Queen Elera

Chapter 8: Story Time

After dinner, Mama Elera picks me up and sets me on her hip, smiling down at me with soft, warm eyes. "There's my sweet baby girl," she coos, gently patting my back. "Did you enjoy your dinner, little one?"

I nod, snuggling closer to her, feeling so small and safe. "Mmm-hmm," I mumble, my thumb finding its way to my mouth. Mama Elera's gentle touch and sweet words make me feel all fuzzy and little inside.

"Aww, look at you, my precious baby," she murmurs, kissing my forehead. "You're so cute and tiny. Let's get you ready for bed, okay?"

She carries me to my room, still holding me on her hip. Her cooing and awwing make me feel even littler. By the time we get there, I'm struggling to find the right words. Everything feels soft and warm, like a big hug.

Mama Elera sets me down on a soft changing table and starts to undress me. "Let's get you all comfy, my little bear," she says, her voice soothing. She pulls out a fluffy, footie onesie with cute little stars on it. "Isn't this perfect for my tiny star?"

I giggle and nod, reaching out to touch the soft fabric. "Pwetty," I say, my words coming out all mushy.

She smiles and kisses my nose. "Yes, it's very pretty. Now, let's get you into your pull-up, just in case."

I don't mind the pull-up. Mama says it's just for accidents, and I feel too small to worry about it. She slides it on gently, then zips me up into the footie onesie. It's so warm and cozy, I feel like I'm wrapped in a big, soft cloud.

"There we go, all snug and warm," Mama Elera says, lifting me back onto her hip. "Now, how about a story before bed, my sweet baby?"

I nod, resting my head on her shoulder. "Story, pwease," I whisper, feeling my eyes getting heavy.

She carries me to a big, comfy chair by the fire and sits down with me in her lap. "Once upon a time," she begins, "there was a magical forest called Everwood..."

As she tells the story, her voice is like a lullaby, making me feel so sleepy and safe. I cuddle closer, my thumb back in my mouth, and listen to her soothing words.

"One day, a brave little girl named Lila ventured into Everwood," Mama continues. "She met a wise old owl who guided her to a hidden glen where the most beautiful flowers grew. These flowers had special powers and could grant wishes to those who found them."

Lila sounds so brave and magical. I imagine myself in the story, finding the flowers and making wishes. But Mama's voice is so calming, I can't keep my eyes open.

"But Lila knew that with great power came great responsibility. She wished for kindness and love to fill the hearts of everyone in her village. And from that day on, Everwood and her village thrived in harmony and joy."

Mama Elera finishes the story, and I let out a tiny yawn. "Did you like the story, Lily?" she asks, her voice full of love.

"Yesh," I murmur, my words all sleepy. "Wanna... go to Everwood..."

She chuckles softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Maybe one day, my little bear. For now, it's time for bed."

She carries me to the big, fluffy bed and lies down beside me, pulling the covers over us. I snuggle close, feeling her heartbeat against my cheek. Her arms wrap around me, making me feel so safe and loved.

"Goodnight, my precious Lily," she whispers, kissing my forehead.

"Nini, mm Mama," I reply, my voice a mere breath.

Mama Elera reaches over to the nightstand and picks up a pacifier. She gently places it in my mouth, and I instinctively start sucking on it, feeling even more comforted and secure.

As I drift off to sleep, I dream of Everwood and the magical flowers, knowing that with Mama Elera by my side, my world is just as magical and filled with love.