A Journey That Changed The World

The group of women glowed as Archer swooped into the heart of the giggling babies, who enveloped him in a warm, cuddly wave of love. Freya clambered onto his face while letting out a squeal, planting a sloppy kiss.

Neoma snuggled onto his chest, her little hands patting him happily. Evelyn nuzzled her face into his hair, wiggling as she shook her head, giggling all the while. Sweet Kela sat nearby, her big red eyes sparkling, until Archer scooped her up.

He blew a soft raspberry against her belly, and the grey-skinned little darling burst into a peal of unstoppable, heart-melting laughter, her joy echoing through the room, causing everyone to smile.

Archer’s heart swelled as he showered his little girls with affection, their sparkling eyes and tiny squeals filling the room. He gently tickled Freya’s belly, her giggles bubbling up like a tiny fountain, her arms flailing in delight.

Neoma, still nestled against his chest, cooed softly as he planted a tender kiss on her forehead, her chubby cheeks flushing. Evelyn, not to be outdone, tugged at his shirt, demanding another round of snuggles.

He happily obliged, wrapping her in a warm hug that made her squeak. Kela, still catching her breath from the laughter, reached out and grabbed his nose as a mischievous grin spread across his face.

Archer chuckled, pretending to nibble her fingers, eliciting another burst of infectious giggles from the grey-skinned cherub. The eight women watching from the sidelines couldn’t help but melt, their smiles widening as they saw the girls bask in his attention.

Moments later, he scooped all four into a giant, gentle bear hug, whispering silly nonsense words that sent them into a chorus of delighted squeals, each moment cementing the unbreakable bond of love between them.

As he reveled in the joyful chaos of his girls, kissing all of their rosy cheeks. Ella and Olivia sat close, their hearts glowing at the sight of him buried under a giggling, squirming pile of babies.

The little ones swarmed him, their tiny hands grabbing at his face as his laughter mingled with their squeals. Ella spoke, her voice full of adoration. ”Look at him, Liv. He’s completely smitten. They’ve got him wrapped around their tiny fingers.”

Olivia nodded, her eyes twinkling. ”It’s the sweetest thing, his love for them lights up the whole room. Those girls are so lucky to have a papa like him.”

Archer, catching their words, looked up, his arms full of squirming, laughing babies. ”Oh, you think I’m smitten, do you?” he teased, then turned his gaze to a newcomer standing shyly by the door.

”Embera, come meet the crew!” He waved her over with enthusiasm. ”These are my little darlings, come say hello!”

He gently lifted Freya, who was tugging at his ear while letting out a bubbly giggle. ”This is Freya, our little mischief-maker who loves surprise kisses.”

Archer shifted to Neoma, snuggled against his chest, her tiny hand clutching his shirt. ”Here’s Neoma, the cuddliest dreamer you’ll ever meet.”

The little cat girl was still nestled in his hair, let out a delighted squeak as he introduced her. ”And this is Evelyn, our wiggle-worm who thinks my hair’s her playground.”

Finally, he scooped up Kela, who flashed a gummy grin at Embera. ”And this is Kela, our giggle queen, watch out for her contagious laughter!”

Kela reached out, waving her little hands as if inviting Embera into the fun. The other women, still beaming, chimed in with warm welcomes, their voices overlapping in a chorus of affection.

When the Fire Elf heard this, her face lit up, clearly touched by the joyful chaos of Archer’s love for his girls and the warm embrace of the family. She stepped forward before crouching down in front of the group.

As the eldest, Freya squirmed gently from his arms, her tiny hands reaching out as she crawled toward Embera. The older woman’s eyes softened, meeting Sia’s gaze with a warm smile.

”This sweet little one is your spitting image, those same sparkling eyes and rosy cheeks. May I hold her, please?” She asked.

The Dragonkin woman’s face lit up with a joyful nod. ”Of course, Em! She’s a handful, but if she takes to you, you’ll have a loyal little friend for life.”

Archer watched as Embera gently cradled the white-haired baby, her touch tender and full of care. The other three little ones gazed up at her, curious and eager. She chuckled, her voice warm. ”Don’t you worry, my dears, I’ll be asking your Mamas for a chance to cuddle each of you, too!”

Just then, Leira spoke up while Hecate nodded. ”If you’re Archer’s wife, then they are your daughters as much as they’re ours. It’s a thing in the harem, we help with each other’s children.”

When Embera heard this, she scooped the other three and sat down on the nearest sofa as the babies all relaxed in her arms. As the other women watched, Olivia commented, smiling. ”You’re a natural, Em, do you have children yourself?”

The orange-haired beauty nodded. ”Yes, an older girl who is around Archer’s age, then some little ones that the witches helped using their strange magic,” she explained.

As the women chatted softly among themselves, Ella and Mary approached him with gentle, knowing smiles. The Half Elf slid onto his lap, her presence warm and familiar. At the same time, the elder of the two settled beside him, resting her head against his shoulder.

Ella’s voice was soft. ”The pains are getting worse, Arch,” she murmured, her eyes searching his. ”I’m scared.”

Archer wrapped an arm around her, his touch steady and reassuring, while his other hand gently squeezed Mary’s. ”I’m right here,” he said softly. ”We’ll get through this together, I promise.”

When Ella heard this, her face lit up. She leaned forward and gave him a passionate kiss as he rubbed her big belly. Once they split apart, he looked at her before speaking. ”Who would have thought that you’d get pregnant after all these years? What did your mother say?”

”She’s loving it,” the blonde revealed. ”She’s currently resting, but one of the maids went to get her a little while ago.”

Archer turned to the grey-haired beauty, his expression softening as he met her gaze. ”How have you been holding up, Mary?” he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern. ”I’m sorry I haven’t been by to see you lately, things have been… chaotic.”

Mary, her eyes warm and understanding, dismissed his apology. ”Oh, don’t worry about it, handsome,” she said. ”I know you’ve got your hands full. Besides, I’ve been busy commanding the underwater armies. They’re primed and ready to strike the Pluorian fortresses along the northern shores. It’s been no small task, but we’re prepared.”

The flicker of pride in her eyes as she spoke of her underwater armies stirred something deep inside him. He shifted closer, his voice dropping to a tender murmur. ”You’re remarkable, Mary. I don’t say it enough.”

Her lips curved into a soft, teasing smile, green eyes twinkling thanks to a mix of surprise and delight. ”Oh, handsome, you’re going to make me blush,” she responded.

Archer’s heart quickened, and without another word, he leaned in, his hand gently brushing her cheek. His lips met hers in a slow kiss, a quiet promise woven into the moment. Mary’s eyes fluttered shut, and she melted into the gesture.

The older woman’s hand rested lightly on his arm as she happily reciprocated, her kiss warm and full of unspoken affection. Following this, he continued watching Embera, paying attention to the four girls.

After a while, Hecate approached, scooping up the twins in her arms. ”These little ones need their dinner and a nap,” she said, her voice gentle but firm. ”Otherwise, they’ll turn into grumpy little dragons.”

Embera let out a soft giggle, carefully passing the other two children to Hecate. ”I could hear their bellies rumbling from here,” she teased, her eyes sparkling. ”Looks like we’ve got some hungry girls on our hands!”

The Moon Elf, Hecate, let out a soft chuckle, her silver eyes twinkling as she cradled the children close, their small forms snug against her. Moments later, she headed off to tend to their rumbling bellies.

Meanwhile, Mary and Ella rose from their spots as the Half-Elf stretched. ”I’m going to rest before the baby comes, I feel exhausted.”

As the two women exchanged farewells, they slipped into the nearby rooms, the maids trailing quietly behind. Embera turned to him, her eyes glowing. ”They’re such lovely girls,” she said, a fond smile lighting up her face as she spoke.

Archer returned her smile, his heart warmed by her words. ”I’m lucky to have them,” he admitted, his voice low and earnest.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his gaze drifting toward the doorway where Mary and Ella had disappeared. ”It’s chaotic sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Embera nodded, her eyes glinting with understanding. ”I can see that. The way you all look out for each other… It’s rare.”