19. [FAST-READ] A new Direction

As Luna stepped into the grand hall, the sight of the other fairies lounging in their usual spots brought a warm smile to her face. Sylph, Aria, Mira, and Tara were sprawled across the plush sofas, still chuckling over their earlier teasing about who spoiled Ethan the most. Meanwhile, Elara, Varmora, and Lira were huddled on the other side of the hall, deep in conversation, no doubt strategizing for whatever potential threats lay ahead.

From the kitchen, the savory aroma of dinner drifted through the air, where Flora, Nia, and Zara were busily cooking. It was a peaceful evening, as most were, except for one expected interruption. As soon as Luna crossed the threshold, Ethan wriggled out of her embrace and, like clockwork, bolted towards the kitchen, his little legs carrying him faster than she could blink.

"Flora! Floraaaa!" he called out, his excitement palpable as he zoomed towards her.

Luna chuckled softly, shaking her head as she watched him go. "There he goes," she said with a fond smile.

Sylph, catching sight of Ethan's determined sprint, let out a laugh. "Every single time. It’s like clockwork!"

Aria chimed in with a grin. “I’m starting to think he’s more attached to Flora than to any of us. Maybe we should all start wearing her tunics.”

Mira giggled, lounging back with a smirk**. “Or maybe we need to up our pampering game. Clearly, Flora’s winning with those post-training snuggles.”**

Tara flicked her hand in mock frustration. “Next thing we know, Ethan’s going to start wearing a 'Flora' tunic.”

As Ethan's little voice reached the kitchen, Flora’s face lit up instantly. She quickly wiped her hands clean, already knowing what was coming.

“Here comes my flower!*” Flora said, leaving her half-chopped davle behind as she rushed towards him, her eyes filled with warmth.

Zara and Nia, still working beside her, shook their heads in amusement.

Nia smirked, watching Flora dart out of the kitchen like Ethan was the only important thing in the world. "Every day it’s the same. I bet she didn’t even hear us when we asked for more paste."

Zara chuckled, adding, “I swear, it’s like he’s been off fighting Virgons the way she reacts. And it’s only been, what, two phls?”

By now, Ethan had caught sight of Flora rushing towards him, and the moment she reached him, she knelt down and scooped him up into her arms like it had been a lifetime since they last held each other. She cradled him close, pressing kisses onto his sweaty forehead.

“Aww, my baby flower,*” Flora cooed, her voice soft and loving. “All sweaty and tired from your training, hmm?*”

Ethan nestled deeper into her embrace, his small form melting into her arms. “Floraaaa…*” he mumbled, his voice tired and content.

Flora kissed him again, smiling as she wiped the last bit of sweat from his forehead. "I’ve got you now. No more running around. I’ll take care of everything."

"Hmm..." Ethan hummed, closing his eyes as he nuzzled into her.

The others in the hall couldn’t help but laugh at the sight. Even Elara, Varmora, and Lira, who had been focused on their discussion, turned to watch with soft chuckles of their own.

Lira, shaking her head in amusement, said, “He really treats Flora like his personal post-training pit stop. Maybe we should all get in line for hugs.”

Varmora smirked. “**I think it’s safe to say we’ve lost him to the Lorieyna for the evening.”**

Elara, always the calm and wise one, smiled knowingly. “**And after he’s rested, he’ll come find us again—sparkling clean, and ready to make our evening even more... eventful.”**

They all shared a laugh, well aware of Ethan’s post-cleaning tradition of hopping between each of them, making sure everyone got their share of hugs and attention.

Meanwhile, Flora carried him off to the bathroom, already preparing to get him cleaned up.

Back in the hall, Luna sat down with Elara, Lira, and Varmora, watching as Flora disappeared with their tired little warrior. "I swear, there's something about seeing him in her arms after a long day of training. It’s like my heart melts every time," Luna said, a soft chuckle escaping her.

Lira nodded, her eyes twinkling. "I know what you mean. It’s like he turns into a baby all over again when she holds him. Though, I bet he secretly loves the attention."

Elara smiled, her tone playful but filled with warmth. "Of course he does. He’s got Lorieyna wrapped around his little finger. And honestly? I don’t think any of us mind. It’s adorable.”

Varmora leaned back, smirking. “If we’re being honest, I think we all look forward to the part where he’s clean, full, and bouncing back to us. That’s when the real fun starts.”

Luna laughed, nodding in agreement. “Oh, absolutely. And by then, he’s all recharged and ready to get into more mischief.”

Elara added with a mischievous grin, “Well, we’ve got Lorieyna to thank for that. She sends him back to us in perfect condition—clean, happy, and ready to cause chaos.”

They all laughed, each of them more than happy to indulge in the nightly routine that had become so precious. After all, Ethan's joy, laughter, and boundless energy were what made their evenings all the more magical.

In the bathroom, Ethan stood patiently on the counter, looking up at Flora as she gently undid his sweaty tunic, her loving smile always making him feel safe. She chuckled softly as she worked, seeing his little pout.

"Hmmm... Look at you," Flora teased as she peeled off his tunic, revealing his small frame.

"Luna always makes me do more," Ethan said with a pout, clearly remembering the intense training session.

Flora smiled warmly, her motherly tone soft . "Because she knows what's right for you. And it's good if you push yourself a little every day."

Ethan sighed, puffing his cheeks. "That's what Luna always says. She tells me about her training."

Flora raised an eyebrow with interest. "Oh? And what does she tell you?"

"That their Adych used to make them train even at night. Is that true, Flora?"

Flora nodded, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as she scooped him up and carried him to the bath area. "Yes, baby. It's true. What you see in Luna now—her strength and skills—came from intense training. It wasn't easy for her, but it made her who she is today. Just like a little hard work will help you grow strong."

Flora made the bathwater warm and soothing, perfect for washing away the day’s grime. As she carefully began scrubbing his back, Ethan turned his head, his little voice curious.

"Flora," he called out softly.

"Hmmm?" Flora replied, running her fingers through his messy hair to wash it.

"Luna gave me a dagger today," Ethan said, his voice filled with excitement. "It’s awesome. My personal dagger."

Flora smiled, her tone encouraging but also knowing. "Oh, that’s wonderful. And did she make you promise something?"

Ethan nodded, the water splashing softly as he shifted. "Yes. A promise to both the dagger and to her."

Flora paused, her hands rubbing soapy bubbles into his skin. "And what promise did you make?" she asked, her voice gentle as she cleaned his little face.

Ethan mumbled, his words barely escaping through Flora's gentle scrubbing. "Floraaaa..."

Flora couldn’t help but laugh, finding his cute grumbles irresistible. "I can’t help it. You’re soooo cute," she teased, playfully squeezing his soapy cheeks.

Ethan, now smiling a little despite himself, finally answered, "I promised I’d never hurt anyone with the dagger. Unless it’s in self-defence."

Flora’s smile grew tender as she rinsed the soap off his body. "That’s the right promise, my sweet flower. A good promise to make." She finished washing him, her hands moving smoothly across his tiny frame. "And now, I want you to make me a promise too."

Ethan, his eyes bright with curiosity, asked**, "What?"**

Flora cupped his freshly cleaned face in her large, gentle hands, her eyes filled with warmth. "That you’ll always keep that promise—for me, for all of us."

Ethan beamed, his smile lighting up the room. "*I promise,"* he said with conviction.

Flora, overjoyed, kissed his freshly cleaned lips with a soft, "Mwah! That’s my sweet, good flower." She wrapped him in a soft, fluffy towel, drying him off carefully before dressing him in clean small tunic.

As she finished, Ethan looked up at her with those big, adoring eyes. "Flora," he said softly.

"Yes, flower?" she replied, brushing his hair back with a smile.

"I can do this myself, Flora….," Ethan confessed, his voice small but sincere.

Flora’s heart melted. "Oh, I know, you sweet flower. But I love it." She stood back, admiring his fresh, clean appearance. "Look at you now, all fresh and cute again. Come here, give me a kiss."

Ethan, standing on his tiptoes, cupped Flora’s face in his small hands and pressed a sweet kiss to her lips.

"Awww… so sweet," Flora cooed, her heart swelling with love.

With that, Flora lead him back to the living hall, where the other fairies were already waiting. As Flora and Ethan entered the grand hall, Ethan's eyes immediately locked onto Lira, who was in deep conversation with Varmora, Elara, and Luna. With a burst of energy, he bolted toward her, his small feet pattering across the floor.

*“Liraaa!” he called, his voice full of excitement.

Lira looked at him, her stern expression softening instantly as she saw him running toward her. She couldn’t help but smile, her heart melting at the sight. Eagerly, she opened her arms and scooped him up onto her lap, her powerful arms wrapping him in a warm embrace.

*“Mmmm...Here comes my little warrior,” she said, kissing the top of his head. “*All cleaned up and ready to make chaos, I see.”

Ethan beamed up at her, his face full of pride. "Yes!"

Elara, lounging nearby with a sly smile, couldn’t resist. *“Chaos? Oh, he's already mastered that art! I think he could teach us a thing or two.” She winked at Ethan, earning a giggle from him.

Luna, sitting beside Elara, chuckled. *“If only his training sessions were as easy as causing chaos. But today he worked hard.” She leaned forward slightly, her tone affectionate but proud. *“I even gave him his own dagger. His very first personal one.”

Everyone's eyes sparkled with interest as Lira gently ruffled Ethan’s hair, smiling down at him. *“A dagger, huh? My little warrior’s moving up in the world,” she said softly, her tone filled with affection.

Ethan puffed up with pride, his small chest rising as if he were ready to show off his new prize. “*It’s awesome! Luna gave it to me after my training.”

Elara, always the playful one, raised an eyebrow. *“A dagger? Well, well! You’ll be too dangerous for us soon,” she teased, earning another round of giggles from Ethan.

But Luna, smiling warmly, added, “*And It didn’t stop there. I also summoned his dummy friend, Nooby. He’s been training with him.”

Ethan nodded enthusiastically. *“Nooby’s great! He’s tough, but I’m tougher!”

Lira chuckled, pulling him closer into her lap. *“I have no doubt, my little warrior. But having a dagger also comes with responsibility.” Her voice turned a bit more serious as she gazed lovingly into his eyes. *“Remember, It's not who you are fighting with, It's always who you are fighting for.”

Ethan blinked up at her, listening intently.

*“The dagger is there to protect you and those you love. You must always think carefully before you act,” Lira continued, her tone gentle yet firm. *“And never forget the promise you made to Luna today.”

Ethan nodded, his small hands gripping Lira’s arm tightly as if seeking reassurance. “*I promised I’d only use it in self-defense.”

Lira smiled, kissing his forehead softly. *“That’s right. And that’s the promise I want you to keep, not just for us but for yourself, too. You are a protector, not a destroyer.”

Varmora, who had been quietly watching, finally chimed in, her deep voice adding to the wisdom Lira shared. *“And always remember, protector is always greater than destroyer. Even if the protector dies.”

Ethan, feeling both proud and serious, looked at all of them with wide eyes. "I understand. I’ll use it wisely, I promise.”

Lira kissed his cheek and gave him a warm hug. "That’s my champ."

Luna, always quick to lighten the mood, smirked. *“Well, champ or not, I think we all know that after a bath, Ethan’s real mission is causing a ruckus.”

Elara grinned, her eyes twinkling. “*Agreed. He’s a professional at that.”

Ethan laughed, the sound filling the hall, as he nestled deeper into Lira’s arms, feeling loved and cherished.

Ethan wriggled out of Lira’s lap, a mischievous grin on his face. “I’ve gotta check on Aria and the others,” he announced, already planning his next move. *“They always tease me when I’m not around.”

The room filled with laughter as Lira leaned down, cupping his cheek and giving him a playful kiss on his forehead. *“Go on, then. little warrior. Show them who's in charge.”

With a cheeky smile, Ethan bolted across the hall, his feet carrying him with a burst of speed toward the lounging area where Aria, Sylph, Mira, and Tara had been relaxing on the oversized, plush sofas. Their conversation came to an abrupt halt as they spotted him approaching like a missile.

“Tara! Sylph! Aria! Mira!” Ethan shouted gleefully, calling each of their names as he darted toward them.

Tara was the closest, and as soon as she saw him coming, her eyes lit up with joy. She stretched out her arms just in time to scoop him up as he jumped into her lap. “Here he is! Our little troublemaker! My Charmer” Tara grinned, kissing his face all over, making exaggerated smooching noises. *“Mwah, mwah, mwah! Oh, you’re so cute when you try to escape our teasing!”

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“Stop it, Tara!” Ethan giggled, squirming in her lap. *“You're going to make me all wet again!”

“Oh, sorry,” Tara said mischievously, not sorry at all, as she planted another loud kiss on his cheek. *“But I just can’t help it. You’re too cute to resist!”

Ethan squirmed playfully, laughing, *“Tara! Too many kisses!”

“Never enough!” Tara insisted, squeezing him tighter and smothering him with another kiss on his nose. *"I think you need at least a hundred more!"

“Two hundred!” Sylph chimed in with a laugh, lounging lazily on her sofa, watching the scene with amusement. *“Maybe three hundred, to be safe.”

Aria grinned, flicking her long hair over her shoulder dramatically. *“I’d say at least five hundred kisses for all the times he’s avoided our teasing!”

Ethan squealed and giggled, squirming, but clearly loving the attention. *“Taraaaa! You’re making my face all wet!”

“Well, of course!” Tara laughed. “That’s what happens when you come near us, little one. You get smothered with love!” She ruffled his hair, her voice playful and warm.

Aria, lounging with her legs draped over the side of the sofa, grinned widely. “You thought you could escape us, huh?” she teased, winking at him. *“Didn’t think we’d notice you sneaking off with Flora?”

Sylph leaned in, smirking as she added, *“Oh, we noticed alright. And now it’s payback time.”

Ethan crossed his arms, trying to look tough, but his grin betrayed him. *“I wasn’t sneaking off! I was busy, uh, getting cleaned up!”

Mira raised an eyebrow, her tone mock-serious. “Cleaned up, huh? More like getting pampered by Flora while we’ve been here waiting. You’ve been cheating on us, Ethan!” she teased, pretending to be offended.

Ethan giggled, clearly enjoying the attention. “Flora gives the best baths! And she cleaned my face and made me all fresh!” He wiggled around on Tara’s lap, as if showing off his clean clothes and face.

Mira leaned back with a dramatic sigh. *“Hmph, all fresh and still not sharing those hugs with us! Look at you, smelling all nice, and here we are, deprived!”

Tara tightened her hold on him, pretending to squeeze him like a teddy bear. “Guess that means I get to keep him all to myself!” she declared triumphantly.

Ethan wriggled but laughed even harder. *“Nooo! You can’t keep me!”

“Oh, but I can!” Tara insisted, giving him another round of kisses on his cheek. *“You’re trapped now.”

Aria laughed, sitting up slightly. *“Look at you, all stuck on Tara’s lap. You might as well just give up and let us spoil you, Ethan. There’s no escape.”

Ethan puffed up his chest in mock defiance. “I’m not stuck! I’m just… resting!” he declared, looking around at the others with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Mira giggled. “Resting, huh? Well, if you’re so well-rested, I think you need some more kisses!” She leaned over and ruffled his hair, giving his forehead a quick kiss as well.

Ethan groaned playfully, wiping his forehead. *“Not more kisses!”

Tara snorted, grinning. *“Oh, more kisses is just the beginning, Ethan. Wait until we start teasing you!”

Sylph, chimed in, *“We were just talking about how quiet it was around here without someone zooming around at a hundred byots per phls.”

Ethan grinned mischievously. “You guys always say that! I know you miss me when I’m not here!” He leaned into Tara’s embrace, soaking in all the affection as Tara kissed his forehead again.

Mira, who was sitting next to Sylph with her feet up, waved a hand in the air dramatically. *“Oh, absolutely! We were devastated without you, Ethan. It was like the world had lost all color and joy.”

Aria gasped, playing along. *“Everything was so peaceful and boring! No one to dart around causing a scene. What did we ever do before you came along?”

Ethan laughed, sticking his tongue out at them. *“I knew it! You guys can’t survive without me!”

Tara chuckled, nuzzling his cheek affectionately. “Oh, we’ll admit it. We need our little troublemaker around to keep things interesting.” She squeezed him a bit tighter, making sure he felt all the love.

Tara kissed his face again, one kiss after another, landing them on his cheeks, nose, and forehead.

Aria, lounging beside her, rolled her eyes dramatically. *“Tara, leave some of him for the rest of us! I swear, every time he’s near you, you smother him with kisses!”

“Right?” Sylph added with a teasing smirk, lounging on the armrest of the sofa. *“At this rate, he’s going to smell like Tara for a week!”

Ethan grinned, enjoying the attention. “I don’t mind!” he declared proudly. *“At least Tara doesn’t tease me as much as you two!”

“Oh, really?” Sylph shot back, sitting up and narrowing her eyes playfully. *“We tease you that much, do we, Aria?”

Aria leaned forward, feigning deep thought. *“Hmm… I don’t know, Sylph. I seem to remember someone screaming for mercy the last time we tickled him.”

Ethan’s eyes widened in mock fear, but the grin never left his face. “You wouldn’t dare!” he said, trying to sound tough as he clung tighter to Tara.

Mira chimed in, her voice gentle but full of humour. *“Ethan, you know it’s only a matter of time before they get you. It’s like a game to them.”

Ethan pointed a finger at her, still grinning. *“You too, Mira! You’re no better. You always act innocent, but I know you help them!”

Mira gasped dramatically, putting a hand to her chest. “Me? I would never!” Her wide-eyed expression was so over-the-top that even Tara chuckled.

Sylph laughed, crossing her arms with a smug look. *“See, Ethan? Even Mira’s on our side. You’re outnumbered.”

“Yeah, but I have something you all don’t,” Ethan said with a sly smile, leaning back against Tara’s chest like he’d already won.

Aria raised an eyebrow, intrigued. *“Oh? And what’s that?”

Ethan wiggled a little in Tara’s lap, making sure all eyes were on him. “I have my new dagger!” he declared proudly, puffing out his chest.

Sylph's eyes widened in exaggerated shock. *“Oh no, everyone! He has a dagger! What are we going to do?!”

Aria immediately played along, gasping and throwing her hands up. *“We’re doomed! He’s unstoppable now!”

Mira, ever the playful one, raised an eyebrow and leaned in closer, her voice mock-serious. “But, Ethan, your dagger won’t help you against this.” And with that, she reached out and tickled his side gently.

Ethan erupted into laughter, squirming in Tara’s lap as he tried to dodge Mira’s fingers. *“No! Not the tickles! Tara, help!”

But Tara only chuckled, holding him securely in her lap. *“Sorry, little guy, but I think you’re on your own. Besides, this is part of your training. You’ve got to be ready for anything.”

Ethan’s laughter was contagious, and soon all the fairies were giggling along with him.

Sylph grinned, leaning back again. *“You see? We don’t tease you too much. We just give you a healthy dose of fun.”

Ethan, still catching his breath from laughing, wiped a tear from his eye. *“Healthy dose? You guys are dangerous!”

“Oh, we’re dangerous, alright,” Aria teased, her eyes sparkling. *“But you love it.”

Ethan, still grinning, crossed his arms in mock defiance. *“I do. But you’ll never catch me off guard again. I’ve got my dagger now, remember?”

Tara smiling warmly. *“You’re such a little warrior, aren’t you?”

Ethan nodded, leaning into her embrace. *“Yep! But I’m still keeping an eye on all of you.”

Mira chuckled softly, brushing a hand through Ethan’s hair. *“Good. We wouldn’t want you to let your guard down. After all, we might just tickle you when you least expect it.”

Ethan let out a playful groan, burying his face in Tara’s chest. *“I’ll never be safe!”

Aria leaned over, gently tapping his nose. *“Not as long as we’re around, you won’t.”

Sylph grinned mischievously. *“But we spoil you, so it’s a fair trade, right?”

Ethan peeked out from his spot in Tara’s lap, his mischievous grin returning. *“Okay, okay, I guess you’re right.”

Tara squeezed him tight, planting another kiss on his head. *“There’s the smart charmer we love.”

Sylph and Aria exchanged teasing glances. *“Oh, we’ve definitely got him wrapped around our fingers now.”

Ethan, always brimming with boundless energy, finally squirmed out of Tara’s lap, only to immediately dart towards Sylph, who was lounging with her usual mischievous grin. He practically launched himself into her arms, earning a laugh from her as she caught him effortlessly, pulling him close.

“Well, well, looks like my little firefly found his way home,” Sylph teased, hugging him tight as Ethan nestled comfortably in her lap.

Ethan beamed up at her. “Of course, you’re my fiery lap!” He said with an innocent smile, causing Sylph to chuckle.

“You always know just what to say, don’t you, little firefly?” Sylph grinned, running her fingers through his hair.

Aria rolled her eyes playfully. *“Careful, Sylph. He’s getting too good at this. One of these days, he’ll melt us all with those sweet talks of his.”

“Oh, I’m already halfway there,” Sylph said dramatically, pressing a hand to her heart. *“He doesn’t even have to try. Just look at him!”

Ethan tilted his head, genuinely confused. *“What? What did I do?”

That simple, innocent question had the fairies all giggling again. They knew Ethan wasn’t even aware of how cute he sounded sometimes.

Mira shook her head with a fond smile. *“There he goes again! He doesn’t even know how adorable he is.”

Ethan blinked, looking from Mira to Tara to Aria to Sylph. “I’m just talking…” he said, a little defensively but still clearly playful. *“You’re the ones who always say funny things!”

Tara, trying to be serious, leaned forward. *“No, no, Ethan. We’re talking about the cute things you say. Like how you just throw out those ‘I love yous’ like they’re candy.”

Ethan’s face lit up as he tried to explain himself, his small hands gesturing. “*But I do love you all! You take care of me, and you’re always there, and—"

Sylph suddenly kissed his lips. “Stop! If you keep talking like that, you’ll melt us completely!” she said, her eyes sparkling with humor.

Ethan, eyes wide, tried to continue**, “But—”*

Sylph leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his small lips, stopping him mid-sentence. “No buts, little firefly. You’re going to melt us into a puddle of fairy goo if you keep talking like that.” she teased, her lips hovering close to his. *“Now be my sweet firefly and let me check your body temperature.”

Ethan pouted a little, though the hint of a smile tugged at his lips. “*You do this every day.”

Mira chimed in from her spot, giving Ethan a soft smile. *“That’s because we want you to stay healthy, little one. We can’t have our only firefly getting sick.”

Aria nodded, stretching lazily. *“Yeah, you need to be in top shape so you can finish your training. Then we’ll all get to go to Yadgir.”

Ethan sighed dramatically, his small chest rising and falling as if this were the greatest burden in the world. “Fine…” he mumbled, glancing up at Sylph with a half-smile.

Sylph grinned and playfully flicked his nose. “That’s my Firefly.” She gently undid his tunic, placing her hand over his chest as a subtle warmth spread through her palm, using her powers to check his body temperature.

Her face turned serious for a moment as she focused. “Hmm… all good.” She smiled down at him and kissed his forehead gently. “*Perfect, as always.”

With a quick motion, she did his tunic back up. “Now,” she said with a wink, *“off to Nia for your final check-up. Can’t skip any steps!”

But instead of hopping down right away, Ethan wrapped his small arms around Sylph’s waist, trying to hug as much of her as he could. “Sylphhh!” he said in a voice so full of affection that it melted their hearts even further. “*I love you all. You’re the best family ever.”

“Oh no, here we go again,” Aria muttered, though her smile showed she was thoroughly enjoying every moment of it.

Sylph looked down at him with a softness in her eyes that contrasted with her usual fiery personality.

“Awww…” Sylph cooed, squeezing him tighter, enveloping him in her warm embrace. “And we love you too, sooooo much.” She hugged him even closer, pressing his small body into her chest, playfully nuzzling his cheek. *“Now go, or you really will melt us all. And if that happens, we won’t be able to let you go!”

Ethan giggled, his face pressed against her. “Okay!” he chirped, but he didn’t make any immediate effort to leave, still enjoying the warmth of her hug.

Finally, after a few more moments of snuggling, he wriggled out of her grasp, but not before giving Sylph a quick kiss on her cheek.

Sylph’s heart practically fluttered, and she couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear. *“What am I going to do with you, huh?”

Ethan beamed at her, his eyes sparkling with innocence. *“Probably kiss me more?”

Sylph chuckled, shaking her head as she playfully ruffled his hair. *“Oh, you’re too much.”

With one final glance at the group, Ethan waved and darted off toward Nia, leaving the fairies behind with warm smiles and melted hearts.

“See what I mean?” Aria sighed, leaning back with a contented smile. *“He’s going to have us wrapped around his little finger.”

Mira nodded, still chuckling. “*I’m pretty sure he already does.”

Sylph stretched, still feeling the warmth of Ethan’s hug lingering. *“Yeah, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Ethan darted into the kitchen, drawn by the delicious aromas filling the air. His eyes lit up when he saw Nia, Flora, and Zara busy preparing dinner. Nia spotted him immediately. Her face broke into a warm smile, and she wiped her hands on her apron, stepping away from the counter.

"Come, come, come..." Nia said, kneeling down and spreading her arms wide. "Come here, you little snowflake."

Without hesitation, Ethan rushed toward her and threw himself into her open arms. Nia scooped him up with ease, hugging him tightly and peppering his face with affectionate kisses. Ethan, beaming as usual, wrapped his small arms around her neck.

"Mmmm…..My baby snow!" Nia squealed, squeezing his cheeks gently between her cheeks. "Awwww, cute as always!"

Ethan giggled, basking in the attention. “Niaaaa,” he whined playfully, leaning into her.

From the counter, Flora glanced over with a smirk. "Oh, looks like Nia’s snowflake has arrived," she teased, stirring a pot of something that smelled divine.

Zara, who had been chopping vegetables with precise, calculated movements, didn’t miss a beat as she added, "Careful, Nia. Hug him too tight, and he might melt right into your apron."

Nia rolled her eyes playfully, still cradling Ethan in her arms. "Melt? Oh, no! If he melts, I’ll just scoop him up and keep him in my heart forever," she replied, nuzzling Ethan’s cheek while he squirmed in mock protest.

Flora, stirring a pot of stew, glanced over her shoulder and smirked. "Look at Nia, stealing all the snuggles again. Don't you think you're spoiling him a bit too much?"

Zara, chopping latts with precision, added in her usual dry humor, “She’s turning him into a little cuddle snowfy. No wonder he's so sweet. He’s probably 90% hugs and kisses by now.”

Nia grinned, keeping Ethan tucked in her arms. "**You both are just jealous because my little snowflake loves me more!"** She gave Ethan another exaggerated kiss on his cheek, making him giggle uncontrollably.

Flora raised an eyebrow playfully, turning her attention to Ethan. *“Is that true, Ethan? Do you love Nia more than me? Hmm?”

Ethan, caught between Nia’s tight embrace and Flora’s teasing, wiggled a little, beaming from ear to ear. “N-no! I love all of you the same!”

Zara clicked her tongue, pretending to be offended. “I knew it! He’s a diplomat. Playing all sides!” She shook her head dramatically, causing Ethan to burst into more giggles.

The whole kitchen erupted in laughter. Nia, still smiling, set Ethan down gently on the kitchen counter where she had been working earlier. His little legs swung back and forth, not quite reaching the floor, as he surveyed the food preparation around him with keen interest.

"Mmm… This smells so good, Nia," Ethan said, his eyes wide as he watched her mix something in a bowl.

Nia grinned, dipping her finger into a paste she was stirring, then holding it up to Ethan’s lips. "Here, taste this."

Ethan licked the mixture off her finger, his face lighting up with delight. "Mmm... Tasty!"

Nia laughed softly, passing the bowl over to Flora. "It’s your special meal that Flora makes for you every night," Nia said, her voice affectionate. "To keep you strong and healthy."

Flora, ever the proud caretaker, leaned on the counter and winked at Ethan. “You have no idea how much effort I put into this! If I’m going to make you strong enough to handle Yadgir, I can’t have you skipping meals.”

Ethan puffed out his chest with pride, trying to look strong, even though he looked more like a cute puffball. “I’m already strong!”

Nia laughed, rubbing her hands on her apron. "Speaking of your health… it’s time for your body fluids check." She gave him a teasing smile, knowing how much he both loved and dreaded the routine.

Ethan puffed out his cheeks in a pout. "But Niaaaa…" he groaned, squirming slightly on the counter. "You check me every day!"

Nia didn’t miss a beat as she gently undid his small tunic, her soft hand coming to rest on his small chest. "I know, sweetheart, but we have to make sure you’re in perfect condition." Her hand glowed faintly as she used her powers to sense the rhythm of his heartbeat and the balance of his fluids. Her face took on a focused look, though a smile still lingered on her lips.

Ethan sighed dramatically. "I’m fine! You don’t need to check me every single day!"

"Oh, is that so?" Nia hummed softly, keeping her focus on his heartbeat. "And here I thought we did this because we care about you, silly snow."

Zara, leaning casually against the counter, chimed in with a gentle smile. "Baby, let us do what’s good for you. You know how much we all love you."

As Nia continued her check-up, Flora walked over, cupping Ethan’s face in her large hands, her eyes warm with affection. "All these check-ups are just as important as your training sessions, Ethan. You want to go to Yadgir, right?" She raised an eyebrow, knowing how excited Ethan was about the adventure.

Ethan nodded eagerly. "Yes!"

"Then let us do what we need to do," Flora said with a soft smile. "We want to make sure you’re in perfect shape before we head out. Yadgir isn’t exactly a walk in the park, you know."

Nia’s eyes fluttered open as she finished her check. She smiled warmly, "**He’s fine,"** she announced with a satisfied nod. "Perfect, as always."

Ethan’s face lit up with excitement as he wiggled happily on the counter. "I know Yadgir’s different from here… and Mira told me all about those big monsters today—what were they called again? Oh, right! Bithrox!"

Nia couldn’t help but chuckle as she wiped her hands clean. "Oh, so now you know about the Bithrox, huh?"

Ethan beamed, turning to Zara with wide eyes. "Yes! And Zara!" he said enthusiastically, pointing to her. "We’ll study them together when we get there, right?"

Zara let out a hearty laugh, shaking her head. "**Oh no, baby. Those hulking monsters are not for studying. You better run in the opposite direction the moment you see one!"**

Flora, her tone half-scolding but still warm, placed her hands on her hips. "And don’t even think about going near them, okay?"

Ethan grinned mischievously, a spark of curiosity in his eyes. "But Floraaaa… they’re worth studying! Imagine all the cool things we could learn!"

Flora narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. *“Not when they could squash you like a bug, they’re not!”

Nia chimed in, pretending to be serious. *“I think Ethan’s got a point, though. Maybe he could just ask them nicely not to squash him while he takes notes.”

Zara smirked. *“Sure, let’s give him a paper and a pen. ‘Excuse me, Mr. Bithrox, could you tell me your diet for the week?’”

Ethan, catching onto the joke, grinned. “Exactly! And maybe they’d even let me ride on their backs. Just for a little while.”

Flora groaned, throwing her hands in the air. *“You see? This is why we need to keep you healthy. You come up with the craziest ideas!”