Reforged

by Transformersfan123

Summary:

Grumpy finally knows he’s with his family where he belongs, but there’s more to it than just Doc and them. There are aunts, uncles, and a whole lot of cousins to meet, and Grumpy isn’t looking forward to it. But while visiting the Goldemanes for a Dwarf holiday, things don’t exactly go as planned as an unexpected enemy tries one last time to break him.

Chapter 1: An Uncomfortable Meeting

Notes:

And here we are, folks! The final main part of the Snow White series. I have a bit of an explanation first, so bear with me.

I have ideas for a few one-shots to add to Story Gems that will explain how some of the information in this story is known. However, they are not done yet. I will be posting them as I get the chance to between other projects, because I have to work on other things now. I've got a lot of projects on hold that I can't wait to get to, so the one-shots will come out when they do. I finally have an idea to fix the plot hole I had in the second chapter I was working on, so hopefully that will be done soonish.

Anyway, enjoy this last main entry in the story of Grumpy and his brothers but be sure to keep an eye out for new chapters for Story Gems.

Grumpy couldn't help but slow down as the cottage finally came into view. This was it. This was the final hurdle. He was about to meet the rest of his family. Though the thought that he had found his kin had produced excitement for the last week, a pit of dread settled in his stomach now. He didn't want to see Diligent again. Or Friendly and Clumsy. Especially because he'd have to admit they were right about him.

Bashful slowed with him and wrapped an arm snugly across his shoulders. "Deep breaths," he encouraged. "Let us do the talkin'. And remember the plan."

"Hey! The cousins are here, Papa!" a woman cried.

"Plan," Grumpy said faintly as what seemed to be a pack of cousins came running and shouting greetings to his brothers.

Grumpy watched for Diligent, and he saw the Dwarf's excited grin disappear as his eyes immediately found him. Bashful chose that moment to hurry toward the cousins, calling greetings with the others. Grumpy stood there, his heart hammering. Only Diligent had noticed him, and he wanted it to stay that way.

"Who're you?"

Grumpy jumped a mile and turned to see a very old Dwarf woman. He didn't have a chance to respond before the old woman placed both hands on either side of his face and studied him. His cheeks warmed, but he didn't know what to do except allow it.

"What's your name, sonny?" the woman asked.

"Grumpy," he managed to reply.

"Grumpy, eh?" She squinted at him. "You're the one Doc and them talk about."

"Yes, ma'am," Grumpy said.

"About time you came. They say you always say no."

"Yep. They finally whittled me down," Grumpy said, and he was relieved when the woman laughed.

"I'm Honesty," she said. "Call me Grandmama."

Grumpy balked. "Oh, I couldn't do that," he muttered.

"I didn't ask," Honesty replied.

"Okay," Grumpy said, fully intending to not do so.

Dopey suddenly appeared and embraced the old woman, who grinned and kissed him. "There's my little button," she said.

Dopey wiggled his ears and pointed at Grumpy.

"I met him," Honesty said, waving her hand. "He's welcome to stay. Take him to your room. We'll put a bed in there for him soon."

Dopey took Grumpy's hand and pulled him past the group of chattering Dwarfs and into a cozy home cut into the side of a hill. They went through a large, open living area then down some stairs into a hall with several doors. Dopey opened one of them and walked Grumpy inside. It was a large room, furnished with six beds. There was plenty of room for another, though, which was a relief. Dopey bounded onto his bed and clapped, gesturing around.

"It's nice," Grumpy said. He glanced back and snapped his fingers. Green sparks burst from his fingertips, and the door silently closed. Immediately, he relaxed. Dopey smiled sympathetically and gestured him over. Grumpy walked over and plopped on the bed. Dopey hugged him then tapped right over Grumpy's heart, his eyes shining.

"Love you, too, little button," Grumpy teased.

Dopey flushed but smiled and shrugged. Before they could continue talking, the door opened and a young Dwarf girl scampered in. She closed the door and turned then froze when she saw Grumpy. Dopey jumped down and asked her what she was doing.

"What am I doing?" she asked, and Dopey nodded. "Hide and seek."

Dopey grinned and grabbed the girl, tugging her over to the bed and pushing her down behind it. He pressed his fingers to his lips then bounded up beside Grumpy, his eyes sparkling. Grumpy snickered, and they both waited for the inevitable. The door burst open and a boy came in, grinning. Then he saw Grumpy and stopped after only one step.

"Oh. Sorry. Was lookin' for somebody," he mumbled, and left.

As soon as the door shut, the Dwarf girl popped up and stared at Grumpy. "Who's this, Dopey? I ain't never seen him before."

"Name's Grumpy," Grumpy replied. "Came with Doc and them."

Her eyes went wide. "Oh, you're Grumpy?"

"Yep."

She studied him. "I thought you'd look different."

"Wish I did."

"Why?"

Grumpy grinned. "Come on, this," he said, gesturing at himself, "needs improving."

"I think you're perfectly fine," the girl said. "You look awful nice, and you let me hide in here."

"Ain't my room," Grumpy said. "I'm just sleepin' here."

The girl smiled. "I like you, Grumpy. I'm Empathy."

"And how are you related to him?" Grumpy asked, pointing at Dopey.

"He's my second cousin," Empathy said. "My mama is his first cousin and Papa married in, but since his family disowned him, we stay with this side of the family."

"Disowned for what?" Grumpy asked.

The girl sat on the bed. "Something about his brother wanted to marry Mama, but she chose Papa, and since Papa's brother was the favorite, they said if Papa married Mama, he wasn't allowed back home. So they've never gone back, but that's okay because we still have family."

"Havin' family's nice," Grumpy said. "I didn't have one til I was in my late twenties."

"Where are they then?"

Grumpy gestured at Dopey. "The others are probably still catchin' up with the rest of their kin."

Dopey nudged Grumpy, but Grumpy shook his head and spoke in his mind as he met his eyes. "The plan, remember?"

Dopey relaxed and nodded eagerly. Empathy watched them. "You understand him pretty good," she said.

"Aw, he never shuts up," Grumpy said, tugging Dopey's hat over his eyes. Dopey stuck his tongue out then laughed and smiled at his second cousin.

"Where's your mama and papa?" Empathy asked Grumpy.

"Ain't never known my mama or papa," Grumpy said. "I was taken away from them when I was real little. Then I was raised by humans."

Empathy's eyes went wide. "Oh, really? You know about humans?"

Grumpy burst out laughing. "I knows more about Men than Dwarfs, girlie. Doc and them were the first Dwarfs I ever met."

She looked even more surprised. "Golly, that's awful. I'm sorry."

"I got a family now, and that's good enough. I wouldn't change it…" But wouldn't he? The thought of facing Honesty and Diligent and all those cousins and second cousins and admitting that he'd stolen precious family treasures only to sell them made him want to die of shame. Doc was sure they wouldn't mind, and Grumpy wanted to believe him, but the threats from Diligent and his oldest sons echoed in his head.

The door suddenly banged opened, making the three Dwarfs jump. Diligent stood there, his gaze thunderous. Grumpy hadn't been so frightened since the last time he'd been caught disobeying Calida. She had beaten him so badly that he'd sworn to never get caught again. He hadn't been. But now he felt cornered. Grumpy surged to his feet and stood defiantly in front of Diligent despite his quivering insides.

"What are you bargin' in here for?" Grumpy snapped.

"Uncle!" Doc called, sounding frantic as there was a scramble down the stairs. He pushed into the room with Sneezy's help and turned to speak to his uncle. Then he saw the look on his face and immediately understood why Grumpy was sure this wasn't a good idea. His mouth went dry as the others pushed in and several cousins peeked in to see what was going on.

"Come here, Empathy," Diligent commanded.

Empathy didn't move. "Why?"

"Now!"

Empathy shrugged and walked over. "What's wrong, Grandpapa?"

Diligent snatched her and pulled her behind him. "Did he hurt you?"

A flush rose up Grumpy's cheeks and his eyes sparkled with anger, but he managed to restrain himself. Doc, on the other hand, finally found his voice again.

"How dare you!" he exclaimed. "We told you that you have nothing to flurry, ah, worry about!"

"I'm not stupid, unlike you, and he will not stay in this house!" Diligent barked.

Before Doc could respond, Honesty came in. "What's goin' on, Dilly?"

Diligent pointed at Grumpy. "He is not welcome here."

Honesty threw her head back and laughed. "Oh yes he is! Speaking of which, Kindly, Sincerity! Go fetch another bed and bring it up."

"Yes Grandmama," two male Dwarfs chorused from the throng peering in the room.

"Mama!" Diligent exclaimed. "You don't know what this Dwarf's done."

"Don't much care," Honesty said. "He's kin."

"He is not!" Diligent spat.

Honesty turned to peer at Doc over her spectacles. "Do you consider him kin?"

"Yes!" the five brothers stated emphatically, while Dopey nodded vigorously.

"Then there we go," Honesty said. "He's stuck around for over a decade, Dilly, and you said he'd be gone before a year passed. This Dwarf ain't goin' nowhere. Now leave him be and let them get settled."

"But Mama," Diligent began.

"I think a nice cup of coffee would be good," Honesty continued. "Fetch me one, Dilly."

Diligent looked outraged, but he didn't fight. "Yes, Mama," he said through gritted teeth.

As soon as Diligent and the rest were gone, Doc shut the door and leaned against it, his knees going weak. "I'm so sorry, Grumpy," he said. "I didn't show, uh, know it would be like that."

"I tried to tell you," Grumpy said, still on edge.

Bashful walked over and touched him. "What's got you so riled?"

"Reminded me of Calida," Grumpy muttered.

Bashful hugged him. "Uncle ain't Calida,"

"No, but he sure can be scary," Happy muttered. He shivered.

"Grandmama will keep him in check," Sneezy said. "He won't go against her."

Grumpy looked at his brothers. "I think," he said, and there was asurity in his tone, "that losin' your pa's treasures made him mad enough to try."

Sleepy scrubbed his eyes. "Uncle and Papa was real close. It ain't surprisin'," he yawned.

"And he was your papa, too," Bashful said firmly.

"I thought we were surprisin' them in a few days," Grumpy said, and he looked sad.

"Should we stick to the plan?" Happy asked.

Doc thought about that. "Maybe," he suggested then paused. "Maybe, if we let Uncle get to know you, he'll realize you're not so bad."

"Out with it," Grumpy said after a moment. "Why are you set on this?"

"It just feels like a very bad idea to string up, erm, bring up the treasures right now," Doc said, rubbing his arm. He glanced at Grumpy. "It feels safer for you if we wait."

Grumpy understood. Ever since Adele's spell, Doc had a deep-rooted sense of Grumpy and his safety. The others glanced between them as Grumpy squinted at Doc. "You think you'll know when?"

"I believe so, and now is not it," Doc murmured.

"Then we'll wait," Grumpy conceded. "But next time, just tell me it's the magic, Doc."

"I wasn't sure," Doc said, adjusting his spectacles. "I'm quill, erm, still not used to it. It's different than it buzz, ah, was…"

"Subtle and soft," Grumpy grunted. "Means it's gettin' settled. That's gonna be permanent if you don't let me remove it."

"Not yet," Doc begged. "Not when Uncle booked, ah, looked at you like that."

Grumpy shrugged. "It's your choice. I'm just warnin' you what's gonna happen."

Doc relaxed then peered at Sneezy. "Let's bring in the rest of our things. Grumpy? Stay here please."

Grumpy shrugged and there was a thump as something hit the door.

"Open up, Doc! We've got the bed!"

"Sincerity," Bashful said to Grumpy.

Doc opened the door and stepped back as two of their cousins carried in one of the spare beds.

"Where do you want it?" Sincerity huffed.

"Just set it town, uh, down. We can rearrange things," Doc said.

"Town's awful far away," somebody sneered behind him.

"Oh, shut up, Belligerent," Sneezy spat as Doc's face went crimson and he scurried away from the door. "You know what he meant."

After Sincerity and Kindly came in with the bed, a stocky Dwarf came in and scanned Grumpy up and down.

"I'm Belligerent," he said after a moment.

Grumpy scanned him up and down, too. "That's a kind way of putting' it," he retorted.

His brothers burst out laughing, and Kindly and Sincerity sniggered before they could help it. They sobered up as Belligerent scowled.

"Papa's right about you," he said coldly.

"Guess you'll find out," Grumpy said.

Belligerent scoffed and gestured for Kindly and Sincerity to follow him. Both of them gave Grumpy a long, hard look before they went out. Sneezy stepped forward and snapped the door shut. There was a pause then Grumpy raised his hands and wove a spell. He glanced around at his brothers, but there were no objections, so he cast the spell around the room. Sparkling green mist burst from his hands and coated the walls and doorway. It was absorbed, and there was no visible difference, but all the brothers felt safer.

"Good," Doc said, placing his hand on Grumpy's shoulders. "Now stay here, and we'll get our things. Sneezy? Stay with him."

Sneezy nodded and sat on his bed as Doc, Bashful, Dopey, Sleepy, and Happy left to fetch the packs they'd left by the front door. Grumpy stood where he was for a moment before he noticed several children peering in at him. He hurried over to Sneezy, who glared at the kids.

"Go on, get!" he scolded.

There was a flurry of whispers before they fled. Grumpy snapped his fingers and shut the door with his magic as soon as they weren't looking at him.

"Your family's too big," he muttered.

Sneezy wrapped an arm around Grumpy and pulled him against his side. "Our family," he reminded gently. "And I think it's just right."

Grumpy wasn't so sure about that, but he didn't have the heart to argue. He was too disappointed. A secret part of himself had wanted to be welcomed by the family. But was it ever that easy? Not for him. Grumpy hid his face in Sneezy's shoulder and hugged him. Sneezy held him tighter.

At least he had his brothers.

Chapter 2: Taking Sides

Grumpy stayed in the bedroom for as long as he possibly could, but there was finally no escaping the inevitable. With his brothers practically glued to his side, they went out to see the rest of the family and eat dinner. Grumpy dreaded the looks he knew he'd get, and as soon as they set foot upstairs, everybody stopped talking and stared. Insecure, Grumpy scowled and met their eyes. He would not be cowed or show weakness. That was how you got your throat slit.

"There you boys are. Let's eat," Honesty said into the thick silence.

"Yes, Grandmama," they chorused, but Grumpy didn't join in. If that old Dwarf expected him to call her that, she had another thing coming. Diligent might rip his throat out, and Grumpy believed he was considering it at that moment judging by the look on his face. Grumpy said nothing, and Doc made him a plate. Unlike at home, there wasn't a table for sitting at, but seeing as there had to be over thirty people in the house, he wasn't surprised.

The seven brothers sat near the fireplace, and Grumpy was in the corner, protected by the others. His brothers were formidable, but Grumpy counted at least seven grown up male cousins. He always had his magic, but he didn't dare unless he had no other choice. Besides, if he got too scared, he couldn't think well enough to cast anything. That was the only trouble he'd ever had with his magic.

While the room filled with subdued chatter and the adults cut their eyes sideways at Grumpy, Empathy walked right over.

"Hiya, Grumpy," she said, staring at him.

"Heya, girlie," he replied, noticing Diligent watching her like a hawk.

"Grandpapa said you’re bad."

"Mmhm."

Empathy squinted at him. "That can't be true. Because Dopey likes you and he's never wrong."

Dopey sniggered and shrugged, waving his hands as he mentioned how Grumpy came to them. Empathy frowned.

"I can't understand your big ideas, and you know it."

His brothers smiled at her, amused, but Grumpy only continued to eat and translated. He didn't notice that most of the room had gone quiet again and everybody was watching and listening, clearly surprised by the depth of his understanding when it came to Dopey's way of communicating.

"He says that he's the reason I stayed with them," he said.

"Is he?" Empathy asked.

"Yep. I tried to leave the day after I got there."

"Why?"

"Because Dwarfs will slit your throat if you can't pay them for helpin' you," Grumpy replied matter-of-factly. "And I had no money."

Empathy's eyes went wide. "What? That's awful!"

"And not true," Grumpy said, shrugging. "But that's what I growed up hearin'."

"Then it was real brave of you to stay," Empathy replied.

"Empathy," Diligent said, and Grumpy looked up to see he was the center of attention again. He scowled and stared at them defiantly. Honesty smiled a little at him, which puzzled him to no end. Diligent looked even angrier.

"Stay away from him. He might steal you from me."

Grumpy caught the slight, but Empathy only laughed. "He's only a cousin, Grandpapa. You’re still my favorite."

"That's my girl. Come and give me a hug."

Grumpy watched as Empathy skipped over to be swept into a hug then turned back to his plate. It was one of the most uncomfortable meals of his life, but he got through it. Afterward, he watched the family talk. The kids were running around and shouting until Honesty raised her voice.

"Young ones downstairs! Now!"

The children obeyed at once, pouring down the stairs and leaving the adults to themselves. Grumpy wished he could join the kids. He could face their questions because they had the guts to ask them instead of dancing around the topic and sprinkling in hints. Dopey pressed tighter into Grumpy, almost hiding. Grumpy glanced at him, and Dopey explained that he wanted to stay upstairs. Grumpy nodded and said nothing. Dopey had been through enough to qualify as an adult in his opinion. He was the closest in age to the next generation, but it was an odd, in-between sort of age. The next oldest seemed to be Empathy, who was thirteen. Six years of difference between Dopey and his second cousin. It clearly bothered Dopey, but nobody demanded he leave, so he smiled and settled in.

"Now let's hear it, Sleepy," Honesty said.

"Hear what?" Sleepy yawned, leaning against Happy.

"About the Queen, of course," an aunt said. She had green eyes, thick grey hair, and a full figure.

His brothers all smiled playfully. Grumpy didn't react, keeping himself as still as stone as the room's attention was focused in his direction.

"Aw, c'mon, Charming. I don't knows if I wanna tell that story," Sleepy said, all tiredness gone as his eyes twinkled.

"I don't think you should," Doc said seriously.

"What?" Belligerent demanded, snapping down his cup. "You told us all about the first time."

"Oh, but Uncle wouldn't be interested."

"And why not?" Diligent asked.

"Because Grumpy is an important part of it," Doc said.

Grumpy scoffed, unable to help himself, and he noticed Diligent stiffen.

"What does that matter?" Honesty asked.

"Because Uncle Diligent said if we squawk, erm, talk about Grumpy in front of him, he'll kick us out and we'll have to stay at an inn in town."

Grumpy could see the clever glint in Doc's eyes even as he spoke like he was sharing a teeny, tiny fact that was almost insignificant. When Honesty's eyes flashed and the older cousins shrank away from her, Grumpy knew that Doc was fighting fire with fire, and he wanted to laugh out loud.

"Now that can't be right, Dilly," Honesty said, her voice low and dangerous. "You would kick our kin out of my house?"

Diligent's face was pale as Honesty gazed at him. "He's nothin' but trouble, Mama," he hissed. "I don't want him near us. You know what he's done."

"What you think he's done, Diligent Goldmane," Honesty snapped. "Now you will sit down and we will all hear this story."

"Yes, Mama," Diligent grumbled.

"Sleepy?"

Sleepy stood up and went to stand in front of the fire, and the room went quiet. Grumpy relaxed as their eyes followed Sleepy. Sleepy opened his mouth then hesitated.

"What's wrong?" Doc asked.

"I don't know where the story starts," Sleepy said in surprise. He turned to Doc. "What do you think? Where should I start?"

Doc scratched his head. "I'm not sure. It was before the treading, ah, wedding invitation, for sure."

"It was before Snow was poisoned," Happy said.

"Golly, before Snow at all," Bashful realized.

Sleepy clamped his mouth shut when he saw the look of panic on Grumpy's face. He realized he couldn't tell the story. The beginning involved Grumpy and his whole life before them. How could he explain without revealing that his brother had been a thief? Or that he could do magic? He couldn't. Now was not the time for this story.

Standing upright, Sleepy spoke firmly. "I ain't gonna tell that story tonight, Grandmama. Pick somethin' else."

There was a moment of silence before Honesty nodded. "Okay. How did you meet him then?"

Sleepy hesitated, glancing again at Grumpy. This time, Grumpy waved his hand dismissively. He didn't care if that story was told. So Sleepy turned to the room and nodded.

"Well, we was comin' home from our mine that day, when we found him."

"You shouldn't pick up strays," Diligent said.

Sleepy stopped talking and crossed his arms, glaring at his uncle. Charming laughed. "Ooh, Dilly, you make him mad enough and he won't talk."

"Just as well," Diligent said. "We don't need to hear trash."

That hurt so badly that Grumpy was sure he'd crack. Bashful caught the brief look on his face, and rage kindled in his eyes.

"Shut your mouth, Diligent!" Bashful roared, silencing the whole room. "You say one more word and we're done for the day! All of us! You hear me?"

The cousins gaped at Bashful as if he had grown a second head, then their eyes slid to Grumpy, who had resumed his stoic mask. Diligent looked abashed, and Honesty stood up and padded over to sit right beside him.

"Tell the story, Sleepy," she ordered. "I'll keep the commentary in check."

Sleepy squinted around the room then nodded. He began again and described how wounded Grumpy had been and how they had fixed him up. Then he stopped and squinted at Grumpy. Without even looking at him, Grumpy shook his head. He didn't want them to know how terrified he'd been of his brothers, how he'd broken and finally given up and expected to die. They wouldn't understand.

"Next story," Sleepy said simply.

"That's it?" Diligent asked.

Honesty swatted him. "Plenty for now. Now what do we want to hear?"

Doc spoke. "The dragon's keep and gold sickness."

Grumpy relaxed as Sleepy didn't even take another suggestion but jumped in immediately. That was over with. Bashful took his hand and squeezed it. Grumpy smiled a little then noticed both Honesty and Diligent staring at him. Honesty looked pleased. Diligent looked disgusted. He didn't know how to feel about either look, so he turned away and focused on the story. It still rang with the sweet, new note for him since his realization that he'd loved the story so much because he'd been cursed with the same affliction.

When the story was done, the catching up began, and Grumpy didn't participate. He did listen, though, and he gleaned a lot from the rest of the family.

Honesty was the matriarch of the family, and she had borne two daughters, Charming and Felicity, and two sons, Diligent and the brothers' deceased father. Grumpy leaned over to Bashful.

"What's your pa's name again?" he muttered.

"Determination," Bashful replied.

"Our papa," Doc reminded him in an undertone, his eyes sparkling again at their secret.

Grumpy shrugged, still deeply uncomfortable at the idea of having a father. Calida had been a mother-figure, though a very poor one. But he'd never had a father-figure, and the thought of one scared him. He'd take his older brother any day. He knew Doc. He liked Doc. And Doc knew and liked him, which was important. Grumpy just knew his father would not be proud of how he'd turned out. He'd made far too many mistakes.

After awhile, Honesty stood up and stretched. "Better get them kids to run out their energy. Dopey? Round them up and send them out!"

Dopey leaped to his feet and saluted then hurried down the stairs. There was a shrieking shout, and a few minutes later the kids poured up the stairs and out the door. Empathy came padding up the stairs with Dopey, and her face was aglow with laughter. Dopey's face was red, and he skittered away from her, shaking his finger. She laughed again.

"You're so funny, Dopey. Even though you don't mean to be."

"What happened?" Diligent asked.

"Bet he fell down the stairs again," Belligerent sneered.

Dopey rejoined his brothers, and Doc tried to place his arm around his brother's shoulders, but Dopey slapped at him and sulked. Grumpy was intrigued. Dopey never acted like that when he fell down the stairs at home, and he did it regularly. But then he turned his eyes to Empathy, who gazed solemnly at her cousin before turning to go outside. Of course he'd be embarrassed in front of girls. He was at that age, and he didn't usually have to worry about it. Even his foolishness in front of Snow made sense. He'd had a crush on her.

"Aw, what's the matter, Dopey?" Clumsy asked.

"You leave him alone!" Doc scolded.

Dopey looked as red as Bashful usually did, and he was blinking back tears of humiliation. Grumpy shifted so that he could nudge Dopey, and the young Dwarf looked at him. Grumpy made sure his hands weren't visible then winked and snapped his fingers.

The cousins who were laughing suddenly yelped, and Dopey turned his eyes back to them. Belligerent let out an oath that his mother, Constancy, boxed his ear for. Clumsy was spluttering. Both of them were drenched from the pitcher of water that had been next to them on the table. Dopey clapped his hands over his mouth to hide his grin, and only his brothers noticed. They glanced from him to Grumpy, who shrugged when he noticed them looking. He winked again, and they all shared a smile at their secret. Waiting for a few days had just become a little more bearable.

The rest of that first day Grumpy spent watching and listening. There was an unspoken agreement between his brothers that at least two of them had to be with Grumpy whenever he was out of their room. Grumpy didn't argue. The house seemed to be of two minds. Half of his kin seemed to think he was nothing but trouble, headed by Diligent of course. The other half seemed more curious than anything. Empathy was one of the curious ones, and she was constantly trying to approach Grumpy to ask questions only to be pulled back by Diligent. Grumpy didn't react, only shrugged and turned away whenever Diligent summoned his oldest grandchild.

That night, Grumpy got ready for bed with his brothers after another tense meal. Nobody wanted to talk with a stranger in their midst, and even Doc was unsure of what to say to ease things. There was a knock at the door, and Doc cracked it open to see Honesty.

"Yes, Grandmama?" Doc asked politely.

"Wanna talk to that Dwarf," she said.

"Ah, just a peckant, erm, second."

Doc shut the door and turned to Grumpy who scowled but changed the spell around the room so Honesty could come in. She did so as soon as Doc opened the door again. She marched right over and pointed at Grumpy.

"You look just like your papa," she declared.

Doc slammed the door shut, his expression astounded. "Grandmama! You know?"

Honesty scoffed. "He's got your mama's eyes, just like all of you except Dopey. And he's the spitting image of Determination. I don't think Dilly's noticed, or he don't want to."

Grumpy stared at the old Dwarf woman. "I look like their pa?"

"He's your papa, too," several of them scolded.

Grumpy rolled his eyes, and Honesty laughed. "You are Determination's boy. I didn't think you boys knew."

"Oh, we only found out recently," Doc said.

"How?"

Doc hurried for their packs and pulled out a small chest. He turned it around and opened it, showcasing their treasures. Honesty immediately grabbed Dopey's treasure and touched the fire opal.

"Well, if that don't beat all," she said. "It's the one Determination found with the black opals." She turned to Grumpy. "What happened?"

"Don't wanna talk about it," Grumpy said.

"Well, I want you to try while you're here. I won't ask no more than that for this visit," Honesty said.

Grumpy relaxed and shrugged. "I guess."

Honesty nodded then pulled Grumpy into a hug. Grumpy yelped and scrambled to get away. He was unsuccessful. "Hey!"

His brothers laughed as their grandmother finally let Grumpy go. "Look here. If Dilly pushes too far, you let me know."

"Yes, ma'am," Grumpy said.

"Don't you lie to me," Honesty said.

"Your too far is different than mine," Grumpy replied. "Keep that in mind and we won't have a problem."

Honesty grinned. "I like you, Grumpy."

"I suppose that's your right," Grumpy said.

"Yep," Honesty said, studying him. "I like you." Turning to Doc, she set the treasure back in the chest then picked up the pocket watch. "How did you get these back?" she asked, intrigued.

"It's a long story," Sleepy yawned. "But I ain't gonna tell it if Grumpy don't want me to."

"Not yet," Grumpy muttered, hugging himself. "Diligent hates me already."

"Is he wrong?" Honesty asked.

"No. I stole them," Grumpy said tightly.

That certainly surprised Honesty. "What?"

"It's not like that," Doc said quickly. "He was pursed, ah, cursed with gold sickness."

Understanding flashed across her face. "Oh, you poor thing. Are you still cursed?"

"Naw. They ripped it out," Grumpy said, gesturing at his brothers. "But that don't change anything. I still stole them and sold them."

"For Calida," Sneezy argued.

"Who's that?" Honesty asked.

Grumpy stiffened. "It's getting late," he said.

"Mmhm," Honesty said. "And I'd better get to bed. But you listen here, Grumpy. You'd be kin, good and proper, even if you weren't blood You've taught Doc and them so much. And they certainly love you enough. Twelve years is long enough to know you're family."

"Yes, ma'am," he said.

"Only call me that if you're in trouble," Honesty said.

"Sure."

Honesty squinted at him. "You ain't getting out of it, boy."

Still, for the moment, she left it alone. Grumpy was grateful as she took her leave, but not before she kissed them goodnight. Grumpy reluctantly accepted when it was clear she wasn't going to leave it alone, and she hugged him tightly.

"Welcome back," she said, kissing his forehead.

"Am I?" he asked, unable to help himself.

"You will be by the end of this stay. When are you going to tell everybody?"

"We were going to do it on the holiday," Bashful said.

"Test the waters a bit first," Happy added.

"Then I'll give you until then," Honesty conceded. "No longer, do you hear? I don't like keeping secrets."

"Thank you," Doc said. "Good fight, ah, night then."

"Goodnight."

She left, and Grumpy stared after her. "She always like that?"

"It can be a bit much," Bashful agreed, his cheeks turning pink.

"Didn't say that," Grumpy said quietly, and without another word he crawled into bed to go to sleep, perplexed about all that had happened since that morning.

Chapter 3: Stolen Treasures

The next day Empathy knocked on the door early. Sleepy groaned and buried his head under his pillow, but Doc yawned and rolled out of bed, stumbling to the door.

"Yes?" he asked blearly.

"Grandpapa says that you're going into town with him. Better get ready."

"Sure," Doc muttered.

"Coffee!" Sleepy begged.

"Already on," Empathy said. "Better hurry. Grandpapa wants to get going."

"Never get enough sleep here," Sleepy yawned as Doc closed the door.

"We have time to sleep at home," Doc said. "Get up and get dressed. We're up for the day."

Grumpy had worked on far less sleep before, so he didn't mind dressing and heading out to the kitchen. Several female cousins bustled around the kitchen with Charming, and Diligent's wife, Constancy, ordering them around. Honesty was pouring coffee for a line of Dwarfs, and Grumpy noticed Diligent get in line behind him. Once his brothers were in line for food, Diligent stepped forward.

"I was thinking that you'd stay home today," he said in a low voice.

Grumpy was about to say no when Honesty caught his eye. She winked and nodded, so Grumpy shrugged. "If that's what you want, Dilly."

Diligent's face turned red, but he didn't dare say anything as Honesty stepped closer and offered him coffee. Breakfast was a crazy, harried affair that made eating around the table at home civil by comparison. There were children running around, cousins passing plates, aunts and uncles talking and laughing, and yet Grumpy felt right at home. It was just like Cliffside when there had been gatherings, except it was more comfortable and homey. He ate in the corner with his brothers around him again.

Finally, Diligent stood up. "Get ready and let's go."

Grumpy got up with the others then headed into the kitchen. Honesty snagged him and pulled him into a corner. "I'm asking you to stay this morning, not Dilly. Tell them that."

"You're up to somethin'," Grumpy said, but he obediently went to his brothers and told them Honesty wanted him to stay here with her. They were thrilled, and Dopey made several gestures, telling him that this was very good. Grumpy nodded and saw them off with their first cousins, aunts, and uncles. The kids began to run around and play while Empathy padded over to smile at Grumpy.

"Now I can ask you questions."

"Mmhm."

"First things first," Honesty said then raised her voice. "Get ready for a walk!"

Instantly, the kids poured inside to prepare, and Empathy smiled and followed. Grumpy squinted at Honesty.

"What are you up to?"

"We're going for a walk with the kids," Honesty said. "So get ready."

Grumpy did so and watched the kids play and argue. A boy of about seven yanked on the braids of a nine-year-old girl, laughing as she squealed. As they ran by Grumpy, he reached out and grabbed the boy's belt, yanking him to a stop so fast that he lost his breath. He hit his knees and looked at Grumpy as the kids went silent.

"Why'd you do that?" an older boy asked.

"He wants to yank things, so I showed him what it's like," Grumpy said. He looked at the boy. "Why'd you go doin' that?"

"She's stuck up," the seven-year-old wheezed.

"Am not!" the girl said. "And you got what you deserved, Tricksy!"

"Tricksy, eh?" Grumpy asked, eyeing the boy. "You behave, boy, or I'll get tricksy on you. And I promise you, I will win."

Defiance stirred in the boy's eyes. "Oh, yeah? Well it's my name, so it describes me."

"Sure does. But that don't mean I can't be tricksy, too," Grumpy said.

"Grandpapa says we don't have to listen to you," the nine-year-old boy retorted.

"Oh, he did now, did he?" Honesty asked, slamming her cane on the ground.

There was an even thicker silence. Honesty gazed at the children, her eyes hard.

"You will listen to him. As far as you're concerned, he's your older cousin, just like Doc and Bashful and them. He is your elder and will be respected. Dilly can throw his fit if he wants, but you will respect your cousin. Am I understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," the children chorused.

"Good. Now everybody ready? Out we go!"

Grumpy and Honesty led the pack as they headed into the woods. Grumpy kept glancing at Honesty, waiting to see what she was doing, but she only pushed forward through the snow as the children ran around them. Honesty finally stopped and looked around.

"Where is it?"

"What?" Grumpy asked.

She looked at him. "Rumor is there's a thieves' hideout around here."

Grumpy raised his eyebrows and looked around. "Is there?" He paused and thought. "What's the nearest town?"

"Folkheim."

Grumpy gazed at Honesty then grinned. "Want me to find it?"

"Dilly's being ridiculous," Honesty said. "He wants to leave you out of his family day, then we can make it a special day with the kids. But if you mind about findin' things, we can stay right here and let them play."

Grumpy snickered then turned and whistled. "Oy! Who wants to go on a treasure hunt?"

There was instantly a flock of kids around him. Grumpy looked around.

"Now here's the thing. I don't know where this treasure is, but I do know how to find it. Thing is, I need young eyes and spry feet to help me. Can you do that?"

They all chorused an eager yes. Then Grumpy explained the symbols they'd need to find and follow, drawing them into the snow with a stick. They all listened intently then turned and began to search the stones and trees as Grumpy had instructed. Grumpy and Honesty sat down to wait as the kids went shouting into the forest.

"So it really is here?" she asked.

"Somewhere," Grumpy said. "This place was one of our treasure strongholds. Then there was a massacre by the Dwarfs and nobody ever dared to come back."

"They stole from ten clans around here," Honesty said acidly. "We took matters into our own hands when Queen Grimhilde did nothing about it. We killed every last one of them, but we never found where they'd stored the treasures."

Grumpy nodded. "If the treasure is still there, you're welcome to it. Finders keepers, we called it."

"This will please the clans," Honesty said. "If we can find it."

"I found the last mark!" Empathy screamed, and the kids came running. "It's really hard to see, but I'm pretty sure it's there!"

Grumpy and Honesty got up and followed them as they pointed out the different symbols that Grumpy had drawn. They stopped at a plain stone, and Honesty groaned. "This is the dead end."

"Not so dead," Grumpy said, pointing at the roots that formed the symbol. "She's right. This is it. Stand back."

Grumpy didn't even think to hide his magic as he held out his hands and wove a spell. Even Honesty gazed at Grumpy in astonishment as green sparks dripped from his hands. Then, an outline of a door appeared and Grumpy leaned forward and tapped the keyhole. The door swung open into blackness, and nobody moved. Then Honesty turned.

"Get the heads of the clans together with some strong Dwarfs. We've found our treasures."

Empathy and the older boys sprinted away. Honesty turned to the others. "You all play right over there. Nobody is to go inside until the heads get here."

Grumpy sat down right in front of the door with Honesty and watched the kids play. Very soon, there was the pounding of feet and ten old Dwarfs came hurrying behind Empathy and the boys, each leading a dozen Dwarf men. Honesty stood up and Grumpy stood with her, his stomach in knots. He hadn't expected this.

"It's a door!" an old man exclaimed.

"I knew there was something there!" another declared.

"How did you do it, Honesty?" an old woman asked.

"That, I'll explain another time. For now, I want to get my mother's necklace back." Honesty turned to Grumpy. "Lead us in then."

Grumpy turned and stepped inside, waving his hand. Torches bracketed to the wall lit up in a line. Grumpy began pointing down hallways and started to talk, figuring Honesty knew what she was doing even as it terrified him.

"Sleeping quarters are down there. Won't be much treasure there. Down there's the kitchen and mess hall. And here's the treasure room."

He stopped in front of a blank wall. He didn't wait for the complaints or questions and just cast the spell again. The keyhole appeared and he tapped it then stood back and lit the torches in the room as the door swung open. Glittering gold and gems met their eyes, and there was a cheer that went through the old Dwarfs.

"Did you find them, papa?" a Dwarf called from the doorway.

"Yes! And more!" one of the Dwarfs boomed back.

The morning and afternoon were spent clearing out the treasury and sorting through the treasures. Grumpy stayed back and watched the kids as Honesty picked through the treasures and chatted with the different clans. He didn't have any claim for that treasure, and he was still a little afraid to get near it. Yes, the curse was broken, but he'd caused too much damage to just forget.

By the time things were sorted, it was clear that there was more treasure from other clans in the surrounding villages. The clan heads debated on what to do before agreeing that Honesty should watch over them as the word was sent out. It was decided that at the end of the week, there would be a celebration of all the clans, and they would all gather and retrieve their treasures.

"But how are we going to get all this moved to the house before sunset?" Honesty asked.

"I can flash it there," Grumpy said, speaking for the first time since he'd come out of the hideout.

"And what does that do?" Honesty asked.

Grumpy threw out a sheet of silver magic, and all the Dwarfs stopped talking and watched with wide eyes as Honesty's cottage came into view. "Just carry them through. Or if you have a better place, I'll flash you there."

"Go inside and down the stairs. Third room on the right. Good, now down that hall. There. We'll put it in that room. Start carrying them in, boys. Grumpy, you stay here and keep this open."

"Yes, ma'am," Grumpy said.

"You still ain't in trouble," Honesty shot back.

"If you say so."

"Still not getting out of it," Honesty promised. Then she stepped through and began preparing the secure room for the treasures. The Dwarfs carried some through then came back out to get more. It took another half hour before the clan heads were satisfied. Honesty stepped through one last time and looked around.

"That's everything. Move that," she pointed at the sheet, "back out in front of the house. I don't want them kids in that room."

"I could secure it with spells if you're that worried," Grumpy said.

"How would you propose we do that?" an old woman asked shrewdly.

"I'd weave the spell and connect it with all the heads so that if anybody goes in that room, all of you will know," Grumpy replied.

"Including you?"

Grumpy frowned. "Well, I'm a part of anybody, ain't I? Besides, I don't want none of that treasure. Ain't nothin' but trouble."

They all looked to Honesty, who nodded once. They relaxed. "What do we do?" Honesty asked.

"Step back through in front of the door. Best if I touch the door and each of you," Grumpy said.

They agreed and Grumpy cast the spell, linking it to each of them, but not himself, they noticed. Then they stepped back through, Grumpy moved the portal to the front of the house, and Honesty called for the kids, who came running and laughing. They oohed and ahed over the magic then stepped through. Grumpy waited patiently for Honesty to finish talking. The clan heads were obviously asking about him, and he had no desire to hear what they thought of him. Honesty finally waved them away and headed back over.

"Let's get home. I've got to start supper. Didn't expect it to take this long."

"I'll help," Grumpy said, and they went through.

An hour and a half later, as the sun was setting, the family came back from town, their faces flushed with pleasure. Honesty and Grumpy came to the door as Empathy and the other kids raced to tell the news of the day first.

"Grandpapa! Grandpapa!" Empathy cried. "We found the thieves' hideout! All the clans have their treasures back! And there's going to be a party and everything!"

The family stopped stock still on the path and gazed at the kids in astonishment as they talked. Doc's face pinched and he hurried for Grumpy.

"Did you really?" he asked anxiously.

"I knew how to find it and she asked me to take her there," Grumpy said in a low voice, gesturing at Honesty. "So I did."

Doc looked at Honesty, who patted his back. "Come on in, Doc. Supper's ready."

"I can't help but slurry, uh, worry about Uncle," Doc said as Grumpy trailed him and Honesty into the kitchen.

"You leave him to me. He ain't gonna make trouble," Honesty said.

"Yes, he will," Doc said with an assurity that came from Adele's spell. "But we can't change it now."

"Then stop worrying' and eat," Honesty said, shoving a plate into his hands.

"Mama! What's all this about finding the clan treasures?" Diligent boomed, coming into the kitchen. "Are they tellin' tales?"

"Nope," Honesty said, serving Doc and Grumpy. "Grumpy here helped us find them."

Diligent turned disbelieving eyes to Grumpy. "You did?"

Grumpy nodded. "Yep."

"And how did you know where to look?" Belligerent demanded.

Honesty cut in and continued her line of thought as if nobody had spoken. "They were all there and then some. Got a message sent out to the surrounding towns for the clans to come and pick through the rest. We're going to have a festival at the end of the week to celebrate. Now everybody come and eat. We've got a lot to be grateful for."

Grumpy had a full plate, and he followed Doc out as everybody stared at him. He didn't cower or hide, though he desperately wanted to. He had practically confirmed that he was a thief by easily finding the treasure hoard that dozens of Dwarfs hadn't been able to find for almost two decades. The kids would tell the story of how they hunted for it and how he'd gotten them into the so-called dead-end.

Everything tightened inside of him. He'd blatantly done magic in front of dozens of Dwarfs, including the heads of nearby clans. He felt sick. He wouldn't last more than a day when Diligent got the whole story, and he couldn't do a thing about it. All he could do was trust that Honesty knew what she was doing. Still, it was hard to eat supper that night, and he was grateful to escape to bed after the family passed around the treasures that Honesty had claimed.

Grumpy didn't even acknowledge the treasures when they passed before they retired for the night. Diligent noticed, and it only confused him more. He didn't understand that Dwarf. A thief stole treasures, but he'd found some ancient ones that had been lamented over for fifteen years. Had he stolen Determination's treasures or not? That alone would determine how Diligent would see him. Tomorrow, Grumpy was coming into town with them. It was time he see for himself what this Dwarf was made of.

Chapter 4: An Unexpected Encounter

The next morning, Diligent pulled the same trick, except he told Grumpy he would be going with them that day. There was a lot to get to prepare for the festival, and they'd need to go again. Grumpy didn't fight, only shrugged and nodded.

"Okay then, Dilly," Grumpy said then stepped away from the coffee line into the food line.

This morning, everybody was buzzing about the treasures they had gained back from the hideout. There were some exquisite pieces in amongst them, and Grumpy appreciated the craft from a distance. Honesty was so very happy, and she proudly wore her mother's necklace.

"It's been in the dark for so long, and I want to wear it anyhow," Honesty said when several tried to talk her out of it. "Besides, I'll be here at the house. Now you all get on."

So they bundled up in their coats and hats and headed out into the snow. Grumpy walked with his brothers, listening to the conversations around them. He knew Diligent was watching, and he didn't want to provoke him. The walk was pleasant, and Folkheim came into view. Grumpy had never been to this town. It had too many Dwarfs for him to be comfortable after all Calida had told him growing up. She had never sent him to towns populated by Dwarfs anyway. At least he knew why now.

Grumpy's eyes automatically scanned the streets and buildings as Diligent handed out shopping lists. He spotted a thief watching them, and he flashed a sign. The thief looked surprised and made another sign. Grumpy nodded and gestured with his head. The thief disappeared.

Doc touched him, and he glanced over. "Eh?"

"We've got to get these supplies," Sneezy said, then sneezed and shivered. "Work your magic."

"Gotta talk to somebody first," Grumpy said. "This way."

He ducked into an alley and along a side street until the thief came into view again. One look at seven instead of one, and the thief tensed to flee.

"Hang on there, girlie," Grumpy said.

She froze. "How do you know?"

"They called me Ivan when I was in the guild. I've seen more girls like you than most ever would."

The girl stared at him then nodded. "I've heard stories. Good and bad."

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm with my brothers."

"Hungry?" Grumpy asked.

"Desperately," she said.

Grumpy didn't hesitate to pull out some money and hand it over. "Here. You have a warm place to stay?"

"Den's not so bad, but we're running out of supplies."

"Ain't no more comin', girlie. Best for you and your brothers to take the queen's offer and find a place workin' somewhere."

"I'd like that, but my brothers aren't so sure we can trust her."

Grumpy scanned her up and down. "I'll vouch for her myself. Now you go and get some food for you and your brothers. I might see you again."

"Thank you, Ivan," the girl said fervently.

"Name's Grumpy now."

The girl hesitated. "I'm Kristina."

Grumpy nodded and waved her away then turned to Doc. "Now, what are we after?"

Completely unfazed by their unexpected detour, his brothers brought him to the vendors and Grumpy began to haggle prices. Doc had been given enough coins to buy all they needed, and as they walked between shops, his brothers explained how they always lost the haggling game. Their cousins had much more practice and always ended up with more left over for treats. Grumpy took the challenge in hand and managed to get some of the best deals they had ever gotten. They finished and headed for the inn, and when they got there, Grumpy noticed Kristina with a young man sitting and eating at one of the tables, and she nodded at him.

"How'd you do this time, Lock, uh, Doc?" Belligerent teased, holding up Diligent's offspring's sack. "We've got ten left."

"Seven," one of Charming's sons groused then brightened. "How bad did you do?"

Grumpy smirked and stepped forward tossing a half-full bag of coins. "Not bad, but not good enough," he mocked.

There was a shocked silence then Grumpy's brothers burst into cheers. "We won, we won!" Sneezy hollered.

Belligerent looked at the bag then leaned over. "Did you pay for everything you got?" he sneered.

Grumpy crossed his arms. "Yep. Just better at gettin' a bargain."

"How's it going, Belligerent?" Diligent asked as he came in with Charming and her husband, Rationality.

"The thief probably stole half of what they got," Belligerent accused.

"No, he didn't," Diligent said absently.

"How can you be sure?" Belligerent demanded.

"Because Doc wouldn't have let him," Diligent said. "Now, let's get everything sorted and packed. If you're gonna, get somethin' for yourselves.

The two groups of cousins hurried out to do some personal shopping, but Grumpy took the money he'd saved for his brothers and poured a few coins into his hands. "Here. Get somethin'," he said, then turned and walked over to talk to Kristina.

Doc glanced around then nodded. Surely Diligent would behave in public. "Let's go."

Diligent sat down and began to sort through the supplies with Charming and Rationality as Doc and the others left. He kept one eye on Grumpy, and he noticed a man watching him from the corner. Diligent had a bad feeling, so he nudged Rationality.

"Come with me," he muttered.

Without arguing, Rationality followed Diligent to the corner. The man turned his eyes to Diligent, and he scowled. "What do you want, dirt-eater?"

"Why are you staring at that Dwarf?"

"You know Ivan?" The man suddenly looked intrigued.

"Ivan?" Rationality asked, adjusting his spectacles. "Oh no, that's Grumpy."

"No, that's Ivan. I grew up with him."

Diligent leaned forward. "Did you now? What can you tell me about him?"

"He's nothing but trouble."

"In what way?"

"In every way."

Diligent grew irritated. "Look, I don't want that Dwarf nowhere near my family. If you know anything about him, I want to know it."

"You kin to those brothers he hangs around with?" the man asked.

"Why?"

"Because if you are, I can tell you where that diamond pocket watch went. And all the others."

Rationality frowned, and he touched Diligent's shoulder. He didn't like this man. There was something volatile about him, and he wasn't sure that they could trust the information. But Diligent, upon hearing about the pocket watch his brother had made for Doc, sank his teeth in.

"Where?" Diligent demanded. "What happened?"

"Ivan stole them right out from under their noses and sold them to a black market dealer."

Diligent stood very still as he stared at the man. Then he turned and stormed right for Grumpy.

"Diligent!" Rationality shouted, and Grumpy glanced over to see his uncle approaching, thunder in his eyes. He looked over to Rationality and froze when he saw who was sitting at the table. Emil smirked and gave a little wave and a rude gesture. Rationality looked between Emil and Grumpy, then he began to run over, but Diligent had already reached Grumpy. He took his coat in his hands and yanked him forward until they were nose to nose.

"You did steal them, didn't you?" Diligent snarled.

Grumpy couldn't take his eyes off of Emil. His shoulder was on fire, his legs felt like jelly, and he couldn't reach his magic, so when Diligent shook him and demanded an answer, he nodded vaguely. There was a pause then the next thing Grumpy saw was a flash of painful light as Diligent punched him in the eye. Grumpy yelped and tried to twist away, but Diligent grabbed him and dragged him to the door.

"If you ever come near my family again, you will regret it," Diligent snarled in his ear, then he threw him into the snow. Grumpy stood there for a moment before a hand clamped on his shoulder.

"Let's go for a little walk, Ivan," Emil said, and he pushed him forward.

Where was Doc? Where were his brothers? He passed Belligerent and gave him a pleading look, but he turned away. So did the other cousins. He was on his own. Grumpy went numb, his heart thundering in his ears as Emil pushed him toward the forest. He knew Emil was going to kill him this time, and as Folkheim disappeared from view, all hope left him.

Diligent, meanwhile, was arguing with Rationality. "I don't care! He admitted it! I can't wait to tell Mama I was right about him."

"I'm not so sure you were, Rationality said. "That man specifically wanted to hurt him, and he had you do his dirty work."

"What are you talking about Rationality?" Diligent demanded.

The door to the inn burst open and Doc barreled in. "Where's Grumpy?!" he shrieked at the top of his lungs. The rest of his brothers came panting behind him.

"He's not here!" Doc wailed. Then he saw Diligent and ran over. "Where's Grumpy?" he demanded.

"Gone and not coming back," Diligent declared.

"Of course he's taught, um, thought, ah, not! He's going to die!" Doc screeched. "We have to find him now!"

With that, Doc turned and ran out of the silent inn. Bashful groaned. "I'll stay, you go," he said.

The rest of them ran out after Doc, and Bashful plodded over and sat down, placing his face in his hands. "I'm gonna ask this once, Uncle," he said, a strange note in his voice. "What did you do?"

Diligent rolled his eyes. "It don't matter. He'll never bother you again."

"He never bothered us to begin with!" Bashful snapped. "Now what happened?"

"There was a man that we approached who seemed to know Grumpy by another name," Rationality said. "Ivan?"

"That's what the humans called him," Bashful said. "But what happened?"

"That Dwarf punched him in the face," a woman said close by.

Bashful looked up to see Kristina standing there with her younger brother. "What then?"

"Emil followed him out."

All the color drained out of Bashful's face and he suddenly looked ill. "Not him," he groaned. "He really is gonna kill Grumpy." Diligent, Rationality, and Charming stiffened, but Bashful focused on Kristina. "Is there a den?"

"Yep."

"Take me there."

"For Ivan? Sure," Kristina said.

"Grumpy. He ain't Ivan no more," Bashful said sternly, hopping to his feet. "Come on. Quick. We gotta find them."

Bashful followed Kristina and her brother out of the inn, and Rationality gazed after them, scratching his head.

"Do you think that man is really going to kill Grumpy?" Charming asked uneasily.

"I hate to say it," Rationality said. "But yes, I think he will."

"That's none of our concern. He ain't kin," Diligent said.

He summoned the rest of the family and separated the supplies so that they could carry it all then headed back home. Rationality and Charming murmured together as Diligent marched forward, determined not to care for that thief.

When they got home, Rationality went to speak to Honesty, and the others shrugged out of their packs and set aside the supplies. Diligent went outside and took a deep breath to steady his nerves. Then he sniffed again. The air was filled with smoke. He turned automatically to look toward the forges that were nestled in the woods where humankind couldn't find them easily. Somebody was there all right, as smoke billowed into the sky. The only problem was that nobody was supposed to be there today. Narrowing his eyes, Diligent got another bad feeling.

"Belligerent, we have a problem," he said, coming in.

"What's that, Papa?" he asked absently.

"Somebody's at the forges."

Everybody looked up. "Ain't nobody supposed to be there today," Belligerent said.

"I know. We need to take care of it. Because I'm pretty sure it ain't a Dwarf."

Without a word, all of the male Dwarfs set everything down and bundled up again. Nobody was allowed at their forges, especially humans. They only caused trouble, and the townsfolk knew to stay away. That Emil fellow wasn't from Folkheim. But it was only because he was human that he was going after him, Diligent told himself. Not because he was worried that Grumpy was in trouble. Doc's terrified face and Bashful's sickly one swam in front of his mind's eye. He shook the images away, and they marched off toward the forges.

Chapter 5: Emil's Mistake

Grumpy shivered in the cold. He was tied up and shirtless in the snow, and he could hear the fire roaring inside the giant forge Emil had lit. He couldn't focus enough to use his magic no matter how much he tried, and he knew that Emil was going to draw this out. He wondered vaguely how many brands he could take before he passed out. A shudder raced up his body and he swallowed. He was so cold that maybe he'd freeze to death before the branding iron was hot enough. He could only hope.

Emil came outside, as he'd done every couple minutes. His very presence kept Grumpy too scared to use his magic, a fact which Emil knew from years of experience. He leaned against the building and grinned at Grumpy.

"How are you doing, Ivan? Excited?"

"Bite me, jackass," Grumpy spat, and he renewed his struggles to get out of the ropes.

"You just never learn, do you?" Emil said in a low voice, and he stalked forward. "I'll just have to teach you again, dirt-eater."

The yell echoed through the woods, and Diligent froze. They were close to the forges now, and that was the first sign of life.

"Was that Grumpy?" Belligerent asked.

"Maybe," Diligent said. "We'll surround the forges. Split off and wait for the signal."

Instantly, the Dwarfs obeyed, and Diligent continued forward alone. He could hear more shouts and yelps, and he was sure it was Grumpy now. Whatever was happening was not good, and Diligent began to grow concerned as he heard a man laugh.

"Learn your lesson yet, tunnel-rat? You wait right there. I'll show you which one I picked especially for you."

Diligent peeked out, and he froze at what he saw. Grumpy was beaten and bruised, blood running from several gashes. He had not expected this to happen when he'd thrown him out. The man from the inn came striding out with a branding iron in his fist. The end was red-hot, and Diligent watched Grumpy push himself up, panic in his eyes. As he did, Diligent caught sight of a scar on his left shoulder, and in a flash he understood what that man was planning to do. He let out a whistle as the man reached out for Grumpy, and the clan jumped out and barreled straight for him. Grumpy twisted and scrabbled away from the branding iron, high-pitched whines coming from his throat as he tried to run. Diligent hurried over and grabbed him, but Grumpy gave a frightened cry and kicked him away.

The human was running away by the time Diligent scrambled to his feet again, but nobody went after him. They were all too busy staring at Grumpy, who looked half frozen and half dead. Diligent shrugged out of his coat. Grumpy whimpered, his eyes like a caged animal. There was pounding feet and Doc burst into the clearing. He took one look around then headed for the group. Diligent reached out so he could pull Doc close and explain what happened, but Doc was having none of it.

"What did you do to him?!" he roared, and he popped his uncle in the face.

Diligent yelped and stumbled backward as the cousins reeled back in shock. "Ow! Doc, I'm trying to help!"

"No, sir, you're not!" Doc spat. "And if this is how you're going to feet, ah, beat, ah, street, ugh! Never mind! Just leave us alone!"

Doc ripped the coat out of Diligent's hands and turned to wrap Grumpy in it. Grumpy didn't really react for a moment before he looked up and held up his bound hands. That gave Doc pause.

"Wait, why is he tied up? And where are his clothes?" Sneezy demanded.

Diligent sighed. "If you would just listen you would know that a human did this."

"Yeah, but why start the forges?" Belligerent asked, and he leaned down to pick up the hot branding iron. "And why threaten him with this?"

Grumpy's brothers looked at the iron and suddenly looked as ill as Bashful had at the inn. Only Bashful wasn't with them.

"Emil," Sleepy hissed between his teeth.

"That bastard just don't know when to quit!" Sneezy spat.

"Did he burn him?" Doc asked frantically.

"No," Diligent said, rubbing his eye. "But we need to stop talkin' and get that Dwarf home. He's too cold." Diligent turned to Dopey. "You run as fast as you can and have your grandmama draw a bath for him. And tell her to send the kids to the Stonerungs. We have clan business to attend to."

Dopey saluted then turned and bounded away. Doc knelt down and frowned at the ropes binding Grumpy's wrists and ankles. "We need to putt, uh, cut these. He might be able to walk."

Belligerent grabbed a sharp tool and helped Doc to cut the ropes. It was obvious that Grumpy was in shock as his eyes were glazed and he didn't look at anybody. Doc wrapped him snugly in Diligent's coat then glanced at the forge. "That needs shut down, Uncle."

"And your cousins can take care of that. Let's move," Diligent ordered.

So Doc and Sneezy supported Grumpy between them as they headed home. Grumpy was shivering as Diligent led them inside. Rationality leaped up at the sight of the beaten Dwarf and he ran for the kit. Honesty and the rest of the womenfolk stopped what they were doing as they came in. Dopey hurried up the stairs and made several gestures.

"Good lad," Diligent said. "Doc, you and Sneezy go warm him up and tend to him. I'm gonna talk with Mama."

Doc and Sneezy carried Grumpy downstairs and into the washroom. Diligent sat down and placed a hand over his tender eye. The door suddenly banged open and Bashful was there. He doubled over and clutched at a stitch in his side.

"Emil ain't there!" he wheezed.

"You knew about Emil?" Sleepy demanded.

"I've been tryin' to find you!" Bashful gasped. "Did you find him?"

"Doc finally stopped bein' pulled in two directions and took us to the forge. We got there after everything happened," Sleepy said grimly.

"Well, what did happen?" Honesty asked.

"Some human took him there and was gonna brand him again," Diligent said.

Honesty turned to peer at Diligent. "What do you mean, again?"

Diligent shrugged. "He has a burn scar on his shoulder."

Honesty turned and stamped down the stairs, calling for Doc. There was a tense silence before Honesty clumped up the stairs and looked around. "I want to speak with that man. And you boys are gonna bring him to me. Go. Now."

Sleepy, Happy, Dopey, and Bashful hurried to their room. As closest-of-kin, Grumpy's brothers had to be the ones to retrieve Emil according to the laws, so they most certainly would. By the time Grumpy was led back up the stairs, his brothers were raring to go, except for Doc, who didn't want to leave Grumpy alone.

"He won't be alone," Honesty said sternly. "I want to talk to that man, so you get after him and bring him back here."

Doc touched Grumpy gently. There was a long pause before Grumpy looked up. "Do you want us to stow, um, go after him?"

Grumpy blinked slowly then held up his hands. Green sparks exploded around Doc, who gave a fierce yell before stumbling back. After a moment of dazed head-shaking, Doc stood up.

"Let's go then."

"What did he do?" Diligent demanded, shocked.

"He bade, ah, made sure I can find that bastard," Doc hissed. He paused then hugged Grumpy. "We'll be back soon."

Grumpy shrugged a little and watched as they threw on their coats and shrugged on small packs. He couldn't speak or he'd tell his brothers how scared he was. He didn't want to be left alone with these Dwarfs. Half of them hated him, and none of them understood. But he wanted revenge on Emil too badly to make them stay. Because Emil had shown him a few things he'd stolen while waiting for the iron to get hot, and he had to get them back.

"Be safe," Charming said as Doc hugged Grumpy again. Grumpy didn't move.

"We'll try," Happy promised. "But that human ain't so safe."

Everybody glanced at the battered and bruised Grumpy then turned back. Honesty clumped over and wrapped an arm around him. "Go on. We've got him."

His brothers nodded then left. Grumpy became aware that he was alone with Dwarfs who might legitimately want to kill him, and he shivered. Then he turned to Honesty and made a writing gesture.

"Need to write something?" Honesty asked.

Grumpy nodded.

"This way."

She led him over to a desk, and he sat down and pulled out a quill and uncorked the ink. Then he began to write a letter to Snow informing her of what was going on. While he did that, the others began talking in low voices. They couldn't believe what had happened. Then Diligent noticed Belligerent had stopped talking. He was staring at Grumpy's bare back.

"What happened?" he asked softly, and everybody turned to see the whip scars and the brand on his left shoulder.

Grumpy didn't notice their gazes as he finished and sealed the letter with magic then stood up. He went over to the window and pushed it open, whistling. A big black raven fluttered over and croaked. Grumpy shook his head and made a vague gesture then pointed to the name he'd scrawled. The raven dipped its head then took the letter in its beak and fluttered out the window. Grumpy shut the window and then finally became aware of the eyes as he turned around. He was alone with Dwarfs, and suddenly all the stories Calida had pounded into his head came rushing in. He stiffened and didn't move.

"You all done there?" Honesty asked.

Grumpy nodded once, keeping a wary eye on all of them. There were so many cousins! Panic clutched at him, and he turned and began to hurry toward the one room in the house he felt safe in.

"Hold on now," Diligent ordered. "You need to eat."

Grumpy didn't listen, needing to get away from the Dwarfs, just for awhile. He was so scared, and he needed to be alone. He couldn't break down in front of them.

"Hey!" Belligerent said, stepping in front of him. "Say something."

Grumpy didn't stop walking as he threw out his hand. A sheet of silver appeared right in front of Belligerent, who reared back in shock.

"What?!" he yelped.

Grumpy disappeared into it, and the sheet vanished as he cut off the spell. He took in a shaky breath then hurried over to Doc's bed and crawled into it. He hadn't been so lonely in so many years, and he buried his face in his knees and cried, wrapping Doc's blanket around his shoulders. He was so tired, and he really didn't want food. He was as safe as he could be. Honesty was the only one able to get into the room, so he eventually wriggled to lay down.

As he closed his tired eyes and fell into a fretful sleep, he hoped his brothers wouldn't take too long. He wanted them back already.

Chapter 6: A Bit of Rationality

Grumpy surged out of bed with a shout, looking around the strange room wildly. He didn't recognize anything. Where was Doc? And Bashful? Where were his brothers?!

A yelp came from behind the door, and Grumpy froze, his heart hammering. Was it Emil again? He crept forward, using his magic to enhance his hearing. He was safe in this room; he could feel his magic surrounding him in a cocoon of security, so he knew nobody could get in.

"What are you shouting about, Charming?" Honesty asked.

"He shouted first," Charming retorted. "But I can't touch the door. It shocked me, I think."

"Must be his magic. You said he hollered?"

"I heard it, too, Grandmama," Belligerent said, sounding sleepy.

There was a knock on the door, and Grumpy reversed the hearing spell before he cracked the door and peeked out. Honesty peered at him.

"You okay?"

Grumpy shrugged but said nothing. It took too much effort to try to speak, so he preferred not to.

"You cast a spell on this room?" she asked.

Grumpy nodded once.

"Will you take it off?"

Grumpy shook his head sharply.

"Can anyone get in?"

Grumpy nodded and pointed at her, and Honesty relaxed. "Fine then. We'd all better get in bed. Goodnight."

Grumpy snapped the door shut then leaned against it and took several deep breaths. His memories were slowly coming back, and he sincerely wished they weren't. Emil had cornered him again and had nearly gotten him this time. But that wasn't the worst part. The worst part was that his brothers had gone after Emil and left him alone to deal with the repercussions. He knew they needed to catch him, but he wished just one had stayed. How could he get through this alone?

Though Grumpy tried to fall asleep again, he simply couldn't. His shoulder burned, and it took all of his concentration to not start rubbing his skin off. Usually his brothers made sure he didn't hurt himself, but they were gone. After several hours, he sat up and sent out a burst of magic to see where everybody was. He was the only one up, so he got out of bed and padded barefoot out of the bedroom to explore the house. It was much bigger than it initially looked, going deep into the earth.

There were so many rooms, and it was interesting to see the Dwarfish architecture. His brothers had built their cottage leaning toward their customer base, so it was very human. He'd never been underground quite like this. He eventually got to the door that he'd protected with his magic, and he stared at it for a moment, searching himself for any greed. None came forward, and he sighed with relief then turned and headed back down the hall.

When he got to the living room, he tossed a fire into the fireplace then sat down in front of it. He couldn't stand that for too long as his shoulder burned hotter, and he moaned as he gave in and rubbed his scar. He whimpered and rubbed harder as relief wasn't forthcoming. Oh why wouldn't it stop?!

As his shoulder seared beneath his increasingly frantic ministrations, somebody took his hand. "That's not a very good thing for you to be doing there."

Grumpy started and jumped aside, expecting a strike. For a moment, he was very confused as he stared at a male Dwarf he didn't quite recognize.

"It's okay," the Dwarf said. "Let me get something for that. You're rubbing yourself raw."

Grumpy glanced at his shoulder and flushed then sat on his hands and began rocking back and forth. His scar was still burning, and tears stung his eyes. The Dwarf came over with a jar of soothing gel. Grumpy recognized the smell. It was the same stuff Doc used on him, so he relaxed and allowed him to rub the jelly onto his shoulder.

"There now. Feel better?"

Grumpy didn't answer because the answer was no. The Dwarf adjusted his spectacles in a similar manner as Doc. Then he recognized him. It was Rationality, who was an uncle by marriage. He was Doc's favorite uncle, and his older brother spoke very highly of him. Rationality had schooled him until he'd gone off to apprentice for two years under a doctor.

"I'll take that as a no," Rationality surmised. "Well, I can stay up awhile to sit with you. Would you like some food? You didn't eat supper."

Grumpy hesitated then gave a shy nod. Rationality helped him into a chair then got a blanket and heated up some apple cider before retrieving a heaping plate of food. Grumpy eyed it with astonishment. Rationality laughed. "Constancy made your plate. She thinks you're too skinny. Don't worry. I'll have some, too."

Rationality sat in the chair beside him and sank into the cushion. "Ah, that's better. Let's eat. I'm a bit peckish myself."

Grumpy enjoyed the food. Though it was cold, it was good, and he tried a bit of everything. Between the two of them, they cleaned the plate, and Grumpy swallowed the last bite then sighed with satisfaction. Rationality smiled.

"Feel better now?"

Grumpy made a gesture to indicate a little.

"A little? Good. You look absolutely awful so every little bit must help."

Grumpy grimaced and reached up to touch his swollen eye. Then he shivered and hugged himself, so very sad at how things were turning out with his kin. Rationality gazed at him, his expression thoughtful.

"Have you really been branded like Diligent thinks?"

Grumpy nodded once then turned and pointed at his red shoulder. The intentional star-shaped scar meant there was no mistaking it as a brand. Rationality leaned forward and placed his fingers on the lines across Grumpy's back.

"And what about these?"

Grumpy turned around and flicked his wrist in a snapping motion.

"Whipped?" Rationality asked, alarmed. "What for?"

Grumpy shrugged and looked away.

"You can tell me," Rationality said.

Grumpy shook his head and made several gestures indicating he couldn't speak.

Rationality nodded. "I see. Well. I am curious. You seem to have led a very rough life."

Grumpy nodded and shrugged.

"I'd say it does matter, to Doc and them at least, so it matters to us, too, no matter what Diligent says to you."

Grumpy grimaced and shrugged again, curling into himself. He turned his eyes back to his fire, and Rationality glanced over then did a double-take when he noticed the sheen of green around the edges of the flames. He gasped and hurried over to kneel down. That's when he noticed that there was no wood.

"How are you doing this?" Rationality asked breathlessly, glancing over.

Grumpy snapped his fingers, and sparks flew from his fingertips. Rationality's face took on a glow of pleasure as he resumed his seat and faced Grumpy.

"Show me more."

Grumpy's brow creased and he frowned and squinted.

"Why?" Rationality guessed. Grumpy nodded, and his uncle grinned. "Because Diligent isn't here to say no, of course. He never lets anybody talk about magic. He didn't even know you could do magic until you did whatever it was with Doc. He doesn't know what to think anymore. You seem to surprise us at every turn."

Grumpy's cheeks turned red, and he looked away, hunching up.

Rationality leaned over and patted his hand. "You're not used to receiving compliments, are you?" he asked.

Grumpy shrugged.

"Determination was like that."

Grumpy turned so fast that he had to catch himself before he tumbled out of the chair. Rationality gazed at him for a moment, curious about his behavior. Grumpy blushed even more, reddening up to his ears just like Bashful, and Rationality peered closer at him.

"I suppose you don't know much about Determination, do you?"

Grumpy shrugged and tried to wave nonchalantly, but his insides were hot. He still hadn't been able to bring himself to ask about Determination and Charity, his parents. Besides the one memory that had been stolen from him by Holda, he had absolutely no memories from his early childhood. In effect, he'd never known his parents, and he was afraid to ask more about them. His brothers understood, though they were clearly bursting to share more stories about them.

"They don't talk about them?"

Grumpy gestured and shrugged.

"Not much, eh?"

Another head shake.

"Don't blame them. After what that witch did to their folks, I can see why."

Grumpy glanced over and frowned. He scooted a little closer and gestured for more.

"Oh, they were cursed by a witch."

Grumpy gestured again.

Rationality frowned. "They were cursed to die in a blizzard."

Grumpy stared at him then shook his head very slowly.

"Beg pardon?" Rationality asked.

Grumpy got up and walked over to the desk then scribbled on a piece of paper. He padded over and handed it to Rationality, his gaze intense.

'That ain't how curses work.'

Rationality read this several times then sat back and took a deep breath. "You're sure?"

Grumpy nodded then thumped his chest before miming reading a book.

"You've studied curses?" Rationality asked.

Grumpy nodded again.

"Oh."

Rationality didn't speak for several minutes as he stared at the fire. "How do we tell Diligent?" he asked softly. "He was so sure."

Grumpy shrugged again then yawned and rubbed his eyes.

Rationality chuckled. "Guess it's time for bed again. Come on. Let's get you to your room."

Grumpy allowed Rationality to help him up. His entire body protested. Yep. There was the pain. He had been wondering where it was. He leaned heavily on Rationality as the Dwarf helped him down the stairs. He stopped at the door and reached over to open it, but Grumpy caught his hand. Before Rationality could react, a burst of green sparks erupted between them, and he felt something settling around him. Grumpy released his hand and let him open this door.

"That's right," Rationality breathed, his eyes glinting. "You did magic! Can I go in now? Is that what you did?"

Grumpy nodded, and Rationality grinned then helped him to bed. Grumpy lay down without complaint, and Rationality headed for the door.

"Try and get some sleep, Grumpy. You'll feel better in the morning."

Grumpy doubted it very much, but it was the sentiment that counted. When the door was closed, Grumpy staggered to his feet and went over to Doc's bed again. He lay down and curled up, then he thought about his conversation with Rationality. He could definitely see why he was the favorite uncle, at least. He seemed very intelligent and, well, rational. It was a nice change from Diligent's hot temper.

As he lay there, he thought of his brothers and wondered where they were. He knew Emil wouldn't stop running for a few days; he'd been a thief for too long to think he would be safe in the next town over. When his brothers caught him, Grumpy was going to try and portal them back if he could. Or at least get them closer. Then his thoughts turned to Snow. Maybe he'd have an answer by this evening. He hoped so. She needed to get here to sort things out. Emil would appeal to the queen instead of relying on the mercy of the Dwarfs, which he didn't believe in anyway. And what he'd said to her when she'd been Kasper wouldn't be forgotten. He'd regret asking for her to mediate.

With that gleeful thought, Grumpy smiled and nestled into the blanket. It would be worth it, he told himself, and with Rationality on his side, he felt so much safer. So he took a deep breath and relaxed back into sleep, hoping that he didn't have the same nightmarish memory again that night.

Chapter 7: Empathy's Charm

Notes:

For anybody interested, I posted the next one-shot in Story Gems. It's set between Jewel-Ensconced Rose and Refining Fire.

One of the first things the clan noticed about Grumpy was that he did not trust Diligent or the cousins. After what they had let happen to him, he wasn't taking any chances. He would not listen to or acknowledge them or Diligent unless he absolutely had to. They could be standing right in front of him, trying to talk with him, and he simply wouldn't respond. It didn't help that he still couldn't speak, too traumatized from what had happened with Emil. So he spent the entire next day sitting in a corner and saying and doing nothing but watching them.

After he'd gone to bed early, Honesty grabbed Friendly and Belligerent. "You two run over to the Stonerungs. We need Empathy."

"She's thirteen," Diligent argued.

"She's also the only one he might talk to besides me and Rationality," Honesty said. "So you two go get her and bring her home. She's gonna be a part of this clan business. She's getting to that age anyhow."

So they retrieved Empathy and brought her home. Honesty explained what was happening and what was expected of her during the business then sent her to bed to think on things. When she came out the next morning, she saw that the door to Grumpy's bedroom was open a crack. She skipped over and knocked.

"Grumpy?"

He opened the door, his expression changing to shock as he saw her. He threw his hands up and gestured at her before pointing at the floor. Empathy thought about this.

"Why am I here?" she asked.

Grumpy nodded.

"Because Grandmama said so. And we always listen to her. Are you gonna have breakfast?"

Grumpy shrugged and toyed with the door. Empathy continued to gaze at him until he relented and followed her into the kitchen. Everybody stopped eating and stared for several seconds. It had taken the efforts of both Honesty and Rationality for an hour to get him out of his room the day before. Honesty smirked as the rest of the family had to concede that she was right about Empathy bringing Grumpy out of his shell. This was only proven more and more as the day wore on.

Empathy was a bright little thing, so happy and chatty, and now that she was allowed to talk to him, she did not stop peppering Grumpy with questions. He took to answering with his magic in images to help her. She wasn't as well-versed in sign as Rationality was, but Dopey only visited every so often, so he didn't mind. The rest of the family let him be, but they watched, curious yet wary. Diligent sat in the corner and took in everything as his oldest grandchild chattered away with Grumpy.

Despite the fact that she was soon wearing everybody else out, Grumpy wasn't bothered by her talking. Laila had been the most talkative out of all his girls, so he'd had practice. It came in handy as Empathy didn't leave his side all day. By suppertime, the family was absolutely astounded at how unbothered Grumpy was by Empathy's constant questions.

"Empathy!" Honesty finally exclaimed.

Empathy stopped. "Yes, Grandmama?"

"Why don't you save a few questions for after supper?"

The girl blushed. "Oh. Sorry."

Grumpy snickered, reaching out to tug her braid gently. She giggled and batted at him.

"Guess you don't mind."

Grumpy shook his head and waved vaguely.

Empathy grinned. "Can I at least ask if supper's ready, Grandmama?"

"Just about," Constancy called.

"Good. I'm hungry," Empathy said, then she sat down beside Grumpy and watched the room with him. The others chatted around them, but Grumpy's eyes were on the fire. A sudden sharp rapping on the window made them all jump. Diligent hopped up and hurried to the window, pushing it open slightly to see what was hitting it. Something lunged forward and slipped inside then took off, croaking.

"Damn bird!" Belligerent spat.

Grumpy whistled, and the raven immediately fluttered over and dropped a letter into his lap. He petted the bird then picked up the letter and opened it. He scanned the message then folded it and tucked it into his pocket. Empathy couldn't help but ask.

"You have a bird pet?"

Grumpy shook his head and gestured vaguely, rolling his eyes. The raven croaked and settled beside him. Grumpy scoffed. Empathy leaned close.

"Can I pet it?"

Grumpy shrugged then poked the bird. It opened one eye then clicked its beak and fluttered over to settle beside Empathy. Empathy petted its head, her eyes sparkling.

"Is it a boy?"

Grumpy shook his head.

"Does she have a name?"

Grumpy glanced over and shook his head again.

"Can I give her one?"

Grumpy squinted at her then poked the bird again. The raven croaked and dipped its head then settled it under its wing. So he shrugged and nodded at her. She stared at it thoughtfully.

"I'll need to think. Is that okay?"

Grumpy nodded and looked back at the fire, but he reached over to smooth his fingers across the raven's back a few times. Soon after, supper was ready, and Grumpy got a plate then settled in the corner again. He liked having a wall at his back. Too many suspicious eyes for him to be comfortable otherwise. Empathy skipped over with her plate and sat down beside him again.

"Who was the letter from?" Rationality asked, adjusting his spectacles.

Grumpy shrugged and continued eating.

"Is it from Doc?"

Grumpy shook his head. Then he clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes up to the ceiling to think. It wasn't a bad idea to send the raven after them. A bit of spellwork would help with his plans of getting them back sooner. But he'd do it tomorrow. The poor bird was cold and tired, so he nodded to himself then resumed eating.

After supper, some of the cousins wanted to play some music, so they headed to another room in the house. It was cozy and full of musical instruments. Grumpy automatically sat at the piano bench, the pedal seat sinking a little. He knew then it was a whistling piano. Sneezy had made the one at the house for him when he'd expressed interest in learning an instrument. Clearly the whole family enjoyed music.

The cousins struck up a tune and began to play, and the rest of the family danced. When Empathy asked him to dance with her, he said no to her for the first time and shooed her away. She went off to dance with Clumsy, laughing the whole time. Honesty and Rationality sidled over.

"I hope she's not bothering you," Rationality said. "She can be a bit much."

Grumpy waved his hand dismissively then settled it back on the keys and idly mimicked playing the tune the cousins were. Honesty's eyes flashed with interest and she leaned forward.

"Can you play?"

Grumpy nodded.

"It ain't a normal piano."

Grumpy made a face and nodded again, rolling his eyes.

Honesty reached over and pressed down several keys, making a loud screech go though the room. The music stopped and everybody turned to look at Honesty and Grumpy.

"Well then, play away," Honesty said. "You pick something."

Grumpy turned to the piano with burning cheeks, cursing his honesty. But there was no getting out of it now. He played through a scale to check the tuning then jumped into the first tune his brothers had taught him, resigned to just get it over with. After several measures, somebody else joined in on a fiddle and the room burst to life with music again. Grumpy focused on playing, but it wasn't as hard as he'd feared. It helped that he wasn't the only one playing now.

For an hour, he played with them, and they had such a fun time trying to stump him with complicated ditties, but Grumpy knew them all. When they gave in to his skill, laughing with each other, he started a rather complicated piece he'd composed himself. It was only as the last whistling notes faded that he realized how quiet it was. He turned around to see everybody gazing at him, a mix of curiosity and disbelief on their faces.

"Well, guess you can play," Honesty said smugly.

Grumpy turned scarlet just like Bashful then stood up and flashed to his room. He couldn't handle any more that night. Peering around the bedroom, he selected Bashful's bed and crawled into it, wrapping himself in the blankets. It was a bit cold in the room, but he didn't feel like making a fire. He fell asleep, wishing his brothers were there.

In the music room, the entire family was absolutely buzzing with conversation.

"I've never heard anybody play quite like that," Charming said to Rationality.

"He's certainly full of surprises," Rationality replied. "I don't think even Determination played that well."

"He was good," Diligent argued.

"But Grumpy is better," Honesty said. "Determination didn't practice as much toward the end."

Diligent said nothing, but he turned away to look at the piano again.

"Great-Uncle Determination could play the whistlin' piano?" Empathy asked.

The room went very quiet, and Diligent gestured for Empathy to come over. Determination was rarely discussed openly in the family because Diligent didn't like it. But as always, Empathy could get away with asking about his dead brother. She padded over and sat in his lap. He stroked her hair, gazing at her tenderly.

"You're growing up, Em," he said sadly.

"I know Grandpapa," Empathy said solemnly. "Tell me more about Uncle Determination."

Diligent thought for a few moments. "He could be quite the rascal."

"How so?"

"Oh, Determination was a very kind man, don't get me wrong. But he was as stubborn as the day is long. Once he'd set his mind on somethin', it was real hard to change it. You had to have pretty good evidence to do it."

Empathy gazed at her grandfather thoughtfully. "You're the same way, you know."

"Am I now?" Diligent asked.

"Yes. You still don't like Grumpy. I can tell, so don't you lie about it."

Diligent flushed a little. "What do you see in him anyhow, little sparrow?"

"I see somebody who wants very much to belong somewhere," Empathy said after a few moments. "And I like him, and so does Dopey, and Doc and them, too. Dopey ain't ever wrong about folks, Grandpapa. You told me yourself. So I don't see why he can't belong here with us. I think he's been searching for an awful long time. He's so tired and scared."

"Scared?" Belligerent scoffed. "He sure don't act like it."

"And how do you act when you're scared?" Empathy retorted, turning to face her uncle. She hadn't backed down from Belligerent in years, and she certainly wasn't daunted now. "Like nothin's wrong, right? But he's awful skittish, and he always sits in the corner where he can see everybody. He's been left here alone with us, and he don't know any of us. He misses Doc and them and most of you ain't even tryin' to help him get settled. You're too busy at bein' mad at him. What did he do that makes you so mad, Grandpapa?"

Diligent exhaled heavily. "I believe he stole and sold the treasures Determination made for his sons."

Honesty sat up straight, pressing her lips together as Empathy thought about this. "But why would he do that and then stay with them for so long?"

"That, I don't know," Diligent admitted. "I can't figure him out, Em. I think Mama was right. We do need your help with this one."

"I'm glad to help. And since it's why I'm here," she turned to Honesty and turned dead serious. "Don't you ever do that to him again, Grandmama. I don't think you meant it, but it really bothered him."

"Do what?" Honesty asked.

"He don't like attention, I think," Empathy replied. "He acts like he thinks attention is awful bad, anyhow. When he realized we were all staring… he was awful scared then too. Like, more than scared. I think…" she paused then resumed speaking. "I think he expected us to laugh at him."

"After a performance like that?" Ingenuity asked, pushing up her glasses as she peered at her oldest daughter. "Absurd. Right Papa?"

"What might be absurd to us is likely not for him," Rationality replied. "What do we know about him exactly?"

That stumped them all. All except Empathy.

"Well, he was an orphan and raised on the streets by a really awful lady, but he wouldn't talk much about that. He told me a lot about what he gets up to with Doc and them, and he told me he's real friendly with the queen. He thinks a lot of Doc and them, too. Really thinks they hang the moon. He don't like talkin' about himself much, I think. That's why I told you he was skittish."

Silence. The entire family sank into thought at Empathy's observations. It answered a few questions but raised a dozen others.

"Wish Sleepy would've told us his story," Clumsy sighed.

"Grumpy didn't want him to," Belligerent pointed out. "Sleepy kept looking at Grumpy to see if he wanted him to talk."

"I think we'll get to hear a little more when they're back with that human," Honesty said. "Now it's late. Empathy, better get to bed. And thank you for helpin' with this clan business."

Empathy nodded, and everybody got up and headed for bed. Everybody except for Diligent. He sat up for awhile longer, staring into the fire and pondering what Empathy had told them about Grumpy. When he got up to go to bed, he still hadn't made up his mind. There was just something about Grumpy that set him on edge, but for the life of him, he couldn't quite tell what it was.

Chapter 8: Surprises

The next day was a bit different. The family wasn't sure why, but Grumpy appeared to be waiting for something. He continuously glanced at the door and was very distractedly answering Empathy's new round of questions. It was just after dinner when Grumpy abruptly stood up and began to get dressed to go outside. Everybody looked at him.

"Where are you goin'?" Honesty asked.

Grumpy gestured at the door and pulled his cap on then tromped out into the snow as he shrugged his coat on. Curiosity had the others scrambling into their own coats to follow him. He wasn't walking very fast, but he was heading down the path toward Folkheim. They didn't understand exactly what he was doing. Then he froze and stared forward toward a group of human women who were coming toward them. They caught sight of him, and there was a scream.

"It's Ivan!"

Most of the group suddenly ran forward toward him, and the next thing the clan knew, a dozen women were crowding Grumpy and chattering over each other. There was suddenly an explosion of silver and green, and Grumpy appeared by the one woman who hadn't run to greet him. It was only then that they realized they knew one of them.

"It's the queen!" Empathy shouted, and she ran forward, past the group of laughing women to Grumpy. She gazed up at Snow with big eyes and grinned. "You're Snow White, ain't you?"

"I most certainly am," Snow said. She turned to Grumpy and smiled. "Surprise. I was going to wait until after the Dwarf holidays, but they simply wouldn't stay behind."

Grumpy shook his head in disbelief as the women laughed again.

"Who's all them, eh?" Diligent asked suspiciously.

"We're his girls, of course," one woman said.

Silence. "Like, in what way?" Belligerent asked.

"Nothing like that," one said acidly.

"This is the family Grumpy made for himself," Snow said, peering at Grumpy curiously. "Why aren't you talking?"

Grumpy made several vague gestures.

"Kofi! He's speaking sign again!" one woman called.

Kofi, a very dark-skinned woman, came forward. "You can't speak again?" she asked, and to the Dwarfs' surprise, she used gestures in sign as well as speaking out loud.

Grumpy shook his head and made several gestures.

Kofi pursed her lips. "My dear Grumpy, who exactly stole from the queen?"

Grumpy didn't move for a moment then rolled his eyes and touched his left shoulder. He grimaced as they all went silent.

"Emil?" Snow asked sharply. "You didn't say it was Emil!"

Grumpy made a face and several gestures then crossed his arms defiantly.

The entire group burst into angry conversation with each other. Empathy stared at them then glanced at Grumpy. "This is your family?"

Grumpy considered this then nodded. "Only one I had growin' up," he managed to say quietly.

Empathy heard him and squeezed his hand. "Grandmama always says she's glad there's so many boys in our clan. But you sure went the whole other way."

Grumpy chuckled and tugged her braid gently. The women were still talking when Honesty came over and peered at them, her focus finally latching onto Snow. When they noticed her, they stopped laughing and stared curiously at her. When she had their attention, she spoke formally.

"I'm Honesty, head of the Estodian Clan, Branch of Goldmane. What brings you to our home, your majesty?"

The Dwarfs all bowed or curtsied to Snow who watched them carefully. "You may rise. Where's Doc?"

"After that human you're all riled up about. They should be back soon."

"I see. Well, then I'll stay until they get back. He stole something very valuable from me."

"He did?" Empathy asked. "Gosh, he's stupid."

Grumpy snorted, and most of the women burst out laughing.

"Kid," an amused Bella said. "You have no idea just how stupid he is."

"We should introduce ourselves," Snow said.

"But we all know who you are," Empathy said.

"True, but I know none of you, and you know none of them," Snow replied.

The Dwarfs were quickly introduced by Honesty, stepping forward and bowing to Snow when their names were called. Snow smiled, scanning each face so she could commit it to memory.

Grumpy stayed back, glancing occasionally at his girls. They all grinned at him, and he rolled his eyes. Out of all the surprises in the world, he hadn't expected to ever see his girls all together. Ranging in age from Clara, who was almost his age, to Snow, who was just about seventeen, they stood there, different parts of his life and heart all staring at the Dwarfs who were his family. Suddenly, he wondered if Snow had told them about him being actually related to Doc and them. He hoped not. It was bad enough the holiday was tomorrow. But even if they weren't back, Grumpy had already decided that he would keep his promise to Honesty, even if it scared him.

"Well, that's everybody here, I think," Honesty said. The Dwarfs all turned expectantly to the women. "And who are you?"

They launched into it at once. There was Clara, who had bright green eyes and curly black hair shot with grey, and Kofi, the one who could speak sign, with her dark skin and mysterious smile. Bella with her bright personality curtsied to them, winking slyly at Grumpy, who made a rude gesture, much to the shock of the family. The women only burst out laughing again and continued to introduce themselves.

Laila was as bubbly as a brook, and she talked loud and fast, and her chestnut hair shone and her blue eyes sparkled with glee. Mabel had short red hair and brown eyes, and she was much more serious than the others. Anna was next, with her ornery attitude Grumpy remembered so well. Her blonde hair was braided down her back, and her grey-green eyes watched the Dwarfs carefully. Then came Johanna, with her spectacles and dark hair and pale, freckled skin, and Lilly and Rosa, who were a set of twins. They were from a kingdom several kingdoms over, and they both had golden skin and thick black hair that they kept tied up. Their eyes were almond-shaped, and they smiled and curtsied in the exact same way when Snow introduced them.

"Wait, which is which?" Belligerent asked, looking between them.

They both grinned, and Grumpy snorted. He waved his hand and golden letters flashed over their heads, spelling out their names. They looked up and laughed.

"Can still tell us apart, eh?" Rosa asked.

Grumpy nodded and tapped his temple then scowled at them. They burst into gales of laughter before Snow restored order again to introduce the last three women.

Sofie had dark brown hair and black eyes, and she blushed when it was her turn, curtsying awkwardly before slipping back behind the group again. Lina had rich auburn hair and intense blue eyes, and she watched them like a hawk, her posture defensive. Finally there was Adele, his only other girl who'd been blessed with natural magic. Her long chestnut hair was put up in a braided knot, and she smiled, her dark eyes shining. When she straightened, Honesty peered at them curiously.

"What would you like to do, your highness?" Honesty asked.

"We haven't eaten yet." Snow supplied.

"Then allow us to show you some Dwarfish hospitality," Charming said.

"You'll have to stoop, though," Rationality added apologetically.

The women laughed. "After years of watching Ivan make do in a human world, I think it's the least we can do to not complain about that," Laila said.

There was a spark of green magic that tugged her hair and made her yelp. She turned to gaze at Grumpy. Grumpy stared at her until she smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, yeah, Grumpy, not Ivan."

Grumpy nodded and relaxed then glanced at Honesty, who turned the clan around and led them all to the house. They were all gracious, some more loudly than others, as the Dwarfs fussed over making the women welcome. Grumpy sat in his corner and watched them, unable to believe what he was seeing. His girls were all here, talking with the kin that didn't trust him, and he had the insane urge to laugh. He tamped it down, listening to the low murmur of voices. Kofi came over to sit beside him, smiling. He gestured, and she replied in sign. It was so much easier than speaking aloud, what with everything that had happened. So he sat and conversed with her while the rest of the room buzzed with conversation.

The rest of the day was a bustle of activity as the clan pulled out all the stops for the queen. They gave Snow and her guests all the hospitality she could want. Arrangements were quickly made for them to stay in town, and the clan would pay for all of it. They were also invited to the party, which would be held in four days. Everybody accepted, and Snow said that Florián might join them, a wicked twinkle in her eye. Grumpy had a feeling that the king had returned from somewhere to find his queen gone and a note telling him where to find her. He fought back a smile at that and asked Kofi to be sure. She only grinned back and told him that she really liked Snow.

It was quite late when Snow and his girls finally got around to leaving. Diligent and some of his sons escorted them to town while the rest of the family buzzed with the events of the day. Even if Doc and them knew the queen, they had never expected to host her themselves. Since she was staying for a few more days, they would do even more, after the holiday of course. They had told the women that it just wasn't celebrated with humans, and Snow had accepted that as graciously as she'd accepted a cup of tea.

"Of course. We'll come by day after tomorrow. And thank you ever so much for your hospitality."

Grumpy reluctantly left his corner to say goodbye and had to suffer being kissed and patted by his girls. When they were gone, he scuttled back to his corner, his face red up to his ears, just like Bashful. Rationality stared hard at him, and he wasn't the only one.

Diligent and his sons came in just as the clock struck midnight. When the last cuckoo faded, Honesty looked around.

"Happy holiday," she said. "Let's hope Doc and them are okay."

Grumpy had sent the raven out that morning with a note for his brothers, and he was sure they were okay. They had their magic jewels, after all. As Diligent settled in his chair, Grumpy glanced around then got up and headed into the bedroom. He got the chest from where Doc had stashed it and stared at it for several long minutes before he turned and went back. The others had clearly expected that he'd gone to bed, and they all went silent as he came back in. Honesty straightened when she saw the box.

"What are you doin' there?" she asked.

"Keepin' our promise." Grumpy said, his gruff voice soft but clear. Everybody was startled by the fact that he was speaking again. He walked over to Diligent and held out the chest.

Diligent stared at it. "What's this?"

Grumpy didn't respond, but he shook the chest a little. The Dwarfs all sat up at the tinkle of metal and gemstones rattling around. Diligent took the box and stared at it before he opened the lid. All the color drained from his face and he jerked his head up.

"How?" he demanded. "You stole them! That man said so!"

"Of course I stole them," Grumpy retorted. "I was cursed with gold sickness when my ma was carryin' me inside her still. I was cursed, Diligent, because they messed with Holda's business, but not in the way you think."

Diligent leaped to his feet, the box crashing to the floor. The treasures that had been stolen so many years before scattered across the floor, but he didn't notice. He stared at Grumpy with wild eyes, his expression terrified and angry.

"What the hell are you goin' on about?" he demanded. "Where did you hear that name?"

"Oh, she knew Calida," Grumpy said, waving his hand. His voice was gaining strength as some of the fight came back to him. "You know, the bitch who raised me. And you know what else they did, with the help of our former queen Grimhilde? They kidnapped me from my home and took me and raised me away from Dwarfs and made me too scared to even look at another Dwarf again because there was a prophecy about seven brothers ruining their plans for power and money."

Nobody spoke as what Grumpy was saying began to sink in. Rationality's mouth dropped open as a theory he hadn't considered plausible was suddenly looming in front of him. Constancy and Charming stood stock still, their eyes dashing from Diligent to Grumpy. The cousins were all speechless.

"You can't prove this!" Diligent shouted.

Grumpy reached down and picked up the treasure he'd made for Dopey then handed it to Diligent. Diligent didn't even look at it. He didn't have to. He was a Dwarf, after all. He sank to his knees, clutching the disk in his hands as the fire opal his brother had found all those years ago seemed to burn against his hand. He gazed at Grumpy with fear and something unreadable in his eyes.

Grumpy stared at him. "Happy holiday, Uncle," he said softly.

Diligent had no response as Grumpy went to his room to go to bed. He didn't want to know how they'd react. Honesty could handle them. He just wanted sleep. Feeling vulnerable, he chose Sneezy's bed this time and curled up under the blankets. Sleep found him relatively quickly, and he was grateful as his mind slipped into dreams.

Chapter 9: Return

Grumpy awoke early the next morning and couldn't get back to sleep, so he rolled out of Sneezy's bed and got ready for the day. Deciding to get the inevitable out of the way, he walked right out of the room and toward the kitchen as soon as he was dressed. Nobody was awake yet, and Grumpy looked around before lighting the stove to get it hot. There were holiday foods everywhere, and he remembered Happy talking about the holiday breakfast. He began to make coffee, following calculations scrawled on a note for anybody who didn't know what to do. He figured that was for Empathy and her siblings and cousins. He didn't mind the work, and he used his magic to make breakfast. An hour after he'd lit the fire, Honesty came in and looked around.

"Well I'll be," she muttered. "You sure are good with that magic."

"Yep," Grumpy said. He poured her a cup of coffee. "How do you like it?"

"Sugar and cream. I've lived long enough to deserve as much as I want," Honesty said, and Grumpy agreeably made her coffee heaped with cream and sugar. She took a sip then nodded. "You done good. What are we makin'?"

Grumpy showcased what he'd been cooking, and Honesty took over a couple dishes. Charming and Constancy came in next, and they stopped talking at once as they saw Grumpy in their kitchen with Honesty. Grumpy poured them coffee and gestured at the sugar and cream.

"Figure you can make yours yourselves."

"Figured right," Charming said cautiously. She peered at him with wonder. "Are you really Brother? Or did you find the stone somewhere?"

"I got the memory back when Doc got his," Grumpy said, shrugging. "He remembers me bein' kidnapped instead of drowned, and I remembered bein' forced to forget everythin' I knew."

"Can you prove this?" Rationality asked, coming in to peer at him over his spectacles.

"When Doc and them get back, sure," Grumpy said.

"Fair enough," Rationality replied. "I am getting worried about them. They should've caught him by now."

"Emil's a coward," Grumpy muttered, rubbing his left shoulder roughly. He'd had another nightmare, and that was why he couldn't sleep. "He'll run until he can't no more."

Rationality caught his hand and gave him a stern look. "You stop that."

"I know," Grumpy said tiredly. "But sometimes I can't help it."

"I would assume it's the brand? Phantom pain?"

"That's what Doc calls it," Grumpy said. "Don't feel like no phantom to me. Feels awful real."

Rationality squeezed his hand then held out a cup. Grumpy filled it and glanced around. "How'd everybody else take it?"

"We didn't stay up too much later once you went to bed," Rationality replied. "I don't think any of us could really process what you said." He shook his head and studied Grumpy's face. "That's why you seem familiar. You look just like Determination, now that I think of it."

Grumpy's face went scarlet again and he set aside the coffee and went back to cooking. Constancy and Charming took over another couple dishes each, relieving the amount of magic he needed to use. Rationality watched, amused.

"You know, you're the first man in that kitchen," he said.

"First up, I get to cook," Grumpy said. "How it works at home, at least."

"Well, you haven't burned anything," Constancy said.

"I ain't Sneezy," Grumpy replied, and they all laughed.

Grumpy assisted with breakfast until a few of his female cousins got up and took over. He didn't complain about being kicked out, just poured himself a cup of coffee and doctored it before sitting with Rationality. His magic and early rising meant that breakfast was on time despite how late everybody else was getting up. The womenfolk were happy with his preparations and had nothing to complain about with his cooking. It wasn't the fanciest, but it was good, hearty food and there was a lot of it. The rest of the cousins had to be dragged out of bed to eat, and they all came plodding up the stairs, looking exhausted.

Empathy rubbed her eyes as she came upstairs, unable to stop yawning. "Grandmama, staying up late ain't that fun the next day."

Honesty laughed. "And that's why you have a bedtime, Em."

Diligent didn't come out, and Constancy stopped cooking when Honesty asked about him.

"I don't think he came to bed last night, Honesty. He wasn't there when I got up."

Silence. But just then, the front door opened and Diligent came in. His eyes were bright and his face was flushed with the cold. He didn't say a word about where he'd been, just joined them for breakfast. Grumpy curled up in his corner and ate, aware that he was being discussed by everybody in small groups, but this wasn't the first time, nor was it the worst thing that could have been discussed by them. Empathy came to him, of course, and sat beside him. Her eyes shone with curiosity, but no questions came out today. Instead, she cuddled into his side and ate her breakfast. Grumpy didn't complain that he couldn't use one of his hands; he simply used his magic to eat.

After breakfast, there was an awkward time where nobody quite knew what to say or where to start. Then Grumpy stood abruptly as green sparks burst around his head. He got his coat and went outside. They followed him out in time to see him whistle. A silver sheet opened up and that Adele came through.

"I thought we weren't allowed here?"

"Get Snow," Grumpy said. "They're too far away for me to get them here by myself."

Adele popped back in then hurried through with Snow. Grumpy turned and linked his spell with his raven. Instantly, sparks flew again, and Snow and Adele both threw their own magic forward, pink and orange respectively, and it combined into a large silver doorway. There was a pause then Grumpy's raven came through, croaking. An instant later, Emil, bound, gagged, and roughed up, came sailing through and landed in the snow, writhing. Doc and the others hurried through, and they didn't look too good either. Sneezy and Dopey both sported a black eye, and Doc's spectacles were gone. Sleepy looked wide awake and ready to kill, and Happy was frowning and limping along with Bashful.

"That stupid little—" Doc began then noticed Snow and Adele. He calmed at once. "Snow! What are you doing here?"

"Give me his bag," Grumpy ordered, not daring to get any closer.

Happy carried it over and Grumpy opened it and dug around. He pulled out several expensive necklaces before he found what Emil had so proudly shown him at the forge.

When Doc saw the tiara, he let out a yell. "That's the one I bade, ah, made for you!"

"He stole from you?" Sneezy demanded, then turned and kicked Emil in the ribs.

"Please don't do that," Snow said.

"Sorry," Sneezy muttered, but he was clearly unhappy.

Snow peered at Emil then looked to Honesty. "Certainly he could stay in jail until the holiday is over?"

"That would be best," Honesty agreed. "We'll get him down there. You two better head back. And thank you."

They turned and headed through yet another sheet of silver before disappearing.

"That is just fantastic!" Rationality burst out as soon as the women were gone. "Where did you just come from?"

"Havenstone," Sleepy groused. "That bastard simply wouldn't stop!"

"He's a coward," Diligent said. "Boys, let's get him down to the jail while your cousins wash and take care of their injuries. Then our holiday can properly begin, now that we're all here."

The male cousins headed off with Emil, who struggled and tried to shout at them the whole time. Doc hurried over and embraced Grumpy, the others following close behind.

"We got him," Sneezy said, reaching up to cup his black eye.

Dopey waved his hands and stomped his foot.

Grumpy snorted. "Sure did take long enough."

"I'm just glad for the raven," Sleepy yawned, wilting with tiredness. "Sure nice that you came through."

"Was that Adele with Snow?" Happy asked.

"Yep. They're all here," Grumpy said.

"All?" Bashful asked, and his face lit up. "Wait, all your girls are here?"

"In town. They came with Snow. Surprise," he said dryly.

"We'll have to talk with them!" Bashful exclaimed.

"Not today," Honesty said. "Today is for family. Rationality, go help Doc tend to them. And you all better wash, too."

Grumpy followed his brothers in, unwilling to be out of their sight. Or perhaps he didn't want them out of his. After three days, he was glad not to be alone again. He washed with them then helped them all upstairs. Rationality got the kit, and Grumpy frowned at the injuries then got to work with his uncle's help. Luckily there were no major injuries, the worst that Bashful's ankle was swollen and sprained. They were tended to, but they were all obviously in pain. So Grumpy went to his room and pulled out a healing potion. He'd brought several to be prepared, and he shook it as he came in. Popping the cork, he handed it to Doc.

"Two," he grunted.

Doc took two swigs out of the bottle then passed it on. The theory that it was alcohol to numb the pain was disproved when a burst of golden light surrounded Doc and his noticeable injuries became fainter. Rationality gasped and everybody watched as the potion was passed around before ending back with Grumpy. Grumpy didn't take a drink, and Doc made a noise.

"Your eye still looks awful."

"I'll live," Grumpy said and corked the bottle. He went to put it up then came back and sat down beside Doc. Everybody began staring again.

"What are you booking, ah, looking at?" Doc demanded.

"What did you do when you found out?" Belligerent asked.

"I'm more interested in how they found out," Diligent replied, eyeing Grumpy, not with suspicion but curiosity.

"Found out what?" Sleepy yawned.

"That Grumpy is Brother, of course," Belligerent said.

"I done showed you the stone," Grumpy said while his brothers nearly hit the ceiling with shock. "And we got our memories. If that ain't proof, I don't know what is."

"Wait, you told them?" Doc asked.

"We had a late night that turned into an early morning," Honesty said. "And since it was after midnight this morning, he brought out the treasures to keep the promise you made. Though that disc is made very strange. We can't figure that one out."

"I couldn't get near the forges to make it like everybody else does. I used magic," Grumpy replied.

"Why couldn't you get near the…" Belligerent trailed off. "I guess you have been branded like Papa thinks."

Grumpy nodded and rubbed his left shoulder. Doc immediately took his hand and squeezed it. Grumpy leaned into him, grateful that they were back.

"I want the story," Diligent said after a few moments. "And I want to hear it before the kids do. I have a feeling it's not something to be telling everybody."

"What about Empathy?" Sleepy asked.

"I think she can handle it," Honesty said. "She'll be helping with the clan business tomorrow. But it's up to Grumpy."

"She can stay," Grumpy muttered. "And Sleepy can tell the story however he wants. But it's gonna take awhile."

"Then this will be our holiday story," Empathy said. "And then we can do the usual one when the others get back. We'll tell them we just couldn't do it without them, and we'll open presents then. That way we still have our holiday. We can do it the day before the party and that way it can last for two whole days."

There was a pause then Grumpy chuckled. "Well now, how can anybody argue with a prospect like that?"

Everybody agreed with a burst of laughter as Empathy blushed and grinned at Grumpy. Grumpy smiled back then leaned against Doc.

Sleepy glanced around. "Well, I guess I could tell the story," he said. "But are you sure, Grumpy?"

Grumpy waved his hand, and Sleepy considered where to begin. He decided to start at the very beginning again, with he and his brothers marching home from the mine only to find a stranger half dead in their way. The rest of the family settled in to listen, spellbound almost at once by Sleepy's voice and the incredible tale he told of the Dwarf that would come to mean more to them than they had ever imagined.

Chapter 10: The Clan's Protection

The entire rest of the day was spent around Sleepy, and he still finished pretty late. Their heads swimming with an incredible amount of information about their long-lost relative, they went to bed and properly slept in. Grumpy was up first again, and he roused himself to look around at his brothers just to make sure they were really back. They all slept soundly, their faces drawn with exhaustion. They'd chased down Emil for him, and he couldn't be more grateful.

Grumpy went out into the quiet house and started the coffee. Even he had slept in this time, so it would be far closer to dinner time than breakfast. Still, they needed to eat so he set to work. Empathy was the first one up, and she came in to stare at him.

"Want coffee?" Grumpy asked.

Empathy gazed at him then nodded, an eager smile on her face. Grumpy fought to keep a straight face as he recognized that she had never had coffee before. Well, she hadn't corrected him, so Grumpy poured her a small cup and passed it over. Empathy tasted it and made a face.

"It's very bitter," she said.

"Well, that's why you add cream and sugar," Grumpy said. "Ain't you ever had coffee before?"

Empathy looked up, panicked, then saw his eyes twinkling. She giggled. "Maybe, maybe not."

Grumpy chuckled and showed her how to doctor her coffee. She took a drink and brightened. "Oh, that's much better."

"Mmhm. Just remember that you didn't tell me that you ain't allowed to have coffee."

Empathy stuck out her tongue and took another drink. "It's good but why does everybody tell me that it's amazing?"

"Give it ten to fifteen minutes," Grumpy said. "Now help me with breakfast, girlie."

Empathy stared at him. "I ain't never seen a man in this kitchen. Grandmama and Constancy and Charming don't allow it."

Grumpy tapped her nose, and green sparks glittered as he grinned. "I'm first up, might as well start breakfast. Now, what should we have today?"

Empathy picked her favorite breakfast and pulled out all the instructions for it then they set to work. Grumpy had to admit that Empathy was a far superior cook to Dopey, though his brother was trying. He just couldn't get the timing right. Still, Dopey could cook well enough to survive, while Sneezy could only burn water, so Dopey didn't feel too bad about it.

Empathy dashed around the kitchen, atwitter with words. Grumpy wanted to laugh out loud at the thought of what the girl's mother would do to him. Well, she couldn't be as bad as Calida, so he wasn't too worried. It wasn't Ingenuity that came out first, though. It was Empathy's great-uncle, Rationality. He took one look around then bit back a laugh when he saw her drinking coffee.

"Oh, what have you done?" Rationality asked, holding out a cup for coffee.

"I asked if she wanted coffee. She did," Grumpy said.

"She isn't allowed to have coffee," Rationality said.

"She must've forgot to mention that," Grumpy said, glancing at Empathy, who giggled and stuck out her tongue again.

"Can't be helped now," Rationality said, grinning. "But Ingenuity is going to kill you."

"She can try," Grumpy said absently, waving his hand as he scanned his magic to make sure breakfast was progressing. "I've almost died more times than I can count. Pretty sure Calida started to try and kill me after I turned thirteen. That's when the misses started."

"Gosh, she sounds awful," Empathy said. "Hey, can I have more?"

"Nope," Grumpy said. "You don't need no more. And yes, she was."

"Worth a shot," Empathy said, grinning. Then the grin faded. "How many times did she try?"

"Empathy," Rationality scolded. "That's not polite."

"I don't mind none," Grumpy assured him. "She's a girl, and girls are curious. I've dealt with thirteen of them. Trust me, I'm used to it." He turned to Empathy. "I lost count when I was about twenty years old. I think. Saw no use in keepin' track no more. Last number I remember is thirty-one, but that was years ago. A lot more attempts were made."

"So she kidnaps you and then tries to kill you?" Rationality said. He shook his head.

"They didn't want me to begin with. They tried to kill me but… magic." Grumpy shrugged. "I think that was their fault too. Holda cursed me before I was born. She said somethin' about the magic bein' real strong because of it."

"Do Doc and them know what you told me a few nights ago?" Rationality asked.

"What did I tell you?" Grumpy asked.

"That Charity and Determination weren't cursed."

"Not directly," Grumpy admitted. "Don't know how to bring up the fact that I was the one cursed and not my ma and pa."

The two words felt foreign coming from his lips, and he flushed and focused on cooking for awhile. Ingenuity came in several minutes later with Constancy and Charming, and the three women quickly discovered that Empathy'd had coffee. Ingenuity threw up her hands as Constancy and Charming laughed until they had to sit down.

"You just had to give her coffee, didn't you? She's going to want it all the time now!" Ingenuity scolded.

"Nobody mentioned she couldn't have any," Grumpy replied. "I offered and she said yes."

"You knew better, Em," Ingenuity cried.

"Yes, Mama. I'm sorry. But I was curious," Empathy said contritely.

As soon as Empathy admitted this, Ingenuity calmed down. "Well, can't be helped now. But you," she said, pointing at Grumpy. "Get out of our kitchen."

Grumpy peered at her then smirked and walked right out. His magic didn't dissipate, and he sat down and continued making breakfast while the womenfolk watched in astonishment. Rationality lost it, and he laughed until he couldn't breathe properly. Honesty and Determination came upstairs and stopped to take in the kitchen.

"You're a brave man," Diligent said to Grumpy. "Or just very stupid."

"He gave Empathy coffee, Papa!" Ingenuity exclaimed.

"Stupid then," Diligent said.

"Don't be like that, Grandpapa," Empathy begged. "He asked and I said yes. I didn't tell him I wasn't allowed any. I was curious."

Diligent relaxed but rolled his eyes. "Of course you were, little sparrow," he said fondly.

"Cut it out," Honesty said to Grumpy as she and the other women headed into the kitchen to join Empathy.

Grumpy obeyed, snapping his fingers. The magic settled at once, and the women took over.

"That is still very nifty." Rationality said, pushing his glasses up.

"Thanks," Grumpy said. He paused, peering at Rationality. "Does Doc have a spare pair of spectacles here? They couldn't find his old ones. Emil threw them away."

Rationality considered this. "I believe we have a few old pairs around here. I'll go look."

He came back with several options, and Grumpy took them and brought them to their room. The others were slowly getting ready for the day. Their movements were stiff, and they were clearly sore.

"Morning," Doc managed.

Grumpy set the spectacles on Doc's bed. "Your… Our uncle found these. See if any of them will do until we get home."

Doc beamed at him, pleased that he'd corrected himself. "Thank you."

Grumpy flushed and shrugged then watched them get ready for the day. "I'll give you another swig of that potion after breakfast," he said.

"Only if you bake, ah, take one, too," Doc argued. "You don't look too good. That eye is ugly."

"Matches the rest of me," Grumpy quipped.

Nobody laughed. Bashful walked over and poked him. "Don't," he scolded.

Grumpy shrugged. "It ain't so bad," he said.

"Still, you'll take some or we won't," Doc said. "Because we'll live just as touch, er, much as you will."

Grumpy nodded and sat quietly while they finished getting ready. When Doc had selected the best pair of spectacles, he put them on and they headed out to the kitchen. Everybody was up by this point, and breakfast was almost ready. The loud chatter and chaos were homey, and Grumpy fell right in with them. Nobody looked at him with disdain or hostility, though Diligent's look was hard and piercing whenever they passed.

Settling down to eat, talk turned to Emil and what was going to be done about him. Grumpy didn't pay much attention to the conversation until Honesty called his name. He looked up to see everybody staring.

"What?" he asked.

"Come here and take your shirt off."

Grumpy hesitated then gave in. He handed Doc his plate then stood and walked over. Tugging his shirt off, he turned around and let her see the marks.

"So the whip wasn't from him?" Honesty asked, and he jumped when she actually touched his back.

"Nope. That was me taking Calida's lashin' for theft," Grumpy said, his voice monotone.

"But the brand?" She touched it and Grumpy suddenly found it difficult to speak.

"That was definitely Emil," Sleepy said, his voice wide awake. "Now stop that!"

"Stop what?" Honesty asked.

The world grew a bit fuzzy around the edges as she withdrew her hand, and suddenly Doc was there, leading him back to his corner. Grumpy found that he was shivering and he refused his plate, too nauseated to eat another bite. He could feel the family staring at him, and he knew it was stupid to react like this when Emil wasn't even here.

"Why did he do it?" Honesty demanded.

Grumpy let out a croaking laugh. "Because I'm a Dwarf and he thought I was too high and mighty. So he decided to cut me down to size." He didn't look at the family as he wrapped his arms around his knees. "It worked and made Calida very happy. Still can't get too near fire, especially the forges."

Silence. Grumpy fought his trembling, but he couldn't stop it. Diligent spoke for the first time. "You can share memories. You showed us some last night."

Grumpy scoffed. "Ain't no reason to share that one."

"But if we asked you to?"

Grumpy glanced up, scowling. "If you're stupid enough to ask, I guess I can. But none of you are gonna like it."

"Do it," Diligent said.

Grumpy raised his chin then snapped his fingers. Instantly, the whole room went still and silent. Grumpy stood up and walked around some while they couldn't stare at him. When he sensed the spell ending, he went back to his corner and sat down. Several seconds later, the entire house exploded with high shrieks as everybody surged up and began clutching frantically at their left shoulders. Rationality calmed first, and his whistle brought everybody back to the present.

Glancing around, Grumpy couldn't help but notice how pale and haunted the family looked. Even his brothers were shaken. Though they'd witnessed him reliving the memory again and again, they'd never experienced it. One look at their faces and Grumpy knew they had a new appreciation for his fainting spells and nightmares. Grumpy curled up again and stared at the fire as the family calmed down.

Honesty tapped over and spoke gently. "We are gonna make sure this don't happen again. I promise you that, Grumpy."

Grumpy couldn't stand being stared at any longer. He stood up and flashed away without responding then dropped into his bed. After fifteen minutes, Doc and the others came in and began to get ready. Doc came over and sat beside Grumpy.

"You can stay here. We'll take wear, ah, care of it."

Grumpy shrugged as he leaned into Doc. His shoulder burned and only when Doc took his hand did he realize he was rubbing at his scar again. He stared at his hand then grumbled and stood up. Even though he really didn't want to go, he needed to. Emil had messed with him long enough. He'd gotten rid of most of his old life, and now it was time to prise Emil away too. He was so tired of fighting, but as he and his brothers headed out, he was grateful that he at least had his family to back him up now. That made him feel a lot less alone.

Chapter 11: A Very Special Holiday

Even years later, Grumpy couldn't fully recall the trial. He could barely focus on anything but keeping his composure throughout most of it. Emil didn't take his eyes off of him, cursing him and shaming him for his past mistakes, and Grumpy half-expected the family to turn on him. But they didn't.

Honesty called out Emil with increasing venom until she ordered his silence. Emil responded by insulting her, and Grumpy couldn't stand that. He snapped his fingers and Emil could no longer speak. Honesty and the rest of the clan jumped on that with glee and what followed was nothing short of evisceration. When they began debating on what to do within the scope of their power, Snow arrived with a thunderous Florián, and the matter was swiftly settled. Emil was arrested for stealing from the queen and given to the Dwarfs to do with as they wished for what he'd done against their family.

"When they consider you even, then they may release you," he said, and Snow's pretty face was as serene as ever as Emil, allowed to speak again, begged her for mercy.

"Where was his mercy?" Snow asked sweetly, gesturing at Grumpy. "Or mine, when you threatened to violate me on the road from Alirgos just because it would hurt Grumpy the most?"

That caused an eerie silence to fall as Florián turned to gaze at Snow with a mix of shock and horror. Without another word, Honesty ordered Emil thrown in jail again until she could talk to the other clan heads and find out what they thought would be adequate punishment. By that point, Grumpy couldn't handle being there any longer. He turned and began stumbling back toward the cottage. Soon after, his brothers caught up with him and guided him back home.

Doc insisted that Grumpy rest in their room while they brought the kids back. Grumpy didn't argue and fell asleep before he knew it. He awoke with a shout and a scramble at his shoulder, but Doc was right there in an instant, clasping his hands and soothing him.

"Been having a rough time of it?" Sneezy asked, turning over in his bed to face Grumpy.

"A bit," Grumpy managed to mutter. He shivered and tugged Doc onto the bed then leaned against him. "What's goin' on?"

"Alas, we have been banished to our room until supper so that we can rest while Grandmama fills the rest of the clan in on what happened," Sleepy said dramatically, and the room burst out laughing at his posh tone.

"We're not stewing, ah, doing much for the rest of the day," Doc said.

"Tomorrow we're redoing the holiday with the kids and then there's the celebration in town with the clans about the treasure the day after that," Happy said. He was lying down and looked sleepy.

"Is it always this busy when you come here?" Grumpy asked.

"In a different way," Bashful admitted. "Don't get much sleep here, but I don't mind."

"How bad do you want to sleep?" Grumpy asked.

Everybody perked up. "You have a potion?"

"Yep. Dopey, get my pack."

Dopey obeyed and carried it over. Grumpy reached in and dug around as his magic twinkled around his hands. He finally pulled out a purple potion. The brothers looked gleeful.

"After supper," Doc promised.

After supper came quickly enough, and the seven brothers went back to bed at once. There was some good-natured teasing, but nobody stopped them. As soon as they were in bed, Grumpy carried them the potion and let them each take a swallow. By the time he got back to his own bed, most of them were already snoring.

"Night, Brother," Doc murmured sleepily. "Don't stall, um, fall out again."

Grumpy snorted. "I fell out of bed?"

"Mmhm," Doc laughed. "Lots and lots."

Grumpy fought back a smile as he swallowed a mouthful of the potion before corking it and setting it aside. Sinking down into his bed, he fell asleep and had no dreams.

The next morning, Grumpy awoke to find his brothers trying to pull themselves out of the drowsiness left over from the potion. They were all a bit sluggish, and Grumpy was very amused.

He rolled out of bed, yawning. "Coffee will help," he promised.

"Coffee ain't made," Happy said. "Nobody's up."

"Then make coffee," Grumpy said.

"Can't," Sneezy said, sniffling. "We ain't allowed in the kitchen."

Grumpy scoffed as he got dressed. "Sure didn't stop me, now did it?"

It took a moment for his brothers to register his words, and they all looked up as he headed for the door.

"Wait! You've made coffee?" Happy asked. "Here?"

Grumpy nodded and left the room. His brothers scrambled to get dressed before they hurried out into the silent house. It was very early, the sun not even over the horizon, and the house was cold. Grumpy threw a ball of fire into the fireplace just like he'd been doing at home all winter then headed straight for the kitchen. Without a word, he pulled out the calculations and set to work on making coffee. His brothers stood anxiously at the edge of the kitchen.

"You ever had the chance to cook for the family, Happy?" Grumpy asked idly.

"Nope," Happy murmured.

"I done it twice. What say we make it three?"

Still they hesitated. Then Doc laughed and stepped forward over the invisible barrier. "Book, ah, look at us!" he said. "You've always wanted to cook for them, Happy, so we will. What do you want us to bake, er, make?"

Happy stepped into the kitchen then began peering around. "How about papa's favorite?"

"Yes!" Sleepy and Sneezy exclaimed. Dopey clapped and skipped over, ready to help.

"Okay then," Happy said. "I need eggs. Should be in the lime buckets over there. And flour. And…"

Happy trailed off then began to pull out what they'd need. Sneezy was exiled from the kitchen, and Happy told him that if he touched a bit of food, he'd flay him alive.

"I want this meal to be good so I might be able to do it again," Happy said sternly, his hands on his hips. "And you can't cook."

"Suits me fine," Sneezy said. He was quite used to being excluded from the kitchen. "Guess I can wash dishes."

Happy was pleased by this and agreed. The seven brothers set out to make the holiday breakfast. The kitchen was bigger than theirs, naturally, which meant they had more space to work. Following Happy's instructions, the kitchen was soon full of good smells and warmth. They were so busy that only Grumpy noticed Honesty coming into the living area. She froze and stared at the kitchen, open-mouthed. Grumpy gave her a cheeky grin and a wink then prepared her coffee. He sashayed over and held out the cup, eyes shining.

"Mornin', Grandmama," he said carefully.

The disapproval that had been hovering in her eyes disappeared and she gave a fond smile as she took the cup. "Knew you'd get there," she said. "Didn't know it involved men in the kitchen though."

"Happy's always wanted to show you what his… our ma taught him. And you've never let him," Grumpy explained softly.

"Grandmama?" Happy suddenly asked, and Grumpy and Honesty turned to see all six of the others frozen and waiting for judgement.

Honesty studied them then shrugged. "We'll see how it goes."

They all relaxed as Honesty sat down to watch them. Grumpy slipped back into the kitchen and resumed cooking.

Half an hour later, Honesty quelled the uproar that Charming and Constancy tried to start when they came out to find not only Grumpy, but all seven brothers in their kitchen. They settled down but never lost their dour expressions as the rest of the family began to come out of their rooms.

The children stampeded out very soon afterwards, clamoring for their presents and for the holiday they hadn't gotten to enjoy properly. Before that could begin, Happy called that the food was ready, and the family sat down for the first time in front of a meal made by him. Grumpy saw him duck down the stairs looking a bit sick, but he said nothing. He personally thought everything tasted amazing, but Happy's food always did. He watched the rest of the family and was amused by the incredulous muttering from most of the womenfolk. When Happy crept back upstairs, Constancy turned on him.

"Where did you learn to cook like this?"

Happy scratched his head, bewildered. "Well, Mama taught me of course. You expected her to feed all of us all by herself just 'cause we ain't got sisters?"

There was a pause then Rationality chuckled. "That is a very good point. I don't believe we've ever considered that."

"What, you think we're gonna eat everything raw?" Grumpy challenged. "Only Sneezy can't cook, and you'd better remember that from now on."

There was another surprised silence as everybody stared thoughtfully at him. Then Honesty conceded. "I suppose you got a fair point. It ain't been fair, Happy. You're welcome in the kitchen anytime. The others… we'll see."

Happy practically glowed with pleasure and he fixed his own plate then hurried to sit with his brothers. Breakfast was over pretty quickly because the children wanted their presents. They scrambled into a circle in the large living room then settled around, waiting with grins of anticipation. Grumpy watched with interest. Empathy glanced over at Dopey, who didn't join them. He shook his head, and she shrugged then turned away.

Grumpy sat with his brothers as the presents were passed around. He fully expected to not receive even one gift, but he didn't care. Having a family to celebrate with was gift enough. So he was very surprised when he received several packages. He could do nothing but take them, and yes, his name was scrawled on the tags. There was already a chatter of voices as the children ripped into their gifts. Grumpy set aside three packages and opened the first one to find candy. He relaxed a bit. That was from the womenfolk. He was fine with gifts like this.

The second package also contained a holiday treat, this time fruitcake, and Grumpy was very happy with this gift. One of his girls, Sofie, would make him one a year every year until his disappearance. He occasionally could get a piece from the brothers if it lasted long enough to make it home with them, but now he had a small cake all for himself. He wrapped it up for later then grabbed a rectangular package and pulled off the paper to reveal a book. Puzzled, he ran his fingers over the blue cover then opened it to find letters. He frowned as he scanned the first one then nearly bit his tongue off as he stifled his cry. His face betrayed none of his surprise as he casually shut the book and set it aside, but his insides were hot as he grabbed the last gift and unwrapped it.

A pendant fell out, and he caught it before it hit the floor. What he saw gave him pause. It contained the same stones that Doc had used in Snow's tiara, only much smaller, surrounding two others in a circle. They lacked nothing, pure and perfect as any Dwarf could want, and the gold was of the highest quality. He stared at it, amazed by what he knew this represented. He looked up at Diligent, who met his eyes and nodded. Grumpy nodded back then lowered his gaze back to the gift. Then he nudged Doc.

"Look at this."

Doc glanced over and popped a piece of candy in his mouth before he caught sight of the pendant. His eyes widened and he leaned over to peer at it. Then he looked up at his uncle and smiled. Diligent nodded again then turned to his own gifts and began to unwrap them. Grumpy passed around the pendant, and all of his brothers handled it with great care. They knew what it meant as much as Grumpy.

On a golden chain was a pendant. Set in gold were nine gems, a diamond up on top for Doc, with a white opal, a sapphire, and an aquamarine—Bashful, Sleepy, and Dopey—on one side and a black opal, a ruby, and a garnet—Grumpy, Sneezy, and Happy—on the other. They formed a circle around two gems in the center, a white onyx and a honey-colored chrysoberyl, which must be for their parents, Determination and Charity. He was officially part of the family.

Slipping the pendant around his neck—he saw no reason not to wear it on the holiday at least—he looked around, a warm feeling surging through him. He had a home where he was welcome and a family who loved and would protect him. It was more than his childhood self had ever dared to dream. And tomorrow he'd get to spend some time with his girls.

"Happy holiday!" Empathy called, laughing with a beautiful new doll. "Happy holiday everybody! But we've got to do the story now!"

"Who should tell it?" Honesty asked.

"Sleepy!" the room called as one.

Sleepy grinned and hopped up to begin the tale. Grumpy was too busy staring at Diligent's gift to listen much, but Sleepy could always tell it again later. Leaning into Doc, he contentedly looked around at the family he'd just begun to know, and he couldn't wait to learn more.

'For clan and kin,' he thought, and for the first time he understood it perfectly.

Chapter 12: Celebration

The family's holiday celebration seemed to melt into the Dwarf celebration that was being held in town, and the next morning there was a scramble to get dressed between frantic bites of a light breakfast and gathering all the treasures together to take with them. Grumpy didn't mind the chaos, and he easily maneuvered through it as he got ready. After an hour, the clan was finally set to depart with the treasures contained in a cart that they covered and surrounded by the men of the clan. They weren't losing these treasures no matter what. They had been lost long enough.

When they got to Folkheim, some neighboring clans had already begun arriving and they were setting up for the celebration. Honesty took charge at once, declaring that since the Goldmanes were hosting, they would be overseeing everything. The children were sent off to play and then the work began. Soon, everything was buzzing as more clans showed up, bringing food and games and good cheer. The air was full of excitement, and Grumpy contentedly worked along with his family until Snow approached. He set aside a basket then grabbed two steaming rolls and brought them to her.

"Where are they?" he asked, handing Snow the roll. She cupped the hot bread in her hands.

"Coming along soon," Snow promised.

"Good. Can't believe you brought all of them."

"Which one would you have me leave?" Snow asked.

"None of them, and you know it, Snow White," Grumpy scolded. He paused to bite into his roll. He was surprised by some kind of cream in the middle. Snow bit her lip to stifle her giggles as he wiped at the cream in his beard.

"It's a cream roll," Grumpy warned blandly, and Snow laughed.

"I noticed," she said, then took a much neater bite. He scrubbed his face clean and finished off the cream roll then heard Laila's telltale voice carrying to him from down the road. He couldn't help but perk up and grin. He twanged his magic to summon his brothers, and they all came hurrying over, looking alarmed.

"What's wrong?" Bashful asked.

"You said you wanted to meet them," Grumpy said, pointing at the gaggle of women coming straight for him.

His brothers brightened then waited eagerly for introductions. Grumpy pointed at each woman and gave her name and a jab or two. They all laughed good-naturedly, eyeing his brothers with great interest.

"You all can show them around," Grumpy told Doc.

"We'd be fighted, erm, delighted, but what about you? Aren't you coming with us?"

"And listen to them tellin' tales? Nope. Ain't gonna do it. I'll catch up with you later. I'll help Grandmama and them."

Grumpy turned and hurried away, but he still caught a glimpse of delight on his brothers' faces. They were so pleased that he'd claimed Honesty as kin. Still, he was grateful to be leaving as Laila began to talk.

Honesty turned to glance at him when he came over. She nodded. "I was about to come lookin' for you."

"Why? What's wrong?" Grumpy asked, a pit of dread forming in his stomach.

"Nothin'," Honesty said, her tone gentle. "Just about to sort through the treasures. Thought you'd want to see it. Where's Doc?"

"They're with my girls," Grumpy said. He made a face. "No doubt hearin' tales I wouldn't tell them."

"Oh, that's got to be the best part."

Grumpy shrugged but had to hide a smile. "If you say so."

"Are we ready, Mama?" Diligent asked.

"Pull it out and let's get started," she declared.

Diligent nodded then turned and gestured to Rationality, who was next to the cart. Rationality pulled out a horn and let out a long note that echoed through the town, silencing the Dwarfs. Then they started moving as one toward the cart to surround it. Grumpy stayed beside Honesty, watching the swarm of Dwarfs with wariness. Old fears couldn't help but stir in his memory. The stories Calida had told him growing up weren't so easily forgotten.

"We've gathered here to celebrate a momentous occasion. We have finally discovered the location of our stolen treasures!"

There was a raucous cheer, and Grumpy peered around. A hand settled on his shoulder and he turned to see Friendly. He looked away quickly, but he couldn't help but notice that Friendly was aware of his discomfort and fear.

Honesty continued. "Let's do this in an orderly fashion. Clan heads first. Then we can pass them around and celebrate."

Honesty moved toward the cart, and half a dozen others followed her. Rationality and Belligerent pulled back the cover, and there was a moment of silence as the treasures glittered in the sunlight. Then the talk began. The sorting and claiming was done quickly and efficiently. There were only a few squabbles, and those were over the treasures of deceased Dwarfs that would stay in the family. Grumpy had to admit that humans would have been arguing into next week, but the Dwarfs could identify the pieces just based on the way they were crafted. Finally there was only one treasure left. Honesty lifted it up and held it out.

"Any claims?" she called.

"What is it?" somebody else shouted.

Grumpy crept closer to get a look at it. "That ain't from around here," he told Honesty.

"How do you know?" a male Dwarf asked rudely. "You ain't even touched it."

Grumpy scowled and looked directly at the treasure. "I don't got to touch it. That's a Dwarf-made piece, but it wasn't made here. Them gems are found in a faraway country. That fashioning ain't from this place neither. That's more common way out East. That ain't from here. You're lookin' for a Dwarf who came from a long ways away who settled here or one who traveled a lot."

There was silence for several moments. "I think that might have been Papa's," an old Dwarf woman finally said. "There was one he never let us see."

"If nobody else claims it, you may take it," Honesty said. She handed it over, and the family crowded around to look at it.

"How did you know without touchin' it?" Friendly asked curiously.

"Don't need to touch them. Got some kind of gift for it," Grumpy mumbled.

"Fascinating," Rationality said, adjusting his spectacles. "You're an endless sea of surprises, Nephew."

Being claimed as kin made Grumpy feel odd, but he didn't get the chance to react. Now that the sorting was done, the celebration could begin. The humans in town were invited to enjoy themselves as well as the Dwarfs, and there was a particular desire to show off for the king and queen, whose presence was a delightful surprise. But of course they wanted to hear the story of why they were here. Sleepy was summoned, and he gleefully told the story of how they met the queen and saved her from Grimhilde's curse. When asked why they were here, Snow herself told the about Emil stealing her tiara, and since Doc had made it for her, she had to have it back. That set the Dwarfs off to stare at the crown, especially the neighboring clans. That's when Grumpy learned from the murmurs in the crowd that there was speculation on how good his brothers were at forging treasures.

"I wish we could touch it," Friendly muttered. "We never get to see what they make."

Grumpy glanced at him then grabbed his wrist and pulled him over to Snow. Friendly froze up as Grumpy tugged gently on her skirt. She turned. "Yes?"

"You should pass around the tiara to the Dwarfs," he said bluntly. "They're curious."

"As long as I get it back," Snow said, then, to the astonishment of several watching Dwarfs, she took it off and handed it to Grumpy, who turned to Friendly.

"Pass it around, but don't you let it out of your sight," Grumpy said, pressing it into his cousin's hands. Then he turned back to Snow and started chatting with her and Florián.

Friendly stood rooted to the spot as the tiara sang in his hands, settling any doubts as to the quality of his cousins' work. He hurried to the family first and shoved it in Diligent's hands. "Doc made this," he said excitedly. "Oh, Papa, he's so good! And if he can make something like this, just think about the others."

Rationality and Honesty both reached for the tiara, but Rationality backed off to allow Honesty to take it first. It was passed around the family before they allowed the neighbors to see that the Goldmanes were just as good as ever, even if they weren't all together. The family watched the tiara just as Grumpy instructed, and within the hour, they needed to return it to Snow. They had no idea how to do it, though. They couldn't just approach the queen!

"I'll take it," Empathy said, and she snatched the tiara and skipped over to Snow before anybody could stop her. She curtsied and held up the tiara. "Here you are, your majesty."

Snow smiled, her white teeth gleaming. "Oh, thank you, Empathy."

Florián reached out and took it then placed it on Snow's brow again. "Now that's fit for a queen," he said.

"Better than the trash your folks paid for," Grumpy said blandly.

The family stiffened and stared at Grumpy, expecting for Florián to disagree or get angry, but the king only nodded. "I agree. Speaking of which, we need some royal jewelers. Do you think Doc would be interested?"

Grumpy snorted. "What do you think?"

"I think we've found our jewelers," Florián replied.

"They'll be happy about that," Grumpy said. "But that means more special orders, don't it?"

"Most likely," Snow agreed.

"Your highness?" Empathy asked.

"Yes, my dear?" Snow asked, looking down at the Dwarf girl.

"The show's about to start, and I think you'd like it."

"Aw, not that old thing," Belligerent said.

"Don't pay no attention to him, your majesty," Empathy said primly. "It's his favorite part."

"I see that some things run in the family," Snow said, and though she didn't look at him, Grumpy knew she was talking about Belligerent's similarity to him. He quickly left while Empathy pulled Snow toward a large, open area where another clan was hurrying around, getting ready for a performance.

Doc found him half an hour later, sitting and chatting with Kristina and her younger brothers. All three of the thieves had full plates and were telling some sort of story involving stealing a necklace from an uppity noblewoman. The two boys stopped talking, but Kristina greeted Bashful.

"Hope you're doing okay. I guess Emil's in trouble, eh?" she asked.

"Big trouble," Bashful said. "Don't you worry about him."

"Yeah, girlie. What you need to worry about is takin' the queen up on her offer," Grumpy said. "I'll make sure you can talk with her before she goes. Get out of that life. Makes for good stories, but it ain't worth it. Especially as you get older. You can only pass as a boy for so long before it starts hurtin' too bad. That's why most women stop pretendin' toward their mid-twenties. Those that don't? Well, their bodies changed to fit, but they don't look right no more and they're in pain. It ain't too late, Kristina."

"You'll vouch for her?" Kristina asked.

"She knows about why we steal," Grumpy assured her. "But if you're caught without goin' to her first, she will punish you. Thieving is wrong. It ain't yours to take. So meet her now and ask for help. She won't turn you down."

Kristina glanced at her brothers then nodded. "I'm so tired of this life. If you'll introduce us, we'll talk to her."

"You finish eating then meet me in the square. Don't you worry. Everybody's invited, like I told you."

Getting up, Grumpy followed Doc and his brothers back out into the square. He looked around and could pick out some of his family members working and laughing. He rather liked having a family. But it was tiring.

"When do we go home?" Grumpy asked.

Bashful thought about this. "I think day after tomorrow, right Doc?"

"Yes," Doc replied.

"I'm glad. It's nice, but I'm tired," Grumpy mumbled. He hesitated. "We could flash back to Altenfeld with Snow and my girls then head home from there."

Doc nodded. "That sounds excellent!"

"Yeah," Bashful said, grinning. "That way we can spend all day tomorrow with your girls again."

Grumpy muttered under his breath and stood up, his face flushed. He didn't care to hear what nonsense his girls had shared with his brothers. Not in public, at least. Bashful snagged his arm and pulled him over to wrap an arm across his shoulders.

"Don't be like that," Bashful said. "We'll leave it be. For now."

"Thanks," Grumpy said. "And yeah. Until we get home."

Bashful nodded and squeezed him. "Sounds good to me. Now let's go and get some food. All this talkin' has me hungry."

Grumpy agreed, and he followed his brothers into the square to peruse the options. His thoughts were turned homeward now, though he was so very pleased by how reuniting with his kin had gone. Grumpy had offered Diligent some of his healing potion that morning to make his black eye less noticeable, which his uncle had accepted. That proved something had changed, but Grumpy didn't want to push his luck. So he was looking forward to going home.

There was something else that he didn't want to do until they got home, too. The blue book that he'd been gifted was weighing on him. He didn't even know where to begin with it, so he pushed it away. He wasn't going to open that book again until he got home. Somehow, that was the easiest and hardest decision he'd ever made. But once it was made, he pushed it out of his mind and focused on enjoying himself for the rest of their visit.

Chapter 13: Fidelity

The celebration lasted into the evening, and it was another late night as the Goldmanes headed back to their home. The children were all tired out and went to bed without complaint, and the rest of the clan sat around the fireplace in the living room. The cousins chatted about the day and their various interactions and misadventures. After about half an hour, Diligent shifted and leaned forward.

"Grumpy?"

Grumpy turned to his uncle, wary but curious. He'd never been addressed by Diligent. "Eh?"

Diligent's face turned surprised and he covered it with a shaking hand. "You really are Determination's son. There's no way you could know he did that."

"He did?" Doc asked. Then his face lit up. "Oh, he did, didn't he!"

Grumpy glanced around. The cousins looked curious, but his aunts and uncles seemed to agree with Diligent. They'd known him well when their offspring hadn't.

"If you say so," Grumpy finally said. "What do you want?"

"Rationality tells me you have news about the curse that killed my brother and his wife."

Grumpy hesitated then shrugged. "You ain't gonna like it."

"Try me," Diligent said.

"They weren't cursed," Grumpy said.

Silence. Diligent stared at him. "How do you know that?"

"They weren't cursed. I was," Grumpy said. "Holda tried to curse me to die so the prophecy couldn't be fulfilled. But she gave me gold sickness instead, and I was born anyway. She never cursed Determination or Charity. She cursed me." He paused. "Besides, curses don't make you get lost. They're more specific and dangerous."

There was a long silence before Diligent placed his head in his hands. "So they just got lost?" he asked shakily.

"Don't know. Makes sense if they did. It was an accident," Grumpy said.

Doc and the rest of his brothers stared at him, uneasy. "You knew this?" Sleepy asked.

"Guessed at first," Grumpy admitted. "When you told me and Snow about how they died, I thought it was awful strange you said they were cursed. I didn't know much about curses then, but what you told me didn't sit right. I learned more about them from the library. Didn't think to tell you after all that. Then Snow told us about the prophecy, and I just… didn't know how to bring it up."

"Understandable, if you ask me," Rationality said, adjusting his glasses.

"Is it?" Diligent asked.

"Look at how you reacted to the news about Holda," Rationality said. "And think of how you raised the boys, especially Doc, to hate magic. Any topic of magic was forbidden, and you know Doc and them acted the same way toward it for years. It's only in the last year that Grumpy has been able to openly talk about his magic. And it certainly isn't easy to bring up. How would you do it? 'Oh, our folks weren't cursed, it was the baby, and they just accidentally got lost in a blizzard'? Doesn't roll off the tongue, Diligent."

Diligent huffed and rubbed his forehead. "Why would they leave the neighbors' then?"

"To get back to Dopey," Doc said quietly.

"What?" Diligent asked.

"Don't you remember?" Doc asked. "Mrs. Grott sold, ah, told us Mama wanted to get back to Dopey. She didn't like being away from him. And Papa couldn't pay, um, say no to her. He could put his soot gown, erm, foot down on anything else, but when it came to us, she'd always win."

Diligent stared at his nephew for several moments then lowered his head. "I don't remember that bit. It's all a blur, getting you all fed up again and bringing you home, and Mama breaking down when she found out that Determination and Charity were dead. Your old neighbors weren't high on my list of things to pay attention to." He paused then looked up. "But I am sorry, boys. I tried my best."

"Did a pretty good job of it, if you ask me," Grumpy said.

Diligent turned to him. "You think so?"

"Compared to how I turned out? Yep. Crystal clear we're different."

"You are," Diligent replied without hesitation. "But they've polished you up pretty good in the years they've known you."

Grumpy blinked. "What do you mean by that?"

Diligent smiled a little. "You ain't the same Dwarf I met in Castell all those years ago. Not even close. You didn't like me any more than I liked you. Every time you looked at me, I could tell you wanted me gone. I didn't know why."

"Did so," Grumpy argued. "You knew I stole them. Told me you'd kill me if you ever saw me again when you left Castell."

"Uncle!" Doc gasped.

"I did know you stole them, but I didn't know that you were forced to," Diligent said. "And that makes a difference. Gold sickness is a terrible thing to have. We lost my papa because of it. Besides, you've regretted that long enough. You got them back, so there's nothing more to say. As far as I'm concerned, you've made up for it."

Grumpy nodded. "Glad to hear it." He paused. "How else have I changed?"

Clumsy snorted. "You've softened."

"Oh yeah," Friendly agreed with a laugh. "When Doc led us in to introduce you, you looked like you wanted to fry us where we stood. Couldn't read a single thing about you by looking at you, and that was unusual. I was impressed Bashful could. He and I talked about you. He said it was a bit tricky at first, but once I got to know you a little, it would get easier." He paused and grinned. "He was right, of course. And Empathy helped, too."

"If people can read you, they can hurt you," Grumpy said plainly. "I learned real young to keep things to myself. Calida would use anything I told her against me. So I stopped talking to her. Then I started with my girls."

"Who was the first?" Bashful asked.

"Clara," Grumpy replied. He smiled a little. "She's my age. Came to the guild at eight. We got close. She helped raise me just as much as I helped raise her. She's a bit different than the others."

"I could tell," Bashful said, his eyes sparkling.

Grumpy rolled his eyes. "Then I started taking care of the younger girls that came through. I'd seen things happen when I was growing up in Cliffside. Real bad stuff. Calida didn't care what happened to the girls. It was kill or be killed in the guild. I started offering protection, blessing coins with spells to protect them and harm the ones tryin' to hurt them. Clara moved off then, and somehow Bella started hanging around me. Didn't get why until Emil threatened her in front of me. We didn't get along then, but I made it worse by thrashing him for what he wanted to do to Bella. Pretty sure that's when he started hating me."

There was a thoughtful silence when Grumpy finished talking. In the silence, there was a loud crash against the window that made them all jump. Grumpy snorted and waved his hand to open the window. The raven flew in on a gust of wind and snow, croaking with displeasure as it flapped around. Grumpy whistled and waved his hand again so that the window shut. The raven fluttered over and settled on his lap. Grumpy stroked her feathers gently as there were footsteps on the stairs. Empathy appeared, looking a bit frightened.

"What happened?" she asked. "What was that noise?"

"Just stupid here," Grumpy said, tapping the raven's head. The raven clicked its beak but didn't fight. It huddled into Grumpy, shivering.

"Oh, please don't call her stupid," Empathy begged.

"Come up with a name then?" Grumpy asked.

Empathy thought about this then padded over to sit beside him on the floor. She peered at the raven. "Can she understand me?"

The raven opened its eyes and nodded, tilting its head.

"Well, I have thought of a name."

"What's that, little sparrow?" Diligent asked.

"I think your name should be Fidelity," she declared.

The raven straightened then stretched out its neck and turned its head to peer at Empathy with one eye. Then it clicked its beak and turned its head to Grumpy. It tilted its head questioningly.

Grumpy snorted. "It fits. You sure won't leave me alone, so maybe Stubborn would do if that sounds better."

The raven shook its head then flapped over to Empathy.

"Guess she prefers Fidelity," Grumpy said with a grin.

"Then Fidelity you shall be!" Empathy exclaimed, and she gently embraced the bird. Kissing her head, she set Fidelity back on Grumpy's lap then stood up. "I'm going back to bed. I'm tired. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," the room replied, and she headed back down the stairs.

"Well, we've got an early start tomorrow," Sneezy yawned. "Snow wants to get back to Altenfeld as soon as possible. We should be getting to bed, too."

"Wait," Grumpy said, then stopped when everybody looked at him.

"What?" Honesty asked.

"I… What about Emil?" Grumpy's face burned as they stared at him.

"I ain't had the chance to talk to the other heads," Honesty said. "Do you have something in mind?"

"No," Grumpy said. "I just don't want him near me ever again."

"We'll write you as soon as something is decided, Grumpy," Constancy promised.

Grumpy relaxed and nodded. "Thanks."

"Now can we go to bed?" Sleepy yawned.

"Sounds good to me," Grumpy agreed.

Everybody got up and the seven brothers headed down the stairs and into their room. Everything was packed except for their nightshirts. They got ready for bed without saying much, but when they were settled, it was quiet. For several minutes, there was nothing but the crackle of the fire on the far wall. Then Grumpy spoke.

"I'm glad you made me come."

"Yeah?" Doc asked. "Even with Emil?"

"Could've done without him," Grumpy admitted, and his fingers came up to rub at his shoulder.

"Stop it," Doc said.

"You ain't even looking," Grumpy argued.

"Don't have to," Doc replied. "I know you're stewing, ah, doing it."

"Maybe," Grumpy said, his lips twitching as he turned over.

"So what do you think?" Happy asked. "About the family, I mean."

Grumpy thought about his aunts and uncles and all the cousins and second cousins. Then he thought of his grandmother. "Not what I expected," he admitted. "But not in a bad way. It's a lot. I didn't have family growin' up, and now I got more than I can handle."

"Yeah?"

"It just ain't a bad problem to have," Grumpy said.

His brothers all laughed at that, and Grumpy smiled to himself. The room fell silent again, and after a few minutes, the snores began. Grumpy listened, one by one, as his brothers fell asleep, and he could tell each of them apart by their snoring. Sleepy fell asleep first, then Dopey, then Happy, then Sneezy. For awhile, Bashful and Doc lay awake, saying nothing.

"Bashful?" Grumpy asked.

"Hm?"

"Did you have trouble reading me like Friendly said?"

"At first," Bashful said. "All I could see at first was how much you was hurtin'. Then I saw how lonely you were, and defensive, too. I knew what you needed, though, and we was happy to give it."

"Give what?" Grumpy asked.

"Love," Bashful said.

Grumpy snorted and turned over again to stare at the fire. Bashful fell asleep while Grumpy thought about his answer. Then he considered what Diligent, Friendly, and Clumsy had said about him changing. That was the answer, he realized. Doc and Bashful and the rest of his brothers had loved him enough to be with him when he was difficult. They'd loved him enough to let him into their lives, and then, as the years had gone by, that love had changed him into the Dwarf he was now. He had changed, and he'd changed for the better. As Doc's snores joined the others', Grumpy sat up and looked around at them.

"I love you, too," he said softly, then lay back down and fell asleep.

Chapter 14: Grumpy's Gift

Notes:

I'm posting the last chapter slightly early because of the holidays. I have lots of baking to do, so here is an early Christmas surprise. Please enjoy, and thanks for sticking with Grumpy for so long. :)

After such a hectic couple of weeks, Grumpy could do nothing but rest once they got home. Still, all the time he couldn't forget about that one particular gift that he'd hidden from his brothers by stuffing it into a magic pocket they couldn't get to. He was afraid to even look at it again, so at first he didn't even mention it as they all caught up on sleep and settled back into their routine. But he couldn't help but think about it.

When his brothers headed out to check on their traps several days after returning home, hoping for some fresh game, Grumpy finally had some time to himself. He crept upstairs to the chest as his brothers' singing faded, almost ashamed of himself. He dug the book out of his pack then sat on his bed and smoothed his fingers over the blue cover, his fingers trembling. Then he opened it up.

My dearest son, popped out at him, and he ran his eyes over the letter, not reading or skimming, until he got to the bottom. Charity's signature was there, plain as day. The next letter was signed by Determination. He flipped through the book, finding alternating letters from his parents. It seemed they'd each written once a year to him after his supposed death up until theirs. His heart clenched and he shivered. Then he snapped the book shut. He couldn't do this by himself.

Grumpy went downstairs, the book strangely heavy in his hands, and he set it on the table then looked around. He began to clean without his magic, desperate to keep himself busy until his brothers got home. By the time he could hear their singing, the house looked as if Snow had been at work all morning. He was making dinner when they came in and stopped in surprise. The house was never this clean in the winter since they stayed home more.

"Grumpy?" Doc asked

"Dinner's almost ready," he said tightly.

"What's wrong?" Bashful asked.

Grumpy shrugged then hesitated before he gestured at the book. "My present from Grandmama," he said, a lump in his throat.

Sleepy's eyes lit up. "Oh, a storybook?" he asked, and hurried over to pick it up. When he saw the first page, he stopped and looked up. "This ain't a storybook," he said softly. He looked at the others. "This is the book Mama and Papa wrote to Brother in."

There was silence and Grumpy continued to cook, his heart hammering. "Yep," was all he could manage.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Bashful asked.

"I don't know. I don't know nothin' no more," Grumpy mumbled.

Happy came over and took over the cooking, shooing him away. He didn't go far, just stood staring at nothing. Doc and Bashful took his hands and guided him into a chair. Sleepy was reading through the first letters. When he was finished, he looked up.

"Have you read this?"

"Couldn't," was all Grumpy could say.

Sleepy handed the book to Doc, who read over the first two letters. His eyes filled with tears and he swallowed. "I never knew what they wrote to you. I figured it was yours, and you wouldn't want me spying, erm, prying."

Grumpy shrugged. Doc held out the book to him, but Grumpy pulled away, unable to even look at it. Bashful tugged a chair over and sat beside him, embracing him. Grumpy didn't really move for several minutes. Then he suddenly burst into tears, and he buried his face in Bashful's shoulder. Doc handed Sneezy the book and hurried to make tea.

Grumpy accepted their care and concern without an ounce of fight this time. He had come a long way from the Dwarf he'd arrived as, and he needed them more than ever as he faced the prospect of getting a glimpse into his parents' thoughts for the first time in his life. He accepted tea and a plate of dinner, but he couldn't eat much as his brothers passed around the book, reading the first two letters. It ended back with Doc, who set it aside before they sat down and ate. They all looked very thoughtful. Grumpy couldn't stand the silence.

"Sleepy?" he asked quietly.

"Mmhm?"

"Tell me a story about our folks."

Sleepy sat up straight, and the room went quiet. "You mean it?" he asked.

"Please?" Grumpy asked. "I just… I need to know about 'em first."

Sleepy sank into a thoughtful silence as he considered what to talk about. There were so many stories he wanted to tell Grumpy, but what would be best? Snow often asked him to tell things in his own way, plain as it seemed to be to him.

"Well, I got an idea, but I don't think you'll like it. Besides, I can't tell it cause I wasn't there."

"The funeral?" Doc guessed, his voice a little hollow.

"Yep."

"Whose?" Grumpy asked faintly, though he already knew the answer.

"Yours," Doc moaned.

Grumpy stared at him, his heart in his throat. "I had a funeral?"

"The clan held one," Bashful explained. "I was born the next day, healthy despite mama's hard time with me. Grandmama told me that she thought that was the Lord's way of telling them it would be okay. And it was."

Doc sat very still. "I don't really… I can't…"

Grumpy smiled a little. "Doc?"

Doc looked up, and Grumpy waved his hand. Green sparkles followed his hand, and Doc relaxed. "Is it okay?" Doc asked. "It's hard for me to recall what trappened, erm, happened. I don't know what we'll see."

"I think it's the best story for this," Sleepy said solemnly.

"I don't mind usin' my magic if that's what you want. Might make the tellin' easier in a few ways," Grumpy said.

Doc nodded then leaned back. "Everybody get comfortable and sit down. Don't want anybody to stall, um, fall."

Everybody sat down around Doc and Grumpy then waited expectantly. Grumpy reached over and touched Doc's temples then cast the spell. The cottage faded away around them…

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Doc opened his eyes the morning of the funeral, and he didn't move for a long time. He was lying in his cousins' room at Grandmama's house, but it wasn't a good thing like it usually was. Mama was having trouble even getting out of bed, and she was so heavy with child that she just laid around and cried most of the time. Papa was holding on by a thread, and Uncle Diligent had taken charge. Uncle Rationality was kind, at least, and he spent a lot of time with him. But today he wouldn't get to sit with his uncle. Today they would honor Brother and losing him at the creek.

Doc groaned softly and rubbed the sore spot on his head as it throbbed. He'd obviously hit his head sometime, maybe when he went underwater and Brother was swept away. He couldn't remember exactly what had happened, but everybody told him that his brother had been drowned and his body taken far away by the currents, but Doc just wasn't sure. It didn't sound right, but whenever he thought of that horrible day, his head would ache and he'd get dizzy. Sometimes he'd even throw up, so he quickly turned his mind away from that and rolled out of bed. He hoped Grandmama was up with breakfast.

When he came out of the room, rubbing his eyes, he was glad to find that Grandmama was awake. He padded into the kitchen and tugged on her skirt. Grandmama looked down at him.

"Hungry?" she asked kindly.

Doc nodded. He didn't speak. He didn't like to speak anymore. Ever since the creek, his words kept getting all mixed up, and Belligerent kept laughing at him. Grandmama didn't make him talk, picking him up and swinging him onto a stool. Doc accepted some tea and sipped it as she made him a plate.

"Here you go, Doc," she said. "Eat up now."

Doc obeyed but didn't taste anything. He'd never been to a funeral before. The last one had been for Grandpapa, but that was before he was born. When he was done, he sat and watched Grandmama cook. Aunt Constancy and Aunt Charming came in.

"How is Charity?" Grandmama asked.

"Weak and tired," Aunt Constancy said. "That baby better get here and it better be okay, or we'll be having another funeral for her."

"Constancy," Grandmama said sharply, gesturing at Doc.

"Sorry," she said.

Uncle Diligent came in, his expression set. "Everything's ready."

"Get breakfast then. And Belligerent and Sincerity need to be got ready. I'm going to go help Charity get dressed."

Doc slid off the stool and went down the hall toward Uncle Rationality's room. He knocked twice, and the door burst open. Ingenuity was trying to get a dress off of her and run at the same time.

"I don't like it! It itches!" she shouted. Then, unable to see because the dress was half over her head, she bounced off the wall.

Uncle Rationality came to the door looking harried. He saw Doc. "I can't convince your cousin to wear the dress Honesty picked out for her. Do you need something?"

Doc shrugged, and he walked over and tugged the dress down properly.

"Putt, um, what itches?" Doc asked.

Ingenuity pointed, and Doc snagged several loose threads. Uncle Rationality got a knife and cut them. Ingenuity calmed down.

"Is that better?" Uncle Rationality asked.

"Yes, Papa," Ingenuity said.

"Good. Now run and get breakfast."

Ingenuity hurried down the hall, and Doc looked up at his favorite uncle. "Is Mama going to try, uh, die?"

"What makes you say that?" Uncle Rationality asked.

Doc haltingly explained what Aunt Constancy had said, the words getting harder to say right the longer he spoke. Uncle Rationality waited patiently for him to get the words out then embraced him. "Your mama is having a hard time. I think she'll be okay, Doc. But if not, you have us, so don't you worry about it."

That was what Doc liked about his uncle. He explained things well. Uncle Rationality took Doc's hand and led him to his bedroom. He helped Doc get dressed then they went into the main room.

"Everybody ready?" Uncle Rationality asked.

"Just about," Aunt Charming said. "We're waiting on Determination and Charity."

No sooner had she finished speaking when Papa and Mama came out of the back room. Determination had black hair shot with grey and a long beard. Determinations's eyes were a clear bright blue, but Charity's eyes were brown and soft. Her hair was blond streaked with grey, and she looked so huge and tired. It was clear the baby was due any time.

Doc plodded over and wrapped his arms around Mama, who held him. "Hey, pumpkin seed," she said, her voice gentle. "Ready?"

Doc nodded, and Papa and Grandmama gathered Mama up and helped her into a wagon. She reached for Doc, who joined her while Determination walked with Uncle Diligent and Uncle Rationality.

"You hang in there, Charity," Grandmama soothed. "We'll be there before you know it."

Charity only nodded and held her son close, one arm around Doc, the other pressed across her stomach. Doc pressed into her, smelling her pretty soap as the cart was carefully guided to the funeral site. They had decided to do it in the old style and were going to have a pyre instead of a stone grave since there was no body. The family gathered around with some of the neighboring clans there to show support. Then the ceremony began.

Doc couldn't really follow the words that the Dwarf was saying in front of the pyre. Something about stones in the heart of the earth and pressure creating gems, but he didn't care. What mattered was that mama wasn't doing so well. Tears poured down her face, and papa held her close. Doc pressed into her belly and stared at the Dwarf as he talked, taking in nothing. Doc felt his mama shiver and he turned to look at her. A look of distress passed over her face suddenly then a look of determination, and he knew she was going to have the baby. But she sat there for the next half hour with her face pinched and didn't say a word. Doc squirmed the whole time. She needed to get home.

Finally, the pyre was lit, and the crowd began to talk as the ceremony came to a close. Doc got up and ran for Grandmama before his mama and papa could even speak. She was speaking to an older Dwarf, and Doc interrupted.

"Mama's in traybor, uh, labor," Doc said.

Grandmama turned in a flash. "You foolin' boy?"

"I don't drink, um, think so."

Grandmama excused herself then barreled straight for her daughter-in-law. "Are you—" she began but didn't get any farther. The look on his mama's face and the dampness of her skirt said it all.

There was a mad scramble to get his mama home, and Doc remembered flashes, getting her home, preparing her for labor, and he just stood in the corner and watched. Uncle Diligent tried to make him leave, but Doc kicked up such a screaming fuss that he left him there. Doc wasn't bothered by the birth. He'd helped papa help the neighbors' sheep give birth three times, so it was nothing he hadn't seen before. When the first cries came from the baby, Doc knew at once why the knowing stone had given him his name. As the squirming newborn was placed into mama's arms, he decided then and there that he wanted to be a doctor and help people. Especially his new little brother. Whatever had happened to Brother would not happen to this one. He would make sure of it.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They came out of the spell, taking deep breaths as they readjusted to the present moment. Doc was pale and crying, and Bashful and the others looked overwhelmed at seeing their parents again after so many years. Grumpy sat very still in his chair, thinking.

"Boy, Grandmama wasn't foolin'," Sneezy said, sniffling. "You really are the spittin' image of Papa."

Grumpy glanced up. "Guess so. Didn't think much about it when she said it." He paused then spoke. "I wish I could remember them. But I don't."

"You were so young when you were taken," Bashful said gently. "It ain't surprisin'."

Dopey clapped and turned to Doc, making several gestures as he asked about his name. Doc smiled through his tears. "We all figured I'd see, er, be a doctor, but up until that doint, ah, point, I thought it was for animals. Papa was teaching me how to seat, um, treat animals, and I was hood, uh, stood, ah! good at it. But I switched to people after Bashful was torn, erm, born."

"Mighty nice of you," Happy said sincerely.

"You're more important," Doc said, and he held out his arms. The seven brothers embraced each other, and Grumpy felt right at home. When he pulled back, he looked at the book.

"I think what you showed us is enough for me tonight," Grumpy said. He scrubbed at his eyes. Bashful smiled.

"Ain't no reason to hurry," he assured his brother.

"No reason at all, since they're all written down," Sleepy yawned. "We can go through them a little at a time."

"How about a story instead?" Grumpy asked.

As usual, Sleepy's whole face lit up. "What do we want?"

"Somethin' about you and mama and papa. Nothing too much," Grumpy suggested.

That made all of them exceedingly happy, and as Sleepy stood in front of the fire and thought, the others crowded around him. Grumpy looked around at the family he'd found all those years ago, if he'd only known it. Maybe a part of him had, he mused. Why else would he have wanted to stay with Dwarfs at the time? He was glad he had. He'd found so much more than he'd ever dared to dream as a child. He had a family, and that family loved him dearly. And he loved them back.

As Sleepy began to talk, Grumpy settled in to listen to a story about the family he'd never met with the family he was surrounded by now and he knew. Having been a lonely orphan for most of his life, he never thought he'd feel the way he did now. But he did. He felt it in his bones, like knowing a gem was flawed with a single glance. He'd never have to wander or wonder again, and he knew he'd never be sent away. It was the best feeling in the world, and one he would treasure for the rest of his life.

Grumpy was home.

Notes:

And that is it! This is the last chapter of the last part of the main Snow White story. I hope you all enjoyed the story, and please let me know what you thought. I have plans for at least a few more one-shots that will be posted in Story Gems as I get them done, and if anybody has any ideas that could work into one-shots, let me know. If it works and I can think of a way to make it into a one-shot, I'll add it to the list.

Thanks so much for reading. It's been a longer journey than I ever thought it would be when I first got a vague idea of writing a story for Grumpy and his brothers, but I don't regret it. Keep an eye on Story Gems for further one-shots, the most important of which is focused after the third story and before the fourth where the Dwarfs will find out more about why Grumpy and Doc were targeted by Calida and the others.

God bless and have a great day. :)

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 4 of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The Full Story