dragon practically dragged himself away…

"Will he be alright?" Solanna asked. "I didn't mean to sound so rude."

Eri waved her concern away. "He just wanted to be nosy. He'll get over it."

"Anyway, back to Julous," Noria interjected, bringing attention back to the topic at hand. She stepped closer to the other two and almost formed a tight triangle with them. "Why didn't you say anything?"

Hmm? She seems more interested in this than I would have thought, Eri noted.

Solanna contemplated the question for several moments before answering. "Well, mainly because of Kyrith's roar. It happened just after Julous asked me his question. The commotion it caused interrupted everything. But I have to admit, I was kind of glad about that."

The hunter paused, expecting someone to speak but the only response she got was a gesture for her to continue. "The truth is, I have had my eyes on him for a little while now. Ever since we started going out as one big hunting party."

"Wait. Then why were you relieved to be interrupted? Why didn't you tell him?" Noria pressed.

Solanna held up two fingers. "Two reasons, the first is I'm bonded with Falzan. I don't know how that'll work out, especially when Julous isn't bonded."

"Hmm, that could be a problem…" Eri muttered in thought.

"Yes, I saw how well Zira took things between you and Felix– No offense, but I don't know if I want to put Falzan through that."

"In fairness, Azelea and Tzarin are perfectly fine with mine and Lorem's relationship," Noria pointed out.

"That is true," Solanna admitted. "But there is another reason."

"And…what is it?" The mage pushed.

The hunter looked unsure what to say.

"If we don't know what the issue is, we can't help you," Eri reminded her.

Almost deflating, Solanna finally spoke. "I think… I think Julous loves Oralyn."

"Oralyn?!" Noria shouted in surprise. Even Eri was taken aback by that.

"I know he was part of Oralyn's escort… But what makes you say that, and why would he ask you if his eyes were on someone else?" Eri added.

"I don't know… But he admitted to me that he has a complicated relationship with her."

The three women fell silent, all of them knowing what that implied. But it still doesn't make sense why he would ask her if she was seeing anyone…

Solanna worked her jaw before speaking up again. "The only thing I can think of is that… Is that, for some reason, he can no longer court her and I am his backup. Maybe she rejected him?"

That caused both Eri and Noria to wince.

"Don't think like that!" Noria exclaimed. "We don't know for sure what he meant by those words! And… And–"

"And I somehow doubt he is that kind of man," Eri added and Noria nodded vigorously. "He braved my healing just to go out with Felix to look for the two remaining elves that were missing."

"Don't remind me about that…" The hunter whispered, barely audible to the others.

"Hmm?"

"Nothing," Solanna replied quickly. "Anyway, that's why I was glad to be interrupted. But, now, I have no idea what to do. I'm afraid I might be some backup plan…"

Eri put a hand up to her chin and pondered the problem. Meanwhile, Noria took the opportunity to make a suggestion.

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"Why not simply ask him– Or, if you're not sure if he wouldn't lie, why not ask Oralyn about their relationship?"

"That's a good point," Eri added. "I doubt Oralyn will lie, she's too pragmatic for that. And then, you could confront Julous and see what he says."

Solanna took the advice into careful consideration. "Okay, but say he isn't interested in her like that. What about Falzan?"

Eri and Noria both looked at each other. "Talk with him first," Eri said.

"Make sure he understands," the mage added.

"Even Zira eventually came around to me and Felix," Eri finished with.

"She has?" Solanna asked, surprised.

She gave the hunter a hint of a smile. "We haven't told anyone yet, but Zira and Kyrith bonded–"

"WHAT?!" Noria yelled.

"Shh! Not so loud."

"S-sorry…"

"So… How does that work?" Solanna questioned, though, she too looked caught off-guard.

"Honestly? I have no idea. It all happened so fast… But Zira and Kyrith were able to bond and now… The four of us are connected."

Noria suddenly looked very interested in the idea, something Eri wanted to quickly temper.

"Don't try to force any of the dragons to bond. Me and Felix left it all up to Kyrith and Zira, we accepted whatever choice they made."

"Right…. We've gotten off topic, though that is fascinating. I thought Felix said not to try to do something like that."

Eri gave her a nod. "I think there is a risk. I wouldn't say it's a guarantee it will work. But, you're right. Back to the important topic."

Both women faced Solanna once again.

"No… I think I now know what I will do," the hunter admitted. "I'll go and speak with Oralyn and find out the truth about their 'complicated' relationship. If I'm satisfied with the answer, I will speak with Julous then. But! I will make things clear with him."

"Oh? And what do you mean by that?"

Solanna gave them a wry smile. "Falzan comes first."

Felix stared up into the night sky. He stared up and watched the stars. He watched them twinkle. He watched them and let his mind wander and drift up to them.

He felt a strange sense of calmness settle over him, something that seemed out of place considering everything that happened today. Yet, there he was, with a smile on his face and watching those stars dance around him…

You're in a good mood, he heard from Zira. She was settling down next to his body, even as his mind still floated above.

Yeah. Sucking in a breath, he pulled himself back together and shifted his gaze over to her. She was staring back at him with curiosity.

Is it because you are going to be a father?

He pondered her question before answering. I think? I don't know, I just feel calm– That doesn't mean there aren't any worries. I have plenty, for sure. But… But I can't help but feel content at the moment.

Zira snorted out her amusement. I am glad.

Hmm? Why?

Because, I feared you would become depressed after reading the journal. I am glad that hasn't happened.

Careful now, that could still happen, Felix warned while cracking a smile. I can be quite moody, especially after… Whatever came over me this morning. Even now, I feel the lingering urge to take Eri and barricade her and myself within the manor.

His partner fell silent and peering into her mind revealed she was contemplating his words.

What is it? he asked.

I was thinking about that– About those urges… It only occurred to me now, but it sounds an awful lot like how I feel about you and danger. You didn't ask Yarnel about it, did you?

He winced. No, not yet… But! It was because I couldn't. He wouldn't let me get a word in edgewise. Once he started talking about his project, he wouldn't stop!

Zira let out a frustrated huff. You are going to start helping him tomorrow, right?

I am. I'll talk to him before we start. Though, I don't know how that will all go. He wants me to pull off a Gods damn miracle! As if the tree wasn't enough… And I didn't even do that on my own.

Lowering her head, she brought her snout close to him. It was close enough that her breathing rustled his hair. Felix, it pains me to say it but… If anyone can pull off a miracle, it's you.

Rolling his eyes he turned his head to look back up at the stars. It only pains you because you'd rather I didn't.

That's unfair. They've often ended up hurting me physically!

He winced and felt his contentment slipping away…

But, with that said… Your crazy, in-the-moment ideas usually end up working. Only, not in the way we hope or expect. Hells, Felix. I would never say this to anyone else, but our flight to the sanctuary, among other places, ended with Eri becoming Queen.

Don't get me wrong, what happened in our absence was tragic and it makes me furious but…

But Eri became Queen by not even being here, he finished for her.

You make it sound harsher than how I was going to say it, but yes.

Felix couldn't help but to scoff. That wasn't my plan at all, you know?

I know, but going out in the first place was your idea. And, let's be fair, it was for yours and Eri's date. The sanctuary was a convenient excuse.

Letting out a sigh, he rolled onto his side facing away from her. I still feel terrible about that, but all I wanted was to take her out and have just a moment together…

Zira's snout nuzzled his back. I know, and I don't blame you.

Thanks, but others won't see it like that…

So? Look… You are missing my point in all this. Your plans end up working almost like miracles. Think about it. We leave and come back to Eri being the last candidate. Even that forced flight got us to Eri when she went missing and we had to chase down Kyrith. And then there's the tree…

I get it, I get it… Somehow things work out, even when they don't– He let out a grunt as Zira's snout slammed into him.

No! It's because you come up with these plans that they work out. Have more faith in yourself.

Slowly, cautiously, Felix rolled over and came face to snout with her. So you think I can do the impossible? Because, that is exactly what Yarnel is asking for.

Yes. Through their bond, she let her conviction and emotions flow out. They hit him like a wave and nearly drowned him in them.

Feeling her beliefs put a smile back on his face. He reached a hand out and began rubbing the ridge of her snout. Zira let out a purr in response.

Okay… Okay. I will try my hardest to make something happen, especially because the success of this project will have a major impact on the battle to come.

You'll make it happen– And don't forget to ask Yarnel about those strange instincts!

Felix let out a chuckle. I won't. Now, are you ready for bed? I'm feeling quite exhausted.

She gave him a draconic smile. Is my pillow ready? Has it been fluffed?

Feeling his contentment returning he patted his chest. As ready as it has ever been.

Good! That was his only warning as she lifted her head up and gently laid it upon him. No adjustments were made and soon, both closed their eyes.

Both drifted off to sleep…

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