A/N: The final chapter! I know, so sad. But don't worry! I have another Trolls movie adaptation on the way, and then it'll be on to Part 3!

Jpbake – Of course, if things could have worked out better, Larch and Stella would've been married and had a kid when they were a bit older. But things happen. Like being in a war, or accidentally conceiving a kid.

TAPDANCING GIRAF – Yes, there will be some messed-up stuff in this chapter.

Cupcake – Yeah, might want to get the tissues handy, just in case.

This chapter is a bit long and contains brief, implicit content. It does feature a sad moment, and also some mild medical graphic imagery. Sort of. Just try to not get queasy.

Chapter Twenty-Two – Branch's Birth

Now that they were married, Stella could move what little possessions she had into Larch's home. She had to alternate between sleeping at Larch's pod and at Rosiepuff and Oaken's pod house, seeing how her baby pod was firmly planted in the latter. But Stella could roam the Troll Tree freely until about a month before the expected due date of her baby. She and Larch spent nearly every waking moment together, and their nights they spent cuddling in front of a fire or dancing in their home.

Stella loved to be with her unborn baby, and even sang to the pod. Larch would join her, fretfully checking the baby pod and doing as much reading as he could about keeping the unborn baby healthy until his birth. Stella found his worrying adorable.

"Oh, Larch!" Stella gasped. "Come here!"

Larch dropped his book and ran to his wife. "What? What is it?"

"Feel this." Stella placed Larch's hand on the baby pod. She resumed singing her lullaby, and Larch laughed. The baby's kicks were in perfect rhythm with his mother's singing.

"Incredible!" Larch breathed. "He's already got the beat down. Bet he'll be singing like an angel."

"Yes, I'm sure he will." Stella agreed. "The pod seems to be growing well."

Larch gently patted the baby pod. He kissed his wife. "I can't wait to meet him." Their Hug Time bracelets went off, and the two of them hugged.

"Well, I better get to the royal pod." Stella said. "King Peppy and Queen Joy want to talk about construction for the escape tunnels. Care to join me?"

"I actually have training with Clove and Dad." Larch said. "But meet me at my pod tonight, okay?"

"See you then." Stella nodded as she left. Larch watched her walk out the door into the early summer air, and he sighed happily. He was truly blessed to have Stella for his mate. Now they had a wonderful little one on the way, and Larch felt the days dragged on until the baby's expected due date, which was a week from now. Larch was born right on time, and had confidence his son would be punctual. As he noticed, all four Moonlight Kingdom trolls seemed to settle in nicely. Stella was his mate. Clove trained to be a royal guard. Fern spent much of her time with the musicians. Lily already found a potential mate and intended to get married within a year or two.

Life is good. Larch thought.

That evening, as the trolls headed for bed to retire for the night, Stella checked on her baby before announcing to Rosiepuff and Oaken that she was staying with Larch that night. Oaken twitched his eyebrows in a teasingly suggestive manner, which only earned him a light jab in the ribs from Rosiepuff's knitting needles. Stella giggled as she departed for Larch's pod. She hoped that her golden years with Larch would be similar to his parents': full of love and plenty of playfulness, with some eye-rolling here and there.

When Stella arrived at Larch's pod, she found a piece of paper nailed to the door. She took it down and read it to herself.

Your eyes, with their icy hue, are filled with warmth and light

(Go inside for more)

Stella recognized this. Larch was going all romantic poet on her again. This ought to be good. Stella opened the door and stepped inside. A piece of paper hung from a string attached to the ceiling, and the arrow colored on the picture pointed to the couch. The next line of the poem was pinned to one of the cushions.

Your hair shines brighter than amethyst gems

Next direction was towards the bookshelf, where Stella found another line to the poem in her favorite book.

Just seeing you will make my day bright

Now Stella had to go over to a picture frame on the mantle, depicting her and Larch on their wedding day. The last line of the stanza was taped to the back of the frame.

With you by my side, I'm the envy of other men.

Stella laughed out loud at this one. The directions at the bottom pointed her to the door that led to the kitchen, where another piece of paper waited.

Every day, I feel like a winner

(open door)

Stella pushed the door open to see their simple kitchen table with a white tablecloth laid over it. The table was set and a lit candelabra sat in the middle. Larch leaned against the table, holding out a red rose for his mate.

"Care to join me for dinner?" Larch offered, finishing his poem.

Stella laughed again. "You are such a dork."

The two of them sat down to dinner, chatting and laughing and simply enjoying each other's company. The food, though delicious, was nothing like what Stella ate while she was a princess in Moonlight Kingdom. She didn't mind, really. But every time she was reminded of her home, it did make her just a little sad. She was anxious for the birth of her son and the trolls' escape from the Troll Tree, so she could finally take her family home.

"I hear the tunnel progress is coming along nicely." Larch said near the end of their meal. They already finished eating and now shared a bottle of wine.

"Slowly, but surely." Stella confirmed. "Everyone who is able to is taking turns chipping away at the bark in the center of the tree. Peppy says that, within a year, we should be able to burrow all the way down into the dirt."

"And then we're halfway home free?" Larch guessed.

"Yes, sort of." Stella took another sip of wine. "From there, it'll be a lot of trial-and-error before we can find a nearby root tunnel. My magic was able to detect one nearby, but then we have to find our way through the tunnels and to the outside. I can't see that far."

"We'll send in scouts, holding strings so they can find their way back." Larch proposed. "We'll find a way."

"I admire the tenacity and hope of this kingdom." Stella said. "Even after all this time, trapped by monsters, you still look on the bright side."

"It's just part of who we are, I guess." Larch said. "I'll bet Moonlight Kingdom will be the same way very soon."

"Yes, I hope so." Stella said.

Larch leaned back in his chair and stretched. "Excuse me as I go take a—uh, I mean, use the bathroom." He scurried away as Stella giggled at him. He had become much more gentlemanly since they were married, except when he was around his other guy friends. He, Clove, and some of the other trolls (including River, surprisingly enough) got completely drunk last month and fell asleep in various places around Larch's pod house. Stella finished her wine, shutting her eyes meditatively. She could feel a slight drunkenness, and she was thankful that she already planned to spend the night at Larch's.

Stella stood, stretched, and twisted slowly, her back a bit stiff. When she turned one way, she noticed some rose petals on the floor. In fact, a trail of them led out of the kitchen. Curious, Stella followed them, wondering why she didn't see them earlier. The petals led her through the house and to the bedroom. Raising an eyebrow and smirking a little, Stella pushed open the door and stepped inside. She shut the door and saw the only light in the room was provided by the candles set up around the space. Lavender incense burned in a dish on the windowsill.

Larch came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Might I interest you in a little fun tonight?"

Stella rolled her eyes and laughed. "Such a lascivious character, you are."

"Me?" Larch scoffed, kissing her cheek. "Never. I prefer to think of it as 'hopelessly in love.'"

Stella turned and hooked her hands around his neck. She pulled him into a kiss. "You know what Cybil said."

"I know, I know." Larch sighed dramatically, making Stella giggle again. "We can't go 'all the way' because it's not good for the baby or you physically. But there's nothing wrong with fooling around a little."

"Hopelessly in love, you called it?" Stella laughed. Larch pressed his lips to hers once again.

They only stripped down as far as their underwear, and remained in each other's arms when morning broke the next day. Larch opened his eyes to see his lovely mate lying right beside him, her hair a bit messy and her freckles sparkling in the morning light. Larch smiled softly, simply staring at her in awe. He kissed her forehead, and she yawned as she woke up.

"Good morning." Stella said sleepily.

"Morning." Larch hugged her, humming in content. "You're so cuddly."

"I'm cuddly?" Stella giggled softly.

"Cuddly and soft and warm and cuddly." Larch said, holding her close.

"You always sound drunk first thing in the morning."

"I'm drunk on you."

"Yeah, you always say that. Now get up. You have training with your father and Clove today."

"I don't wanna go."

"You have to go. Even back at the rebellion, I made you get up and go to training at least during weekdays. You have to go train now. I'm having tea with the girls."

Larch whined. He rolled them over so that he lay on top on Stella. "That's so boring. Why don't you just stay here with me? We'll have a little morning fun and pretend we didn't hear the alarm clock."

"We don't have an alarm clock." Stella said.

"Good. No need to lie." Larch kissed her.

Stella sighed. "Baby, I would make love to you morning, noon, or night. Just not this time." She suddenly thrust her hips up in a perfect judo move, throwing Larch right off the bed and to the floor and taking the blanket with him. Stella swung her legs around and stood up. She stepped over her mate on her way to the bathroom. "Go to training. If you're not too tired this evening, we can go again."

Larch watched her go into the bathroom, his head bobbing in time with her hip-swinging. A goofy grin stretched across his face.

Discussion topics during tea ranged; but, these days, the girls just wanted to talk about Stella and Ninfea's growing baby pods. Ninfea's baby pod was two different colors, like her hair, and she hoped it was a sign that her child would have her unique hair coloring. There was still a playful competition going on between the new mothers over which child would be born first. Cybil had joined their tea times, often checking the pod and reading its aura.

"It's really very fascinating." Cybil said. "Your aura and the aura of your child look different compared to that of a normal troll's. I believe I am seeing the magic you inherited from Eclipse's side of the family. I am happy to see your aura looking healthier these days."

"I used to give the bulk of my energy to my baby so he would grow strong." Stella said. "But I kept passing out from exhaustion, and Rosiepuff made me stop."

"Because the baby is growing just fine with his own magic." Rosiepuff said.

"I know that now." Stella said. She picked up the teapot to refill her cup. But her hand shook, and she suddenly dropped the pot and it landed on her lap, spilling tea all over her dress.

Joy quickly took the teapot away and put it on the table. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm fine. The tea wasn't too hot." Stella assured.

"Honey, you seem pale." Joy said, putting a hand to Stella's forehead. "Are you feeling all right?"

"Yes. Yes, I'm fine." Stella assured. "Excuse me. I should go change."

"I'll get some fresh water for the teapot." Rosiepuff offered.

"Let me help you, Stella." Ninfea followed her friend into the latter's bedroom. Stella disappeared into the small bathroom while Ninfea looked through the closet. "River and I were thinking about going to watch the sunset tonight. Why don't you and Larch join us? Like a double-date?"

"Sounds lovely." Stella said. Her voice sounded tired.

"We could even have a picnic up there." Ninfea chose a pretty purple sundress for Stella to change into.

"Ninfea….." Stella said.

"Yes?" Ninfea asked. A second later, she heard a thud, and she ran to the bathroom. Her eyes widened.

"Miss Rosiepuff! Cybil!"

The two women jumped, Rosiepuff almost dropping the kettle she held, and they and Joy ran into the other room. They saw Ninfea kneeling next to Stella, who lay on the ground holding her stomach. She shook and winced in pain.

Rosiepuff helped Stella move into a kneeling position. "Sweetheart? What's wrong?"

"I don't know." Stella whimpered, tears escaping her eyes. "It hurts….it hurts down there…"

"Every now and then you'll get pain and cramping in the area where the seed was growing." Cybil reminded her. "It's perfectly normal." Everyone except Rosiepuff jumped back when Stella threw up some tea and scones onto the carpet.

"Is that normal?" Stella grumbled.

"Surprisingly, yes." Rosiepuff said. "Ninfea, Joy, help her into bed and get a blanket over her. Get her a bucket, too, in case she throws up again." With their help, Stella could stand and shuffle to her bed, still dressed in only her underwear. She felt cold and clammy, and she only just managed to keep another round of vomit at bay long enough for Joy to fetch her a large pot from the kitchen. Cybil helped Rosiepuff clean up the mess on the carpet.

Cybil stiffened. She felt a change in an aura that was in this room. Something was different. Dangerously different. Cybil scanned the room until she identified the source of the fluctuating aura. "Rosiepuff, we may have a problem."

Rosiepuff looked up, and her eyes widened when she saw the baby pod. Flashes of light passed over the pod. Rosiepuff sprinted to the pod and gently put an ear to the bud. Her eyes widened. "Cybil, get Dr. Ringo now. Joy, find Larch. The baby's coming."

Larch, Clove, and Oaken beat Dr. Ringo to the house. Dr. Ringo realized at once what was happening and ordered everyone out except Rosiepuff and Cybil, the midwives. Ninfea was also permitted to stay in order to keep Stella calm. Peppy and River soon arrived, each worried for their wives for different reasons. Lily and Fern caught wind of what was happening, and they rushed right over.

Larch paced anxiously across the floor of the living room. Joy tried to busy everyone with the leftover tea and scones on the table, but no one could really eat or drink when they heard that complications had arisen.

"What does that even mean? Complications? What's happening?" Larch demanded. "And why can't I be in there helping them? Why shouldn't I be with my own mate?"

"Larch, you need to calm down." Oaken said. "This is exactly why you can't be in there. You're stressed out, and it's showing, and that's only going to make things harder for Stella."

"Ninfea carried a child once before, remember?" River reminded Larch. "That's why she's better suited to be in there. She knows the process and she knows how to keep Stella calm and in less pain."

Larch did remember. He also remembered that Ninfea's first child had been a stillborn. "What kind of complications are happening?"

"That's what Dr. Ringo is trying to figure out." Peppy said. "When the pod is about to bloom, it's supposed to glow. Flashes of light, like what your mother saw, is a sign that something is happening. That doesn't mean something bad will happen."

"All we can do now is wait." Fern said. "As hard as it may be for us."

Larch sighed in resignation, sinking into a chair. Please, gods, if there are any up there….please don't take them from me…..

Back in Stella's bedroom, there seemed to be a swirling atmosphere of calm and tension. Dr. Ringo inspected the baby pod. Rosiepuff and Cybil stood by, helping how they could. Ninfea spoke soothing words to Stella, helping her lean over the side of her bed to throw up every now and then. Stella was sweaty, cold, and experiencing intense pain. She had a blanket pulled up over her chest, and she shivered a little.

"What's the word, Ringo?" Rosiepuff asked.

"It's all a bit troubling." Ringo said, soft enough so that Stella didn't hear and get more anxious. "There are no signs of wilting and I can still hear the baby's heartbeat. But there's a strange crystallization forming in the top of the bud. See up here? It's hardening."

"What does that mean?" Cybil asked.

"I'm not sure. I've never seen something like this." Ringo said. "It could have something to do with the magic part of the baby. Or maybe it's a sign that I was right and this young lady should've waited to have a child."

"Ringo, this is not the time." Rosiepuff scolded. The doctor troll had made it perfectly clear on several occasions that he did not have high hopes for a healthy birth since Stella carried the baby at a young age. In Ringo's experience and learning, and based on his beliefs, a female troll's body was not ready for childbearing until she was eighteen or nineteen and not a day younger. Had he not been the only doctor troll in the entire Troll Tree, Stella would've opted to stop seeing him for monthly pregnancy checkups.

"Is the bud going to bloom or not?" Cybil demanded.

"That's the problem. It's trying to, but this crystallization is preventing the petals from curling and unfolding." Ringo said. "I need to find a way to safely break up the crystalized part of the bud. Cybil, go heat up some water on the stove."

Cybil left to do just that, and Ringo started rummaging in his bag for the proper supplies. Rosiepuff went to Stella's side, patting away the perspiration on her forehead. "Just keep breathing like that. Meditatively, just like Cybil said. Everything will be okay."

Stella's eyes were only half-open. "How's the baby?"

"He's fine. Don't give him so much energy. It's draining you of life." Rosiepuff said. "He'll be all right. You both will."

Stella stared emptily at the ceiling. "If you have to….save Branch….save him instead of me….."

"Now stop talking like that." Rosiepuff scolded softly, brushing her hand through Stella's hair comfortingly. "You'll be just fine. Both of you."

"Just in case…" Stella's eyes locked onto her mother-in-law's. "If you have to choose…if only one of us will make it….let it be him…"

Rosiepuff only smiled gently. She did fear that Stella and/or Branch would not survive the birth. She would do everything in her power to save them both. But, if it truly came down to it, she would reluctantly accept Stella's wish.

Cybil returned with water that wasn't quite boiling but still plenty hot. Dr. Ringo instructed her and Rosiepuff to use washcloths to pat the top of the bud down with the hot water. As they did, Ringo tried using a scalpel to chip/cut away the hardened part of the pod. Since the baby pod and Stella were still very much connected, in a sort of telepathic way, she felt the pain of the hot water and the slicing of the scalpel. Ninfea forced her to chew on a medicinal leaf to help numb the pain.

Still, this wouldn't make the bud bloom. Even worse, the petals began to wrinkle, and the colors started to dull. "Get her a tea or something. Something she can drink to give her strength." Ringo ordered.

"I'm on it." Cybil hurried from the room, seeming to glide like a sailboat on water.

Rosiepuff returned to Stella's side. "You holding up all right?"

"Peachy." Stella groaned. She looked a little loopy from too many numbing leaves.

"We're working on it. Sometimes, these things take time." Rosiepuff soothed. She turned to walk back to Ringo, and she gasped. She threw her hair forward and wrapped it around Ringo's hand, which held a small saw that he had positioned at the point where the baby pod met the stalk it sat on. "What in the hair are you doing?"

"This thing is killing her." Ringo said, trying and failing to pull his hand free from Rosiepuff's hair. "We have to sever the pod from her or she's going to die."

Rosiepuff jerked him back and away from the pod. She put herself between him and the unborn baby. "That will kill him."

"Good riddance!" Ringo snapped. "She's too young to be having a child. She's going to die unless I do something."

"Save them both, then." Rosiepuff said. "Stella wants to save her son, and we're going to respect her wishes." Cybil had returned by now.

"As the doctor, I can determine what's best for this situation." Ringo growled. "She can have another baby. The baby can't get another mother!"

"It's Stella's decision, and she alone can make it. If Plum were old enough to understand, she'd be ashamed of you for trying to kill a baby." Ninfea snapped.

Ringo's anger flared. Ninfea had crossed the line by bringing up his infant daughter. "So you're going to let this young woman die just for a magic-born monster?" He yelped and jumped back when a fireball landed dangerously close to his feet.

Stella had thrown the fire. Despite her weakness, her eyes were alight with anger. "Stay away from my baby."

Ringo wanted to protest, but he was clearly outvoted. He tossed his tools back in his bag. "Fine. If you want to kill them both, so be it. But I'm not sticking around to stain my hands with their blood. You're on your own." Ringo marched out of the room, slamming the door shut. Moments later, there came shouting from the living room.

"I'll go take care of them." Ninfea growled, stomping towards the living room. Ninfea was kind and soft-spoken. But when angered enough, her shouts could quiet even the rowdiest of arguments. Sure enough, everyone else went silent when Ninfea's voice echoed through the pod house.

"So what are we going to do?" Cybil asked Rosiepuff.

"If I can deliver the children of this tree, I can deliver my own grandson." Rosiepuff said. "Just give me a moment." She analyzed the flower bud. If they didn't get the baby out soon, they'd lose both the child and the mother. Too much experimenting may only cause more damage. The crystallization continued, hardening the pod starting at the top.

Ninfea returned. "Ringo is gone. What's the plan?"

Rosiepuff settled in her decision. "Well, if he's not coming out, then we're going in after him."

Cybil and Ninfea looked surprised and just a tad uneasy. "A caesarean? Are you sure?"

"Yes." Rosiepuff nodded. "I've done them before, and so has my mother. Ninfea, keep Stella calm and try to not scare yourself into early labor. Cybil, find me the sharpest knife in my kitchen and make sure it's absolutely clean."

No one argued. When Rosiepuff talked in that no-nonsense voice, she meant business. Ninfea returned to Stella, who lay limp once more. Cybil returned quickly with the knife Rosiepuff requested, and then ran to get some towels. Rosiepuff gently put a hand on the baby pod.

Just hang on in there. Rosiepuff exhaled softly. She had done this before. That didn't make this any less dangerous or delicate.

"Now what?" Cybil asked when she returned.

"Now, we cut off the top, just enough for the petals to fall away. Like a forced blooming." Rosiepuff felt the top of the bud, where it had hardened from the strange crystallization. "Can't cut down too far, or we may hit the baby." She murmured. She finally found the spot to cut. "Stella, you might want to chew on another leaf or two. This is going to hurt."

"Thanks for the warning." Stella said with true gratitude.

Another calming breath later, Rosiepuff began cutting. Stella did indeed feel intense pain, and Ninfea had her bite a washcloth until the numbing leaves could do their work. Rosiepuff tried to work quickly without tearing open the bud completely. A viscous, sap-like liquid leaked from the cut part of the petals, red like blood. After what seemed like an hour, Rosiepuff had the tip off.

But the petals did not fall or curl like expected.

Rosiepuff peered into the hole she made. "Uh oh."

"What?" Cybil asked worriedly.

"Whatever that crystal thing is, it's already spreading down. There's no way to get him out this way." Rosiepuff stared at the body of the bud, and made a split-second decision. "So we're going in another way."

"Be careful." Cybil warned.

She didn't need to tell Rosiepuff twice. If she cut too deep, she'd hit the baby. But if they didn't start cutting in the middle or near the bottom, this crystallization would consume and kill the baby before they could get him out. It might even kill Stella. Rosiepuff swore she heard her mother's and grandmother's voices in her head, guiding her through this like it were simply a lesson on a practice baby pod. "Top is here…bottom is there….baby is right here…." Rosiepuff found the part where two petals overlapped. She stuck the knife under the flap of one petal and began cutting again. She did not dare cut fast, lest she screw this up and kill her daughter-in-law and grandson. Again, that sap-like liquid bled out from the petals and onto her hands, but Rosiepuff ignored it. She managed to make a deep enough cut, and she dropped the knife and stuck her hands right into the baby pod. The temperature inside was cool, a bit of an alarming feeling since the inside being too cold could result in the child essentially freezing to death. It was also too dark to really see, but soon Rosiepuff felt some hair going between her fingers.

"There he is." Carefully, Rosiepuff scooped up the baby and pulled him out of the pod. She placed him in a towel Cybil held out. The baby lay still for a moment, but breathed evenly. Then, he rubbed his eyes with his itty-bitty fists and blinked his eyes open. He looked up to his grandmother, and then tilted his head like a confused puppy. Then, he let out a little laugh, like all troll babies do when they're born.

"I've never heard such a musical laugh from a newborn." Cybil breathed in awe.

Rosiepuff thought she would collapse from the relief. She gently caressed the baby's head. "Welcome to the world, little Branch." She took the baby from Cybil, placing the young one in his mother's arms. The baby looked up to this troll who smiled tiredly at him, and he laughed and babbled again.

"Look at you." Stella breathed. "Look how beautiful you are." She kissed her baby's head. "Boy, did you put me through hell today."

While Ninfea helped Stella freshen up a little and Rosiepuff gave the newborn his first bath, Cybil went out into the living room to announce the great news. Larch fell into a chair, so relieved his mate and child were all right. Everyone congratulated him on the new baby. Even though he wanted nothing more than to see them, Larch understood that Stella needed some rest and the baby needed to be cleaned. So he waited patiently for at least one of them to appear.

When Branch was all fresh and clean, Rosiepuff returned to Stella with her baby wrapped in a blanket. Stella had pulled on a short-sleeved shirt, and she cradled her son close.

"May I have a moment alone with him?" Stella requested.

"Of course." Rosiepuff nodded. "I'll come check on you in a few." She and Ninfea left Stella and the baby alone.

Stella brushed her thumb over Branch's cheek. The baby took hold of her finger, a smile plastered seemingly permanently on his lips. Stella kissed his head. "Branch. A good, strong name for a good, strong troll. You're a prince, you know. The prince of my home. Prince Branch of Moonlight Kingdom. I think that has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

Branch blew a spit bubble, and then laughed again when it popped.

"Aw, just as goofy as your dad. That's good." Stella giggled. "Where we're from, Branch, we sometimes have to fight to keep the happiness alive. We must do what we can to spread the love and joy we accomplished. Someday, you will learn my story, and I hope it inspires and guides you when you take the throne." She gave her son a soft hug. "I may not be there, Branch. Maybe you won't see me. But I will always be watching over you. You are destined for greatness. Stay strong. Be brave. Never forget who you are."

A few minutes later, Rosiepuff returned. "Everyone is excited to see you. Do you think you're well enough for them to all come in?"

Stella stared off into space for a moment. "No. In fact, I need to see them in groups. I have important things to tell them." She handed Branch to Rosiepuff. "I must see Larch last. He is the last person I want to see."

Rosiepuff stared at her. It took a minute for the implication to dawn on her. Stella only smiled. Swallowing, Rosiepuff nodded and walked from the room. She blinked away her tears and put on a smile as she entered the living room.

"Everyone?" She caught the attention of all who attended. "I'd like you to meet Branch, the newest addition to our family."

At once, there was a collective coo when everyone saw the little blue baby in Rosiepuff's arms.

"He looks like me!" Oaken cheered. "He'll be breaking ladies' hearts when he's older."

"What a beautiful little boy." Joy sighed happily.

Larch stood and held out his arms so Rosiepuff could hand him his son. "Hey there, buddy. I'm your dad. I promise I'm not nearly as crazy as I look." Larch felt tears in his eyes, but he moved Branch to one arm and wiped the wetness away. "Look at you. What a handsome devil you are." Branch was indeed quite the cute baby. He had similar facial features to his father, and he had his father's sapphire blue hair. But, from his mother, Branch inherited his pointed ears, icy blue eyes, and sky-blue skin. Larch kissed the baby's head. "I'm always going to be there for you. I promise."

"Where's Stella?" Clove asked.

"Oh, she had a rather strange request to see us in groups." Rosiepuff said. "She is awfully tired."

"Me first!" Larch said.

"No, no." Rosiepuff said. "Me and your father first. We'll come get you when it's time. Be here with your son."

Larch sighed, but he hadn't stopped smiling. "Okay."

Oaken was a bit confused by Stella's request. When Rosiepuff explained it to him, he suddenly became very forlorn. Nonetheless, he steeled himself and put on a happy smile as he and Rosiepuff walked up to Stella.

"I wanted to thank you both for opening up your home and your hearts." Stella said. "You have been very kind, and I trust my son is in good hands."

"You can count on us." Oaken nodded.

"I only ask a few things from you." Stella unclipped her Flame of Happiness pendant from around her neck. "First, I want you to give this to him when he turns a year old. Let him know who his mother was, and where he came from."

Rosiepuff took the amulet and carefully tucked it away in her hair. "That's easy enough."

"The other thing I ask is that you make absolutely sure Branch knows where he came from. Make sure he is able to return to his ancestral home." Stella said. "He needs to see Moonlight Kingdom."

"We can make that work. No problem." Oaken said. "You are a kind, brave, and strong young lady, and we are pleased to have known you."

Stella accepted the hug from the parents. "Thank you. For everything."

Rosiepuff kissed Stella's head. "Your mother would be so proud of you."

After Rosiepuff and Oaken left, next came in King Peppy and Queen Joy. Peppy recognized Stella's weakness, and he couldn't help his flashbacks to his father's final moments.

"Thank you for accepting me into your kingdom." Stella said. "I hope the Troll Tree Kingdom and Moonlight Kingdom will remain strong allies."

"I give you my word, they will be." Peppy said. "I will send word to your friend Crimson as soon as we've escaped."

"We'll make sure they're taken care of." Joy assured.

"Good." Stella nodded slowly. "Clove, Fern, and Lily can show you the way. I appreciate you welcoming them with open arms."

"All are welcome in our home." Joy said. "We are happy to have known you."

Stella smiled. "Keep an eye on my son. I can tell already that he's going to be a rambunctious little one."

"What are aunties and godfathers for?" Peppy chuckled.

After a little more talking about the relationship between the Troll Tree and Moonlight Kingdoms, Stella asked for Ninfea and River. The three of them talked for a while, simply enjoying each other's company.

"You have been a very true friend, Ninfea." Stella said at the end of their talk. "I cannot thank you enough."

Ninfea hugged Stella. "I promise I'll be the best godmother in the world to Branch."

"I know you will." Stella said. "And River? Do at least try to get along with my mate. Your and my sons are going to be best friends, after all."

River cracked a grin. "I won't get in the way of that. But I can't guarantee Larch and I won't be pounding each other right to the grave."

Stella giggled softly. "I suppose all you can do is try."

Next came Cybil. "Your baby's aura is strong, and so is his magic." She informed the new mother. "He'll be a powerful sorcerer, just like you."

"Good. Thank you." Stella said. "Would you please watch over him? Just so I know there are an extra pair of eyes making sure he's okay. I don't want him to bottle up his emotions like I once did."

"I'll monitor his aura." Cybil said. "But I think he'll be just fine if we give him space and let him grow."

Second to last was Fern, Clove, and Lily. They were heartbroken to see their leader like this, but put on brave faces as they wrapped her in a group hug.

"You all have made new lives for yourselves." Stella told them. "Don't let go of the opportunities to be better. Keep your happiness close, wherever you find it. It's about time you had some happiness after all you endured."

"We'll never forget you, Stella." Fern said. "You're the reason our home was freed. You're the reason we could let happiness back into our lives."

"We'll take care of Branch." Clove promised. "He'll be safe with us."

"Thank you. But what is most important is taking him home to Moonlight Kingdom." Stella said. "They are waiting patiently for their prince to come home."

"We promise." Lily said. "We will guard his life as we once guarded yours."

Stella nodded in thanks. She was so tired. Just one more to go.

Despite promising he would be patient, Larch didn't know how much longer he could take this. Night already fell over the land, and Branch began to doze off. Plus, it seemed like everyone was acting weird after they returned from talking with Stella. Like they were hiding something. Everyone departed for home after they finished their chat with Stella, and soon Larch was left alone with his mother and father.

Branch suddenly woke up and began fussing. "Does he need a diaper change already?" Larch asked, staring confusedly at his son as the infant tried to suckle on the blanket around him.

"He's just hungry." Rosiepuff said. "He went through quite a bit of effort to be born." She took her grandson from Larch and disappeared into the kitchen. Moments later, she returned with a bottle in her hands.

"Larch?" Clove, Fern, and Lily had returned. "Stella wants to see you."

"Finally!" Larch jogged past them to Stella's room. Clove, Fern, and Lily shared sad looks with Oaken and Rosiepuff before heading home.

"I guess I'll be feeding you tonight." Rosiepuff told Branch, allowing the baby to suckle on the bottle.

"I think I'll head to bed." Oaken said. He tousled his grandson's hair on his way out the door. Rosiepuff settled in her chair, smiling down at the baby in her arms.

Meanwhile, Larch finally made it to Stella's room and waltzed right up to her. He kissed her passionately. "Our baby is beautiful."

"Indeed he is." Stella sighed tiredly.

Larch chuckled. "If you're this tired, why did you want to talk to everyone?"

"Because I wanted to talk to them before I went to sleep." Stella shrugged a little.

Larch laughed again. He hugged his mate. "You did so well."

Stella returned the embrace. "Larch?"

"Hmm?"

"I need you to promise me something."

"Anything."

Stella locked eyes with Larch. "Promise me you'll take Branch back to Moonlight Kingdom."

"Well, sure." Larch shrugged. "He's gotta see where he comes from."

"No, Larch." Stella said. "Branch needs to go back to Moonlight Kingdom and stay there. He's the prince. Someday, he's going to have to take the throne and be the new emperor."

Larch looked down. "Oh. Right."

"I gave Crimson very explicit instructions to rule the kingdom only until Branch returns." Stella said. "He's preparing the kingdom for our son to take the throne."

Larch had forgotten about that. Now that he thought about it, he wasn't sure he wanted his son in Moonlight Kingdom. The dark forest surrounding the kingdom was dangerous. Who knows what kind of evil might still lurk? What if it was still not safe?

"Okay. I promise." Larch said. He would say that only to pacify his mate for the moment. Someday, he'd figure out how to convince her that Branch should stay in the Troll Tree Kingdom. "Hey, we'll figure it out. Like we always do."

Stella smiled softly. She yawned. "Come sleep next to me."

Larch gladly crawled up into the bed as Stella scooted over to make room. He held his wife in his arms. "I guess I'll hold off on trying anything until you're well-rested."

Stella chuckled airily. "Good choice." She accepted Larch's kiss. "Sing me something pretty."

Larch chuckled. "As you wish, milady." He stroked Stella's hair, smoothing it down as he sang a slower, softer version of a song she knew well.

It's the start of a new adventure
Two lives, now with another one
I see a light in the distance
Come on, let's follow the sun
Wherever it may take us
We'll do it together

Stella soon drifted off to sleep. "Take care of our son. I love you."

"I love you, too." Larch sighed as he fell asleep.

Oaken slowly pushed the door open, staring at the sleeping forms of the two soulmates. He shut off the light, pulled a comforter over both of them, and quietly shut the door on his way out. Then he headed straight for bed. In the morning, Stella would be gone, and Larch would be heartbroken. Oaken needed to be prepared to be strong for his son.

Back in the living room, Branch had finished his bottle and was burped. Now, the baby looked around curiously, exploring his surroundings. Rosiepuff held him close, a loving smile on her lips.

"You're so blessed, so loved, my little angel." Rosiepuff said. "There are so many trolls here who care about you. Your father and your grandparents. Your godparents. Aunts and uncles who may not be related by blood but are family nonetheless. You have a lot of people here who love you. Your mother can't be with you anymore, but she is always going to watch over you. She loved you so much, and her spirit lives within you." Rosiepuff blinked her tears away. "And there's someone else who is watching over you: your other grandmother, Eclipse.

"Oh, Branch, she loved you so much. She loved you before she even met you. She would've done anything to protect you, given anything to be here with you." Rosiepuff sighed. "But she was taken from us. We're going to miss her, yes, and we will remember her with love. You must never forget how much she loved you. The ones we love and who love us in return never truly leave us." She held Branch close, pressing her forehead to his own. "I love you so much, Branch. I promise I'll always be there for you."

Branch didn't fully understand what was going on. He just knew how much he already loved this troll. This troll, the first one he saw when he came into the world. He didn't know what the future would hold, and the great adventures that awaited him. He was just a baby, after all.

Branch knew he loved his grandmother, and he wanted to stay with her forever.

THE END

A/N: Whew! What a story! Lots of ups and downs and it was a bit darker than I thought it'd be. The final installment of this trilogy should wrap everything up nicely. You'll get to see new characters, and the characters we know and love will discover new things about themselves, and the greatest challenge they've ever faced will test their love.

Stay tuned!