Archive of Our Own

It was a sleepless night for Sly.

For he was far too excited.

He had sent notes, cards, and anything he could to get easy word to his children about what was coming.

He knew he should still try to rest, only a few were awake, but his eyes were open in bed and he could not stop daydreaming about the events to come.

So he swiveled his way out of bed, got dressed, and made his way out of his little basement storeroom as fast as he could.

That was how excited he was. 

So much so, when he saw Elderbug still walking to his usual spot, he called “Blessed Luma Horizon, Elder!”

Elderbug startled, not expecting to see Sly awake at that moment. “Oh, uhm! Blessed be you as well, Sly! Is…there a special occasion going on?”

Sly walked to the bench as Elderbug stood under the lamp, making sure his flower got adequate light within its new pot. “A special occasion? It’s my favorite occasion that isn’t my children’s birthday.” Sly stated, also meaning his grandchildren’s birthdays. He wasn't sure when those were, but the vessels weren't sure either.

He sat down for a mere moment but swung his legs rapidly as if he was a small child waiting for sweets. “It's a traditional holiday from my home."

He pressed his fingers into the bench, explaining what it was about, "Where we honor the changing of the season, pray for a bountiful dew to bless our crops, and offer what we have so far for those long gone.” He put his hands together, tapping his fingers excitedly.

Elderbug smiled warmly at him. “What a sweet thing to do. I hope you and your family have a great time with that.”

Sly smiled at him, standing up on the bench to be eye to eye with the elder. “Oh, we will. Everyone will be here!”

He hopped off and ran back into his store to grab a basket he had packed before his fruitless attempt at a full rest. 

“So, excuse our noise!” Sly cackled, before speeding off.

Elderbug shook his head. From the quiet, he’s come to appreciate the noise of a family. 

How he liked to stay back and listen!

---

Sly appreciated the crisp air on his stroll, which he slowed down to account for how early it was.

He had to take pause and savor the moisture returning to the air. They had all day to enjoy the festivities, even his boys will take a while to arrive.

He peeked in his basket. His favorite seasonal teas, his old kettle, plates, scones, and rolls wrapped in paper. It was half of a wonderful morning tea time because he knew Hornet’s hobbies. 

He showed her how to pickle things and that turned into the want to make all kinds of jams and jellies she could get her hands on.

The idea of a jar made her beautiful creative mind run wild! He was surprised at the combinations she had the strength to try, and how well a few of them worked out!

So he knew she had the perfect spread for this treat. 

He approached their little home, and by the looks of it, he arrived just in time. There was a faint light, indicating that Hornet was awake.

She is typically the first one awake, following Hollow who enjoyed doing a few stretches in bed before indicating any signs of life, and then Ghost the second they heard the intricate noises of breakfast.

Sly opened the door and gave the inside a special little knock. He heard from the kitchen the same knock back, indicating that who he is has been processed.

He entered the home and lightly called “Blessed Luma Horizon, Hornet!” as he made his way to her.

Inside the kitchen, Hornet sat on a little stool looking quite tired. Sly approached, tilting his head. “Did you not sleep well, ticky?”

“Hello to you too, grandfather…” 

Sly noticed his blunder and put his basket down on the counter. “Sorry, dear. Hello, I’m happy to see you this eve.” 

Hornet hummed, happy with that response. “I slept a little oddly, my dreams were strange but the details elude me.” She mumbled, rubbing the side of her mask.

Sly nodded, understanding. “Dreams like that are always a muddled bag. I think you’ll cheer up quite fast as the holiday continues.”

Sly smiled at her as he pulled out his kettle. “Holiday?” Hornet asked, curiosity peaked. 

“I had been talking about it the past few dinners, dear. I had the ingredients gathered for all the food we’ll make prepped in advance!” 

Hornet wracked her tired brain to remember, and she made a noise of recognition. “Ohhh, that seasonal change holiday! I wasn’t sure when that’d be!” She stood up, moving to help Sly with the basket. 

“There’s nothing to do yet, dear, it’s quite early. But I do want to get some tea made, and we have a light breakfast. Read the leaves. See what prosperity will find us in the new season.”

Hornet hummed, grabbing the plate of scones. “Very light…Ghost won’t be happy.” 

Sly smiled, knowing what this home will look like at the end of the holiday. “Oh, they’ll be happy. I was happy with less as a child, and when they see what’s to come. If they aren’t happy, I’ll be shocked. So much good food."

He pointed at the basket, giving her a knowing look, "Plenty of bread.” 

Hornet placed the plate down, undoing the rest of the paper. Sly counted in his head as he sorted through the tea flavors.

“...I’m going to grab my new pear and mix berry jam I made a few days ago.” Hornet, stiff as a board, paced off to start getting things ready. 

Sly knew she was like that when she was thrilled.  

That girl loved bread, and Sly could not fathom any other child who had that as their favorite food.

Sly set up the tea holder and struck a flame to begin boiling the water. He got the kettle inside and watched it intently. He was very attuned to the quiet of this house. 

Over the bubble of the flame, he heard Hornet sorting through jars. The glass click click clicking.

He heard Hollow, who must’ve been vaguely awake. The crack of their joints, the shifting of their wheelchair as if they’re deciding how to move out of bed.

He heard Ghost, rustling with their blanket and sheets. He was making the vague noises of breakfast and so was Hornet. It was any moment now that they’d come and demand it.

Hornet brought the jam to the living room, setting a few jars on the table. She put the mentioned pear and berry jam, plus a new strange purple one, and a bright red one with seeds sprinkled through it. 

Sly left the kettle for a moment to ask her, “I have four flavors of tea, which would you like?”

“Why so many?” Hornet tilted her head, and Sly looked at the jams. “Oh, these flavors I know your fathers, Oro, Sheo, and his husband all like. But I have plenty if you’d like your morning cup to be them.” 

Hornet looked left and right as if they were coming right that second. “Fret not! They won’t be here for a while. I doubt Oro is even awake at this point. He’s been sleeping far better after getting his new home renovated.”

Hornet snickered a bit, “Well, what are the flavors?” 

Sly led her to the tea containers and pointed to each, “Well, this is Mato’s old favorite. It’s sort of a sharp citrusy blend. This one is for Sheo and Ogrim, berries and mint. For Oro, we have this almost bland but dark brew he likes to drown in sugar. And for the Smith, Sheo informed me he liked what tastes like to me, iron in a cup. I think it's a very astringent blend.” 

Hornet thought about it and pointed to the bland blend to Sly’s surprise. “Are you sure?” 

Hornet nodded, with a light air of a smile on her face. “I think it will go well with the jam. Each is already very sweet.”

If there’s one thing Sly forgets, it’s Hornet’s opinion on sweets being less than enthusiastic. Sly took the blend and asked her to grab them four mugs, then. The kettle started whistling and mugs were rattling. 

That made Ghost’s curtain swing open, and they plodded into the room with both hands in their eye sockets, rubbing them. 

Sly removed the kettle from the heat, placing it on a safe surface so he and Hornet can scoop the tea leaves into the mugs.

“Blessed Luma Horizon, little nailmaster!” Sly stated, and Ghost sluggishly signed, “Luma breakfast?” making Sly cackle.

He scooped Hornet’s blend into the cup, and Hornet handed him Ghost’s favored blend, the sweetest natural brew they owned. He put in four scoops, saying, “Ohhh, breakfast is in the living room. We’re having scones, bread, jam, and tea.”

Ghost just stared at him, as Hornet predicted.

“We’re having a large dinner, child. It’s a holiday.” Ghost’s mind chugged for a minute, and Sly had to explain again, “It’s what I was talking about at dinner the past few nights. The holiday that celebrates the new season and those long passed.”

Ghost seemed to understand, but just signed, “Breakfast?”

Sly shook his head, “Go sit in the living room, we’ll all eat together, and play some games while waiting for everyone to arrive. Your fathers are coming, you know.”

Now that puts some pep in Ghost’s step. They loved having all of their family over.

They crawled on the couch and stared at the scones, bread, and jam, waiting impatiently for someone to provide them with a little spoon and plate to enjoy it with.

Sly was shocked.

He half-expected them to try and eat the bread with no additives. 

Hornet prepared Hollow’s favorite blend, because she could hear their cane click on the floor. Hollow also tiredly entered the room, and Sly tried one more time. “Blessed Luma Horizon, Hollow.”

They, in a more polite manner than Ghost, tilted their head.

Sly could understand Ghost not listening to him, but he thought Hollow loved to just quietly listen in to everything they could.

“It’s a holiday, kiddo. We’re celebrating the new season today.” Sly explained very briefly in hopes to get to breakfast and festivities. “Hornet’s making your tea. Do you want some breakfast before we get into it?”

Hollow nodded, giving Hornet a little cane wave by moving it back and forth while she passed with her and their tea. Sly made Ghost’s, and a nice raspberry brew for himself.

Everyone sat together on the couch, Ghost having to scoot over for Hollow’s sake. Hollow pressed their knuckles against their knee and popped their fingers very loudly. 

“Careful, Hollow,” Hornet warned, setting out knives and spreaders for the jam. Ghost immediately grabbed a spreader and pointed at the pear jam.

"Patience, little one," Sly said while giving everyone a plate. He cut a roll and opened the jam for Ghost to apply as much jam as they wanted.

Ghost took a big scoop with the spreader and just placed the two halves on the spreader to pull it in, messily dripping onto the floor instead of their plate.

“Ghost, please.” Sly sighed, making Ghost put the roll down on the plate with a nervous little laugh in their shoulders.

Hornet helped Hollow pick a scone, and she herself had the softest roll she meticulously picked. 

Hornet made sure her roll had the bright red jam, and she looked so pleased with herself. It was mostly strawberry, Sly could tell from its smell. Hollow joined Ghost in enjoying the pear jam, and Sly had to join Hornet in the berry. 

“Now, everyone, be sure to drink all your tea. Luma Horizon holds many fun traditional things to do, and I want my grandchildren to experience all of them.”

Ghost dunked their roll into their tea, and signed “Why?” before jamming it into their face.

Sly was confused at it, and tried to answer best he could, “Well, when you drink all of your tea, your leaves can hold fortunes inside, and I can try my best to interpret them.”

Hollow put their scone down and picked up their very hot tea. Their hands weren't shaking too badly, so they could look at it in wonder.

A fortune in such a little tiny cup? It did make them curious. 

Sly watched his grandchildren fill up on bread and tea, and Hornet finished her tea first. Sly’s eyes sparkled as she handed him her teacup without any guidance. 

“Thank you, dear. Let’s see what this season of dew holds for you.”

He turned the cup around and pondered. He was no expert, but he was willing to try his best to give them something good to hold hope with. “It looks a bit like a vibrant bloom! That means you’ll see much growth and vitality in this season, ticky.”

Hornet smiled, picking at her last bread roll. “Thank you, grandfather. I hope the same shows for you.”

Hollow finished next and gave their cup a little swirl before handing it to Sly. Sly smiled, taking it while Hornet cleaned her cup and plate. “Hollow, I have high hopes for this one.” 

They watched with sleepy intrigue as Sly pondered, before stating, “This looks like a gust of wind blowing at a wall. It means winds of change are coming, but you will hold true!” Sly smiled, and Hollow just looked down.

They wiggled their fingers before signing “Is good?” 

Sly put down their cup and took their hand. “That’s good. You’re good, Hollow.” Sly felt the squeeze of their hand, knowing they loved that statement despite their look. It was all in the slight tilt of their head.

Sly let go of their long fingers and turned to Ghost. Who had their fingers in their teacup, “Oh no! Ghost!” Sly took the cup from them, and they stuck their hands under their mask through their eyes, confused.

Hollow and Hornet were startled by his exclamation, and the worry dissipated immediately when Sly squawked, “Are you eating the tea leaves??” Of course, Ghost was eating the little bits of leaves.

“Flavorful!” They signed with one hand, the other still in their face. “It’s really- not.” Sly sighed, and Hollow just silently laughed. 

“Child, I can’t read your leaves if you eat them! Let me fix it.” He poured a little more water into the cup and swirled it. There were still a few stuck to the bottom of the cup, so a little image could still form, but it was so small.

“Okay…” Ghost scooted up to Sly, lightly hitting his arm to get their leaves back to consume. “No hitting,” Sly said sternly, making Ghost just pat his arm.

Sly evaluated the teacup and told the little one, “It looks like a flat meadow. Still and unmoving, an era of calm awaits you.” Ghost put their hands down and pondered on that. “...Boring?” They tilted their head and signed.

“You think life easing and calming for you is boring??” The cup was yanked from Sly’s hands and Ghost put their hand back in it, nodding.

They stood and scampered off, leaving Sly befuddled.

Ghost returned with Bumble in their arms, and tried to put their metallic hand in their teacup, leading Sly to say

“Why don’t we do some of my favored childhood activities until your fathers get here, hm?”

Hornet’s tired eyes got a brief flash of excitement. Sly knew not if it was about the activities or her fathers.

Ghost hit Bumble’s hand against the glass, before signing, “Arts and crafts!” 

Sly smiled, nodding, “We can start with Arts and Crafts.”

---

“One of my favorite things to do on Luma Horizon is getting cozy with a hot cup of tea, and doing calligraphy. I wasn’t the best at it, but we were all little once.”

Sly told this story as he set out a large sheet of paper in front of each of his grandchildren. Ghost immediately touched the paper, adjusting it to be tall instead of wide. Sly turned it back, and Ghost turned it back, making him sigh and let them do what they wished.

He gave each a pen and put their only container of ink in the center of the table.

“What do we write, Grandfather?” Hornet asked, twirling the writing tool they were given. Hollow was confused too, and a little intimidated by the empty canvas. 

Sly grabbed one for himself, sitting down with them all. “Oh, that's the fun of it, dear! We write whatever we wish. I loved to write words of affirmation, drawings of leaves and dew and the like.” 

Hornet looked down, dipping her tool into the ink and thinking. Hollow did too, but they couldn't quite hold down their paper.

They tried to think about what to draw but began shaking in indecision, concerning Sly.

Ghost went on ahead and dipped their tool and started drawing swirls. 

Sly watched all of them in different stages of creation. Ghost happily drew, Hornet tapped the paper and made swift lines, and Hollow just...stared at it. Like they were afraid, for some reason.

"Hollow, it's okay if you don't know what to do. This isn't required, and it's no rush…” Sly tried to reassure them, but Hollow just pressed the pen down and held it like that, letting the ink pool thickly on the paper.

They then moved it up, making little explosions of ink that Sly hoped wouldn't bleed through the paper. They still shook, but the freeze didn't last long.

Ghost slowly wrote their name, enjoying the feel of this pen rather than their usual quill.

Hollow wrote the word “New” and Hornet wrote “Together.” 

Sly smiled and drew little leaves around the word, “Family” And admired how everyone was doing. Ghost wrote more words, but they were random words that just came to the top of their head.

It was fun to see all of them write and draw, it made the time swing on by. 

Ghost’s paper was getting full, and Hollow’s was heavy with ink. Hornet used the tip of her finger to push some of the ink and made little dots. And while Ghost’s paper got full of designs, it made them realize.

They were getting hungry. They put down their pen and stared at Sly, doing nothing while he continued to sketch.

They didn't break the look until he looked up himself, and saw them looking irate. “What?”

“Lunch?” Ghost signed, and Sly immediately checked the candle behind them.

“Oh! No, ah your fathers are late! I must start preparing for dinner soon, they told me they’d help with the heavier things, the lugs.” Sly stood, and Ghost was befuddled. “Dinner??? No, lunch!” They didn't want to go without lunch.

“Dinner will be big and take a lot longer to make. Have another roll, if you’d like, Ghost.” Ghost pouted, and signed, “Why not tiktik?” They signed their sign-name for tiktiks, which always made Sly smile. It was a little ball with one hand and the letter T making a few wiggles.

“No, I’m not making tik-tik nuggets. We need the tiktik for dinner. I have to make a big dinner, Ghost.”

Hornet put her pen down in the inkwell and stood, “I will assist with the heavy work our Fathers cannot, grandfather.”

“Thank you, sweetheart.” Sly tidied up his side of the table and moved towards the kitchen. Ghost grabbed another roll and ate it slowly, mad that they wouldn't get lunch. 

“You can eat as many rolls as you want, kiddo. I just want you to appreciate what we’re about to make, okay?”

Ghost nodded, but Sly could tell they were still miffed. Hornet and Sly started prepping all of the vegetables Sly had gathered. 

Hollow slowly floated into the kitchen, wanting to help as well. They couldn't do much, but they did enjoy pouring water into pots to make riceballs.

Hornet helped put the big pot on the fire so Sly could make his typical soup but this time he put in long noodles instead of more rice whenever he felt like adding a lot of body to the broth.

“We’re gonna wanna reduce this broth a lot to get a rich deep color,” Sly stated, and Hollow was just happy to get to stir it. 

It felt like hours passed with all of them in the kitchen.

While everything simmered, Sly set up little bowls to make the sweet riceballs and instructed Hornet to help Ghost set the table.

Setting the table for so many guests was always so tricky, but they made it work before they could do it again.

“Everyone needs a plate, a small bowl, and mugs for tea though Grandfather prefers the teacup, Father needs his cup to be a bowl and Hollow gets the big bowl so they can pick it up without burning themself. Understood?”

Ghost stared off, and tilted their head. Hornet didn't even mention what cutlery was needed. They were lost.

Hornet sighed and just gave them a small pat on the head. “I’ll help you further.”

While Sly set things to simmer, he checked on the table and counted the plates. “You’re doing well!” 

Ghost held up a spoon and asked, “Lunch?”

“Still no, Ghost. Remember, plenty of rolls to snack on. And I made small rice balls.” He pointed, noting he had rice on his hands so he wiped them on his cloak. Ghost deflated, making Hornet shake her head. 

Sly busied himself decorating the table with greenery and some crystals from the peaks Hollow collected the one time they felt brave enough to go on the elevator.

Hollow themself tidied up the kitchen, making sure not to put away things they didn't know if Sly needed them again or not.

He chatted with them about making dessert, but they didn't know what dessert they’d eat on days like this. 

“My boys enjoyed making it with me, so I’d figure I’d wait as long as I can for them to show up to surprise them with the honor of helping!” He joked, but he was serious. If they don't come to help cook, they’d come to eat and help clean. 

Hollow just nodded, almost confused about the genuineness of joke. While Sly set more ingredients for dessert on the cleaned counter, there was a brisk knock on the door.

“Fathers!” Hornet called, making Sly’s antenna perk up. He wiped his hands off on a towel and rushed into the living room.

He saw Hornet practically sprint to the door and pull it open. 

She stared at the nailmaster holding a small pot of mushroom soup and tilted her head. 

“Nailmaster, where is Father?”  She spoke before he could even utter a word. She tried to look behind him, wondering why Ogrim was not excitedly greeting her.

The nailmaster before her tilted his head, turning to look behind him.

After studying the beetle in the door standing still without making an effort to let himself in, Sly swung the towel and put his hands on his hips.

“Oro! Kitchen, Nian Gao!” 

The nailmaster lit up a touch and handed the pot of soup to Hornet. “Greetings, spider.” He stated shortly before rushing into the kitchen with his father.

“...Ah…that was…uncle. I will…continue preparing for everyone else.” Hornet muttered to herself as she brought the soup to the other food yet to be placed on the table.

Ghost was staring at it in mischievous awe because a lid was not placed on the soup. Hornet patted their head down and handed them a plain roll, making them shake their head back in a whine. 

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Oro and Sly chatted quietly as Oro cut the ginger to be boiled. “We haven't made this in ages, Father. I am surprised you even remember the recipe.”

Sly put his hands on his chest, offended. “I remember everything about these holidays! You kids enjoyed them so much, and look!” He gestured at Oro’s body. “It made you grow tall!”

Oro lightly chuckled to himself. “Yes…Yes, it did.” Sly took a bit of the ginger skin and gave it to Hollow. Hollow enjoyed rolling it around in their fingers and the smell.

“Father, do you remember the time I dared Mato to eat the ginger skin?” Oro smiled as he put it in the pot to simmer. 

Sly snorted and shook his head. “That boy…It was a much bigger chunk too, in comparison. But he didn’t spit it out! He did eat the whole thing and you had to give him one of your cakes!”

“I did not regret it, seeing him spin and sputter around was too hilarious.” Oro chuckled as he stirred it around.

Sly shook his head and poured in the sugar. “Well, Hollow will take care of all of the ginger skin so you cannot do it again, I’m afraid.” 

“Hum?” Oro turned as he mixed the bowl and saw Hollow pressing the ginger onto the counter and rubbing it into their fingers. “Oh…And I thought Mato was strange about ginger.”

Hollow looked up, offended. “Ah- Uh-” Oro turned, not knowing if to apologize or clarify if he was joking or not.

Hollow turned and went back to their important business. Sly shook his head and set off to mix the flour.

He hoped Sheo, Mato, and their husbands would arrive soon. They just had to carefully bake these cakes and then get the decorations up and then it was ready for dinner!

If they’re all late, he’d be a little more than upset!

---

The cakes were baking (well, steaming) when the door was knocked upon again. Hornet took a deep breath, still thrilled for her fathers to arrive, before opening the door.

Of course, there was a nailmaster, but behind him, the smith stood.

“Oh! You two!” Hornet spoke, trying not to sound disappointed. Nailsmith held a small container and Sheo smiled at her. “Greetings, Hornet. I do hope we aren’t late!”

Hornet shook her head, letting them inside. “No, if anything, our fathers are. Sly and I have been working tirelessly on preparing the home as he instructs.”

The couple walked in, Nailsmith saying softly, “Well, don’t work yourself too hard. I, myself, did this while making these little candy balls. They’re made of crisped rice and sugar.” He shook them, and Hornet was intrigued.

She took them and observed them. “I am not the biggest fan of sweets, but I bet Ghost will enjoy these! Right now they are pacing in the living area waiting to eat.”

 Sheo chuckled, and stated, “If they’d like they could sample one!” He offered as he adjusted his cloak. 

“No, they can’t!” Sly called from the kitchen but didn't come forward to greet the newcomers. Sheo was startled, but hit with amusement.

Of course, just like when they were kids. He smiled as he made his way toward his father’s voice to greet them.

There he was, unable to move because he was the one staring at the cakes to make sure the water was stable.

Oro was not paying attention at all, watching Hollow bend their arm in a weird jointed way. He was trying to copy them.

Sheo cleared his throat, making all three of them perk up. “Blessed Luma Horizon, father. Oro, you’re going to break your arm.”

Sly was startled and was immediately up and trying to give him a hug. Oro blinked hard and blurted. “I forgot to say Blessed Luma Horizon, oh.” Oro walked over as Sly jumped into Sheo’s arms and put his hand on Sheo’s shoulder.

Sheo squeezed Sly tight in his arms, and Sly sat in them for a moment to say “We’re waiting on Nian Gao to finish, so it can sit on the table while we pray. Also, I got you your favorite teas, the both of you. Do you know where Mato is???” Sly spoke very quickly, but Sheo’s smile hardly faltered. “I didn't see him or Ogrim at the stag, so I believe they might still be at their home?”

“Still?!”

Sheo shrugged, and Sly huffed. “That boy! If he’s late to dinner after he said he’d be the first to arrive, I’ll…take his dessert!” 

Oro snorted. “I thought you were going to take his head!” Sly grabbed a cloth to grab the steamer. “Oh, I’ll do that first. Just not in front of the children.”

Oro wheezed and Sheo put his head in one of his hands to hide his quiet snickering.

Sly took the steamer and placed it on the counter to take the cakes out, and Oro and Sheo could only stare in excitement.

“Let’s set the food up! Go go!” Sly ushered them out of the kitchen, making Hollow startle to follow.

---

Ghost was getting overwhelmed. They were little, seeing so many colors, and starving.

As they picked through a roll, they saw all the decorations everyone was putting up and saw the food they were not allowed to eat.

Why make it if they couldn't eat it yet? It was confusing, and they weren't even allowed to make a fuss!

Sly walked by them with a small pot in his hands and saw them borderline pouting. “What’s the matter? Not having a fun Luma Horizon, kiddo?” 

Ghost stared at him and signed, “Arts and crafts fun! Waiting for food! Not fun!” Sly shifted the pot in his hands and thought for a moment.

Ghost has been waiting for hours for the next thing to do because he was so focused on leading the baking, he didn't even have a moment to process them staying out of the kitchen out of boredom.

“Tell you what! It’s not time to eat.” Ghost inflated and deflated super fast. “But, I want you to have fun. How about you go back to the arts and crafts and make placeholders for everyone?" He gestured to the art supplies they've yet to clean.

"Write and doodle everyone's names and stick it on their plate! Can you do that to keep you occupied?” He tilted his head and Ghost considered it. 

“....okay!” Ghost saluted him and grabbed Bumble to amble over to the paper. Sheo passed Sly with their desserts and smiled, “You did the same thing to Mato…”

Sly shook his head, and said, “They’re alike. I knew that’d work.” 

They all bustled about, Sly directing where each food should go with each side dish.

Dry noodles next to soup, cold dishes, hot dishes, the mushroom stew Oro brought, and the desserts on a side table so Ghost does not touch them.

The table was just big enough to fit each dish and each plate, even if they had to fudge it when it came to cups and the kettle.

Hollow passed spoons to Oro and Oro put them in each dish. Hornet paced around, minutely adjusting things before asking Sly for the sixth time! 

"Have our fathers arrived yet?"

Sly stirred a pot on the table, curry mostly for him. Everything meatless was in the darkest pots so Sly knew what he could and couldn't eat. “No, I am about to send someone out to check on them because this is ridiculous. It’s almost time for prayers!”

Ghost rushed over with a stack of papers. They were buzzing as they sorted through the cards they made. Sly spotted their name, and they placed themself next to Mato. 

“You did really well on those! I love the little details, kiddo.” Sly picked up Mato’s and saw a little nail drawn on, alongside flowers and cartoonish skulls.

Ghost snatched it from him and placed it back on his plate. “Rude,” Sly stated, watching Ghost be unbothered as they placed Hollow next to them, and dropping Ogrim’s on the floor.

Sly noted they weren't paying attention, so he felt it to be right…

He placed Ogrim in the spot he was to be sat at and scooted himself over one seat to let Mato sit next to his husband and be next to Ghost as they wished.

They’d appreciate it.

Sly scanned the table and saw it was about done. He crossed his arms and tapped his fingers on his shoulders. “Where-”

Before he could ask everyone one more time about his youngest, the door swung open, catching everyone's attention.

“DAD-!” Mato yelled, arms full of blankets and pillows.

Everyone erupted in yells of both disbelief and joy at this. Both Mato and Ogrim tried to get in as the brothers clamored together pushing at each other to greet each other.

Ghost ran up Mato’s arms and stayed there, even as Sheo and Oro pushed him around.

Ogrim laughed, and heard Hornet call, “Fathers!!” She ran to try and leap into Ogrim’s claws.

He caught her in one because he was gripping a basket in another. “Hi, honeyweb!” He bonked her head into her horns, giving her a kiss. 

Sly cleared his throat as everyone gathered around finally. “WHAT in the WORLD took you both so long?!”

Ogrim put Hornet down, who looked sorely disappointed to be let go, and addressed Sly as Mato gave a sheepish look.

“Oh oh-” Ogrim bent forward, “Blessed Luma Horizon, Sly! We had to gather everything, and I refused to leave until I packed it safely!” He gave the basket to Sly and he was so confused.

He opened it and saw a jar wrapped in tissue paper as if to cushion it. “What?” Sly’s voice cracked in emotion. He took it out and saw a jar of pickled tomatoes.

A few small ones, whole and a couple cut in half, in a bright red rich looking brine. 

Mato smiled quietly as Ogrim took the joyful explanation. “When you told us of Luma Horizon, I was…I couldn’t wait for the opportunity to have this with you all, so during the dry season…we took some of the tomatoes we grew in the last season of dew and-”

Sly blinked, a little tearful, and finished his sentence, “Pickled it the entire dry season to enjoy at the next Luma Horizon…!” He squeaked and flapped his hands.

He didn't know what to do with his hands so he grabbed the jar. “I’m getting these plated up right now!! Oh- thank you thank you, blessed be, let’s bring it all in!”

Ogrim followed Sly while Mato continued holding Ghost and sorting through his blankets.

Sly spun around before setting the pickles on the floor as he grabbed a sharp stick and a bowl to serve them. He opened it and had to give it a smell.

"You used my recipe? You actually listened to me…?" He sounded baffled and like he really wanted to happy-cry but knew the grandchildren had trouble with emotional crying rather than sad.

Ogrim was caught off guard by that statement. “Of course, I listened to you! Why, Father, I had this holiday buzzing in the back of my head each time I slept.” He watched Sly wipe at his eyes as he talked, and sighed,

“This…Is a really nice chance for me to honor my friends in more ways than praying at a little arch in my burrow. It makes me feel…connected. If that makes sense.” He rubbed the side of his uncovered head, helmet completing said little arch.

Sly wetly chuckled as he placed the tomatoes in the bowl, he piled them high. “Ohh…Oh, I’m glad it brings you comfort, son.”

Ogrim smiled softly, and Sly picked up the bowl and hugged the best he could on Ogrim’s torso. “Thank you.”

They both said at once and a small “Aw…” sounded in the doorway. Both of them were startled and looked up, seeing Mato and Hornet standing in the doorway.

Sly flinched and paced out of the room. “I would still like to know why you were so late without sending word, mister!” Sly pointed at Mato in the light scolding.

“Father, I apologize! I wanted to gather blankets so everyone can be comfortable after dinner. Like our little tradition Sheo, Oro, and I had. Plus Ogrim wanted to add a few little extra things around the jar and wouldn’t budge until it was perfect!”

Sly took in Mato’s reasoning, but said, “Oh, that was a tradition to you three? I just thought you ate yourself into a cuddly food coma.”

Mato harked a laugh, “A little of both!”

Sly couldn't help but chuckle along but did motion a “come down” to Mato. Mato leaned down and Sly whispered to him. “If you worry me like that again, I will show up at your door and drag you out on time, kiddo.”

Mato muttered an apology and Sly gave him a small nuzzle on the cheek, “Love you.” He whispered and Mato whispered it back.

Ogrim smiled softly and said, “Father, what may we do next in the holiday?”

Sly straightened and gave Ogrim a grin. “I’m going to set these on the table and then we pray- oh I must explain it to the children, let's go out first!” He waved them all into the dining area.

Ghost and Hollow were messing with the blankets. Oro and Sheo were chatting about what they were going to sample first from the table while Nailsmith listened quietly.

Sly put the tomatoes down on the table with an audible “clink!” and called to everyone.

“Everyone! It’s all ready!” By saying that, Ghost jumped up and stared expectantly. Ready to go take their place at the table and eat something other than bread.

“It is time for us to continue the next part of the tradition,” Sly spoke proudly, even though his boys knew. He wanted Ghost, Hollow, Hornet, Nailsmith, and Ogrim to understand just what he wanted to do.

“Now. We’re going to go outside and enjoy the newly dew-filled air. There, we will all together pray as the spirits long passed who hold us dear in their hearts eat first. Then we feast!” 

Ghost looked disappointed but everyone else jabbered about in understanding. Mato and Sheo nodded to their spouses, making them know this was correct.

Everyone funneled out the door, but Hollow signed “Chair” to Hornet who understood and brought their wheelchair outside with them. Ghost was nearly the last one out, with Bumble in their arms.

When Ghost saw Sly linger in the house, they grew confused.

They then saw him grab an extra plate, fill it with food and place it on the table.

He bowed to it, and they couldn't hear him say with a quiet sadness in his voice, “Enjoy, master. I see you in each new drop of dew and in my nail’s shine.”

Sly took a deep breath, and left the house, closing the door behind him.

The first thing he saw was Ghost’s eyes shining with anger. “Unfair! You got food first when yell about no to me?” They signed quickly, in an almost incoherent manner. 

“Child!” Sly took and lowered their hands, saying, “It was not for me! Remember, everyone, gather close, this is a holiday of renewal and remembrance. I have so many people to remember, and I know everyone here does too.”

He looked at everyone, holding Ghost’s hands.

Sheo held Nailsmith’s claw, Mato put his hand on Ogrim’s back as he held back tears, Hollow and Hornet looked to the floor and Oro lingered towards the back.

Ghost wanted to try and pull free, but didn’t.

“I love you all very much, and I want you all to kneel, bow, turn your head whatever you wish to do with me. And just, pray to whatever you wish. Someone to watch over you, someone you miss, or even just something you want in the future. Please just join me.” Sly sat on his knees and Ghost joined him. 

Mato did as well when Ogrim fell to a kneel far too fast to close his eyes and bend his head. They hugged on the floor.

Hornet got on both knees and put her head into her hands. Hollow ran their hand on her back from their standing position, bowing their large head. 

Sheo held Nailsmith tighter and tipped his head forward.

Oro stared on and just closed his eyes. 

Ghost blinked, looking at Sly with wonder and sadness. They had people to remember, but remembering always brought that melancholy for them.

So as Sly prayed, they let go and moved into his arms for a hug. He chuckled to himself, held them, and kept muttering his prayers.

They all prayed for everything they cared for.

Hornet wiped her eyes as she yearned for her mother. Ogrim openly cried for his friends. Sheo and Oro’s hearts ached for Esmy. 

Mato held Ogrim around the shoulders and strengthened his prayers. Hollow kept a firm hand on Hornet’s back to quell her trembling as they prayed for her.

Sly prayed for his students, old and new. He prayed for his old master. He prayed for health and happiness for everyone surrounding him at that moment.

And Ghost…

Ghost prayed for their family to stay just like this. The best thing that ever happened to them.

The somberness grew long, and Ogrim and Hornet ceased sniffling. Sly looked up and asked everyone, “Do you feel the season shifting within you all now? Are your hearts full?”

Everyone slowly nodded. Mato helped Ogrim up, giving him a kiss on the cheek and Hornet got to her feet on her own. Nailsmith rubbed Sheo’s hand and Oro adjusted his cloak.

Ghost stayed in his arms, hugging him tighter.

Sly gave them a gentle “awh-ha…” and rubbed their cracked little head, rocking them a bit. They stayed like that for a moment and then signed so so small. “Food?” 

Sly smiled, petting the back of their head. “I think, before you eat too much, you should give the hotter items a bit more time to cool for our dear ones, okay? How about you, Hollow and Hornet go play around the garden?”

He offered, and Hornet sadly blinked at that idea. She…liked it, after thinking heavily for her mother.

Hollow was already moving towards their wheelchair, knowing Ghost was about to nod. They did, and Hollow sat, unlocked it, and rolled over with Bumble in tow.

Sly could only laugh at their preparedness.

Ghost took Bumble out of Hollow’s lap and signed, “Let’s play Utopia!” Hornet laughed, her voice hoarse. “You mean Ghost -topia?” 

Ghost could only jump and stim a little bit in reply.

Hollow rolled forward and watched Ghost fly Bumble around. Hornet narrated with a false dramatic voice, “And off, Bumble flies! To its next adventure in Ghostopia! Will it commit a crime against the throne or will it save the day?” 

Ghost signed, “Get food.” blankly before continuing to fly with Hollow chasing.

Hornet ran to catch up to them, weaving a story of Bumble committing petty crimes to acquire the food Ghost yearns for. 

Mato held Ogrim on his side, letting him lean against him. “Did Hornet just insinuate Bumble is committing arson to make tiktik nuggets?” He asked Ogrim, and Ogrim blinked a few more tears away.

“I did the same for her when she was angry about waiting to eat. When she was that small.” He used his claw to dab them away.

This made Sheo snort, and laugh. Ogrim was surprised he was the one to find that amusing. The adults all sat by the garden as the children ran around the yard, they all chatted lightly about their separate lives. 

Oro was doing well in the fungal wastes, growing his flower in the dirt had made more bloom around it.

That made Ogrim wave his claws in excitement and express the wish to take a few home.

That made Mato talk about their garden and what new things they wanted to plant this new season.

That made Sheo suggest what new seeds they could take.

That made Nailsmith speak lightly about the rare plants he spotted that were waiting to bloom.

That made Sly offer to come by and show Mato how he used to grow food for them as children because he never did show them how to replant seeds. He tended to do it when they were all still sleeping at the peak moment of dew. 

The conversation lasted longer than Sly thought it would, many a laugh about many a stories. 

Rogue mosscreeps eating Sheo’s paint leaves. Ogrim’s unofficial names for the brooding baldurs and their upcoming babies, most of which all start with “Bal-”. Oro guiding a lost mushroom child blindly back to its nest. 

Sly smiled and stood off the stone he was sitting cross-legged on. He figured everyone had waited long enough.

“Everyone! Let us return inside! It is time to eat!”

Sly has never seen Bumble thrown into Hollow’s lap faster as Ghost climbed into Hollow’s chair with them to go fast. It was all they could do to keep from fainting from excitement.

Everyone chuckled, as they made their way back inside to the table. Sly took the plate of food he made and moved it back into the kitchen, somberly but swiftly.

Everyone found their little placemats Ghost had made them, and Ogrim’s made him laugh. 

“Ghost, my sweet little specter, did you draw me upside down asleep on mine?” Ghost nodded as they took their spot next to Mato.

“You were late so I gave drawing-you a nap like you probably needed.” Ghost signed, rocking back and forth while waiting to be assisted with serving. But even they knew they weren't allowed to start eating until everyone sat unless they recently came to and needed some fruit.

Warm laughter spread around the table as everyone appreciated their little drawings. Hornet’s was a little spider dancing. Hollow enjoyed them lounging next to some flowers. Sheo had a paintbrush and a bunch of colorful dots. Oro had, of course, mushrooms and ash. Nailsmith had many many flowers and blobs of clay.

Mato looked at his.

It was covered in small hearts, nails, and skulls. He blinked and he looked down at Ghost. He leaned and scooped them into a hug, “Ohhhhh you!! You adorable scamp!”

Ghost had void float up from the tight hug, and Mato could feel their giggles that went unheard.

“Dad, this all looks…immaculate. It smells amazing!” Mato beamed as he let Ghost down. All of the food, noodles, curry, rice, everything everyone brought still had steam coming off it and it was simply delectable.

“Well, what is everyone waiting for? Get your tea picked and get eating!” Sly waved them off, before adding,

“Thank Hornet too! She and Hollow were such big helps!” Ghost blinked at his words. 

“You too, Ghost, thank you.” Even though they mostly pouted until they did their arts and crafts. 

Sly helped sort through the teas, making sure everyone got their favorite blend. Sheo and Ogrim were shocked they had the same one. Hornet and Oro grabbed the blandest blend, and Oro stood there adding sugar to the bottom of the cup as if Sly would not notice.

Mato walked to the table while he smelled his tea, loving the citrus and this holiday so much in his mind. Hollow got a refill of her favorite, and Nailsmith was just happy Sly got one just for him.

Ghost, of course, had the sweetest natural blend for their health.

Sly walked by with the boiling water, topping off everyone’s mug to seep while they all piled on their food. He encouraged them to all go ahead.

Soup filled bowls, Ghost hit the table in excitement as Mato helped them get their soup, rice balls, and all of the fresh veggies they could get their hands on.

“Ghost, you must try the pickled tomatoes we made! Come now, kiddo…” Ghost immediately looked down at the mere mention of pickles, but they were conflicted because they do like tomatoes! Just not pickles!

They held up one finger, and Mato took that as a victory. “Here.” Mato used the stick and put one whole cherry tomato on their plate.

They immediately tried it to get it over with, and with one little bite, they put it down and went right to their tea.

It made Sly and Ogrim howl with laughter. Mato sighed and knew that they had both tried. 

Slowly, everyone filled their plates, and the chatter didn't cease.

Sly ate six little tomatoes in a row while Mato told tales of their trials making them. Getting the wrong spices, forgetting ratios (though Ogrim had it correct the entire time, Mato simply fought him on it), and the debate on how to slice them if at all.

Oro recounted the memories they all had on this holiday, eating too many pickles, so he got a modest few, but Sly put more on his plate when he looked away.

He kept looking back down, puzzled at the magically reappearing pickles until Sheo burst out laughing again.

Hollow had a ball mixing their soup around, making it splash before taking little bites at a time. They did that, put down their spoon, shook Hornet’s shoulder out of gratitude, and returned to it.

It made her happy, but also very very confused. “I’m glad you enjoy it, sibling!” She said as she worked her way through chunks of tiktik meat in the noodle soup. She mixed it with Oro’s mushroom stew and it was so warm and inviting.

Sly looked past the table, adjusted his legs to sit on his knees, and called, “Hornet, dear I want you to try something I used to do as a child!” That got her attention, and she tilted her head. 

Sly scooted his soup closer to himself, put a few of the pickled tomatoes into his soup, split his roll, and fished them out with a spoon to put inside of it.

“I used to call it, “The specialist special!” if you can believe it!” He held it proud, smiling a bit.

Mato snorted, “Creative!”

Sly gave him a light whack on the arm, “Oh hush, I was younger than you three were when I found you!”  Hornet laughed at the banter and had to try it for herself. It was bread, after all. 

She recreated it and observed it with curiosity. Sly reached as far as he could past the others so he and Hornet could share a toast. “Cheers!”

They took mutual bites and the juiciness ran down the bread making them both sit down and cover the drippiness with their other hand.

Hornet squealed to herself, absolutely loving the taste. She finished the bite and put it down on her plate,

“Grandfather! That is very special to me!” She beamed, and Sly laughed while still chewing, taking on too big a bite. He was glad the moodiness of the start of her day had completely vanished by this point.

Ghost gulped down so much soup, and Nailsmith slightly struggled with his through his braided beard.

Ghost held their empty bowl up to Mato, and Mato had to ask, “Are you sure you want seconds, kiddo?” Ghost nodded feverishly, and Mato shrugged. They'll sleep good tonight. He happily gave them a few more spoonfuls of soup. 

They started sipping it fast but put it down just as fast. “Hot hot hot!” They signed very quickly. “Oh, careful, my child!” He rubbed their back, and Sheo could only remember when Mato used to do the exact same thing with Sly.

“You two are so alike.” He pointed out, and Mato could only chuckle. Ghost ate a few veggies to help their inner burns, and Mato simply gave their head a little pet.

The table and air were warm, and gradually but faster than expected bowls emptied.

Sighs of contentment were shared. Laughter a plenty were shared when Ghost got halfway through their second helping and looked ready to nod off into it.

Sly ate the last tomato out of the bowl, and it made Ogrim’s heart so happy.

“Would we all like to retire to the living area before even…thinking about dessert?” Sly suggested, and everyone murmured in agreement, but Ghost’s tired nodding did perk up at the mention of sweets.

Mato scooped up Ghost, holding them to his chest as he and Ogrim stood. Oro lingered a moment, still gnawing on a piece of tiktik gristle he found in his soup and he didn't quite know why.

Sheo helped clean up Nailsmith’s beard, using a napkin to get all the liquid out. Hollow reached for their cane to stand, having Hornet assist them in both getting it and getting up. 

They all left the table an absolute mess, but it didn't matter when they all had each other, and all of Mato’s comfy blankets to sit on. 

Mato placed Ghost on the couch, and they were immediately out cold. “Ohh ho…” Ogrim chuckled, giving them a blanket.

Sly claimed part of the couch too but didn't look ready to nod off yet. He was the host, after all. 

“That meal was spectacular, Sly. Thank you very much for sharing this with us.” Ogrim said to him. He was still holding his friends dear in his heart and felt so warm and fulfilled that he could spiritually share a meal with them at the same time as his dear family.

Sly snickered, “You talk as if Luma Horizon ends when dinner is concluded. Boys, you know what we do next.”

He said to the Nailmasters as they all got comfortable once more on the floor with the blankets. Cloaks were removed in favor of sitting in the warmth of the blankets.

“You always sat us down and told us meandering at times stories while we slept on the floor after eating too much,” Oro spoke, bluntly. Sly blinked, “Sheo, put a pillow on his head.” 

“At once, Father,” Sheo said with such seriousness as he mushed it between his horns, making everyone laugh.

“We do share stories of how we spent the previous seasons. But we also speak of what we wish to do with the one we are blessed with once more. You three tended to fall asleep before I could even ask, but I can hardly blame you.” Sly looked at Ghost, who was enjoying their small nap.

He then clapped his hands. “It’s a good way for us to breathe and keep relaxing after such a large meal before we enjoy some sweets. Who would like to tell me what they wish to do with this lovely season?”

Surprisingly, Hollow raised their hand first to get everyone's attention. They immediately put it down when it was given, having to think very hard about what they wanted to say and how.

They signed slowly, “Time…like this.” They pointed around the entire room, pulling a blanket shyly up their lap.

“I like…this time. Cooking with grandpa, best time.” They looked at Hornet and Ghost. “Time with siblings. Greatest time.” They thought a little harder, and simply held up, “I love you.”

Everyone gave Hollow a collection of “Awh!”’s and it made them put their head down in a flushed matter. 

Oro picked at his mask, clearing his throat. “I agree with Hollow. I, too, wish for us to have more frequent family get-togethers. Little things like…you all enjoying and complimenting the food I made…make me happy.”

He put his hand on his chest. “I’ve missed it for so long, yearning is only natural.”

“Oro…” Mato breathed, the pain of their family’s separation still having a small sting at times. He scooted away from Ogrim and closer to him, to do what they always did when Oro developed his disinterest in hugs.

He hovered his shoulder near until Oro pressed into him. Mato was glad he accepted and shared his blanket.

Sly put his hands together, holding them to his heart. He was so happy his boys were okay again.

Nailsmith, ever the quiet one, chimed in, “I wish, for this season, to continue working on exploring new mediums. Sharing it with everyone would be, quite nice.”

Sheo hummed and put his hand on Nailsmith’s shoulder. “That’s a great goal, you’re already doing well!”

Nailsmith ran his claw around his braids, making Sheo bat it playfully. They both shared a small giggle.

Sheo said in return, “This season, I am going to try and expand my palate, but also try more and more new passions on top of the arts. It’s more than a drop of paint or a blob of clay, after all!” 

Ogrim hummed, and asked, “Have you considered writing? You’re very eloquent! I’ve been dabbling in that myself, so I’d be happy to aid you in getting a jumpstart!” 

Sheo blinked, not knowing how to react. He…did enjoy reading a lot, even though books were now hard to come by. “I…yeah, Ogrim. Maybe I will. I’ll…think about taking you up on it.”

He had to wonder what on earth Ogrim wrote about. Mostly war stories and his friends probably, and Sheo would not be wrong.

Mato stayed shoulder to shoulder with Oro, and said, “I’d like to spend more time working on my taxidermy projects. I’d like to experiment with smaller skeletons, say, after a simple hunt for lunch! I think having a vengefly skull on my door would be a great naysay to any annoyances.” He waved his hand lightly, and Oro just snorted.

“What?” Mato asked, genuinely curious. “Mato, don’t be doltish and learn it the hard way. If you do that, more vengeflys will come and challenge the dead skull.”

Mato looked puzzled. “They will?”

Sly looked at his hand and recounted all the times he’s seen them living in Greenpath. “Mato, if a vengefly wants to, it will try to fight its own dead. It can be a corpse on the ground and it will keep pecking if it feels vaguely threatened.”

“...Ah. Then it will be…an inside project.” 

That made all of his brothers laugh even harder, and Ogrim just gave him a small sigh and chuckle.

Hornet let them finish their banter, before saying as boldly as she could. “I wish to renovate the house.”

That pulled Mato, Ogrim, and Sly out of the laughter and into pure intrigue. “Oh? What needs to be done, dear?” Ogrim asked, holding out his claw.

She took it and just simply held it from her position on the floor. “Oh, nothing big! I’ve done no sketches yet…but…” She looked between him and Mato.

“You both come here and help support me and my siblings…and you sleep here for many sleeps in a row, so…I figured you need…a room.” She moved her thumb against Ogrim’s claw, feeling each age-worn mark.

“I dislike how you share a small cot of blankets when you’re here, and want you to have a space that is however you see fit. Grandfather can also use it if he wants to have breakfast with us but doesn't wish to make the trek.” 

Ogrim and Mato blinked, processing that.

Ogrim’s eyes grew wide and watery at the sweet thought and he just crooned, “Oh princess!” He, knowing how she now felt about his affection, pulled her into an embrace, gushing, “Oh my sweet honey, sweet princess!”

She loudly giggled as he rocked her around, and held her in his claws. “We can do that, whatever you want! Just don’t break the house, okay?” Hornet laughed and assured him that she wouldn't.

Mato put his hand on Ogrim’s back, and he just kept accepting, even making her eyes water when he told her that Hegemol would be so so proud of her ambitions.

Sly watched the sweet display and figured there was one more to hear from. He looked at Ghost and gave them a very gentle pat on the arm.

They moved their head, already awoken slightly by the noise. 

“Ghost, dear? What do you want to do this season the most?”

Ghost just stared at him, sleepily. They moved one hand out of the blanket, rubbed their cracked forehead, and sat up.

They signed two simple words. “Play.” and “Dessert.”

Everyone gave them praise for such a stellar answer, Mato even giving them a little clap for the effort. It made them feel important, despite their sleepiness.

Sly thought on it for a moment, stretching for a moment before smacking his mandibles. 

“...Yeah, is everyone ready for dessert?” The acceptance was loud and known very swiftly.

---

Everyone, save for one, lined up for sweet rice candies and Nian Gao. The nailmasters insisted everyone grab at least two pieces because of how good it was, but Mato could not resist grabbing three. 

The only person to not eat dessert was Hornet. “I’ve already had enough sweets for today at breakfast.” She claimed, but when Mato offered her a very tiny bite as they walked back to the comfort of the living room, she looked at Sly.

He did work very hard on all of it…she’d be disrespectful not to try!

So she took a small bite, and gave a little hum of “Oh I do not enjoy this feeling in my mouth.” but she swallowed, and nodded.

“I…am not a fan of sweets.” She was honest, and Mato shrugged. “I’m proud of you for trying!” He took a few bites before even sitting back down.

Oro sat back next to him and whispered something to him, making him push him. “Don’t bring back Ginger Head!!!” 

“Aaaahha!!” Sly scream-laughed, and Oro just spoke, “I can bring back Ginger breath if you so prefer!” 

Mato took one of Oro’s Nian Gao cakes in his hands and shoved it into his face, making everyone laugh again.

Ghost waved their hands, so amused. They had a plate with too many rice candies on it, but they wouldn't finish them. They would eat as much sweet rice and cakes as they could though!

Everyone resumed their comfy positions, Hornet taking a new spot on the couch with Ghost and her grandfather instead of the floor this time.

She didn't know how to further any conversation as it was mostly about how nice the desserts came out, and the nailmasters talking about how they used to make it each seasonal change.

So she reached behind the couch and pulled out her needle. Swiping her hand down, she stranded silk down it, creating a tight wound impromptu musical instrument. 

She felt it’d be nice to play a little tune to pass the time, she knew it’d be appreciated. So she strummed an old simple melody. It was stuff she made up, but it felt like home to her.

Sly chewed his single cake, and after eating about half he put it down and looked at his boys, whose expression changed to one that said, “Ohhh dad…”

He waited for a minute and started to very loosely and casually sing along with an old traditional song that suited Hornet’s little melody.

“Oh, when the dry dissipates...the air seems so lighter.” He leaned his head close to her, and she smiled as she kept lightly strumming.

Hollow and Ghost watched while being so still, confused. Sly put his head on her, just subtly. “The lumaflies stir, and their light glows so brighter.”

He leaned off of her and uncrossed his legs, smiling, “The dew from the earth recounts endless days.” He danced with his arms a little, simply moving them about.

“It's spent coming forth and back to us again!” He reached his hands out to the others, but he knew they wouldn’t know the words. At least his boys might not have remembered. 

Hornet giggled, moving her nail to strum along as best as she could. “Inevitably, ultimately, indescribably. We go 'round, and ‘round.” Everyone enjoyed the silly little song as they ate their desserts.

Their souls grew tall as Sly and Hornet played.

“Right back to the start, the water must flow.” Sly tapped Hornet’s needle, the gentle rocking nature of the song warming everyone, “The gleam leads, and it follows. To new sights, it's bound.” 

He looked back and waved his hand to everyone. “A glow we all must know.” He closed his fist, laughing a little.

“Will come back to us again!”

Sly slid off the couch and started walking to his boys.

“Never will it end, but forever it will change.” He put his hands to his chest, even if this verse was a little somber.

“Ever in my heart, the cycle remains.” He looked between the three of them, their spouses, and the children.

“The dew, like you, so constant it's strange.” He moved past all of them, giving them each a little rub on the back, “When you leave, the dry sticks around surrounded by pains.” 

Hornet kept playing, not knowing how the song would end so she kept it simple but the song turned small. He sat down in between Sheo and Oro, so Mato could still scoot closer. 

“The heart grows weaker, I do miss you so!” He spoke, giving that extra emphasis curling into his chest.

“But the faith holds strong wherever I go!” He put both his hands on Sheo and Oro, smiling at them, “So for when I cry, or weep or fall deeply in sorrow.”

He held their blankets and cloaks, making them feel held and secure either way. “I know, I will see you, now or tomorrow.” 

The boys, Nailsmith and Ogrim leaned closer, the boys hesitating to put their arms around Sly and each other.

Sly’s voice grew softer. “The lumaflies stir...their light feels so brighter.” He laughed, a little wetly.

“A knock on my door, and I know when to answer.” Hornet looked a little concerned but kept playing soft notes.

“If I’m wrong, I'll cry, and I'll reach out in vain.” He held his boys tighter. “But it's you, and I'll know.” He leaned into Oro, just because Oro leaned first.

“You'll come back to us,” He looked up at everyone, as Hornet played the last long note.

“Again.”

Silence filled the room, and all three of the boys let it sit for a moment before scooping up their father while calling for him.

He fumbled into Oro’s arms, all of them hugging each other more than him but he felt all of the love. He squealed in laughter, little tears falling down his face.

Ghost waved and signed “Again! Again!” Obviously wanting to see some more singing! Hollow held the blanket tight and loved the song too.

Ogrim put his claw on Mato’s back, crying with Sly at the meaning of the song.

Hornet put down her needle and went to Ogrim, flopping in the embrace as well.

Neither vessel nor Nailsmith approached, knowing it was a tight affection storm and they liked getting squeezed but not that hard.

They all held Sly, making him feel so fulfilled and loved. It was almost intoxicating.

Their family had been through so much turmoil. So much pain. So much suffering. The dry season of their lives seemed to never end. 

Separated, locked away, hurting, starving, yearning. 

Fearing.

Then the world turned and started anew.

Sly would tell them that was the purpose of Luma Horizon. To feel blessed that they got to see it happen again and to feel it for those who cannot.

To pray that never again will they be apart for long. To hope that they would never go hungry again.

Pleading for love, or pleading for a bite to eat. They grew happy and cared for.

Wounds, physical and emotional, blessed to heal. Blessed to be. Hand and claw in hand and claw. 

Ever growing, like a new seed in a garden that had seen so so many droughts. It heals, and grows more and more.

The light would shine on this hurt little family.

And they would rise again.

In the best way possible. 

Completely and utterly comfortable. As they ended the night and slept in the living room snuggled close to wake and eat again.

The cycle of life would continue, big and small.

Just like their family.