Exton

Star was silent as Tannr finished the story. It brought back memories of her own experience. She wondered how she would feel if she had a child from that ordeal. She couldnt imagine. The child she was about to have was conceived in so much love....

She looks to Raina who has her head down and watches as the midnight tresses fall down covering her face. When she makes no move to push it back, Star slips off Eriks lap. She goes to Raina and wraps her arms around her tightly.

“It's all right, sister. I understand...”

Raina tries hard not to cry but cant help herself. As the tears start to slip down her cheeks Star looks to the men and motions with her head towards the door.

Erik looks back before he closes the door behind him. Star is cradling Raina against her and resting her cheek against Raina head, whispering words of comfort to her. Her eyes meet Eriks and she makes a 'shooing' motion with her fingers and Erik leaves them alone.

Outside Tannr is pacing back and forth across the deck. “Damn it Erik. I didnt mean to hurt her. I should have chosen my words more carefully. I didnt mean to bring back any hurtful memories for Raina.”

Erik nods, “I think she knows that Tannr. She has always felt things more deeply than the rest of us. She'll be all right. Everyone wants to believe that their parents loved each other and thats why you're here. Unfortunately, it doesnt always work that way, even now.”

Inside, Star brought Raina a cold wet cloth for her eyes. She pushed her hair back and murmured to her as if comforting a small child, something Raina would never have tolerated from another living soul.

Raina wipes her face and gives Star a small smile. “Thank you. I can stop now...” She reaches over and rests a hand on Stars belly. “Time to move forward. No point in wallowing in the past. I cant change things for my mother. When I met her on the other side she said everything was fine now, so I have to believe that.”

Star returns the smile as the baby pushes at Rainas hand. “We all have things to look forward to....”

Raina didnt ask what she meant, she knew it would be a waste of breath.