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Chapter Text

“This wasn't my idea, this wasn't my idea, this wasn't my idea,” Elite Bellus muttered under his breath as he strode down the halls of the Curia Cloisters with his eventual replacement Hazel Medeis beside him. 

She laughed, considerably less nervous than he was about the upcoming experiment. “Out of curiosity, what would you be saying if you were fae?” 

“I am not certain. Perhaps ‘I hope this goes well’?” The older wizard shook his head and paused outside the door to the assembly room, despite the fact that some of those already inside could likely hear him. “Retirement is sounding better every year.” 

“It will be fine.” Hazel assured him. “It’s a good idea.” 

“It’s a mad idea.” Bellus grumbled, but straightened his posture and brushed off his clothes before pushing into the room. He and Hazel both paused to take in the five groups within that represented the major supernatural races present in Magiford. 

Killian Drake of the vampires was flanked by his First and Second Knights, with the pale redhead scowling nearby. They spoke quietly to each other or sat still, their red eyes taking in every detail and giving the impression of a predator lying in wait. The perfect suits that no doubt hid weapons only heightened the ominous aura surrounding them. Bellus and Hazel knew better by virtue of familiarity, but not everyone else in the room would. 

Queen Leila of the fae chatted cheerfully with her personal companion, her eyes and hands glittering thanks to said companion’s efforts. Her steward and her husband were with her, both eye-catching with their fae beauty. Lord Linus made up the last member of their group, as they had been asked to limit their parties to no more than five members for this. Neither of the wizards doubted that her head of security was somewhere on Cloisters property, however. 

The party from the Northern Lakes Pack was surprisingly subdued for werewolves, led by their Alpha Greyson and consisting of his mate Pip, Beta Hector, and his wife and brother. All of them were muscled and alert, receptive to every sound and smell that entered the room. The brother was shifting about a bit, but the others wore professional smiles and posture.

King Noctus had, only somewhat surprisingly, brought only one other elf. The other members of his household present were a shadow, a werewolf, and a vampire. The werewolf smiled and waved and talked to anyone that came close enough, while the vampire snarked at her and the elves talked quietly to each other and the shadow queen. 

Lastly, Great-aunt Marraine sat with Felix, Momoko, and Franco to wait for Hazel to join them. The petite wizard gave her mentor a pat on the arm before bouncing over to join them with a wide smile and a quiet greeting to wait for Bellus to take over the meeting. 

The Elite glided up to the front with all the grace he could muster, then turned his professional smile on all those gathered around him. “Thank you for coming, my friends. As I’m sure you all remember, we agreed to meet here in order to exchange some members of our various groups to encourage ties and understanding between races and to model that it can be done for smaller groups that may be interested in alliances or that live in smaller towns where coming together is more important.” 

Leila cheered and clapped a bit, her retinue and several of the wizards and werewolves following her enthusiastic lead while the redheaded vampire scowled her way. 

“Don’t you think that’s unnecessary?” He grumbled. 

“Come to the dark side, Rupert, we have coffee,” Leila responded lightly, pausing to wave a carafe of the brew in the air. “If we get you, I promise I’ll dig out the karaoke machine for you.” 

“Why?” Rupert’s face twisted in evident disgust, but the wizards seemed to find the expression amusing, as did Leila. 

“If I may have your attention please.” Bellus called, bringing the various gazes back to him. “I know you are all very busy, so I will try to be brief. Would the volunteers please come up here?” 

The tiny fae brownie next to Leila hopped up and shook herself out nervously and made her way up to be joined by Rupert, the elven steward Charon, the elderly matron of House Medeis, and Ember of Timber Ridge. They made rather an odd looking group, standing before Bellus. Two fit warriors in almost military stances alongside a smirking old woman, a tiny fae that seemed almost more hair and glasses than anything else, and a gently smiling werewolf. 

“Thank you. The elven representative, Charon, will be assigned to House Medeis. Indigo of the Night Court, you will join the Drakes for the week, while Rupert will go to the Northern Lakes Pack. That leaves Marraine with the Night Court and Ember with the Mors. I hope you all find this experience enjoyable and educational. Any last questions, or did the emails cover it?” 

There was silence and several raised eyebrows, but after a moment the old wizard dismissed them with a nod. “Please remember to treat your guests with all the courtesy and gentleness that you hope your own people will be treated with.” He added as they moved to their respective groups. 

The Night Court rose almost immediately with wide smiles and open arms for the old woman who made her way toward them. 

“We get Marraine? I’d say we lucked out, wouldn’t you?” Linus said charmingly, but for once Leila did not scowl at or naysay him. She was too busy giving the older woman a hug. 

“I daresay we can have fun on that karaoke machine even without Rupert, don’t you think?” Great Aunt Marraine hummed. 

“Absolutely! Just a head’s up, though, I think the chef is planning to try to convince everyone who visits the mansion that tea is the superior hot beverage, so you might get served a lot of that.” Leila warned. 

“That sounds lovely. I think the last time I had any fae-brewed tea it was at one of your socials, too. They do know how to make it well, don’t they?” She smiled, and the group continued to chat and make plans as they left to find one of Leila’s unicorn mounts. 

Meanwhile, Indigo sucked in a breath and with it her courage to march right up to Killian Drake even though he was quite a bit larger and more intimidating than she was. She craned her neck and pasted on an uncomfortable smile. 

“Hi. I’m Indigo,” she stated. “I look forward to experiencing a different culture than my own.” Her voice sounded a bit stilted, but who could blame her when surrounded by vampires as she was? 

“Welcome, Indigo.” Celestina said warmly, peeking out from behind Killian. “We have a room set aside for you in Drake Hall, and I’ll give you a tour as soon as we get there. We’ll introduce you to the Family at dinner so they know you’re allowed.” 

“Thank you.” She peeked at Killian, but he didn’t seem bothered by the interaction. In fact, he looked bored as he tapped something out on his phone. 

Abruptly he looked up, his obsidian eyes skimming over Indigo before going to Celestina. “All set?” 

He only waited long enough to get a sharp nod before leading the way out of the building, forcing Indigo to scurry to keep up with the group’s set of long legs. Celestina slowed her stride to make sure she didn’t lose the little fae, but she was alone in that. 

Charon had meanwhile approached the wizards and performed a shallow bow to their leader. “Adept Medeis,” he murmured. 

“Charon, right? How do you feel about sparring?” Hazel asked cheerfully. “Not that that’s all we’ll do, but it would feel like a waste not to get some of your expertise on the subject of training and battle while we have you.” 

“I would be honored to join your practices, if that is what you wish.” The elf said diplomatically. 

“Sweet! Hey, before we get home, are there any allergies or special needs we need to take care of? We can stop and get food or shades or something else for you.” 

“That is kind of you, but unnecessary. I am not overly sensitive to anything that would normally be in a Wizard House.” 

“Okay, well, don’t hesitate to say something. I know the other wizards can get loud and pushy sometimes.” Hazel told him as he and her people fell in behind her. 

Rupert watched both groups that had become his family go with a scowl on his face, a grimace that deepened when he turned his red gaze to the werewolves he would be subjected to for a week. There was no reason to put it off, however, so he shook his head, picked up his duffel, and made his way over to the Pre-dominant. 

The wolves all seemed to watch him carefully, their bright eyes taking him in and assessing it all. He had no idea what they came up with in their examination, but he wasn’t at all confident it would be positive and he found that he was capable of glowering even more. 

“Rupert.” Pip was the one that smiled and greeted him, breaking the staring stand-off. “We look forward to hosting you in the Pack Lodge! We weren’t sure who we’d be getting, but we can get some blackout shades to make a room comfortable for you. The wolves can be a bit touchy, so I’ll go over the rules with you on the way home.” 

That left Ember with a stiff smile to take a few steps towards the elf king and his small retinue. Even with her graceful posture and practiced smile, she was clearly uncomfortable with this arrangement. 

The werewolf Ker gave her a huge, eager smile and darted forward to her, bouncing on her heels to become the picture of excitement. 

“Hello! I’m Ker.” She told Ember cheerfully, going straight to link arms with the other werewolf. 

“I’m Ember.” 

“That’s such a pretty name! I love your hair, by the way. It’s been forever since I’ve gotten to have another wolf around. It’ll be fun, I promise!” Ember began to relax just slightly under Ker’s happy influence, and by the time they joined the smiling Queen Chloe and her king Ember could manage to add a bit of genuineness to her own expression. 

“Oh joy, there are two of them.” Aristide grumbled. “I do hope you’re less prone to poisoning attempts.” 

Ember glanced around her in confusion, but Ker rolled her eyes. 

“Chocolate in your blood is not a poison attempt.” She stated. 

“Says the person who didn’t have to taste it.” Aristide sniped. “Though I will admit that one wasn’t as terrible as the barbeque.” 

“Still not lethal to a normal person, let alone you.” Ker pointed out. 

“I hope someone swaps all your snacks for vegan alternatives.” 

“No one will.” She chirped. “Because I know how to win friends and influence people.” 

The vampire groaned loudly. “Do not start on that overblown piece of literature again! Focus on entertaining your new friend - and not pulling her into your Dale Carnegie cult!” 

While Ker and Aristide continued to good-naturedly snipe at each other, Chloe came up to Ember’s other side. 

“We really are glad to have you, Ember. I understand if it takes a little time to get comfortable, but please let us know if there’s anything we can do to help with that.” The shadow told her. 

Ember smiled. “Thank you. I will keep that in mind.” 

Noctus glanced over the group, then nodded to Bellus and led the group out. As for the old wizard, he watched with some trepidation. He had confidence in these groups' abilities to keep themselves under control, so he didn’t fear blood being spilled or wars starting over this, but it was still a bit nerve wracking. It would be fine, he told himself again. It would also be very interesting to hear exactly how it all worked out.

Chapter Text

Great Aunt Marraine found herself quickly surrounded by members of the Night Court, many of them glamorous, some of them strange looking, and all of them friendly and welcoming. Most of them were familiar to her, from Lord Linus to Lady Chrysanthe to Skye and Rigel. The werewolf security director was waiting for them with Chrysanthe and the unicorns not far outside, and she was soon guided into the Night Realm. 

The fae realm was gorgeous, even at night as it was now. It had been daytime when they left the Cloisters, but time did not always run at the same pace between worlds. Here and now, the twinkling stars were scattered across the deep blue velvet of night over the shadows of woods and fields, and when Marraine turned around she could see the lovely bright lights of the castle. 

“I’ll never get tired of this view.” Queen Leila murmured. 

“After all the work you did to make it happen? I don’t doubt it, darling daughter of mine.” Lord Linus replied. “And… I will never tire of it either.” 

Rigel moved closer to his queen to put a hand on her waist, and after one brief moment more she shook her head with a smile on her lips and turned to Marraine. “We can go to the manor if you like, or we can show you around the Night Realm,” she offered. 

The old wizard took a few steps closer to the castle, drinking it in with a wistful expression. “I would love to see your realm, dear. But is it better to see it in the daytime or at night?” 

“Each has their own charm.” Lord Linus answered with a charming grin. “As you will be with us for a full week, you can experience both if you so desire.” 

“Well, then, I think I would quite enjoy a midnight stroll. I think I see a lake peeking around the other side of the castle, is that so?” Marraine took Linus’ arm in a way that stated that she was choosing him to escort her and began to waddle her way in that direction. 

“There is, but it’s always a wise idea to have our Sovereign with you when getting close to the water. There is a hydra that is inhabiting the waters,” the fae lord explained as he shifted to more comfortably guide her. 

“Now that sounds like there’s a story there. Would you tell it, young man?” 

“Of course, but it is a bit of a walk to many of the places worth seeing. We’ve got a couple of options if you’d rather ride a nightmare… or in a carriage while we talk. Or there’s a golf cart that one of the Northern Lakes wolves forgot here the last time they came through.” 

“Oh, I’ve been wanting to drive one of those.” 

Leila watched her father and the old wizard wander away, an incredulous smile on her face. “Should we do something to warn everyone about this before they get run over?” 

“Warn them about Marraine or the golf cart?” Rigel muttered. 

Leila snorted. “Both. But I meant the golf cart, it can take out more fae faster.” 

“Linus can handle the challenge.” 

“That is most likely true.” Skye agreed. “But the golf cart does have headlights. It should not be too difficult to see it coming at night.” 

“Weren’t we expecting someone… younger? Will she be able to do everything you had planned?” Chrysanthe asked delicately, her eyes still focused on the direction that the fae lord and their guest had disappeared. 

“We can always cancel a few events,” Skye answered. “The only one that may be too physically demanding for her was riding the nightmares. The tea social and the joint court party should be fine, and those are the only ones that are public enough to disappoint many members of the court. We can cancel anything else if it goes too late for her or she begins to get overwhelmed.” 

Leila smirked. “From what I know of Great-Aunt Marraine, she’ll be fine. If I hadn’t already dragged my court this far, a visit from her would have done it. She’d have come wading in and scolded any misbehavior and dragged everyone into karaoke until they were too confused to do anything but fall in line.” 

“Did you know her before you became queen?” Chrysanthe asked. “Did she influence how you handled the court?” 

Leila shook her head with a grin. “I knew the name, but I didn’t really know her. That was all me.” 

“Do you think she will require further protection?” Chase asked, his eyes still following Linus and Marraine even in the darkness. “The Court has come a long way, but they may not tolerate the same treatment from a wizard that they do from you.” 

“Linus will be enough.” Leila waved the concern away. “But it will be an interesting week.”

“How are you holding up?” Leila asked as she joined Marraine in conversation with Lord Iason and Lady Theodora in the corner of the gallery converted for the Night Court’s Tea Making Contest. A few dozen tables were set up with pretty gold-spattered midnight blue tablecloths, with a fae and their entry at each. 

Leila had asked the people of her Court for ideas of what they could do to show a guest the best of their race. Tea was naturally high on the list, and from that came the idea to have a competition to display many different flavors and the fae’s skills with making them. Marraine had automatically been made a judge, and Leila herself was reluctantly coaxed onto the panel along with Chase, much to the werewolf’s bemusement. As Chrysanthe and Skye had relatives who would be competing they were disqualified from judging, and Rigel hadn’t quite shed the cloak of fear that was his reputation. No one wanted to risk making a tea he might dislike. 

Now, roughly two hours into the competition, Leila had made two trips to the bathroom and couldn’t smell the difference between teas anymore. Chase’s eyes were glazed over and he’d handed over command of security to Rigel, evidently having even more trouble with the scents and tastes than Leila was. 

“Oh, I’m having a lovely time, my dear. I’ve never tasted so many delicious teas, it makes me wonder if any have been enchanted to taste good.” The old woman shook a finger chidingly, but her smile was indulgent. 

Lord Iason laughed in response. “Anyone who does so is disqualified - what you taste is skill in a beloved art.” 

“Um… Did anyone tell him that?” Leila asked apprehensively as she caught sight of the Paragon setting up at a table across the room. The competition was not supposed to be open to other courts… But the Paragon didn’t belong to any court, and who was going to tell him no?

“He has been informed of the rules.” Skye said warily. 

“Why am I not reassured?” Leila moaned in a low voice. 

“Just think of it as an adventure.” Marraine patted Leila’s forearm and began to lead the way toward the Paragon. “He won’t poison us, I’m sure.” 

“No, he might just put us to sleep or make us loopy.” The fae queen muttered, but she trailed after the wizard. 

Great-Aunt Marraine turned to look back at Leila with a distinct twinkle in her eye. “Well, that’s part of the fun of it, isn’t it?” 

The two put smiles on their faces as they approached the Paragon, who returned them with one of his own as he set his overweight cat in one of the empty chairs by his table. 

“Greetings, at this most enjoyable event!” He chirped. “I’m not actually here to compete - that would hardly be fair - but Aphrodite was curious, and I thought you might like a bit of a palate cleanser between all of this.” 

Leila’s nose finally managed to sort through all the floral, fruity, and spicy aromas to make out the strong scent of coffee, and her mouth dropped open just slightly with longing. 

“Queen’s Court or Starbucks?” She asked as she accepted a mug and inhaled the smell deeply. 

“I’m actually experimenting with making it myself. You seem to be influencing the fae toward drinking more of it, and I myself enjoy it. Coffee seems to be a bit more work than tea  - I have to grind the beans myself to get the charms to be the most effective - but it is very rewarding to successfully make a good coffee!” 

Leila nearly choked on the coffee in her mouth at the mention of charms, but under Skye’s glare didn’t dare to spit it back in the mug. Marraine grinned and took a deep draught of her own drink, while Chase declined the offered beverage. 

“I think… I’ve had enough caffeine for a while.” The werewolf said in explanation, and he did seem just slightly twitchy. Given his normal level of self control, this said a lot about how difficult this event was for him. 

Leila noticed and her gaze softened as she took him in. “You can step out for a while if you need to. I’m safe enough with Rigel here.” 

He shook his head minutely. “I will stay. It is nearly over, I believe.” 

“Do you have a favorite?” Marraine asked as she took a sip of her own coffee. “Oh, this is good. Is that part of the charm?” 

The Paragon beamed at the praise. “No, the charm is one I call Blended Senses . I was hopeful it might help you sort through all your options here.” 

“Is that why I’m starting to see auras?” Leila’s expression was one that warred between her pleasant PR smile and a grimace. 

“Yes! The prettiest auras go with the scents of the teas you liked best. You may also see sound for a half hour or so.” 

Leila narrowed her eyes while Marraine’s gaze focused on colors no one else could see. “You’ve never been this forthcoming about your charms before.” The queen pointed out. 

“Aphrodite didn’t pick this one out specifically for you, and if it’s going to be helpful you should know how to make use of it.” 

Leila opened her mouth to answer, but instead addressed Marraine as the older woman began to move off. “Where are you going?” 

“To have more of my favorite tea. It was delicious, and I want to ask Lady Linara how to make it for myself.” 

Leila stared after the wizard, then shook her head. “At least she seems happy enough.” She muttered before drifting after her guest. 

“Hold still, dear,” Marraine instructed as she put the finishing touches on Leila’s makeup. 

“I can’t thank you enough, Marraine,” Leila said in a relieved sounding voice. “Usually Indigo would take care of my makeup.” 

“It is my pleasure. I suspect you will be glad to get her back tomorrow.” The older woman cast a critical eye over her work, then stood aside to let Leila view the results in her mirror. 

“You’re a miracle worker,” Leila said as she looked over her reflection. “I do miss Indigo, but I’ve had a lot of fun having you here. You’re welcome to come visit whenever you like, you know. The court seems to adore you, and you still haven’t met Fell.” 

“I thought he was supposed to be at this party of yours tonight.” Marraine’s lips tugged in a smirk. 

“He’s invited, along with the other monarchs. But so are most of the courts, and that’s going to be so many people you might not see him at all.” 

“From the sound of it, if I stay near you I will get to see all of the monarchs for at least a short time,” Marraine responded. “Now, I think we are ready and our escorts await.” 

Sure enough, when Leila opened the door they found Rigel and Linus in the hall with Chase, whose uniform marked him as working this evening. 

“Don’t you boys look handsome.” Marraine’s grin seemed to have a wicked streak, but Linus did not seem disturbed by it. He merely bowed gracefully to the older woman while Rigel moved to put an arm around his wife’s waist and kiss her cheek. 

“Now don’t you go smudging that makeup,” Marraine warned the assassin. “Not unless you feel like trying your hand at fixing it after.” 

Rigel almost looked like he might be considering the possibility, but while Leila smiled widely she shifted to stand side by side with him and present a more difficult target for kissing. 

“Later, husband.” She told him in a voice just barely above a whisper. 

“Is that a promise?” His voice was a low rumble, but he backed off. “Let’s show your wizard a fae party.” 

Leila grinned, and she and her husband led the way through the halls to the downstairs rooms from which music floated to their waiting ears. Linus and Marraine followed just behind, and they peeled off as soon as they entered the room filled with fae in floaty dresses and suits of the highest quality. 

“Where would you like to begin?” Linus asked the wizard. “The buffet smells excellent, there are several monarchs I could introduce you to, or if you would prefer the dance floor, I am at your disposal.” 

“Aren’t you the picture of a gentleman! Perhaps we ought to have you come teach some of the youngsters manners.” Marraine chuckled. “I am not quite hungry yet, but I am always happy to make some new friends. Let’s start there.” 

“As you wish.” Linus agreed, then steered her towards the fae kings and queens. “Here we have King Birch and his wife Flora, Queen Rime, King Fell, Queen Verdant, and King Solis. Your majesties, this is our guest, Marraine of House Medeis.” 

“How lovely to meet you.” Verdant smiled, the expression adding a softness to her glamorous features. “I have been assured that the leaders involved in this exchange would not send anyone who is not among the highest of their ranks. You must be very powerful.” 

Marraine laughed. “We don’t really have ranks in the House. The Drakes have ranks, and some of our wizards are in the ranks, but I don’t take part in the sparring. Killian wouldn’t ask such a thing.” 

Several of the fae faces around her seemed to stiffen at the mention of the powerful vampire, whose reputation was well earned and still remembered. 

“Do you think that such exchanges will become common?” Consort Flora asked tentatively after a moment. “Will other Houses and Courts host members of other races?” 

Marraine beamed. “I certainly hope so. I’ve enjoyed the experience, and I plan to recommend it to others.” 

“I would be more than happy to host the next exchange.” King Solis offered. “Or even you, if you would like to see the Day Court.” 

“I think I would enjoy that. Leila told me that you became friends because of your mutual care for Fax.” The wizard told him. “I would love to see and hear more about the Sun Stallions.” 

“Ah, yes, I was impressed by her care for Fax. I consider the Sun Stallions to be very precious to the Day Court.” 

The music paused as the players finished one song and began to switch to another. Marraine tilted her head as she considered the dance floor, then turned her expectant gaze on the Day King. 

He smiled gently, giving her a small bow and offering out a hand. “Would you like to dance, Marraine of House Medeis?” 

“Oh, yes, I think I would.” The wizard purred. 

Linus clutched at his chest dramatically. “You are abandoning me?” 

Marraine chuckled and slapped his arm playfully. “I’ll be back, scamp, don’t you worry. Try not to miss me too much.” 

“How could I do such a thing?” Linus grinned. “I’ll be checking in with Leila if you need me.” 

The wizard waved him off, moving to the dance floor with the rather amused-looking Day King, leaving Linus to chuckle and make his way back to Leila and Rigel. 

The fae lord found them by the buffet and took the briefest of moments to be thankful she finally trusted the people around her enough to eat. Granted, Chase passed by every few minutes focused on sniffing out enchantments, and Rigel’s plate was nearly identical to Leila’s with a bite of everything already tasted, but it was still progress. 

“They look like they’re enjoying each other’s company.” Leila’s voice held a hint of mischief in it. “Just how old is Solis, do you think?” 

Linus glanced in the direction of the dancers thoughtfully. “I’m not sure. He’s been king almost as long as I can remember, so I’d say at least twenty years older than me. Relatively close to her age, I suppose.” 

Rigel raised an eyebrow at his wife. “Haven’t you had enough matchmaking with Chase and Chrysanthe, and your ongoing efforts with Skye and Dion?” 

“Never.” She crowed softly. “It warms my heart to see happy couples.” 

“They’re nothing close to that yet, but they may be friends by the time the evening is over.” Skye said as she joined the group, evidently picking up on their conversation quickly. 

“I know, I know. What do you think, Chase?” 

The werewolf looked up from the tables he was currently scanning yet again. “I think for our part the exchange went well. She seems happy and will go back to her House with good things to say. I am not getting involved in any romantic endeavors of yours.” 

“Not now that you have Chrys, you mean?” Leila teased, but the werewolf took it in stride. 

“I am… content.” 

“Just content?” The queen’s eyes sparkled with her entertainment. 

The werewolf… did not glare. He was definitely not glaring. Merely staring, as he sometimes did. “I have changed my mind. I wholeheartedly encourage you to direct your attention elsewhere.” 

Leila laughed, but let the subject drop. “You know, it’s been fun having Marraine here, but I will be glad to get Indigo back in the morning.” 

Morning brought a black SUV from the Drakes to return the brownie and take Marraine back on behalf of House Medeis. Leila and her closest companions were down to meet her, the shades pressing against Marraine as though conscious of the fact she would soon leave. The older woman patted them on the heads, uncomplaining regardless of how much hair they shed all over her clothing. 

The vehicle came to a halt in the driveway, and Marraine gladly gave out hugs as a Drake vampire exited and came around to open the door for Indigo. The little fae hopped out with a dagger belted to her waist and a hand gun in a shoulder holster. She had a wide grin on her face as she waved goodbye to the vampire and headed for Leila. 

The half fae queen smirked. “Did you have a good week?” 

“Mostly.” Indigo answered as she joined them. “But Josh says I need more practice and should come back frequently for a while if I want to achieve more than basic proficiency.” 

Marraine asked “Did you happen to meet Gavino? There’s an interesting story about him and Hazel.”

“Yes, I met him. He’s huge . I don’t quite understand how he’s not ranked higher, especially with how much training he does.” 

“Well, he does have some difficulty countering lightning, as Hazel found out. She knocked him unconscious when she fought him once her magic was unsealed.” 

“That’s not quite as surprising. I heard about the lightning she used on Nyte. Actually, it might be more surprising that he survived.” Indigo said thoughtfully. 

“Oh, he survived. And he knocked her out in the same fight… By falling on her once he lost consciousness.” Marraine’s eyes twinkled with mischief, and her voice did nothing to hide it either. 

Indigo started laughing softly, but it grew louder. “I am glad they did not make me spar.” She said when she finished. “And I am glad to be home.” 

“And we’re glad to have you back. I missed your geeky treats, Indigo.” Leila told her. 

“Oh, I see how it is.” Indigo raised an eyebrow. “You miss the cooking. The donuts and the cookies-” 

“And you!” Leila told her, coming in for a hug that the little fae grumpily returned. 

“Okay, fine, I missed you too.” She mumbled, and Marraine waved one more time before getting into the car to return home. It had been quite an enjoyable week for her, at least.

Chapter Text

Indigo had to almost run to keep up with the long legged Drakes. It would have been nice if she’d gotten the wizards instead, but she thought she’d enjoy this visit anyway. Maybe. Leila knew Killian Drake, so if Indigo didn’t push his buttons she should be fine, right? 

Celestina stayed with her, smiling in a friendly manner that still kept Indigo on edge as it displayed the woman’s fangs. The vampire took Indigo’s bag, which helped a lot with keeping up with the group until they could slide into one of the Drake motorcade. Killian had already disappeared into one of them - not the limo, she was surprised to see - and the car that she and Celestina climbed into started moving almost before the door was closed. 

Celestina tapped something out on her phone quickly, then turned her full, unnerving attention on the brownie. “We have a room ready for you at Drake Hall, and everything will be open to you during your stay, including the pool and climbing wall. I do ask that you allow me to stick with you until you can be introduced to the Family at dinner, to ensure there are no misunderstandings.” 

Indigo tried to suppress the shudder that came in immediate response to the reminder that she would be surrounded by deadly vampires with a terrifying reputation. “I do not have any objections to that.” 

“Excellent! The Eminent has agreed that your well-being and entertainment is a priority and my responsibility for the duration of your stay, so don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything or have any questions.” Celestina almost looked like she was expecting a question immediately, so the tiny fae blurted the first one to come to mind. 

“Do you really think the other Drakes would do something to me?” Indigo squeaked. 

“Not if you weren’t threatening them in some way, but as you are a fae even a little faerie light might be taken as a threat. Most likely you would merely be escorted to the Eminence… or off the property.” 

Indigo could already see that it would be a long walk back into Magiford if she were to be dumped off the Drake property, and made a mental note to keep her phone on her at all times. 

“Do you have any plans for the week?” Indigo asked after another moment. 

“Me? I suppose. I am at your disposal, but I have some ideas. You are here to learn about vampires, so if you would like to see any other Families I would be delighted to escort you.” 

Indigo once again had to try to hide her instinctive shudder. “I am not sure they would be happy about that, and I don’t really want to push them.” 

“It’s good for them to be encouraged into this century.” Celestina responded. “And if we’re in Magiford anyway, we could get mani-pedis.” 

Indigo blinked. That was not what she’d expected from Killian Drake’s First Knight. “The Drakes get mani-pedis?” 

“No, I get mani-pedis, when I can get away from work for long enough. Hazel and some of the wizards come with me sometimes, but I still have enough work to keep me busy most of the time.” 

Indigo glanced down at her tiny hands. “I haven’t really had manicures. Bigger people have trouble with doing nails as small as mine.” 

“It’s a supernatural owned and operated spa. They’re taking advantage of the humans desire for magic to draw people in, and they have a few smaller fae working there. They should be able to serve you.” 

“If you say so.” 

Indigo saw the curling lips when she went to meet other vampires with Celestina, but forced her shoulders to stay straight and her head to stay up. She had practice, though she hadn’t had to use it much lately. As a brownie, the nobles had always looked down on her, and then as Leila’s companion she had drawn some disdain as well. Then Leila had won her court and begun her push to Empress, and Indigo had enjoyed much greater esteem since. 

No one dared to say anything to her face, not with Celestina Drake standing beside her, but their tones were like ones they would use with a child. So she was glad when the meeting was over and Celestina treated her to some pampering. On the way out, Indigo directed the vampire to her mother’s bakery. 

“Mom!” She yelled when she was waved past the front counter to the back kitchens. 

“Hey, honey. Is Queen Leila stopping by to check in?” Her mother asked, wiping her hands on her apron before folding Indigo into a hug and peering out toward the front. 

“Not today. I’m with the Drakes for the week, remember? Celestina brought me. I thought I might grab something to share… Though maybe I didn’t think that through…” She remembered belatedly that vampires didn’t taste nearly as much as anyone else. It had been an impulse to drop in, a response to Celestina’s friendliness. 

“Nonsense.” Her mother chided. “Their sense of taste is diminished, not gone, and their sense of smell is just fine. A kind thought is usually appreciated regardless, so let’s get the two of you loaded up.” 

She was not exaggerating when she said they would load them up. Indigo would not have been able to carry that many baked goods if she were alone. Fortunately, Celestina was not averse to helping her take it into the Hall. 

This gave Indigo an opportunity to meet the human servants of Drake Hall, who were more than happy to taste the treats she’d brought - never mind that the cooks here were very good and able to make many of the same things. There was still plenty to set out with the dinner, though much of it was ignored. 

Indigo glanced up at the head of the table, which was empty as it had been the evening before. “Doesn’t Killian eat with the rest of you?” She asked. 

“When Hazel and the rest of the wizards are here, yes. It feels a bit empty without them, doesn’t it? But we thought for this week we should split up.” 

“Killian Drake is okay with that?” 

Celestina chuckled. “Hazel is okay with it, and he sneaks off to see her at night. It’s only for a week.” 

The vampire passed Indigo some kind of sushi plate, and the brownie had to reluctantly pass on it. There was so much good food here that she found herself stuffed at the end of every meal, even though she was used to Leila having her own chef in the mansion. In the mansion, though, there weren’t three or four vampires making sure that she ate. She was usually the one making sure Leila ate, and this experience made her feel a bit pampered. 

“Do you miss the vampire that volunteered?” Indigo asked politely. “Rupert? The one the wizards like to karaoke with?” 

Celestina laughed, but then tilted her head as though considering it. “Before we merged with House Medeis, I doubt many of us would have missed him. He probably would have been grouchy without them this week, too. It is perhaps better that he is away for the week, though it must be hoped that he doesn’t start a war with the Northern Lakes Pack during his stay.” 

“He wouldn’t start a war… would he? He volunteered, right?” 

The vampire made a noncommittal noise. “Yes and no. Killian wanted someone relatively highly ranked to go, but he did not want me or Josh to be that far away with a stranger in the Hall and the wizards away. He asked Rupert to go… And Rupert may have interpreted the request as an order.” 

“Oh.” Indigo blinked. She could see how it might be difficult to turn down a request from the Eminence, especially for someone who had to live with him. 

“Were you also asked to go, or did you volunteer?” Celestina prodded. 

“I volunteered. I was hoping for the elves, but I’m not disappointed.” She answered confidently. 

Celestina seemed to view the diminutive fae with new respect. “You wanted to visit the elves?” 

“Well… Yes? I know they have a rep, but they’re elves. They can’t just kill me for fun, not on an official trip like this, and I could compare the real thing to Tolkien’s. Maybe try to figure out if he might have met or been inspired by a real elf.” Indigo grinned at the idea. 

“I see. I did not consider that.” 

Indigo shrank down just a little bit. She had been used to other supernaturals looking down on that particular hobby of hers, but Leila’s acceptance had helped her feel a little more confident with it. 

“I did not mean it badly,” Celestina told her. “I read those books back when they came out in 1954 and 55. They weren’t really my thing, but they were so popular that I gave them a try anyway. I can appreciate the effort that went into making such a world and the pleasure they’ve given so many people, even if I don’t think I would read it again.” 

The brownie perked up just a little. “Did you watch the movies, too?” 

“No, though I think that the wizards trapped Rupert in one of their sitting rooms for a Lord of The Rings marathon. Unless it was a Star Wars marathon.” 

Indigo cackled. “Those are two very different things, but I admire the love of either. Do you guys have some kind of movie room?” 

“We can set up a projector, if you really want.” 

“Sweet!” Indigo’s grin was almost contagious. “Would anyone here want to watch Lord of The Rings with me?” 

Julianne twirled a steak knife through her fingers. “I will. I want to see what the fuss is about.” 

“Sure, why not?” 

“Will Killian give us that much free time?” 

“Movies are never as good as the books, but I can try it.” 

Indigo wasn’t sure if she should have been surprised by how many people seemed interested, but less than an hour later she’d been swept along with the efficient group into a side room where the projector was set up. She had to make sure that they had the extended editions (who bothered with the normal ones anymore?) but then settled in between Celestina and the gigantic Gavino. Or at least, he seemed gigantic to her. 

Despite Indigo’s best intentions and love of the franchise, she fell asleep. She dozed lightly enough to remember bits and pieces and woke up enough to tell Celestina of some of the many injuries Viggo Mortensen had gotten in his all-in portrayal of Aragorn, but she was out before they ended and woke in the dark and quiet room that had been set aside for her. 

She dressed quickly, then staggered out the door to find it past noon already. Celestina was nowhere in sight, so she just started walking until she came to pause at one door that was wide open to reveal the sight of Josh sharpening a sword. 

“Ah. I wondered if you would come to gain a life companion to keep the alluring call of eternal sleep at bay.” The Second Knight said when he glanced up and saw her there. 

“...what…” 

The vampire beckoned for her to come in, then set the weapon aside and began perusing the terrifying number of swords, daggers, and guns on his walls. Indigo looked around as well, half hoping to see replicas of swords from movies or shows she liked. 

“I don’t think you could manage a sword, sadly. You need all the reach you can get in a battle, but if you are fast enough your size can be an asset. Perhaps we should focus on ranged weapons, given how short your time with us will be.” Josh mused. 

“Ranged… What?” Indigo shook her head. “I’m only here for a week. You can’t teach me how to use weapons in a week.” 

“Do not underestimate yourself. Many people find their strength is greater than they realized when faced with the insurmountable darkness of death, and any training at all will be useful on such a day.” Josh picked up a hand gun, some ammunition, and swiped a dagger from the walls. “Come.” 

Indigo scurried after the vampire, but kept her eyes open for someone - anyone - else. “I was looking for Celestina.” 

“She will be able to find you quite easily if she wishes.” Josh told her. 

“So… Do you just… train everyone that comes over here? You guys are the ones that taught Leila to shoot, didn’t you?” She asked as she hopped down the stairs to the gym after him. 

“Yes, and she is overdue for a refresher course. I will send word to her, but if you would remind her I would appreciate it. The Night Court is much more pleasant with her as its head, and I wish to help her remain in that position.” 

“Chase and Rigel do a good job of keeping her safe.” 

“I am impressed by their abilities.” The vampire acknowledged. “But accidents happen even to the best. It is always a good idea to be prepared. Now, do you know anything about shooting guns?” 

“Um… no?” 

Indigo spent the next two hours practicing shooting a gun and then learning some basic exercises and forms with the oversized knife that Josh had loaned her. 

He considered the weapons when she gave them back after he called a halt. “I do think this dagger doesn’t quite suit you. The gun, though, I’ll get you a holder for and you can keep it.” 

“Just… Keep it?” Indigo almost squealed the words. Guns could be pricey and dangerous, and she wasn’t quite sure she wanted one. 

“Unless you’d rather not, but I have had my eye on its replacement in my collection for some time. You could consider it doing me a favor.” 

“What am I going to do with a gun ?” 

“I understand Queen Leila found a use for hers during one of your social events.” He offered, pausing to let her round a corner first. 

“That is not a common occurrence!” The brownie protested, looking up at him and not around the corner. She regretted that when she ran straight into someone’s very respectable knee and rebounded onto her rear. Then she looked up into the eyes of an unfamiliar vampire, which for a moment sent a chill down her spine until she remembered that Killian’s Second Knight was right behind her. Josh wouldn’t let anything happen to her… right?

Then she looked at him to find him bowing deeply to the newcomer. “Elder Maledictus,” he murmured. “What brings you to Drake Hall today?” 

Not a Drake, then. 

“Simply dropping in to check on Killian. Has he taken to adopting fae as well, now?” 

“This is Indigo of the Night Court. We are temporarily hosting her in an attempt to help improve relations between races.” 

A bit of a light seemed to glint in the vampire’s red eyes. “If it goes well, will the Night Court participate in sparring with the Drake Family? It would be a good challenge to help the Family and the Court grow stronger.” 

“I do not believe the Night Court has a full, cohesive fighting force the way that the Drake Family and House Medeis do. It might be difficult for them to assemble for such a match. I will bring it to the Eminent’s attention, however.” Josh answered, but the elder’s eyes were still on Indigo as she dragged herself to her feet and then to her full height - which was barely up to this vampire’s waist. 

“Chase does have the security team, and he might be open to training them against other supernaturals.” She volunteered, since it seemed like they were expecting some kind of input. “But you’re right, most of the Court isn’t used to fighting together.” 

The vampire elder grinned. “Let me know if it happens. I’d like to watch.” Then he moved past the pair and hopped out the next window he passed. 

Indigo blinked. “That was… odd.” 

“Elder Maledictus may be older than the Ancient. I have great respect for someone who has evaded the grip of everlasting darkness for so long, as do most of my kind.” Josh told her. “He has recently joined the Task Force in Magiford.” 

“As their personal trainer?” She wondered aloud. “Or just because that’s an easy way to find people to fight?” 

“Because he gets to work with his slayer fiance.” Josh answered. 

Indigo shook her head and laughed just a little. “Magiford must be going mad. People keep falling for some of the most dangerous people to them.” 

“Some people find danger highly attractive, especially people bored by long ages with little new or interesting.” 

The fae snorted. “Somehow I don’t think Leila was bored when she chose to marry the assassin that tried to kill her.” 

“True. Her case seems more likely to be a lack of fear. It has allowed her to accomplish a great deal.” 

Indigo scowled and grumbled something about that lack of fear, prompting a look of wry amusement from the vampire. 

“Does the Eminent always stay up in his study all day?” Indigo asked after several days of training and exploring the grounds with the vampires. She hadn’t seen the head of the family for more than a second or two at a time as he moved about the house. 

“Not as much in recent years, since Hazel came into our lives.” Celestina answered. “But this is more typical of the prior decades and of the other vampire Families. Were you hoping to see more of him?” 

The fae managed not to shudder at the idea. She was mostly used to Rigel now, but Killian was a whole different danger. He had been at his antics for centuries, while the Night King had only had a decade or two under his deadly alias. 

“No, I’m enjoying myself without bothering him.” She assured the First Knight, then looked up at the nearby climbing wall. “Are you sure I’ll be able to make it up this? It’s meant for people a bit taller than me, and some of those rocks look kind of far apart.” 

“No, but if you get stuck you can come down. I won’t let you fall.” Celestina assured her. The vampire finished sorting out the ropes and clipped one end to Indigo’s harness. “Go on.” 

She was about halfway up the wall and struggling, despite cheers from Julianne, Manjeet, and Gavino, when she heard the door slam open. She twisted around to try to see who had entered with such violence, but the murmured greetings told her even though she couldn’t quite see. 

“Eminence.” The word was murmured by a number of the vampires on the floor and Indigo clung tightly to the wall. If the vampires were going to let her fall, that seemed most likely when they were distracted by their sire. 

“Fae.” The vampire leader snapped. Or at least, his tone sounded harsh, but Indigo supposed she didn’t know him well enough to tell if he was really displeased. 

“It’s Indigo!” She called back. Vampire leader or not, she would not answer to ‘fae.’

“Well, Indigo of the Night Court, come down here. There is a meeting regarding some objections the vampire Families have to the current freedoms for the unclaimed, and you will accompany me.” 

“WHAT?!” She almost lost her grip at the statement. “Why?” 

“Because Hazel tells me I’ve been neglecting you.” Killian answered in a bored tone. “So hop on down and grab anything you need.” 

Indigo looked back to make sure Celestina was ready, then did as she was told. The remainder of her visit with the Drakes was strictly scheduled, with training with Josh for a few hours in the morning and the rest of her time in the vicinity of Killian. He didn’t often tell her what he was doing, but he answered any question she dared to ask and provided her with a couple of books on vampire history to peruse. She was sure Hazel meant her interference to be helpful… but she wasn’t entirely sure it had been. 

So while she had made some new friends during the visit, she wasn’t sad to pack up her things and let Gavino toss them into an SUV to go home at the end of the week. She could see that a lot of the vampires were packing up their own things, and one question gave her the answer that they were planning to join the wizards of their joint family at House Medeis. 

“Well.” She said when it seemed like it was time to go. “It was nice to meet all of you. I’ll see you around?” 

“Absolutely.” Celestina agreed, bending almost in half to give Indigo a hug. Gavino was less gracious, and simply scooped Indigo up off the ground for a bear hug that was just short of being tight enough to hurt. That had to be on purpose, and she was grateful the wizards were probably the reason he knew how much pressure was alright. 

Then Indigo squawked as he passed her on to Manjeet, Julianne, and Josh for their own farewells. Her feet did not touch the ground until Josh set her down next to the vehicle, then produced a beautiful sword for her. Well, a sword for someone of her stature. 

Indigo gasped as she recognized the distinctive shape and pulled the blade from it’s sheath. “Sting!” She exclaimed. It was a beautiful replica of the elven blade that Frodo so famously wielded, and something she'd secretly wanted for years but hadn't gotten around to adding to her fandom hoard yet. 

“It seemed most likely to suit you.” Josh explained. “I have ensured it is of excellent quality and sharpened it for you. Continue to practice with it, and it will be a lifelong friend.” 

Indigo grinned and embraced the vampire. “I’ll take it, but I think the lifelong friends I made are here.” 

Several of the vampires made shallow bows to her, then moved to their own vehicles or back into the building. Only then did Killian wander in her direction to look down his nose at her, or so it seemed. 

“Thank you for your hospitality?” Indigo couldn’t think of any other reason the powerful vampire would bother with her now that the moment of getting rid of her was here. 

He nodded once. “Leila returns to visit her mother fairly frequently, and sometimes comes to refresh my dogs’ training. You are welcome to visit to continue your own training with Josh and Celestina when she does.” 

“Thank you?” The vampire was gone almost before she finished the words, and she shrugged and climbed into the SUV. She spent the ride looking forward to being home once more and reflecting on the beginnings of relationships. She admired the distinctive lines of her new sword and went over the memories in her head. She’d be back, she decided. There weren’t that many people with relatively open invitations to Drake Hall, after all. And she’d tell Chase about the suggestion of sparring. She didn’t want to participate, but she was convinced that the Drakes would enjoy it and smiled at the thought.

Chapter Text

How swiftly those with human lifespans forgot the atrocities of the past, Charon thought to himself as he was smushed unceremoniously between a pair of blond wizards. Hazel Medeis was driving, while the dark haired wizard girl was riding shotgun. 

“So Hazel has this book…” One of the wizards began. 

“She borrowed it from the Paragon.” The other helpfully supplied. 

“It’s got a lot of illustrations, but we can’t read any of the writing. Some of it’s faded, and some of it is just in some other language.” 

“Think you can help us figure out some of what it was talking about?” 

“Perhaps, but I cannot read what is no longer there.” Charon answered calmly. He was supposed to be helpful, if he could be. 

“Great!” One wizard exclaimed, then pulled the hefty grimoire out of the backpack he carried and slapped it down on Charon’s lap. 

“We were specifically looking at this one…” The second wizard flipped through the ancient pages with an alarming lack of care. 

“Felix, Franco, can’t you at least give him until he’s settled into his room before you start interrogating the poor guy?” Hazel reprimanded from the front. 

“Their enthusiasm is encouraging.” Charon told her, running through the nearly indecipherable script before him. “The few words I can make out are unhelpful, but I believe I recognize the illustration. Once we have room to practice we can see if I remember it correctly, though I admit I was not especially attentive to wizard abilities when our races… were not so estranged.” 

“Hey, anything will help.” One of the brothers said cheerfully. 

“What were you focused on? Elf stuff?” The other asked curiously. 

“I suppose you could say that.” Charon turned a page, looking for anything else of use. “My family was relatively low ranked noble, so I was trained to be of use to a royal or very high ranked noble from my youth. Then I was lucky enough to find employment with Noctus, and could see well enough that a confrontation was coming, sooner or later. From then on, I was making contingencies.” 

“Wait, are you saying he was always going to kill his family?” Momoko asked from the front seat. 

“No. His Majesty had no desire to be king, but his brother was a different matter, and the two of them disagreed somewhat violently on a few occasions.” Charon told them. He was instructed not to hide anything unless it was a matter of the security of Calor. The current policy was to be as open as possible with the other races until they had built some level of trust. 

“How many wizards do you think you can spar with at once?” Felix asked after a moment of quiet. 

“How many wizards are there in Magiford?” Charon returned without thinking too deeply about it. There were only so many that could come at him at once without getting in each other’s way, and he was confident he could handle that number. 

“You think you’re that powerful?” 

Charon turned his gaze on the blond wizard brother. “I have centuries of training, much of that in practice against King Noctus himself. Even a small amount of power can be incredibly dangerous with that much training, just as in the right hands a small dagger can kill as easily as a longsword.” 

“Sooo… Are you powerful or not?” 

“Felix!” Hazel sighed as they turned into the driveway of what was clearly a Wizard House. “I promise, we’re not all like this, and you don’t have to answer all his questions.” 

“It is not a problem.” Charon answered. “I do find it difficult to answer that question, however. I am quite weak compared to the King of the Mors, and in terms of raw power no better than average for an elf. However, elves as a rule possess considerably more power than you are used to seeing in other races, especially these days.” 

The wizard tilted his head. “I suppose that sort of answers it…” 

“Do you have any questions for us?” Hazel blurted before either of the blond brothers could press Charon with more of their own. 

“Will the Drake Family be joining House Medeis for the sparring matches you wish me to join you for?” He asked. 

“No, though I wouldn’t be surprised if Killian stops in to say hi once in a while. We’re keeping our families separate for this event.” The Adept answered. 

“As you like. I would have been interested in seeing how your households have blended in combat. Perhaps in the future.” 

“I think Killian would like that, if my family doesn’t scare you away altogether.” Hazel told him, opening the door and making a shooing motion to the wizards to exit the vehicle. 

“I live with a werewolf and a vampire.” Charon muttered. “I don’t think one family of wizards can be worse.” 

“Don’t underestimate us!” Felix chirped, apparently having heard the comment. 

Charon grabbed his bag for the week, then followed the petite Hazel into the House and up the stairs. She paused to put a hand on the wall just inside the door. 

“He’s a visitor. Be nice.” She told the House. 

“I am honored to have the opportunity to stay here for a few days.” He said, his eyes combing the decorations and walls for signs of pleasure or displeasure. He wasn’t entirely confident of how the Wizard Houses were made  - that was a different elf bloodline - but he knew it wasn’t a good idea to antagonize one he didn’t want to reduce to splinters. 

“Just don’t shoot it or set it on fire and you should be fine. Oh, and don’t let Ivy get hurt on your watch. The House is protective of its younger members.” Hazel led him deeper into the House and upstairs to a cute little room with blue wallpaper and a view of the training ground. 

“Take as long as you need to settle in, Leslie is starting on dinner but there are always snacks if you’re hungry.” The Adept stepped back out to leave him alone. 

It took him all of ten minutes to put a handful of things in accessible places, then he opened the door to find a medium-sized child standing there. The little girl grinned up at him. 

“Are you really an elf?” She asked. 

Charon glanced up and down the hallway, but saw no one else. He considered the child, then decided it would be good practice. Sooner or later Noctus and Chloe would have kids, and he would likely have to babysit them. 

So he knelt down in front of the child and tugged his hood back so she could see his ears, sharper than any fae’s. “I suppose you probably haven’t gotten to see an elf yet. Yes, I am really an elf.” 

The little girl reached out and he held perfectly still to let her touch the pointed tips. Then she touched her own and frowned. “They feel the same.” 

“Did you expect them to feel different?” 

“Well,” she said thoughtfully, “I thought they might get cold because they stick out so far.” 

He smirked and stood. “That’s what the hood is for. It keeps them warm.” 

“Ohhh!” She sounded as though she had made a great discovery and her eyes went wide. 

“What is your name?” 

“Ivy.” She announced, grinning once more. 

“Well, Ivy, why don’t you show me around?” 

“Okay!” To his surprise, she reached up and took his fingers without hesitation and began to pull him along. “These are all the rooms for the single wizards, the couples have bigger ones on the next floor, and the vampires are in the other wing. That one belongs to April, and that one to her sister…”

“Watch your feet.” Charon warned, flicking magic beneath the interlocked shields that nearly surrounded him. Two of the wizards yelped and went down, but though he sensed their shields weaken they didn’t come down completely. That was impressive, given how wizards as a whole had degraded in their training and ability. 

A lightning bolt and two fireballs glanced off of Charon’s own shield, but he had no trouble in holding steady. 

“Stand down!” Hazel called, and the assault ended. The Adept checked with the two fallen wizards, but all Charon had done was knock their feet from under them and there were no injuries more serious than a bruise. 

He glanced over the rest of the wizards, most of whom sweated from the effort they had been putting in for the last hour. Some carried swords or spears or other weapons, only some of which were up to his standards. He tilted his head thoughtfully and meandered over to Hazel. 

“We’ll call it good for now.” She told him. “Some of the wizards have to be at work soon. I usually keep practicing a bit longer, though.” 

“Excellent. Then we can experiment with your raw magic.” Charon told her. 

“Really?” She looked up at him with a grin. “Did you decipher something from the book?” 

“Not exactly, but I do have some vague memory and the knowledge of Noctus’ library to draw on. Have you tried to form your raw magic into other shapes?” 

The Adept tilted her head thoughtfully. “I can throw it out in a sort of attack. Is that what you mean?” 

“No, I mean forming it into a sword or spear instead of a shield. I am aware you have your own, but it is not always acceptable to bring those to certain places. If you can forge your magic into a weapon as well as a shield, you need never worry about being unarmed - and it will not cause unnecessary damage that elemental spells might.” 

She blinked. “Wizards can do that?” 

“I see one powerful wizard who might be willing to try.” 

Hazel laughed. “Alright, let’s get to work, then. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to sheath it in lightning the way I can a real sword, though.” 

“You certainly cannot if you do not try.” Charon pointed out. "Given that you can hold a shield and put lightning on your sword at the same time, I should think it is plausible." 

Hazel summoned her magic and began to try to shape it, her brow furrowing in concentration for several minutes until something like her katana formed in her hand. Charon reached out and ran a finger along the edge. 

“Impressive, but it’s dull. Practice should help with that.” 

Hazel let out her breath in a whoosh and let the bluish shape fade into nothing. “I’d never thought of that, but it is interesting. Is there anything else I could make out of my magic?” 

“Perhaps a footstool to reach things on high shelves.” He dared to tease in a completely serious voice. 

“Hey!” The wizard mock glared at him, but her posturing did not last long. “I had not thought of that either. Thank you for all your help, by the way. I… wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this visit.” 

“It is my pleasure.” Charon bowed slightly, and he meant it. The wizards were as friendly as Ker and listened far better than the werewolf did. They were curious and if they had reservations about him they were good at hiding them. 

“I don’t want us to just keep taking from you like this, though. Is there anything you want to know or do while you’re here?” 

Charon tapped the top of the young woman’s head. “I would like to see you hold that sword of raw magic for longer than ten seconds.” He told her. “This visit is a vacation in comparison to my normal life. I have no complaints.” 

Hazel scowled, but pulled up the shape of the sword again. 

“Someone distract that elf!” Felix screeched with five seconds to go in their latest Mario Kart match. 

Charon ignored the wizard and the various yells and attempts to get his attention, beating the other wizards soundly for the seventh time in a row. 

“I think perhaps I should take a break.” Charon announced, offering up the controller. A chorus of protests came back to him as the wizards apparently wanted to beat him fairly. It wouldn’t happen, not now that Charon had picked up the patterns of the game, so he offered it to little Ivy. The girl took it with a shy smile, and the wizards shut up. None of them would be mean enough to tell her she couldn’t play. 

Hazel was grinning at him when he got out of the stuffy room where the rest of the wizards were playing games, watching others play games, and snacking on a variety of foods. 

“They’re not going to let it go.” She told him. “They’ll be begging you to come back until they can beat you.” 

“Should I assume I have an open invitation to House Medeis, then?” He let one corner of his mouth twitch upward in a slightly teasing smile. 

“Sure! I’ll let Killian know you’re allowed here so he doesn’t overreact, and you might want to text me if you’re bringing anyone else, but I don’t think that would be a problem.” The Adept chirped in answer. “Be warned though - the Drakes will want to ask about elf-forged weapons, and Josh currently holds the record for Mario Kart, so they are definitely going to set you up for a match.” 

“I believe Roderick would be glad to expand his market, if one or two of the Drakes are brave enough to enter Calor in order to reach his shop.” Charon offered. 

“I thought access to Calor was limited.” Hazel said. 

“Yes and no. It is open, but you must request access and report the day you intend to come so that Calor is not overwhelmed with visitors. Almost no one has requested access. But if you are worried about being refused… I do happen to know our king.” 

The petite wizard gave him a more bittersweet sort of smile. “I can guess why. People are still afraid of elves.” 

“I am aware. It surprised me how welcoming your people have been to me.” 

Her grin widened and she leaned against a counter. “I’m really proud of them, you know. Our House used to be dangerously pacifist under my parents. Then Mason tried to lead a coup after their deaths. He really put my family through the wringer. I killed him, started training them to fight, and more or less melded our House with a vampire Family. They never faltered, never left, never argued hard with me over the changes. They embraced all of it.” 

“It’s made them strong.” Charon observed, glancing back towards the room where several people cheered the end of another game. 

“Yeah. Yeah it has. It’s made them strong and given them confidence to be welcoming and kind, because they can enforce their boundaries if they need to. All of that is probably part of why they can be so at ease with you.” 

“They are fools if they think they could stop me if I did not wish to allow them to.” Charon spoke in a lower voice, glancing at the doorway. 

“We know. We just choose to give you the benefit of the doubt, and we haven’t seen anything yet to show we’ve been wrong to do so.” Hazel answered in the same low voice. 

They heard a bit of a scuffle, then Ivy darted out of the other room to slip behind Charon’s legs and peek out as though hiding from someone. She giggled as her father, the wizard Franco, appeared in the doorway. The man winked at Charon and Hazel, letting his eyes pass over the little girl who wasn’t quite hidden. 

“Have you two seen Ivy? It’s her bedtime, and you know she needs her sleep.” He said. 

“Ivy? No, I don’t think so.” Hazel replied with too much innocence. 

“I see.” Franco started opening and closing cupboards. “Guess I’ll just have to keep looking. Is she loafing like a cat in the bread pans? No? Maybe she’s sneaking some cookies in the pantry. Hmm.” 

As the wizard made his way around the kitchen, Ivy scooted around Charon’s legs to keep him in between her and her father, and smothered her giggles so much that he could feel her shaking with laughter. Charon, for his part, held still and watched the heartwarming family interaction play out. 

“Is she… fixing a clog under the sink? Nope, not there either. Hmm, must be somewhere else…” Franco moved towards the door, but at the last moment changed direction and scooped Ivy up from her hiding spot, prompting shrieks and giggles that continued as the father let her hang upside down and tickled her side. She writhed around and tried to pull herself into an upright position, but her wide grin matched her father’s. 

“Come along, you little climber. I’ll tell you a story, you’ll go to sleep, and in the morning you’ll say goodbye to Mr. Charon and Great Aunt Marraine will come home.” Franco told his daughter as he carried her out the door. 

“Can’t we keep Mr. Charon? He does magic!” The little girl protested, but they were out of hearing range before Franco could answer. 

“I’d say you’ve got yourself a fan.” Hazel said fondly. 

His eyes lingered on the doorway they’d disappeared through. “If her generation can grow up without fear of the other races, that will be a greater accomplishment than I would have believed possible. She gives me some hope despite my better judgement.” 

“Then you should definitely come back. Everyone needs hope.” Hazel told him. 

“Hey, Charon, get back in here! I want another chance to beat you.” Felix hollered from the next room, and Charon allowed himself to be pulled back into the packed room that felt like… family, albeit a different kind than he was used to. 

“Thank you for your hospitality.” Charon bowed to assembled wizards, many of whom had already dared to give him a hug or punch him lightly on the arm. They chorused some version of thanks for his help with their training and jokes about getting him to come back, then he turned to get in the car with Hazel. The Adept was driving him to Calor Villa, at her insistence. 

A glance in the back, however, showed that the two of them were not the only ones in the vehicle. Ivy waved sheepishly when she saw him looking back at her. 

“Ivy, you have to put your seat belt on if you’re going to come with us.” Hazel told the child, and she hurried to comply. 

“Are her parents alright with this?” Charon asked. 

“Yeah, I saw Franco sneaking her in the back. He knows she’s alright with me.” She answered, then focused on driving. It wasn’t too long before they pulled up to the little house that masked the entrance to a whole other world, and Hazel parked in the driveway. Ker and Aristide appeared at the door almost immediately, and he saw their guest lingering just inside the door behind them. 

“Is this your house?” Ivy asked, climbing out of her own seat. Ker’s face split into a beaming smile at the sight of the child. 

“Yes, and this is Ker and Aristide. Perhaps on another day you can come in and look around, but I think today you had best head on home.” 

“Oh.” The girl sounded disappointed. 

“Aww, don’t worry. You can come back soon, I’m sure. When one of your parents can come with you.” Ker told the little girl, coming just a little closer but giving her some space. 

“Okay.” She moved to wrap her arms around Charon’s legs for a hug, but he knelt down to give her a real embrace. “Come back soon?” She sounded near tears, and Charon almost laughed. House Medeis was only a few minutes away, but every change or mild inconvenience could be a disaster in the eyes of a child. 

“I’ll be back, don’t you worry.” He answered softly. He glanced up at Hazel, who smiled and guided the girl back to the car when she finally let go. 

“Ember’s ride should be here any minute, but Noctus wanted to see you when you got back.” Ker told Charon once the vehicle had left. 

He nodded and made his way inside, returning once more to his usual, capable self. When he entered the office, Noctus was at his desk while Chloe struggled with reading an elven book. She seemed determined to learn the language, and that earned her even more respect from Charon than she’d already possessed. 

Noctus sat back when he saw Charon enter. “How was it?” 

“Better than expected. I find I actually enjoyed my time. It was quite… educational.” Charon answered. “I request permission to extend invitations to visit Calor to House Medeis.” 

“Granted. We need all the allies we can get, and Medeis is a powerful one. I expect a full report later, after our own guest has gone. Until then, unpack and brace yourself. Ker and Aristide missed you.” 

“Though they’d definitely deny it.” Chloe added. 

“Naturally.” Charon bowed and allowed just the tiniest smirk to cross his features. It was good to be home.

Chapter Text

The way Ker pressed against Ember was comforting, like the older werewolf was giving her permission to do the same. Ker ended up with the middle seat, while Noctus and his queen were in front and the grumbling vampire ended up on the other side of Ker. 

“We’re going to show you all around Calor, of course, but I’m not sure what else.” Ker told her. 

“I don’t know who this ‘we’ is.” Aristide grumbled. “ You may show her Calor - which will take several days to do properly - and then I’m sure you’ll find plenty to show her in the villa and in your businesses.” 

“Oh, the businesses are a good idea! The Northern Lakes Pack owns several businesses in Timber Ridge, doesn’t it? You can help me see how our methods differ, we might learn something from each other!” Ker chirped. 

“Yes, yes, and you can keep far away from me.” The vampire grumbled as he secured some kind of earbud and faced away. 

“You’ll come with us.” Ker laughed. “You’d be bored stuck up in the villa all week.” 

“Will Noctus be joining us?” Ember kept her voice low, but the elf king glanced in the rearview mirror. 

“Perhaps for parts of it, but there is a lot of work to keep me busy, especially with Charon gone for the week.” He answered. 

“I’ll come into the city with you, if you want.” Chloe offered. “I’m still learning my way around, and I want to get to know my people.” 

“Take your sword and at least three daggers.” Noctus told her. “I don’t expect trouble, but it’s always better to be prepared, especially when it comes to your safety.” 

“I’ll be fine. I’ll be with Ker.” 

“That is less of a reassurance than you seem to think.” Ember thought she caught a hint of amusement and the slightest of smiles despite his pessimistic words. 

“We’ll be glad to have you along!” Ker told the shadow. “That way one of us can guide Aristide while the other makes sure we don’t get too lost.” 

“I’m not inflicting hours with only the three of you on myself!” The vampire protested. 

“It’ll be fun!” The werewolf insisted, and continued to insist for the remainder of the ride. The vampire might have been able to fool someone else into thinking he really was opposed to such an outing, but the more Ember listened, the more sure she was that she detected notes of fondness and humor in his tones. She also got the feeling they were arguing more to distract themselves and give her time to get comfortable without being interrogated than anything else. 

“We’re here!” Ker announced when they pulled up to the surprisingly small house in a very normal looking cul-de-sac. 

“The King of the Mors lives here?” Ember murmured as she fell in behind them. 

“The King of the Mors anchored the portal to his home here.” Noctus answered, opening the house door to let his wife lead the way in. 

A few more steps brought Ember into the fae realm - it smelled different from the normal world and took her a moment to adjust to it. She paused in the entryway to take it all in, impressed with the place and a little overwhelmed by the fact that she was here, and here alone. Her husband was back with the Pack and their children, her Alpha was hours away with him, and Pip was there too. 

“Take however long you need.” Ker said softly even as the rest of the group disappeared down the hall and through one doorway. “I know it’s a lot.” 

“I’m alright.” Ember said after a moment. “I just… already miss my family.” 

“If it makes you feel better, I’m glad you’re here. It’s been a long time since I’ve had any other wolves around.” Ker told her, beginning to lead her deeper into the palace that Ember never could have guessed was hidden behind the cute little facade they’d driven up to. “But we won’t keep you against your will. If you really want to go home, we’ll get you there.” 

Ember laughed. “I volunteered for this. I can survive one week, I promise.” 

Ker tilted her head. “So how did Greyson pick a volunteer? You couldn’t have been the only one.” 

“No, but a number of the volunteers were refused because Greyson wasn’t sure he could trust them to keep their emotions in line. He can’t spare Hector, but he does trust and respect me. As for the others…” Ember had a mental image of Aeric showing off his skort flash through her memory. “Well. Let’s just say I was the most respectful option.” 

“About that… Not sure what your Pack’s rules about shifting are, but you should try to use a bathroom or bedroom here. Aristide can’t see anything, but Chloe’s not comfortable with nudity.” 

“Oh, don’t worry about that.” Ember hurried to assure her. “The mayor of Timber Ridge is very set against public nudity and heavily fines anyone who isn’t covered. Our solution was these - fae made bracelets that give us some kind of covering when we shift. It’s not comfortable, but it is something.” 

Ker’s eyes went wide. “I want one of those.” 

“You might want to see the covering first.” Ember chuckled. “But there is some variety. If you are willing to pay more it might even be possible to get something that doesn’t look like a flour sack.” 

“I do have plenty of money…” Ker mused. “Here you are. The room is yours, but if you want a wolf snuggle buddy, just let me know. Chloe’s nice to snuggle with too, but she’s small. And she startles easily.” 

Ember pushed back the instinct that wanted to draw away from Ker. She knew what it was - the elf magic that Ker was constantly surrounded by. That wasn’t the wolf’s fault, and she did seem genuinely lonely. “I’d be glad for a snuggle buddy.” 

The other wolf beamed. 

Ember stretched lazily in her wolf form. After several days of running around with Ker and various members of her chosen family, they’d agreed to stay in today. Now the wolf with beautiful red and black fur watched to make sure she was up, then climbed to her own feet. Then she pranced off towards another room, and Ember fell in behind her curiously. Somehow she doubted that the other wolf would actually make it through the day without some kind of adventure. If she had to guess, some kind of prank on Aristide or the absent Charon was up next. 

Their toenails clicked on the marble floors as they entered moved down the hall and then into the office where Noctus and Aristide sat quietly. The vampire was listening to what Ember had learned was most likely yet another history podcast. 

Noctus glanced up enough to nod at the two of them and Ker wagged her tail in response before going to the bowl of water set out for her. Ember wasn’t sure if Ker herself had done that or if the missing Charon normally did. Either way, Aristide looked up with a scowl when Ker started noisily lapping up the liquid. 

“You have water in every room of the house. Do you have to do that here?” He grumbled with a grimace. 

Ker took the comment as some sort of invitation, and launched herself onto the couch he sat on and onto him. He groaned as she dripped water all down his front and into his lap and licked the side of his face like a huge, overly friendly dog. 

The vampire’s face went very still, and he slowly took out his earbuds and set them safely aside. “You have been asking for this for some time.” He stated as he caught hold of the werewolf and hoisted her over his shoulder. 

The werewolf’s face gained an attitude of fear, and she began to struggle against Aristide’s grip. Her angle was difficult for her find any purchase, however, and Aristide waited a moment to make sure he had a secure hold, then grabbed his cane and made his way out of the room. Ker howled, a plaintive call for help. 

“Careful on the stairs.” Noctus called, making it clear Ker should not look to him for that help. 

“ Awrooo! ” Ker whined back and renewed her struggle. 

Aristide’s cane touched Ember’s feet, and he paused while she skittered back. She probably could trip him up if she wanted to… but did she want to? 

No, she decided. Even if she could get away with it today, vampires could hold a grudge and be vicious in exacting revenge. Besides, Ker had been pushing him quite a bit. 

Even with that decision made, she scurried after the pair to make sure that no one was seriously hurt. Ker started making short yelping noises as though she’d been seriously hurt, even though Ember could see she was fine. The sound did bring Chloe running, but she pulled up short at the sight before her. 

“Um… Aristide…?” 

The vampire waved a finger in her direction. “Not a word. You were there when she tried to serve me what she called a blood float yesterday.” 

Ker shuddered as though she was going to shift, but stopped when Aristide snarled. “If you shift into a naked person while I’m carrying you I will buy the most potent perfume I can find and dump it on all of your beds!” 

The werewolf whined apologetically, sniffing at Aristide’s hair and making such mournful faces Ember had to feel bad for her. The vampire didn’t have eyes to see those faces, though, and he continued on his way mercilessly. 

Ember and Chloe scurried after him into a small room that looked like a professional grooming station. Ker’s ears went up in curiosity when Aristide set her down but kept a hand on her scruff, but she didn’t try to make a break for it. In fact, she seemed to be enjoying it when he started hosing her down. 

Then he opened up a cupboard and retrieved whatever shampoo he was using. When the cap clicked open, Ker made a loud verbal protest. It took another second for the scent to reach Ember, and she sneezed three times in rapid succession before backing away a little. 

Ker tried to make a break for it while Aristide held on and squeezed a line of the shampoo into her thick fur. He was completely soaked by now, but his expression was grim and determined as he rubbed it in. Ker continued to howl, playing up her distress. 

The vampire hurriedly sprayed her down with more water then threw up his hands. “That’s it! I’m done!” 

Ker shook wildly, then hopped down from her place and seized a towel and nosed at Aristide’s thigh. He took it, and she sneezed a couple of times but bumped against him until he sighed and knelt to dry her off a bit. Her tail wagged, and the soaked vampire glowered in her direction. 

“Was this supposed to be some kind of punishment?” Chloe asked, sounding confused. 

“It doesn’t seem to have been particularly effective.” He admitted in a resigned tone. “But as she can’t wash herself in wolf form, she should be dealing with that for a few days at least.” 

Ker wagged harder, giving the impression that she had undoubtedly won this day. Then she sneezed yet again and stared hard at Ember. Ember got the distinct feeling of mischief, of Ker trying to nudge her into joining in somehow. 

Aristide finished, and Ker pranced away from him exuding self-satisfaction. Ember sneezed, braced herself, and then jumped up on the grooming station and stared at the vampire expectantly. Even though he was blind, she got the distinct feeling that he was staring back while Chloe made a cough-laugh and Ker yipped happily. 

“Ugh. Fine, but you’d better not fight me like she does. Chloe, could you find the normal dog shampoo for me?” 

Ember was in the office with Ker, Chloe, and Noctus when she was waiting for her ride to come. Chloe had her nose in a book, but Ember was talking quietly with the others. They were quietly discussing the businesses that their supernaturals owned and plans to further expand those businesses. The Northern Lakes didn’t plan for much expansion, but with a nightmare on loan from the Night Court Ker had pointed out they could easily set up a second location in Magiford for some of their businesses if they desired. That left them discussing which, if any, of those businesses would be in highest demand here. 

“If you’re marketing to humans, they’ll buy just about anything associated with supernaturals. If you had another of these picture stations that would bring them into your shop in swarms.” The elf pointed out. 

Ember made a face. “It might be difficult to find someone to sign up for that. It’s not something that we have open all the time as it is. No one really wants to pose in wolf form with dozens of strangers throughout the day. Some of them are sticky and grabby children and others reek of all sorts of products and foods.” 

Noctus shrugged. “That’s understandable. You could always choose to do it once a week or so, or take it down to every now and then once the business is established.” 

“I don’t see any kind of specifically elven business in your lists.” Ember pointed out, looking at the computer screen and the papers he had laid out. 

“That’s because we don’t have any in Magiford. We will sell some of our work to other supernaturals, but we cannot actually keep up with demand if we start selling elven forged weapons to humans and somehow I doubt the Cloisters would approve of it.” 

“You have to have other products.” 

“Of course, and a number of our more artistic members already had online shops that they continue to use. They did not disclose their heritage when they started, so they are wary of doing so now. Unless the Cloisters imposes a requirement that we do so, I won’t ask them to change, and the Cloisters will be making some large concessions if they expect me to agree to any such thing.” 

“What kind of concessions?” Ember asked warily. 

“They will have to stop trying to get a full census from me and lift some of the other restrictions that they want my people to follow.” 

“I didn’t realize they were still trying to impose restrictions.” 

The elf glanced at her. “It is not unexpected. My people have a well-earned reputation, and it will take time to change that. I will try to give them the greatest freedom I can, but it will be a growing experience for all involved.” 

Noctus tapped his desk thoughtfully. “There is a space in the clocktower your Pack could rent, if your people wouldn’t mind the knowledge that they are working in relatively close proximity to elves. Ker owns a flower shop there, and she may be able to help keep relations between our people civil.” 

“I’ll bring it to Greyson’s attention.” Ember promised, but was unable to offer more. The elf nodded sharply, then glanced out the window. 

“Charon is back.” He announced, and Ker jumped up to go greet her friend. “Send him in as soon as possible.” 

Ember trailed after Ker with those words. If Noctus wanted to see Charon, it seemed likely that he was done with her for now. She witnessed the elf’s return, and was somewhat reassured by his gentle treatment of the little wizard girl. Noctus was always distant and cool, but the other elves she had interacted with seemed no different than most people, and now Charon was showing himself to have some human characteristics as well. 

Once Hazel Medeis left, she and Ker chatted a bit more until a familiar nightmare portal ground into existence in the front yard. Greyson, Hector, and Pip emerged, the hunter wearing a smile while Greyson’s expression was more neutral. He did seem relieved to see Ember, and his features softened as Hector hurried to sweep his wife into an embrace. 

“I missed you.” Hector murmured in a low tone, but he was too professional to make a bigger display of affection. 

Ker let Ember hug her husband and then Pip with her addictive puppy pheromones, then she pulled Ember into a hug herself. 

“I enjoyed having you here.” The old werewolf told Ember. “I certainly wouldn’t say no if you wanted to drop by for a visit now and then.” 

Ember heard a slight creak and glanced up at the door to the house to see Noctus leaning against the doorframe. He gave her a slow, deep nod that seemed to agree and approve of Ker’s invitation. 

“I’ll keep it in mind.” She said. “Thank you for your hospitality, it’s been a very interesting stay.” 

“It has been. But I’m sure you’re eager to get home to your kids.” Ker backed off, and Ember grinned and let her husband lead her to the portal and through it. As always, the Night Realm was gorgeous, but Ker was right and Ember impatiently waited to move onward to her home. 

The Nightmare dropped them off in her back yard, and Teresa was waiting to fling herself at Ember. The other children were only just behind, and Ember let them take her to the ground in a bit of a play-fight. She’d have to report to Greyson soon, but for now her Alpha was indulgently allowing her to revel in being home with her Pack once more.

Chapter Text

Rupert scowled but followed the werewolves and their hunter out of the Cloisters toward a waiting nightmare. The equine didn’t acknowledge his presence, but at Pip’s request opened up a portal. Rupert took one deep breath, then followed the wolves in. 

He should have expected he’d get stuck with the mutts. He’d been hoping for the elves - if nothing else, it would be a mark of courage to spend much time with them - but he resigned himself to a week surrounded by the Northern Lakes Pack instead. All he had to do was hide in whatever room they gave him as much as possible and bite his tongue for the rest of the time. He was sure they weren’t too keen on having a vampire in their territory either, so it shouldn’t be hard to avoid them. 

“And here we are!” Pip announced once they stepped through the portal that dropped them four hours north of his home in Magiford. “Timber Ridge! Just that way is the Welcome Center, where I work, and beyond that is more of the town. I’m sure you’ll get to see quite a bit of it during your stay, and since you’re not a wolf the chance of you getting fined is considerably smaller than many of our guests!” 

“Wolves in Timber Ridge are frequently fined?” He frowned. He’d been under the impression that the Pack owned a chunk of Timber Ridge, but this seemed at odds with that. 

Before the hunter could answer, he heard the buzz of a phone vibration and Greyson excused himself to take the call. Pip motioned for him to follow as she began to lead the way down a path that went away from town and into the woods. 

“Our mayor has a thing against public nudity. And loud noises that break certain rules - such as howls - and taking out trees. She is… Fearless, yeah, that’s probably the diplomatic word.” Pip decided. 

“She is… human?” 

“She is… unmistakeable.” Hector answered. “You will know her if you see her.” 

Well. Rupert didn’t care. He just had to get through the week, that’s all, and if he could hide away in whatever room he was provided for the whole time then that’s what he’d do. With that determination in mind, he followed Hector and Pip into the Pack lodge and to the room they’d set aside for him. 

He spent the next hour setting up and tersely telling an annoying number of werewolves that no, he did not need any help. He did try to refrain from telling them to just go away and leave him alone. Hazel would be proud, he thought wryly even as he denied any pleasure in evoking that emotion from her. 

He couldn’t hide forever, though, and the other wolf that had been at the meeting found him when evening came. 

“Pip asked me to bring you into town to meet her at the Howl-in’ Cafe.” Rio said grouchily. “She’s already in town, so I guess she thought this would be faster.” 

Rupert considered claiming that he wanted to rest, but eventually decided that it would be better to cooperate. Otherwise the wolves might keep checking in on him to make sure that he was alright and not doing anything that would upset their Pack. 

“Lead on.” He finally said grumpily, then fell in behind the younger wolf. 

As they went, the wolf reluctantly pointed out where the different paths went. The names of places meant little to nothing to Rupert, except in some cases what he could expect to find. He wasn’t sure if the hunter intended to drag him out to the lake or to the pickleball court, but he rather hoped not. If he learned pickleball the wizards would be certain to bug him until he taught them, and the whole House would turn it into a thing. 

Rio was telling him about an overgrown trail that apparently led to an old Pack lodge - and not doing very well at hiding that his emotions were attached to it somehow - when Rupert thought he heard something in the underbrush. The wolf ignored whatever it was, however, and the vampire decided not to investigate either. There was little enough that could hurt him here, as long as the Pack itself didn’t turn on him as a group. 

He changed his mind when the slight movement turned into a loud rustle, and he realized whatever it was, it was human-sized and coming at him. Reacting on training and barely even glancing at his attacker, he spun to meet them, caught the hand that held a blade, and threw the person over his shoulder to thump hard onto the ground. 

Rupert was grateful then for his training with the wizards, as he took in the sight of the young teen or preteen girl that was trying to recover her breath on the ground in front of him. If not for all his time with the wizards, he may not have held back so much, and she may have been seriously injured. 

He didn’t have time to think of more than that before Rio slammed into him with roughly the same amount of force as a golf cart, throwing him against a fairly solid tree. Rupert saw Rio’s fist coming at his face as the werewolf snarled and he dodged. The vampire made a mental note not to take a fist directly to the face as he saw how much damage Rio did to the tree trunk and slipped away to take up a fighter’s stance. 

He hadn’t meant to hurt the girl, she’d just startled him. She wasn’t seriously hurt, he was sure, once she could get her breath back. Rio did not look like he was about to listen to reason, however, and Rupert did not have a high enough opinion of werewolves to risk his neck trying to talk the young man down. Hazel would have, but he was not Hazel. 

So Rupert ducked the next wild swing and nailed Rio in the kidney area with his fist, then leapt back as the werewolf whirled around angrily. He kept giving ground, but he had to keep looking around to make sure he wasn’t backing himself into a corner with all the trees. Ugh, this was not an ideal battlefield. 

He dodged again, and aimed a kick at the back of Rio’s knee, which buckled under the blow. “Stand down!” He snarled against his better judgement. 

Rio merely growled and came at him again, even as the girl finished coughing and sat up. “Rio!” She croaked. 

The werewolf glanced at her and scowled, then glared at Rupert. “You hurt her!” He accused. 

“Unintentionally.” Rupert acknowledged, relaxing just a bit now that the wolf was showing himself capable of speech. That was a mistake, and Rio caught him right in the jaw. 

“Rio, stop!” The girl called out, sounding much more like a distressed human than a half-dead frog. 

Now Rupert was angry. “Isn’t that girl a bit young for you?” He spat out between possibly loose teeth. 

Rio paused with a horrified expression. “Teresa is my niece!” 

The pause gave Rupert the perfect, wide open shot to kick Rio right in the solar plexus. That was a hit that even a werewolf couldn’t take without flinching, and he fell back a step as Rupert moved in to pummel the young man’s face. He got two punches in before Rio could get his hands up to block, and the girl screamed at the sight. 

Rupert didn’t let it distract him, though his eyes flicked that way briefly to ensure she was not under attack. He was a Drake, and distractions were part of his training. Killian would have put him in remedial training if a scream like that made him drop his guard. 

Even that flick of the eyes was almost enough to do it, though, and he only partially blocked the knee to his stomach that made him skid back several feet. Rio was on him almost immediately, and Rupert mostly deflected the fist that just glanced off his eyebrow. He jumped back, but two small brown arms appeared around Rio’s neck and two legs wrapped around the werewolf’s waist, and he stopped to look over his shoulder at the girl on his back. 

The girl was almost sobbing, and her eyes were closed as she clung to her uncle. Those eyes slowly opened when she realized that the fight had stopped, and then she let go. 

“I’m sorry.” Her voice cracked as she addressed Rupert. She sounded terrified as well as ashamed. “I thought you were… Someone else in the Pack. They’ve been letting me ambush them for the past month, for practice. The knife is blunt.” 

Rupert raised an eyebrow, but didn’t speak. He took in the girl, but found it difficult to tell much about her. She didn’t have the stink of wizard blood, and though she smelled very wolfy she wasn’t one herself. She was too young, anyway, for anyone who wasn’t born one. She was dressed almost like a hunter, with daggers and a handgun strapped to her side. Her hair was loose and wild, which no active hunter would be foolish enough to leave to get yanked in a proper fight. 

“Are you hurt?” Rio asked the girl, taking in as much or more than Rupert did. 

“No, just got the wind knocked out of me.” She answered, then faced Rupert again. “I’m… I’m training to be a hunter. My parents are part of the Pack, so the Pack has been helping me to train any way they can.” Her young voice was pleading with him for… what? Understanding? Acceptance? 

Rupert slowly relaxed his stance and shook his arms to loosen the muscles. “I believe we were going to the cafe?” 

“Oh! Yeah, it’s this way.” The girl answered, scurrying away from Rio’s grip and down the path ahead of Rupert. He waited for Rio to pass, unwilling to turn his back on someone who only a moment ago had been fighting him. 

Rio slowly slunk by, but his wary gaze told Rupert that he most definitely had not made a friend with that one. He touched his jaw briefly, feeling the pain but knowing he would heal from it quickly. Not quickly enough to avoid Pip or Greyson seeing the bruise, however. 

The hunter took in the sight and the story with a sigh. “I’m sorry. This… should not have happened. I understand if you want to go home, but we would appreciate it if you stayed.” 

Rupert grunted. Of course he wanted to go home, he hadn’t wanted to come in the first place. Unfortunately, it would feel like retreat, and it was intolerable to him that he should leave any mission unfulfilled - even if it wasn’t strictly a mission. 

“I’ll stay.” He finally told the hunter when the silence grew too long. 

Relief suffused her features. “Thank you! I promise, this won’t happen again, will it ?” the last two words were pointedly directed at Teresa and Rio. 

“No!” Teresa quickly answered, raising her hands in a gesture of surrender. “I won’t ambush anyone again until he’s gone.” 

Rio just grunted, the noise annoyingly similar to Rupert’s own. The werewolf crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, and after a moment Pip sent him off to take Teresa home. They picked up their pace when they saw Greyson approaching, and the Alpha paused long enough to look after them speculatively. 

“Why did they seem guilty?” He asked as he joined them. 

Rio was kept away from Rupert the next day, but Rupert was invited to join the Pack on a run the following night. That meant he would be around a lot of wolves, including that unfriendly one. Still, he agreed to go. He didn’t want to give Greyson any excuse to complain to Killian, even if Killian probably wouldn’t heed it. 

Pip came on the run, too, but she mostly stayed near the front with the great white wolf that was Greyson. Rupert kept to the back edge, where he wasn’t surrounded by a sea of fur. There was one wolf that kept coming at him from the side or back, pushing him toward the Pack or nipping at his heels in the way a herding dog might. 

“Would you stop?” He hissed, aiming a kick at the wolf after yet another near miss. 

The wolf darted away, putting a few trees in between the two of them before barreling back towards Rupert to smack him full in the chest and make him stagger several steps in toward the Pack. 

“Hey!” He yelped, though he was trying not to make too much noise. Even that was enough to attract the Pack’s attention, and they paused and turned back to swarm him until his suit was covered in such a layer of every color of fur present that it might be difficult to tell its true color under all the wads of fluff. 

“Which wolf is that?” He snarled as Pip pushed her way through the wagging tails and sniffing noses to him. 

“Rio.” 

“Holds a grudge, does he?” Rupert muttered, but Pip shook her head. 

“No, he’s just trying to keep you in the Pack. We’re not too far off from a steep edge right now, so I imagine he’s trying to make sure you don’t wander off over it.” 

“It’s not even in sight!” The vampire snarled, and Pip gave him a wry smile before leading him about twenty feet over to a sharp drop off. A number of trees grew thick here, so in the odd half-light of twilight it was difficult to discern the change in terrain until you were on top of it. He still glowered, unwilling to admit that the wolf might have been protecting him. 

“Come on, we haven’t done much of a run yet.” Pip gestured for him to follow her back towards the Pack, but though he followed her he again fell back as they got going. This time he minded the wolf’s aid, though. 

Once they finished and were in sight of the lodge, Rio pressed up against Rupert’s legs. Rupert scowled down at the touchy werewolf that stayed with him. The other wolves brushed against him and then moved on, this one stayed and he wasn’t sure why. 

“Your wolf is broken.” He informed Pip when she wandered closer while he approached the lodge. 

She snorted, but held out a hand as though to call a dog to her. Rio moved to her, but he seemed reluctant. He let his mouth open to pant and his tongue lolled out, making him appear happier after he received a few pets from her. Once she let off he came back to Rupert, much to the vampire’s exasperation. 

“I’m not sure why he’s doing that.” The hunter said thoughtfully. “You might just have to ask him next time he takes human form.” 

“It’s because it’s summer,” Greyson said, joining them as he slipped on a shirt he must have snatched from the lodge. “It’s hot out, but vampires tend to be cool. If they’ll let you get close enough to enjoy it.” 

Rupert stared at the Alpha, then down at Rio. He was used to wizards slinging an arm around him or hugging him or leaning against him to cool down, but he hadn’t considered that wolves would enjoy the temperature as well. He scowled at the too-happy looking wolf, then stormed inside. The last thing he needed was to become a wolf’s snuggle buddy. 

He was a wolf’s snuggle buddy. A whole wolf Pack’s snuggle buddy, to be more accurate. Rupert glared at the pile of fluff that had slowly come to bury him. Rio, Aeric, and Wyatt had been the first ones to jump up on the couch with him, crowding him but not quite trapping him. Then Shania had come, and Aeric had moved his butt onto Rupert’s lap to make room for his girlfriend. 

Rupert had tried shoving the wolf off, but it was difficult to get a good angle and his effort seemed to have no effect except to make Aeric shift into a more comfortable position. Then Jack had come and lain down on Rupert’s feet, and the pile had only grown from there. 

He’d just been trying to enjoy a blood pack and a book! Pip had drawn him out of his room, then left him with the wolves to answer a call from her husband. Now he was trapped and growing irritable as the hunter returned and her face lit up. 

“Aww!” She scrabbled for her phone. 

“Don’t you dare!” Rupert snarled, unwilling to let photographic evidence of this humiliation make its way back to Drake Hall. 

“But it’s so cute! Don’t you want any pictures from your vacation in Timber Ridge?” Her smile was a friendly, practiced one. 

“No.” He grumbled. The sooner he could forget this whole thing the better. 

One of the wolves  - Roanne, he thought her name was? - lifted her nose to snuffle at his ear and whine. He yanked his head away and glared at her, but she did not seem particularly repentant. 

“Can’t you get them off? You’re their Alpha’s mate.” He grumbled. 

“Probably, if you really want them to. It’s Pack bonding for them, though. They’re accepting you and trying to show their affection.” 

“I don’t need their affection,” he muttered. “And your lodge has air conditioning. Why do they need to be on me?” 

Pip grinned. “Come on, guys.” The flood of heavy muscle and fur leapt off of him to receive pets from her and swirl around her happily. She waded through them to sit down on one of the now vacant seats on the couch. One of the wolves whined at her, but she shook her head and the wolf sat on her feet instead of climbing up on the couch. Most of the other wolves dispersed, finding other places to lay or wandering out of the room. 

“Our Pack has fully accepted three hunters and a fae into it.” Pip told him. “I’m not too surprised that they’re curious if they can add a vampire.” 

Rupert scowled. “I’m not interested in being their portable ice cube. I get enough of that from the wizards. Besides, vampires belong in vampire Families and wolves belong in Packs.” 

Pip shrugged. “I would have thought you’d have already seen that the division between races isn’t necessary or helpful. The Drakes and House Medeis have become one family. One of our Pack is a valued part of the Night Court and married to a fae now. Hunters are welcomed by wolves and a slayer works with a vampire on the Task Force.” 

Rupter grimaced. “Elder Maledictus is not typical of my kind.” 

The hunter laughed. “I’m just saying, there’s no reason you couldn’t make friends in the Pack."

He stared at her blankly. “Why?” 

For perhaps the first time, her brows drew together in an expression of some confusion. “So… Why did you volunteer to come visit?” 

“Killian asked me to.” He answered bluntly. He didn’t care who knew that and suspected that Killian didn’t either. 

“Oh.” She was disappointed by the answer, he could hear it in her voice and see it in her posture. “Do you know why he picked you?” 

Rupert shrugged. “The Eminent does not need to explain his choices to me.” 

“I see. Well, I guess let me know if there’s anything I can do to make your stay more pleasant.” Pip said awkwardly, coming to her feet and gesturing for the remaining wolves to come with her as she left the room. It was one of the lounges in the lodge, so it wasn’t his room, but they chose to give him the space anyway. 

By noon the following day Rupert was bored out of his mind. He wandered around, but the wolves gave him space and he felt himself growing steadily grumpier. He found his way outside and started wandering, but heard some slight noises that told him he was being followed. He turned around with a glare to see Rio in human form. The werewolf scowled right back at him and paused. 

“What do you want?” Rupert demanded. 

“I want to make sure you don’t get lost or in trouble with the humans.” He retorted. 

The humans were in no danger from him… but it was better to have a local if he attracted the attention of the infamous mayor. 

“Come on then, pup.” He turned and moved deeper into the woods, not waiting to see if Rio followed him. It only took a few seconds for the werewolf to catch up and walk beside him. 

“Where are you going?” 

Rupert shrugged. “Anywhere outside of the lodge.” 

“We’re heading for the pickleball court.” 

Rupert turned on his heel and went another direction at the statement, and Rio huffed. The noise almost sounded like amusement. 

“Now you’re heading for the old lodge.” 

Rupert glanced at the wolf but didn’t change direction. “I haven’t seen that yet.” 

“It’s a dump. Not really worth seeing.” 

“Dangerous?” 

“Not to supernaturals like us. Just not very interesting.” 

“Someone die out there?” To Rupert’s ears, the wolf sounded very reluctant to go out to the old lodge. 

“Probably, but no one I know.” 

Rupert crashed through some underbrush, but kept going and the werewolf went quiet for a bit of the following hike. Finally they came out of the trees and bush to see the dilapidated old building, and Rio stopped at the edge of the tree line. 

“I don’t think we should be here.” The wolf stated. “We should go back.” 

“You said it wasn’t dangerous.” Rupert protested, but glanced at Rio to gauge his reactions. “What happened here?” 

Rio sauntered forward slowly, sucking his head into his neck uncomfortably. “Aspen used Wolfsbane on three members of the Pack, turned Shania against her will, and tried to kill Pip.” 

Rupert tilted his head back, then gazed at the building with new eyes. He’d heard some of what happened with the Northern Lakes Pack and the Wolfsbane, but certainly not the complete story. The Pre-Dominant at the time seemed to be trying to keep it under wraps, and Killian wasn’t overly interested except for anything he might be able to use against the wolves. Ultimately the Eminent had decided whatever Harka might be hiding wasn’t worth the effort of trying to uncover. 

“Were you one of the ones she used Wolfsbane on?” He guessed. 

Rio took a deep breath, then let it out. “Yeah, but not here. She set me on Pip at her house, but Pip fought back.” 

Rupert snorted. “That little hunter took you down?” 

Rio glared at him. “She’s a hunter. I’d like to see you do better against a slayer. Or even just against Pip.” 

Rupert did not shudder at the idea of facing a slayer, not even though there was a significant difference. Hunters did not have blood that was lethal to wolves the way slayers had for vampires. 

“Did the poisoner die?” He asked instead of following that line of thought. 

“No. She’s in Ghast. Still alive, last I heard.” 

Rupert felt a slight sense of superiority. “Someone who tried that on a vampire Family would not survive to get to prison.” 

“She was Pack.” Rio’s defensive voice was more vehement than Rupert expected. 

“Clearly not.” He gauged the wolf’s clenched fists and weighed whether or not he wanted another fight with him. He didn’t think Rio was far off from it. This event was clearly some kind of sore spot for the wolf. “Regardless of what you thought. What was she? Relative? Friend?” 

“Shut up.” The wolf’s voice was quiet and dangerous. 

Rupert smirked. “Lover?” 

“You don’t know ANYTHING!” Rio roared and came at Rupert swinging. 

Several bruises and a possible broken rib later, Rupert leaned against a tree and tried to catch his breath while Rio did the same not far off. The wolf looked almost as bad off as Rupert did, and sank to the ground to nurse his swelling knee. 

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Rio said miserably after a long moment. “Vampires don’t love like wolves do.” 

Rupert stretched his neck, grimacing at his headache. “We don’t have mates, but the least fortunate vampires have their One. At least wolves don’t usually have to live on without their mate, when they have one.” A bit of bitterness came into his voice with his words. His thoughts felt slow, sluggish as a result of the fight and one or two knocks to the head. He realized dimly that normally he wouldn’t say anything like this. 

Rio peered up at him with a frown, then hazarded a guess. “You had a One, didn’t you?” 

Rupert didn’t answer, but when he glanced at the other man he realized he didn’t have to. The wolf had already sniffed out the answer. 

“I’m sorry.” Rio murmured. “Aspen wasn’t my mate… but I thought it was a close thing.” 

Rupert slid down to the ground to better rest and hoped his head would stop pounding soon. “It gets better, eventually. It helps if you don’t hold your pain tight as the center of who you are. It helps if you have Family, and someone holding you to a standard.” 

Rio nodded. “It does.” He agreed softly. 

They didn’t say more. They didn’t have to. When they’d both recovered enough, they stood and started making their way back towards the newer lodge. Rio occasionally leaned against Rupert or bumped against him, and in return Rupert snarled back. There wasn’t any heat in the exchange, but rather a strange sort of comfort borne of understanding and knowledge of similar pain. 

When they got close to the lodge, Aeric found them and whistled at the sight of all their injuries. He told them that Rupert had been gone long enough they’d started to search for him, then escorted them back towards the lodge where they found Greyson talking to Hector and Pip. The Alpha glanced up when they came into his line of sight, then seemed to slump a bit in resignation. 

“Did Killian know what he was doing when he decided to stick those two together under my watch?” He muttered to himself, but Rupert’s hearing was more than adequate to catch the comment. He ignored it in favor of going to his room to finish healing. 

The Alpha was not given a reason to separate the two of them again, to his wry surprise. Rio and Rupert stuck together, and despite the vampire’s complaints Rio frequently took advantage of his cooler temperature. Rupert was used to wizards doing it, so he resigned himself to allowing it from the taciturn werewolf. 

Eventually the time came that he had to return home, and Greyson made Hector remain in the Night Realm while he took Rupert wherever Rupert directed the nightmares to drop him off. Rupert knew that Killian would be moving the Family to House Medeis as soon as he could get rid of his guest, so he went straight to the wizard House. 

He found several wizards practicing on the training ground, and Felix whistled when he caught sight of Rupert. 

“That’s some shiner you got there.” The blond wizard commented before hugging the vampire, and Rupert could tell Greyson was more than a little tense as the wolf trailed after him. The Alpha no doubt wanted to get any confrontation with Killian over with, but Rupert doubted he had reason to worry. The ‘shiner’ was mostly healed already, and Hazel would talk Killian down if his calculating nature didn’t do that for her. 

Rupert waded through the dozen or so hugs that he was inflicted with before he finally made it to the door to find Killian waiting for him with a slightly amused smirk. The vampire leader’s red eyes took him in with a glance and then settled on Greyson before returning to Rupert. 

“I do hope you gave as good as you got.” He murmured to Rupert. 

“Naturally.” 

Killian nodded once, sharply. “Go unpack and then come report in.” 

“Understood.” Rupert did move slowly enough to try to hear if Killian spoke to Greyson at all, but he didn’t. Hazel popped up to hug Rupert and then to push her way past her husband to greet Greyson herself. 

He left her to be the diplomat and made his way up to his usual room. It hadn’t been a bad trip, he decided, but he was unlikely to end up going back. Besides, annoying wizards or no - it was good to be home. 

“I suppose four out of five isn’t an awful outcome.” Bellus ran a hand through his hair with the comment, seeming resigned. 

“I don’t think it was four out of five.” Hazel mused. “Rupert can be difficult to get along with at the best of times. I saw his report, and he doesn’t seem all that angry about the whole thing. I think I’d call it a success.” 

“I suppose you do interact with him and with Killian more.” Bellus said wryly. “But I think I will not be advocating for anything like this again.” 

Hazel reached over to pat the older man’s hand comfortingly. “I don’t think you’ll have to. I think a lot of our people will continue to interact without being pushed. You broke down the wall for us, and we’ll keep it going. It was a good idea.” 

“I will trust you on that. On another note, I’ve started the process of retiring…”