"Interesting… He survived?" Yarnel asked, floating above an unconscious human. Mana crystals hovered all around him. "And it happens to be someone we know. How curious."

Lorenzen, in his dwarven form, let out a sigh. "Indeed. Unfortunately, this complicates things."

"I agree." Yarnel brought a taloned hand up to his snout in thought. What happened to you, Ovidius? "Has Felix been informed? You said Ithea was heading there."

There was a pause before the other dragon responded. "I don't know. She was only vaguely aware of who this was. I did not elaborate. Personally? I hope she hasn't– Not yet at least."

"Hmm? Why wait? We could easily send a message to her or… Who was it that was sent as the envoy again?" he questioned, raising an eyeridge.

"Zeph. And on my way here, I received word that the clearing was attacked."

Yarnel peered over to Lorenzen. "Isn't that all the more reason we should send a message? Normally, I would go myself but…" he trailed off. "In any case, I cannot. And, to be honest, we'll need Felix to come here anyway."

"Oh? Because of the mana well?"

"Yes…and no. That trap I had you set up, it did something special." He let out a sinister laugh, one that sent a shiver down Lorenzen's spine. "I did say I had an idea…"

"With that look you're giving me, I'm starting to think I don't want to know. Actually, I know I don't want to know."

"Buh! And here I was excited to show off the fruits of our labor. Never mind though, I shall save it. It isn't ready yet anyway." Yarnel floated away from the human and towards the dwarf. "You haven't answered my question. Why wait to tell Felix?"

Lorenzen gave him a weary look. "Tomorrow is his and Eri's marriage ceremony. Not to mention, Eri's coronation. After the attack on the clearing today, I think it might be wise to not bring them any more bad news."

Yarnel clicked his tongue. "I suppose that is fair. Not like this can't wait a day or two… However, it cannot wait any longer than that. We must begin preparing for our next phase soon."

Lorenzen seemed to come alive as if he recalled something important. "That might work out in your favor then. From what I was to understand, they are to be holding the coronation at the Sanctuary. That isn't very far from here. I shall send a message to Ithea– No, Zeph. And have her bring Felix here. She is supposed to be our envoy and it would be better to leave someone like Ithea to defend the clearing."

"Do that then. And I shall see what I can do about him." He gestured to Ovidius. "I would love to know how he is still alive, both from the passage of time and from our trap…"

Felix and Zira left the Hatchery in silence, a bone-deep exhaustion finally hitting them. His promise to Yedril hadn't exactly helped either. For, while he might've had an idea, it wouldn't exactly be easy…

Not to mention how beat up he looked. It…really isn't his fault and I definitely deserve the blame. I should've done better in stressing it, in explaining why it was a bad idea for young dragons to use their mana.

A shiver ran through his body as the wind picked up, carrying the changing of the season with it. It's going to be a cold, cold night…

He felt Zira nudge his back with her snout. It might be, but you won't have to spend it alone. Come, let us find Eri and Kyrith.

She lowered herself to the ground for him to climb up. He gave her an appreciative nod and did just that. Yeah, that's true. It does make it warmer.

With a pat on her shoulder, his partner stood up and set off once again. Only, now, she took her time.

There was no rush anymore. No calamity that needed immediate attention. They might've been tired and beaten and mourning, but now they could take a moment. A moment for just themselves. To reflect on the day and their actions, to ponder the future, and to strengthen their bond.

You know, Kyrith brought up a good point earlier, Felix said out of the blue.

And what did he say? she asked.

That he and I haven't really spent any time together. Nor you and Eri, for that matter. While you slept, we decided to start working on that.

He wasn't sure how exactly Zira would take that, but he was pleasantly surprised to find she agreed. You're right about that… How did it go between you and him?

Not…terrible. It's clear the bond between us isn't as strong. But we definitely want to improve that… he trailed off as he carefully picked his next words. During the honeymoon, I think you and Eri should fly together– At least for a little bit! I'd like to fly with Kyrith as well.

Silence fell between the two of them as she considered his words. I don't see an issue with that, but I'd like for you and I to have some time alone as well.

He perked up and smiled. Of course! I planned so!

She let out a chuff. Good. This princess needs her pillow!

And she shall have it! he added enthusiastically before spotting the slumbering form of Kyrith. A few moments later, they came to a stop and Felix slid down onto the ground.

Getting closer, they found Eri awake and smiling at their return. She was leaning against her partner's side, her feet pulled up to her chest.

"How did it go?" she asked as Felix took a seat next to her. Zira plopped down a second later, creating a ring with Kyrith and surrounding the two.

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He drew a breath. "Were you listening in?"

"I was."

"Then you know how it went. But… I know what you really want." He leaned into her and closed his eyes. "I'm coping, I suppose. Really, I grieved about as much as I could stand and luckily, there was plenty to do. I'm now beyond exhausted and all I want is to be right here with you all and sleep."

He felt Eri shift before attempting to lift his head up. Obliging her, he cracked a curious eye open. She gave him a kiss before responding.

"Then come and lay your head down." She patted her lap. "Rest and let go of your stress. Tomorrow will be here soon. And with it, a new beginning for us all."

Felix lowered his head down, gently settling it upon her legs. He gave her one last smile and one last thought before he let his mind drift away.

Thank you…

***

Twenty-two days remain…

Felix woke to the sounds of the clearing coming to life. It was early, very early. The sun had only just begun to crest. The air was cool and welcoming, there was a sense of elation that felt remarkably similar to a few days ago.

Yet, as he rose, he could not help but feel remorse and regret. There would be someone missing from what should've been a day of joy and celebration.

Two, really… The news that a small shard of Fea's soul was still inside him did ease the pain, but only just. He could no longer feel her and that, to him, was still a loss.

However, as he began to dwell on those depressing thoughts, Eri stirred. Her eyes fluttered open and she gave him a warm smile as they locked onto his.

"Good morning," she whispered after a yawn. "Did you sleep well?"

"Like the dead," Felix responded with a smile of his own. A humorous thought came to him. "Your thighs make the best pillows. I can see why Zira loves to use me as hers."

"Careful, I might make you mine as well…" She began to stand but suddenly winced.

Reacting quickly, he kneeled down next to her. "You okay?"

"Y-yeah… My damn legs are asleep!"

He let out a laugh.

Eri frowned before letting out a huff. "That's it! Once I am crowned, your official title will be the royal pillow!"

"Honestly? That's perfectly fine with me! I'm already used to it so might as well make it official," he commented, his smile turning coy. "Felix, the Royal Pillow… Has a certain ring–"

Kyrith let out a groan. "Go back to sleep… It's too early…"

Both Felix and Eri gave each other a look.

Does he not know what today is? he asked through the bond.

I think he forgot… she responded before switching to speaking out loud. "Hey Kyrith? Don't you know what today is?"

The dragon shifted, his mind slowly working…

Felix chuckled. "Well, I guess he isn't excited. We'll just have our wedding and–"

Kyrith suddenly stood. "The wedding and coronation! I almost forgot!"

"And?" Eri pressed.

"Our dance! Oh I can't wait!" He began to visibly vibrate with excitement as he stared down at them. "When does everything start?! I– Wake up Zira!"

The amethyst dragon cracked an eye open at the sound of her name. "I've been awake… And calm down, it won't be for a while." Her eye closed once more, much to the amusement of Eri and Felix.

"Oh…" Kyrith looked depressed for a moment before lighting up once more. "But there's still plenty to do! Like…" He peered out into the clearing and frowned. "…cleaning up."

Felix's expression dropped as Eri eventually stood up and went over to her partner before giving him a pat on his arm.

She tried to cheer him up. "You're right, there is plenty to do. We should…" she trailed off for a moment. "Looks like Oralyn is on her way."

Looking in the direction of the manor, Felix saw Oralyn and her new partner approaching. The elven woman wore a serious expression.

Uh-oh, that can only mean we're in for a bad time… Still, he forced himself to smile again and addressed her. "Good morning!"

Oralyn came to a stop and gave him a nod. "Good morning, Champion." She turned her attention to Eri and gave a bow. "Your Majesty, I see that you are already up. How are you feeling? Any signs of…stress?"

It took Eri a few moments to realize what she was implying. "No, I don't think so. I feel fine."

The woman let out a relieved sigh. "Good– That's good. Then, if you two are ready, I shall escort you both back to the manor. We'll begin the preparations."

Felix raised an eyebrow. "Preparations?"

Oralyn nodded. "Yes. It will not be as simple as putting on some new clothes. And…" She sniffed the air before wincing. "You two could both use a bath."

Eri cringed. "Is… Is it that bad?"

"With all due respect, Your Majesty, it is. It is understandable though. Yesterday didn't exactly go according to plan."

Felix looked away as Eri responded. "Right… Wait! The dress! Did it survive?!"

Oralyn's expression changed to something of amusement. "Of course, I had the foresight to move it to the manor once Haldria had finished making adjustments. It is perfectly fine."

Eri relaxed. "Thank the Gods… I'd hate for all that hard…work…to go…to…waste…" She stopped as her eyes widened in yet another realization. "OH GODS! MY SPEECH! I DIDN'T FINISH MY SPEECH!"

She began to pace back and forth frantically. "What am I going to do?! I meant to finish it but… Gods, what am–"

Kyrith began to whimper as Oralyn tried to reach for her. "Your Majesty! Please calm down!"

Lost in his head, it took Felix a moment to respond. Though, when he did, he rushed to her side and pulled her into his arms. "Shh, it's okay. There's still plenty of time…"

It took Eri several seconds before she began to breathe normally again, the panic subsiding. Oralyn took the opportunity to speak.

"Felix is right. There is still plenty of time… However, I did find a few discarded speeches that you'd written yesterday. I took the liberty to put something together myself." She fished into a small pouch at her side and pulled out a rolled piece of parchment, handing it out.

Eri slowly took it, staring down at it with wide eyes. "When…did you do this?"

"Late last night– Or would've it been morning?" The other woman shrugged. "I got something passable written, that's all that is important. Feel free to use it, either as it is or as a guide."

However, as Oralyn attempted to brush off Eri's concern, Felix narrowed his eyes. "How long did you stay up?"

"Long enough. And I wasn't the only one. Apparently, Yedril was busy toiling away in the kitchen. He muttered something about creating a feast. I admit, I decided to not get in his way. He seemed…fired up."

Oh. "Oh."

Felix's expression caught her curiosity. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

He drew a breath, held it, then released it. "Yeah. We learned something last night– Something that does concern you and Morzan." He peered down at the little metallic dragon before approaching Oralyn. He whispered into her ear…

"I see. I shall keep that in mind," she responded, her expression becoming serious. "Thank you for letting me know… Right, are the two of you ready?"

"I am," Eri responded immediately while Felix nodded.

"Then–"

"Wait! What are me and Zira supposed to do?!" Kyrith interrupted.

Felix considered the question before answering, beating out Eri. "Well, you did mention cleaning…"

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