Triumphant return

The walk home is slower, but happier. Sanni leans on you, though you feel like it to as much out of affection as exhaustion. She’s tired, yes, but mostly she seems to just want the closeness. Naturally, the conversation immediately turns to what just happened.

“So, I never realized just how strong your magic actually is! You just essentially did brain surgery on a golem.”

Sanni laughs. “Well, I don’t like to brag, but my power is quite strong. However, you’re giving me more credit than I deserve on this one, I think.”

You shrug. “I don’t know much about golems, or magic at all, if I’m honest. My own talent is pretty specific.”

Sanni nods. “Well, enchanting is quite broad, and stronger enchanters can do a wider range of things. However, as I mentioned, most of the work was already done, I just had to get everything working again.”

You think for a moment. “So it was a bit like a broken wire, you were basically fixing broken connections.”

Sanni looks at you, slightly confused. “That sounds like a new world concept, but I think you’re right. Really, the magical surge would have destroyed her mind if she were a normal golem. Andrew clearly spent a lot of time and energy making her.”

You nod. “She definitely seems like part of their family. Seeing her wake up like that was…dramatic. Not quite like watching a baby open their eyes, but close.”

Sanni laughs, kissing your cheek. “Interesting choice of analogy there, Greg. Thinking about knocking someone up?”

You chuckle, shaking your head. “Not at the moment, but I’ll admit I’ve imagined what it would be like.”

Sanni smiles and nods. “You’re not alone. We’ve talked about it among ourselves as well. Nothing serious, just the normal ‘what if’ sort of thing.”

Suddenly curious, you look at Sanni. “And?”

She laughs again. “Got your attention, hmm? We all agreed that it would be interesting, to say the least. None of us are particularly young, except Naia and now Julie, so of course we think about it a bit. Long story short, none of us are opposed to children, but we’re not going to actively try for anything just yet. After all, we’re not going anywhere, and it seems like you want to stick around!”

You laugh. “That’s an understatement! Wild bears couldn’t pull me away from you girls.”

Sanni grins. “I don’t know, bear girls are notoriously aggressive…”

You roll your eyes. “Leave the sarcasm for Marin and Aisha. You know what I meant.”

Sanni smiles, nodding. “Of course I do. It’s just fun to tease you sometimes!”

She laughs, and you chuckle, shaking your head. By now, you’ve arrived at the house, and even just opening the door you can smell delicious food, reminding you that you and Sanni haven’t eaten since breakfast. Looking at her, you can see that she has the same thoughts. Anything else can wait until you’ve eaten.