The three did, in fact, make it back just fine, and Cerul was pleasantly surprised to see him, gladly spending the day with him, talking quietly, asking after what he's been doing, and ending their date cuddling naked with him, chastely, content to lay in his arms.<br/><br/>Winter gave way to spring, and spring blossomed into full summer; Katrina took on the first students at her new school, and the last of the dragon eggs he'd recovered finally hatched. Cerul was growing more and more obviously pregnant, and Maura finally gave birth, herself, and the various children he'd planted throughout the Elsir Vale were going to be arriving soon. Everything seemed to be going well and peacefully.<br/><br/>However...<br/><br/>"Draiss the Archdragon, I wish to address you." Gammon, the almost silent, except for the subtle whirring of gears, automaton, suddenly rises to his feet, speaking in his monotone voice. "The first of the appointed days is seven days away. Have you made preparations for what may befall on that day?"