Chapter Text
Snow is falling quietly.
The moon slowly crawls across the sky, sinking to the horizon, but before reaching it, rises up again.
Here and there, the ruins of an ancient civilization are visible from under the snow-covered plain.
The snow crunches softly under Karl's hooves. Lumps of steam escape from under a cloak made of polar bear skin. If gape, then the infernal cold will finish off the hapless traveler.
Clutching the reins in one glove, the other Technoblade held a living bundle closer to him. He prayed to the chat and the Bloody God that the payment would reach the addressee.
***
The center of these lands is an ancient Community House.
Techno jumps off the horse. He is already met on the threshold by one of the three owners.
— And you're still the same unbearably green ...
- How many years of winter have passed since our last meeting.. And these are your first words?
Dream sighs.
— Come into the house, tell me why you came.
— Sorry, I won't be long.
The silence in the room is broken only by the crackling in the fireplace.
Dream squints at the bundle lying on the table.
— How are you? How is Philza?
Techno, without raising his bloody eyes, drinks tea.
— Alive and well. There is a son of eleven years - Wilbur. The same as he is a hybrid.
— But.. Kristen.. Okay, it's none of our business, I don't even want to understand how.. But, congratulations for son. Is something serious planned?
— Yes, right to the point. -Technoblade puts the tea down to his knees and looks into the Dream's eyes. — In Snowcrest, a war is planned with L'Manburg, led by Schlatt, a hybrid of a ram. They tried to kidnap Will and that's why Phil urgently calls to him.
— And what does it have to do with here.. This? Dream points to the bundle.
— Payment and service. This is an Elytrian.
— Techno fucking! IS IT A CHILD?! What the hell?
— Consider it a manpower.
— IT DOESN't work THAT way! This is a living child, not a pet! He needs to be educated, trained, accustomed to society. And what can we give him? The basics of survival in extreme conditions? Beautiful skinning and figure modeling of snow?
The subject of discussion began to sob.
Dream looks at Techno in a slight panic, but he hasn't moved a muscle.
He picks up the child, begins to rock and mumble reassuringly.
— Well, consider that you are already a father.
In response, an indignant look.
— And, about the service.. Perhaps an enemy army will come to you in the spring.. No one should leave alive.
— Mghhhh, GOOD. But for such a.. miracle..you owe me.
— Okay, that's settled.
The child, sobbing, calms down and begins to fall asleep again, wrapping his hands around Dream's clawed finger.
— I think I should go now..
— Wait. What's his name? Will there be any problems with relatives?
— Mmmmmhm.... His parents died en route in the Badlands. So, what.. I think there should have been no difficulties.
Techno picks up things and moves towards the exit.
— Thanks for the reception. Where are your friends by the way?
— Gogy is sleeping on the floor below, Sap has gone on patrol, but should be back soon.
— Okay, say hi to them.
— Definitely, come again. And take the Kraft family with you. We haven't seen him for longer than we've seen you. Shall I escort you?
— Nope. Deal with the child better.
Technoblade throws a cloak over himself. A dream with a sleeping child stands next to him and watches him with an incomprehensible longing.
— Do you want to stay for dinner? Sap will be back soon..
— And stay the night? No thanks, I need to hurry.. And by the way, the chat reminded: his name is Theseus or Thomas.
Dream, standing on the porch, saw off the retreating figure of the rider. He sighs and slams the door firmly behind him.
— Well, Tommy, let's be a family now.