SCARLET’S POV The journey to the woods was not an easy one. I got fatigued easily, especially because of my condition. I have had little or no rest and I fear that it is affecting my baby. I led the way, all I have to do is to think of Nana and I would be able to lead us to her. I have never been here since after leaving and now there are overgrown bushes covering the paths that we were used to. “We can stop and rest” Rich suggested. “I can manage, Rich. Moreover, we cannot spend an extra second, the life of my Chamlee is hanging. I doubt he would survive an extra delay” I objected. “I know, Chamlar, but you have to think of the baby too” he replied. “Not to worry, believe me, I have that under control” I assured him. “A lot of bushes already. It is as if we have not been here for decades” he said. “I can find our way. We are almost there” I replied. “I can shift and carry you, Chamlar” he offered. I chuckled, he is really funny. “I should be the one to carry you, Rich” I replied. “Yeah, the white wolf. But no matter what happens, don’t forget that you will always be my little Scarlet” he said. “I am not that girl anymore, Rich” I replied. “Yes, of course, you are not the weak and frail girl. I am actually talking about the aspect of protection. You will be that girl I have to protect no matter how powerful you might become” he explained. He chuckled. I know he is a friend that I can always rely on. I have never doubted that. “Thanks, Rich,” I said with a warm smile. “For...?” He asked. “For always been by my side. I know that I can be very annoying and might overlook all the sacrifices you guys make for me, but please know that even at such times, deep down somewhere I will never forget you all and I sincerely appreciate you all” I replied. “Of course, we are always aware of that” he replied and stopped.“W..what...” I said. He cut in. “I think we are here,” he replied. I looked up and saw the hut. I was so engrossed in the conversation with him that I didn’t even know when we arrived. I sighed in fulfillment. “We are here, Rich” I inhaled. “Let’s go in,” he said. “No...” I hesitated. “You can always find the old woman by the fire,” I said as I recalled the words of Nana. “Then she must be by the side of the hut” Rich added and we walked over to the side of the hut to look for Nana. We arrived at the fireplace, and just as I have predicted, Nana was sitting over the fireplace humming to herself. “Nana” I howled. At the sight of Nana, I let out all of the pains that I have been hounding. Everything that I have kept inside of me, the emotions that I never realize were there, all of them came gushing out. Nana looked at me and immediately stood up. “Oh my dear Scar, what has become of you?” she asked in her shaking voice and made her way to me. “Na... na...” I continued to sob. I remained fixed at my spot. My legs have become too heavy for me to move. It was as if all the weight of my problems came crashing down on me and the only person that could take them away was Nana. I never realized how much I needed her, I thought I could do it all by myself, I thought I had everything under control. But seeing Nana now, I came to realize that the task is not an easy one and that I will need a shoulder to always lean on. I realize that I have someone that I could always count on. My spirit was lifted. “Na... na” I called again. Endless tears flowed through my eyes. I never knew that I was holding this many tears inside. Today they all broke free and found their way out. In happiness, they gushed out. It was a mixture of different emotions, pains, and happiness. I felt them all at the same time.“What brings you here, Scar, you should have sent for me?” Nana inquired. “I had to come, Nana...” I tried to explain but she would have none of it. “Stop it now, Scar. You are here now. I know that whatever made you come here yourself must be no ordinary situation” she said and took hold of my hands. “Come, come sit with the old woman by the fireplace and tell her all that troubles you” She led me to the fireplace and made me sit. Then she went in and returned with a cup of water and handed it over to me. “It has been a great journey, my queen. Do take some water first before speaking” she offered. I grabbed the cup from her and gulped down the water in it. I never knew that I was that thirsty until I had emptied the cup. Nana sat down close to me and said. “Now the old woman is listening, tell me about it all...” * I had taken my time to relay my problem to Nana, I did not leave out any part of it. I poured out my heart to her. She felt bad that I have not called on her sooner, but she still provided me with a solution. Her words kept reechoing in my ears, and I intend to follow them to the letter. “We can change to our wolf form now and run, in that way it will be faster and we can arrive Pixolands today if we are fast enough,” Rich suggested. He is right. it is almost getting dark and should we run in our wolf form, we would arrive Pixolands in a couple of hours. “No, Rich. I can't shift at the moment. I have to protect my fetus” I replied. “Oh... that is true. I can shift to my wolf and carry you on my back. We will still be able to arrive before midnight if I do that” he suggested. I looked at him and smiled. The solution is almost at hand, then what is keeping me from going to them and sharing the good news. “Shift, Rich, we have to be with them at the palace tonight” I agreed. In gladness, he shifted to his wolf and I climbed on him. After making sure that I was settled, he speeds off with the speed of lightning and made for Pixolands.