Exton

When Alise awakens she is surprised to find herself still in bed. The sun is shining brightly in the windows. She looks over to Stoney who has gone to stone right next to the bed. The past few nights she has been sleeping nestled in his wings but last night must have fallen fast asleep after their lovemaking.

She struggles to sit up, the babies making her movements awkward. Sitting at the edge of the bed she gasps, her belly tightening suddenly. Stoney is instantly aware, his mind touching hers, Are you all right?


Yes, Chiot, we are fine. It is just more of the same false labor I think. It is happening more often and Rowan says that means the babies will come soon. I think I will go for a walk with Panther. Walking seems to help and Raina will be here later to visit... Je taime... rest, we will be all right....


Alise feels Stoney slip back into his rest and she takes Panther outside to let her run. The sun feels warm on her skin but there is a chill in the breeze, reminding Alise that it will soon be winter. As her and Panther walk down the path to the cemetery her thoughts turn to her plans for restoring it. It will have to wait now. But by spring I can start again, when its warmer and the babies are a little older....

She glances towards the back of the small cemetery where her stone sits. A large grey marker, lost in a tangle of weeds and overgrown bushes, it always makes her feel funny to see it. Only her first name is engraved on the stone, no last names or dates. She had thought of removing it altogether, but that didnt seem right either.

The babies start to move as if trying to find a more comfortable position in their cramped quarters. Alise smiles and calls for Panther. “Lets go Panther. Raina will be here soon and would probably yell at me if she caught us out here.”

Panther races around the many small paths leading into the tress and brush. Alise laughs as she has a vision of scattering dwarves and sylphs. I wonder what those ornery fairies would think of her racing around Pandoras garden??