Exton

Raina knocks on the door of the cottage, leaving Rowan and Nick visiting on the patio. Before she can reach for the doorknob it is opened by a sylph.

“Gods, I hate those things.” Her and Nick enter the living room, trying to be quiet since it looks like Alise is asleep in front of the fireplace. Raina starts to take off her vest and swords when she hears her name called. She lowers herself to the floor in front of Alise..

“Hey, how are you feeling? Still tired? You look like you have been crying. Whats wrong?”

Alise smiles, “Not really crying, just happy tears.”

“That glad to see me huh?” Raina pulls a pillow off the couch and lays down facing Alise.

“Of course I am happy to see you, but thats not why...”, and Alise looks over at Stoney.

Noticing the glance between the two Raina is worried, “What is it? Has something happened?” Again that glance, making Raina impatient. “Okay, stop that mental thing you guys do and tell me whats wrong.”

Taking Rainas hand Alise says, “I am going to have a baby.”

“A what? But... How the hell did this happen?”

Alise laughs, “In the usual way I imagine”

Raina is silent for a minute, “But... well...is this a good thing? Are you guys happy?”

Alise nods and the look she shares with Stoney leaves no doubt in Rainas mind. “Okay, so when is it going to be here? And you have to start eating, you are entirely too thin as it is. And how are we going to teach Panther not to lay on it and squish it?”

Laughing Alise tells Raina to stop joking. “Panther wont do that. Rowan thinks it will be sometime in the early spring. Please dont say anything, Stoneys family doesnt know yet.” Alise falls silent and in a voice barely above a whisper says, “I dont know how to be a mother. I wish my maman were here...”

“I know sweetie”, and Raina lifts her arm to give Alise a hug but stops herself when she isnt sure of where she can touch that will not cause any pain. Instead she snuggles close and kisses Alises shoulder and then her forehead. “We will be your family. I dont know how to be a mother either, but I will help you with whatever I can. I wont say a word, promise. Should we put some of that stuff on your back? It looks better, not so swollen, but very colorful, kinda like my back...” Alise is laughing again at Rainas teasing.

Raina stands, “I'll get Rowan to look at your back..”