She keeps her breaths and heart still to silence her presence. Her careful footsteps go past the squeaking of mice.

At least I have a mask to cover the smell, Emilia thinks while traversing the sewers towards a particular location. She takes out a map under some light that's peeking through. She smiles underneath as she goes up the ladder.

The small sewer plate lifts up quietly. Her head swivels around. The cold night of the city welcomes her with darkness to conceal her pursuits. She steps out and jumps right into a bush. A guard with a torch walks near the jewelry shop her magenta eyes are set on. She tosses a pebble to the man's right.

A breath of warm air escapes his lips as he jumps. He whistles to alert the others. Three other men join him in that direction.

The guards keep silent as they bring out their knives. The first guard takes his knife and investigates the possible source of where the rock came from. He stabs through it and pulls back. No blood.

In the time that she threw the rock, she climbed up a wall with her bare hands and jumped onto the rooftop without making a sound.

She peers through the window and eyes a jewel that matches her color. No guards anywhere for security.

It won't be that easy, she reminds herself. With some clawed gloves, she traces a circle. She takes the piece and sets it to the side. Rope is wrapped around her several times before she propels down to stop at eye level. Her beating heart races while preparing herself.

She holds her breath as she takes out a totem of a fox. The item slips out of her grip, but she catches it before it can touch the floor. Only a few inches before making contact.

Eyes on the prize. Eyes on the prize, Emilia Bennett-Ramirez.

She reaches out with both hands, ready to perform a simultaneous action. She stares at the plate underneath the entire time. She swipes the jewel and replaces it with the totem.

The plate underneath remains still under the fox totem. She takes her prize and undoes what she did to the window above with a sticky substance.

She looks over the roof to see the guards are on high alert. She jumps down in front of one with the jewel in hand.

"Finished!" She yells for them to hear.

The guards rush in and....applaud her for the work they assigned her to perform. One of the guards remove his helmet to reveal an old man's face.

"Congratulations! And thank you for testing our system," he exchanges the jewel with a pouch of gold coins.

"De nada! And I will keep things a secret."

"Much appre-"

She disappears in the middle of his sentence. Footsteps rush along the rooftops to the marketplace.

Ghulnea and Gulak are in the middle of talking with a merchant outside a shop. Her sibling is holding all the gift bags in tow.

"Thank you for keeping them open, brother!" The mixed rogue drops down nearby. She catches her breath from all she had to do.

"No, problem."

The merchant leads her inside. She walks directly to the corner of the shop with her eyes on what she wants to buy. As she talks with the merchant....

Ghulnea shuffles her feet in place to keep herself warm. The gift bags crinkle as Gulak puts them on the street to embrace her from behind.

"Thank you, my husband."

He kisses her on the cheek while rubbing her belly bump. "I wonder what he or she will look like."

"Hmmm. Strength of an orc inside a tiny dwarf," she laughs.

"Our child will be the strongest dwarf of them all."

"I just wish that...."

"That their grandpa will be around longer?" Gulak answers with a thudding heart.

Her lips quiver. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't-"

"He will at least be able to feel their face before his time," he embraces her tighter. She strokes his arm with her hand to calm his heart.

Emilia walks out with a case in hand. "I'm-"

She feels a change in the atmosphere from the couple. She knows what it is. "We have one more year left. Let's make it count," she tries to encourage them and herself.

Gulak cracks a grin from her optimism. "You're right. Let's go home," he picks the bags up with one arm and leads his pregnant wife by the hand.

Emilia forces her feet not to plod against the cobblestone streets. The memories of her father letting her lead him down this street haunts her mind.

They arrive at the large mansion which has a large holly wreath on the door. Emilia turns over a pot and uses the spare key to open it. They hear a conversation take place.

"Are you sure, mama?"

"Yes, mijo. I think you are ready to do it on your own. You will be in charge this year and the next. I won't get in your way," Mel tells Jaime.

They see him latch onto her while trying not to cry. Tears well up in the trio's eyes.

"Thank you for teaching me everything. I won't let you down."

"What's going on?" Ghulnea asks.

Jaime keeps embracing his mom. "I'm going to handle the wine stand for the winter solstice festival tomorrow."

"You will do great, hermano," Emilia congratulates before embracing her mom the same way.

Gulak and Ghulnea join in on the hug.

"Muchas gracias."

The main door opens.

"We're home!" A fourteen-year-old Hector calls out.

"We're in here, mijo!"

The sound of metal boots hit the floor. They are confused by the noise, so they walk out. Their eyes light up with joy, finding Hector wearing full knight armor. Flames of the candles dance upon the shining armor.

"Dad got me this!" He gleams with pride.

"He earned it with all the training he went through," Will shakes the white flakes off his coat.

"Papa!" Emilia latches onto him with a tight embrace. She doesn't mind the wet snow that's on him.

"How was the job?"

"I did perfect. Master Yang would be proud of me! I fooled them all!"

Melody lets out a sigh. "As long as you don't really steal, it's okay."

"If she does, I will catch her," Hector smirks.

Emilia scoffs. "That's because I will let you do that."

Hector's vision turns dark. His breath hitting the metal tells him what happened.

"You have to see her first," Jaime jokes. Hector adjusts his helmet and punches him in the shoulder for the prank. Gulak and the others laugh. Mel walks over and kisses her husband.

"Welcome back."

"Glad to be back," he finds her face to rub her cheeks in small circles with his thumbs.

The door opens again to reveal a slumped over Luis. His eyes weigh heavy from the dark circles under his eyes.

"Luis, are you okay?" Gulak asks.

"So....much....paperwork," he rubs his eyes. Mel takes off his jacket and he feels lighter from it.

"I know. I mean I couldn't read it, but it was a lot," his father empathizes in a joking manner.

A chuckle escapes Luis' mouth. "A teacher is a lot more hurdles than a mage."

"Dinner's ready," Mel tells him to lighten his spirits. Luis whiffs the air and smiles.

Will then feels a warm embrace from behind. He knows based on his touch who it is.

"Hello, Bumva." He softly strokes the peaks of her biceps. "Are the others here?"

"They are. Are you hungry?"

"I always will be," he turns in her embrace to face her. He stands on his tip toes to give her a kiss. She pulls him up into the air and locks lips until setting him back down. Their children look away.

He offers his right arm and she takes it to lead him. Mel walks over and takes his left arm.

Esmerelda, Tuzah, Yang, Yarlg, Ai, Nerdeani, Elajor, Sindedrid, Claude, and Cara set the dinner plates of chicken, fish, potatoes, and vegetable casseroles ready for their large family. A tan man with short black curly hair helps Esmie set a plate before wrapping his arms around her lovingly. He gives her a peck on the cheek that she returns.

"Gracias, Javier."

His dark brown eyes gaze upon the rosy apples looking back at him. "Te amo, Esmie," he speaks with a deep, suave voice. Their lips lock tenderly.

"Get a room!" Tuzah scoffs which makes them laugh.

"I do have plenty of room at my farm if you like," he whispers into her ear.

"Not until we get married, mi amor." He nods in agreement while keeping his hands on the small of her back. 

"I just wish that..."

"What?"

"That your parents would live long enough to see that day," he states with sadness.

"I know. I just don't want to rush this. They told me to enjoy my life at my own pace."

"You're right. I will go at your pace then. I love you, Esmerelda Bennett-Ramirez."

"And I love you too, Javier Hernandez."

"Just get married already! You're already acting like newlyweds!" Tuzah asserts with a slight annoyance.

"She does have a point," Sindy smirks. Yang and Yarlg laugh.

"Just make sure you have a pre-nuptial agreement," Cara advises.

Claude wraps his arms around his unmarried lover. "So true. But yet, I will only take your heart," before kissing her cheek.

Javier flashes Esmie with a roguish smile. Another thing she loves about him.

Meanwhile, Nanka finishes lighting the candles with fire magic. In the corner of the room, Jr plays peak-a-boo with his new bundle of joy.

"Peak-a-boo," he lightly growls.

His dark green son giggles. His eyes reflect they're not the same color. One was blue from his mother, and the other green from his father. Ohgamesh laughs from her son's enjoyment.

"I wonder if you will be tall like your father, Soran Bennett."

Soran replies back with a proud wah as if to say yes. His parents laugh.

"Hopefully not too big. Don't want him to bump his head on every door frame," his father jokes.

"He will have your strength, that's for sure. The initiation ritual will be waiting for him," Yarlg tickles the baby's belly. Soran giggles with an underlying growl.

The doors to the banquet hall open. Jr stands up with his son as they all go to embrace their blended family. Elajor goes over and gives Mel and Will the tightest embrace he can give them.

They each lay a hand on his back to comfort him. The elf slowly lets go and recollects himself.

"Dinner is ready. Enjoy!"

Soran reaches out to his grandfather.

"Your grandson wants you," Jr carefully hands him over.

Will rocks him gently. "Thank the Cosmos that you're not as heavy as your father. He was like an anchor," the mage tells him with a smile. Soran laughs as Luis tickles the bottom of his feet.

They all sit down to enjoy one of the last meals with the bard and former Skeleton Queen. After dinner, Esmie stands up.

"We have some gifts for you and mama," she announces. All of their children bring gifts. From Jaime, a bottle of new wine that he created with sweet olives from Chin. They drink a bit.

"Sweet, but not overpowering. Great job!" His mother compliments.

"Reminds me of tu madre's making."

"You really captured your mother's essence," after Sindy finishes a swig.

Gulak drinks a bit for him and his pregnant wife. "Great job, hermano! This will definitely sell out at the festival tomorrow!"

Jaime's face beams with pride that they loved it.

Esmerelda, Tuzah, Gash, and Jr bring out a tree decorated with different ornaments.

"Que lindo!" Mel covers her mouth. Gash takes his father's hand and has him feel a particular one.

His fingers feel around it. "A mandolin?"

"Yep, Try this one," he leads his hand to another. It feels like a rectangle that he couldn't guess until he feels a symbol on it.

"A mage's book."

"We also got ornaments of tiny wine bottles, battle axes, some skulls, and other stuff," Gash explains.

"I added an ornament of Mel and Bumva as well," Sindy adds.

"On the bottom, but it's the thought that counts," Nerdeani lightly jokes.

William embraces Gash. "Thank you."

"Gulak, Ghulnea, and I got this for you," Emilia brings a case over to him. She opens it and takes his hand.

His jaw drops. "My mandolin? Wait."

His fingers feel something engraved that brings him to cry happily. Near the edge are symbols of his entire family with two bundled babies that represent his grandchildren. Mel and Bumva tear up along with him.

"I love these gifts so much. Thank you all."

Emilia's tears flow as she gives her father a peck on the cheek.

Mel wipes his tears. "Let's hear a cancion, mi amor," she whispers between tears.

He clears his throat. "Claude, Gulak. Would-"

He hears them strumming their respective instruments.

"Never forget: A musician should always be ready to play for any audience. Lead on!" Claude instructs.

Will tunes his instrument to his liking. His fingers are akin to magic as they move with speed and dexterity to the amazement of his children. Couples partner up and dance to it. Gulak and Claude join in for a harmonious trio that ended with three separate solos.

"That's my husband!" Ghulnea screams to Gulak's joy.

William ends it with a solo that ends with a gentle note. The mansion erupts into applause. The party continues until daybreak. William sleeps on the floor between his two wives with the rest of his family sleeping in different places of the hall.

----

Six months after his birthday....

Snip. Snip. Snip snip.

"I appreciate this, my love," Will tells Bumva who's cutting his hair short with scissors.

"Your hair was getting a bit long. We need to make the father of the bride look handsome, second to the groom, of course."

"I wish I can see it."

"You will....on that day," Bumva withholds her sadness.

He finds her hand and kisses it. "I will be so happy with it."

Later, the whole family attends the wedding of Esmerelda and Javier at his guild. Will walks with his daughter in arm to give her over to Javier. Elajor acts as a minister.

"Who gives Esmerelda Bennett-Ramirez to Javier Hernandez?"

"I, William Bennett-Ramirez, will hand her over."

He lets go so she can be with her beloved. Javier and Esmie share their vows and kiss as husband and wife. Everyone applauds happily for them. At the reception, Will dances with his daughter as Claude plays. She cries as this will be her last gift to him.

She feels the soft back of his hand wiping her tears. 

"I'm happy for you two. Javier loves you inside and out. The only advice I will give you is this: enjoy each moment with each other at your own pace. Don't listen to others who want you to rush along," before twirling her in place to meet on the other side.

"I will listen, papa," she rests her head on his shoulder. The song later concludes their dance.

Will then dances with both Bumva and Mel as the reception continues. Ghulnea dances with her husband with their bundle of joy on his back. Their daughter has the green complexion of her father while sharing the long summer hair of her mother. Her pointed orc ears perk up from the celebration. She coos as they dance.

"Having fun, little Barriba?" Her father asks.

She growls in response.

"That's a yes!" Ghulnea laughs.

----

The last autumn leaf falls as all of Engla is covered in a blanket of white. Lit fires keep the citizens warm as they stroll about while others prepare for the winter solstice festival. 

The Bennett mansion is almost quiet except for the snores of William's friends and family in his bedroom. Melody and Bumva wrap tightly around their husband with all they can muster without breaking him. Their emerald and magenta eyes look upon him until he falls asleep with a peaceful smile on his face.

His wives kiss him on the cheeks before falling asleep.

For the joyous winter festival tomorrow, Will and Mel's final night accompanies it.