“And then there’s... James, are you even listening to me?” Odonata asked after realizing that his younger friend spaced out.

James blinked a few times before quietly apologizing, then he looked up at Odonata, “what were you saying?”

The older Changeling just sighed and repeated himself, “soldiers are coming to Trotland because a small war is happening. I was also about to say that there’s a chance we might see you-know-who again.”

“I wouldn’t get my hopes up—ouch!” James winced as he was elbowed by Odonata, who glared weakly at him.

The twins glanced at them and then at each other, as if deciding who would question the adults. After a few seconds, Willow decided to ask with a raised eyebrow, “what do you mean by that papa?”

“I’m not saying who yet, no need to get your hopes up for nothing,“ Odonata responded honestly, patting his son’s head with a serene smile.

Then he looked back at James with a more serious look in his eyes, “you’ve been acting weirder than usual today. You were completely fine yesterday but now here you are, sitting with an expression that only says one thing.”

“And that is?” James questioned with an unamused look on his face.

As if dodging the question, Odonata went on about something that almost gave James whiplash from how out of nowhere it felt, “there’s a myth from Fanghai I remember being told by my father when I was young, the tale of Empress Pennata and her lover Orchid. It’s said that—“

“Sorry for interrupting but what does this have to do with me?” James interjected, only to be shushed by Termite and Willow.

He rolled his eyes and decided to just let Odonata go on his little tangent.

“As I was saying,” Odonata said through gritted teeth, “it’s said that she was so enchanted with his beauty and grace that upon meeting him, he never left her thoughts and kept her from doing her duties as Empress. When her advisors realized the reason for her sudden incompetence, they suggested that she seek him out and appoint him as her second husband.”

James rested his cheek on his hoof, already beginning to feel sleepy. It wasn’t his fault! He was so used to falling asleep to folktales being told by his foster father that it was natural for him.

“Even when she learned he lived in a different country she didn’t give up, determined to find the one who caught her heart in a single moment. It’s rumored that she somehow managed to visit him every single night, showing her pure love and devotion to him!”

When Odonata stopped talking James realized that he was done with his story. Since he couldn’t see how it connected with his recent behavior he responded in a snarky tone, “didn’t Pennata also force him to betray his country in order to conquer it? Then after he did so she left him for dead.”

“That part of the story doesn’t matter, what matters is the beginning!” Odonata brushed James’ sarcastic response with a sweet smile.

It almost made James want to uppercut him but then again, that’s just how Odonata was.

“Once again, what does this have to do with me?”

“Papa thinks you’re in love,” Termite bluntly answered before taking a bite of his food.

Willow snorted and covered his muzzle as he saw the look of disbelief on the elder Changeling’s face. “In love?! Odonata your ridiculous ideals are finally getting to your head, how could you possibly come up with that?!”

“It only makes sense, I’ve never seen such a longing look on a Changeling who isn’t in love. So who’s the lucky boy or girl?”

“Even if that was true I wouldn’t tell you,” James hissed as he started to get up.

Odonata yanked him back down as he snapped, “oh yes you are, whether you like it or not! I care a lot about you, James. At least let me help you with this crush of yours, even if it doesn’t go anywhere... I just want you to actually be happy for once.”

The twins looked up expectantly at their ‘uncle’, who flushed red before groaning and letting himself be pulled down. “I’ll answer whatever you want, heathen.”

“There you go, now what’s this mystery mare or stallion called? Are they a pony or perhaps a Changeling!”

James sighed before starting with, “do you remember Vietrot?” Odonata’s lip twitched and his teasing expression changed into a much more somber one.

“Of course I remember, the love of my life left me behind there...” he answered softly.

“Well, ignoring all the mishaps with you and the other hookers—“

“Entertainers!” Odonata hissed as he subtly gestured towards his kids, who gave him incredulous looks.

James rolled his eyes, “hookers, anyways, do you also remember General Fig?”

His friend took a moment to snap out of his embarrassment to realize who he was talking about, “I believe so, always had that filly following him around; she was probably his granddaughter or something.”

“Yeah about that...”

Author's Note

Sorry I’ve been gone for awhile, schools been pretty stressful and I was suffering with a mix of writers block and lack of motivation