Elunara's little family made their way down from the Keep into the city proper. Wanting to let the rest of her family know their plans for the day, they headed down to the training yard. Jordan was standing to the side, reading Wrathion's latest letter.
Elunara slid her hands around his waist and put her chin on his shoulder. "What's that?"
"Hey, baby. It's from Wrathion. Apparently, he took back the Obsidian Citadel with the help of another black dragon, Sabellian."
"Why does that name sound familiar?"
"Beats me, but apparently there was a whole motherlode of black dragons hiding out in Outlands. Wrathion isn't the last of his kind anymore. Also, from his tone, he really hates this Sabellian guy."
Elunara took the sheets from Jordan. "Hm." Her eyebrow shot up. "When Wrathion uses the word smarmy, you know it's bad."
"We're not the last?" Laithion tugged on Elunara's shirt. "Daddy doesn't need us anymore?"
"Oh, honey. Of course, daddy needs you, he will always need you."
"Yeah, kiddo." Jordan took the letter from Elunara's hands and passed the papers down to Laithion. "It says here that seeing all those black dragon eggs made him miss you guys even more."
Laithion gently took the paper and read every word. He silently passed it over to his sister. She took the paper and repeated Laithion's actions. They passed the pages back and forth several times. Finally, they both nodded and handed the papers back to Jordan. "This is acceptable." They said in unison.
Elunara and Jordan shared a look. "So, anyway." Jordan broke the silence. "I was debating on sneaking through the portal for a look at this Valdrakken city the adventurers keep talking about."
"Did daddy say you could come?" Andryxia peered up at Jordan.
"Well, no."
"Then you shouldn't."
"Kid, I'm a battle hardened General, I--"
"Daddy was explicit in his instructions." Andryxia shook her head. "He said no. Until he says yes, it is unsafe."
Elunara blinked at her youngest daughter. "Well then."
Varian barked out a laugh. "She told you."
A flutter of fabric caught Laithion's attention, and he tugged on his mother's shirt again. "Mommy, what's that?"
Elunara looked around. "Oh, that's a sign for the Darkmoon Faire."
"What's that?"
"It's... well, it's a place where there are rides and games and things. Comes around once a month or so for the week. I tend to forget about its existence."
Laithion began bouncing on his toes, occasionally flapping his wings. "Can we go?"
"Well, I don't know..." Elunara looked at Varian as if doubting. "It's a little spooky."
"Please, mommy, we would like to go." Andryxia fiddled with her stuffies.
Even Emaline's eyes were twinkling with interest. "We've never gone to the Faire before."
"Oh, alright." Elunara pretended to give in.
"Yay!" The trio threw their hands in the air.
"What's going on here?" Tulani walked over with Sinea's hand in her own.
"Oh, hey, Tuly, we were just about to head down to the faire."
"Oh, what a coincidence. I have some banners to take down there. I get orders for them ever so often."
"Well, then let's all go."
Emaline tugged on Elunara's shirt. "Mommy, can I ask Ralphie if he wants to go?"
"Sure thing, little sweet. Ask Jerry and Louis if he can go. We can make a thing of it."
"Alright."
When Emaline ran over, Elunara eyed Varian. "I guess you'll head back to the keep?"
"You know, I haven't been to the Faire in quite an age. I think I'll take the day and go with my family."
That was when Katie and family made their appearance. Katie was chasing down a rapidly toddling Enwoo. She scooped him up just before he could fall on his face. Making her way over to Elunara, Katie was out of breath. "Hello, momma." She puffed.
Elunara put a hand on Katie's shoulder and shot her with her energy. "Some days I am amazed you can even keep up with him."
"Only because of you."
Reaching out, Elunara smiled. "Let me cuddle my grandbaby."
Katie passed him over. As Elunara cuddled the rapidly growing toddler, Katie looked around. "So, what's going on?"
"We're about to head to the Darkmoon Faire, want to go? My treat."
"Oh, that sounds fun. Can we go?" Katie looked at Stephen and his family.
"Of course, my love." Stephen kissed the side of her head.
Soon, Elunara's little group, plus an excited Ralphie were waiting in line.
"How many?" The Faire mage asked.
Elunara made a circling gesture. "This mess." She handed the mage some coins.
The mage nodded at the sum and teleported them all to the portal landing. At the landing, banners surrounded a ring around the portal gate. A pair of fire jugglers were juggling torches between them and a fire eater spit flames into the air. The children were momentarily entranced.
"This isn't spooky." Laithion declared. "Is this the whole faire?"
A Darkmoon greeter laughed. "Take the portal, little boy, then we'll talk."
"Oh."
Elunara grinned. "Come on, let's go." The children linked hands and Elunara grabbed the portal to Darkmoon Island. Once through, they all looked around. Surrounding the crew was a thick, dark wood. The night sky could scarcely be seen through the tall trees, thick bramble, and even thicker fog. The children scooted closer to their mother. In the bushes, something skittered away.
"Mommy?" Andryxia whimpered.
"I said it was a little spooky."
"I-I'm not scared." Laithion poked out his little chest.
"Me either!" From Ralphie.
Emaline looked unsure. "Well, maybe a little scared."
"Welcome to Darkmoon Island! Feel free to ride one of these lovely beasts down to the Faire!" A gnome with the Darkmoon colors on his tabard patted a purple strider.
"No thanks, we brought our own mounts." Elunara smiled and hopped on Yoona's back. Varian summoned his horse and picked up Emaline and put her on the horse's back. Jordan summoned his horse and got Ralphie situated. Tulani got Sinea and herself on Savage's back. Andryxia flapped her wings and landed on Elunara's lap, and Laithion flew beside his mother's shoulder.
Katie blinked at the little group. "Do we have a horse?"
"You can ride Buttercup." Millie smiled. "She's very gentle." Millie pulled the horse forward.
Stephen helped Katie on to the horse and climbed up behind her.
"This is so high up." Katie tried not to look down at the ground. "Are you sure it's safe?" She adjusted Enwoo in her lap.
"I used to ride all the time back at the farm, we'll be okay, sweetheart."
"Alright, down we go!" Elunara called.
As they progressed through the winding road, lit signs and banners seemingly popped out of the woods, startling the young ones. When they crested the hill, the children gasped. Standing at the edge, they watched as an endless supply of fireworks shot through the sky. They looked over the rides, games, tents, and other attractions. Several adventurers bolted past.
