A New Addition

[Cowlass]

[11/2/2023] [5:00 AM]

[Federal Prime Minister’s Residence; Twenty-First Pepin Street; C.D.; Federation of the Southern Coast]

The wake up alarm blares from Jeanne’s phone, the human’s arm stretches over to the nightstand to turn it off. Waking up has always been one of Jeanne’s favorite part of the day as much as it was her wife, Aurélia’s most dreaded part of the day. However, they of course both have jobs that require them to be up before the sunrises over the sea. Jeanne Pierre being the Federal Prime Minister of the Federation and her lovely wife Aurélia being kindergarten teacher for a nearby school. As Jeanne started to get up from the bed, she felt her wife try to pull her back down to bed by grabbing her arm.

“It’s the weekend, Jeanne come back to bed.” Aurélia said in a tired tone of voice, weakly attempting to pull her down.

“I’m the Federal Prime Minister honey, I don’t have weekends anymore.” Jeanne’s tone of voice was more awake, already preparing the checklist of what she is doing today.

“Five more minutes.” Aurélia tried to negotiate with her wife to sleep just for a few more moments.

“No can do, I have a full schedule today.” Jeanne gave her wife a kiss, standing up straight and got off the bed. Then head towards the closet to pick out a suit. Her suit wardrobe of course, was all the same suit and it made very little difference which suit she actually picked but she liked just taking a few minutes to look through them. To spend a few more moments alone with her wife before she is surrounded by security and politicians. Thankfully, it was Saturday and by Federal law, no parliamentarian or politician cannot make an official request to have a meeting with her on the weekends. However private gatherings such as inviting her to have lunch or dinner are still allowed. Of course emergencies and foreign events still cause a meeting for her. Weekends were a day for politicking but just not the official kind.

Her wife came up to her and gave a hug, resting her head on Jeanne’s shoulder. “Can we have breakfast at our usual spot?”

“I will have it delivered.” Jeanne reached with her hand to scratch Aurélia’s nekomimi ears.

Aurélia gave a small pur, leaning into the human’s hand. “I was thinking we could go out this time like old times.”

Jeanne thought about it for a moment, “We would have to request security to secure the place for, it could take quite a bit of time honey. Are you sure your stomach can wait that long?” Jeanne jokes, though her tone and face made it sound like an insult. Her wife of course, knew that she was and gave a small poke at Jeanne’s side.

“I asked our security to have the café secure for us to visit last night before bed.” Aurélia gave a small smirk, “So no backing out this time. It would be good for you to see how normal people eat again, you know. Not politicians, kinda people.”

“Are you saying I’m not a normal Aurélia?” Jeanne gave a smirk though it looked like on her face she was incredibly angry, due to unfortunate facial features making her look like she is always angry.

“Sweetie, I love you but you tried to make a deal with me to pass the salt to you at dinner last night.” Aurélia started to dress herself with much more casual clothing than Jeanne’s suit. Jeans, t-shirt and a cardigan.

“You were a strong negotiator, I think you missed your calling Aurélia.” Jeanne gave her wife a kiss and put on her suit jacket.

“Well, I suppose I already work with children so I don’t think I would notice the change.” Aurélia took her wife’s hand. “Let’s get ready, make sure to take your vitamins, you look pale.”

“I always look pale.” The FPM rolled her eyes as she fixed her slim red tie.

“It’s because you never get enough sun.” Aurélia held her wife’s hand taking a closer look at her paleness.

“It’s always raining Aurélia.” Jeanne wasn’t lying, it truly is always raining in the capital district of the Federation. Even now there is a small flood of water pouring from the clouds onto the massive city.

“Well… That is fair.” Aurélia agreed, stepping into the bathroom connected to the bedroom. Followed by Jeanne behind her. The bathroom had two sinks, which each of the Pierres went to. Getting ready for the morning day, “So you asked Barbet last night for us to go to the café? Without me knowing?” Jeanne turned her head as she was brushing her white hair looking at Aurélia who was brushing her teeth.

Aurélia gave a nod, mumbling a “Uh-huh.” As she brushed her teeth. Jeanne spoke up again, “Sneaky little minx you are.” To which Aurélia gave a smirk in response.

–

[Chat de café]

Café cat was exactly what it sounded like. A café filled with cats and Aurélia wanted to always to pet each one of the furry little creatures. The steely eyed Jeanne however, only ever liked a single cat that was there. A complete menace to society with four legs who liked to hide up top in the cat walkway above the door and swipe at customers’ hats as they walked in. The owners of the store call the old menace ‘Dragoon’ but Jeanne calls her favorite.

The café itself was layered in security by the FPM Service, every entrance or exit having a trio of agents guarding it. As the convoy pulled into front of the brick building, an agent stepped out of the front car ahead of Jeanne’s armored limousine. The tall agent gave a nod to the front agent of the café’s glass door. The pair of agents in the café itself stepped out and opened the limousine’s door to let the pair of them out and guided them to the safety of a dozen fat cats lounging around the place.

Café has never changed since Jeanne first visited here as a parliamentarian all those years ago. Same walkways along the walls, the cat tree in the middle of the room and the wooden spruce shop counter in the back with a large orange cat plumped down in by the store owner.

The store owner, Judith Ulven, was an elf from Østland. The seemingly harmless old elven woman was petting the same orange cat she always was. Despite her pleasant attitude, she was an accomplished military officer who fought in the Unification Wars alongside Pépin Morel, the first prime minister of the Federation and a founding father of Monarcho-Socialism. Among a handful of other conflicts the Federation has been involved with.

Aurélia quickly went up to the shopkeeper and patted the orange fur ball while Jeanne spoke up to order the food. However Judith just waved her hand and rolled her eyes before Jeanne spoke. Already having their usual selection of coffee made and breakfast ready. Pulling it from below the counter out of sight and most importantly away from the four legged chaos causers.

Jeanne took the tray silently, giving a nod as thanks. Aurélia picked up the orange fur ball and walked with Jeanne to a table. All while the guards are carefully watching the windows and doors. Placing the tray down on the table, Jeanne looked around for her favorite.

“Mrs. Ulven, where is Dragoon?” She looked above at the catwalk above the entrance, seeing the famously anti-hat cat is missing.

“Ah, you can just call me Judith dear. Dragoon moved on to knocking people’s hats off in Valhalla.” Judith spoke in a solemn tone.

“Oh…” Jeanne seemed touched by the loss, though once again her face and tone didn’t match her feelings on the matter. Aurélia kept stroking the cat named ‘cheesepuff’ as she reached out her hand to hold Jeanne’s own hand. “Are you okay dear?”

“I am, Snow.” Jeanne gave a show of confidence though it struggled to get through her rough features. She hands the coffee to her wife. “Sugar?” Jeanne picked up a packet of sugar and offered it to her wife.

“Yes?” Aurélia perked her ears up and faced towards her wife and away from the greedy cat in her lap. Then looked at Jeanne’s hand to see the packet. “Oh!” She gave a small laugh, accepting the sugar. Tearing it open and pouring it into her coffee. Jeanne tried to give a smile but it failed to go through. Jeanne took a sip of her black coffee.

“Have you been keeping up with your smiling exercises?” Aurélia looked at her wife, stirring her cup with a spoon.

“I’ve been really busy with the RCEU, Together Lapérouse and Bassot Plan. So many things in the world are turning for the better of the country. Not to mention the next big steps in the works. I just haven’t had the time.” Jeanne straight up her back, taking a bite of her tofu sandwich.

Aurélia gave a small sigh, taking a bite of her sandwich. “That’s my Jeanne, always working.”

Jeanne isn’t emotionally stunted, she can see her wife’s reaction. “Do you remember our time at the anniversary party for his Majesty? With Ny’Kandenor and her puffin plushie? I have talked to some of the other ministers and we’re going to make her into the Royal Guardian of Gilles’ Island. The animal sanctuary for the puffins.”

That brought the kemonomimi’s mood upwards. “That will certainly make her ecstatic, but I didn’t think we had a royal guardian title for that or any royal guardian titles anywhere honestly.” She tilted her head at Jeanne, giving a playful smirk.

“Well, it is the first and only title of its kind.” Jeanne sips her coffee again trying to look away from her wife’s playful gaze.

“Oh my, is my Jeanne softing up? For a child nevertheless too.” Aurélia’s smirk widened into a bright smile. “I knew there is a little puffin plushie somewhere inside your heart.”

“Oh hush you. I have you know my heart is cold as steel still. This is completely politically motivated and not at all to do with her holding hostage with Puffin facts.” Jeanne rolled eyes and sipped her coffee.

“Of course, of course. The Côtois Federal Prime Minister is always ahead of the political game, gotta get the kids involved early. Just like you pushing for Future Gardeners of Lapérouse or encouraging story reading at schools. I still have that photo of you reading to the kids saved on my wallpaper by the way.” Aurélia nudged Jeanne’s arm, “Completely politically motivated of course, absolutely no soft spots for children at all.”

“Correct, I am a woman without heart or emotions besides rage.” Jeanne playfully nudged her wife back. Thinking for a moment, then the human spoke again. “His majesty is blessed to have so many children.”

“Oh? Why do you say that?” Aurélia gave a curious glance towards her wife.

“Well, he gets to guide his kids directly through life and see the joy they go through. All the little fun the tiny terrors will cause. Also spirits bless them, those little shoes Ny’Kandenor was wearing.” Jeanne spoke in her usual tone but even a person not familiar with her unusual tone and facial features could see she was gushing.

Aurélia’s smile widened, “It almost sounds like you want to have a few tiny terrors yourself.”

Jeanne gave a sigh, “I am just worried we won’t have time. That I won’t have time for them.”

Her wife, placed cheesepuff down on the floor and stood up from her chair. Walking over to her wife, and gave her a tight hug. Resting her head on Jeanne’s shoulder. “Perhaps, you don’t have time for every little thing for them but if his majesty can find time for his almost a dozen children. We can find time between the two of us for our own children.”

“Perhaps, I want to think about this and talk to some friends first before I can give a firm answer.” Jeanne reached up to scratch her wife’s nekomimi ears.

“Ah you mean Ronningen and your parents?” Aurélia teased.

“Hey, Ronningen isn’t a friend. He’s an employee of mine.” Jeanne kissed her wife’s cheek.

“Okay but when we talk to your parents, let’s do it in person okay?” Aurélia spoke in a soft tone.

“Ah, you are going to leave me to deal with Ronningen alone?”

“He is your employee is he not?” Aurélia returned to her seat across from Jeanne. Already designing the children’s bedroom in her mind.

“Three at max Aurélia.” Jeanne stares with a concerned look in her eyes at her wife.

“At first, yes.” Aurélia gives a smirk and sips her tea.

[Cowlass]

[13/2/2023] [9:30 AM]
[The Chantilly; Twenty-First Pepin Street; C.D.; Federation of the Southern Coast]

The Chantilly, the official center of administration for the Federation. The massive complex was designed in 1922 and completed construction in 1941. The Chantilly was built for two purposes besides acting as the capital building, reflecting the times it was built for. Built to take direct bombing, with the whole section built underground to act as a bomb shelter and able to keep the government running despite being shelled. The second was to show the multicultural foundation, with a cross architectural style with examples from all over in its design. It could come as a shock for most people seeing it for the first time, looking like the building equivalent of a tossed up salad bowl. Some call it a powerful piece of Avant-garde art, others call it a hideous piece of architecture that the government has spent too much effort into to admit its failure.

People of the Federal Sector of the Federation grew to love the strange building, despite its outlandish design. Though its design greatly differs from the whole city block of government buildings and clashes with the architecture design of everything else around. When the Federal government started making plans to demolish the Chantilly and create a more uniform structure to go with the design of the federal government district. It caused a week-long protest and petition with over a million signatures to keep the building’s design.

The Federal Prime Minister office was no less strange. Located in the heart of the concrete and brick building, it acted as the beating heart of the Federal Government. With its arteries stretching out throughout the building, connecting to the various offices providing an endless stream of bureaucracy that bleeds all across the Federation.

The room held a window that was connected to the park that the Chantilly building circled around on. The park has species of trees and flowers from every part of the Federation and mainland Norgsveldet. A small piece dedicated to nature in the sapient built structure around it. The office itself however, had a half circle as a desk and paintings or sculptures from around the country. The art work is rotated each year, all except the totem pole from Kuduk. That totem pole being a gift from Masha and the people of Kuduk, that caused a minor verbal fight just to keep it in her office instead of being sent elsewhere.

Jeanne checked the time, High Jarl of the Federation Alexandra should have been here already. She is two and a half minutes late, though it isn’t completely unusual for her to be late. The Côtois woman reached over to her phone to order a Special Division to locate her, just to be on the safe side. Though as she started to dial the number, the familiar kemonomimi stepped into the office.

The princess arrived a bit later than usual having just come from observing naval exercise the Federation had held along its coastline. In which she was dressed to that part with her wearing her typical white naval uniforms that had plenty of golden decorations on it. The princess gave a bow towards Pierre. “My apologies for being late madam Pierre.” Alexandra’s tone was respectful and professional as always.

The Prime Minister gave an acknowledgement nod, placing her phone back down on its charge and taking out some paperwork. While her lateness is quite annoying to her, and if she wasn’t the High Jarl and royalty, Pierre would be certain to give her a nice talk about time management. “Try to be on time, your highness.” She had a respectful tone, well tried to at least. Given her unfortunate circumstances of her facial features and vocal cords, she always sounds angry.

“I took the liberty to have coffee brought in, shall we start the meeting?” She looks at Alexandra, the appearance of anger in her eyes though in reality she enjoyed these meetings.

Alexandra could not help but feel nervous. While it was not the first time she had this type of meeting with Pierre, the prime minister’s attitude did not help her nerves. She couldn’t blame Pierre for being angry at her, she was late after all. “Coffee sounds great.” She said with a small smile.

Just on schedule, Pierre’s assistant arrived with two coffees. The tiefling placed them in front of the two and took their leave. “Merci.” Pierre gave a respectful nod towards her assistant. Taking a sip from her coffee, then placing a small briefing paper in front of the princess.

“Here are the usual military maneuvers we’re planning on taking place.” She points towards the Gondwana section of military briefing, “The two important maneuvers are the ones in Auravas-Zemeprievadai theater of operation, Korcetta has been baiting for reactions from the RCEU fleet stationed there. The other is the situation in Bana, it has impacts making the Ny’Natrotomi state concerned so we’re showing the flag as support for both them and the Bana Federation. Any questions about the military part so far?” She looked up at the Kemonomimi.

The princess gave a simple “Takk” to the assistant as she listened to what Pierre was saying, taking a sip of her own coffee before she responded. “Have there been discussions with the Norgsveltian government about the situation in Bana.”

“We have been cooperating with Norgsveldet in order to avoid engagement and a hotline has been established. Though that being said, the political environment is still tense. The Acronis-Tavaris situation has been peacefully resolved, however with the new situation in Bana it causes a stressed environment without time to settle after the referendum.” Pierre takes another drink of her coffee, “We’re preparing for the worst outcome though our projections suggest this won’t escalate to that.”

“That’s good to hear.” Alexandra took another sip of her coffee as well. She looked over the briefing paper before she spoke up again. “Can you give me more of the details in the situation involving Korcetta?” She looked curiously up at the prime minister. “What has changed there since our last meeting?”

Leaning over on the desk, flipping the page on the briefing. “Increase military aircraft patrols on the border, they’re flying very close to the division but never crossing it. We believe they’re trying to force our hand to keep scattering our air patrols to meet them. We have increased anti-aircraft units hidden along the border and keeping a rotating wing of pilots in their seats during the situation. We don’t believe they have capacity in fuel supply to keep doing this so they are most likely rattling their sabers but we’re keeping an eye open incase.”

The princess gave a nod at that. “Remaining vigilant is crucially important after all. Was there anything more to go over?”

Pierre looked hesitant for a moment, something that simply doesn’t happen and undoubtedly something Alexandra or any person other than Jeanne’s wife has seen before.

“You alright madam Pierre?” Alexandra said concerned. Did she do something wrong again? She thought she followed the Royal protocol to the letter. She didn’t even state opinion about the topic like she meant too!

“It is a personal matter, forgive my hesitance.” That matter being topic being the same question running around in Jeanne’s mind for months now.

“I won’t pry it out of you but I am here to listen if you need it.” The princess took a sip from her coffee again as she relaxed. Being happy that she didn’t do anything wrong.

Jeanne relaxed back into her chair, looking at her coffee. “It’s about my wife and I. After our experience with your sister, we’re debating about having a child.” She takes a long sip of her coffee. “My wife is completely onboard with it but I am little more… Concerned.”

Alexandra went a bit silent not expecting well… that. In which she took another quick sip of her coffee finishing it before she spoke up. “Well. What are you concerned about?” She asked in a calm but warm tone.

Jeanne scratched her arm, “I…” She finished her coffee off again. “My apologies for breaking decorum.” The personal relationship between the Côtois PM and the royalty is something that is supposed to exist but never this far. It just blurted out of her mouth, and now it is directly affecting her.

“It is quite alright.” The Princess’s tone continued to be warm and her smile was sweet and welcoming. “If it helps with your concerns. I think you’d be a good mother.”

“I’m sorry?” Jeanne was surprised by that response, her eyes open in shock. “I what?” It’s not that she was offended by the Princess’ comment but it was just simply something the woman didn’t expect in the slightlist for her to say.

‘Fuck’ Alexandra thought to herself before she put the hands infront of her as she stuttered out nervously her cheeks reddening. “I-I’m terribly s-sorry if I was being too p-personal or-”

“No, no it’s fine. It’s okay, I’m not offended, I just didn’t expect you to say that.” Jeanne rested her hand on top of Alexandre to comfort her. “I think we have crossed that threshold. I do not fault you if you wish to leave this… awkward conversation but you are just as free to stay if you wish.”

She let out a deep sigh before letting out a weak chuckle. Her cheeks are still a bit red from being embarrassed. “I will stay if we can get a refill on that coffee.”

Jeanne let out a sigh of relief, pushing a small button on her desk. The assistant came in with a fresh coffee pot. “Merci.” She thanked them again, as they poured the coffee. As the tiefling left, Jeanne turned her attention back to the princess. “You know, I think having a dedicated coffee button might be the greatest addition to the office my predecessor had installed.” It wasn’t lost on Alexandra the people in the Federation are quite possibly always drinking coffee.

The Princess simply laughed warmly at that. “Have to say I’m impressed. You drink more coffee than even my father.” She took a sip of her coffee cup.

Pierre gave a small laugh in return, though it sounded like a witch’s cackle. “Well, the federal government might have went slightly overboard in its campaign to get people to drink coffee instead of liquor.” She takes a drink of her coffee. She looks warmly at the kemonomimi, though it certainly did not feel warm to be stared at by the ever-so slightly angry looking Côtois woman.

Alexandra shook her head in amusement. “Certainly beats how often we drinks coffee in Norgsveldet.” She said in a small chuckle feeling at least less nervous then she was earlier. The prime minister seems less angry at the bare minimum. “So what was so special about the interaction with Ny’Kandenor to have this impact?”

She gave a small chuckle, shaking her head. “My wife Aurélia, was talking to her earlier after your father’s speech. When I walked over to the two of them, she called me a ‘scary lady’ and tried to hide behind my wife. I, of course, tried to reassure her that I am not, in fact, a scary lady. Though she didn’t really believe me. That’s when my wife suggested I try to talk to her like I would a child instead of a royal. Which…. Didn’t work out well until we got to the topic of animals. To which she grabbed my hand and informed me she was taking me to see her collection of animals.” Jeanne took another drink from her coffee, before speaking again.

“She took us to her room, and started showing us her collection of stuffed animals. Giving facts about each one of them, as well forcing a shoebill plushie into my hands.” She paused for a moment, “She gave my wife a panda to hold. I wonder if she was suggesting something like that.” She ponders, looking at the princess.

Alexandra could not help but giggle at that. “That’s just how she is at times. But that is adorable.” She took a sip of her coffee before speaking up again. “Though the ‘scary lady’ thing is unfortunate.”

She sipped her coffee, “She came around when she showed me her Puffin collection. I brought up the fact that the Federation built an island for them as an animal sanctuary and she went…” She wanted to say nuclear but that probably was not the wise thing to say at the moment, “Ballistic, she started calling me ‘Mrs. Puffin Lady’ instead of scary lady. Which is an improvement to say the least. Perhap next I can have her call me Madam Puffin Lady next.”

“Very adorable of her, you make me want to come back home so I can squeeze her cheeks.” Alexandra said jokingly. “I think if you proposed showing her that Island she would likely be very excited.”

She gave a nod, “I might have done something more than proposed to show the island. If she decides to accept, of course, she will be the Royal Guardian of Gilles’ Island.” Jeanne reached behind her to grab something out of view on the window.

The Princess clapped her hands together as she smiled brightly. “Oh that is very sweet. I am certain she would accept it.”

The always angry looking human turned around from the window to face the joyful looking princess. Holding a stuffed Puffin in her hands. “She also gave me this.”

[Cowlass]

Made with my handler Norgs
[14/2/2023] [5:35 AM]

Jeanne was on her morning run, escorted by her security staff. She always ran in the same track, a large park in the center of the city. Technically it was an Akuan shrine, but the actual religious structure was in the center of the park. It was one of her favorite parts of the day, seeing the early birds flying, the cold morning breeze coming from the sea and lush forest around them. Absolutely nothing but silence as well, no one to come bother her. No politicians trying to scheme or make deals, no damned nobility or various representatives across the federation coming to her to complain about something or another. Just her, the security team and the pavement.

“Miss Pierre!” A voice yelled out behind her, it being none other than Princess Alexandra who jogged up to her trying to keep the same speed as the more athletic prime minister. The princess was wearing her jogging attire and had her hair in a ponytail. “How are you doing today?”

Slightly annoyed at her run being disrupted in such a manner. She put on her best, ‘polite’ face she could. Save the fact she always looks angry and her face didn’t change much at all. “High Jarlnja Alexandra, it is a pleasure to see you. I’m doing well.” The Prime Minister looked at the princess attire and slowed down enough that the poor girl wasn’t out of breath while they talked. “Curious, I wouldn’t expect you to be out on a run at this time of morning.”

“Well I thought it would be nice to get some exercise!” The princess smiled sweetly as she internally sighed in relief of the prime minister slowly down. “My father used to say that a well trained body is a clearer soul and mind.”

“Ah, wise words.” She responded sharply, “I always had to wake up early on the farm, and I never broke the habit.” The prime minister tried to make small talk, though she never was that good at it.

“I have heard you were raised in the rural parts of the Federation. What was it like?” Alexandra said, raising an eyebrow being genuinely curious. “Not trying to pry or anything. Just wanted to hear more about how life is among more working class areas.”

Ignoring the ‘working class area’ comment, given everyone in the Federation is bloody working class. We’re socialists damn it. “Dragefjord is quite poor compared to other petite-nations of the Federation. It’s mostly farmers, so you tend to see a lot of fields and tractors on the roads. Not a whole lot of things to do outside of Keratila.”

“I see, how was working at the farm? Still things you miss from time working there?” The Princess asked curious to know more, having well only experienced a noble life she couldn’t help but wanting to know more.

“My brothers and I would wake up at 4:30 AM and be working thirty minutes later. It was quite difficult at times, even more so when harvesting season and I had to arrive at the school late and leave early to go help out on the farm.” She thought for a moment, about if she missed working there, “I don’t miss working there, though I rethink that every meeting with the ministers.”

Alexandra let out a small giggle hearing that. “Well, I can see why you’re as fit as you are.” She joked before smiling warmly. “How are farmers treated in the Federation? I’ve heard in many other places in the developed world of farmers struggling more and more economically as well governments started ignoring them.”

“It is the same if not worse in the Federation. They have been ignored since the founding of the Federation, there is a reason why they were one of three parties in the Federation to make it to the federal level elections.” She spoke honestly, “One of the reasons why I was elected into office was because of my background and my policies to change things around for them.” She kept her steady pace, and noticed a small squirrel running across the track. “As for the farm, my brother Gaston still lives there and helps out with the farm.”

“Well, I’m happy that the farmers got you then. May it truly change things for them.” Alexandra said, still smiling sweetly before going a bit quiet contemplating on asking the question she wanted to ask. “Have… have you and your wife talked more about the idea of getting a child?”

“We have.” She stopped to let a family of ducks cross the trail, as well giving the princess a small bit of rest. “She is certain of it, I’m more… Unsure.” She thinks back to her parents, her biological parents not her real ones that have adopted her. What if she just like them? Her face didn’t give away her thoughts but the slight shift in her shoulders could have been noticed by anyone who is close to Jeanne personally.

The princess internally screamed in happiness for being allowed to rest, not being as used to jogging and running as the Pierre was. She was by no means unfit, but the prime minister was just on a different level. Breathing in and out slowly she sat down on a bench that was next to the road. “Might… might I ask why you’re still unsure?” Alexandra asked, looking up to Pierre still being out of breath.

The prime minister thought for a moment, “I do not want to seem as if I am venting or putting unnecessary information.” She started jogging again after the animals had crossed the trail, “I don’t suppose you watched the news during my election in 2018 have you?” She made an extra effort to make it seem like it was a question rather than an attack with her tone.

The Princess cursed internally as she got up to jog after the prime minister again. Her breathing in and out. “I, I can’t say I know much about the election other than why my father told me.” She said, trying to keep up with the prime minister, still with a warm smile on her lips. “But you don’t have to tell me anything, if you want me to drop it I will.”

“I will leave the choice up to you, I do not mind speaking of it.” She turned a corner, going around a large tree.

“Then tell me what you’re willing to tell, I will be all ears.” Alexandra said as she followed the prime minister.

She got her confirmation, “I was adopted, my biological parents was… Not good at being parents, say it politely. Teenagers in high school tend to be so. When the police removed me from their lack of care, I was… Not well.” She decided to leave out the more horrific bits of her early childhood. “Nevertheless, I have concerns about… Inheriting their parental skills.”

Alexandra nodded slowly after hearing that being a good minute quiet trying to process all that information before speaking up. “I… I think you’re focusing on the wrong thing.” She said in a calm manner. “Your parental skills aren’t determined by biology.”

“Perhaps.” She was slightly embarrassed talking about her biological parents, she never even spoke or saw them after she was taken away from their horrible care. She never wanted to see them again. “Science is still out, on nature vs nurture. It is hard not to dread becoming one’s biological parents.” She made sure to empathize that it was her biological parents not her real parents.

The princess understood what she meant, as such tried to take her time before answering. “Well, I think if anything my family knows it’s that nurture seems to be the most defining aspect.” She said giving the prime minister a warm and ensuring smile. “I cannot go into much detail, as it’s still not available to the public nor is it mine to tell, but I have a feeling you already know a bit about it…” She let out an awkward chuckle before she continued on. “My grandad, Harald, was not the best king nor was he the best father to my dad and his siblings.” She spoke slowly, being a bit nervous to talk about it but did so anyway. “Yet, my dad did not turn out like him. He ensured his utter best to be the best king he could for not only his country but the entire Crown Realm. Holding deep respect and duty for all of them.” She said holding a deep amount of pride of being her dad’s daughter and gave Pierre a determined yet cute look. “And he is an amazing dad!”

“I am more than aware of your grand-father.” She spoke sharply, keeping the certain plans of the Federation close to her chest and locked away in a secret. “I can say he is respected here, more so than when he was in your role as the High Jarl of the Federation.” She slowed down again, mostly because the princess couldn’t hold that adorable look for long while jogging. “I suppose your words has merit. Though I would like to talk with my parents on the matter.” She was not planning on saying the last sentence out loud. Spirits be kind if anyone knows she still a bit of a homebody for her parents rather than the fearless leader of the glorious Federation.

“I certainly have some pretty big shoes to fill.” Alexandra said in a giggle as she suddenly stopped up not feeling able to jog more, needing to actually have a break. “I think I need to catch my breath. It was good talking with you, and I hope you have a nice talk with your parents as well!” She started breathing in and out heavily.

Pierre gave the princess a pat on the back and stopped. “You made it a quarter of the way, you should feel proud about that. Most of my new security guards have collapsed by this point.” Her words had a degree of comfort to them. Rarely does one get praise from the prime minister, “If my words matter, then you should know that you are in fact filling those shoes nicely as High Jarlnja.” She thinks for a moment, almost saying something before she closes her mouth and shakes her head and starts running again properly. She is behind enough on her schedule already.

Alexandra smiles brightly as her cheeks slightly flushes from the praise. Feeling very happy from getting praised for both keeping up and doing her role well. As breathed in and out more she finally gathered enough energy to yell out towards the prime minister. “I still think you’d make an amazing mom!”

Pierre gave a wave, picking up her speed to her normal way.

[Cowlass]

[15/2/2023] [10:40 AM]
[The Chantilly; Twenty-First Pepin Street; C.D.; Federation of the Southern Coast]

“Madam Pierre, Mr. Ronningen is here to see you.” Jeanne’s assistant informed her over the phone, the straight and narrow orc tone never faltering.

“Thank you, please send him in.” Pierre always dreaded talking to her political adviser, his rather unique and creative approach to the political side of things. While absolutely top of the class, truly one of the finest members of her staff in raw success terms however his flair for the dramatic and chaotic nature always made meetings with him a bit unprofessional.

“Shall I prepare another pot of coffee?” The orc spoke over the phone, in the background Pierre can hear him already brewing a fresh pot of coffee.

“Yes please, thank you comrade.” The federal prime minister kept her usual fiery tone, but made an extra effort to sound polite. Her assistant was a true life savior, one of the finest if not the finest staff member she has working for her. She was not just saying that because he always knew when to get more coffee.

The door flew open to her office. A tiefling dressed in an orange suit, green tie and a hideous purple scar. His horns having been painted in some strange new fashion trend Pierre has thankfully been unaware of until now. He was not even remotely fitting the dress code for her staff nor the Chantilly. It would be a miracle if he made it here without getting some sort of fine for his display. He spoke in a far too cheerful tone, “Madam Pierre, big sister of the Federation and my current employer!”

Pierre internally cringed at the sister’s comment. It was a nickname made by Ronningen during the election to improve her image in the polls. ‘It’s like the new iron woman’ He said, ‘It is just a nickname Pierre, no one is actually going to refer you as Big Sister’ He claimed, Pierre thinking about his words that swayed her. But oh, people did refer to her as ‘big sister’ often in fact in the news. It drove her up the wall, it was nothing like being called the new iron woman at all. She would get letters from schoolchildren, calling her ‘Big Sister’ instead of Mrs. Pierre. According to the news agency that ran the story, it was the teacher who had the kids write that nickname. Which felt like it led to every other teacher in the Federation to start having their students write letters to her, all of which addressed her as ‘Big Sister Pierre.’ To her great annoyance of the lack of proper form in the whole matter. “You are two minutes late Ronningen.”

“Yeah yeah, I was held up by the security guard writing me a fine for an ‘unacceptable display of flamboyance of wealth.’ I don’t supp-” He spoke in a sassy tone until he was cut off by Pierre.

“The law applies to everyone, no exemptions.” Pierre spoke in a firm tone, the law is scarred and cannot be abused in such a way or else it will be anarchy.

“I was just testing you Pierre.” He rolled his eyes, clearly not just testing her and really didn’t want to pay the fine. “So I take you want to discuss having a rally? I think one in Amatsuka would do wonders for your popularity there. The Akuanists are not particularly big fans of yours for pretty clear reasons.”

“No, it’s more about something with my personal life that would undoubtedly be leaked to the press at some point.” Jeanne shifts uncomfortably in her chair. “I would like to know how much of an impact it would have on me.”

“Madam Pierre? I detect a degree of concern from you?” The tiefling was concerned, leaning forward sipping his latte. “Mistress? Scandalous affair?” He spoke with eyebrows raised.

Pierre looked at him with an angry look, that sent the tiefling into a degree of calm. Being used to her angry and passionately fiery stares. “Ah thank the moon and sun then, that’s the last thing we need. So what is it?”

Pierre leaned back in her chair, still angry at him assuming she would ever cheat on her wife. Ever since that Norgsveltian-Nystatinne affair, everyone assumes Akuanists, even non-practising ones are open to such despite it being a rather East Borea thing. Pierre was a non-practicing Akuanist, being secular but still following the traditions and holidays of the faith. “No. It is about myself and my wife, we are considering having a child.”

The Tiefling bounced with excitement and joy, leaping from his chair. “That would be amazing!” He cheered with a loud tone, lowering his voice after Pierre made a motion with her hand. “Just imagine the polls with the Akuanists, they always didn’t trust you for not having children. A good half dozen of them would do a wonder about your popularity with them.” He gave a clap, “Name them after a few famous Akuanists, the ones born here and mixed in with the famous socialists here as well. We can make this broad support, the NGOs alone would be grand the Mothers Union, the Parents for Special needs, Akuan Bridge Group and so many others.” He started pacing back and forth, just thinking about how wonderful this is.

“This is not for them, it is for my family. My wife and I have had long talks about this and I just… Wanted your personal opinion, you know about my family and we have talked long into the night before.” As strange as the Tiefling is, Pierre’s friend circle was rather small and she does count this man as one of them.

“Ah, you want my personal opinion? Huh, the first time you asked for my advice about your personal life, usually I just tell you to change things and you tell me to pissed off.” Tiefling moved back into his chair. “Well…” He thinks for a moment, then another and another leaving an uncomfortable silence. “I’m for it, you two are an ideal couple honestly. Sweet hearts since you were school children. If you slow down on your work, you can spend quite a bit of time with them.”

“Slow down work? I have only just started.” Pierre fixed her tie, a small nervous tick she has.

“Pierre, you already have enacted international organizations. Those are insanely huge projects, yes the groundwork was laid before you took office but you commit a degree of effort beyond what was required of you. Not to mention the Ymirland conflict, and the other interventions. Take a moment to focus on your family and we can skyrocketed your popularity. At least for the Akuanists section, which I want to say again, you are doing awful with. A few photo ops of your family and we won them over easily.” Ronningen spoke with confidence, his mind always being focused on her popularity. Pierre was already extremely popular in the Federation with the single exception being the Akuanists and the Akuan republics within the Federation. She couldn’t blame him for focusing on it, it’s what TL! hired him todo.

“Perhaps a small cooling down period is in order then.” She shockingly agreed with him. Much to Ronningen surprise.

“Wait, you’re agreeing with me? Is Hel freezing over? Should I check to see if the sky caught fire next?” He partly was joking, partly completely being serious. Pierre worked nonstop the first day she stepped into office even getting a fine from the government workers’ union for it.

“I have agreed with you in the past Ronningen.” Pierre sipped her coffee. “If you suggest I slow down, then I will.”

Ronningen stood up from his chair, walking over to Pierre and checking the forehead with the back of his hand. “You don’t feel like you have a fever, but you should go to the doctors and get checked up.”

“Quit touching me and joking. I’m just taking your advice.”

Ronningen returned to his seat, shaking his head. “I was only mostly joking, I’m just surprised that’s all. Having some kids would do amazing in the polls for you.”

Pierre fixed her tie again, nervously fickling with it. “I suppose so.”

Ronningen raised an eyebrow, “You’re nervous, why?”

“Being a mother is a trying task, I’m just worried that I won’t do well.” She gives an earnest tone, well as earnest it could be due to her unfortunate circumstances of her condition.

“Nonsense you will be a fine mother, the both of you will be great parents.” He says in a strong tone of voice of support. His phone started ringing, he took it out and checked it. Quickly silencing it and sending a message. Pierre had a rule never to check your phone or have it out at all during a meeting. It was just common courtesy.

“My apologies, Madam Pierre.” He awkwardly says, shoving back his phone into his pocket. “My wife is working on replacing our floor in our apartment, probably just asking him to stop at the hardware store.”

Pierre gives a nod, “I can understand, I believe that is everything for the meeting. Thank you for your time comrade. Give your wife my best wishes with her work.”

Ronningen stood up, giving a nod. “I will let her know that Big Sister gives her blessing on the project.” He gives a smile, quickly leaving before Pierre starts to yell at him for ever making that accursed nickname popular.

[Cowlass]

[07/3/2023] [10:40 AM]
[Keratila; Dragefjord; Federation of the Southern Coast]

Stepping outside of the airport, the Pierres was escorted outside by the uniformed marines. The sky is pouring down cold droplets onto the concrete. The sergeant of the squad protecting them took out an umbrella to cover the two suited women.

“Ah, it’s just how I remember it honey. Raining.” Aurélia spoke in a bored tone, reaching her hand out to feel the rain coming down. She gave a small smile, “It’s nice to be back here, it’s even going to be better when we get back to our old stomping grounds.” She holds her wife’s hand, in particular the one recently just covered in rain.

Jeanne gave her a look, looking at her hand now wet from the water falling from the sky. “Did you really have to cover your hand in the rain first?” She gave a hard to hear cheeky tone.

“Well, I debated about drying it on your face but my hand was cold.” She said with a teasing smirk, Jeanne just rolling her eyes. “Let’s get in the convo-”

They heard a honking, growing louder as it approached. Jeanne pulled her wife back, hiding her behind her body. Then they heard a familiar voice, a voice that made Jeanne want to die from awkwardness. “Jeanne! Aurélia! You’re going to catch a cold if you stay out in the rain, come on inside!” Anette Pierre, Jeanne’s mother.

Jeanne covered her face with the palms of her hand and Aurélia gave a laugh. “Oh my spirits.” Aurélia could hardly believe this.

She started to move towards her mother’s car. Giving a silent apology to her driver in the car in front of her mother’s beat up pickup track. The driver said, the car gave a smile and a knowing nod. The marines escorting them however remained unflinching despite the situation. They guided her to her mother’s truck.

Anette’s pickup was a simple single cab Gyllir pickup truck from the late 80s. Jeanne remembered having her whole family pile into the truck, by squeezing into the truck. She means her brothers Gaston and Tor jumping into the bed of the truck. While herself, Kjartan, and her parents would push up against each other into the truck. Gaston and Tor being far too big for them to be in the cab.

Her mother opened up the passenger door to speak with them, the window in the truck was broken ever since Kjartan stuck a knife between the silt of the window and broke the gears back when Jeanne was eight. Her mother gave a concerned voice, “Come on you two, you both look frozen solid out there.”

“Mom we have a car already, it has been orga-” Jeanne was cut off by her mom, to which Aurélia gave a chuckle. The kemonomimi leaning back to whisper something to the commanding marine’s ear.

“Oh they can tag along, I picked up extra groceries from the general store so we have enough for all of your new friends.” She said with a smile.

“Mom, they’re marines not friends. They work for the Feder-” Jeanne was cut off by her wife.

“Oh, we can take the ride with your mom. I told the marines to follow along in the convoy in the cars.” Aurélia said with a smirk, attempting to push her wife into the truck.

“This is improper, the convoy was paid for and organized by the government. I can’t just simply take a ride with m-” Jeanne was cut off.

“Come on Jeanne, it’s cold and your mother drove all this way.” Aurélia gave another push attempting to move her into the truck.

Jeanne gave a sigh, “You can take the middle seat Aurélia.” She moves out of the way, gesturing for Aurélia to get in. The kemonomimi hopping into the truck, then scooted into the middle of the seat of the truck. Jeanne shook her head, concerned how all of this would look in the press. Giving a brief look to the small crowd of reporters taking photos and the growing crowd looking. She quickly got into the truck, closing the door and rested her head against the dashboard.

Two marines hopped into bed of the truck, disregarding the rain pouring down on them and holding onto a small smirk as they looked at each other. Jeanne gave a brief sigh, looking back at them before returning to looking at her mother.

The old kemonomimi woman gave a smile in return. She wore dirty pair jeans, plaid button up with old stains, old fashion steel toe boots and straw cattleman hat. Farmer through and through, and she looked the part. The car in front of them pulled off, driving forward and she followed along. “So how’s work in the capital you two?”

Aurélia who was completely delighted at the events. “Oh the school is going well, the kids are learning how to spell their name now.” She gave a nudge to Jeanne.

Jeanne who still was in shock that her mother, first was able to get past the security and second picked her up from the airport. “Work is going well, there are good days and there are off days being the Federal Prime Minister.” She said in a tired sigh.

“Well, I know you used to with shoveling bullshit.” Her mother joke giving a smirk, “Your father and I are so proud of you, being the big sister of the Federation and all.” She said with a small giggle.

“Please stop calling me big sister, it is weird when I hear it normally and it is even weirder when I hear it from my own mom.” Jeanne gives a pained expression, much to the delight of her wife.

“Oh, so what your saying is I shouldn’t have my kids write you letters on Unification Day calling you Big Sister.” Aurélia shared a smirk with Anette.

“You already do.” Jeanne glared at her wife. “It’s even worse with you because I take photos with your class. You know how many actually call me by my title or name?” She held up her hand making a zero sign with it. “None.”

Anette gave a laugh, “Oh bless the spirits, you’re going to love the banner they made for you when we get back to Sorwick. All the kids in town helped with it. I hope the rain clears up by the time we get there.”

Aurélia nudged her wife, “Hear that, all the kids in town helped with it. You’re gonna have to be nice about it.”

“I’m always nice about it, I just have a condition with my face and tone.” Jeanne looked outside of the window, seeing various banners streamed up welcoming her back.

“Oh speaking of conditions, so your brothers finally talked Snri into getting a new wheelchair. Think of that, he had that rust bucket for two decades and now he’s finally getting a new one.” Anette straight up, giving a strong tone mocking her husband. “There is no point in getting rid of a perfectly good chair when it can still move.” She rolled her eyes.

“Oh, did he finally get tired of having the broken pipe pushed against his back?” Aurélia said with a laugh at Anette’s joke.

“Oh no, his wheelchair flipped over and collapsed on him while he was in the garden. Oh boy, I have never seen him so mad since Kjartan…. Well you know.” Mother Pierre’s voice trailed off.

Jeanne spoke up, “I haven’t spoken to Kjartan in some time, is he doing well?” Her middle brother, Kjartan, decided to move to Osfjord and become a manager in some small financial firm. Which her father Snri didn’t take well to him ‘switching side’ and becoming a ‘fucking capitalist dog’ as her father put it.

“He’s doing great, he met a girl while on a trip to Vakrestrender. Maybe I will finally have some grandkids in the near future.” She said with a smile, “Which reminds me~”

Jeanne gave an awkward look, shuffling around in her seat. “That’s partly what I wanted to talk with you and dad about…”

“Six grandkids.” Anette said in full confidence.

Aurélia gave a nod in response, “We agreed on eight already.”

“No we didn’t.” Jeanne said in a very quick manner, “And I’m still unsure.” She scratched the back of her neck. “I just want to talk to you and dad first, maybe even Gaston if he is still around.”

“He is still around alright, but he built his own cottage near the sheep barn to keep an eye on those little fluffy dragons. But if you ask me, I think he just likes being near animals more than he does people.” Anette understood well enough this wasn’t the time nor place to discuss the manner.

“The ol’ orc always loved caring for the sheep, honestly I was surprised he didn’t just move out into the barn.” Aurélia chuckled, “I remember he once ran into the living room when I was staying the night with a chicken in his arms and was searching for the first-aid kit because the chicken’s wing was hurt.”

Anette gave a laugh, “Then the chicken just laid an egg in his arms and he freaked out when it dropped to the ground. I had to spend all night comforting him about losing the egg.”

The other, younger kemonomimi laughed, “Jeanne and I were so scared at the time he was a intruder breaking in because he was covered in mud and sticks. Just finished watching that umm what was Jeanne?” Aurélia tilted her head to face her wife.

“Aliens from the sun.” Jeanne gave a small chuckle at the memory, they were only fourteen and they were so panicked about it. “He never saw me coming when I tackled him.”

“You tackled him? He never told me that? Did you give him that bruise he told me he got when he tripped chasing after the chicken?” Anette laughed, following the lead black car as it made a turn out of the city and into the highway.

“Damn right I did, I served him right for scaring Aurélia and I like that.” The truck was filled with laughter.

[Cowlass]

[20/11/2008] [8:40 PM]
[Pierres’ Farmstead; Dragfruit; Dragefjord; Federation of the Southern Coast]

Jeanne and Aurélia sat down on a blanket, far off from the Pierre family’s homestead. Resting up on a hill with a telescope pointing towards the night sky. The beautiful night sky being dotted with small bright lights across the silky dark sky.

The two came out tonight for this particular night, waiting for the comet to shoot across with a green beam of light posed against the dark sky. It went by several names depending on which culture you’re from but for the Akuanists in Lapérouse. It was Ny’Saki, an old hero from an even older story. Ny’Saki was a tree who grew and grew to be with their love, a spirit who legends gave a dozen names for. When Ny’Saki reached the top of the sky, bigger than the planet he couldn’t reach his love so he gave a mighty jump into the sky and been flying ever since, searching for their missing sweetheart.

Aurélia rested her head against Jeanne’s shoulder. “When is Ny’Saki coming to ask us if we seen his missing love?” She joked, taking a small sip of her ice tea.

Jeanne smiled, rubbing her hand against Aurélia ear. “Not for another three hours but I can always point out the signs in the stars if you want.”

Aurélia smiled, “Can you find the turkey constellations for me?”

Jeanne shook her head, wanting to smile but her condition refused to let up. She wanted just to express her affection but her face and tone refused to let up, even for a moment to express something other than anger. Aurélia could feel her upsetness, reaching over to give her a tight hug.

"Sorry I just wanted to smile for you. I’m not angry."Jeanne apologized, giving her girlfriend a hug back.

“I know you’re not angry Jeanne.” Aurélia comforted her, resting against her. “But you also still haven’t shown me the turkey.” She smiled, knowing it’s best to get Jeanne’s mind on something other than her unfortunate neurological condition.

Jeanne gave a small giggle, which sounded more like a scoff than a laugh. “Oh you’re right. Didn’t drag you out of a nice warm bed to see me moping in the cold and dark.” Jeanne reached out her hand, spreading her thumb out from the rest of her hand. Reading with it across the night sky. “There it is, I can see the head.” Jeanne spoke with confidence.

Aurélia followed suit, performing the same actions she did. Though she never was really able to pick the constellations out, she could always find the turkey one. Though it wasn’t an actual turkey but supposedly an eagle, but Aurélia always thought it looked like a turkey. Far more than just some boring eagle. "Ah, I see it now. The turkey shows itself running across the night sky once more.

“From there we go towards…” Jeanne waited for a few moments to let Aurélia finish her sentence.

“Up north by several centimeters and we find the two-head rabbit.” Aurélia said with a warm tone, “Then from there we can find the old woman tap dancing!” She cheered.

Jeanne ruffled the Kemonomimi hair. None of the star constellations are quite named anything like the two said but it was close enough honestly. “Do you remember their names?” Jeanne rubbed her girlfriend’s kemonomimi ear.

“Nope!” Aurélia answers honestly, purring into Jeanne’s hand. “Do I get bonus points for being able to find them at least?”

“Yes, but only because your so cute.” Jeanne hoped her tone still carried her affection. Hoping her stupid voice condition does ruin things.

Aurélia snuggled closer to Jeanne, rubbing her hand against her back. “It’s okay Hon, I can be the smug, adorable, fanatic, adorable-”

“You said adorable twice.” Jeanne raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, so we can be four times as adorable as a normal couple.” Aurélia kissed Jeanne’s cheek.

Jeanne kissed Aurélia’s cheek in return. “Sorry abo-”

“You don’t need to say sorry, I understand you.” Aurélia comforted Jeanne. “I got the macarons. Did you get the soda?”

“I got something better.” Jeanne reached into the picnic box. Taking out two tall cans of beer. “Kjartan got us these since we’re staying up.”

Aurélia raised a eyebrow, “We’re Akuanists tho-”

Jeanne opened her can and handed the other can to her. “Oh just drink the beer. He spent benders on us after all.”

“Fine fine, fair enough.” Aurélia gave a chuckle sipping her beer before spitting it out. “This taste awful!”

Jeanne raised an eyebrow, sipping it and then placing the can down. “This is awful.”

“Please tell me you packed the sodas anyway.” Aurélia gave a pleading look. “You didn’t. Did you?”

“No.” Jeanne looked away, scratching her arm. “I messed up things again…”

Aurélia gave a comforting pat on the back. “We still have our snacks.” She gave a smile, kissing her cheek. “It’s okay.”

“Sor-” Jeanne was cut off by Aurélia patting her head. “What are you doing?”

“Patting your head.” Aurélia with a smirk. “Is it working?”

“I refuse to answer that question.” Jeanne tried and failed to smirk back.

“So if I stop, you wouldn’t mind”

“I would prefer it if you didn’t stop.” Jeanne spoke honestly.

“You’re a massive dork.” Aurélia gave a small chuckle.

Jeanne rolled her eyes.

–
[07/3/2023] [11:56 AM]
[Pierres’ Farmstead; Dragfruit; Dragefjord; Federation of the Southern Coast]
(Written with my handler Norgs)

“Urth to Jeanne, come in Jeanne.” Aurélia poked her wife’s cheek.

“Oh sorry, I was lost in thought.” Jeanne stepped out of the truck, running around to the side to help her mother out of the pickup.

Anette warmly accepted help out of the pickup truck, “Oh, the ol’ man hasn’t taken down the flag yet.” She looked up at the flag, while walking towards the house with the pair. Aurélia opened the door for Jeanne and Anette.

“Honey I’m home, and I brought your two favorite girls with me.” Anette spoke with a loud, and clear voice.

The loud sounds coming from the TV ended as a large red skinned tiefling man in a wheelchair wheeled into the door. While he had two metal prosthetic legs he performed his wheelchair. “It’s been too darn long since I’ve seen you two!” He said in a serious tone though his smile was wide and warm. Still having a Siånritian accent that he kept even all these years despite having been in Dragefjord for so long. “Now come over here and give me a hug before I wheel over you two’s feet!” He challenged as he pulled himself up from his chair leaning on the doorway.

The pair came over to him, giving him a big squeezing hug. “Been so long, I missed you.” Aurélia said in a sweet voice, giving a soft pur to him. Jeanne, forever looking angry and sounding angry, replied as well, “How have you been keeping ol’ man? How’s the new chair? Is it more comfortable for you now?” Jeanne helped him back down into his chair while Aurélia stepped back with a warm look on her face.

“Can’t complain, even the previous wheelchair was still better than these darn devil legs.” He joked knocking on the prosthetics with a chuckle leaving his lips. “I’d ask how work is doing Jeanne but I only need to turn on the TV for that!” He gave his daughter a pat on the back before turning his attention towards his daughter-in-law. “Aurélia! I hope you’re able to keep the brats in your school in check? If you need any tips on how to discipline them then just ask!”

Jeanne gave a laugh, “Are they still itchy?” She looked down at his ‘devil legs’ then back up at his eyes. “Well you can turn on the TV but you just find a lot of angry people at me.” She jokes with her father.

Aurélia gave a smile, “Oh, they’re not brats. They just need some love and kindness to get them working on their homework.” She waits for a moment, “Also ice cream for when the class all passes a test.”

Anette gives a smile at the conversation, walking by her husband where her tail swaying around playfully. “I will go get dinner started for us. I made your two favorites.” She gives a warm tone, purring at her daughters being back home where she can make damn sure they eat properly for once.

“Eh all kids are brats until they get some discipline, be careful to not spoil them too much.” Snri said, rolling his eyes as he shook his head before giving his wife’s behind a quick pinch as she walked past. He gave her a small smirk before putting his attention back on the two girls. “Well some folks are angry but you got your supporters. What was the name…. Ah yes, big sister Pierre?” He teased with a snarky grin on his face as he turned his wheelchair around to wheel into the living room to give his wife more space in the kitchen.

Anette gave a teasing look at her husband after giving a soft gasp. “Later tonight honey.” Then kept walking into the kitchen. Making both Aurélia and Jeanne quite uncomfortable in the whole situation.

Jeanne gave a look at her father, “That damn name… You know they actually call me that outside of the Federation now? I had a meeting in Norgsveldet and there was a sign welcoming me as Big Sister Pierre. Vakrestrender is even worse about it.” She said with a defeated sigh, Aurélia however basked in the joy of her wife’s suffering. Giving a smile, and resting her arm around Jeanne’s shoulder. “It’s okay big sister, I’m sure they didn’t mean much about it.” She gave a teasing voice to Jeanne. Who only gave her fiery look back at the kemonomimi.

“As long as those darn Valkyrs aren’t making a cartoon about it I think it’s all in good fun.” The tiefling said in a hearty chuckle as he positioned himself next to the sofa. Turning on the TV but keeping the volume low so he could talk with the two of them. “But outside of boring work stuff, how are you two holding up?” His tone was far more sincere.

Jeanne gave a brief shutter at the mention of Valkyr, they hold nothing back when it comes to adapting anything and everything into anime. Even her speeches. She sits down next to her papa, and Aurélia sat down next to her, cuddling up to her arm. “Well, there has been something. We both have been thinking about it but I want your and mama’s opinion on it.” While her tone is always strong with anger due to her condition, however now she gives off an aura of not being quite sure what she’s doing.

Her father just raised an eyebrow at her, being curious of what it is. “Oh? What is it about?” He asked in a calm tone as he gave her a warm look.

Aurélia gave a comforting pat on Jeanne’s back and purred up to her. Jeanne gave a sigh as she spoke, “We’re thinking about having children, through Reciprocal IVF. I won’t walk you through all the science of it, if you don’t want to but it means we will have a child. Aurélia will being the one carrying the child. But I’m just… Unsure.”

Jeanne’s wife gave a small sly comment, “Next time she carries them.” Jeanne gave a small look at Aurélia, “If we have another after that.”

“About time you two gave us grandkids!” He gave a hearty laughter putting his hand on Jeanne’s shoulder smiling brightly at his daughter. “If ya brothers can handle dealing with small devils so can you two.” He let out a small chuckle.

Jeanne gave a shrug, still unsure of it all. “W-what, if I turn out to be like… them?” She asked in reference to biological ‘parents’ to use the term loosely.

“You’re not.” The tiefling gave his human daughter a serious look. His hand squeezing her shoulder tighter.

“But what if I am? What if I turn out to be just like them when I become a parent?” Jeanne looked at her father with a serious look. Aurélia gave a small pinch at her wife’s cheek. “You’re not going to be honey.”

“In all the years I’ve seen you grow and become your own person, I know within my heart you’re not going to be like those damn bastards.” Her father said his voice was commanding and hoarse in tone. “You have a good spirit, sweetie, Better than mine, and you should never doubt that.”

She gave a sigh, relaxing her head on to her father’s hand. “Maybe you’re right papa.”

Few minutes later, the sound of a door flying open. First thing they both heard was a high pitched “Baaaa” and followed shortly by Anette’s voice, “Gaston! What in the spirits, have I told you about bring in more animals into the house!”

Gaston’s voice spoke up, “Mama, they just followed me in. I think they might be-”

“They’re not hurt, Gaston, they want you to give them your scraps. Now put them back in the barn or no dessert for dinner!” The mother’s voice replied, in a moderately upset and tired tone.

“But Mama.”

“No buts young man, we’re not having a sheep sitting at our table for dinner.”

Jeanne gave a chuckle, “He never changed did he?” She looks at her dad.

He just lets out a deep sigh. “No, no he does not. Give him a good shove from me when you can.” He said, shaking his head as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. Jeanne got up to go do more than just shove her brother around. Aurélia gives a snicker herself, before standing up to go see if Anette needs help in the kitchen.

[Cowlass]

Jeanne stalked her big brother out of the house, head held low like a predator on the hunt. The marines guarding the homestead gave her a concerned look. Well all except one that had a big brother, giving a hand signal to a few of the marines to follow after the FPM with a smirk on their face.

The FPM jumped up and tackled her big brother from behind, forcing him to the ground and letting the sheep go. A marine quickly picked up the sheep before it could run too far off. Jeanne placed her big orc brother in a headlock. “Say Aunt!”

“Oh you little shit!” He grunted annoyed as he rolled around to get his little sister under him which gave him a moment to get out of the headlock. “Ha! You still to weak little s-”

She gave a swift punch to his stomach rolling back on top of him, pinning his arms under her knees. “What were you saying? I couldn’t hear you from all the way down there.” She gave a smirk at him.

“You bitch!” He said gritting his teeth trying desperately to get his arms away from her knees but she had them well and truly pinned. “Alright, fuck fine let go me you little berserker.” He patted the ground with one of his hands to gesture to let him go.

She stood up off of him, reaching down to pick him up. “One of these days you would finally win. Well, then again you probably won’t.”

He rolled his eyes grabbing hold of her hand as he pulled himself up, but doing so while pulling her down towards the ground. “I think you forget not everyone in our family spent our youth in the military.” He said taking a quick few steps away before Jeanne could drag him down towards the ground again.

“Oh you cheating little bastard.” She stood back up, approaching him with a dangerous glint in her eye. “I serve in the Akuan-approved side of things, I didn’t get combat training. How does that make you feel your little sister keeps beating you up?” She moved closer and closer with each word she spoke.

“Calm down you little gremling.” He said, rolling his eyes and crossing his arms. “Also you did get combat training after you whined enough about it.”

“Hey I didn’t whine.” She said in a sarcastic whining tone. “I had to fight to get my right to fight.” She gave a joking tone, something her brother could pick up on. “Come on, let’s head to the barn and put your baaa-d sheep to bed.” She gestures to the marine holding the sheep to follow them.

“I will let you know that this here is Rolf.” Her older brother said walking up to the marine holding the sheep up easily as he walked towards the barn gesturing towards Jeanne to open the doors.

“Rolf? You named a sheep after that superhero cartoon.” She shakes her head, opening the barn door for Gaston to walk into. “I wanted to talk about something, just you and me. If you don’t mind…” Her tone wavered slightly.

“Rolf is a good name so hush.” He said, rolling his eyes as he walked into the barn going towards the part of the barn where the rest of the sheep was resting at. “Well I think this might be as good a place as any to talk about it, unless you’re afraid the animals are going to start spreading rumors?” He turned around giving a small teasing smile as his joking tone showed still a level of seriousness.

She rolled her eyes, “I’m not that much of an Akuanist you know.” She scratched the back of her head, religion being a bit of a taboo topic. Giving a quick look over towards the marines who knew to keep a degree of space between the two of them. Guarding the entrance of the barn. “It’s just… It’s personal.” She moves to sit on top of a hay bale.

He placed Rolf back among his fellow sheep giving them a small head scratch before moving closer to Jeanne, leaning his back against a wall giving a bit more serious look. “Hey. If there is anything you need help with, ask. I’m here for you.”

She gave a sigh, fixing her tie. “Well, it’s just… Well, um. Aurélia and I are just thinking about…” She has trouble finding her words, remembering her parent’s words she spoke up. Finding her courage, “We’re planning on having a child and. I’m just concerned… Remember how I talked about my… Biological birth givers?”

Her older brother just nodded his head, not speaking up rather to allow her to speak. To state her concerns while he listened. Giving her a warm look as he gestured to her to continue.

Her hands turned into fists, just thinking about them. “How they… mistreated me, how they… were so… horrid.”

Gaston placed his hand on one of Jeanne’s, his hand being far larger than hers. “Hey, that is over now. You have us, you have Aurélia.” He said in a warm brotherly tone.

She gave a sigh of relief, leaning her head onto the orc’s chest. “I don’t want to be like them, and I’m worried if we have a child…”

“I don’t think you will, I understand your fear.” He placed an arm around her shoulder giving a wide grin that showed off his fangs. “But you’re not like them, you’re already far better than them now then they ever was, so that ain’t changing.”

She gave her big brother a tight hug, squeezing him. “Don’t tell Tor or Kjartan but you’re my favorite brother.” She gave a sigh of relief, letting go of him and leaning back. Giving a soft look up at him.

“What? No bragging rights? You’re the worst.” He said with a hearty chuckle giving his little sister a back breaking hug as he wrapped his arms around her.

She gave a pain groin, “Fine, you can tell the capitalist dog but only if you stop trying to snap my back.” She taps on his shoulder.

He grinned at that as he released his hold on her. “Gladly.” He shook his head. “Let’s go find Tor, I need your strength if I’m going to go and tackle him.”

“Oh spirits? He’s here visiting too?” She gave a chuckle, hopping off the hay bale. “Bringing him down is going to be a real challenge.”

“Yeah! He heard you were visiting so he took a break from his job.” Gaston held the barn’s doors open for his little sister.

She gives a small laugh, “He actually took a vacation from being a professor huh? Well, guess that just means we need to put the nerd into the mud.”

“Serves him right.” He chuckled, shaking his head before he ruffled Jeanne’s hair, smiling as he looked down at her. “Hey if you ever need a babysitter, it’s just to ask, alright?”

“I have the Federal Service for family planning and assistant at my beck and call.” The Federal Prime Minister looks up at her bigger older brother. “I am the leader of the Federation, you know.”

“Hard to not notice.” He rolled his eyes as he gestured to the marines that were following them around. Giving her a small playful shove as they walked to find their ursine brother.

[Cowlass]

Few moments after failing to tip the Ursine over, Jeanne and her wife were waiting outside. Jeanne seemed outright joyful, at a surprise coming down the road. Aurélia could easily pick up on this where other wouldn’t even be remotely able to understand her mood. “Sooo who is coming to make you absolutely jump for joy?”

“I’m not jumping for joy, I am just… excited to see them again.” Jeanne replied, playing with her hands.

“Them? Two people then? Are you just being vague on purpose?” Aurélia teased her wife, giving a kiss to the short human’s cheek.

“Well a little bit. It’s Kjartan and his wife. We haven’t seen them in so long.” Jeanne’s voice still kept to her unfortunate angry tone.

“Oh that explains it.” Aurélia gives a chuckle, “Do… Does the rest of your family know he is coming?”

Jeanne replied with a harsh sigh, “I don’t care if they know or not. He is my brother and I miss him.”

They looked onwards as a shiny car came rolling down the dirt road, headlights lighting the pair up. Jeanne waving at them as they came to a parked.

The car was one of the most expensive sports cars that come from Gyllir, one coloured in all black. With the doors opening revealing a tall elven man, with short blonde hair, dark blue eyes and lightly trimmed beard. With him wearing a black and white business suit, with a golden witcain wrist watch on his right hand. Most Norgsveltian businessmen were often known for their cold demeanor, though Kjartan broke that stereotype with a wide warm smile as he saw Jeanne waving at them. “Little berserker!” He yelled out in a chuckle as ran up to her holding her up as he hugged her. A tall dark haired human woman with red eyes following after him giggling at his excitement, with her wearing a red sweater dress with black leggings. Having a sweet warm smile on her lips. Looking like a proper house wife as she bowed her head respectfully towards Aurélia.

Jeanne hugged him back, squeezing him tight. “My favorite capitalist dog.” She forced a non-angry emotion, a teasing sisterly one of course. Aurélia gave a half body bow towards the human and then ran into to join the hugging circle. “My second favorite elf!” She squeezed along with Jeanne onto the tall elven man. The kemonomimi giving a wave towards the human to come in and join the hugging session.

Kjartan’s wife hesitated for a moment with a slight flushed as she tried to gesture that she shouldn’t, though was stopped mid way as her husband pulled her into it. Earning a small “eep!” from her as he did chuckling as he held her in place.

Aurélia gave a warm pur into the circle. Jeanne spoke up in a clear voice, “I missed the two of you so much, you two need to visit more often. Well… At least to C.D.R.” Aurélia gave a smile at that, “It would be nice to host people that’s not in the political nonsense or royals.”

“It has been a good while.” Kjartan said with a chuckle as he took a step back but keeping his hands on the two’s shoulders. A warm smile on his lips. “I just need to find more time from work to visit you two, I have always said to Elinit that she should visit you two even If I can’t.”

His wife crossed her arms at that. “It feels wrong visiting without you…” She said having a small pout as she gave him a small glare which only caused him to chuckle.

“Oh nonsense, I would like to have my brother with you but I am always more than happy to see you.” Jeanne forced herself to give a simple through her disability. She gave a half body bow towards her. Aurélia gave a small smirk, “It would make her take a break from work.” The kemonomimi gave a pout.

Jeanne kissed her wife’s cheek. “I’m taking it easier now. Which… Is something I, we would like to talk to you two about it…” Her wife holding her hand everso tightly, “Aurélia and I decided to have children, it spent time talking about it and asking for advice, and it… it is settled.”

Kjartan was a bit taken aback by that, at least for a few seconds before he immediately gave her a big hug once again. “That’s amazing! If you two need any support it’s just to ask!” He said in a large happy tone.

Elinit smiled warmly at that holding Aurélia’s hands squeezing them in excitement. “I’d love to come over and help if you ever need it.” She said with a sweet smile on her lips, having always wanted to have children herself but her and Kjartan having had some difficulty with it over but his busy schedule and naturally taking longer for elves.

“Well, I don’t think we need help making children.” Aurélia gives a soft giggle. Which earned her a playful shove from Elinit who rolled her eyes at the kemonomimi’s comment.

“I was talking about taking care of them when you two have it.” The dark haired woman said, shaking her head.

Aurélia give a soft laugh, almost completely falling over at the woman’s ‘soft’ shove. “I know, I know. You just have to get by Jeanne, I think she is going to have a strong grip on them. Less she suffers the same fate as my mom.” She laughs at that.

Jeanne felt slightly uncomfortable, scratching the back of her head. “I-I wouldn’t mind if they was raised Akuanist, I mean it’s not the worst thing in the world.” Religion always being a awkward topic for her, for years now for some strange reason she refuses to speak about. “They would be quite happy…” She muttered under her breath in a concerned tone.

“With an amazing woman like you? Of course they would be happy, little berserker.” Kjartan teased, placing his hand on her hair, roughing it up and scratching it.

“I think you two will be amazing mothers, though it makes me want to hurry up with mine and Kjartan’s plans of getting children of our own.” Elinit said in a teasing tone giving a slight elbow towards Kjartan who let out a weak sigh.

“Have you tried throwing krone onto the bed? It always worked when he was younger.” Jeanne gave a small laugh, sounding harsh and downright villainous in its nature.

Aurélia rolled her eyes, “We have to go through a process for it, so many doctor appointments and stuff. It’s going to be nightmare dragging Jeanne away from her desk.” She gave a teasing tone, hugging her wife. Jeanne responded with a huff, “I have nation counting on me Aurélia, you know how it is.”

“I know, I know.” Aurélia gave a sad tone, despite Jeanne trying to comfort her with a hug. “It be okay, alright? I will make time for this to happen, besides. The second great war isn’t going to happen under my watch now.”

“Eh I won’t be ruling it out just yet if I was you Aurélia.” Kjartan said in a teasing tone giving a smirk as he looked at his little sister.

Elinit gave a sympathetic look towards Aurélia as she nodded along. “I know the feeling, Kjartan has to often be dragged away from his office to just get to bed. Always another important business call one after another.” She placed a hand on her hip as she gave him a pout.

“In my defense, my work become even more hectic after Erik put me in charge of the mainland department for Nyveldian Eagle.” He said with a sigh, having originally just been one of major financial advisers to Erik to now actually having to manage important parts of a major company.

Aurélia gave a hug to Elinit, damnable Akuanists being so touchy and feely. Meanwhile Jeanne only look thankful that the topic of religion wasn’t brought up. “How is uncle Erik? I haven’t heard much about Ragnar, I hope he is doing well.” She looked up at her big brother.

“Erik is doing well, though I think I’ve heard him sigh a lot more often every time Rosia Eagle gets mentioned in the news.” Kjartan said, letting out a chuckle shaking his head at the topic.

“I heard from some of my previous co-workers that he might actually have a unique relationship with Ylva Førnørn.” Elinit said, hugging the smaller kemonomimi back before stepping back and looking up at her husband with a curious look. Normally Kjartan would have said something in defense but knowing his wife’s previous profession it made the possibility more… likely.

Jeanne gave an uncomfortable look, shuffling her shoulders. Not completely comfortable around ‘relationships’ with Erik after he made some passing comments while they were both drunk one night when she was only a parliamentarian. “Well, I suppose that is to be expected from him. I just hope he straightens out… Joke not intended.” She gives a soft but harsh laugh at it.

Aurélia rolled her eyes, “How about Ragnar? We don’t hear much from anymore after Jeanne’s promotion.”

“Election sweetie.” Jeanne gave a tired sigh.

“Sure.” Aurélia says with a teasing glint in her eye. “But have you heard anything from Uncle Ragnar? My mom keeps talking about visiting him in Nyveldet.”

“Haven’t heard too much from him other than what I’ve read on the news. Which is, well, hardly the best.” Kjartan said in a weak chuckle, shaking his head. “I do remember Erik and Ragnar got in a harsh argument over the phone one time.”

“Nyveldian Business interests doesn’t seem to always align with the interests of the Nyveldian right.” Elinit said in a calm almost cold tone which was heavily contrasted with her smile.

“Well business interests are just the capitalist elite dictating the working class, while in this case the bourgeoisie and right-wing proletariat that make up Nyveldet are having a dispute.” Jeanne said as if it was a normal thing to say, towards her, bourgeois big brother. “Class consciousness is on the rise, but in the case for Nyveldians it tends to lean to the far right.”

Aurélia pinched her wife’s cheek. “No politics.”

“Some politics.” Jeanne looked towards her wife.

“No politics.” Aurélia said again, in a strong voice and crossing her arms.

“Yet somehow they allow more religious expression…” Kjartan mumbled under his breath before getting elbowed in his side by his wife. Which even not meaning too had a bit more harsher then she meant, making him let out a small yelp from it.

“I agree, no politics.” Elinit spoke in a sweet tone but had a cold demeanor behind her smile as she looked at both Kjartan and Jeanne.

Jeanne looked a bit under comfortable hearing her brother’s mumbling. Shifting nervously, but getting a warm hug from her wife. Getting a kiss on her cheek, “Alright no politics, but no religion either.” Jeanne said with a fake confident tone, her normal angry voice covering up how sensitive the subject of ‘religion’ was for her.

Aurélia patted her wife’s back during the hug. “No politics, no religion and only moderate drinking.” She gives a smirk toward Elinit, “My wife here can’t exactly drink often, or much at all really. Kjartan is just a lightweight so I think that just leaves me, you and Anette with the bottle of wine~”

“Hey now I’m no lightweight.” Kjartan said, holding his hands up in an defensive posture, having recovered from the side elbow.

“You so are.” Elinit said, rolling her eyes as her husband looked at her as if she had betrayed him. “At least in comparison to me.”

“Drinking an entire bottle of wine within a few hours would get anyone drunk.”

Elinit gave her husband a teasing smirk. “Yet for me it was barely a buzz.”

Jeanne forced a smile through her lips, having to use her fingers to push her lips upwards. Feeling slightly down about not being allowed to drink. Aurélia giving a comforting pat on her wife, “She has been working really hard on her smiling exercises. Every morning before breakfast, she gives it her best shot in the mirror.”

“I’d tease you of how adorable that sounds if it wasn’t for the fact that I know you’re trying your actual best.” Kjartan said, placing a hand on his little sister’s head scratching it, having a slight teasing tone but was smiling genuinely towards her.

“I could still tackle you and tie you up now.” She dropped her smile to give him an angry look. “Or have my marines do it for me.” She gestures towards the several marines in uniforms around them in the distance.

“Hey, you could try doing that towards Elinit instead.” Kjartan said in a teasing tone gesturing to his wife who just rolled her eyes and had an innocent smile.

“If you want someone to wrestle with I am willing to play the part.” The darked haired housewife said in a warm tone, as her posture even if only slightly became more defensive.

“Ah, no thank you.” Jeanne shook her head, rather not wanting to try their luck with knowing her previous profession. “Besides, if I don’t put Kjartan in his place then you have to. Think of this as outsourcing.”

“Oh please, the most fun as a housewife is placing the husband in his place when comes home.” Elinit’s teasing tone and slight smirk made her husband sigh.

“She certainly loves doing that…”

Aurélia gives a hardy laugh, “You remind me of my mom, the first thing she did when she came home was tackle my dad. Second thing was, well…” She only gave a smirk looking at Elinit. Jeanne gave an awkward, but disgusted look towards her wife. “We have to deal with enough of that with my parents right now Aurélia, lets not have to think about your parents… Doing the thing.”

“Agreed…” Kjartan said, shaking his head having a weak tone in his voice as he shuddered about the topic. Though his wife only giggled at Aurélia’s comment. He looked towards Jeanne with a smile but one weaker as he let out a small chuckle. “Knowing our family, I likely won’t be able to help you in making them calm down.”

Aurélia and Jeanne both gave an agreeing nod. “On the brightside, at least Tor might be able to calm them down. You know how he is.” Jeanne gave a sigh. Aurélia gave a small smirk, “We can counter their ‘stuff’ as you put it with our own. Make them uncomfortable.”

“We both know that will not work.”

“We can try it anyway~” Aurélia says with a teasing voice.

Kjartan looked towards the barn and the house with an almost nostalgic look. “It has been very long since I last was here.” He kept his weak smile on his lips getting a comfortable pat on the back from his wife, who gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I promise that we will visit the two of you another time, even if I can’t join you today for well… You know how our dad is.”

“You are staying that is final. Direct orders from the Federal Prime Minister’s office.” Aurélia held a strong tone, looking up at the elf. Jeanne gave a comforting nod, “Indeed, signed the orders already. He can just shove it if he has a problem, we both missed you quite a lot and I know mama has too.”

“I don’t think…” Kjartan began saying before getting the look from his wife. Not a strong one but rather a sweet one with big eyes. With a sigh he nodded his head. “Fine, I’ll stay.” He said, giving a warm smile towards Jeanne.

The pair gave a proud and loud “Ayay!” in a completely joyful manner. Well Aurélia sounded joyful, Jeanne sounding more like a threat than a joyful expression. From a muffled distance, there was a muffled ‘ayay.’ With Anette stepping out to see why she gave a ayay about. Then gave another more loud one, running towards her son and wrapping her arms around him. Giving a stressed purr, stressed due to her coming condition of KGIDs. “Kjartan it is about time you brought yourself around here!”

Aurélia giggled at the two. Anette spoke up, “Alright Kjartan and Aurélia, I’m gonna need you two to help me set the table. Jeanne, can you ask your friends-” She was cut off by Jeanne. “They’re marines.”

“Yes, can you ask them to move their fancy cars out of the lawn? They can park near the barn.” Anette didn’t wait for a response, simply grabbing Kjartan’s hand before he could leave and went inside with him. Aurélia giggling followed shortly, giving a bow to the two women standing outside.

As Kjartan was pulled away he had a warm bright smile on his face, one both Jeanne and Elinit could tell was genuine. “He really missed his family, you know?” Elinit said, looking at her sister-in-law with a kind look. “Especially you two and Anette. You three were the only ones who were at our wedding, and it meant a great deal for us.”

Jeanne shuffled awkwardly, “We both missed him a lot, you too as well but… It has just been so long since I saw him. He is a big softie, when it comes down to it. He used to drive me and Aurélia down to the shrine when Ma was busy.”

“Him being such a big softie is part why I quit my job. Protecting him and his warm gentle ways was far better than being sent on another mission far away from my country.” Elinit said in a sweet tone looking in the distance, before giving a curious look towards Jeanne. “He also said he misses drinking with you, which I thought was a big thing within Akuan customs?”

“I missed being able to just pop over to Norgsveldet and say hello to you two.” She says with a pained voice. The fearless federal prime minister didn’t seem so fearless, not when the topic of ‘religion’ came up. “It is a big thing part of ou- of Akuan customs.”

Elinit raised an eyebrow towards Jeanne. “Then why did Aurélia say that you couldn’t go drinking with the two of us? I could bring wine the next time we visit.”

“Ah… It is not a comfortable topic but…” She paused for a moment, “Well you are my sister in law.” She gives a smile, having to force her muscles to do it. “You see, religious minded people in the high Federation politics, ministers and so forth. They don’t get into those positions, the Party doesn’t put forward their names, and when they see someone being in those positions performing some sort of religious activity then. Well, it is quite a scandal internally and they step down from office.” It wasn’t the full story of course, and she left all of her own personal details and bits with it. Her voice even showed a bit of strain from it.

“Ah.” Elinit let out before falling silent taking a few moments to gather it all. “Well, if you ever come to our place I will assure you that it will be kept secret. Both from it being a private residence and that I have my ways to ensure others keep quiet as well.”

Jeanne shrugged her shoulders, “I don’t get much time to travel when it is not on business, but if I am ever around. I make sure to visit.” She gives a small comforting hug towards her sister-in-law.

Elinit hugged her back, squeezing a bit more harsher than she was actually anticipating on doing.

“You’re squeezing too tightly.” Jeanne gasped out, the taller human lifting her up in the hug.

[Cowlass]

The table was set by Aurélia, Kjartan and Anette. A space where a chair was removed for Snri to wheel himself into position. Food was prepared and laid on the table, glasses filled with wine save Jeanne’s glass which had water instead.

“Where’s the big lug?” Aurélia gave a joking, but questioning tone. Looking at the heavy duty seat for Ursines at the table. Only to be met with the heavy steps coming down the hall.

“The ‘lug’ was helping father get into his wheelchair.” Tor gave a flat look towards Aurélia and Jeanne. The Ursine was never one for smiles, or emotion. Gaston clapped his back, “We, the committee of lugs, have assisted comrade bitter old man into his chair.”

The old man in question was not one to let such an comment slide as he wheeled himself over the two men’s feet earning him a satisfying yelp from Gaston. “Whoops sorry about that, my sight is becoming worse by age as well.” He taunted as he wheeled himself next to his wife’s seat.

Gaston gave his father a small glare mumbling under his breath about how much of a pain his old man was before he sat down at the table as well. Kjartan couldn’t help but smile from the interaction, being a while since he last was here. His thoughts being broken by Elinit coming up behind him and kissing his cheek before the two of them sat down at the table.

Tor appeared to look completely unaffected but he gave a calm, flat tone. “Ouch, that was painful.” Then moved to take his special seat.

Aurélia gave a small chuckle, sitting down in an open seat waiting for her wife. Anette comes out of the kitchen, giving a tight hug to her husband and a soft but rough pur. Taking her seat next to him. “Ah, just waiting on Jeanne then?” Anette looked around for her youngest.

“I was unaware you two could be a part.” Tor kept his usual tone, taking a sip of his wine. Getting elbowed by his mom. “Oh be nice, which reminds me when are you finally getting a partner? I can set you up with someone’s child from my P’titefemme club.” Anette gave a stare only a mother could give.

“I have dedicated my life to the path of socialism and rejection of materialism. My partner is knowled-” Tor was cut off by his mother.

“That’s not good enough, books don’t give grandchildren.” Anette kept her stare as Tor looked more uncomfortable.

“A book a day keeps a girl away.” Gaston said with a smug grin as he looked towards his ursine brother.

“Just don’t get any paper cuts when making out with a book.” Kjartan joined in with only a tiny smirk on his face, being a bit more held back with his tongue.

Tor gave a quick retort. “Gaston, if you ever left the house perhaps you can find a nice Vulpine to wed. Kjartan, I will not hesitate to use your suit’s jacket as a wipe.”

“Boys.” Anette gave a firm tone, looking at her children. Pointing her fingers at each of them. “No fighting, if you do I will tell your father.” She gave a head nod towards her husband who was in the room and right next to her.

“What are you talkin about? This is hilarious to listen to!” He said with a wide smile as he lets out a hearty laughter.

The mother gave an angry look towards her husband. “Snri, if you don’t want to sleep on the couch tonight.”

“Eh, the couch is plenty comfortable.” The father shrugged his shoulders before turning his attention towards Elinit, a small smirk on his lips. “If I remember correctly isn’t it Hjørdist doctrine to stand up against those who challenge their husband?”

“Well… Yes, but I don’t want to hurt Tor.” She said in a nervous tone not wanting to cause any trouble for the family.

“Those who lack the skill to use lyrical and poetic ability often hide behind the facade of the threat of violence.” Tor quipped, “Afterall, what is one without the ability to speak but a raw clay in the hands of a-”

Aurélia spoke up, defending her brother in law and wife. By speaking up she made a chicken sound towards him. All of which with the most smug of smirks.

“Cease your clucking.” Tor looked at Aurélia, with the most calm of looks.

Gaston was quick to join in by making the same sound of a chicken, clucking along with Aurélia. The orc having a wide grin. With Kjartan joining soon after.

“Do something, Snri.” Anette gave a stare at her husband, crossing her arms. Aurélia has not ceased her clucking towards the massive Ursine.

For a small moment the father contemplated intervening. Instead the old tiefling started moving his arms like they were wings moving in his seat as he started clucking as well.

Elinit scratched the back of her head nervously not sure what to do.

Anette only gave a sigh, taking a sip of her wine. Aurélia stopped clucking, giving a hardy laugh at it. Tor rolled his eyes, looking over at Gaston, “You talk a big game when you are in arm’s reach.” He reaches over and grabs his orc brother, ruffling his hair aggressively. “Kjartan you will not be spared.”

The door to the dining room was opened by a tall kemonomimi wearing a marine uniform, muffling saying something into the collar of their shirt. Jeanne entered soon after, and the marine closed the door behind her. “Spirits be kind, I hate everyone in the government.” She shakes her head, taking a seat next to her wife and Kjartan. Giving her wife a kiss on the cheek. “Sorry for the wait, I had a phone ca- Dad why are waving your arms in the air?”

“Oh nothing, we were just calling your older brother a chicken earlier.” Snri joked as he finally stopped moving his ‘wings’ letting out a small laughter.

Kjartan chuckled at that as he gave his wife a kiss on the cheek and wrapped his arm around her waist. While Gaston desperately tried to pull away Tor’s arm away from his head and failing desperately at that.

“Ah. Tor can you release Gaston so we can eat.” Jeanne gave a fiery stare towards her Ursine brother. Though Tor knows she doesn’t quite mean her words, well at least not the anger behind them. The ursine releases the orc.

Aurélia gave a hug towards her wife, giving a warm pur. “So, shall we eat?” She looks towards Anette who gives a big strong smile. “Of course! Can you pass the mashed potatoes Elinit please?”

The darked haired woman smiled warmly as she passed the bowl to the kemonomimi, while Kjartan poured wine into his and hers glasses.

Gaston mumbled under his breath rubbing his head with one hand he reached out for a bowl of meat so that he and Tor could start digging in.

Jeanne reached over, taking a slice of bread for herself and her wife. Aurélia smiled and gave thanks as the mashed potatoes were passed back to them. Taking time to scoop out a deal for the both of them.

“So Kjartan, how’s living in Osfjords? Do they have buses there?” Anette raised an eyebrow at her son, “How’s the metro system?” These questions would be out of place in any other part of the world but the Federation.

Though his wife found the questions curious, Kjartan just chuckled at it. “Quite well, it was made with walkability in mind. So public transportation is well maintained, more so than other parts of Norgsveldet.” He said taking a sip from his glass while his wife got salad for the two of them. “Felt I rarely needed to use the car much.”

“Ah good, good.” Anette felt comfort in that, “My P’titefemme group is going to visit Osfjord for the new skyscraper they’re building. It will only be for a week, but I will be in the city. That being said, I’m not sure I can trust these two knuckle heads to not burn the house down.” The old kemonomimi gave a look towards Gaston and Snri.

“Look, that was 20 years ago.” Snri mumbled under his breath as he shook his head.

“If you do not mind me asking… What is an P’titefemme group?” Elinit asked, a bit nervous but gave Anette a curious look.

Mama Pierre had her mouthful, so Jeanne spoke up to explain. “Pensioners go to construction sites and watch buildings being built. In the Federation they have designed spots for them to set up chairs at and are provided coffee or water. It helps get pensioners outside and around the cities. It’s was quite popular before live streaming was around.” She sipped her water.

Aurélia continued on for her, “We like watching things being built and being told how they’re being built here in the Federation.”

“Tourist agencies in Norgsveldet had started picking up on the phenomena, so some construction sites had started to take that into consideration.” Kjartan explained.

“Less of a phenomena and more of a cultural thing. We don’t know where it came from but.” Jeanne shrugs, “It is fun to watch, me and Aurélia when we were younger used to stay up to watch Process of Creation on the weekends.”

“Still do, when we can.” Aurélia gave a warm smile towards Elinit. “Have you ever had to tear away Kjartan from watching construction sites? Knowing how tricky he is, I bet he always picks restaurants with a window view towards some construction going on.”

“I learned to do that from him.” Jeanne spoke, pouring her wife another refill for her wine. “Always looking out of the window, saying he was just blinded by your beauty.”

Aurélia gave a teasing look towards to Jeanne, “Hey you said that to me too.”

“You told me that as well if I remember right.” Jeanne scratched her wife’s ears.

“That does sound very familiar.” Elinit said, crossing her arms as she raised an eyebrow at her husband.

“…I love you.” Kjartan said with an awkward smile. Earning small snickers from around the room.

Aurélia and Jeanne giggled, Jeanne sounded far rougher. “Oh, you have no idea. He was the one to show all of us how to put live streams on the T.V.” Jeanne spoke while passing a plate over to Tor.

“More than that, when he drove us to the Keratila telling us he was going to take us out to dinner. That dinner was at a food truck and across the street from the factory being built.” Aurélia gave a raised an eyebrow at Kjartan.

Tor looked at Kjartan, “He also told me we were going to a bookstore when you two were young, it turns out the bookstore was under construction. Then he made me pay for gas.”

“Alright I get it.” Kjartan said letting out a sigh yet a small if exasperated laughter left him. “Look, it’s fun to watch, it is not just how it is built but how different cultural elements affect it. Like example Ulvriktruars and Akuanists have different religious holidays, as such you notice which times month you’d see an construction be finished because of the amount of holidays said groups have at that month.”

Elinit just gave him a curious look, having a small teasing smirk. “And here I thought you just were lost in my eyes.”

“I was!” Kjartan said with a small pout as he let out a sigh. “Just, it’s interesting seeing how cultural elements can influence not just building structure but also the time taken.”

Aurélia gave a chuckle, “Kjartan you’re a fox den now~ Better tell your wife how pretty she is.” She took a bite from her food. Jeanne rolled her eyes, “Don’t feel bad Elinit, he loves you… It’s only because he can’t get married to construction.” Aurélia gave a small laugh, but gave an elbow to her wife. “Oh let him be.”

Anette spoke up, “So when I visit Osfjord, do you wanna join my group Elinit? We can get you a chair as well.”

“I think I’ll be good, but thank you.” Elinit said with a warm smile. “But if you need someone to guide you around the city, it’s just to ask me.” She kept a hand on her husband’s shoulder squeezing it harshly, with him physically winching a little bit from.

“Oh you are the light of my life sweetheart, a beautiful goddess.” Kjartan said kissing her cheek with her grip, finally relaxing from it.

“There you go, you have to play nice with a Hjørdist’s boy.” Snri teased a smirk on his face as he took a sip from his glass.

“I take you up on that, I never really left the country. So you can be my translator.” Anette gave a sweet smile towards her daughter in law.

Jeanne spoke up, “Gaston you’ve been quiet, are you worrying about your sheep again?”

“Nah, just enjoying seeing our dear brother being handled by his wife.” Gaston teased having a smirk as he looked towards Kjartan.

“Oh shut up.” The elf said, rolling his eyes at the comment.

“Make sure to be safe, spirits knows when my own mother ignores my brothers and sisters concerns to go harass uncle Ragnar in Nyveldet.” Aurélia said with a degree of concern. Shaking her head.

“Oh, I’m not that old.” Anette rolls her eyes.

Tor spoke up, “You are, you need to cut back on your labors on the farm and concern handling your duties over to Gaston.”

“Watch it Tor, or no desert for you.” Anette gave a finger wave at the Ursine. Too much chuckling around the table. “That goes for the rest of you too.” The chuckling stopped, mama Pierre’s canelé was to die for.

“Well, as long you give heads up I’m certain both me and Kjartan could show your group around Osfjord.” Elinit said, keeping her warm tone as she clapped her hands together.

“Well it would be good of you to have some more free time from your duties, dear.” Snri said, looking towards his wife with a warm look.

“I am not a pensioner.” Anette asserted firmly.

Jeanne spoke up, degree of concern in her eyes. “I signed you’re paperwork myself mama, you are legally a pensioner.”

“I should send you to your room for that.” Anette gave a huff.

Aurélia rubbed Jeanne’s shoulders. “There is nothing wrong with being a pensioner, it’s ju-”

“Enough, I’m not a pensioner and I’m well able to keep working.” Anette gave a serious tone. Shaking her head, eating her food. The rest of the dinner was quiet, no one mentioning mama Pierre’s age again and only small bits of small talk between people continuing.

[Cowlass]

Hour or so after dinner is finished and the dishes have been cleaned, the drinking duo steps outside, Elinit will be arriving after she gets out of the bathroom. The marines guarding the homestead giving them a reasonable space for them to sit and have a moment together to drink on the front porch. Much to the annoyance of Anette, they moved their cars just in the wrong spot again. Giving a small huff, she placed the wine bottle on the table in front of them, the old kemonomimi sitting down on the rocking chair. Leaving the nice and ‘vintage’ chairs that Snri bought three decades ago. Mama Pierre, of course, fixed the stitching in the seats to add more cushioning.

“Gosh darn it, Jeanne. Told her to have them move their fancy cars over to th- Wait what is the city slickin’ car. It’s gonna get stuck in the mud.” Anette looked at Kjartian’s car, all how shiny and expensive it looked.

“Oh, that’s Kjartian’s car.” Aurélia placed several glasses on the table, pouring wine into three of them. “It looks really fancy, I bet it’s one of those whatcha call it.” She snaps her fingers a few times, “Statlight! That’s it, but I thought M&K-Gyllir only sold those outside of the Federation.”

“Around the C.D. and Batkong I bet, all those champagne socialists around there.” Anette shakes her head in disapproval of such an expensive car. “Why didn’t he just get a Comstar, a nice good pickup. Even got those fancy features he would like but still can haul some hay around in the mud.”

“I don’t think he needs a pickup, he never liked farming. How about one of those fancy hybrids or an electric car? It’s fancy.” Aurélia poured two more glasses, one for mama Pierre and one for Elinit when she came out.

“Electric cars? What are you going to do if you are in the middle of nowhere and can’t find some egg-shell white, 1,000 benders for a water-bottle, looking gas station?” Anette shakes her head at the concept. “Nah, a good Worker or a Comstar. Will do my boy fine.”

“Well he lives in Osfjord, a truck would be too difficult to park there. Worker compact, or an electric will do well for him. Plus you know how he is, all fussy about shiny and new things.” Aurélia gave a giggle.

Anette joined in on the laughing. “Oh what am I going to do with him? Always was a finicky one, down to the spot he sat in on the couch. Always right by you and Jeanne, across from Pa and next to Tor because Gas-”

“Gaston always smelled like sheep!” The two laughed together after finishing each other’s sentences. “Ah, how are you and Jeanne? I hope she isn’t causing you too much strife.”

Aurélia smirks at her comment, sipping her wine. “Well, don’t get to see her that much anymore because of work but she will be taking it easy now at least. Well, easy as one could be in her job.” She gave a sigh, her kemonomimi ears lowering down. “I miss her a lot, but she always has to work. I missed when she was just on the backbench or even when she was a minister. She use to work a lot then, but now… I barely see her.”

Anette listened and gave a knowing look. “Sounds like me and Snri. He was away on deployment, or stationed somewhere. He was gone for months, leaving me and the boys alone. Home for a little while until he went back to save the world.” She gave a sigh at those memories, “Even with our community, I felt lonely but what helped me. Was taking making every moment I had with him and made it special.”

Giving a soft smile, “I have a few ideas, she should have some time free soon. We went to the cat cafe she loved a while ago. It took all the spirits’ will to take a break for this long, but I think we can visit our old stomping grounds while we are here.” Aurélia smiled, making a schedule for things they can do until they’re required back to capital.

Anette gave a pur at that, a weak one. “Aww, that is so cute. Oh, when Elinit gets out here, you need to ask her for permission to have Kjartian take the three of you out to that ol’ drive in theater.”

“Why would he need my permission to take you all to a theater?” Elinit asked behind Anette, tilting her head at the shorter and older kemonomimi.

Turning her head towards Elinit as she stepped through the screen door. Anette gave a confused tone of voice, “Forgive me, but I thought you both were a Hjørdist. I’m sorry if my assumption was not the case.”

“Oh well we are but it is not like all Hjørdist women keep a leash around their husband’s neck.” The darked haired human said with a small giggle as she sat down at the chair next to Anette. Taking a small sip from the wine glass that was prepared for her.

The younger kemonomimi tilted her head at that, “Huh, learn something new everyday. I guess we’re just used to Kjartian’s old girlfriends.” Aurélia gave a shrug, “Well I guess we don’t have to worry about you throwing a spear at him.” The two kemonomimi joined together in a laugh. “If you don’t mind me asking, did Kjartian rent his car or did he buy it? We were talking about it earlier.”

“Oh it’s a rent, the car we usually use is back in Osfjord.” Elinit said before quickly switching the topic to her husband’s love life. “Oh? So he had a few relationships before me?” She raised a brow at that, still having a kind smile on her lips. Though she definitely will be having a ‘talk’ with her husband after this.

Aurélia saw her mistake in real time, “It wasn’t anything, I assure you. Like only one or two weeks at max.” She feared for her brother in law’s safety, “It never got that far.”

“Aurélia I think you are forgetting about that Elven woman, one who was a real jerk to you and Jeanne.” Anette gave a confused look towards her daughter in law, not understanding that Kjartan was about to be the dog house.

“Oh? That seems terrible to hear, what was she like?” Elinit said in a worried tone, placing a hand on Anette’s hand, giving a concerned look as she took a sip from her glass.

“She wasn’t approving of them dating together, horrid woman. Well not until that Dragon-worshiping witch was informed they were Akuanists, then she just was rude to Jeanne for her condition.” Anette shakes her head in frustration at that, even going so far to use just rude words to describe her. “She helped around the farm, but she was too rough with the animals and bullied Gaston over him never dating anyone.” The old kemonomimi gave a frown at that. “She went out of her way to pick a fight with Tor too, just because he was a Ursine. She was respectful towards me and pa but everything was unacceptable.”

“Why did Kjartan even date someone like that? Seems so unlike his more gentler nature.” Elinit said, shaking her head in agreement with her mother in law.

“Purely looks, and he was too scared to say no to her.” Anette sipped her wine, “When they broke up she threw a spear at him.” She took another drink for her glass, “Jeanne and Aurélia set her straight though.” Looking over towards Aurélia, letting her tell the story.

“Jeanne tackled her and I helped tied her up in the mud. Then we waited for the police to arrive to take her away.” Aurélia said with a small sigh, not being a particularly big fan of the whole violence thing that happened that day.

“Now I don’t approve of it but I do get it.” Anette didn’t smile, but she did feel proud internally about her daughters.

“…I see, can I get her name by any chance?” Elinit asked curiously.

“It was ummm… Aglaë Merle! That’s that dragon-pawn name.” Anette replied.

“Such a shame that Kjartan had to deal with someone like that.” She shook her head as she let out a sigh, while mentally bookmarking the woman’s name as well. “Are there any other spear throwing exes of Kjartan that I need to be concerned about?” She took a sip from her glass once more.

“Not really, he would use Jeanne to scare other women away from him. I guess her angry face kept people away from him.” Anette finished her wine, Aurélia pouring another glass for her.

“He tried that with me before, but I am afraid that I didn’t look as scary as my wife does.” Aurélia gave a small laugh, “Anytime a woman was going up to hit on him, he would lift up Jeanne and carry her. Worked even better when she would fight back at him. No one wanted to approach him when his little sister was looking angry and taking swings at him.”

“Awww that sounds adorable!” Elinit has now completely forgotten about her plan to visit the spear throwing maniac and rather have her thoughts imagine her husband carrying an angry kid Jeanne with women walking away in fear. “Seems like he still keeps doing that even nowadays, if a lady tries to flirt with him he just pulls me forward towards them.” She said letting out a giggle as she finished her glass letting Aurélia pour into it.

“If it works, it works.” Aurélia replies with a laugh, “He tried lifting up me before to scare away people, but they just coo-ed at him and then tried to pet me.” She pours herself another glass. “Then Jeanne would threaten to hurt them.”

“If anything likely has the opposite effect for him, like a guy having a picture of themselves with a cute dog on a dating site.” Elinit laughed at the idea.

“Yes, then that cute dog’s girlfriend comes out with a knife.” Anette gave a laugh about it, “Oh spirits be kind, that boy would find the strangest solutions to his problems. Are you two doing alright? Kjartian isn’t being too troublesome is he?” Anette looks towards Elinit. “Sorry Pa and I couldn’t be at the wedding, he had surgery and I wasn’t fit to travel.” Not being fit to travel was a small codework among kemonomimi for saying their KGIDs were worsening for a short while.

“We are alright, there are times I wish he had more time off from work but other than that we have been doing very well.” She said, smiling warmly towards her mother-in-law. “We’ve even been working towards getting a child!” She clapped her hands together in excitement.

Anette and Aurélia clapped their hands together, giving a mighty “Ayay!” Towards Elinit. “That’s great to hear! I need more grandchildren, Spirits knows Tor and Gaston aren’t going to give me any and I’m not getting any younger.” Anette gave a laugh, “I start knitting them some clothes tomorrow, oh! I and get them some farmhand hats, babies look so cute in them.”

“Just be careful not to overexert yourself! As you said you’re not getting younger.” Elinit said, giving a concerned look towards the old kemonomimi, being honestly bit afraid that she might stress herself out.

She gave a puff, “Oh, I will be fine. The kids need some handcrafted love from their grandma.” Anette started to imagine how cute they would look in their little hats.

“How about Jeanne and I take over for you in that regard, you can get them the hats. We can knit the clothing for them.” Aurélia, ever the strong negotiator, was quick to join in.

“Alright alright, I buy them the hats but you two better make them with love and kindness now, or else I will.” Anette pointed a finger towards Aurélia but gave a cheeky smirk.

“Deal.” Aurélia replied, looking back towards Elinit with a warm look.

“You two really don’t need to do all that… But I do genuinely appreciate it.” She said a little bit embarrassed yet smiling warmly anyways.

“Too late, it has been done.” Aurélia reached over and gave a tight hug to Elinit, Anette getting out of her own chair to join in on the hugging circle. The two kemonomimi give warm purs, to the human’s unfortunate biology not allowing her to pur.

[Cowlass]

[???]

Jeanne was in a field of snow, shaking hands with a giant lizard person. The reptilian man wearing a suit, carrying a briefcase in their other hand. They give a horrid tone of voice, sound like a frog choking on a large bug.

“Pleasure to do business with your Madam Pierre. We are able to sell all the fertilizer the Federation requires.” They give a polite nod of their head, letting go of the handshake. “The introduction of our patented fertilizer will turn animals gay quickly, and your people shall profit from their loss.”

“The shipments of bar flies will insure your nation is fed for decades.” Jeanne gave a nod, looking over towards the gray alien next to her. “I assume your nation can hold up their end?”

“The chemtrails are already being deployed across Concord. You will begin to notice a large increase in obesity and autism very soon in the UCCS.” The alien spoke with a perfect, high pitched voice.

“Good good, combined with the homosexual fertilizer and raising obesity in UCCS. Food prices will increase there, forcing them public attention on it and keeping public focus on Federation at an all time low.” FPM shook her head, acting like anything she is saying makes perfect sense.

A hand rested on Jeanne’s shoulder from behind her. A jotun looking down at her, speaking with a voice that could shake the ground. “We would like to request the Federation to have jets stop flying so close to our home. My son was hit by an airliner and was knocked unconscious.”

“I add it to the list, but keep your people out of the sun. We don’t need another accident again.” Jeanne gave an annoyed tone, looking back at the alien and their pet rabbit on their shoulder. Reaching out her hand to shake the rabbit’s hand. “Comrades, I must go my people need me.”

The strange figures around her gave a salute as Jeanne was beamed up by a spacecraft.

–

Jeanne woke up from her strange dream, taking her hand to rub her eyes. Looking over at the clock in the room, seeing it was only a quarter to midnight. She had plenty of time to go back to sleep. Giving a small sigh, still thinking about homosexual fertilizer.

She was in her childhood bedroom, scarcely changed since she moved out to attend university. Federation flag hanging on the side of the wall, on the opposite end of her rows of awards for community service and sports awards. Nice queen size bed, with fluffy red blanket. The same old fashion wooden flooring with heating pipes under it, something her father and brothers took pride in building for the house. Mostly for their mother who, in traditional Akuan fashion, absolutely refused to have shoes on around her house because ‘it is dirty’ and ‘just not right.’ Then complain her feet were always cold. Giving a small stretch, and was about to get up until her wife started to stir awake. Her eyes widened at Jeanne being awake, slowly reaching out her hand to rub her back.

“You okay sweetie?” Aurélia said in a gentle worried tone as she slowly started to rub her wife’s back. Leaning against her as she looked down at Jeanne, her eyes filled with concern.

“Just aliens again.” Jeanne gave a sigh, though it sounded like a dragon breathing out smoke. She leaned against her wife’s back, resting her head against her wife’s chest.

“Aliens, right.” Aurélia said, smiling weakly at that. She didn’t exactly believe her wife in that. Not that her wife didn’t have deep interest in space, always being obsessed about the next sci-fi movie from Norgsveldet (dubbed into Frakanic of course) ever since they were kids. But one doesn’t get started awake over aliens, especially ones with… A dark chapter in their life like her wife had. “I want you to know. You can tell me anything.” She wrapped her arms around Jeanne, hugging her tightly.

The woman leaned up to kiss her wife’s cheek. “There was also Jotun, they were complaining about the planes.” She tried to play it off as a joke, her duval syndrome not really helping with her humor. Her hands resting on top of her wife’s hands around her waist. “I even got a salute from them.” She chuckled, though it of course sounded forced and downright villainous.

Aurélia couldn’t help but internally sigh as her wife continued to refuse talking about her time as a POW. Jeanne just had to keep that darn brave attitude of hers. Well she couldn’t force it out, it was up to Jeanne to tell her. “I’m certain they were annoyed there weren’t any in their size.” She purred against her wife as she tried her best to comfort her in spite of it all.

Jeanne took in her wife’s purs. “I always wished I could pur like you could.” She gave an honest response. “It always feels warm when you pur on me, and I wish I could give it back to you.” She slowly rubbed her thumb over the back of Aurélia’s hand. “No no, a plane accidentally rammed into one of Jotuns, and took out their eye.”

“I guess it’s one of the main advantages we kemonomimi have.” Aurélia joked as she gave Jeanne a kiss on the cheek. Her purs increased in warmth and sound as she held her wife close. “I guess the dream wanted to tell you to increase the training of our pilots.”

“No no, I told them I arranged something to stop it.” Jeanne returned her head to resting against Aurélia after a chuckling. “Spirits, I was so disappointed in learning that we haven’t made contact with aliens yet. That’s why I became FPM after all.” She joked again, well half-jokingly wanting to know if aliens existed or not was definitely a huge factor in it. “Sorry for waking you honey.”

“Don’t say sorry, darling. I was just a little surprised at first.” She gave Jeanne a peck on the lips, her tail laying on top of her wife’s legs. “Waking up next to you is always a fantastic thing, seeing my best friend. The love of my life. Being here where I can tell you anything, and you can tell me.” She said in a warm and clear tone, wanting her wife to understand that she was here for her. “Unless it’s extremely confidential of course.” She gave a teasing smile.

Jeanne moved a hand onto her best friend’s tail, slowly rubbing it. It wasn’t the first time they danced around a subject of her time as a prisoner by fascists. Not even now she could lie to herself, it is partly her own fault at least in the beginning. She had put on a strong face when the prison camp was freed and returned home. Not then when she was busy fighting against military command for her right to be in combat. Yet, even later in the years, when she explained her time in the prison camp. While completely horrid, nothing that the drama hungry media said happened in those camps happened to her. She was mistreated and barely fed, but at the end of the day. The darker aspects never happened to her, and as far as she is aware. Not even at her prison camp. “It was just aliens honey, it was always aliens. Nothing bad happened, just the lizard aliens giving their report.”

Aurélia gave her wife a skeptical look at that before letting out a sigh shaking her head. Giving Jeanne a kiss on the lips. “I hope the lizard aliens also didn’t do anything bad either.” She said in a weak teasing tone as she gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Aurélia, nothing happened to me in the prison camp.” Jeanne leaned up giving her wife a kiss on the lips. “We’re all okay, I’m okay you’re okay.” Times like these she really hates her condition. She is trying to sound comforting but she knows the reality. It sounds like an insult or a hateful tone for her loving wife.

“Just… You were gone for so long, and there were reports about how they treated other captured Akuanists an-” Aurélia was shut up with a longer kiss from her wife, kissing into it before both pulled away. “Love you.” She said in a loving tone purring against Jeanne.

Jeanne stood up on her feet, getting off of the bed. Picking up her wife off of the bed. “I think it’s time we go look for some aliens honey. We have to wake up Kjartan and his wife to get the telescope but he probably deserves it.” She raised her wife up to give a kiss on her forehead.

Aurélia couldn’t help but roll her eyes as she grabbed hold of her wife’s hand. Being pulled up from the bed before being fully carried. “I doubt you would find any aliens on what is like, what? 15 year old telescope?” She gave her wife a teasing smile. “We could do much more fun things.”

“More like 30 years old, but come on, when is the last time we looked at the stars? The aliens would just love to see our old tech, besides isn’t waking up Kjartan enough? After so many times he woke us up during sleep overs? He totally has this coming.” Jeanne replied, carrying her wife through her family’s farmhouse head directly towards her big brother room and most certainly, totally not going to wake him up at all.

“Jeanne I-” She said in an exasperated tone before her wife already opened the door to her brother’s room in a rather harsh aspect causing her to winch and causing her brother-in-law to wake up. Aurélia gave an awkward wave at Kjartan.

“Gods what do you two need now, it’s like.” The elven brother rambled off as his left arm grabbed hold of his newest Jotun smartphone that was on his desk. Being careful to not pull away his right arm from his strong wife sleeping next to him. “Its 3 am, for goodness sake.” Whispered annoyed before closing his eyes.

“We need the telescope. My wife here just simply can’t sleep without looking at the stars once or twice.” Jeanne whispered back. Walking towards the corner of the room where the telescope laid. “I would invite you but you seem busy not sleeping.” She gave an almost joking tone to that, if it wasn’t for that fact her syndrome made it sound like she was about to gut him. “Snow can you be a dear and pick it up? My hands are full with you and all your love for me.” Jeanne lowered herself to let her wife pick up the telescope though she was still in her loving arms.

“Sorry?” Aurélia said in an apologetic tone as she gently picked up the telescope as quietly as she could, causing the elven businessman to let out an annoyed sigh.

“Unfortunately for you my wife got my arm in a viper grip, so I will likely stay here.” He mumbled out and gestured for the duo to get out as he leaned his head against his wife’s shoulder. “Try not to bash someone’s head this time with it, Jeanne.” His voice was completely tired and out of energy barely audible.

“Oh please, I only did it once.” Jeanne rolled her eyes, with her wife and telescope in tow. She gave a nod to her big brother. “Sweet dreams, don’t dream of imperialism.” She walked out of the room, having her wife close the door gently as they headed towards the farmhouse exit, content on watching the stars. Only a handful of soldiers escorted them.

“You know you can just buy a telescope of your own, right?” Aurélia gave a teasing smile towards her wife as she leaned her head against her shoulder.

“Why would I buy a new telescope when my brother has a working one?” Jeanne looked down at her wife as the marines opened the door. Bring her wife outside, with the quite old telescope and stars in their eyes. “Besides, we don’t need a new telescope when Kjartian’s telescope works just as well to look at the stars above us.” Jeanne always felt humble beneath the stars. It doesn’t matter if one is the richest person on Urth, it doesn’t matter if she overly valued her work or undervalues her work. She was the citizen of the Federation, regardless of being the Federal Prime Minister, leader or not. A 30 year old telescope is more than enough to look at the flames above them. They don’t need those fancy telescopes they have in Norgsveldet, that uses smartphones or computers to always be correct or whatever. Not when they have a glass tube built ages past, that works and will still let them wonder rather than give in to the science of perfecting the art that shouldn’t have ever been perfect.