Motherly Paladin: Love and Support
Chapter 18: Support Along the Path to Motherhood
A few peaceful weeks passed after the dinner with Blue, and on the final night before the café officially transitioned into new hands, Aldra chose to work one last shift at her original location. The warm scent of pastries and late-night drinks still filled the cozy space — the place where she had worked, laughed, and built a home for so many friends.Alicia had raised the idea a week earlier: their café should be closer to home, so Aldra wouldn’t have to push her body so hard. Pregnancy had changed everything — and although Aldra wanted to stay strong, the distance, the long shifts, and her instinct to help everyone had been piling up. Thancred, ever the reliable Scion, stepped in without hesitation. He offered to purchase the original cafe and take on its management, working with Aldra’s loyal staff to ensure nothing would falter in her absence.It was meant to make things easier.
And yet Aldra felt a bittersweet tug in her heart working her final shift.Across the counter, she noticed a stranger watching her with a keen, almost protective gaze — a woman with striking scales and a tail that clearly marked draconic heritage.Aldra’s instincts flared.
“You’re a dragon, aren’t you?” she asked with curiosity sparkling in her eyes.Before the woman could speak, she flicked her tail — and Aldra, acting purely on instinct, caught it gently in both hands, smiling brightly like she’d just found a long-lost friend.The woman let out a soft laugh.
“My name is Izmetriel, but you can call me Izzi.” she replied. “And yes — you’re as sharp as Blue said you’d be. I came by because she told me tonight was special. Your last night here.”
It didn’t take long for conversation to flow as if they’d known each other for years. They shared stories of survival, transformation, and the strange expectations placed upon dragons — even half-dragons — living among mortals. Izzi’s tone was confident and warm, her eyes always returning to Aldra with admiration for her courage.As the hours slipped by, the closing time bell chimed. Aldra locked the doors, exhaustion tugging at her steps. But when she turned, her balance wavered — her muscles protesting after far too long a day.Izzi didn’t even think. She caught Aldra gently, allowing her to rest her weight against her arm.
“You’re pushing yourself too hard,” she murmured, guiding her toward the door. “Strength is admirable, young one — but real strength also means knowing when to let yourself rest.”Aldra lowered her head, humbled, her hand brushing protectively over her belly.
“I… I just want to keep up,” she admitted softly. “I don’t want to be a burden.”Izzi’s eyes softened as she placed a reassuring hand atop Aldra’s head — affectionate, proud.
“You are not a burden. You’re building a life — two lives, really.” She smiled. “Blue, your wife, even your staff… they’re not trying to hold you back. They’re trying to hold you up. Let them.”Aldra sniffled, but the smile that bloomed afterward was gentle and sincere.
Izzi escorted her home safely through the moonlit path, their tails swaying in quiet rhythm — one slender and newly changed, the other strong and scaled like armor. When they reached the gate, Izzi squeezed Aldra’s hand.“Tomorrow,” Izzi said, “you will walk into your new café surrounded by people who believe in you. Let them help you shine.”Aldra watched her new friend disappear into the night, heart warm and eyes glimmering with hope.Tomorrow would be a new beginning.
A gentler beginning — for her, and for the tiny heartbeat growing strong within her.
Chapter 19: Where Motherhood Begins in Quiet Moments
The house was warm with the smell of fresh bread and spices, and Aldra stood leaning against the kitchen counter, a soft sweater hugging her growing form. Her long, thin tail swayed lazily as she sipped her hot chocolate, letting its warmth settle deep into her chest. Almost four months now — nearly a month since she had stepped away from constant training, sword drills, and battlefield adrenaline.Her days had become calmer, filled with painting, gentle baking, and slow walks around the estate. Even if her body still longed for motion, the stillness was beginning to feel… comforting.As she stared into her cup, a spark of determination flickered across her face.
Today is the day. I’m building the cradle.Alicia wouldn’t be home until later, and Aldra wanted the surprise — wanted her wife to walk in and see proof of this new chapter she was stepping into, not as a warrior, but as a mother-to-be.With a warm breath, Aldra pushed off the counter and padded into the bedroom. Her expression brightened instantly. The unassembled cradle waited there, its dark wood gleaming invitingly under the lights.
She pressed her hands together in excitement.
This is really happening…Piece by piece she began assembling it, kneeling carefully, mindful of her changing body. As she worked, her thoughts drifted to soft visions — her little one resting safely, tiny fingers curled around a blanket, the gentle rhythm of peaceful breathing. A quiet smile spread across her lips, her tail giving small happy flicks.When the last piece clicked into place, Aldra sat back and admired her work.
It was perfect.
Sturdy, beautiful, and ready for the precious life soon to enter it.
But exhaustion crept in — the natural kind that came with pregnancy and the effort she put into the task. She made her way to the cushioned bench next to the bed, letting herself sink down slowly. Her head rested on the soft padding, her hands slipping gently over her belly as her eyes drifted shut.Soon she was peacefully asleep, curled beside the cradle she had worked so hard to build.Late that evening, Alicia arrived home.She stepped into the bedroom and froze, her breath catching softly. The cradle stood completed, polished, ready — filled with the loving touch Aldra had poured into it.Then her eyes drifted to her wife.Aldra was asleep on the bench, her sweater falling loosely over her shoulder, her tattooed leg stretched comfortably, her tail curled near her feet. She looked serene, exhausted in the sweetest way.
Alicia knelt beside her, sliding a gloved hand beneath Aldra’s cheek and gently guiding her head into her lap. Aldra shifted only slightly, nestling into her wife’s warmth without waking.Alicia stroked her hair tenderly, her voice barely above a whisper.“You did beautifully, my love… absolutely beautifully.”She gazed between Aldra and the cradle, her heart full — of pride, of tenderness, of the life they were slowly building together.And with Aldra sleeping safely in her lap, Alicia kept watch, cherishing this quiet moment of motherhood’s beginning.
Chapter 20: Warm Light, Quiet Crossings
The morning sun poured softly over the Lavender Beds as Aldra eased into her chair on the balcony, warming her hands around a cup of tea. Her tail curled lazily over the edge, her body moving slower now, a natural stillness settling into her as she neared her fourth month of pregnancy. She breathed in the crisp sea air and smiled—today was the grand opening of her new café, finally relocated closer to home so she wouldn’t exhaust herself walking across the city each day.Alicia had kissed her goodbye before leaving on morning errands, promising to meet her there later with Izzi. Thancred, Alisaie, Y’shtola, and even some regulars had sent messages of support. The thought steadied Aldra’s nerves, filling her with a quiet glow of pride.In the afternoon, Aldra arrived to the new café—bright, airy, warmly lit—and slipped behind the counter with her staff: Tiika, Io, and Serika. The three half-dragons moved with a familiar eagerness, always watchful of Aldra’s condition. They had once been Garlean test subjects, freed and given a home by Aldra; today they insisted on giving back.“Boss, go easy today,” Serika warned with a wag of her tail. “We’ll handle the rush. You focus on that little one growing inside you.”Aldra laughed, the sound soft and grateful.
“I promise. But let me at least brew the first cup.”She prepared the inaugural coffee herself, handing it to the first customer of the day. With a proud pat to her apron, she retreated to a cushioned bench to rest while the café came alive—cups clinking, conversations blooming, plates being set down gently by Tiika and Io.
Soon, familiar faces arrived.
Thancred, Y’shtola, and Alisaie stepped through the door, ordering food from Tiika while Aldra beamed from her seat.But something felt… off.The Y’shtola who sat with her friends didn’t quite match Aldra’s memories—her smile, her gaze, even the subtle ring glinting on her hand suggested a version of Y’shtola from somewhere else. A strange convergence Aldra couldn’t yet perceive was unfolding quietly around her.From the corner booth, a mysterious woman sipped green tea, her posture watchful, her eyes fixed on Aldra’s rounded midsection with a blend of shock and disbelief. She said nothing—but recognition flickered sharply in her expression. If Aldra had looked closer, she might have seen her own reflection staring back.But Aldra simply smiled across the café, blissfully unaware of the strange crossing of worlds.The café thrived. Some guests stayed to enjoy meals; others grabbed drinks to go. Compliments flowed freely—about the chocolates, the sandwiches, the cozy seating.Aldra rose once or twice to assist, but her staff quickly ushered her back.“We’ve got this,” Io insisted. “Sit, boss. You’re glowing too much today to be overworking.”Aldra conceded, cheeks warming.
At last, Alicia and Izzi arrived, sliding into a booth with bright smiles and steaming cup of coffee for Alicia and tea for Izzi. Aldra joined them with her tea, chatting excitedly about the turnout, giggling over small mishaps, soaking in their shared pride.Across the room, the mysterious stranger stood, leaving behind a large donation and tip on her table. She slipped out silently—though Izzi caught a brief glimpse of her face and paused.“…Aldra?” she whispered to herself. But the stranger was gone before the thought could take shape.As closing hour neared, Thancred, Alisaie, and Y’shtola approached Aldra to congratulate her.Alisaie grinned.
“You did amazing, Aldra. This place already feels like home.”Thancred gave a two-finger salute.
“If you ever need help eating leftovers, you know who to call.”Y’shtola lingered a moment longer, eyes drifting to Aldra’s stomach—confusion and curiosity warring beneath her calm mask—before she excused herself and left without questions.Aldra chalked it up to Y’shtola simply being Y’shtola.After the last customer departed, Aldra turned toward her staff, hands clasping with infectious excitement.“We did it! You three were incredible!”Tiika fanned her wings in pride. Io lifted her chin. Serika pumped a fist in the air.Izzi and Alicia watched from the side—Alicia glowing almost as warmly as Aldra—proud of their wife, their friend, their mother-to-be who was stepping into a new chapter with strength, grace, and the unwavering support of those she’d brought together.The café lights dimmed, the scent of tea still lingering, and Aldra felt the life inside her flutter gently—as if celebrating with her.
With the final lock turned and the café finally quiet, Aldra stretched slowly, one hand settling at the small of her back as the long day caught up to her. Alicia stood close, her pride unmistakable as she praised Aldra and the staff, laughing softly as she declared the opening a success fit for an establishment that had been thriving for years rather than mere hours. Tiika, Io, and Serika basked in the warmth of the words, exchanging tired but satisfied smiles before heading off for the night.Only Izzi lingered in thought.Her gaze drifted toward the darkened windows, her mind replaying the image of the mysterious stranger—Aldra’s face reflected back at her, yet not quite the same. The tail, thicker and shaped like Aldra’s former one before it changed during that quiet dinner with Blue and Alicia… it gnawed at her. Too precise to be coincidence. And Y’shtola—no, not their Y’shtola—had looked at Aldra’s pregnant form with something closer to discovery than concern, as though a long-held assumption had just been overturned.Aldra noticed the tension before Izzi could hide it. “Hey,” she said gently, stepping closer, mindful of her tired body. “You alright?”Izzi startled, then softened immediately, offering a small smile. “Yeah. Everything’s fine, Aldra. Just… thinking about a job, is all.”Aldra accepted the answer without pressing, her smile warm and trusting. “It’ll work out. It always does.”Goodbyes were exchanged soon after. Alicia looped an arm around her wife as they headed home together, while Izzi peeled away down another street, her thoughts still heavy but carefully kept to herself.
Far from their sight, at the outer tables beneath the soft glow of lantern light, Y’shtola lingered with the mysterious woman—now unmistakably her Aldra.“My love,” Y’shtola murmured at last, amusement and fascination mingling in her voice, “there is no doubt now. That woman was you… another you. Her aether, her body—she is with child. Nearly four months along, if my senses are correct. The timing aligns disturbingly well with the first spell I cast… back when we were alone together in my room in Tuliyollal's inn.”The other Aldra stiffened, then slowly exhaled. “So the spell that made me crave you,” she said quietly. “It broke the bindings that kept me from ever carrying life. And when you later used the spell on me to fully bind me in Idyllshire that actually ended up making me whole… it must have echoed across worlds.” Her gaze lowered, thoughtful. “That would mean this Aldra was freed as well—without ever knowing why.”Her tail twitched faintly behind her. “Hers is different than mine. Changed, like she’s further along a path I haven’t yet walked. I don’t want to confront her—stress like that could harm the child. But…” A faint smile tugged at her lips. “I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to meet her. To hear her story. To understand how her journey diverged so completely from mine.”Y’shtola followed her gaze toward the now-dark café. “She is married,” she observed softly. “Not to me. Likely to the pink-haired Au Ra we saw. Which raises even more delightful questions.”A quiet laugh escaped her as she reached for Aldra’s hand. “Come. Let us go to Gridania. We’ll learn more of this world—and ourselves—in peace. Tonight has made our attempt to leave Jeuno far more interesting than I ever anticipated.”Hand in hand, they departed into the night, already deep in quiet conversation, bound not only by love—but by the strange, beautiful convergence of worlds yet to be fully understood.
