<91> Kinah slowly looked between Drenan and Lyrah, a small smile crossing her face. "Life is unpredictable, sweetie. There was nothing that could've stopped what happened. And if it hadn't, you two wouldn't be... you know." Lyrah's cheeks flushed darkly at this. "Did dad tell you?" "He did," Kinah admitted plainly. "It's good to know someone's still taking good care of him." Lyrah laughed outright. "It's... mutual. He keeps me grounded, and I keep him afloat." "In more ways than one," Kinah mused, sizing her daughter up and down slowly. "You two are lucky to have each other. Tell me... does he still...?" The elder female tauren gestured vaguely at Lyrah's impressive bust. Lyrah felt fire flood her cheeks as she looked down at her own naked chest. Drenan had always made her feel confident in her body, and seeing her mother... well, Kinah was even bigger than she was. "He does, and a lot," she admitted a bit sheepishly. "Never change, Drenan," Kinah added and threw a wink her husband's way before looking back at Lyrah. "Just keep yourself strong, sweetie. They're gonna get bigger when you're with child, and I don't want you hurting your back." Lyrah hesitated a bit at her words this time, and her smile slipped away as she looked back at the ground. "I... I don't wanna make dad do anything he doesn't wanna-" Before Drenan could respond, Kinah placed a firm hand on Lyrah's shoulder. "Perish that thought right now, young lady. Your father and I have talked, and I think we have figured out the root of the problem." Lyrah slowly looked over at her father, who in turn crawled closer to place a tender hand upon Lyrah's thigh. "Sweetheart... I am sorry," Drenan rumbled. "Speaking to your mother has given me some comfort in the thought of having a child, and I admit... it would be nice to have another little one to raise, especially with you." The shamaness looked incredulous for a fraction of a second, and then her eyes lit up as she flung her arms around her father's shoulders. "I'm sorry too," she cried and squeezed him tighter, burying her muzzle into his neck and mane. "I'm sorry for getting upset and being pushy and making you uncomfortable and-" Drenan stayed quiet as he let her unload all of her worries, and a glance to Kinah was returned with a warm look of happiness. "Shhhh," he cooed and rubbed Lyrah's back in soft circles, slowly guiding her back to look him in the eye. "There are no apologies necessary. When we return home... I would love to start trying." Lyrah gasped with delight, but it was Kinah's turn to chime in. "On that note, you two... seeing you both has gotten me thinking, and I would like to ask a favor from you, Lyrah, before you leave." "Anything, mama," Lyrah agreed and turned to face her. Kinah waved her hand dismissively at Drenan. "Shoo, you. Girl talk only." Drenan merely laughed as he stood and shuffled out of earshot. The patient bull rocked back and forth on his hooves for several long moments, and the more time that passed, the more curious he got. At one point he dared to glance over at them, catching a glimpse as Kinah placed a hand upon Lyrah's bare chest. A flash of blue light lit up the clearing, and as it faded, Kinah was nowhere to be seen. Drenan's eyes went wide, and he couldn't help but dart over to his daughter. "Lyrah, what happened? Where did she go?" It was clear Lyrah was trying to hold back an impish smile. "She... said she had to go take care of some death business. We probably need to be going anyway." A wisp of sadness crossed Drenan's azure eyes. "But I did not get to say goodbye...." Lyrah opened her mouth to respond, but suddenly in the pit of their chests, both tauren felt a thrumming sensation shudder throughout their bodies. As if by reflex, Lyrah fell into her father's arms, and with a second thrum the two of them disappeared from Ardenweald. * * * * * "It's been an hour, Saoirse! Bring them BACK!" Shele insisted, sharply tugging on Saoirse's robes. "I'm [i]working[/i] on it!" the Thornspeaker cocked back. "It ain't like snappin' me fingers!" A flash of blue light appeared at the center of the thorn-shrouded circle, causing the two druids to stagger backwards in surprise. Soren quickly rushed to brace his mother, but Shele nearly screamed in relief at the sight of the naked Drenan and Lyrah's reappearance. She quickly darted into the circle and flung her arms around the both of them. "Thank the Earthmother, Cenarius, Elune... whatever! You're back and safe!" Both father and daughter embraced their dear friend. "We are fine, Shele," Drenan assured her. "And thank you, that was about all the time we needed." Shele's eyes went wide. "You found her?" "Yes," Lyrah replied with a smile. "She was very kind. The world could use more people like her." "She was," Shele agreed. "You must tell me everything, both of you. * * * * * The tauren foursome repeatedly thanked Saoirse for her help, and after a quick payment and redressing, they all headed back off for the Moonglade. Lyrah had her eyes glued upon her father as they made idle chatter, but it was apparent that Drenan's mind was elsewhere. "Hey," Lyrah echoed and gave her father a squeeze around the waist. "When we get back... can we just go to bed? I am exhausted." Drenan peered over his shoulder into Lyrah's deep green eyes and smiled. "I would like nothing more." Lyrah cuddled into his back even more firmly as their wyvern touched down, and after a brief goodnight to Shele and Soren, father and daughter retreated into their bedroom at the back of their cave. Lyrah busied herself lighting a few candles as Drenan divested himself of his clothes, and moments later the two of them were cuddled up naked in bed together. Lyrah's horned head pressed lovingly to her father's chest, and a wide, satisfied smile crossed her face. "So... how tired [i]are[/i] you, anyway?" The ex-paladin glanced down at his daughter curiously. "It has been an... emotionally-draining day. But if you feel so inclined...." Lyrah's smile widened. "Very much so. But if you are tired... I suppose I will just have to pick up the slack." Before Drenan could react, Lyrah suddenly lifted one shapely leg into the air and flung it over her father's lap. In an instant she was straddling his bare lap, and both of her three-fingered hands moved to his chest... and powerfully pinned him to the mattress with a giggle. The bull's azure eyes widened in surprise. "Lyrah, what brought this on? This is-" His words died as her muzzle shot down to passionately mesh with his own. Her tongue eagerly slipped into his mouth, and with a husky moan she vigorously intertwined it with his. It was not unusual for them to kiss so passionately, but it was rare for Lyrah to act so... firm. The kiss broke with a husky gasp from Lyrah, followed by another soft laugh. "Wellllll?" Drenan's expression of shock turned into confusion as he gazed into his daughter's eyes. Since when were they... green? "... Kinah?"