Damn writer's block thrice to Hell!

888

"Jack and Jill? Weren't those the two kids who robbed you when you left your clan?" Purr smirked at the now-glaring red-head.

"Quiet, your talking is ruining Striker's concentration," Arid glanced at the blond who was currently cutting Boom's hair.

"No, he's not, talkasmuchasyoulike," Striker smiled obviously enjoying Arid's embarrassment.

"See?" Purr continued smirking as he leaned against the wall, "That must be a very interesting story, could you tell us about it?" he looked at Arid like he was a canary, his ears and tail flicking excitedly. Arid just blinked.

"No, it is actually a very boring story and I have more important matters to attend to," Arid stood from the couch and closed his book before walking towards the door, "Tim asked me to check on the crops and I better make sure that Splash's new flytrap plants haven't eaten him yet," and he was gone.

"Spoilsport," Purr muttered before turning his attention on me, I rolled my eyes and continued sweeping the dusty floor.

The swordsman had just gotten home yesterday and had been completely intrigued about the adventure he had missed, regretting that he had not been able to capture the bandits and punch their lights out for harming Splash. Although he was proud of Arid for taking initiative, he was just too busy teasing to say so. I wish the trolls had eaten him.

"So Slucious, don't I get a welcome back kiss?" Purr smiled at me but I was glad to note his cheeks were slightly pink. I smiled brightly.

"Not even if you were my one true love," I turned, pretending not to notice that I had smacked Purr in the gut with my broom.

I was actually cleaning without being told (or rather yelled at by Burnie for not earning my keep) because everything had to be perfect for Aurora's visit. My cousin from the neighboring kingdom of Yensid while very nice was also a huge blabbermouth and would reveal my location to my parents at the merest mention of my name. Although, in her letter she hadn't said she was visiting my parents. She was staying with Snow and found out I was in the area as well. Remind me to put Snow in another coma next time I see her.

-:-

All too soon a knock sounded on the door. Timber, Burnie and Onyx were out back. The fields didn't need much tending today but Burnie refused to deal with more guests and Onyx could never leave his beloved animals for long.

The rest of the house mates were scattered around, Arid in the library, Splash by the fireplace painting and the twins playing a game of marbles on the floor.

I closed my book and sent a quick glare at Purr who was innocently polishing his sword. The cat man sensed my gaze and looked up, smirking as he moved the cloth over the metal in a suggestive way.

I pushed away my blush and marched towards the door, pasting a sickly sweet smile on my face. Hopefully, Aurora would be less annoying than I remembered her from childhood.

"Hullo Slush," Aurora mumbled sleepily, stifling a yawn. She'd never really gotten over that whole sleep enchantment thing.

She was still as beautiful as ever, with hair of gold and lips that shamed the red rose. She looked a lot like Sunny, which again made me wonder if I was adopted even though I had my father's hair.

"Hello Sleeping Beauty," I couldn't help teasing my cousin. Her blue eyes narrowed.

"Oh shut up," she rubbed at her eyes, like she was trying to push away the sleep tugging at them and turned to reveal a man I hadn't noticed before.

He had scruffy brown hair that fell to his chin and roguish facial hair to match. He was dressed in a loose red shirt that showed off a bit of his muscled chest and black pants. A shiny metal flute was strapped to his belt.

"May I intro-introd-" Aurora paused to yawn, "This is my friend Piper."

The man reached out and shook my hand, his green eyes twinkling happily. He was so merry that I found myself smiling back.

"Pied Piper of Hamlin," he said, his voice lyrical like a songbird.

"Oh I've heard of you, you have a lot of pet rats yes?" my smile became a smirk and Piper laughed.

"Yes, I tend to adopt the vermin I chase out. They're quite good housekeepers with the help of my trusty pipe," he patted the instrument gently.

I'd heard that he was also the one who put the vermin in the city so he'd have something to chase out in the first place but I kept my mouth shut. It was a good if dishonest business. It wasn't Piper's fault that villagers were gullible and terrified of such small things.

"Well, come in, would you like something to eat or drink?" I closed the door behind my guests.

"Tea with tons of sugar," Aurora sat down immediately at the dining table, resting her head in her arms. She gave a distracted wave to the other occupants in the room who watched the princess with the slanted crown in interest.

"I'll take whatever you're offering," Piper chuckled at Aurora and also took a seat at the table, poking the girl's arm who grunted and batted his finger away, making him chuckle more.

I stepped into the kitchen and grabbed the tea cakes Striker and Splash had made just for our guests. I brought them out along with a pitcher of my favorite pear juice. I wouldn't dare insult our guests by bringing them that awful apple cider that Striker had insisted on making.

I set the tray on the table and then walked towards the fireplace to put the kettle on. I brushed by Purr on my way as the brunet moved to join Aurora and Piper.

"That's an impressive sword, I'm quite into swordplay myself," I heard Piper say as I busied myself with the tea.

"Are you? I have a spare blade, perhaps we could spar," Purr replied good-naturedly, "That is, if you think you're up to the challenge," he chuckled and I could just picture the blush blooming on his cheeks, worried he'd been rude.

"Oh I'm definitely up for it," I turned to see Piper smirking as he leaned in close to Purr, eyelids lowering. Purr, who was indeed blushing, bit his lip and looked away shyly.

Why did I suddenly want to throw something heavy at Piper?

I shook off the strange urge and walked back to the table, sitting next to Aurora, across from the other two men who had moved on to chatting about their jobs.

-:-

Aurora was much more awake after her cup of tea that was more sugar than actual liquid. She told me about the war Yensid had had recently with the neighboring country of Raxip, it had ended in an alliance so not much blood had been shed. Then she asked about how I came to be here and I told her as eloquently as I could though my attention was elsewhere.

Piper and Purr had moved to the couch by the fireplace, still heatedly exchanging their adventures. The cat man was so into his story about his fight with a wizard that he didn't notice Piper scooting closer to him. The musician smirked and nodded at everything Purr said, watching him with warm eyes.

"Slush!"

I looked at Aurora, as did Purr and Piper. She was looking at my hand which had been holding a spoon for stirring the tea. I'd somehow managed to bend the cutlery completely in half. Parody, soon my anger issues would rival Burnie's. Though what had made me so angry, I didn't know.

I dropped the spoon and ran a hand through my hair.

"Okay, you bore me," Aurora declared and stood, ambling over to Splash, only stumbling once. "What are you drawing?" she leaned over the brunette and began cooing over whatever he was working on.

I got up also, looking at the spoon confusedly before shaking my head and walking away to deposit myself in the armchair next to the couch.

I listened in interest as Purr continued about his battle with the wizard. He really did have skill with a sword and his cat-like agility didn't hurt either. Maybe I'd take him up on his offer to teach me swordplay; he said he could train me to control my clumsiness. Then I could just stab any annoying suitors. The thought made me smile.

"So Purr," Piper spoke up and I realized Purr had finished his story while I had been daydreaming.

"Would you want to get a drink at the tavern later?" Piper smiled at the swordsman and winked, causing Purr to blush petunia pink.

"Uh, sorry, I have a job in the morning and must turn in early," he wrung his hands together and I raised an eyebrow, he hadn't mentioned any job to us. In fact, he'd said he would help the twins in the orchard tomorrow.

"Oh come on, live a little, we have so much in common," Piper reached out to place his hand over Purr's and the man's bright blue eyes widened.

"Sorry again, but you see," now he blushed rose red, "…my heart is already spoken for," Purr suddenly found the twins game very attention-grabbing.

"Oh, sorry then, just friends it is," Piper shrugged and smiled boyishly.

What? Purr was in love? Who could he possibly love?

He flirts with me all the time but that's just to annoy me…right?

I bit my lip, if he did love me, did I love him back?

I think I d-

"What about you Slush? Anyone tugging your heartstrings?" Piper smirked at me and I returned it.

"No, I'm on strike from men," I chuckled, waving my hand dismissively.

"Oh really? Entirely? That's sad," he put his hands on his knees and leaned closer to my chair. "Sure I couldn't change your mind?" his eyes twinkled mischievously.

I glanced at Purr who was watching us, his hand on the hilt of his sword. Hmm, interesting.

"Oh I dunno, I'd need a lot of persuasion, I'm stubborn," I copied Piper's pose so our faces were only a foot apart. The musician glanced at Purr and gave me a furtive wink. My smirk grew.

"I'm sure I could persuade you eventually. All night if necessary," his voice became husky and I adopted a shy smile.

"All night? That's not very proper Master Piper,"

"Master, I like that," he nodded smugly, causing me to laugh, "But what should I call you? Your highness?"

"Milord will do for now," I grinned and snuck a peek at Purr. He was glaring at Piper with such intensity; I almost thought the musician would catch fire.

"As you wish milord."

-:-

It was nightfall before Aurora decided it was time to go. I was almost sad about her departure. She was much more pleasant now. Maybe the sleeping spell had relaxed her. Finally a family member I could stand.

"Thanks ag-aga-again," she yawned, blinking sleepily, "That stew was delicious cousin. And those strawberries, good work men," she smiled at the dwarves who were gathered behind us. Timber smiled back and said his thanks.

"Nice meeting you all," Piper nodded, "Especially you Onyx," he smiled at the brunette dwarf who blushed furiously and only managed a quick nod in reply. "Take care of that calf alright?"

We'd given our guests a tour and Piper and Onyx had bonded over the animals, particularly Bessie's newborn calf, Ralf. Piper had even played it a lullaby with his pipe, ensuring he'd sleep peacefully all night. In fact, that tune had made me kinda drowsy as well. I could almost feel my pillow beneath my head.

"Come visit again," I hugged my cousin, surprised by my attachment to her.

"You'll have to write me if you change locations again," she hugged me back, nuzzling my shoulder. I pushed her back before she could fall asleep on it.

"Ha, not likely! If he hasn't left by now…" Burnie grumbled behind us. As usual, we ignored him.

-:-

Piper had summoned a fairy to light their path with his flute and soon all traces that they'd been here were gone.

"I'd better be going too," Purr ran a hand through his hair and wouldn't meet my eye.

"You could stay the night," I offered and wondered if Aurora's casualness was contagious.

"No," Purr chuckled humorlessly, "I sleep better in my own bed, but I'll be here bright and early with my twin repellent," he smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. I laughed.

"I thought you had a job to do?" I raised an eyebrow and smirked.

"I sort of lied," he bit his lip and his tail twitched nervously. My hand gripped the door as I peered at him in the moonlight.

"Purr," he looked up surprised at the sound of his name, "Do you like Piper?" I glanced at him through my lashes, my heart throbbing.

Purr's eyes widened, "Parody no!"

"Good."

Slush gave the swordsman a grin and shut the door before he could see the hopeful look on Purr's face.

888

Hans Christian Anderson! This chapter gave me all kinds of trouble. I got stuck right at the first break and couldn't think of how to continue this chapter.

Then Piper plopped into my lap and demanded a part in the story. I love this little flirt, don't you? I kinda imagine him like Gwaine from BBC's Merlin. Yum.

Anyway, thanks to all of you who have stuck with me through this long drought and double thanks to those who asked if I was okay or encouraged me to finish it.

Now that this chapter is done, I can finally start on the last three. Yes, I only have three more chapters (and one intermission) planned for this. So sad but then that's what drabbles and side stories are for!

Please review and continue to pester me. I should have the next chapter out soon. I hope.