Motherly Paladin: A New Journey
Chapter 15: Distractions
A few weeks after Aldra’s final day of training, subtle changes in her body had become impossible to ignore. The most striking was her tail—once familiar and predictable in its pattern, now glowing with vibrant, shifting aetheric markings. Nurse V, other nurses and white mages could offer only one explanation: her draconic heritage was adapting to the pregnancy, reinforcing her body in ways only her lineage could fully understand. The transformation, they assured her, was protective—her scales strengthening, her aether deepening, every shift meant to shield both Aldra and the child growing within.At the same time, her fox spirit side nurtured rather than defended, smoothing the emotional edges and keeping her spirits buoyed despite how drastically her daily life had changed. No longer able to join Alicia and their friends on the battlefield or in training, Aldra found herself confronting a sudden stillness she’d never known. The absence of adventure, of combat, of forward motion, left a quiet ache beneath her ribs—even as she accepted that her body now had a greater purpose to fulfill.Still, she refused to be idle. She continued running her cafés with as much energy as she could muster, though Alicia noticed the small signs of strain—the way Aldra walked a little slower each week, or how she leaned against counters more often than before. Concern grew quietly behind Alicia’s warm smiles. With every job that pulled her away from home, worry followed; she hated the thought of Aldra working herself to exhaustion while she wasn’t there to look after her. The idea of moving the café closer to home took root in her thoughts, something she considered with increasing seriousness.
Aldra, meanwhile, poured her restless hands into creation rather than combat. She experimented in the kitchen more often, crafting new pastries and treats—cookies most of all, warm, soft, comforting things that filled their home with sweetness whenever she needed distraction or reassurance. The work soothed her, gave her a sense of purpose she feared she’d lost, and Alicia adored every proud offering Aldra carried out of the kitchen with a tired but satisfied smile.But even baking had its limits. The fatigue came quickly now, settling into her bones and pulling her down before she could protest. When it did, Aldra would retreat to the living room, curling up on the couch with soft music playing through the home—something gentle, rhythmic, helping her settle her breathing as her glowing tail wrapped instinctively around her legs. There, lulled by warmth and exhaustion, she would drift into sleep.Alicia would often come home to find her like that: peaceful, safe, resting deeply under the combined guardianship of her draconic strength and fox-born serenity. And each time, Alicia’s heart softened with pride and worry in equal measure—because Aldra was trying so hard, adjusting so bravely to a life paused for the sake of the tiny miracle they would soon meet.
Chapter 16: Keeping Herself Strong
Blue’s advice lingered in Aldra’s mind every time she picked up a brush: “Paint. It’ll keep your arm steady, your focus sharp. When you’re ready to return to the field after the baby comes, you won’t be starting from nothing.”She knew Blue meant well—both teacher and friend wanting her to stay strong—but adjusting to the sudden stillness of pregnancy wasn’t easy. The training grounds had always been her rhythm, her release. Now, with her growing child demanding gentler days, Aldra spent her free time between café work and baking, trying to fill the quiet with something purposeful.That’s how painting became a new part of her life… even if she still wasn’t sure how she felt about it.On this night, Alicia sat close beside her at the easel, the soft library glow casting warm light across both of them. Aldra leaned forward, tail twitching with nerves as she added the final strokes. Alicia watched her with quiet tenderness—teacher’s patience in her posture, wife’s devotion in her gaze.
When Aldra finally set the brush down, she stared at the canvas, her breath catching. The moment doubt slipped into her chest, the rest followed fast. Her shoulders slumped, her eyes blurred.“I… I don’t think it’s good,” she whispered, voice cracking as tears welled up. “It’s nothing like real art. I don’t think anyone will care for it…”Before her tears could fall further, Alicia gently wrapped an arm around her, guiding Aldra against her side. Her voice was soft but sure as she pressed a reassuring kiss to Aldra’s temple.“Sweetheart, listen to me,” Alicia murmured. “It is good. It’s more than good—it’s yours. You’re learning something new while protecting our child. That alone makes this painting precious.”Aldra’s sniffles quieted as she sank into Alicia’s embrace, the warmth and calm she needed when her emotions wavered under the weight of pregnancy. Alicia held her until the trembling eased, thumb brushing away the last traces of her tears, reminding her she wasn’t facing these changes alone.
The next day, they placed Aldra’s finished painting in one of her cafés—just a small display near the counter, no pressure, no expectations.It sold within two days.When Aldra heard the news, she blinked in stunned silence before a small, shy smile bloomed across her face—the kind Alicia had missed during her wife’s struggle with the sudden shift from warrior to mother-to-be.And that night, with Alicia seated beside her once more, Aldra set a new blank canvas on the easel—hands steadier, heart lighter, ready to try again.
The café was quieting for the night, the last of the evening glow softening the polished counters and warm wooden walls. Mitri—ever bright, ever cheerful despite the shadows of her past—stood behind the counter, flour-dusted hands busy with her closing tasks. Her wings twitched lightly with each movement, humming a soft rhythm as she hummed along to whatever tune lived in her head.The door chimed.Blue stepped inside, her cloak trailing behind her, the cool evening air lingering around her like a second shadow. She didn’t look like the fearsome warrior most knew her as—tonight she carried a gentler purpose. Alicia’s message had reached her earlier: Aldra had finished her first painting… and had cried afterward, overwhelmed by doubt and the weight of her new reality.Blue had heard enough. She wasn’t about to let Aldra’s very first step into a new craft go uncelebrated.Mitri looked up, ears perking, her whole expression lighting.
“Oh! Welcome Miss! You’re just in time—we’re about to close, but I can help with anything you need!”Blue approached the counter, her gaze drifting briefly to the small display where Aldra’s painting sat. The brushwork was earnest, the colors soft—full of heart, uncertainty, and effort. Exactly what she expected from someone still finding her footing.She smiled, folding her hands behind her back.
“Hello, miss. Tell me… has anyone purchased that artwork yet? The one Aldra finished?”
Mitri’s wings fluttered with delight as she shook her head.
“Nope! Not yet. Would you like to buy it? I can write your name down as the buyer!”Blue’s smile softened, a rare warmth in her eyes.
“Please, keep it anonymous. I simply… love the piece. And I’d like to support a new artist who deserves to create more.”Mitri beamed in that open, gentle way Aldra had once fought hard to protect.
“Of course! Aldra will be so happy to hear it sold.” She wrapped the painting carefully, her tail swaying with excitement. “Anonymous buyer. Got it!”As Mitri sealed the wrapping, she added cheerfully,
“She’s been working really hard, you know. We’re all proud of her.”Blue took the painting, holding it with surprising reverence for someone known to split monsters in half with a single stroke.
“I know,” she murmured, her voice low but steady. “That’s why I want her to keep going.”She left the café with the painting tucked safely in her briefcase, imagining Aldra’s face when she learned it had sold. Not out of pity—but because someone truly believed in her.And for Aldra, Blue hoped that would be enough to turn doubt into momentum. Enough to remind her that even in quiet seasons, she was still growing, still strong, still loved.As the door shut behind Blue and Mitri returned to cleaning, the café felt a little brighter—its last customer carrying out a gift meant to lift the heart of someone they all cared for deeply.
Chapter 17: Where Love Nurtures Transformation
The kitchen was warm with the scent of simmering soup and fire-roasted pork, and Aldra hummed quietly as she wiped down the counters. She paused to glance over her shoulder — Alicia and Blue were already at the bar counter, chatting over mugs of the hot chocolate Aldra had made from scratch. Alicia’s laughter was soft and affectionate, while Blue’s deeper voice carried the calm confidence Aldra had always relied on.This… this was peace.Once the final dish was in place, Aldra set the table with deliberate care — bright placemats, a perfect trio of plates, fresh salad, warm flatbread, and the pork chops she had spent all afternoon slow-roasting. When she stepped back to call them over, Alicia gave her that proud, radiant smile that always made her heart flutter… and Blue looked genuinely impressed.
They sat together, conversations drifting from hunts and travels to new discoveries and the lives they were building. When the moment felt right, Aldra shyly mentioned the sale of her first painting — a hopeful spark shining in her eyes.“It sold quicker than I expected,” she murmured, fingers nervously twisting at her sleeve.Blue paused mid-bite, her smile widening. “Of course it did. You poured heart into it.” Her tone was steady, proud. “You’re more capable than you allow yourself to believe.”Alicia leaned in, reaching to brush her wife’s hand. “My talented knight,” she purred playfully, “conquering canvases now.”Aldra tried — and failed — to fight the blush that rushed to her cheeks.
Dinner melted into soft laughter and second helpings, and when the meal ended, all three worked together with easy familiarity to tidy up. Aldra then disappeared briefly and returned triumphantly with strawberry cake and a plate stacked high with freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies — Blue’s undeniable weakness.Blue’s delighted gasp was worth every minute she’d spent baking.Soon crumbs dusted fingertips, and contented sighs filled the room. Aldra swayed gently where she stood, the comfort of her wife and teacher beside her making her heart feel impossibly full.
As Aldra continued happily nibbling on her cookie, a soft sway took over her posture — carefree, relaxed in a way she hadn’t felt in months. Alicia and Blue shared a knowing glance as they paused mid-bite, eyes drifting downward.“Aldra… your tail,” Blue said, warmth blooming in her voice.Confused, Aldra looked over her shoulder. Where her tail had once been thicker and more draconic, it had shifted — slim, sleek, and elegant, the scales now tapering into a refined, sharply pointed spade. A new glow shimmered faintly along the edges — like a quiet celebration expressed through her very aether.Blue smiled, delighted. “It’s changed again — thinner this time. A sign your body is still growing and adapting. Joy seems to suit you, Aldra.”Alicia’s gaze softened, admiration and love gleaming in her eyes. She reached out, fingertips brushing Aldra’s arm.
“Our little knight is becoming stronger and more beautiful every day — just look at you.”Aldra blinked, pressing her hand gently to her belly as the realization washed through her.
Her transformation wasn’t something to fear.
It was proof — proof that she was thriving, that her child was thriving.Every glow, every shift… was a promise of the future she was building with Alicia and those she cherished.And tonight, with a thinner tail swaying happily behind her, she felt ready to embrace that future more than ever.
