“Nalli, Gallin,” Jahan called softly as the image in the scrying mirror flickered and then sharpened. He squinted, searching for his family. “Where are they?” Shri asked, her voice tinged with impatience. It had taken him some convincing to bring Shri along, especially with Crellis keeping such a close eye on him. Jahan promised to give her enough time to spend with Rantar. The older two were with the tutor, and he wanted to make the most of this fleeting time together. He sighed. “I’m not sure. Just give it a moment.” After a pause, Shri leaned closer and called out, her voice echoing into the glass. “Gabbin, Nalli!” Finally, Nalli appeared, holding Gallin in her arms. The boy clung to her with a tired smile, his face lighting up when he saw them. “Shri!” he cried, squirming as if to jump down, but Nalli held him close. “Hey, you two,” Jahan greeted, his voice softening. “Everything alright?” Nalli adjusted Gallin on her hip. “Yes, we’re managing. Just had a small mishap, that’s all.” “What happened to your stilts?” Shri asked, her gaze fixed on Gallin’s legs. Gallin’s smile faded a bit, and he pouted. “They broke.” “The metal wore through a strap,” Nalli explained, smoothing Gallin’s hair. “The tan-ner said he’d fix it for free if we can wait a few days. The healer says he’ll be alright if it’s less than a week.” “Where’s Uncle Marn?” Gallin asked. “In bed. I’m in the nursery today so Shri can join us,” Jahan replied. “When can you come to play again?” Shri asked, her voice small. “Not until my braces are fixed,” Gallin said with a small sigh. “Curly bones make me walk funny. Can you come here instead?” Shri shook her head. “Mom doesn’t like Menthanlans. She only likes Yarbs. I tell her, and I tell her you’re nice, but she doesn’t listen.” Gallin leaned forward, his brow furrowed. “I’ll tell her when I come to visit.” Nalli gave him a gentle squeeze. “It may be a while, Gallin.” Jahan could feel the heaviness settling in his chest. “How are things there, Nalli?” he asked, shifting the topic. He wanted to keep it light, or at least lighter. “We’re doing fine, Jahan,” Nalli replied, her voice warm. “Things would be better if you were here, of course.” Jahan sighed, longing thick in his voice. “I miss you too.” Gallin leaned forward. “How’s everything there, Daddy?” Nalli often asked that, but he’d started trying to beat her. “It’s alright here,” Jahan said, not letting on about the recent troubles. He wouldn’t worry them. “Lanni and Jahree have become mates now.” Gallin’s eyes widened with curiosity. “What’s mates?” “It’s like when dragons get married,” Jahan explained, a small smile crossing his face. “And Shan and Loka are getting along well,” he added, chuckling. “I think he’d court her if she wasn’t a healer.” Jahan nodded. “Maybe next pay, I can afford a transport ring. The captain said he’d try to let me take my days off together so I can come see you.” “Can Shri come?” Gallin asked, hopeful. “She’s still too little for the transport charms,” Jahan reminded him gently. Shri puffed up her cheeks, determined. “When I’m in school, I’ll learn magic. Then I can come visit by myself.” Jahan gave her an encouraging smile. “One day, maybe. But for now, you’ll need your mother’s permission. It takes more than just knowing how. You need to be strong enough, too.” Shri crossed her arms, conceding. “I know.” Nalli put a hand on Gallin’s shoulder. “Maybe by then, you won’t need your braces anymore, Gallin.” Gallin brightened, the thought lighting up his face. “I drewed a picture for you, Dad-dy!” He hobbled over to his things and returned with a drawing of him and Shri playing ball. He handed it to the mirror, and though Jahan couldn’t touch it, the gesture warmed him. “It’s wonderful, Gallin,” he said, voice thick. He watched his son’s small struggle and felt a wave of helplessness. If things had been different, if he hadn’t lost everything… “Alright, I have to let you go. I can’t drain the charm too fast,” Jahan said, his voice gentle but heavy. “Be a good boy, Gallin, and take care of Mommy.” Gallin nodded. “Okay, Daddy. And you be a good daddy and take care of Yarba. And, Shri, you be a good boy.” “I’m not a boy. I’m a girl. Girls are always good. Bye, Gabbin.” “Nalli, I love you. Take care,” Jahan told his wife. “You too. See you soon.” Nalli nodded, her eyes lingering on him. With a last look, he ended the spell, and the mirror’s surface went dark. He took a breath, his heart tugging, the empty room feeling colder without their faces. He looked down at Shri, pulling her into a hug. These moments, fleeting as they were, had to be enough—for now. #fantasy #magic #dragons #hiddenlands