Re: The next evening...

[Prince]

Matty jumped up with a yelp as the hot soup splattered onto his tunic.
"Can you not control your pet?" he asked of Shayori. "She is ..."

"Not a pet," Radu corrected softly. "Please forgive him," he addressed the hiding pixie. "He is young yet. He will learn."

Vlad, noting Soraya's shiver, could not resist placing a hand upon her shoulder as she turned and addressed Naitachel. Something was obviously bothering her, and he wanted nothing more, to his surprise, than to help her through whatever it might be tormenting her.

"Xander is flying anyway," Radu smiled at Naitachel. "He would, no doubt, appreciate the company. It is lonely when so few of one's own remain." The soft, sad way he spoke the last line caused both Vlad and Matthias to turn their attention toward him as well. Seeming to notice their presence all at once, Radu frowned. "Excuse me, please. I should make certain Minhea is not forgetting all propriety in Master Nopalo's kitchen." He said very quietly to Mirzan as he passed. "Pray, a word when you've a moment."

[Naitachel]

Terhon watched Mikki's actions wryly. The sprite was more volatile a creature than he could actually like. He saw no reason why she should be making a fuss right now. Shayori wasn't being accosted and the place was quiet. The Mara had to agree that the two humans who had headed for bed were probably annoying, and normally if such frustration was aimed his way he would deal with it swiftly and efficiently. However, he doubted Naitachel would let him eat them.

Well, they'd stay the Seraph's problem, then. And if they pestered Shayori, they'd be dinner. So far, they seemed to have other targets, though. Terhon was fine with that.

Too bad about the meal, though.

***

"Yes, a bit of a short flight will be nice to just stretch my wings," Naitachel agreed with Soraya. "Not too far, however, nor too long. I should hate to mistake my path in the shadows of night and blunder into a tall tree--it would be both embarrassing and painful an extraction to get out of one such."

The Seraph couldn't help but feel a pang of suspicion and rebellion when Radu suggested joining Xander flying above. He had to wonder if the vampire prince had asked his servant to do so to keep tabs on Naitachel. Radu seemed determined to keep him safe. On the one hand the angelic didn't mind and felt honored to be considered so precious a friend. But on the other hand he had some pride in being able to handle himself for the past several centuries--granted with several horrible events where he had failed but he didn't feel comfortable having others take risks on his own behalf. It was his job as an angel to serve others, not the other way around. And he liked Xander--he didn't want him to be hurt if they met trouble, unlikely as it was. Nor did he want to impose on the servant's good nature by having to be trailed after like an unruly child. It made him feel like he was a burden.

But he could sympathize with Xander being one of the few of his own kind. Naitachel himself was the last adult Seraph. The other ten were still mere children and back on his home plane, so he, too, was very lonely at times. He couldn't socialize with full angels--they were too powerful for even himself to be comfortable around for any length of time. And Mara, for all they were distant kin of sorts, were not exactly sociable company nor did they welcome company other than their own kind, being the moody and practical sort. Nait enjoyed humans and other species of this plane, but for all they were good company, they were still not Seraph and so at times the loneliness and even homesickness still hit. That was why usually Naitachel did not stay long in any one place, a few weeks or months at the most. Handling trouble was his profession and would come to him if he did not go to it, and his friends were short-lived and too easy to attach to. The Seraph wasn't ready to go yet, however--something made him stay right now, for all he wasn't certain what.

"Good eve, then, all," the Seraph offered. "Please give him my regards, Lord Radu. After our flight I will return to the suite shortly for my meditations," he called after Radu.

With that, Naitachel headed out for his flight.

***

Mirzan, still keeping Rowanna company, nodded, surprised by Radu's comment. It didn't sound good. Maybe the vampire prince was worried about something and needed reliable human help like him and Sihus and Marcabru to guard against it. Granted the vampires had servants who could act in daylight, but Mirzan was a trained mercenary and able to help defend if need be.

Turing to his lover, he patted her hand. "You should get some rest and see if any of your herbs or anything Nopalo has might help your stomach settle. You're pretty run down and I don't want you getting any worse. If you want to check with Nopalo, I'll go see what Prince Radu has in mind, and I'll meet you at our suite, okay?"

[Soraya]

Soraya waved after the seraph as he took his leave.

"Enjoy the flight!" While Naitachel stepped away, she glanced a the window, trying to puzzle out just how late into the night they had stayed up this time. It was true there were still a few stragglers in the common area, the hour had most certainly grown past what most people would consider decent. Since she had taken up with the Princes, it seemed she had become much more of a night owl who slept into a good portion of the morning. She idly wondered if she would someday become as nocturnal as they were. The idea was really not all that preposterous, given how things were going.

"I should likely excuse myself as well," the redhead admitted. "If I stay up much longer, I may become a vampire myself," she teased. "I bid you all a good night."

Soraya glanced up at Vlad, internally arguing whether it would be improper to ask him to walk her back upstairs - tired as she was, she was loathe to say goodnight to him quite yet. Impulsively, she settled for a light brush of her hand against his. He could interpret that as he would.

[Prince]

Rowanna hesitated for only a moment, reluctant to disturb Nopalo when his kitchen already seemed as if it might be overrun, before acquiescing. She couldn't argue the need, however. She'd long since grown frustrated with feeling so out of sorts, and even more so with worrying Mirzan. She rose, her hand brushing his shoulder lightly as she made her way quietly to the crowded kitchen to see Nopalo.

Vlad caught Soraya's hand gently in his own. "May I have the honor of escorting you?" he asked, hoping she wouldn't refuse him.

Shayori noted Sihlus' failure to return with a frown. Shouldering her bow, she turned to the Mara. "Tehron, would you join me, please? I'm worried Sihlus hasn't returned."

Radu nodded to Naitachel. "I shall. Enjoy your flight." he answered softly. He could feel the seraph's hesitance and wished he knew how to ease his concerns. He wasn't trying to control him. He only wanted to see him safe and happy, though he honestly couldn't answer, even to himself, why this seemed so important to him. He watched the seraph go and waited quietly for the rest of the room to clear before approaching Mirzan, uncertain if the man would welcome his interference any more than the seraph seemed to.

[Soraya]

At Vlad's offer, Soraya nodded. Silently, she was debating whether she should come clean with the vampire, at least partially, about her past, or lack thereof. He hadn't pressed her regarding her origins, and, so far, she hadn't volunteered much, other than the fact that she had no real memories of her past. She hadn't shared with him any specifics about the cabin she kept seeing, or the way things seemed to brew just under the surface at times; yet somehow, she doubted her shudders and occasional moments of unease went unnoticed to the vampire.

Soraya began leading him away from the others and toward her room, a more quiet area of the inn. She allowed her hand to rest in his and drew some comfort from his touch. It seemed to ground her, somehow, and she felt she needed that, particularly how she attempted to puzzle out whether she should even bother Vlad with her own questions about her past.

At first, the redhead had questioned whether she could trust any of these people with this information, but throughout their travels they had proven themselves to be friends. Vlad most of all, and somehow, now that they had finally found some measure of privacy and quiet, something in her wanted to break down the barriers she had erected to protect herself. She was tired of carrying this burden alone, and he was the one she most wanted to allow to help her with it, though she hoped she wasn't being presumptuous in assuming he would do so.

What if he recoiled at the idea that someone out there might be hunting her? What if he balked at the fact that she just might be some sort of criminal on the run from the law, someone who had done horrible things? After all, that feeling of foreboding that haunted her whenever that scene by the lake appeared likely indicated something from her past was amiss.

After several moments of walking in silence, she began, tentatively, "Vlad, I... I was wondering whether I could speak with you a moment about..." She trailed off, grimacing, not sure how to actually proceed on the subject.

Tucking a stray red curl behind her ear, she tried again, "I am assuming that you have not been blind to my occasional... distraction," she said, leading him into an alcove at the end of the hallway rather than directly to her door. She looked up at him quizzically as she spoke. "I... do not wish to burden you with my own troubles, though I would explain myself, if you are willing to lend me your ear?"

She held her breath, hoping the vampire was as ready to listen to her as she was to finally tell someone about the grittier details of her current memory loss.

[Prince]

"Pray continue, dear lady. I would gladly hear whatever you might have to tell, and help you if I may. You have my full attention," Vlad answered gently.

Indeed, he had noticed her attention occasionally drifted, as well as the moments when she seemed afraid, shuddering at some distant memory that taunted her, just out of reach. He'd already promised himself that he would help her in any way he could if given the opportunity. He couldn't explain it, this feeling he had that went so far beyond mere desire to simply be near her and to see her happy, nor would he have tried, but there it was. His whole purpose for existing seemed to be for her alone, and he smiled softly to himself as he realized he would have it no other way. Even knowing how foolish loving a mortal would be, and how unlikely it was that she would ever return it should he offer it, he could not help but be enraptured by her. He knew without question that there was nothing he wouldn't do to see her safe and happy.

[Naitachel]

Naitachel looked about upon exiting the Inn, then slid his wings out from within his robes. Spreading them wide, he took to the air in powerful swoops. Though he could see fairly well in the night, any kind of night flying was more hazardous. This was when more dangerous things preferred to hunt, when the shifting of shadows among the spindly trees could make a miscalculation more likely, when the winds were less stable and cooperative. In unfamiliar territory, taller hazards could loom up suddenly and add to the danger. So he circled high and planned not to go far.

***

Terhon nodded and peeled his large form out of the shadows to join Shayori. He hadn't heard any disturbances other than what the vampires had faced earlier, or within here. So he didn't worry overmuch about Sihlus. He knew the man was fully capable of handling anything that came his way, and if not he would make some sort of mental call, no doubt. But he would humor her and satisfy his own curiosity in the bargain by investigating with her. He just hoped the sprite wouldn't tag along and cause more mischief.

***

Mirzan watched Rowanna go with concern. She still wasn't feeling well. He could only hope Nopalo had some home remedy that she wasn't familiar with, because he could bet she had tried all those she knew. Well, he would have to worry later, because the others were headed their own ways for the night and Radu was approaching. So he finished his drink and stood politely. How did one address royalty without a kingdom? He drilled his memory, not too sure. Well, he would do the best he could, as polite as always.

"So, what can I do for you, Lord Prince?" the mercenary asked. "I'm not sure if I should be happy or worried if it's about a job."

[Soraya]

Standing there, with Vlad waiting for her to speak her mind left Soraya suddenly feeling even more vulnerable. And yet as she looked up into the vampire's blue, expecting eyes, she felt a thrill of shiver go down her back. If there was anyone with whom she could allow herself to be truly vulnerable, it was him. After all, if he had wanted to hurt her, he could have done so a thousand times by now, both physically and emotionally.

After all, there was little hiding her infatuation with this near-stranger. She always felt betrayed by her gaze that lingered slightly too long on his features, or her heart-beat's quickening whenever he entered the room, bringing a flush to her face. She could never hope someone such as him could return the affections of a non-person such as her. Still, he was kind, and he had never so much as hinted at being unkind toward her.

The redhead finally looked down, away from him and out the window adorning the alcove, admiring the moon's face as she spoke at last.

"I have already told you I do not have a memory of who I am," Soraya began, hoping her voice remained steady. "But I suppose that is not... all there is to the story. I awoke in a field with nothing but the clothing on my back, the bracelet I am wearing, and my dagger.... I do not even know my name, really, but the engraving on my jewelry. And as you know, I wandered for some time until we met." The redhead paused, took a deep breath, and plunged into the heart of the matter. "But something else has accompanied my amnesia."

She paused again, trying to figure out exactly how she could convey the things she had been seeing. She finally looked back at him a moment, before continuing, "There is an image that... plagues me." For truly, there was no word to describe what she experienced so regularly, that was so unpleasant. "At first I only saw it when I dreamed, but as time passes, I am beginning to see it more frequently, even in my waking moments. It is a sort of chalet, or a cabin against what one might consider an idyllic setting. It sounds pleasant enough," she shared, shaking her head, "and yet somehow it instills in me terror; a fear beyond anything I could describe to you."

The redhead tried to consciously bring the image to mind, though now that she summoned it, it remained elusive. "I do not know what it means," she admitted sadly. "I tried to walk toward it a few times, but either my fear forced me to turn away or I woke before I ever made it close enough to make out any more." Her hand moved along the edge of the window's curtains, as if her fingers sought something with which to fiddle.

Soraya's voice became quiet, though she knew the vampire would be able to make out her words without difficulty. "I often wonder whether not knowing is for the best... whether I should live out my life in ignorance rather than stirring the wolves. I often wonder if there is someone out there is looking for me; whether they would love me or want to..." She sighed, and left off the end of her sentence.

"There is much I wonder, Vlad, much I do not know," she admitted, "But this I do know - whatever that cabin is, or represents... whether it is a memory or a symbol or something else entirely, it is somehow related to my past."

The redhead finally paused here, and watched the vampire wearily. She had finally told someone her deepest secret, told him of her fears and doubts. Now she waited to see what he would do with those, how he would react, and she hardly noticed that she was holding her breath.

[Prince]

Mirzan watched Rowanna go with concern. She still wasn't feeling well. He could only hope Nopalo had some home remedy that she wasn't familiar with, because he could bet she had tried all those she knew. Well, he would have to worry later, because the others were headed their own ways for the night and Radu was approaching. So he finished his drink and stood politely. How did one address royalty without a kingdom? He drilled his memory, not too sure. Well, he would do the best he could, as polite as always.

"So, what can I do for you, Lord Prince?" the mercenary asked. "I'm not sure if I should be happy or worried if it's about a job."

Radu hesitated, gesturing toward the table, inviting the man to seat himself again as he slid gracefully into a chair across from him. It was not his desire to overstep, as it seemed he had with Naitachel, yet he could not bring himself to stand idly by and watch things progress as they were. He'd so long ago fallen out of the habit of interaction, however, that he found himself uncertain how to begin such a conversation. After a moment, he proceeded quietly, "It was not my intention to invade your privacy, nor your lady's, to be sure, as it is clear you've chosen not to share her current state. Yet, I should like to approach you as a friend, offering what I may to your lady and the child she carries as to prevent the loss of either."

***
Vlad listened closely to what Soraya said, his brow furrowing at the thought she might have enemies seeking her. When at last she paused, seemingly awaiting his reply, he placed a hand gently upon her cheek and answered simply, "Whatever this cabin represents, I would discover it with you if you would but allow me. I would gladly help restore to you all that has been lost. As to your fears, know that I will protect you from any foe without reservation or exception." He knew he was being terribly forward and yet he could no longer seem to stop himself as he leaned forward, brushing his lips lightly across her own before admitting, "I am yours to command, my lady."

[Soraya]

Soraya's eyes glazed over a moment with a look of contentment. At that moment, she would have allowed the rest, all that was not Vlad, to fall to the wayside, if she could have. The problem was that choosing to simply forget it all might lead to putting the others in danger, a danger she might not know enough to keep watch against.

"What if I am not who I think I am, Vlad?" she asked, giving voice to one of her concerns. "What if I am the one to be feared? Would you still truly protect me then?' she asked.

The answer dawned on her even as she spoke, however. No, he would not protect her, because even if he tried, she would walk away from him. She couldn't risk putting him in danger, putting any of them in danger.

And yet for now, when the answer was still unsure, she couldn't bring herself to leave, even if leaving would likely be the best decision for all.

After a few moments' thought, the redhead finally admitted, "I do not know what I would command, Vlad. Though I would know where I come from, I fear the answers that might come with that. I wonder if perhaps for now the best course of action would be to take no action."

Her blue eyes fixed on his and she asked, "Do you think that is the wrong choice? Does it make me a coward?"

[Naitachel]

Mirzan sat across from Radu with rising apprehension. If the vampire was having him sit down, this couldn't be a good sign. But Radu's words stunned him. One eyebrow rose slowly, then the other, right to the mercenary's hairline. He stared, mute for a moment, feeling like someone had slapped him on the back of the head with a small tree. "Current state" and "child" rang around inside his skull until something finally dawned on him. Pieces finally fit.

His mouth opened, and not a sound emerged. So he swallowed and tried again. "Child? As far as we could figure, Rowanna's just been ill. Which has been hounding me because neither she nor I can seem to make heads nor tails of it. But... a child... that makes sense finally." The mercenary rubbed his chin, frowning thoughtfully as he scratched at stubble. "I appreciate you mentioning it and your offer--I've thought hopefully of you and your kin as friends, and I'm glad we're of similar mind there. I'm grateful for any help any of you can give us, especially in this matter, because I admit, I'm worried sick for her. I would like to be a father, actually, but forgive me for asking--are you sure she's carrying? How do you know?"

The mercenary was afraid to hope that it was true. He knew Rowanna had her own reasons for being uncertain about having children. Mirzan had his own trepidations on that account--his blood was magic-tainted. That taint led to a lot of miscarriages and stillbirths in his homeland. And those who lived frequently ended up malformed or with odd abilities or both. His own animal telepathy was a minor result from that taint. Others had been half-beast or nearly full-beast, with mind powers and the means to alter themselves or their environment. His leader, Commander Fehir, actually had the head of a stag! The man who started the Wyvern Company, the Wyvern himself, had been reptilian of feet, clawed of hand, even having bat-like wings and horns, but he'd also been a powerful telepath and rumored to have other powers. The Wyvern had been sane, though--many such offspring were not, and so it was not unheard-of for families to sell their odd children to the mercenaries out of fear that they would end up true monsters, trusting the Companies to kill any too dangerous to keep under control. Mirzan rightfully feared just what his tainted blood might produce, and moreso the impact of such on Rowanna if it died, either naturally or because it was a danger to others.

[Prince]

Radu offered a small smile then sighed at the question of how he knew. The answer to this could put the mercenary off, and he hated to do that. However, he owed it to the man to be honest with him. "Those of my ilk are prone to noticing sounds others may not," he replied very quietly. "The sound of one's blood rushing through their veins. Their heartbeats." After a pause in which he offered the man time to contemplate he added, "I know of her condition for I heard both heartbeats."
***
"I would protect you," Vlad answered easily, "even if I must needs protect you from yourself." Her self-doubt worried him only so far as he wished he could will it away, and he gently cupped her chin in his hands, assuring eye contact so that she might know the truth of his words. "It does not make you a coward, unless it would make me one as well. I am uncertain I could face what you have and still remain wholly unfazed and unafraid. Trust me when I say that you are one of the bravest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and I am honored that you would take me into your confidences. Whatever you choose, trust in that choice and know that I will support it and aid wherever I may."

[Soraya]

Soraya's eyes met Vlad's, and though his words didn't fully allay her fears about who she was, she felt her body relaxing. There was no denying the truth in the way he looked at her.

"Thank you," she said, hoping that the conviction in her voice would make him realize in turn the weight with which she spoke. The redhead let out a relieved, shuddering breath.

Vlad's hands on her face felt steady, sure, and his words warmed her. Soraya remained as still as she could, soaking up all she could of his proximity until finally she favored him with a dazzling smile. Pink crept into her cheeks.

If he was going to be forward, why couldn't she be?

It was her turn to put her lips to his, though she was somewhat more firm than he had been, wanting more than a mere brush. She allowed her lips to linger a few moments, softening slowly, before pulling away.

"Do you know how magnificent you are? You are fierce and determined, and yet so kind and gentle..." Not to mention how physically striking he was. "I would be lost without you. Floating about like a leaf at the mercy of the wind, aimless, broken... Thank you for grounding me. For trusting me when every indication is that you should simply steer away. You actually make me feel as though I could be a whole person somehow."

She startled herself by speaking those words out loud, though at this moment she couldn't find it in her to be ashamed of this unladylike behavior.

She was, however, silently rather ashamed of the other piece of this she had yet to divulge to him. But that part she wasn't ready to share yet; what if it was the last drop that sent him running the other way?

Besides, she didn't actually know she had caused the fires that had killed those men. It could have just been coincidence.

[Naitachel]

To say Mirzan was floored was an understatement. Radu had heard a second heartbeat. It wasn't that the vampire could hear that or the sound of blood moving in one's veins that unsettled him, though. To tell the truth, he rather expected something of the sort. After all, the vampires were predators. One would expect them to have senses attuned towards their prey and the condition of said prey. While knowing he was considered prey, even unconsciously, was still rather discomfiting, it wasn't so surprising. A few others in his Company had been predators as well--controlled, and trying to retain control over their such urges, and sometimes more meat-oriented in their desires, but predators nonetheless. You were cautious around such, always, even if they were friendly, as offering temptation to those urges was unkind and always carried the potential for danger. He held Radu and his kin in a similar light, knowing what they were though he still considered them friends, and it wasn't hard to maintain that slight caution in the back of his mind when their nobility was so obvious.

No, what floored the mercenary was the knowledge of a second heartbeat. The confirmation that he was a father and his fiancee was carrying. Some plans would have to be stepped up a bit more hastily. Others would have to be made to account for the child. For all his mixed emotions about being a father, it was now a reality and he had to accept that. The heartbeat made that concrete. So for a moment he was silent, mouth hanging open a bit as he tried to gather his thoughts and push emotion aside for later perusal and an attempt at understanding.

"Ah," the mercenary offered, unable to help what he felt was probably the most unintelligible reaction anyone could have to such news. "Well, there's no mistaking that, then. I guess I'll be a father after all..." He reached up to rub at a stubbled chin. "I hope to be a good one, but... my race's history for children isn't what you would call the best. We... tend to create some... odd offspring. At best. You could say I'm exceptionally normal. Either way, it sounds like here's my chance. Thank you, Lord Radu. I... well, this will at least give me the means to try making Rowanna feel better, and something good to look forward to. It's better than just an unknown illness!"

Granted, he didn't know what women did to endure pregnancy, what herbal drinks and such they used against nausea and what supplements for creating a healthy child. But he was sure Rowanna would know those, herself. He only hoped she'd truly look forward to it as well, and not be as nervous as he was! Mirzan himself didn't feel like he'd be able to breathe easy until the child was born.

[Prince]

Radu inclined his head. "Of course, my friend. I am pleased to be of service." Looking closely at and into Mirzan, he added hesitantly, "If I may. It has been my experience that those who are most keenly aware of the gravity of parenthood are often the very best of parents. I do not doubt that you and your lady will once again prove this out. My own and I shall render whatever assistance we may. I shall alert Georgiana. No doubt she shall seek you out. I fear my own have been somewhat less than cooperative in providing such an opportunity for her. She is never happier than when she is tending to others in this manner."

Spying Rowanna approaching, the vampire rose. "I shall take my leave now. It would seem that you and she have much to discuss." Bowing to the petite woman, Radu smiled. "Good evening," he offered then exited silently.

***
Vlad smiled, leaning forward to press his forehead gently to Soraya's. Emboldened by her response and deciding she needed to know just how much he would risk for her given the chance, he said to her softly, "You are so much more than you believe yourself to be, dear one. I thank you for your trust. I shall spend eternity striving to be worthy of such a gift if you would permit me."

[Soraya]

Soraya allowed herself to remain as she was a few lingering moments. Inwardly she knew she was nothing special, and she knew he likely would become interested in someone else soon enough, someone more interesting, someone rich and beautiful and powerful. Particularly when she began growing old. But for now she wasn't able to deny his affections.

And she felt the burning in her cheeks as she finally pulled slightly away from him. "Unfortunately I do not have eternity to offer you in return," she said, somewhat sadly. "But whatever years I may have to offer that you would take you may have."

She laughed and shook her head, squeezing his hand a moment before releasing it. "My mouth has run away with me again," she admitted. "I seem to regularly lose my ability to control what I say when I am near you. Perhaps it is best I retire for the evening before I make a bigger fool of myself than I already have."

[Naitachel]

Mirzan rose as well, watching Radu go. Turning to Rowanna, he prepared himself mentally for revealing what the vampire had told him to his fiancee. At least he thought she might handle it well. But the mercenary's own fears lay deeper, and he hoped to the gods that they would never prove true. His bloodlines had produced true monsters, after all. Creatures that had to be put down for the safety of others. He hoped such would not be the case this time. The last thing he wanted to do was have to turn to Radu and ask him, in friendship, to act to end his child simply because Mirzan knew he would not be able to do such an act himself.

[Rowanna]

Rowanna sighed, holding up yet another cup of tea. "I'm afraid Master Nopalo had few ideas I'd not yet tried." She shrugged, tiredly.  Noting his expression, she frowned. "What is wrong? You seem troubled."

***

Vlad caressed Soraya's cheek, smiling softly. "I see no reason for you to control what you say when your honesty is so very intriguing. If you are tired, however, I understand and will bid you farewell until the morrow." He kissed her gently upon the lips. "May you have the very sweetest of dreams."

[Soraya]

Vlad's lips once again met her own, if briefly, and Soraya felt heart flutter, yet again, as he bid her goodnight.

There was no way she'd have anything but the sweetest of dreams after this encounter. Or so she hoped. There was so much to fear in this life, and she much preferred to focus on what she had in which to find comfort.

Her voice was almost a whisper as she bid, "Good night, Vlad." With one final glance, she finally released him and slowly and deliberately, made her way back to her own room. She lay in bed, smiling up at the moon as she drifted off to sleep.

((OOC: You guys can finish up Ro/Mirzan if you want while maybe we set up the next day with Milo's arrival?))

[Laerwen]

The statuesque female had arrived early in the evening, paying close attention as all manner of people interacted. She found that the inn held an unusually large number of interesting people this evening. Too often she'd arrive and find the inn chock full of useless fools. Tonight, though, she'd been well entertained. She considered moving off to her room, but found herself intrigued by the softly spoken drama only just picked up by her elven ears. She lowered her head, sipping her brandy as she listened, vowing to herself that she'd move on to her room the moment the scene was played out.

[Naitachel]

Mirzan thought a moment, rubbing a hand on his growing stubble.  He needed to shave soon again.  How to broach this?  He wasn't a diplomat, not really.  A scout.  A mercenary.  Delicate wording wasn't quite his thing, though he wasn't a full on barbarian to blurt out the first thing that came to mind. 

"Well, Prince Radu gave me a bit more information that... may sort out our problem."  He reached out to take her hand in his.  It felt so small compared to his own.  So fragile.  Hell, he was going to be nervous about this until the child finally emerged.  "You're pregnant.  And it seems vampires can tell that really easily.  Though, well, guess that at least makes it easier to narrow down remedies that'll actually work for the nausea, other than just... time."

[Rowanna]

Rowanna looked stunned. "Pregnant? But I thought," she stopped herself short of actually reminding him of his long ago declaration that he would never sire a child for fear of the magical taint in his blood that could give rise to the birth of a monster. She herself was no less adamant, for fear of her own curse befalling any child they might have. She quickly averted her eyes, her shaking hand setting the tea cup down before going protectively to her abdomen. To bear his child would be a true blessing, one which she had often dreamed of and even dared pray for more than once, but, she realized as she sat, what sort of mother would she be, she who'd never had one of her own, nor known the love of a parent at all. She looked at Mirzan, near overwhelmed by the thought and asked, suddenly unable to breathe. "You are certain?"  

Without his answer she knew, of course. It all made sense now. They hypersensitivity to scent even without shifting at all. The nausea, the fainting and vertigo, the emotional lapses. She closed her eyes. "Of course you are certain, else why suggest such a thing. I should have realized, it answers so much. but.." she began, though so many different endings came to mind to finish the question she hardly knew which one to start with.  And in spite of it all, she still could not help but want this.

"I know this is not what you wanted," she began again haltingly, her normally soft voice even quieter than usual. "I well remember our long ago conversations and would hold you blameless if it is too great a disappointment to you and you thought to be rid of me. I would not bind you to anything you did not desire. But I can't..." she cleared her throat and dried her eyes, determined to find her strength. "I know nothing of mothering, I know, and I am quite likely to be absolutely useless at it, and yet I can't not want this. It is of you, and this makes it precious to me no matter what it may be, for you are as well." She lowered her head, drawing a slow  breath. "I cannot help but love it, for there could be no part of you I do not love."

[Naitachel]

"If I wasn't afraid it'd all end tragically, I'd be jumping for joy actually," Mirzan admitted. "My biggest fears are that the child will miscarry, be stillborn, or be a monster at some point if not from the start. Or that bringing it into the world'll kill you, or that having a child with any of those problems'll be too much for you. With the heritage of my people, there's a strong chance of any of those results. I didn't want to lose you for trying."

The mercenary ran a hand through his short hair, puffing out to release tension with his breath. "If you're willing to risk it, well hey, I'm part of the cause and I'll see it through to good or ill. My parents did the same, and I'm here, so I can hope to be lucky. I'd like a child, to be honest, even if it looks odd or can do odd things, and it looks like some higher power thinks we should give it a gamble. So long as you're game, as you stand the greatest risk and discomfort, I'm behind you all the way."

An eyebrow arched and he offered a wry smile. "That means we still have to get you eating more, though. Especially now that you're doing it for two."

[Rowanna]

Rowanna slowly raised her eyes, unable to believe what she was hearing. He wasn't disappointed? "Whatever challenge it may present, it is still ours, and I shall be honored to bear it." At his admonition, she colored slightly and nodded. "of course, I shall have to do a good deal more if I am to give you a healthy child ..."

Her mind immediately turned to all that could go wrong. The magic in his blood, the curse in hers, the travel and nutrition and all that she'd already failed to do properly. Suddenly she found herself feeling quite overwhelmed.

[Naitachel]

Mirzan could tell from the shift in Rowanna's expression that she was struggling to absorb all of this and what it meant for their future, as well as that of the young one she carried. Heck, he was sure he wore an expression similar to that when Radu told him! So he stood and moved to wrap her in his arms, the only thing he could think of to help comfort her. They were in this together, for good or ill.

"I'll be with you every step of the way," the mercenary promised quietly, kissing the top of her head. "On the bright side, I might be able to convince animals to help with the chores, though the one thing they can't do--and gods know I wish they could--is diapers."

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