Once Upon A Fae

Chapter 25

"Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means."

Ronald Reagan

Chapter25

Over the next two days leaders and their teams slowly began to trickle in. Ebon had not just called in the Diablo's warriors, but had contacted other crèches that were near enough to make the meeting.

The compound was filled with silent paladins. Everywhere Faith turned she was tripping over one of the taciturn warriors that were pacing the grounds. The males acting like caged beasts.

Feeding so many hungry males turned out to be a massive effort. But Faith and Luch had conscripted some of the trainees as well as the young to help in feeding the masses and soon had both kitchens running as smoothly as was possible. They had found that it was easier to set up a buffet and allow the males to graze constantly all day instead of trying to organize an actual meal.

Faith pulled yet another tray of lasagna from the oven and handed it off to a trainee. Checking the bread she reset the timer and straightened while rubbing her back. Only a few minutes left on the bread and her shift in the kitchen would be done for the day. After wiping down the counters Faith grabbed the bread as the timer dinged placing it on the sideboard.  With her work done Faith went in search of her family.

Sitting in the shade surrounded by the young, Faith admired her mate as she fed Micah. The males were currently sparring before her. Dmitri battling a tank of a male from a neighboring crèche. His skin glistened with sweat as he used his greater agility and speed to take the lumbering warrior to the ground, pinning him by the neck.

Faith cheered for her mate along with the young as he helped his opponent to his feet. Settling the baby on his sleep mat, Faith stood to approach Dmitri only to be cut off by a blaring alarm.

Calm dark eyes met fear filled teal. Walking to his mate, Dmitri gently lifted Faiths chin laying a brief kiss upon her lips.

"It's time my sun."

"I don't want to leave you Dimi. I'm not helpless, I can fight."

Cupping Faith's cheek, Dmitri gave her a disbelieving look.

"You think to fight? Not gonna happen mate. And even if I would allow it the young need you with them. Now go."

"When this is over you and I will be discussing this word 'allow' . I'm pretty sure your going to find it stricken from your vocabulary, my mate." With one last glance Faith turned with a huff and ran towards the young.

Faith and Luch did one last head count. The pups and the injured were huddled together in the back of the storm shelter. Their faces white with fear, they held each other in comfort.

"Faith you need to stay in the back with the young." Luch ordered while organizing his med pack.

"You know I'm not useless. I can stand up front with the trainees and teens. Luch, I'm not stupid. I won't risk my life unless the pups are in danger. But I can help."

Faith was getting mad. Why did everyone think she was only able to care for the pups and clean up after them? She was Fae, and though their powers were meant to heal, like everything in life they too had a dark side.

"Sister, it's not that I doubt your strength. I know you could help. But, you have another to think of now."

"I will still be here in the shelter Luch. It's not like I plan on running around the battlefield. What difference does it make which room I'm in."

Luch walked over to his sister and laid a gentle hand on her stomach. Sending a warming jolt through her he gave Faith a wry smile.

"It may not matter, but for now wouldn't you like to be the safest you can be?"

Eyes widened with shock, Faith's hands followed her brothers to cover her womb.

"Truly? Oh sweet joy, Luch, I'm going to have a pup?"

Hugging Faith close to him Luch just nodded his head. A bright smile shone from Faith's face. Her happiness lit up the dank atmosphere of the cellar causing the young surrounding them to smile through their fear.

"I will stay in the back, brother. But know that I will still protect every single pup in here with my life."

"I know, stay safe and stay strong, my sister."

With a fleeting touch Luch climbed from the shelter and locked everyone in. Running towards the training field he sent one last prayer up to the Gods begging for the safety of all his loved ones.