It has been a little while since Diver has seen Lyra. There would be times where she would travel in and out of the territory. But now Diver had knowledge of something she didn't know before. She was pregnant with her first calf, and the proof was now in her swollen belly. Diver was now heavier than she was before. She had a few months to go before giving birth. The large herbivore has also been eating more than usual to sustain herself and her unborn calf. Daylight was fading and a cool breeze made its way through the air. Fall was upon all who lived and breathed, meaning it was going to get colder. Diver's kind did not do well in the cold, meaning that the pregnant female tapir needed shelter. She had no choice but to ask Lyra for residency in the inn. Diver walked until she was right in front of the inn, then called out for Lyra, hoping she was nearby. "Lyra! It's Diver! I need to ask a favor of you! Are you nearby?!" Diver was very excited about her pregnancy. Soon she would have a calf who she could tell all her stories to. But now Diver had to focus on keeping herself and her unborn calf warm.

Diver! Lyra hadn't seen hide nor hair of the fae for months, but reckoned she was off wandering between planes, or haunting the deep stretches of forest where sensible mortals gave wide berth.

Now she was outside the inn. And asking for the Captain by name.

Nervous, but determined not to show it, Lyra stepped out into the yard. Emerald eyes blinked bright in surprise. Diver had certainly... grown. Mostly around the middle. If Lyra didn't know any better, she'd think the tapir was.... pregnant?

The Wisp's fae whelps had supposedly manifested into existence through sheer force of magic. So was it different depending on the type?

Aye, I'm 'ere, Diver. Lyra answered, tufted ears kept aloft. Fae asking for favours was tricky business. She mustn't get herself tangled up in changeling business! So she was careful with her words, Pleasure t'see ye again. What is it ye mean t'ask?

Lyra thought that Diver was a magical creature but Diver was nothing of the sort. But, her kind did swim with playful mermaids a long, long time ago. Aside from that the tapir had no magic whatsoever. Once Lyra appeared Diver gave the canine a kind look. She spoke with a tone of upmost importance. "Lyra, I have a big favor to ask you. As you can see, well, I'm pregnant. I'm going to have a calf soon. Fall is upon us now, and I need shelter from the cold weather for me and my unborn calf. I was hoping if I could get a room for free?" Diver's kind did not do well in the cold. The inn would provide her shelter not only from the cold, but from the chilly breeze that came with it. Diver looked at Lyra with warm brown eyes hoping she would make an exception, that Diver wouldn't have to pay for a room.

F-free? Lyra asked, blinking again. Her head tilted a fraction as she swallowed. A fae wanted a favour. Actually, fae wanted something for free. As in, not be owing Lyra anything atall for a stay of an indeterminate amount of time... permanent ownership, even!

Well, that wouldn't do.

But refusing a pregnant fae too summarily was likely to bring bad consequences down on Lyra's head and all the Howff's. The friendliest looking ones were no doubt the most wiley.

We could certainly board ye an' yer newborn fer the one autumn an' winter. Lyra began carefully, But I'd 'ave t'insist on some form fair o'trade. Protection from evil spirits, mayhap, if ye've such magics. This was a primary concern, since last winter the entire world had nearly ended over it.

But perhaps something else would appeal. Lyra would provide options: Tendin' t'inngoers needs as a barkeep, brinin' 'em vittles an' whatnot. Well... Diver hadn't any especially dextrous fingers. That might not work.

Or, Lyra tried, 'elp plantin' gardens an' bringin' us useful forage come spring.

Quickly then she appended, An' ye'd 'ave t'promise not t'be trickin' or vexin' anyone else under our roof. Our 'owff must be a safe place fer all types what can pay.