Quinlan did not stay for the celebration any longer. When the opportunity came, he and his girls slipped away quietly.
He had his reasons.
First, he was tired. Bone-deep, soul-heavy tired.
Second, he preferred spending what energy he had left on his own people, not on strangers looking to drown their grief in ale.
Third, he knew the celebration would be hollow. Too many soldiers would be missing from it. Families were ruined on this day.
And finally, he didnāt want to mingle too much. His reputation was still shrouded in mystery, and he liked it that way. He didnāt want to be understood by strangers; it was best to keep things separate.
He would boost his name by pulling off miracles and winning battles he shouldnāt, not by making friends with random members.
After all, soon they would be calling him leader.
By the time they returned to the stronghold through the usage of the [Warp Gate], the afternoon sun was about to go down. Warm light seeped through the windows, and the scent of fresh stew drifted through the air.
The front door barely opened before a small green blur shot out of the hall.
"Daddy!"
Rosie flew straight toward him with her arms wide and hair glowing with her natural magic.
But before the dryad girl could hug her father, Quinlanās hand came up with utmost cruelty - if one were to ask Rosie. His finger landed square on her forehead before she could crash into him. The little dryad kicked her legs and pressed forward, making swimming motions and scrunching up as she tried to overpower him.
"Ehhh... nghh!! Rosie is strong! Rosie can do this!"
He didnāt move an inch.
After a few seconds of valiant struggle, Rosie gave up. Or, to be more accurate, she changed tactics.
Her tiny hands clutched his wrist as she looked up at him, eyes glassy and wide. "Daddy doesnāt wanna hug Rosie...?" she asked, voice trembling.
That nearly did him in. His resolve began to falter, but he forced himself to remain firm. "Rosie, weāre going to have a talk."
Her little mouth opened in dismay. She froze for a beat, then lowered her head, whispering, "Okay..."
That was enough. She knew it was finally time to explain what she knew to her father. Keeping secrets was the domain of bad girls! And she was the dream daughter, not one who caused headaches!
Quinlan dropped his hand, and she immediately threw herself into his chest. He caught her easily, lifting her into his arms. Rosie nestled needily against him with small fingers clutching at his collar.
"What a handful you are..." he muttered under his breath.
Rosie only answered by touching his skin where she could, playing a cute little medic who was checking his injuries.
Then, once the girl was happy with his state, she decreed, "Rosie missed Daddy. She was so worried!"
He sighed through his nose, holding her close. "Yeah. I missed you too."
The house felt warmer already.
That was until Lucille tilted her head and raised one eyebrow theatrically. Her voice was quite accusatory. "Arenāt you going to greet your mothers as well? We also risked our lives, you know? And weāre not primordial cheats, so one might even say our lives were at greater risk."
Rosie froze mid-snuggle. Her eyes widened, and she gasped. "Rosie forgot in Daddyās warmth!"
A soft laugh escaped Serika. "Iām not sure that explanation will make anyone feel better."
Realizing the same, Rosieās expression twisted into panic. She scrambled out of Quinlanās arms and darted toward the fiery redhead before anyone could tease her further.
Serika folded her arms, smirking as the girl buried her face in her stomach. "Trying to bribe your way out with hugs? What a cunning little lady you are."
Jasmine shook her head, amused. "Sheās truly taking after her father."
Aurora, smiling brightly, added, "Indeed. She clearly doesnāt know the meaning of shame. Sheās just pretending to get even more pampering."
Rosie squeaked, spinning toward the platinum-haired alchemist next. "Mommy Aurora!! Stop messing around!!" she cried before hugging her tightly.
Ayame leaned against the doorframe while sporting a cheeky grin on her delicate cheeks. "Rosie, were you good to Lady Yoruha? Hopefully, you didnāt make the ancient fox migrate to more peaceful lands."
Rosieās head snapped toward her in horror. "Rosie was good!" she yelped, dashing over to Ayame in another desperate hug attempt, hoping her needy antics might stop the women from speaking such nonsense that might question the morality of her character, or even worse, result in less pampering and more chiding.
That was when Blossom, standing quietly near the corner, let out a loud whimper. "Rosie wonāt even acknowledge Blossom?" she sniffled, eyes glossy. "Blossom couldnāt wait to hug Rosie, but..."
Rosie froze again, horror returning tenfold. "Nooo! Rosie didnāt forget Mommy Blossom!!!!"
She threw herself into Blossomās arms. The dogkin caught her easily. But that was when the woman noticed that her tail was wagging so fast it was a blur. Despite the dogkinās teary eyes, the movement gave her away completely.
The others watched, half amused, half exasperated. Kitsara couldnāt help but giggle at the sight, "Sheās playing her like a fiddle. I didnāt know Blossom had it in her."
"The doggy is evolving," Vex joined in on the fun, watching the dogkin tenderly. "Didnāt her nose also unlock something back when she looked for Gina in the capital?"
"I honestly donāt get this woman. I gave up," Ayame sighed. "Iāve known Blossom for the longest out of you all, but I feel like I understand her the least."
Serika nodded in agreement while watching the dogkin emotionally torture her adopted daughter. "I did think she was a simple girl when we first met, but she seems to have very few basic needs. Quinlan, food, and some more Quinlan. But itās become obvious she is not just here to lighten the mood or warm Quinās bed."
"Right?" Lucille mused slyly. "Blossom is an awesome girl. Sheās a lot of fun as well."
Before the girls could continue analyzing the anomaly that was Blossom, the doors of the stronghold burst open, and an unexpected sight welcomed them.