In which Evelyn gets a surprise

We were all gathered at the dinner table now. It was fairly newly expanded and mostly took over the room. Steve explained that they were planning to renovate, but hadn't got to it yet. The house was small but very cozy. There were flowers perched on window sills. A small bookshelf rested under the stairs, next to a cozy window seat. I hadn't seen upstairs but I was sure it was the same.

Alex was coming back and forth from the kitchen with food. The very thought of it made me hungry. I was slotted beside Katrina, who seemed thrilled with this arrangement. Otherwise I faced Hera on the other side, who was next to Jack. Jack hadn't really said anything since we got in, he mostly looked down. I sensed a shy aura from him.

At last Alex gave me my steak. I gobbled it down without even thinking.

"Would you like more?" Alex asked kindly.

"Yes," I said rapidly, then added, "please."

It was only then I noticed no one else had finished their first steak. Or even started. But no one said anything about it.

"Can we have the pie now!" Katrina said, she was swinging her legs under the table.

"Eat your potato first," Alex chided. She finally sat down, then everyone feasted.

I tried to take my second steak slower.

That's when Steve started up the jokes. "Did you hear about the miner who died in the nether?" he said, Katrina shook her head vigorously, Steve continued with a smile. "Apparently, he fell head over heels in lava."

Katrina laughed so hard she kicked the table from underneath. Hera looked politely amused, Alex shook her head slightly. I looked to Jack, he had the ghost of a smile too.

"How many creepers does it take to light a torch," Steve said.

"You've told this one before," Katrina sulked, "tell a different one."

"How about this, what did the enderman say to the creeper?"

Katrina looked intrigued. But I saw Hera glare at Steve meaningfully. Then I remembered, I was an ender.

There was a bit of silence, but it was broken by Katrina. This time she was talking to me, "you said you were a queen." She accused.

"I am," I said smartly.

"What are you queen of then," Katrina said, she crossed her arms.

"Katrina..." Steve said.

"The End."

I watched Katrina's face light up. It was a beautiful thing. "No way!" She said. "Can you talk to enderman?"

"Yeah," I said shrugging, but a smile spread across my face. She looked a tiny bit like Mina.

Mina..

"What do they talk about, do they really eat people?"

"Who told you that?" Alex asked, sounding a bit crossed.

"Somebody..." Katrina said, she looked a bit sheepish, so did Steve.

"Time for dessert?" He asked. He seemed in a hurry to get up.

Alex turned her attention to Jack, "I want you to finish your dinner before dessert."

"I'm not hungry," it was the first time I had heard him speak. He looked at me, "why is she here?"

"Shes our guest." Alex said flatly.

That's when Steve returned with the pie.

"Pie for everyone!" He said with a grin. Katrina bounced in her seat.

Steve handed us each one. Hera nibbled on it idly, but I could see her mood darkening. I took my first bite. It was delicious.

"This is amazing Alex." I said, she blushed slightly.

"It's nothing really."

Katrina had finished her pie. Jack nibbled on his, but he kept an eye on me. I watched Hera lean toward Steve, she spoke lowly.

"I need to talk to you and Alex alone."

Steve nodded slightly, looking concerned and confused. He said in a steady but less cheerful voice, "off to bed Jack and Katrina."

Katrina sank back into her chair pouting slightly. But Jack silently got up and headed for the stairs.

"Go with Jack," Alex urged gently, she must of picked up on the aura of worry. Katrina got up and stomped all the way up the stairs. Once we were sure they had gone to their beds Hera started talking.

"You and Alex and the children are in danger," she whispered.

Both Steve and Alex looked slightly surprised. They must really be out of the loop.

"There's a person named Entity 0," I added, "who seems to be after you two. We raced here as soon as we found out."

Steve had a clouded expression, "surely Notch has it under control."

We both shook our heads, "Entity 0 could arrive any time."

Alex looked shocked, she leaned into Steve. But he didn't look much better.

"We called on Penny for help," Hera explained, "hopefully she convinces Notch to send some more guards to help out." I could tell she was trying to be positive.

Steve nodded slightly.

"We need to prepare for attack, Entity might arrive tomorrow even."

I watched Alex start to tear up a bit. I walked to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "It'll all be okay." I soothed, "we won't let anyone hurt your children."

She nodded but gripped Steve harder.

"How do we prepare?"

"We need somewhere to hide you and Alex and the children, Hera and I can handle it otherwise."

Alex nodded again. Steve however looked slightly offended, "I can help too."

Hera shook her head, "let us handle it."

I remembered what she had said about Steve's sword fighting skills.

"Your kids will need you," I said sternly.

Hera suddenly looked serious, "Penny just got here."

The door open and in stepped a woman, I recognized her instantly.

"Mom?"