"Of course. I was getting a little ahead of myself. Please, assure your little siblings are safe and sound. And you, Illia, leave and go think about your apology to these travelers. They may have touched your ice but I know you do not mark the area to warn off travelers. Nor did you have a proper reason to kidnap their family without properly speaking with them!

" The ice dragon Illia flinched from Adiars' words and left the cavern as silently as possible. She knew that arguing would bring her only misfortune and pain.

Having one less domineering presence in the carved cave was enough for all of them to relax to a degree and huddle around Midnight. She was no longer shivering in fear but she was far from alright. Her body had no injuries but she and Onyx had been shaken.

"Brother, I am sorry for leaving without saying anything but I wanted to make sure sister was safe.

"

"You did very well. You even called for us and the world heard it. I don't know how that man was able to send us here but we owe him a lot. I'm just glad you are both safe.

" Onyx and Midnight were not so weak that Walker could actually crush them but the two acted as if he was squishing them to death when he hugged them both. Onyx had been quick to change his size to a more manageable level after Illia had left the carved cave.

"Sister says that she tried to escape but was trapped. She and I were sure that you would come.

" It was good to hear that Midnight had not given up on trying to get free but hearing that Onyx and Midnight knew to wait for them was good. They would have come no matter what and everyone in the family should know that they would never be left behind.

"A pure water dragon and a frost dragon. You all really know how to make it to amazing places.

" Zephyr had left the bow as soon as Gil had retracted the four arrows he had notched and ready to go. Gil still had a firm grip on the bow but Zephyr was completely relaxed.

"Aren't you cute? A pure water dragon is very rare. When I was born they hadn't even been able to fly yet. Now dragons' wings are so large. It's wonderful seeing the world change. I love this adventuring stuff.

"

"It is an honor to meet a grand spirit such as yourself. I hope that you feel at ease here. I know wind spirits prefer the open air.

" Adair was very respectful to Zephyr showing that she recognized the great difference in age between them. However, there was a slight twinge when Zephyr had called her cute. It was sure that the term was not her favorite but she would never react negatively to a being older and in certain ways, more powerful.

Seeing the actions of Zephyr stunned Gil but no one made a move. Su was still checking over Onyx and Midnight before giving her own hugs. Remey was trying to look as if she was completely calm but an occasional quiver of her lip made them all know that she was just as worried at the others. She continued to do this until Midnight and Onyx both pushed their heads to her shoulder and received a small head pat each.

The wandering blacksmith had been lost since he heard Walker introduce him as family. It had not set in just how attached and close he had grown to all of them. He knew they were more than business partners and more than just friends. But he had not openly said what they were. But it was true, they were family now, and when Midnight and Onyx had been taken he knew that he might not be wandering far and wide anymore. He wouldn't be able to deal with the feelings of loss he would have without them all in his life.

"Safe

" The rough hands on their head next was another comfort. The emotion on the wandering blacksmiths' face also showed that he felt the same as the rest of the party. It was a touching moment that Adair did not interrupt. Her own heart was full seeing it and she was making mental notes to lecture her daughter in time.

"Ehm, Thank you for giving us the moments we needed. I can tell you how we all came to know Midnight if you would like. But it has been a while so the stories of our adventures after that can take a decent amount of time.

" Walker faced Adair and saw that she was not perturbed at all by a long story.

"You are so young and naive. Your long story is very short to me. I am almost an ancient water dragon. To tell my stories you would have to sit for years on end without rest.

" The amusement in her statement was not missed. She may be a very powerful elder dragon but she still had her own emotions. To her, these were nothing but newly hatched babies trying to act like those older than themselves.

While Walker told the story the rest of the party would chime in here and there. Onyx eventually began to speak up as well when he had joined the party after hatching. The constant small growls and huff from Midnight were also understood by Adair while she listened closely. Every now and then she would as a question and glean more information. But after she had heard everything she had one question for the party and Midnight that was going to be the deciding factor in what she would do.

"Do you believe that the little champion can grow safely and properly with you? Or should I take her under my wing and teach her the ways of the dragons?

" The question floated in the air waiting for a reply.

…..

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