[ Old World - Unknown territories ( beyond Autumn's fortress) ]
"Mama… where we goin'?"
The words tumbled out in broken syllables, full of curiosity and sleepy wonder, as one of Jasper's tiny hands clutched Autumn's finger while the other still rubbed his eyes.
His mahogany curls bounced with every small step, his blue eyes finally blinked wide at the misty dawn.
Autumn glanced down at him, her lips curving into a tender smile.
"You will see, baby," she whispered, brushing a kiss over his hair. "We are going to meet some very important people today. But…" She crouched to his height, her eyes shining, "…the reason I brought you along is because I want you to meet someone very, very special. Are you excited?"
Jasper's mouth formed a small "O" before he began nodding furiously, his little head bobbing between his guardians. "Uh huh! Yesh!" His tiny feet bounced in place, as though he couldn't contain it. He looked at Orion next, then back at his mother, his joy bubbling over.
