#foweek

[me-myself-and-my-fos]

Happily Ever After Week Day 6: Baby Fever

Pairing: Archie Hopper x Nicole Hopper

Summary: Nic has baby fever and it gives Archie a realization

It would strike Nic at random times. She never knew what started it, but every once in awhile she’d get baby fever.

Archie could always tell when she had it. She would point out babies whenever they went out, and coo at them in the stores. She would ask Belle and Rumple if she could babysit Gideon, and Archie would come home to find Nic chasing little 3 year old Gideon through the yard as he giggled. Sometimes she babysat other young kids, sometimes she decided to do decorating lessons at the bakery. Parents would bring in their children, and Nic would help them decorate whatever it was that day.

She often found herself lost in thought, daydreaming about what it would be like to have a family with Archie. She’d think about bringing home their first child, and how she thinks the kids would look, what their names might be. It would happen anywhere, sometimes while she was at work, other times at home with Archie. Once, they were going to bed and he heard her suddenly crying beside him. He never found out what was wrong, but she cuddled him the rest of the night, kissing his cheek.

She had mentioned kids a few times offhandedly to him. Nic never gave a pure indication that she wanted kids with him, but she hoped he’d assume. And more than once Belle had told the couple that they would make great parents. But it had never been purely stated by either that they wanted children. All of the hints were there, Nic and Archie just didn’t take them. However, it truly occurred to him one day when they were at the store.

She had a tendency to wander off at times. Archie never worried, he always was able to find her or she would find him. But he didn’t expect to find her in the baby aisle. He stood there for a moment and watched as Nic looked at bibs. They all had silly phrases on them, and it seemed to amuse her. She had a soft smile on her face as she looked at everything. Archie watched as she picked up a onesie and admired it.

That’s when it finally hit him.

She did want a family, and she wanted it with him. She wanted to have a child with him, but neither of them had the nerve to say it yet. Archie smiled, deciding that later he would be the one to bring it up. He wanted it with her, and he needed her to know that.

Nic finally noticed him out of the corner of her eye and looked over at her husband. “Honey?”

He took a few careful steps towards her and buried his fingers in her hair. He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” She replied, putting the onesie back.

“Let’s finish shopping,” he put his hand on her lower back and guided her back to the shopping cart. “I want to talk about something when we get home.”

“Okay?” She raised a brow at him curiously.

“Don’t worry, muffin,” he kissed her head. “It’s nothing bad. Quite the opposite.” He smiled softly. “Exactly the opposite.”

[me-myself-and-my-fos]

Happily Ever After Week Day 1: Happy Birthday

Pairing: Archie Hopper x Nicole Hopper

Summary: It’s Archie’s birthday but he keeps interrupting Nic’s surprises

In hindsight, Archie should’ve known better when he woke up to the smell of bacon and other delicious aromas. It didn’t surprise him when he got downstairs that Nic was cooking breakfast. What did surprise him, however, is the tray that the food was on. Nic hadn’t seemed to notice him yet, or she wouldn’t have, at least if Pongo hadn’t run up to Archie the moment he saw him. The excited barks of the Dalmatian as he jumped up onto his hind legs in an attempt to lick Archie’s face caught Nic’s attention. She looked over at Archie and wiped her hands on her apron.

“Oh no, you go back upstairs right now.” She said, walking over to her husband. Archie was still trying to keep Pongo at bay. “You are getting breakfast in bed because it’s your birthday and you can’t argue with me, okay?” He looked at her for a moment, a little taken aback by her sudden outburst. He had forgotten all about his birthday until now, and he certainly didn’t want her to fuss over him because of it. Pongo managed to successfully lick Archie’s cheek, then happily trotted into the kitchen to finish his breakfast.

Archie blinked, wiping his cheek with his shirt. “Sweetheart, you don’t have to go through all this trouble.”

Nic crossed her arms. “I’m making you breakfast in bed, Archie. You can’t stop me.”

He sighed defeatedly, giving her a small smile. “I know, but it’s worth a try.” He kissed her cheek. “I’ll go back upstairs and wait for you.”

“Good.” She smiled sweetly. “I’m almost done.” He started to head up the stairs when she called for him. Archie paused. “Don’t forget, August and Marco are taking you out for your birthday!”

After a few minutes, Nic took the tray upstairs to Archie who sat in bed waiting patiently with a smile. She placed it in his lap and was about to walk away when he caught her wrist. He pulled her into a small kiss.

“Thank you for this.” He whispered.

She smiled and pulled away. “Anything for you. Happy birthday, cupcake.”

It was close to 5 in the evening when Archie finally got back home. August and Marco had kept him occupied for most of the day, and wanted to keep him longer but Archie insisted on going home to Nic. When he stepped inside, Pongo excitedly jumped towards him, and Archie laughed. He closed the door behind him to make sure Pongo didn’t run out, and scratched behind his ears.

“Hey boy, I’m back now.” He said to the happy Dalmatian.

“Archie?” Nic looked at him in surprise and rounded the counter, standing in front of whatever she had on it. Her hair was messy despite being it being pulled back, and she had flour on her apron. Her hands and apron had icing on them, and she even had a little on her face. She leaned back, trying to hide something from his view. “You–you’re not supposed to be home yet. You weren’t supposed to get back until six.”

“I wanted to spend the rest of my birthday with you.” He told her, hanging up his jacket. “Is that a problem?”

“Yes—I mean no! I mean—” Nic sighed, hanging her head. She stepped to the side and revealed the half iced cake on the counter. Archie walked over to her as she spoke. “I knew they were taking you out today so I asked them if they could keep you busy until six. I wanted to surprise you with this.” She gestured to the cake.

The cake itself was a simple, yellow cake with white frosting. She had been in the middle of writing ‘happy birthday’ on it when Archie came in. All she managed to get on it was ‘happy bir’. Archie smiled at her.

“You didn’t have to go through all this for me.” He said, using his thumb to wipe the icing off the tip of her nose.

“It’s your first birthday since we got married, I wanted it to be special.” She replied shyly.

“Oh muffin,” he smiled softly. “Every birthday with you is special.” He kissed her head. “How about this: I’ll go take a long shower, and you can finish the cake along with whatever other surprises you might have.”

She looked up at him and smiled, leaning up to press a soft kiss to his lips. “I can work with that. But don’t come down until I call you. It might ruin the surprise.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He chuckled, kissing her once more before going upstairs.

It was a little past 6pm when Nic finally called for Archie from downstairs. He came down the stairs and smiled when he saw the dinner laid out on the kitchen counter. Nic stood to the side, beaming at him.

“Happy birthday, cupcake.” She said softly.

After they finished dinner and the dishes were clean, Nic pulled the cake from the fridge. She set it on the countertop and put candles in it, then lit them.

“Make a wish, Archie.” She said. He smiled at her then blew out the candles. “I hope whatever you wished for comes true.”

“Don’t worry,” he told her, taking her hands in his. “It already has.”

[me-myself-and-my-fos]

Happily Ever After Week Day 5: Cookies

Pairing: Archie Hopper x Nicole Hopper

Summary: Nic and Archie bake some cookies

“You have a little dough on you,” Nic giggled as she watched Archie scratch his nose. He didn’t even notice the cookie dough on his hands until she mentioned it. He gave her a bashful smile and she reached up. “Let me get that.” She wiped the cookie dough off his nose and onto her apron, grinning at Archie the whole time.

He pressed a kiss to her forehead, picking up the tray of cookie dough. “How do you not get it all over yourself when you’re baking? I always seem to get the dough on my hands no matter what I’m baking.” He opened the oven door and put two trays into it before shutting the door. Nic set the timer to 7 minutes to let the cookies bake.

She laughed, remembering all the times he’s gotten cake batter on his hands. “Years of practice? Or maybe everyone is wrong about us and you’re in fact the messy one,” she teased, putting some sugar cookie dough on another tray.

Archie selected the sprinkles and carefully put them on some of the dough she had already placed on the tray. “Well as you can tell I’m obviously messy in the baking area.”

She paused for a moment and glanced at his shirt that was covered in flour. “Oh I can tell.” She held back giggle. “But you never did tell me how you managed to get flour in your hair that one time.”

“And I never will,” he said, recalling the time she came over to his house and found him almost completely covered in flour. He wasn’t about to tell her that Pongo tripped him and made him drop the bag of flour on himself.

She put the last piece of dough that would fit on the tray then paused. “Why are you only using blue and orange sprinkles?”

Archie’s cheeks reddened. He was hoping she didn’t notice. “Well… blue is your favorite color and orange is mine.”

“Why are they on the same cookies then?” She asked, crossing her arms. The smile she held was mischievous, as though she knew the answer. She had a feeling she knew, but she wanted to make sure she was right.

“...because we’re married.”

Nic’s mischievous smile became a soft one as she leaned up to press a soft kiss to her husband’s lips. “You’re adorable and I love that.” Archie finished putting the sprinkles on the cookies, and Nic hugged his waist. “Can I tell you a secret?”

“Hm?” Archie hummed, taking a small piece of cookie dough as eating it.

“I love you, cupcake.”

He chuckled. “That’s not a secret. But I love you too, honeybun.”

“How about the cookies are all done baking, get a glass of milk and enjoy what we made?” She suggested, kissing his jaw.

“That sounds nice, but don’t eat too much,” he told her as the oven beeped.

“I won’t,” Nic laughed, opening up the oven. “I promise, sweetheart.”

[me-myself-and-my-fos]

Happily Ever After Week Day 2: Walks

Pairing: Archie Hopper x Nicole Hopper

Summary: A simple morning walk

Her hand was tucked into Archie’s, their finger intertwined as they walked the length of Main Street, Pongo leading them. They passed many people, a few familiar faces they would briefly mutter “good morning” to, but the walk was silent for the most part. She smiled up at her husband and leaned up to kiss his cheek. Archie grinned, the feeling of the kiss spreading through him and making him warm in the cold February morning.

“I love these walks with you,” she whispered to him as they passed Gold’s Pawn Shop.

“I do too,” he squeezed her hand. “I always made an effort to pass by the bakery to say hi to you. I loved seeing you every morning.”

She blushed lightly. “Well luckily for you, you get to wake up next to me.”

They continued to walk hand in hand, silence falling over the couple once again. Nic got lost in thought, thinking about all of the times she deliberately waited for Archie to walk by the bakery so she could catch a glimpse of him. She remembers there was a period of time she tried going on morning walks in the hopes of running into him. The morning walks didn’t last long, but it was nice to see Archie more often. Now all she had to do was go into the living room and she would find him on the couch working. Nic didn’t even realize the walk was over until they stood in front of the bakery. Archie gave her a soft smile.

“I wish these walks were longer,” she said absentmindedly.

“I know, I wish they were too,” Archie told her, bringing her hand up to kiss it. He grinned at the amount of giggles that erupted from her lips. “After work we can go on another walk if you want. Just the two of us?”

“Oh?” She gave him a playful smile. “A nice, quiet walk with just the two of us? We haven’t done that in a while.”

He nodded. “I think one is overdue.”

“I’d say so,” she leaned up to kiss him softly. “It’s a date then.”

“I look forward to our date later, Mrs. Hopper,” he smiled.

Nic blushed deeply at his comment. “I’ll see you then.”

Archie kissed her and smiled, then started in the direction of his office. As Nic went to open up her bakery, a smile fell onto her lips at the thought of the walk they’d be having this afternoon.

[me-myself-and-my-fos]

Happily Ever After Week Day 7: Perdita

Pairing: Archie Hopper x Nicole Hopper

Summary: Archie finds a stray...

A/N: And with this, Happily Ever After Week is over!

Archie stepped out of his office and into the late evening air outside. He checked his wrist watch, wanting to make sure he wasn’t running late. He had promised his wife he’d be home by dinner time, although he was cutting close by getting a little extra work done. He was about to head to his car when he heard a noise from the alleyway beside his office. Archie paused at the opening, listening carefully for the noise again. It was a small, high pitch mewling, and he didn’t think twice as he stepped into the alley. Although it was dark, there was just enough light from the street lights to illuminate the small furry creature curled up on an empty trash bag. The kitten looked up at Archie and let out another small meow. His heart tugged at the sight of the small, abandoned kitten, and he didn’t hesitate to reach down towards it. To his surprise, the kitten didn’t let out a small hiss or back away. Instead, it stayed still and let him pick them up, then purred at the warmth of his hand.

“What are you doing out here all by yourself?” He asked the kitten, holding it close to his chest. He stepped out of the alley, and noticed how dark the fur was. Archie wasn’t sure if that was dirt or if it was just the natural color of the fur. It didn’t matter, though, as he headed towards his car, preparing an explanation for his wife when he got home.

When the door to the house opened, Nic looked up to smile at Archie, then she gave him a confused look as she noticed his jacket bundled in his arms. She set the plates in her hands down on the counter and opened her mouth to question what he was holding, but she was interrupted by a small meow emitting from the jacket. Archie put his umbrella in the umbrella rack and looked at her.

“I can explain,” He said.

Nic folded her arms, curiosity peeking. “I hope so.”

Slowly, Archie lifted the kitten from its warm spot in his jacket. “I found him in the alley beside the office. I couldn’t just leave him.”

She gave him a small smile. “Of course you couldn’t.” Archie walked over to her, setting his jacket on the counter and placing the kitten back on the warm spot. It purred happily.

“Where’s Pongo?” He asked, pressing a kiss to Nic’s cheek.

“Oh he’s napping upstairs.” She replied, pulling a plastic Tupperware bowl from a cabinet. She set it in the sink and started to fill it up with warm water.

“That’s good, I’m not sure how he’ll be with a cat in the house.” Archie said, beginning to set up the baby gates they normally used to keep Pongo out of the kitchen.

Nic reached over and picked up the small kitten that started purring in her hands. She smiled softly.

She gently rubbed the kitten’s face with her thumb. “Aw, aren’t you a cutie.”

Archie smiled at that. “I’m just glad he’s not hurt. Or he doesn’t seem to be.”

“She.” Nic corrected, inspecting the kitten. She may not be a veterinarian but she’s healed enough animals back in the Enchanted Forest to know what injuries look like.

“What?” Archie asked.

“This little ball of fluff is a she.” Nic said. She gently lowered the dirty kitten down just above the water, then cupped her hand and brought a little warm water up to the fur. “Just gonna wash you, little girl. You’re pretty dirty.” She glanced at her husband. “You said you found her in the alley?”

He nodded. “Who knows what would’ve happened if I hadn’t.”

“We can take her to the animal shelter in the morning and get her checked out.” Nic said, carefully washing the kitten in her hands. “My only question is, what are we gonna do with Pongo?”

He sighed. “We’ll think of something.”

The kitten had been all cleaned to reveal her black and white fur. Nic got some food and gave it to the kitten who ate it all up before Nic could even wash her hands. She and Archie knew it would be a sleepless night with a kitten in the house, and they did their best to keep Pongo away from her for the night.

The next morning after breakfast, Nic and Archie headed to the animal shelter. The kitten happily cooperated with them, purring again as Nic held it in her hands. They eagerly waited to find out how the kitten was doing as they sat in the waiting room. Nic’s leg bounced up and down as she sat next to Archie, silently hoping the kitten was okay. She finally broke the silence.

“What do you think her name should be?” Nic asked quietly.

Her husband gave her a questioning look. Was she insinuating what he thought she was? “Do… do you want to keep her?”

Nic nodded as if it was a given. “Yeah, I mean you found her. And she seemed attached so easily.”

“We’d have to introduce her to Pongo, and we don’t have the supplies to take care of a cat.” He said, although he desperately wanted to give into his wife. She had mentioned a while ago about getting a second pet, a friend for Pongo to play with. He always assumed they would get a second dog.

“She’s such an easy going kitten, though. And Archie, she was all alone when you found her. She needs a family who will love and care for her,” Nic told him, leaning into his arm. She reached over and took his hand. “And we can go to the pet store after this if she’s all cleared.”

He sighed. “Is this what you want?”

“Of course it is! And she can come to work with you like Pongo! Or she can stay at the bakery with me.”

“I guess we can keep her,” he smiled, squeezing Nic’s hand. “But you’re right, she’d need a name.”

“Alright,” the kennel handler came out from the back of the shelter with the kitten in his hands. Nic jumped from her seat and rushed over to the desk. Archie followed close behind, and he smiled softly when she took the kitten from the handler. “Surprisingly, she’s completely healthy. I found no issues with her.”

“So we can take her home?” Nic asked, the kitten purring in her hands.

The handler nodded, giving the couple a smile. “If you want to, sure. She seems pretty content right now,” he said, reaching over the desk to pet the kitten gently.

“Thank you,” Archie smiled. The handler nodded and went into the back of the animal shelter. Nic and Archie made their way out of the shelter, and she smiled down at the kitten. “We still have to decide a name.”

“Well I’ve been thinking,” Nic looked at him as they headed to the car, “she seems to be purring a lot so I was thinking… Perdita?”

“That sounds perfect,” he nodded. “We can introduce her to Pongo when we get home.”

She pressed a kiss to Perdita’s head, and the kitten let out a small meow. “Welcome to the family, Perdita.”

[me-myself-and-my-fos]

Happily Ever After Week Day 3: Valentine’s Day

Pairing: Archie Hopper x Nicole Hopper

Summary: Archie and Nic celebrate their first Valentine’s Day while married

A/N: Was this an excuse for me to write about me making out with Archie? Perhaps

Nic rolled over in bed and moved slightly, hoping to get a chance to snuggle her husband before they had to get up for the day. But Archie’s side was cold and empty, and that caused Nic to open her eyes. She blinked for a moment and squinted, the early morning rays that seeped through the curtains blinded her. Slowly she opened her eyes, allowing them to adjust to the light. When they did, a small smile grew on her face before she propped herself up on her arm. She picked up the single red rose where it laid on Archie’s side and brought it to her nose. Nic sat up and reached over, grabbing her glasses to put them on.

She wandered down the hall and down the stairs until she stopped at the baby gates separating the kitchen and living room. Archie hadn’t noticed her yet as he made breakfast and hummed along to whatever song was playing softly over the speaker. It gave her a moment to admire him, noticing how his hair was still messy from bed and his face was a little scruffy. She gently held the rose against her chest and smiled softly.

“Good Morning, honey.” She greeted him.

He jumped a little, looking back at her. Archie smiled when he saw his wife. “Good Morning, sweetheart.” He said back. Nic unlocked the baby gate and slipped inside the kitchen.

“Thank you for this.” She smiled, referring to the rose. She set it on the counter and walked up behind Archie as he continued to cook. Nic slid her hands into his shirt and hugged his waist.

“I’ve been practicing for you.” He told her. He lowered the heat on the stove and faced his wife. He leaned down and kissed her softly. “Happy Valentine’s Day, my love.”

She grinned into the kiss. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Jiminy.”

Nic was impatient when it came to certain things, and today was one of them. She was closing the bakery an hour early for Valentine’s Day, but it didn’t help that the bakery was busy all day. She barely got a break, she couldn’t sneak off for even a few minutes to see her husband. And to make it worse, Archie was leaving the office early to get ready for their date. She so badly wanted to leave earlier.

The clock struck 5pm and Nic immediately closed and locked the doors to the bakery, not caring that she was still wearing her flour covered apron. She only cared about getting home to her husband. She probably ran at least two red lights but she didn’t care.

Nic opened the door and pulled off her apron once she stepped inside, and Pongo barked happily from the couch. He jumped over and she gave him a few scratches under his chin before he settled down. Archie came down the stairs, smiling once he saw Nic.

“You got home quick,” he chuckled when he reached the bottom of the steps. “I’ll let you go get changed for dinner.” Wordlessly, Nic grabbed onto his turtleneck and pushed him against the wall, kissing him hard. Archie’s face became deep red at that.

“Forget dinner,” Nic said, panting slightly. “Let’s skip to dessert.” She kissed him again, and his hands found her waist. It took him another moment before he managed to pull away.

“We’re going to miss our reservation if we don’t leave.” He mumbled as Nic kissed across his jaw.

She groaned, pulling away. “Fine. I’ll change.” She pressed another kiss to his lips before going upstairs.

The date had gone exactly as expected: it was perfect. Nic was sure she managed to fall even more in love with Archie during the hour and a half they were on the date. But once they started heading back to the car, Nic’s grip got tighter on his hand. She veered him away from the front and opened the back door of the car, smirking at her husband. Archie swallowed thickly, unsure of what she exactly wanted to do. However, he went along and got into the backseat beside her.

The moment he shut the car door, Nic’s lips were on his. He barely had time to react as she gripped his jacket and pulled him closer until he was practically laying on top of her. It wasn’t long until Archie melted into the kiss and his hands found her waist. She threaded her fingers through his hair with one hand while the other began to pull the jacket off Archie’s shoulders. Neither were sure on how long they had been on the descent, but Nic’s back finally hit the seat of the car.

She began to pull on his jacket more as one of his hands ran down her side until it settled on her thigh. Nic kissed more intensely as she felt his hand squeeze her thigh before slowly trailing up her dress’s skirt. She started to moan into the kiss when suddenly there was a tapping on the car window. It startled both of them, and Archie quickly sat up. Nic propped herself up on her elbows, looking at the figure through the window. Her stomach dropped and Archie’s face flushed red as they both realized they had been caught.

The figure tapped the window again, and Archie swallowed nervously before rolling the window down. Once he did, Emma stood hunched over slightly, an amused grin on her face.

“Good evening Doctor Hopper,” she looked from Archie to Nic, who sat up. “Mrs. Hopper.”

Luckily it was dark or both Archie and Emma would’ve seen the intense blush that grew on Nic’s face. She cleared her throat. “Sheriff Swan.”

“So,” Emma smirked more. “What were you guys doing?”

“Nothing.” Archie replied, like a child caught doing something naughty.

She laughed, tapping the hood of the car. “Don’t stay out too late, you two.” Emma winked at them before walking off.

Archie rolled the window back up and glanced over at Nic. She stared at her lap, playing with the hem of her dress. “How about we finish this at home.” He suggested.

Nic nodded. “That sounds… appropriate.”

He chuckled and leaned over, kissing her cheek. “I love you, muffin.”

“I love you too, cupcake.” She replied as he opened the car door and stepped out, then helped her out.

[me-myself-and-my-fos]

Cold Graves Week Day 3: Rain

Pairing: Cold Graves

Summary: Yasha isn’t the only one who gets excited at the rumble of thunder, and Caduceus makes sure Nic doesn’t get sick

Word count: 318

Gray clouds slowly rolled over the skies, a small rumble of thunder in the far distance. Caleb’s dome had been set up and the Nein were all comfortably inside of it, shielded from the rain that poured from the sky. All except for Yasha and Nicole, at least. Yasha stood just out of the dome, basking in the storm her god brought. Nicole, however, was running barefoot and childishly through the rain, jumping into puddles and allowing the cool precipitation to cover her.

From inside the dome, Fjord shouted, “Damn it, Nic! Get back in here! You’re gonna get sick!”

“Yeah!” Jester called as well. “You could get, like, a disease or something!”

“If she gets a disease don’t let her in here!” Nott shrieked. “She could kill us all!”

“I don’t think that’s how it works.” Beau added.

Nicole stopped and looked over in the direction of the dome. “You’re all a bunch of sticks in the mud!” She said before going back to enjoying the weather. She enjoyed the cool feeling of the rain against her face. She was never allowed to do this growing up.

An hour later, a waterlogged Nicole trudged into the cover of the dome. Fjord shook his head and and grabbed a blanket from the cart, throwing it to her. She wrapped herself in it, satisfied with her joy.

“You’re gonna get sick,” Fjord told her.

“Yes, thank you mom.” Nicole teased. As she settled into her spot next to the fire, Caduceus placed a cup of tea in her hands.

“Drink this. You’ll warm up quickly.” He said.

Nicole giggled, smiling at him. “I don’t feel the cold, Caddy. But thank you. I appreciate that.”

“It’s your favorite. I thought you would like it.”

She cooed. “That’s so sweet! Thank you, Flower.”

From a few feet away, Beau gagged. “You are both disgusting.”

“You’re just jealous cause I’m his favorite!”

[me-myself-and-my-fos]

Cold Graves Week Day 2: Lost

Pairing: Cold Graves

Summary: When the Knowing Mistress seems to have left Nic to her own devices, she finds comfort in Caduceus

Word count: 1,191

The pyramid-esque object that sat on the ground in front of Nicole taunted her. It taunted her with its secrets and mysteries and hidden knowledge. The magic radiating from this artifact was unlike anything she or Caleb had ever come across. The closest they’ve ever come to that power is the Dodecahedron or the “Ball of Happy Fun Tricks”. Both artifacts were still mysteries but at least the group knew how to work them. This object was a complete and utter mystery.

They had acquired it a few weeks prior during a simple festival. Many folks were selling their old junk and this artifact caught Nott’s eye with its shiny surface and gold shine. After a quick Detect Magic from Caleb and Nicole, the group quickly spent the three silver to procure said object in hopes of figuring out what exactly it did. While both the Zemnian and the Druid were experts on nearly everything magic, and knew more than the entire group combined, Nicole was always given the task of figuring out strange objects. She relied on her personal knowledge as well as anything the Knowing Mistress would tell her. And to say she relied on the Knowing Mistress was an understatement.

Nicole meditated and prayed to her every other day, and always praised her for any insight given to them. But these last few weeks Nicole has become irritated. She hadn’t been able to figure out what this artifact was, not even its name. And the Knowing Mistress wasn’t coming to her. Thus Nicole’s frustration grew with each day that passed.

The Nein had set up to camp in a nearby field, not too far from the road they were travelling back to Zadash. Nicole had immediately hopped off the cart, pyramid in her arms as she marched off to a spot far from the noise of Jester’s chatter or Beau’s crude jokes. She didn’t give any of them—not even Caduceus—a glance as they called out her name.

Fjord had sighed and muttered a “let her be” before going back to unpacking the cart.

Jester and Nott were worried about Nicole, and rightfully so. She had become almost obsessed with the pyramid, but only Caduceus knew how deep her troubles really rooted. He was the only one who knew how she would stay up nearly all night trying to figure it out, and the only one who knew what was truly bothering her. Nicole could claim it was the pyramid making her distraught and upset all she wanted, but he knew that all of her frustration was because she felt abandoned.

Now here she sat, near dusk in the bitter winter air that bothered her not while she glared at the object of her obsession, the bane of her existence. The way she stared at it, one would assume it grew autonomous and killed her whole family. Alas, it was simply a puzzle she had yet to solve.

“Your thoughts are very loud,” Caduceus stated as he sat down next to her, his legs outstretched on the brown, dying grass.

Nicole clenched her fist into a ball. “I’m frustrated.”

“I know.”

“Why can’t I figure this out?!” She exclaimed loudly, disrupting a few birds nearby. They squacked and flew away, Caduceus’ gaze following them. “What am I missing?”

“Nothing. You’re thinking too hard.” He said as though it was obvious.

Her glare snapped over to him but softened just as quickly, and she sighed. “I must be doing something wrong.” She folded her arms over her chest. “I did something wrong.”

“She hasn’t left you,” he stated. “She can’t give you the answers to everything.”

“But I’ve given her everything.” Tears pricked at her eyes. “I was loyal and obedient and trusting and–”

“And you relied too much.” He placed a hand gently on her shoulder. Her body trembled slightly as she held back a frustrated sob. “There’s no rush. Give yourself time. Give her time.” Caduceus stood, pressed a small kiss to her head and walked back over to the camp the party had set up hours ago.

Nicole took a deep breath and stared up at the orange-pink sky. She closed her eyes, legs crossed and hands placed softly on her knees. She took in a few more breaths, allowing herself to calm down and reflect on his words.

Nicole opened her eyes and she sat in a snowy field, the sky heavy and gray as snow slowly fell from the heavens onto the earth. It was serene and peaceful and felt like home—almost, actually. It almost felt like home. She blinked and before her stood an old woman, draped in dark clothing, the hood of a cloak pulled over her head, obscuring the view of most of her face.

Nicole knew her.

“Don’t be so troubled.” The Knowing Mistress said. Her words were whispers in Nicole’s ears, and for the first time in her life she felt a chill roll down her back. “Answers will come in due time. Patience is important.”

“I–I thought you left me.” Nicole murmured, too ashamed and too humbled to speak clearly.

The goddess chuckled. “I would never leave you. Like a bird, I felt it was time for you to leave the nest. You cannot rely on me forever.”

“So I have been told.”

“You have others that will guide you, and help you along the way. Learn to rely on them, but more importantly learn to rely on yourself. And don’t forget to cherish those closest to you.”

Another blink and the Knowing Mistress disappeared. Nicole felt something in her hand, and opened her palm. A small, pink flower laid in the center. When she looked up, the snowy field and dark sky was replaced with a warming sunrise and a field full of pink flowers. Nicole smiled. It felt like home.

She opened her eyes and realized it was dark. The once sunset-kissed sky was now dark, sparkling, and gentle. The only light source at the moment was the pinkish-purple glow from Caduceus’ staff as it sat between her and the Cleric himself.

“Oh good,” he smiled. “You’re back.”

“Back?” She raised a brow but doubted he would be able to see her expression in such low light. “I never left.”

“Okay.” He said in a tone that expressed he didn’t believe her. “You missed dinner,” he added, gesturing to the bowl of seasoned vegetables in front of her. “I didn’t want you to go to bed hungry.”

“Thank you, Flower.” She replied gently. Nicole tapped her fingers against her knees, mind wandering off to the Knowing Mistress. A small smile graced her features. “Is Jester still awake?”

“She’s on first watch.”

“I think it would be a good idea to put this artifact—” she pressed a hand to one side of the pyramid, “—in the haversack. I mean, there’s no rush right?”

Caduceus grinned. “You talked to her.”

“It felt more like she was… reminding me.” She smiled wider and leaned forward, kissing his cheek. “Thank you for everything and being patient with me. These last few weeks I’ve felt lost, but with you, I’ve found home.”