Return to happy times

Over the next few days, things seem to return to a state of normalcy. With no real threats on the horizon, there’s a tangible feeling of relief, both in your family and from the populace. Travel, both in and out of the city picks up, and your advisors tell you of plans to rebuild towns lost in the decades of war.

You even hear word from the west that the remnants of the triumvirate government have reached an accord with your border guards. They are sending an envoy to work out a deal for joining your empire. Supposedly, Bast was the catalyst for the sudden shift, having stormed into their building and leaving them with what remained of Marcus. Though that isn’t how you hoped to win over their support, you can’t complain about the results.

As far as your home life, everyone is fawning over the babies, and the newly-pregnant Samara excitedly talks with Kali, Clarissa, and Rachel about what’s coming for all of them. Sadie and Uzume happily fall into roles as “aunts”, already making plans to spoil the kids as much as possible.

Elys, meanwhile, spends much of her time helping Maya with the twins. Though she has no interest in having her own child, she shows her love for both Maya and yourself through her care of your children. The contentment on the gorgon’s face is incredible, and more than once she thanks you for allowing her the ability to simply be herself.

Reika, as the newest member of the family, still sometimes feels a bit like an outsider, despite everyone telling her different. The changeling spent so much of her life hiding, that she finds the open acceptance hard to believe. Oddly enough, once again it’s the babies that settle the issue. Giving Lynn a chance to rest, Reika is gently rocking little Bella, just staring and smiling at the tiny goblin child. When she senses you watching, she looks up at you, and you see tears in her eyes. No words need to be said, you simply kiss her forehead and leave her to stare in wonder at the sleeping baby in her arms.

As for yourself, you busy yourself with various projects in between time with your family and the minor problems that always crop up running a nation. You decide to keep what Bast told you to yourself for now, expecting everything to resolve soon regardless. The week passes quickly, organizing artisans to craft a communication mirror for Iris, sending messages to the other leaders, and informing your military of the updated situation.