This time of year, the low- hanging sun bathed the north in perpetual twilight. The sky was splattered with orange and purple and streaked with coldly glittering stars behind a moon unsure if it should be sharing space with the sun. 

Jeni didn’t know what to do with the feelings welling up inside her. Just a few weeks ago, her life was routine and mundane with no expectation of future change. But now...

From atop the wagon’s seat, she looked down at her nestmate resting his head on her lap, his eyes closed. She strongly resisted the urge to fawn over him lest she disturb his glyph practice.

“Why is it so hard to look inside out?!?”

Jeni cocked her head. “Pioneering Azalea asks peculiar questions.”

“I almost had it that time!” From where the frustrated fairy sat on Reina's back, she threw a handful of snow into the air.

“This one would like to help but needs further information on what frustrated Azalea is trying to do to raise such a question.”

Azalea tapped her finger rhythmically to the crunch of Reina’s hooves and the hiss of the metal runners.

“My deep-focus crest allows me to mentally visualize what's happening inside myself, but only me. I want to combine it with my halation ability to see inside of Reina, so her and Life-mate can make love without having to unnecessarily worry about making little Whitehorns."

“This one suggests activating sharp-eyed Azalea’s halation behind her eyes instead of in front.”

Azalea bit her lip as she pondered the idea. Jumping up, she flittered over to where Jeni sat and squeezed into the tiny bit of lap space between Jeni and Devin. "Can I try practicing on you? It's hard to concentrate when it's so cold."

"This one's body is always at proactive Azalea's disposal."

"Thank you."

While Jeni left Azalea to puzzle out her suggestion, a sudden gust of wind prompted another downpour of thick snow. While fluffing up her feathers, she pulled the blanket higher over Devin and spread her wings to shield both him and Azalea. Satisfied everyone was comfortable, she blinked away the icy wind stinging her eyes. 

Reina's steady gait made it seem as if they were traveling through a veil of shooting stars. Puffy flakes tumbled past, obscuring what would normally be a panoramic view of Glacial-lock fjord. Far below, barges trawled up and down the waterway like little leaves bobbing and weaving among the fractured ice.

During her twenty four years of life, the harpy had seldom ventured outside the city walls, primarily because she had no need.  However, she had a vague idea where they were, having memorized a map before they left. 

They were approximately eighteen miles, or three Reina pee breaks, as was her custom at measuring distance on the Frostwood Highway. A major artery between the coast and the interior land. Their destination was close to the halfway point between Iceford and Merport.

“I think it’s working, Jeni!” exclaimed Azalea. Her pointer fingers and thumbs formed a spade, or a lewder suggestible shape if one were to imagine hard enough.

"What did problem-solving Azalea deem the problem to be?"

Still concentrating on her fingers, Azalea answered, "Till now, I was overloading myself with too much visual information, making me dizzy, but using my fingers like this, I'm able to focus on only the space in-between."

Azalea moved her hands around Jeni's belly. The owlgirl's reproductive tract appeared as a vague bioluminescent-outline in her mind. Her vision still lacked the clarity and detail she desired, but she was confident it was only a matter of time before she perfected this technique.

“Thank you for the tip, Jeni! “How did you know that would work?”

“This one didn't, but remembered she was acquainted with a classmate who studied demi-humans' various alternative visual abilities and recalled being told how light enters an individual's head and is seen upside-down by the brain.

"Thus this one postulated that if vision is reversed, maybe perceptive Azalea’s unique sight could be inverted."

“I don’t get it, but however it works, I can see everything now! I think I can share with you. Would you like to see?”

Astounded with not only Azalea's accomplishment at achieving something she’d never heard of being done but also at the speed in which she had figured it out… she wouldn't dare miss this opportunity.

“This one would like to very much.”

With her hands already occupied, Azalea instead pressed her lips to Jeni’s in a more intimate kiss than was necessary. Her crest and eyes growing brighter with the added affinic load placed with her body.

Surprised at both the sudden intimate gesture and her vision folding in on itself, Jeni tensed as the outside world faded into dim shadowy form. A mental diagram of her own insides appeared in front of her. She calmed somewhat and closed her eyes to focus on the mental picture.

Breaking the kiss so she could talk, Azalea pressed their foreheads together. “Isn't this amazing? Yours looks so different from mine, especially how long your tubes are connecting to your, um… what were they called? Ovaries?"

Sure enough, near the top were the organs responsible for producing her eggs. Two grape-clustered structures were each connected by a tubular ribbon descending to an oval shaped pouch sitting atop her vagi-cloacal opening.

“The length of this one’s oviduct allows for the creation of the shell around this one’s ovum. Similar to rolling a snowball on the ground, layers are added on the way down.”

"Is that how they are made? Amazing! Does that mean that tiny thing near the top is the beginning of your egg forming?”

With her vision tied to her hands, the fairy positioned where she was looking. A small, round pearl, about the size of a pea, was beginning to form.

“This one believes that is the start of this one's egg, yes."

“Amazing! How long before it looks like an egg-egg?"

"Several days."

"Would you mind if I take a peek tomorrow to see how it’s progressing?”

“This one does not mind,” Jeni accepted with no reservation.

“Bodies are such amazing things. Oh, right! I should go try this on Reina.”

Azalea jumped up, suddenly cutting the connection with Jeni. Grabbing onto the seat to steady herself as her vision returned to normal, Azalea dove beneath the belly of her sizable lover and hovered in place. "Ready, Reina?"

"I guess?" 

“Let's see what's going on in there."  Azalea pressed up against the shaggy coat and mentally squinted. "Huh. Why is it so hard to see? It's like looking through a rain splattered window. Hmm...” Azalea shifted to the side. “Oh, I see! Your bladder is in the way and quite full from the look of it. Would you mind emptying so I can see better?"

Though a little startled that Azalea could tell, Reina knew her fae lover was doing all this for her and Devin. She was happy for Azalea discovering this astounding, yet intrusively insightful, ability. Also it was about time to mark their mileage again. Unable to pee while walking, she came to a halt and raised her tail.

“Thank you, my love.” Azalea watched with rapt attention as Reina constricted her bladder, causing the liquid-filled bag to quickly empty, leaving a clearer view of what lay behind.

“There we go. As expected, yours looks more like mine, though much bigger, obviously. Lets see, do you have any eggs floating around in there? Hmm, maybe. I think I might see one, but I can’t really tell; it's too tiny."

“This one suggests giving her goggles a try,” Jeni offered.

“Where are they?” Azalea queried as she floated above the sleigh and reached for a bag.

“The other bag… in the back.”

Azalea fluttered to the rear of the sleigh and dug through Jeni’s belongings. She lifted out a pair of heavy brass glasses – much too big to wear. She reasoned maybe one side would work, so she returned to her spot beneath Reina and held up one of the lenses to her face.

“It's still fuzzy.”

“Rotate the lens,” was Jeni’s suggestion.

The blurry flood of kaleidoscopic colors suddenly cleared. “It’s working! I can see, but what am I looking at?”

“Turn the other lens.”

Azalea zoomed out. “Too much, just go back a little and… ah, I see it –  Reina’s womb! Looks like a hollow pear. And… there is one – a tiny little egg floating down.

“Looks like today’s not a safe day, Life-mate.”

Devin, who had been meditating the whole time, finally opened his eyes. Raising up off Jeni's warm lap, he rubbed his eyes. "There's no hurry, but thank you for doing all this for us."

“Of course! I want Life-mate and Reina to be super lovey-dovey so they can go at it with reckless abandon without unnecessary worry!”

"Come here." Devin opened his arms, inviting Azalea in for a hug. 

Always ready for one of those, she bolted into Devin's embrace, as he showered her in kisses.

Jeni added a few kisses of her own. "This one believes talented Azalea is exceptionally gifted."

"I don't think so, but I'd try my best to do anything for any one of you!"

“Putting that aside, there is one more success to announce today,” 

“Don’t tell me, Life-mate… did you finally figure out your glyph?”

“I think so.”

“Finally! Now Reina and I can begin making milk!  We should probably wait till we get to where we are going. It's too cold out here, and it’ll be easier if we are relaxed and comfortable. How much farther do we have to go?”

Up ahead, a worn sign had arrows pointing in two directions. Devin cited, "I believe that sign is an indication we are close."

"Merport, seventeen miles. Muddy Springs thirty miles," read Azalea. "So we'll be there by late afternoon. What should we do in the meantime?"

"I enjoy your singing," voted Reina.

"Oh? Are you going to join me this time, my shy lover? You could see your sultry voice make me swoon."

"I'll think about it. We'd need to find a song we both know," Reina conceded.

"Alright. We can discuss it when I rest my voice between songs."

As they turned northeast onto a side road, Azalea's tinkling voice whittled away the boring hours. She entertained her family with songs ranging from sentimental love ballads to silly, bawdy limericks. The latter she was especially skilled at timing to the serenade of Reina's harness bells.

“Melodic Azalea is gifted with a lovely, euphonious voice.” Jeni clapped her wingtips together.

“Thank you, Jeni." Azalea took a drink from Devin's waterskin. "This is the first time you heard me, huh? Wish I could continue, but my throat’s tired, so I'm gonna stop for now. Buuuut, you said you’d think about it sometime ago… can I hear you sing?”

“This one doesn’t know what to sing.”

“Anything. Something from when you were little?”

The little owl dug through her memory. She wasn’t sure she was going to find much inspiration there. She didn’t have many memories from before her mentor had taken her in. There was a particular one, faded and tattered from the passage of time – a pair of faces.

“Maybe a song based on how you feel right now?” suggested Devin.

'How this one feels now?' she considered. 'Happy, satisfied with her new family. Maybe tentative excitement about what the future would bring.’

Trying to picture those faces always brought one particularly strong emotion with it – a deep longing; an ache she didn't fully understand. A longing for what or rather whom? Then a seemingly random tune surfaced above the cacophony of flickering thoughts.

“This one remembers a song. It's sort of both a happy song and sad song, this one supposes."

“Let's hear it!” encouraged Azalea, snuggling under the owl girl's wing.

Reina slowed her gait to lessen the sound of the bells while Devin held the scarf Jeni removed to breathe better.

Surrounded by everyone she loved, the little owl poured out her feelings.

Slow and haunting, her tone carried with it wistful imaginings, hesitant excitement, and unfulfilled yearning. The weight and intensity of Jeni's voice caught everyone off guard and seemed to change the very mood of the forest.

The lyrics were in an old dialect usually only spoken by the oldest of demi-humans. The notes were clear, yet the discernable phonology only added to the sense of ancient mystique. Any meaning derived from the verses was quickly put into doubt by a generous amount of poetic metaphor.

Reaching the end of her song, the last notes lingered in the frosty air, challenging anyone to break the emotional enchantment early.

In the midst of the musical euphoria and unable to hold herself back, Azalea looked up in wonder and proclaimed, "You're an amazing singer, Jeni!"

"This one has only sung a few times and never in front of others."

"I'm over the moon we could be your first audience!" the fairy stated.

"This one has no need to sing and only remembers the one song."

"Don't say that! Sometimes, it's the best way to express your emotions in ways just words can't. You can learn more, and maybe Reina, you, and I could be a trio together for Life-mate!"

Devin put his arm around Jeni. "As much as I think you could monetize your talents, I'm happy keeping it all to myself."

Jeni snuggled closer. "If this one's vocal utterances brings joy to everyone, maybe she will put more effort into it."

"Can you tell us more about that song? Is it important to you?" asked Devin.

"For some reason, this one ties it to a memory of two faces she doesn't recall."

"Your parents?" proposed Reina.

"This one doesn't know."

"Maybe it was a lullaby they sang to you when you were little," suggested Azalea. "Have you never seen a picture of them?"

"Or asked your guardian about them?" probed Devin.

"This one never thought to ask Old Mentor before she left for the academy."

"He's still around, right? Maybe you can go ask him?" Devin advocated gently.

"It has been many cycles of the sun since this one has spoken to Old Mentor. She would be anxious about re-establishing contact after such an extended period of time. What would this one even say?"

Azalea ticked off ideas on her fingers. "Tell him how you're doing, what you're up to, maybe about us, the journey we are going to go on… anything to break the ice. Then ask him if he knows or is willing to share anything about your parents.

"I suggested Reina write a letter to her family as well," confided Devin. 

"Did tender Reina come to a decision?"

"I feel the same as you Jeni. It's hard to reconnect after so much time has passed. Even before I met herd-mate, I'd rarely spoken to mother and father since… since a long time ago. Maybe your mentor did know something but hasn't told you, because he had a reason not to tell you — protecting your feelings, perhaps."

Azalea nodded. "If he was, maybe he was waiting till Jeni was more mature to broach the subject. Regardless, that's a decision she will have to make."

-----

To a great extent, The United Dominion of Lindone is ecologically divided into three regions. At the extreme north of the treeline was the boreal tundra. Flat with blackish-orange lichen-covered rocks and ice-blasted grasses struggled for survival and acted as an important staple for the herd-centric demi-humans to migrate and live off during the height of winter.

On the other end of the kingdom, the densely packed greenwood to the south, had a closed-canopy allotting protection to the richest density of the kingdom's population. Possessing the warmest soils and highest productivity, it afforded the longest growing season.

Between these two, running parallel, were the midland marshes. With its sparse foliage and exposure to the sky, the open-canopy left many lakes unprotected and accessible to the rain and snow runoff creating many fens and bogs.

These peaty wetlands occasionally hid private glens. Sometimes colloquially called the Elderbrume enclaves, they were home to odd environmental conditions and even stranger inhabitants. If a traveler wasn't careful, they could inadvertently wander into these peculiar places.

"This path is growing strange, Herd-mate, it's getting hard to pull,” Reina commented, her voice not hiding her efforts.

"I see that. There is an abnormal absence of snow."

Steam wafted from the ground in wispy patches, leaving melted, soggy patches of ground.

“Do your best. Go off road if you have to. If we can't continue, maybe one of us can scout ahead and see how far we are from… anything.”

Reina did her best, drifting from snow patch to hard ice, but the deeper they went, the foggier it grew.

"Do you think we are in one of the enclaves?" asked Azalea a little too excitedly. "Hey, Reina," Azalea flew up and landed on the Whitehorn's antlers, "during your herd's migrations, have you ever seen anything… strange?" She added a spooky emphasis on the last word.

"What do you mean?" 

"Any sightings of rare creatures, like a will-o'-wisps or wendigos?"

"No, we tended to stay away from those places, and I'm convinced most are just fanciful tales."

"Hmm, I think they are real, or at least I want them to be. What about you Life-mate? Jeni? What do you think?"

"I've never really thought about it. I've stuck mostly to the cities," Devin responded.

"This one has read much of the literature of supposed eye-witness accounts in the capital's libraries.”  

"So they do exist!" Azalea squeaked.

"Some, yes. Dubbed the antecessors by researchers and academicians, they are classified as rare vestiges of autochthonic beings — original inhabitants of the continent before humans and demi-humans arrived. Though nearly every aspect of these people are hotly debated – their numbers, do they have a culture or language? Even their physical figure is disputed.

"Don't we know what some of them look like?"

"Yes and no. And to make a correction, wendigos are not autochthonic, just ancient and perhaps the least rare. They are extremely reclusive, and the only documented encounters are when they save travelers lost or trapped in the mountains. They are consistently described as possessing a pair of asymmetrical antlers or bone atop their head, stand upright, and appear to have coarse, shaggy fur, though some argue it's actually a long, hooded robe because no one has seen their face.

"This one is undecided whether she believes in the existence of antecessors lacking physical form, such as will'o'wisps," Jeni expounded.

"I would guess not many ventured to these places without a purpose, like researchers, explorers, hermits, eccentrics, or curiosity-seekers." Reina remarked.

"Or maybe someone keen on establishing a niche business." Devin pointed ahead to a structure built into a hollowed-out peat hill, indistinguishable from the landscape if not for a warm and inviting light emanating from the square glass windows.

Still moving the sleigh forward, Reina asked, "So this is the place Mavis recommended, ‘A family-run business said to cater to a healthy body and stress-freeing experience,’ I think she said. "Is this alcove, perhaps, a place to park the sleigh, Herd-mate?"

"Looks like it. We'll have to push it in."

Reina maneuvered the sleigh in front of the hollowed-out recess. Jumping down, Devin helped unhitch Reina and together they slid their transport underneath the eave.

Devin was helping Jeni down when they heard a rustle from a nearby bush.

Out of the foliage, two long antenna stalks poked out, swiveling back and forth. A foot followed – not a foot with toes, but a long muscular one.

The owner of the foot emerged wearing a hood pulled over her eyes. As the rest of her appeared, the hood proved to be a part of her body, calling into question if she had eyes to cover.

She was wearing a shirt, too, but if it was to preserve her modesty, it made little difference. The viscous mucous covering her body soaked through it, making it nearly see-through. It also stuck to her skin to outline a pair of loosely hanging breasts.

On her back rode a grayish-beige, spiraled shell with random items stuck to it. Most likely her belongings. Two of which included two medium-sized open barrels that were filled to the brim with something clear, gelatinous, and jiggly.

“Slug-girl?” whispered Devin.

“Snail-girl, Life-mate. What is she carrying?”

She crawled down the embankment at an agonizingly slow but relaxed pace. The steep angle caused one of the jiggly blobs to spill onto the ground.

To Devin and the others’ surprised abhorrence, the liquid moved, seemingly bewildered at its new state of affairs.

Reina grabbed at Devin's sleeve, "It's alive?!?"

The thing reformed its body, groping around blindly for some clue as to where it was.

Noticing the little creature’s predicament, the snail-woman scooped it up gently and cradled it to her chest. Back in familiar territory, the ooze slid onto one breast, unwilling to part as it suckled her nipple through her shirt. Content with letting it stay there, the woman smiled and resumed her sluggish journey toward the front entrance.

Grabbing their belongings and following in the wake of the slime trail, Devin’s family filed through the front door.

The reception room was airy and spacious, loosely broken up into designated sections by the layout of the furniture. Taking up nearly two-thirds of the far side of the room was a roaring hearth with reclining couches and chairs arranged for large gatherings to socialize.

The other one-third was separated by a partitioning of plants with an expansive window flanked by bookshelves and piles of pillows underneath.

To the immediate right was the front desk, curved in a semi-circle, with the wall advertising locally-made handcrafted goods.

An older piglin woman with sun-baked skin and patches of fur like dark oak greeted them. She had small, triangular, flappy ears and a mane of long, white hair, striped with a flash of silver, flowing down her back. She was chastening the snail-woman.

“Snegl, how many times must I remind you? Please use the back door. What if my guests trip?”

The snail-woman smiled, uncomprehendingly.

She sighed. “I wish you spoke the common tongue. Just uh… dump 'em here.” She motioned to a lidless crate that she attempted to drag over. her short, curly screw-tail unfurling with the exertion.

Chubby as she was, the piglin woman’s belly was exceptionally pronounced. With how high it rode on her short, stocky frame, she appeared pregnant.

 "Please, let me help," offered Devin, rushing forward to assist. The adhesive slime on the floor was stronger than expected, making Devin trip.

"See? This is exactly why!" the matron complained out loud. “You alright, young man? Didn’t twist anything?”

“Doesn't feel like it." Devin stepped out of his boots and, with significant effort, pried them loose. "This stuff is stronger than glue!"

"Lasts longer, too. With how slow they are, really helps'em catch a mate, but can be a real nuisance, too.”

Devin lifted the crate and set it in front of the snail-girl.

"Thank you. Some things are extra challenging with this little guy." The matron rubbed her belly. 

“Are you expecting?”

“Not exactly. Though, one could say I've been expecting these last twenty years.”

“Eh?”

Rosalind placed one of the clear-bodied creatures on her belly bump, wondering if he understood.

Reina Grimaced. “You have one of those inside you?”

“I do.”

“What's that face for, Reina, squeamish?” Azalea teased.

“Sorry. I don’t do well with, um… gooey things.”

“I think they look cute when they jiggle.” Azalea giggled. Turning to the matron, “What are they called?”

Rosalind patted her belly, "Some people call them mirelings. As a whole, we call 'em schlicums."

"That's a funny name." 

"It's a colloquial term--  they make the same sound you hear when rubbing your lady bits.” 

“May I feel?” requested Azalea.

“Go ahead.”

Azalea flew up and placed her hands on Rosalind’s stomach. Utilizing her newly developed ability, Azalea’s eyes flashed as she prepared to visualize Rosalind’s depths. Inside the piglin matron’s womb, the gelatinous creature was curled into a ball, seemingly sleeping. 

“Very cute, and it’s quite big.”

“It was small at first but reached this size after a few years. I think this is as big as it’ll ever get.”

“May I hold one?” 

“Of course!” Rosalind handed Azalea an especially small one.

“I they look moist, but they feel a little like… um… sticky tree sap? …but they don’t leave any residue.”

The mireling explored Azalea’s hand, crawling up her arm to see where it went.

Reina shied away. “Not to be rude, but why do you have one inside you?”

“Have you heard of the legend of Squirme?”

“I haven’t.”

“It’s a diary written by an explorer named Aster, who met and traveled with an Oozari.”

From where she was standing, Reina noticed Azalea’s initial excitement melt into a frown. Her expression darkened and she stared into space as if recalling an unpleasant memory. 

“I’m unfamiliar with that term,” the whitehorn stated.

“Oozari is an old name for a slime,” Rosalind replied.

“Aren’t those a myth?” challenged Devin.

“Many think so, but some argue there might be some truth, based on the way the author wrote about his companion, the initial encounter, and his observations. It was after reading the story that I began to wonder about these little things. Perhaps, if these were related in some way, they just needed a mother’s touch to help them grow into one. Unfortunately, nothing seemed to have come of it.

“What started out as an experiment of curiosity ended up fulfilling a yearning I've had since the end of my child-bearing years. I enjoy nurturing life, if my eight daughters are any indication, and these little guys have let me enjoy that pleasure once again. In addition, this one I think has inadvertently prevented me from suffering from many of the symptoms some women past their prime experience.

“Also they are fascinating creatures. No eyes or ears as far as we can tell; they only sense the world through touch and maybe taste. They don’t like extreme temperatures. Too cold, and they’ll go into hibernation. Too hot, and they’ll condense their body to keep from drying out. They normally move very slowly and shun large bodies of water, preferring to live in the more brackish bogs and fens around here.

“We trade for them from Snegl here and use them in our business before releasing them back into the wild. They can adjust the acidity in their body to eat and clean. Though it's one and the same to them. For example…” Rosalind gathered a few of the creatures and dropped them on the floor. Their liquid bodies squished and squelched as they crawled toward the snail-girl cleaning up her mucous trail. 

“Azaaaaaaleaaaa!” A high voice from across the room suddenly shouted the fairy’s name. 

Turning around to see who spoke, Azalea was instantly tackled by a blur, somersaulting her backwards onto the desk. A chaos of arms, legs, wings and bodies stuck together with an equally confused mireling tangling Azalea up with her assailant.

Managing to free an arm from the grappled hug, Azalea pushed back her accoster's floppy, apple-top hat. A white, wild-haired, six-winged fae with soft pastel highlighted hair and oversized glasses rapidly peppered her with questions.

“Itsyou!Ifinallyfoundyou!Where'veyoubeenareyouokwhydidn'tyouwrite?"

Dressed as if a drunk uncoordinated jester had fallen face-first into a closet, her paint splattered dress, mismatched stockings, and oversized foxglove sleeves shouted eccentric.

“By all the fairy rings of the fae people! Zinni? How…what are you doing here?!” 

Zinni’s face was firmly planted in Azalea’s bosom, laughing one moment, crying the next, and finally turning serious."

“I flew.”

“Obviously! No, I mean here, here!”

“I flew west?”

Azalea rubbed the space between her brows. “New question. How did someone as much of a homebody as you leave your warm, safe home to come here?” She motioned around her.

“Oooooh! Well, you see, when we last saw each other, you were going to search for a life-mate. When a long time passed and you didn’t come back, I suspected you might have found one. So, as your bestest and closest friend, I considered it my duty to congratulate you. Although I wasn’t one-hundred-percent sure you had found one, I left to go find you and ask.

"I did not exactly know where to go or who to ask, so I considered finding the nearest human village and... I didn't really have a plan after that. Soooo, not knowing how far I’d have to go, I packed a lot of ink, quills, parchment and, of course, snacks. Two nights in abandoned harpy nests and several stops to ask directions to the nearest big people place, and I arrived here!”

Azalea could only stare at her friend incredulously.

Rosalind patted Zinni with her pudgy finger. “Poor thing was exhausted. Found her tangled up in the windchimes out front.”

“Oh, yes! Did you see those on the way in, Azalea? They make such a pretty sound when the wind…urghk.”

Azalea squeezed her bubbly friend in a tight embrace, tears forming in her eyes. “You… you naïve, reckless, lovable, caring girl! I don’t deserve a friend like you. That was ridiculously dangerous, especially for you with no outside village experience. Promise me you’ll never do something like this again!” 

“I’m sorry. I promise. It all worked out, though. I arrived before the first snow, but I think I’m stuck here till spring.”

The two friends stayed together for several moments.

Zinni broke the silence. “So, now that I found you, did you find one? A life-mate?”

Azalea gave the biggest smile and jumped up flying a circle around Devin, Reina, and Jeni. “Right here,” she announced proudly.

Zinni’s jaw dropped as she made eye contact with each one. Collecting herself, she jumped up and grabbed Azalea’s hands. “You did it! I’m so happy for you! All your dreams came true and then some!”

“Not all, but yes, my biggest and most important ones!”

“You know, when I arrived here, I wasn’t prepared for how big everything and everyone would be. Sure, I read about the outside world, but seeing the real thing…” She looked Devin up and down. “Does that mean he’s also big… down there?” she whispered.

Azalea spread her arms as wide as they’d go.

Her eyes widened. “Whoa.”

“Has he made you into his little cocksock yet?" Zinni inspected Azalea's stomach looking for signs of stretching.

Azalea giggled. "Not yet, I'm not stretchy enough."

"You're not? But… you're like the stretchiest fairy I know! Well, you're the only fairy I know, but with your herit…" Zinni clapped her hands over her mouth. “I mean, I'm sure you'll fit him in no time. Will… will he talk to me?”

“Of course, silly! Go say hi.” Azalea pushed her toward Devin. She looked up in awe at the giant standing before her.

“H… hello, life-mate of Azalea.”

“Hello, Zinni. It's a pleasure to meet you.”

Zinni brought her hands to her chest. “He… he said I'm a pleasure, Azalea!  W…what do I say back?”

Giggling again, Azalea replied, “Tell him what you are and what you do.”

“Right… introductions, those are important!” She cleared her throat. “I…I’m Zinnia Sunpetal, a Leanan Sidhe, a drawer of picture stories and sometimes a poet.”

“What kind of stories?” Asked Reina.

“Ones with adventure and excitement that dampens your chair and sets your passions ablaze!”

“I'd be interested in reading them,” the Whitehorn offered.

“You would?” Zinni’s voice cracked. “Oh dear, I didn’t bring any with me. Maybe I could go get them..No, too far, maybe…”

“She didn’t mean right now,” Azalea said while patting her friend’s hand.

“Oh. Thatsareliefit'ssocoldoutsideandIwasn’trelishin theideaofbecomingafaeciclebutthenagainmaybeyou’dhavetolickmeoutandthat’dfeelnicebutyourtonguewouldgetstuckandyou’dtalkfunnyand…!”

Azalea placed her fingers on the gabby girl’s lips, shushing her. "They are erotic stories about goblins and their knight companions. She's also a better artist than me. I can only draw things I’ve seen. She can draw from imagination, in any position, even flying.”

“No, no, no, your art is wonderful! I love your drawings! Especially the penis ones. They are so dreamy and anatomically correct! I still use them as resource material."

"I drew one of Life-mate's! I can show you later."

"You did? I bet you’ve added many more pictures to your album since last I met you, and they probably have many fun stories tied to them!"

"Not as many as you might think, but I do have a few! Let's talk over there while Life-mate finishes the boring stuff."

“Such a lively bunch.” Gushed the Piglin matron. “Warms my heart to see friends reunited.”

“I’m Rosalind Sven by the way. Sorry I didn’t fully introduce myself earlier. Welcome to Muddy Springs! Allow us to pamper you and immerse you in a unique experience encouraging relaxation and promoting rejuvenation. May I ask how you heard of us?”

“My sister recommended we visit.”

“Who's your sister?”

“Mavis…” Devin started.

“Mavis, ah, the delivery harpy! Clever tongue and smart head on that lass. How many nights and how many rooms?”

"One night and two roo..."

“One room,” the girls broke in, in unison.

"I was trying to be considerate," Devin apologized

"Appreciate the gesture, but we'd be negligent in our hospitality if we couldn't provide for all the needs of our guests. A centaur-sized family room should fit you all comfortably. If you would please fill out this guest register, I’ll ring my daughters.”

Rosalind pulled a knotted cord. From far away, the faint tinkle of a bell clang.

Reading the register as he wrote, Rosalind checked, "Before I forget, Mr. Ebonplume, I do have to ask, does anyone in your group have affinity?"

"Three of us do, including myself. Is that a problem?"

"No, no, just checking. Sometimes it can have an effect on the visitor’s experience.” She turned away and reached for a key and a sheet of paper. At that same moment, a younger piglin woman entered the room.

"There you are, my little piglet! Where's your sisters?”

"Prepping for dinner."

"Good! Please tell them to prepare five times the normal amount after you take our guests to their room."

"Yes, momma," the daughter replied.

Turning to Devin, Rosiland announced happily, "We hope you and your family enjoy your stay. Vanora will see to it that you're comfortable and be able to answer any questions you may have."

"Thank you, Miss Sven." 

Rosalind handed her daughter the key, a parchment and whispered something in her ear. Nodding she understood, Rosalind's daughter motioned them to follow.

Piglins were a common enough sight they were considered part of the big four. Out of three other demi-human tribes with the largest populations, they were second after the ant duchy, and before the sheepkin and satyrs.

As tall as humans, their rotund physique often disguised an explosive amount of underlying strength. Hardy and stubborn, they often surprised outsiders with their wit and penchant for truffles.

Vanora was a younger, chubbier version of her mother. On the verge of adulthood, her tusks were beginning to set in, yet she still retained the supple pink skin of her youth. Exemplified moreso by the carnation-dyed turtle neck sweater and short skirt with a rear slit her perky screw tail poked through. 

“I’m enamored by your hairstyle.” Admired Reina. 

Her flaxen hair fell in tight ringlets across her shoulders. 

Reina didn’t know if it was the latest trend, but she’d noticed a similar hairstyle among the younger generation and was curious how someone so far removed from civilization would 

“Thank’ee! It's hard staying caught being so far from the city, but I manage by subscribing, via Wing and Claw Delivery, for the most popular monthly fashion magazines! For clothes, Regal Threads and Court Couture has all the royal familie's top clothing picks and when it comes to hair; Courtly Curls, Timeless Tresses and Crowning Glory are a must have!

“This particularly hairstyle is called princess curls, but my sister and I prefer to call’em corkscrew curls, or pigtails. You can probably see why.” 

“I’ve noticed a similar trend among the younger generation in Iceford.”

Vanora was happy to hear she was still up to date in her looks and moved with a spirited bounce that made it hard not to stare at the well-fed bottom jiggling underneath.

"How long have you been here? Your business, I mean?" asked Devin 

Vanora stopped and brought a finger to her dangerously pouty lips. "Many generations. Mama says as far back as the second dis...dis...something."

"Dispensation?” offered Devin.

"That's the word! What does that mean?"

"It describes the second migration of humans and demi-humans from the middle kingdom to the north."

"Ooooh. Yes, around when that happened, piglin tribes settled in this part of the swamplands, and this was the spot my great-great-great-great, um, actually I don't remember how many greats, but they made this their home.”

"And what a lovely home it is!" Reina reached up, enjoying being unable to touch the ceiling. "It's refreshing not having to worry about bumping my head.”

"When mama was younger, she wanted a place where every type of person could relax and feel good. So she rebuilt our home to acc...accom, fit all sizes of demi's.

“We live on the top floor, leaving the entire bottom level for guests. We can room twenty-five customers, single- or family-size. Each room has its own sauna, complete with a view, and stocked with your choice of locally-made incense.”

Uniquely round, the hallway was more of a tunnel with the widest portion at hip level. Artwork of piglins, possible family members or relatives intermittently decorated the wall.

"Here is your room.” Vanora stopped and unlocked an exceedingly large door with a picture of…Devin didn’t know what it was. A mireling covered in mud?

Inside the room, great roots grew down from the ceiling, forming natural arches where sconced candles hung casting dancing shadows everywhere. 

"The springs are at the end of the hall. The sauna should be self explanatory. If you need anything, just ring the cord in your room. Dinner is at sundown. Would you like it brought to your room?"

"Yes, please. Also, I wanted to ask, is there a proper way to experience everything?"

“If you'd like my suggestion: an hour in the sauna, followed by a soak in the mud bath, concluded with a massage is my favorite order.”

"I see no reason to not do the same! Girls?"

Reine opined first, “I am intrigued to try all they have to offer.”

"I want a massage!" piped in Azalea.

"Me too!" added Zinni.

"Wonderful! My sisters will be ready to. Oh, and before I forget, please don’t rinse off after the sauna." Handing Devin the key and pamphlet, she left.

Azalea dropped her bag on a chair and dove toward one of two giant, low canopy beds and started jumping. "It's big enough that we can all sleep together!"

“Does that include me?” queried Zinni shyly.

“Of course!” Azalea grabbed her friend's hands and invited her to jump on the bed as well.

Reina felt the harpy feather-down quilt. "I've never slept in a bed before."

Devin offered to help her remove her cloak. "How did you normally sleep with your herd?"

“If we wanted to sleep alone, we have wooden folding wedges that stand upright at an angle we can lay on. If we want company during the night, we'll lay facing the opposite of someone and rest our head on their back. I usually slept alone…” Her voice trailed off.

Azalea bounced over and kissed her. “You never have to sleep alone again!”

Reina kissed her back. “You’re right, and it makes me so happy. Herd-mate, even though the bed is large, we may need to push them together to fit all of us.”

“Alright.”

With Reina’s help, they pushed the furniture together, causing Azalea and Zinni to lose their footing and fall into a giggling heap.

Rolling herself over, Azalea stretched out on her back. “So this sauna thing… what is it?” 

Jeni walked over and sat down beside her. “It’s a small, heated room designed to promote the expulsion of water from the skin.”

"Sounds sweaty.”

“It is. That is its purpose.”

“Why?”

“According to this paper bouncy Vanora gave Nest-mate, it improves skin strength, gets rid of toxins, and preserves muscle mass.”

Azalea cringed. “I’m not keen on feeling sweaty, but I’ll do it once for the experience.”

“Sweet Reina may be interested in reading about the health benefits of the other amenities."

Reina took the outstretched pamphlet and thumbed through the brochure.

“Since this one’s feathers prevent her from sweating, she will go on ahead and wait for everyone at the pool.”

"Ok, we shouldn't be long," said Devin, closing the door behind the owl girl. Turning to the rest, he suggested, “Shall we get in the sauna?”

“I’m more than ready, Life-mate. I’m so cold my nipples are like icicles.”

Zinnia was caught up listening to the interaction. As clothes came off, she knelt down to do the same. She was in the middle of removing one of her stockings when she came to a sudden realization – she'd only ever been naked around Azalea. Overcome with a sense of self-consciousness, she glanced around at everyone undressing and dropped her stocking.

She'd drawn countless images of humans and demi-humans in all manner of dress and undress, but having the real thing in front of her hit different. The Whitehorn known as Reina was a work of art. Her movements were graceful and mannerisms refined. Her form and build were well balanced, providing a fascinating juxtaposition with the fierce sharpness of her branching antlers and the wild shagginess of her fur. 'Just like a tribal princess.'

Curiously, to herself, she exhibited trepidation at removing her top. Why? Her chest was something to be proud of. 'Maybe it's those scars?' It only added to her mystique as far as she was concerned, though. Regardless of the reason, she was growing inspired by those around her to paint soon… but not now. 

Azalea's life-mate was equally as entrancing. This was her first time seeing a human clothed, and now unclothed. He seemed like a typical human from what she read. It was her belief most fae had a size kink, she included – one of the reasons many partnered with non-fae. 

She was delighted her best friend had found someone to love and love her back. If only he'd turn a smidgen more to the side, then she could confirm Azalea's assessment if he indeed was well-hung, but he didn't, instead he disappeared into the steam room. 

She was still imagining what he looked like when an explosive hiss of steam billowed from the door startling her out of her daydream.

“What's wrong Zinni?”

“I uh, I’m worried I might be in the way of your family's private time together. And what if I start feeling ‘inspired’…I’m not being weird or awkward, am I?”

“Of course you are, but that's what makes you cute! You are being you and doing great despite being well out of your element.”

“I'm not used to being around so many people, it's a little overwhelming. I don't want to do anything I shouldn't.”

“You're fine. It's ok to make social mistakes; you’re learning.” Azalea assured her. "So let's have the most fun we can and make some amazing memories while we are together again! Now come on, finish getting undressed.”

Helping her friend out of the rest of her clothes, Azalea pinched Zinni’s butt, eliciting a squeal. “Race you in!”

After Zinni tossed her hat on the rest of the clothes pile, the two fae plunged into the wall of steam.

The air was heavy with vapor, making it hard not only to breath but to see. Cedar panels lined the room from floor to ceiling.

"This is hotter than I imagined!” Azalea complained. She sat down on Devin's thigh and looked around. “What's that thing in the middle of the room?"

"A brisket fire – where the steam comes from." Reina tilted a water-filled bucket, sending off a torrent of hot vapor that temporarily blocked their vision.

"Zinni? Why are you standing so far away? Come over here and sit next to me. Plenty of room on Life-mate. In fact, here's a better idea." Azalea scooted back and stretched her legs wide and patted the space between them.

After Zinni shuffled over and let herself be pulled into Azalea's embrace, the younger fairy reflected, “Been awhile since we sat like this. Remember when I used to comb your hair while you told me of some new story plot idea you had?"

"Yuppers. It was hard getting used to living with someone."

"How did you two meet?" asked Devin.

"After I exhausted searching for a life-mate among the fairy villages, I left to look around the Lean Sidhe communities. I needed a place to stay, so I visited my favorite artist to see if she'd take me in.”

"Out of the blue? You didn't know each other before that?"

"Lean Sidhe culture revolves around the arts. That means many individuals dedicate their all to whatever they have chosen to do, sometimes at the expense of taking care of themselves. After attaining a certain level of fame and repute, they are given the title of virtuoso, which allows them to take on potential proteges. In exchange for a place to stay and tutelage they do the cooking, shopping, cleaning, etc."

"I received lots of applications but I never read them. Didn’t want them. Didn’t want anyone looking over my shoulder, nor did I want to stop working to teach.”

"But I was Zinni's first, in many, many ways," smirked Azalea.

Devin wiped his brow. "What made you change your mind?"

"For one, she showed up at my door. Awkward to just say ‘go away’ when the person is very persistent and fan-girling all over you. Second, she was a fairy, not a common occurrence for our fey-ish cousins to want a mentorship. And third, her application was unique. It was something I'd never seen before and showed she could think outside the canvas.”

"What'd you make?"

"A flipbook, as I like to call it."

"What's that?" Reina inquired.

"Many pictures with minor alterations to each one, so when you flip through it, the picture looks like it's moving."

"Clever! What did it depict?"

"Something to show off my skills."

"The creation of the book itself showed off her skills, the content was what she wanted to do with my boobies." Zinni grasped Azalea’s hands and placed them on her chest to demonstrate.

Azalea kneaded the doughy mounds, eliciting a sigh of approval. “It makes more sense when you understand peak Lean Sidhe creativity is kindled when they're aroused." 

"Is that how it works?" Devin mused with a smile and hint of sarcasm.

“I don’t think he believes us, Azalea.”

“That's ok, he'll just be all the more impressed when he actually see's it in action. I know I was, the first time.

"She certainly made life easier by helping me achieve my flow state much more frequently. And I no long dreaded having to worry about cooking.

Azalea chimed in, "I think I made too many sweets. They all went to her butt." Azalea patted below her friend's hips. "In my opinion, her best feature! Also, Life-mate, remember when I teased you about my first time? Well, here she is!”

“Zinnia was your very first?”

“Yup, my first emotionally intimate, exploratory partner. Though it took several months before we came to that point. We grew into fast friends, and she soon became my bestie.”

While Azalea expounded more on her homestay, the Lean Sidhe mind and eyes began to wander. She realized how close to Devin penis she was – her first one, in the flesh, limp yet all-absorbing of her attention. She pressed her thighs together, imagining maybe, one day, someone's cock stuffing its way into her tiny body.

Due to Zinni's developing physical state, despite yammering on to Devin, Azalea noticed Zinni's nipples hardening and the anxious motions hinting at the itch she was obviously trying to ignore. She wrapped up her story and put her chin on the antsy fae's shoulder.  Then she whispered, "I know where you're looking and what you're thinking."

Zinni froze and held her breath as Azalea's fingers trailed in a slow procession to just below her navel.

Azalea persisted with her quiet words, "Told you it was giant. Are you imagining it? Throbbing in your hands?"

Zinni licked her lips and swallowed as Azalea ran her tongue along the edge of Zinni's ear, her hand traveling the short distance to cup her mound. "I have special plans for the three of us later. If you can keep from touching this eager little pussy, I promise you won't be disappointed."

Zinni flushed and felt herself clench at the implication. Azalea had been critical in expanding her sexual awareness. She knew whatever her nymphomaniac friend had in mind was going to be unforgettable.

Zinni swallowed. "N...no touching. Got it."

"Good." Azalea kissed her cheek and released her.

“I’m growing woozy, Life-mate.”

“Probably time to get out before we overheat.”

Re-entering their room, they passed a jug of cool water their hosts had supplied in their room.

“Ugh! It's hard to fly with damp wings,” complained Zinni.

“Life-mate, could you carry us?"

"Sure." Devin held out both hands, providing a platform for the two fae to sit down. While it was not so unusual for Azalea, Devin noticed with amusement that Zinni’s bottom was wet and not just from the steam.

“Vanora said to not rinse off so I guess we can just go straight to the mud bath now?” remarked Azalea.

“A curiously specific request. I wonder why?” Reina inquired.

"Maybe we'll find out later. For now, next new experience, here we come!” sang Azalea.

—----