#dragonmoms

“She isn’t cooperating…” the Queen said. Reliquary was fussing and crying while the Queen attempted to feed her.

“That’ll happen,” I said.

The Queen frowned as Reliquary knocked the food away with her little claw. It dropped to the ground, which only prompted her to cry louder.

“...perhaps you should take over,” the Queen said. “We are clearly ill-suited to this…”

I moved to start cleaning up the mess. “You’ve got this, your highness.”

“She does not like us. She cries around us all the time…”

“All the more reason you should feed her tonight,” I said. “That’s the whole reason we scheduled this block of time. You thought it was a good idea yesterday.”

The Queen looked back to Reliquary, still crying in her carrier.

“Of all the things you accomplish on a daily basis, this is what you decide you’re incapable of?” I asked her.

“This is a different sort of task,” the Queen said.

I picked up the bowl of likely highly nutritional and way better than anything I could have made baby food that had been brought for us and put it back in the Queen’s claws. “You got this.”

It took many more tries, but finally, Reliquary gave in, and started to eat.

I watched the smile build on the Queen’s face as she fed our daughter. It gave me a strange feeling. An overwhelming lightness. Joy maybe, even, if I was going to say that.

I never had anyone to share this sort of thing with. Maude wasn’t willing, outside of helping me out now and again, and I couldn’t blame her. Guster sure as fuck wasn’t going to care about our kids. It was just me, fighting this fight and reaping the benefits. It was worth it, and I was happy to do it, even on the worst days, if I was being honest with myself. I did it by myself, and I figured that was for the best.

But now this woman, this gigantic, strange woman that I loved, and who loved me, trying so hard for our daughter?

I had no idea that was something I wanted in my life.

Reliquary finished eating, and the Queen picked her up, holding her close, and murmuring soft things to her.

“See? You did it,” I said.

“Yes, we did,” the Queen said, smiling softly. “And she seems to have calmed down.”

“Not being hungry does wonders,” I said.

The Queen hesitated for a moment, then turned to look at me. “We appreciate you attempting to save these things for us.”

“She’s your daughter too,” I said. “Wouldn’t want you to miss all of this.”

The Queen gently pulled me closer with her free claw, and I pressed up against her, smiling. “We are glad we won’t.”

Soon, the Queen had another appointment, and I knew we couldn’t just stay there, relaxing, for too long. It wasn’t super great, having to schedule moments like this, I have to admit.

“Can I open my eyes yet?” I asked as Myrmidon lead me down the passage.

“Not yet, my sweetest. We’re almost there,” Myrmidon said, their voice clearly happy.

“Why exactly do I have to keep my eyes closed?” Philly asked from my bag. “I’ve been working with Baroness, I know what you’ve been building.”

“Just let them have their pointless moment,” Dagger’s voice said. “Make them happy.”

“Okay, okay,” Philly said, chuckling.

Finally, Myrmidon let me stop. “Alright. Open your eyes.”

I did, and I gasped! I couldn’t believe it! It was a huge kitchen, Diary! At my place, my kitchen is, like, functional? Comfortable. But kind of small sometimes. I make it work because I have to, you know? But this kitchen had so much space to work! So much storage space! And two ovens for me to make bread in!

I put my claws over my snout. “Myrmidon, this is… this is so much!”

“I want you to be comfortable here, my sweetest,” Myrmidon said, smiling happily. “And it was no trouble at all.”

“Don’t listen to them,” Dagger’s voice said. “I’ve had to hear them worry about every little stone in this chamber for weeks now, wanting it to be perfect for you.”

I rushed over and gave Myrmidon a big hug. “Thank you…” I said. “Thank you for working so hard…”

“Ah, I live to serve…” they said, but I could tell they were a little emotional too.

Philly, who had buzzed out of my bag and into the air, looked around the kitchen. “It is very nice, Myrmidon, now that I’m seriously looking at it.”

Myrmidon, looking up from our embrace, smiled happily. “Just wait until you see what we have made for you, my cleverest.”

“For me?” Philly asked, confused.

“I am glad my ruse worked, to have focused so overwhelmingly on this while you studied with your grandmother,” Myrmidon said. “Come, follow me!”

We went down the passage, towards what would be soon be my chamber, with Myrmidon, and next to it was a door I didn’t recognize.

Myrmidon opened it. “Here, Philly. This is your chamber.”

Philly flew in, and we followed as Philly made a little surprised noise.

Inside the chamber was a platform, much like we saw in the White territory. Upon it was Philly-size bedding, a little Philly-sized cabinet for her dresses, and a stand to hold books while she read them! There was also a bookshelf, and on the wall! Well, on the wall, Dagger had painted a mural of a White dragon wizard studying under a tree on a nice day.

“You… you didn’t have to do all this…” Philly said softly. “I’ve been fine just sleeping wherever…”

“If you don’t like the picture, I can paint something else…” Dagger said, materializing beside us.

“No, no, it’s… all this… this must have taken a lot of work…” She landed on the platform, running a claw over the little cabinet.

“It was our pleasure,” Myrmidon said. “You need your own chamber. If not now, then soon enough.”

Philly sat down on her bedding. “It’s… this is…” I could tell she was crying.

“Are you alright?” I asked, moving a little closer.

“Y-yes, yeah,” Philly said, chuckling, wiping at her eyes. “It’s just… I guess I really am where I belong… this is silly to cry about… that should be obvious… but I just… I never had… this… a chamber of my own... that wasn’t a prison…”

I held out my claws, and she let me pick her up and hug her. “I’m just sorry it took us so long to get this for you,” I said. “I didn’t have room in my little place… but now, we’re all here… and things are going to be better, I think, you know?”

Philly nodded. “Yeah… yeah, it’s only going to keep being better.”

“You all keep telling me this is a group hug situation,” Dagger said. “Are we not doing that anymore?”

“Come here,” I said, smiling.

Myrmidon and Dagger joined us for a little hug. Then I sat Philly back down.

“Well, this calls for a celebration, you know?” I said. “I should make us all a big dinner!”

“I think that would be wonderful, my sweetest,” Myrmidon said.

“Yeah,” Philly said, smiling.

I went to my new kitchen, and got to work! It took me a while to find my way around, but I made a great meal with what little Myrmidon had already stocked! I’d have to go shopping soon, but it was so great, Diary!

When we were sitting down to eat, Baroness looked into the chamber.

“You are eating here,” she said.

“Yes, my lady,” Myrmidon said. “Construction is complete, and so we’re celebrating Merry and Philly officially moving in with us.”

Baroness took a moment to process that. “I had not realized it would be so soon.”

“I am very efficient, my lady,” Myrmidon said.

“...may I join you for your meal,” Baroness said.

“Sure! Of course!” I said, smiling.

Baroness sat down, and we dug into the food.

“How’s the book coming along?” Philly asked.

“Well enough,” Baroness said as she sat down. “We may need to run a few more tests to ensure some of my conclusions are accurate.”

“Just let me know when,” Philly said.

“With you here, it should be trivial to set up,” Baroness said.

Philly nodded and took another bite.

We ate a bit more before Baroness spoke again. “I am pleased you all are here,” she said.

“We’re happy to be here!” I said.

“...I was looking forward to getting back, and focusing on work,” Baroness said. “But I found myself missing the interactions we had on our excursion. I am glad we can continue to have them.”

“Of course!” I said.

“Yes…” Baroness said, looking unsure what else to say.

“Did you see the mural Dagger painted on the wall of my chamber?” Philly asked.

“No…” Baroness said.

“You should! It’s really cute,” I said.

“No, it’s not…” Dagger’s voice said, sounding embarrassed.

“I shall have to see it soon,” Baroness said.

Those of us who could eat, ate, and we all chatted about nothing in particular. It was really nice! But as I started to pick up all the dishes to clean them, Baroness stood up as well.

“I… would like to say something,” she said.

“Go on, my lady,” Myrmidon said as we all looked to her.

Baroness averted her eyes a bit, clearly embarrassed by the attention. “I would… simply like to thank you all… for being my family. I know I have not made it easy in the…”

“Stop it with the ‘I don’t deserve it’ stuff,” Dagger said, materializing in front of her. “You’ve made lots of mistakes, but we all have. We all decided we wanted you around anyway, so just accept it.”

“...yes. I apologize,” Baroness said.

Dagger made a little noise and disappeared.

“Ey’re right, though,” Philly said. “We’re glad you’re our family too. So don’t worry about it, okay?”

Baroness nodded.

Smiling, I carried the dishes over to start cleaning them. Myrmidon came up next to me, without me even asking, drying each dish.

This is going to be the rest of my life, Diary… dinner with everyone here, this place, this closeness, you know? I think I’m ready!

I’m so excited!

“Hey, kid!” I called out over the banging I was hearing.

“Miss Nobody!” Plato called, the banging stopping for just a moment. “Please hold on, I am shaping this… I’m almost done with this step.”

I went farther into his workshop to see what he was doing. He had some sort of metal bar that he was putting a curve into, hitting it hard with a tool while he occasionally breathed on it to keep it hot.

“What’s this supposed to be?” I asked.

“We are…” Bang! “Attempting to…” Bang! “Make a vessel for a” Bang! “Portable scrying pool.” Plato held up the metal, pulled his goggles off his face, and looked at it. “This is for the rim, as I’ll need to put quite a few enchantments in it. Not quite curved enough yet, but I suppose I can stop for now.”

“You can’t move a scrying pool,” I said. “Even I know that much.”

“Exactly!” Plato said, grinning. “That’s why it’s a fun puzzle, ma’am.”

“How in the world did you get like this?” I asked. “Wasn’t my fault.”

“Just a major flaw in my character, I guess, ma’am,” Plato said. We smiled at each other. “What did you bring for dinner?”

“They were selling stew in these big containers, and its smell got me,” I said, motioning to the big bucket-thing of food I was carrying. “Figured it could be your breakfast, too.”

“That sounds wonderful! Let me clear off some table space…”

I helped him shove a bunch of notes and scrap metal off of a table, and we sat down to eat.

“How have things been for you, ma’am?” Plato asked in between bites.

“Frustrating as hell,” I said.

“Still angry they blew your cover?” he asked.

“Yes,” I said. “But I know they were wanting to help. And it was the fucking Queen’s idea, so what am I supposed to do.”

“I’ll admit it’s still hard to see you as the Successor, ma’am,” Plato said. “But impressive, in a way. Quite a heist, to potentially steal the throne.”

“I fucking wish it was just a job I was running,” I mumbled into my food. “I just assume some day she’s finally going to look at me and realize this was a mistake, but I feel like she’s more sure I’m the right pick now than when she picked me on a fucking whim.”

“Well, they say the Queen picks what qualities the Queen is lacking in appropriate amounts. Perhaps the Queen needs a thief?” he said.

“I have no idea what the Queen could do with my skills,” I said. “Maybe my history research, but there’s got to be actual academics who know that shit better than me.”

“I think you’re underselling yourself, ma’am,” Plato said.

“Maybe. I just don’t really want to be Queen,” I said. “I mean, what will happen to you if I’m suddenly busy doing all the bullshit the Queen does?”

“I’ll be fine, ma’am. I’ve gotten along on my own many times before,” Plato said, in a tone that I know was meant to make me feel better. But it honestly had the opposite effect.

“Exactly. I’ve left you alone enough,” I said. “Too much. I don’t want to do that anymore.”

Plato smiled. “Ma’am, I appreciate all you’ve done for me, but it’s not like you’re my mother. You don’t owe me anything. You’ve done plenty.”

I felt a spike of anger surge through me. I looked away. “Yeah, well, what if I fucking wanted to be, but couldn’t?”

Plato blinked. “Wanted to be what, ma’am?”

“Y-you know…”

“...be my mother?”

“Yeah,” I said.

Plato laughed for a moment before he realized I was serious. “Oh,” he said.

“Just fucking never mind. Forget I said anything,” I said, shoveling the rest of my stew into my mouth.

We sat there in silence for a while.

“It’s just a strange thought,” he finally said. “There was a time where I wanted that, when I was little. But I’ve worked hard to move past it.”

“You’re too young to have to have done that,” I said, digging claws into the table. “I fucking suck at all this.”

“I’m still glad you’re here, ma’am,” he said.

I took a big breath and stood up.

“Ma’am?” Plato said, confused.

I went over and hugged him.

“O-oh,” he said.

“Whatever the fuck I am to you, whatever the fuck we are, I love you, kid. Just… remember that for me,” I said softly.

Plato made a little noise of surprise. “I will… I will, ma’am.”

“Good,” I said, unhooking and lifting my mask a little to get tears out of my eyes. “Don’t make me say that again any time soon, fuck…”

“Say what, ma’am?” Plato said. “I must have missed it. If you could just repeat it for me…”

“Fuck off,” I said.

Plato chuckled.

“I should clean up your dishes or something,” I said. “Put the rest of the food away.”

“I’ll help, ma’am,” Plato said, standing.

“Don’t you have your scrying pool thing to get back to?” I said.

“I’d rather work with you,” Plato said.

I smiled a little. “Sure. Yeah, let’s do it together.”

Dear Diary,

Today was a good day!

We had to get up early to be there for Baroness, you know? Because they were sealing her phylactery away.

“I do hope my mother is right about this,” Myrmidon said, looking worried as they ate breakfast.

“She’s existed for millenia,” Dagger said. “Even if she’s making a mistake, and gets destroyed, she’s had a good run.”

“I am unsure if it is appropriate to talk about our mother that way,” Myrmidon said.

“I don’t really care, though,” Dagger said.

“I understand your point, Dagger, but I think we’d all rather she stick around for a while,” Philly said.

“Yeah! And she’s smart, you know? I’m sure this is the right thing to do,” I said.

“She knows magic, but she’s never known how to handle stuff like this,” Dagger said, and then sighed. “But I guess I’d rather her stick around a little longer, at least, too, so whatever…”

“It will be nice to go home after this,” Myrmidon said. “I am glad we waited, but I am filled with nervous energy on getting back to our place. I am sure there is much work to be done.”

“Yeah, I wonder what state my kitchen is in, you know?” I said. “And I bet I’m going to have to make all new bread starters, after being gone so long… they might have gotten, like, ruined or something…”

“Never fear, my sweetest, I shall get to work immediately building you quite the kitchen and oven when we return,” Myrmidon said, smiling.

“What? Why? Mine is fine,” I said. “At least, it should be.”

Myrmidon took a moment. “Ah, I… had assumed at this point you would be moving into my mother’s place with me.”

That caught me by surprise, Diary! “I am?”

“Well, it seems difficult for us to raise a child together if we are living apart, does it not?” Myrmidon said. “And I need to be close to my mother due to my duties… it also seems easier to expand our place than yours, as it was designed with future expansions in mind.”

“Well, that makes sense…” I said. “We’re all a family, we should be, like, in one place, right? But I like my little place…”

“We can see once we get back,” Philly said. “There’s no rush on this stuff any more.”

I smiled. “You’re right, there’s not!” Then I gasped. “Oh! Now that you don’t have to be a secret, we’ll have to build you a chamber!” I said.

Philly chuckled. “I was fine sleeping on the table…”

“There’s a lot to do,” I said.

“We shall get it all done, I have no doubt,” Myrmidon said.

Soon, we’d all gathered in a place far down in the Peak, the entrance to the Hoard of Antiquity. We found Maude waiting for us there.

“Hello!” I said, waving. “What are you doing here? I, like, didn’t think you liked Baroness that much.”

“Hi,” Maude said, smiling. “I’ll just be honest, I’ve never seen a lich’s phylactery before. I wanted to look at the enchantment. And I doubt Glory is going to tell me to leave.” She rummaged in her bag. “Also, I have some more parchment for you all.”

“I’ve spent the last two days signing things… aren’t we done yet?” Philly asked.

“Almost,” she said. “Turns out there’s a lot of things that go into giving up an entire territory.”

“It’s not even mine,” Philly grumbled.

“Hey, I want to be done too, and get back to the archives full time,” Maude said. “This part-time aide stuff is exhausting.”

Philly spent some time signing things while we waited for everyone to get here.

As she did, Maude chuckled. “I can’t get over the enchantment on that crown. I doubt I could design something so efficient for my own element. It doesn’t tire you out?”

“Not enough for me to worry about it?” Philly said, also still humming, somehow, her magical glowing claws holding the parchment while she signed it. “I just wish it was on something else.”

“It suits you,” Maude said.

Philly made a displeased noise, and handed Maude the parchment back. “There, I’m done.”

“One more thing,” Maude said, and handed her a piece of parchment.

“This doesn’t look like…” she started, looking at it.

“It’s your proof of citizenship,” Maude said. “Citizen number is right there. You’re official now.”

Philly just stared at it for a while, until I couldn’t stand it, and gave her a big hug.

“M-mom,” she said, chuckling.

“I’m sorry I’m just so happy!” I said. “I’m so glad you don’t have to hide anymore…”

“Maude finally get everything figured out?” Gloria walked up to us, with the Queen behind her.

“Yeah, I think I’m finally free of it, after I get all this turned in,” Maude said.

“Thank you for handling this issue for us,” the Queen said. “It was… we appreciate the hard work. Allowing us to trust you eased our mind on a difficult situation.”

“Of course, your highness… any time,” Maude said, embarrassed. “I’m just better at the research part than the rest of it…”

“Where is my mother, may I ask?” Myrmidon said.

“A team of adjudicators is clearing passages around her. They’re moving very slowly to be careful,” Gloria said. “Should be here soon, though.”

“Only Baroness, a contingent of guards, and I shall go inside to the vault,” the Queen said. “We hope this is acceptable. There were quite a lot of concerns about our safety during this, and this was the solution that was agreed to.”

“We understand,” I said. “We just want to be here for Baroness, you know?”

The Queen nodded.

Soon, some adjudicators appeared, and a bit after that, a very nervous-looking Baroness carrying a package wrapped in lots of cloth walked into view.

“...hello,” she said.

“Mother!” Myrmidon said, approaching Baroness.

“Look out!” an adjudicator shouted.

But it was too late. Myrmidon had already taken Baroness’ free claw in theirs. “I am so glad to see you well once more…”

The adjudicators seemed very confused and on edge. Gloria pulled them aside to try to explain.

“You should have told us you were doing this,” Dagger’s voice said. “But of course not, you just do whatever you want…”

“I am… sorry,” Baroness said. “But I had assumed we desired to get back to our place as soon as possible, after this ordeal… I did not want to delay further…”

“It is alright, as long as you are safe,” Myrmidon said.

“It’s good to see you outside of bars,” Philly said from my shoulder.

“Yes… thank you for coming,” she said. “Though I am capable of handling this transfer alone…”

“Is that your phylactery?” Maude asked.

“...yes,” Baroness said, holding it close. “As I promised.”

“Mind if I see it, before you seal it away?” she asked.

Baroness seemed nervous. “I… suppose that would be acceptable… but it is charged with the same energy as myself, so please do not come close…” She gently unwrapped the cloth.

“It’s a book!” I said, surprised. “I thought it would be, like, a magic something!”

“It is very powerfully enchanted,” Maude said, looking at it. “But I don’t recognize the title.”

“It is… of no importance,” Baroness said, averting her eyes.

“Surely you chose it for a reason, my lady?” Myrmidon said.

“It is… it is the research report of my University thesis…” she said, wrapping it back up. “But it is unimportant…”

“I’m sure that’s exactly why you used it,” Dagger said, eir voice full of sarcasm.

“If we may,” the Queen said. “Our time is unfortunately limited, and we are required to open the vault. So Baroness, if you would.”

“Yes, your highness,” Baroness said. “I should be back shortly,” she said to us.

With the adjudicators keeping Baroness far away from the Queen, they entered.

“Are you all heading back to Orin after this?” Gloria asked. “You could probably get back there tonight, if you flew hard.”

“I suppose there is little additional reason to delay,” Myrmidon said.

But that didn’t feel quite right to me, Diary. Like, I wanted to go. I wanted to try to get life back to a normal, you know? But Gloria wasn’t going to come back with us. And we’d all been so separated, so stressed, even after we got here to the Peak… it seemed bad to just leave, you know? After all we accomplished?

“Do you not think so, my sweetest?” Myrmidon asked.

“What?” I said.

“Gloria asked if we would like to bring a dinner with us for our flight. Do you not think that a good idea?”

“Oh, I’m sorry… I was distracted…” I said.

“What were you thinking about, Mom?” Philly asked.

“Just… well, I mean, we can’t just leave, right?” I said.

“Are we forgetting something, my sweetest?” Myrmidon asked.

“I just mean… Philly hatched, you know? And Gloria, you got married! And Baroness is free now… and… it just feels like we should celebrate, right?” I said. “Be all together and, you know, have a party, maybe…”

Gloria chuckled. “A lot of party-worthy things have happened, I suppose.”

“Yeah! Right? And if I was at home, I’d make a lot of food or something… but if I go home, some people probably can’t come, so we should probably do it here before we go, right?” I said.

“I am not sure if we are capable of throwing a party here, my sweetest,” Myrmidon said. “We are simply borrowing a small chamber from the Queen, after all.”

“Right…” I said. I looked to Gloria. “Should we just go then?”

Gloria ran her claw over her spines. “Well, I suppose we haven’t really celebrated our wedding yet,” she said. “Maybe the Queen and I could throw a little thing, for family and close friends, and we can double up with those other reasons to celebrate.”

My face lit up. “You think so?”

“I mean, sure. Flare won’t stop pestering me about it anyway,” Gloria said. “Let me talk to the Queen about it. Spend one more night here, and I’ll have an answer by the morning.”

I went over and gave Gloria a hug. “Thank you!”

“Nothing to thank, Merry,” Gloria said, looking a little embarrassed, maybe. But happy! “I can’t promise anything… but I think it’ll be possible.”

Soon, Baroness and the Queen came back out.

“It is done,” Baroness said.

“We shall keep it safe,” the Queen said. “Please do not violate our trust in you.”

“I am a good person,” Baroness said. “I promise not to misuse your faith in me.”

The Queen nodded.

We went with Baroness to the small place she had stayed in since arriving, and talked.

“How does it feel to be a grandma?” I asked her.

“...not significantly different,” Baroness said. “I am unsure if I am supposed to alter my actions in any way.”

“Nothing like that,” Philly said. “Just, I don’t know… be yourself, like you have been.”

“...I seem capable of that,” she said. “At the very least, I would like to get back to our magic lessons.”

Philly smiled. “I would too. I have a lot to learn!”

“I may be… busy with other tasks… research tasks… but I should still have time,” Baroness said.

“Maybe I can help you with those, too,” Philly said. “That’s what an apprentice does, right?”

“...you are correct,” Baroness said.

They both looked happy at that idea, Diary. I hope they have fun, if they work on it! It seems hard, but I mean, I guess some people would find baking hard, so that’s fine!

When we finally got back to the chamber we were using, there was a letter waiting for us.

“Ah, it seems Gloria has put together a party as you suggested,” Myrmidon said, smiling. “Two days from now.”

I was so happy, Diary! “Oh, I’m so glad! Should I make something?”

“I am sure it will be catered, my sweetest,” Myrmidon said, chuckling.

“Eating in front of everyone else is going to be a little embarrassing,” Philly said. “What with how much I eat…”

“It’s how much everyone eats…” Dagger’s voice said. “It’s fine.”

“I suppose so…” Philly said, chuckling a little.

I’ve been thinking a lot, Diary. About getting back to normal. About how “normal” is actually a big change, you know? And I’m happy, I really am!

But I’m glad we can have a little party, and all be together again. After all we’ve been through.

I hope we get to do it again, soon, after that, too!

For now, though, it was a good day! Probably a 7.8!

Dear Diary,

Today was a good day!

We got a letter from Gloria! Last I heard she couldn’t send letters, so that was exciting!

“Merry, Myrmidon, Dagger, and Philly,

I hope things are well.

We need to talk about current situation. So I’m inviting you all to dinner. Someone should pick you all up this evening.

Sorry for the short letter. A bit busy. I’ll explain tonight.

Gloria”

“That’s a good thing, right?” I said after I finished reading the letter to everyone. “That means she’s out of the hospital?”

“I do believe it does,” Myrmidon said.

Philly lifted into the air and looked over my shoulder at the letter. Her little wings made a little buzzing sound as she moved them so fast. And she had such good control! She’s learned so well! She’s so smart, Diary! “I hope she knows how much I’m eating these days,” Philly said. “I don’t think we’ve really talked about that with her.”

“If it comes to that, you are welcome to my dinner,” Myrmidon said.

“Thank you, but I’d rather everyone get to eat,” Philly said.

“Everyone eating, sounds fun, have fun with that,” Dagger’s voice said.

“Would you like to try to eat, my dear sibling?” Myrmidon asked. “I had assumed you were uninterested.”

“I’m made of nothing, it’s not important,” Dagger said. “Just awkward, sometimes, when you’re eating and I can’t join in.”

“Is there something we can, like, do to help with that?” I asked.

“...no… I’m just…” Dagger started, and then sighed. “I’m sorry, I’m just complaining… I feel cooped up here… without my own space to get away to… and I’m trying to be involved in more but I’m worried about a lot of things… but that’s not a particularly good outlet, complaining...”

“It is tight quarters and a stressful situation, even when we are doing our best to take care of ourselves,” Myrmidon said. “Hopefully soon we can go home.”

“This whole thing… I need to take it slower, maybe…” ey said softly. “I feel overwhelmed a lot…”

“It’s alright,” I said. “You can always take a break if you need, you know? You’ve helped us take a break when we needed it… that’s why we’re all together, so no one person needs to do everything.”

“That, and love,” Philly said.

“Well, yes, that too,” I said, swishing my tail a bit in embarrassment.

Philly chuckled.

“Maybe I will… for a bit, then…” Dagger said.

“Rest well, my dear sibling,” Myrmidon said.

We all decided to take it easy until our dinner with Gloria too. It’s good to relax, you know?

The person who eventually came to pick us up wasn’t an adjudicator, though.

“Hi,” she said, smiling. She was a bigger Green wearing a lot of jewelry and a bag that looked more decorative than functional. She didn’t even react to seeing Philly on my shoulder. “I’m Birch, one of the Queen’s aides. I’m here to escort you.”

“Hello! It is wonderful to meet you,” Myrmidon said, holding out a claw.

Soon, Birch had shaken my claw too, and even Philly’s sort of! “I was told there was a fourth? A spirit? Not quite sure what that means, but I thought I’d ask,” she said.

“Ah, that would be my sibling, Dagger,” Myrmidon said.

“Dagger?” Birch asked.

Dagger materialized behind Myrmidon. “Hi.”

Birch held out a claw. “It’s wonderful to meet you as well, Dagger.”

“You don’t want me to touch you,” Dagger said. “I’ll just make you very cold.”

Birch didn’t pull her claw back.

Dagger sighed and shook it, and then disappeared.

Birch shook her claw. “Ey weren’t kidding, that was quite cold,” she said, chuckling. “Well, it is wonderful to meet you all. I’m part of the diplomatic bureau. We’re looking forward to working with you getting this treaty solidified! But we’ll worry about that later, for now, dinner, yes? Follow me.”

She lead us down paths I hadn’t gone before, to an area that seemed to be made up mostly of offices, though it looked like everyone who was still there was getting ready to leave for the evening. Which made sense! It was, like, dinner time, you know? Eventually, she lead us to what looked like a dining room, with many tables set up in it. And in the back, reading some parchment, was Gloria.

“Our break room is not where I would have picked, but she insisted,” Birch said, chuckling. “Well, I’ll be taking my leave, but we’ll speak again soon, yes?”

“Thank you for bringing us,” Myrmidon said.

“It was my pleasure,” Birch said, and then headed out.

By this point, Gloria had noticed us. She set her parchment aside and smiled.

“Gloria!” I said, and hurried over to her. Philly, a bit surprised, flitted off my shoulder and transferred to Myrmidon’s, as they were moving at a more steady pace. I hesitated just long enough to know she was okay, and then finished reaching Gloria. “I’m so glad you’re out of the hospital! What are you doing here?”

“Hey,” Gloria said, and to my surprise, pulled me into a hug. I swished my tail a little, embarrassed. “You all still okay? Been taken care of?”

“We’re fine,” I said. “Like, just fine, I think?”

“Yes, the Queen has taken fine care of us,” Myrmidon said. “I do wish the same could be said of my mother, however.”

“I see Philly is still getting better with the flying?” Gloria said.

“I’m not constantly terrified doing it any more, at least,” Philly said. “Just mostly. But I need it to get around, so.”

Gloria nodded. “Well, get comfortable. Food is supposed to be coming. I didn’t really know why, but I was told that you were getting three full meals delivered, so that’s what I told them to bring, along with something for me.”

“I… eat a lot now,” Philly said, as Myrmidon set her on the table.

“Huh,” Gloria said. “Well, there’s a lot we don’t know about what you now are, I guess.”

Philly nodded.

“Anyway, I hope Birch didn’t talk to you about business on the way here,” Gloria said. “We’ve got enough to cover. But she insisted on bringing you once I told her who you all were.”

“She was quite polite,” Myrmidon said. “Do you know her?”

“I’ve known her for all of two days and she is a very exhausting person,” Gloria said, smiling. “But good at what she does, I can tell.”

“What are we doing here?” Dagger’s voice said. “None of this makes sense from what we last heard from you.”

“Probably right,” Gloria said. “There’s been some changes.”

“What kind of changes?” Philly asked.

“Well, I got married,” Gloria said.

“What!” I gasped. “What do you mean you…” I started, but was interrupted by two dragons bringing in food for everyone. After plates had been set down in front of us, I got back to it. “What do you mean you got married?”

“The Queen and I got married,” Gloria said.

“Ah, wonderful! That was what you desired, was it not?” Myrmidon said.

“Well, yes…” Gloria said, looking a little embarrassed and clawing some food into her mouth before continuing. “It’s been a lot, but nice. We’re all still processing it. But part of the whole thing is they gave me a fancy title and the Queen put me right to work. Which is like her. That’s basically what happened when I first started flirting with her years ago.”

“Ah, a title? Should we be referring to you differently?” Myrmidon asked.

“Please don’t,” Gloria said, her face showing she was already exhausted by it. “But the title someone came up with is Royal Consort.” She shook her head and took another bite of her dinner. “Anyway, the idea is I handle smaller things for the Queen so she can focus on bigger stuff.” She pointed a claw at Myrmidon. “And problem number one is all these letters you’ve been sending about Baroness.”

“They were being received then!” Myrmidon said. “I was beginning to wonder.”

“Can you get Baroness out, with your new title?” Philly asked.

“Yes and no,” Gloria said. “I’m in a better position to help, but we still need a solid plan. She’s still a lich, and at this point, with her being down there and you all drawing so much attention to the Council about it, people are reading up on them. They know how dangerous they are. We’ve got a big hill to climb on showing she isn’t, so we can get her home. I was wanting to make sure I knew everything I could before I started making a plan. I don’t want to make any mistakes.”

“Well, Baroness came up with, like, a plan herself,” Merry said. “But I don’t think we really liked it…”

“What was it?” Gloria asked.

“We brought her her Diary, you know? And she was using pages of it to devise a spell to destroy herself, I think,” I said.

“My mother would reform elsewhere and thus have escaped,” Myrmidon said. “But we were not comfortable with her remaining a fugitive, which would happen in that instance.”

Gloria nodded, eating and thinking. “How does Baroness reform?” she asked.

“It is a combination of expending will and forcing the energy that forms her into the proper shape, as well as the use of the focus of her being, called a phylactery,” Myrmidon said. “My mother is, of course, the expert on things magical, but from what I can remember during my time before our freedom, that phylactery is essentially her true form, and that which we interact with is but a projection of her consciousness.”

“So without her phylactery?” Gloria asked.

“Ah, my mother would cease to be,” Myrmidon said. “Not die, of course, since she is already dead, but essentially that.”

Gloria nodded again. “Thank you for trusting me with all that,” she said.

“I would hope I could trust you, after all we have been through,” Myrmidon said, smiling. “I would not be where I am without your assistance, after all.”

“Maybe there’s a solution in there,” Gloria said.

“I am not sure,” Myrmidon said. “Even I do not know where my mother has kept her phylactery. I am unsure if she would be comfortable with any solution involving it.”

“That’s fair, I suppose,” Gloria said. “Well, what else do we have?”

We talked about it for the rest of dinner, throwing out ideas. None of us felt very confident about them, though. None of them would change the fact that, if Baroness weren’t such a nice person, she’d be a danger to others. Gloria didn’t think anyone would accept that we had to trust her. I think everyone should, though, Diary! But I guess I understand. It’s difficult to do, not knowing her. But they should probably get to know her!

Eventually, Gloria had to get to other things, and the food was done, so we started packing up. But I felt like I needed to say something, Diary…

“Philly, do you mind going with Myrmidon and Dagger for a moment?” I asked. “I want to talk with Gloria for a second…”

Philly looked at me for a moment. “Sure, Mom. See you soon,” she said, and flew over to Myrmidon, who gave a little half-bow, so as not to knock Philly over, and headed out to give me privacy.

“Something up?” Gloria asked, noticing I was still here as she began looking at the parchment she’d put down for our meal.

“I, um,” I said, now that I was here, not knowing what I really wanted to say.

Gloria set the parchment down and looked to me.

“I was just… wondering why you hugged me?” I asked.

“Was that a problem?” she asked.

“Well, no, just… I don’t know… we don’t… really do that much…” I said. “I mean, you have while I’m upset… but I don’t know if I’m upset right now? I don’t think so… is something wrong I don’t know about?”

“I was just happy to see you,” Gloria said, clearly trying to hide an embarrassed expression. “And happy to see you happy.”

I nodded, still feeling a little confused.

“This whole thing, getting married, happened fast,” she said. “But I feel a lot of relief from it. Like, finally I feel like I know where things are going. Haven’t known that in a long time. I was finally feeling recovered from my last marriage, and then Flare disappeared. And then everything with you… I don’t know. It’s been a while since I felt on firm ground, that’s all. Makes you see things in a different light.”

I still didn’t feel like I was following. “I’m glad you’re feeling good about it, you know?” I said.

“Just…” Gloria started, and then stopped for a moment, looking for words. “I care about you a lot. I tried to be reasonable or whatever for a long time with it, but after all we’ve been through, it seems silly to hold back. So. I care about you a lot, Merry.” She came over, and put her claw on my head. I swished my tail, embarrassed. “It’s taken me time to process, because it’s different. I’ve always done so many of my friendships through romantic ways. But you… I don’t know. You’re like the daughter I never had.” My inner flame flickered a little as I heard that. “I’m going to watch out for you. So if you ever need anything, and I mean anything, just let me know, alright?”

“I will…” I said.

“Good,” Gloria said, smiling. “Thank you. I know you can take care of yourself, but thank you.” She went and sat back down. “I’m probably not going to be around as much anymore. Especially with this wing situation. But I hope you won’t hesitate, if you need me. I’ll make it work. I promise.”

I felt like I couldn’t talk. There were just too many words, Diary. I didn’t know which ones to say.

“I’m sorry, was that too much?” she asked.

I shook my head, wiping at my eyes a little. “No, I just… that’s… thank you… you know?”

“Thank you for…” Gloria started, and clearly lost her words too. “Just, thank you.”

I rushed over and gave her another hug. She chuckled, and gladly hugged me right back.

“I do have work to do, you know,” she said, smiling.

“Sorry! Sorry…” I said, smiling too.

I headed out and caught up with Myrmidon and Philly.

“You seem happy,” Philly said.

“Things are just… life makes sense, you know?” I said. “Really good sense?”

Philly flew over to me and I gave her a little hug.

“I think it’s starting to get there, at least,” she said.

“Good… I’m so glad…” I said, smiling.

I feel really happy, Diary. I always leaned on Gloria so much. I’m just… I’m happy she wants me to, I guess… I didn’t want to be a burden… and I’m happy for her, too! She got married! Once I can bake again, I’m going to have to make them a wedding cake, you know? I wonder what kind of flavors the Queen likes… do you know, Diary?

Even with Baroness, I feel like we can solve it… we can do it, right?

Today was a 9, easily.

Today was a lot.

I feel like I’m basically completely functional now. I suppose the wound where they cut my wing off is still healing, but it’s not affecting me anymore, besides my non-existent wing hurting, occasionally. That’s going to take some getting used to. But I can walk fine now, I don’t feel weak, I’m sure I can get things done. But I’m still being kept here. Going to have to talk to the Queen about being overly protective, maybe. Reliquary wasn’t really like that. Maybe the Queen was right, that she’s someone different.

That doesn’t matter, though.

What matters is all the information I got today.

Part of it was things from the incredibly dry books Maude brought me. Still won’t tell me why she gave them to me. They’re still boring. But I know more about swamp drainage systems in Yit than I ever wanted to know at this point. So I’ll just pretend that’s a plus.

No, the big news came when Clementine and Tyrion came to visit me.

Clementine I was expecting, but not Tyrion. So I must admit that my smile at seeing Clementine walk in with my Egg gave way to a shocked expression when Tyrion came in behind him.

“Hi,” I said.

Clementine was looking at my missing wing, hugging the Egg. “Mom… why did you have to go and do this…”

“Hey now, I told you all about it this time,” I said. “No secrets.”

“But your wing!” Clementine said.

“Yeah, well,” I said. “Nothing can be done about it now.”

Clementine was shaking a little. I got up and held my claws out for a hug. He passed the Egg to Tyrion and did just that. Tyrion looked away during the hug while Clementine started to cry.

“You’re just so… mmph…” Clementine said, crying against me.

“Yeah, I know…” I said, holding him. “But hey, I’m here. It’s okay.”

He took a moment more, then moved back. “And Flare?”

“He was okay last I saw him. But they tell me he’s on some special mission for the Queen, and nobody will tell me anything,” I said.

“Merry?”

“Fine, as far as I know, as is everyone else. I was the unlucky one, I guess.” I turned and looked to Tyrion. “Not that it’s not appreciated, but why, exactly, are you here?”

“Oh, uh,” Tyrion said, looking a bit nervous as he held the Egg. “I just didn’t want Clementine to have to come alone. And I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“I’m sure my son could have handled himself,” I said.

“He most certainly could have,” Tyrion said, nodding.

I looked to Clementine. He avoided my gaze. I looked back to Tyrion.

“Fu…” I started, and then remembered the Egg, taking a breath.

“What?” Clementine asked.

“You two?” I asked, perhaps a little more angry than I intended.

“What’s wrong with that?” Clementine said, also likely a little more angry than he intended.

I turned to Tyrion. “Since when do you like guys?”

“I don’t know,” he said. “I’m learning things about myself.”

“What about that young girl, that Red?” I asked.

“She… didn’t feel the same way… though we’re still working on the lodge project together, it was a friendly turn-down,” Tyrion said.

“Why him?” I asked Clementine, turning back to him.

“Well, I couldn’t stay with Pike after he arrested my best friend, could I?” Clementine said, acid in his voice. “And Tyrion is a great guy. He’s done a great job looking after your Egg. I don’t know why you think something’s wrong with him.”

“Nothing is wrong with him! He is a great guy!” I said. “It’s just…” I took a breath. “Okay, I’m sorry. I’m surprised and I am overreacting.”

“Thank you,” Clementine said.

“This is a hell of a time for you to break this information,” I said.

“He was worried you’d be very hurt and I’d be upset,” Clementine said. “I thought it was sweet he wanted to come.”

“It is, sweetheart,” I said, and sighed. “Tyrion, let me see my Egg, okay?”

“Yeah, yeah, of course,” Tyrion said, still obviously feeling awkward, but handed over the Egg, which glowed happily.

“Hey there,” I said, and hugged it close. A lot of emotions came flooding in. It’d missed my Egg so much. “Hope you’re looking forward to being stuck in this chamber with me for who knows how long…” I said.

“What are all these books for, Mom?” Clementine said, looking at the pile of books set on the floor in front of him that Maude had brought. “These aren’t your normal reading material.”

“I don’t know, it was Maude’s idea, won’t tell me why,” I said. “Turns out, being hurt and out of commission means you don’t know a lot of things, even who your son is dating.”

“Mom,” Clementine said, frowning. “It just… happened, okay?”

“Sorry, sorry,” I said, taking another breath. I’ll just admit it: the idea of Clementine having slept with someone I’ve slept with on multiple occasions was just such a strange idea I did not know how to process it. I mean, if anything, it was me who was the creep. Tyrion was so much younger than me. But still. “I promise you both next time I see you I will not make this weird, promise.”

“Thank goodness for that,” Clementine said, obviously still displeased.

“Sweetheart, at least admit this is a lot to take in?” I said.

“I know, I wasn’t sure how to t…” Clementine started, but there was a knock at the door.

“Come in?” I called.

“Clementine!” Merry gasped as she opened the door.

“Merry! Are you alright!” Clementine said.

“Yes, we’re fine, you know? Fine enough?” Merry started.

“What is that thing?” Tyrion said, backing up a little and pointing to what Merry was holding.

And then Clementine saw it. And then I saw it.

I saw her. A White Dragon.

“Right. It hatched,” I said. “You wrote that it hatched.”

“It hatched!” Merry said, smiling, moving inside so Myrmidon could join us. There was barely any room in the small chamber.

“Hello, Gloria,” Philly said.

“Hi…” I said.

“I’m… a dragon now,” Philly said.

“I can see that…” I said. And I thought I was shocked before.

Clementine was at a loss for words.

“That’s a dragon?” Tyrion said. “I mean, sorry, you’re a dragon?”

Philly nodded. “I’m of a lost lineage… something like that, anyway.”

“A lost lineage… that’s so small?” Tyrion said.

“Honestly, I’m a lot bigger than I was. I think so, anyway. I don’t have a lot to compare to easily,” Philly said. “Everything is still very big.”

“You weren’t always a dragon?” Tyrion said, trying to wrap his head around the situation.

I shook my head. “Myrmidon, Merry, Philly, this is Tyrion. He’s the father of my Egg and apparently him and Clementine are together now. Tyrion, this is Myrmidon, Merry, and Philly. They’re a family.”

“Hi…” Tyrion said.

“It is delightful to meet you,” Myrmidon said, offering a claw. Tyrion shook it.

“Sorry, you’ve missed a lot,” Clementine said. “Even more than me.”

“Apparently so…” Tyrion said. “You sold those potions for a while, on the Plains,” he said to Myrmidon, looking them over.

“Ah, yes! I do hope I can get back to that soon. I did feel quite good at it,” Myrmidon said, smiling.

“No hat?” he asked.

“Ah, well, it did not seem as important to pack while we were wanted…” Myrmidon said. “I suppose I shall have to get a new hat.”

“This is all a wonderful meeting, but I think we may have more to talk about,” I said. “Unless this really is just a visit to keep me from boredom, and then, sure, let’s just keep talking about hats.” Everyone looked at me. “...sorry, I’m not good at being idle like this.”

“Well, we did see Baroness,” Merry said. “She’s very hurt. She can only move like, one claw. And she’s locked up. We don’t know how to get her out of there.” She described where and how they were keeping Baroness locked up.

“Who, exactly, is Baroness?” Tyrion asked after the whole explanation.

“Look, let me just… let me just try to fill you in,” Clementine said, pulling Tyrion outside of the chamber with him.

I sighed a bit.

“She wants us to just leave her,” Dagger’s voice said. “Pisses me off.”

“Well, we aren’t doing that,” Philly said. “Right?”

“No, we’re not,” I said. “But I don’t really know what exactly we could do right now. Especially with me under lock and key here.” I sighed again. “I need to talk to the Queen again, but she hasn’t been back.”

“Maybe Nobody?” Merry suggested. “She’s good at things like that, right?”

“She’s gone off with Flare,” I said. “It’s just us. And I guess Clementine and Tyrion, maybe. Though I’d rather not get anyone else in trouble.”

“We are on a precarious standing of legality and I have been unable to think of a solution that did not break it,” Myrmidon said.

“Nothing coming to mind for me either,” I said. “But thank you for telling me… I’ll think on it… and talk to the Queen about it if I ever get a chance to see her again.”

“I could find her and tell her to come or something,” Dagger’s voice said. “Though I don’t know why she’d listen to me if she hasn’t listened to the four hundred letters Myrmidon has written.”

“It has not been quite that many, my dear sibling,” Myrmidon said.

“Oh!” Merry said. “We forgot to introduce you to Tyrion, Dagger!”

“One thing at a time,” Dagger said. “I’m… I’m fine for now…”

“Nonsense, we shall fix this error at once,” Myrmidon said.

“No, just… no…” Dagger said, sounding nervous.

But Myrmidon had already walked out the door.

Merry looked at me, and I looked back.

“Does it hurt much?” she asked, softly.

“Sometimes… but I’m fine,” I said.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t do more…” she said.

“You did everything you needed to. And besides, you have a daughter to look out for,” I said, gesturing to Philly.

“Yeah, Mom… I don’t know what else you could have done, from what you’ve told me,” Philly said.

“I know, but I… I don’t know…” Merry said softly. “I just wished you’d have been there, so I could have asked you what to do when I was talking to the Queen… or after you fell unconscious…”

“You’ve got your own little family now, and you’re making the decisions that’s right for them. You’re doing fine, Merry,” I said.

“I hope so…” she said.

“Hey,” I said, putting my claw on her head. “You’re doing fine. I mean it.”

“A-alright,” Merry said, tail flicking nervously.

I took a breath and just said it while I gave her a pat. “I’m proud of you. You did it. This… thing even I doubted at first. She’s a dragon, Merry, because of you. She’s your daughter.”

“I had a lot of help,” Merry said.

“Sure, but everyone needs help,” I said.

Merry gave me a smile, and hugged Philly tight.

“We’ll think on this. We’ll figure out a way to get Baroness home,” I said. “But to do that, I think we need to get ourselves out first.”

“That sounds right,” Philly said. “As much as I hate for her to be in there, we need room to move, especially if we’re going to do something illegal.”

“We’ll try doing it the right way first, but yes,” I said.

Conversation soon devolved into nicer things, and everyone rejoined us. But soon, the nurses started shooing everyone away to change my bandages and do whatever tests they do, and everyone headed out, Tyrion was obviously still a bit overwhelmed but Clementine stayed close.

And then I was left in my chamber alone again, to think about things.

“I have to do something, right?” I asked the Egg, sitting in its carrier near my bed.

It glowed softly, unsure.

“Things don’t get done if I don’t take action,” I said.

It glowed a little softer.

“Yeah… maybe you’re right,” I said.

But no, I can’t take a break. Can I?

Conquest continues.

I was unsure how much parchment I would need to design the ritual necessary, so I have not been writing. But now that I am done, I believe it safe to keep record once more.

The simple solution to my imprisonment is to dispose of these broken bones. It will take time to reform, and I will still, in theory, be unwelcome in the dragon lands. But I would be free. I could potentially visit, occasionally. Or my children could visit me. It would be an improvement, one that was realistic, as what I would prefer did not seem to be as such.

The difficulty with implementing this solution comes from my hindered state. Much of the energy that makes up my body that I use for casting is tied up in holding me together, and I am unable to access it. I also have to keep the ritual itself the size of a page in my Diary, as I likely would not be allowed to draw on the floor, which limits the complexity of the ritual I can create. Finally, I do not want to do any serious damage to the surrounding area, as I do not want to hurt anyone.

I have designed a ritual to these specifications. It was an interesting challenge I was thankful for over many empty days. I do not think it will have many practical applications outside of this escape, however.

The only thing holding me back from implementing my plan was my children.

Clearly my previous plan was unsatisfactory. And some part of me worried that this plan, even though I had created it by incorporating their feedback, would also disappoint them in some way.

They want me to be a grandmother. I would like to give them this. But I am unsure if I am capable or what they would desire of me in that role. Clearly my capabilities as mother are poor at best. It would be optimal to limit my need to use such skills. But would they be required as grandmother? I did not know.

I tell myself this, but even as I write it, it is obvious I am attempting to justify my own decision. I think of so many who have told me to be honest with my own feelings in these matters. And the fact is this: I would like to be part of the family my creation and their partner are creating.

I am not sure why this is a concern now, of all times. When I was alive, my parents provided what was necessary for me to succeed in my studies and goals. They asked greatness of me, and I did my best to provide it. And once I did, I felt little need for their contact. I simply provided for them and made arrangements when they began to decline, as was required of me. Certainly I did not feel close to my husband in any way but physical. Much like my parents, it was a useful arrangement. Even Dagger, then, was simply a means to an end, a way to pass on what I knew and the traits I had.

What has changed? Surely those previous situations could be considered a family, but I cared not for them. Did something change inside me during my long period of being controlled? Did I lose something I once had, which made these things unnecessary?

But I am drawn to something my creation told me some time ago. That they were positive I had constructed them because I was tired of being alone. That I was lonely.

I now believe I was.

I believe it is likely that I am forgetting things that happened so long ago, when I was alive. Forgetting support and interactions that sustained me. That I have discarded them as unimportant, when perhaps they were quite essential.

I have had to face these things, due to Myrmidon’s encouragement, and soon, that of other friends. And I have found that I am a good person. I have found that I can be wanted, and can want, without obvious gain. I have found…

They came to visit. I was not expecting it after so many days.

My apprentice, Philly, can fly now. She is becoming quite skilled at it, I am told.

Myrmidon is still working hard to petition those who will listen for my release. I am lucky to have them.

Merry has brought me a pillow so that I am hopefully more comfortable. I am unsure it will work, but it is appreciated.

And Dagger…

“Still planning on rotting in here?” ey asked me.

“No,” I said. “It was… you pointed out several flaws in my plan…”

“...good,” ey said.

“I have created a new plan,” I said.

“Does it involve you being separated from us?” Dagger asked.

“I… well, yes,” I said. “I am unsure if there is another simple solution that…”

“Then it’s a bad plan,” Dagger said, cutting me off.

“It is the only…” I started again.

“That’s what you said about the last plan,” ey said, eir body spiking as ey floated close, eye close to my skull. Ey pointed a fin at me. “Any plan that makes those three unhappy is a bad plan.”

“My dear sibling, surely you do not need to be so dramatic…” Myrmidon said.

“It’s the only way she’ll understand,” Dagger said.

“I…” I started.

“No excuses!” Dagger said.

“It is the only plan I can execute that gives results that are at least partially within the parameters you’ve outlined,” I said.

“Then maybe you need a plan we all can execute,” Philly said.

“Yeah, we’re here, you know?” Merry said. “Well, when the Queen lets us be, anyway… as often as we can, so… we can all work on it.”

They all looked to me. Even Dagger, though ey still seemed upset.

“...allow me to… explain what I have created… and perhaps you can suggest a better use for it,” I said.

I explained the ritual I created, and my plan. And while everyone was not pleased with my planned alternative exile, they also did not know what else to do with the ritual, now that it was created.

“We should… we should talk to Gloria, maybe,” Merry said. “She’s good at planning this stuff, you know? Maybe she can see something we don’t, now that you made this spell?”

“I suppose it cannot hurt, my sweetest,” Myrmidon said.

“As much as I just yelled at you, probably use it if they try to take it away from you,” Dagger said. “Better that than nothing.”

“Perhaps you are right,” I said.

“But we’ll come up with something!” Merry said. “Right?”

“There has to be something, yes,” Philly said. “I just… don’t know what. It would be helpful if we could talk to the Queen again, figure out what’s been going on. Other than telling Maude to draw up those legal documents.”

“I am not sure we can rely on the Queen in any case,” Myrmidon said. “She seemed more friendly to us in our meeting, but she still has a history of making things difficult.”

In the end, we did not come up with a solution before we were told time was up.

I will continue to think on it, and stay here. For now, anyway.

I do believe I belong with them.