"And yet, who seemed happier?" The queen challenged.
Meryn went to answer then stopped. "The goblins, though I think if you were just looking at the fae, then the people in the Border City are better off."
Brennus stared. "You think that the people in the Border City are better off than the people who live in the city proper?"
Meryn nodded.
"Why?" he asked.
"Because the people in the Border City were talking to their neighbors, yelling at their kids and laughing. The people in the city proper didn't greet anyone or stop to chat with friends. They simply went about their day. A truly rich person has friends, because if you have friends, then you always have what you need," Meryn explained.
"What do you mean?" Doran asked.
"Well, if you have friends and you need a cup of sugar, you can ask to borrow some. If you're alone and you need something, you go without." She looked at her uncles. "I'm just learning about friends."
"And brothers," Aiden added.
Meryn nodded. "And sisters and uncles and aunts and family. I'm kinda lucky that I grew up alone. I think it makes me aware of how special family is."
Brennus' eyes shined. "Is there anything that you've always wanted? Something we can give you?"
Meryn mumbled something so unintelligible that even Aiden looked puzzled.
"You'll have to repeat that darling," Brennus coaxed gently.
Meryn sat up straight and looked at her uncle. "Hugs."
Brennus blinked. "Hugs?"
Meryn shrugged and stared down into her plate. "I was never hugged before meeting Aiden. I want hugs and bedtime stories and fishing trips and..."
Brennus stood quickly and pulled Meryn out of her chair into a massive hug. "Meryn, please, you're breaking my heart," he begged.
Doran walked up behind them and simply laid a hand on her head. "We can't replace your childhood, but maybe we can create memories similar
to the ones you always wanted while you're here. After all, to most fae, you are a child."
Meryn hesitantly wrapped her arms around her uncle and held on. After a moment everyone heard the muffled question. "How long are hugs supposed to last?"
Brennus chuckled and released her. "Until your heart is full," he answered and steered her back to her chair. When he sat down again, he looked from Darian to Oron to Meryn. "Girls are sweeter, but I never felt gut-wrenching fear for the boys the way I did for Meryn this afternoon."
"Sorry, Uncle Bren," Meryn said.
Aiden's mouth dropped. "Why didn't you tell me you were sorry for worrying me?"
Meryn tilted her head. "I would always be apologizing."
"Oh gods," Brennus murmured.
"Plus the boys were over four thousand years old when we met them," Doran added. "Meryn is just a baby."
Brennus snapped his fingers. "That must be why."
After Cord filled their plates, Oron lifted a small piece of beef out of his stew. "Creelee, would you like to try this?"
Creelee looked up at her and she nodded. "Remember, he's family too."
Creelee landed in the space between Oron's chest and his bowl. He looked down. "Mud."