Dreamed Into Life

[Ravna]

She sighs. "I wish you had not killed him. I could have made an example of him. Instea,d have the head mounted on the front wall of the fortress, or perhaps above the gate. That will suffice."

[Illianna]

"And the Russ?" I ask

[Ravna]

"I've already sent word ahead to have your prince apprehended. He can rot in the dungeon until we feel like returning." She gives a savage, predatory smile, cold and empty. 

[Illianna]

"And us?" I ask unsure if she'll still want me

[Ravna]

The smile vanishes. "What do you mean, us?"

[Illianna]

"I failed you..... I put everything we've worked on in jeprody. Will you punish me for my failing? Will you leave me? Do you even still want me?"

[Ravna]

Ravna sighs. "It is only to be expected. You are untrained in the ways of my people. I will assign you a mentor to teach you the proper ways."

[Illianna]

"That's not what I'm asking" I sigh "do you still love me?"

[Ravna]

Ravna colors, looking away. "What-- that is-- that is highly inappropriate, I-- look, unlike you castellians, we clans do not speak freely of our emotions, we simply-- if I did not tolerate your presence you would know it. I would not have just anyone in my sickroom. I, I regard you highly."

[Illianna]

I smile lightly. "That's what I needed to hear thank you." I place my hand on hers gently guid it to my stomach. "Can you feel them?" I ask winching as he kicks "we should talk about names sometime soon."

[Ravna]

"If it's a girl, Ravna. If a boy, Ravno."

[Illianna]

"I was thinking something a little less..... parental..... why not brinwolf for a boy and Siggun for girl"

[Ravna]

"Siggun... in your tongue, victory in battle. I like it. I am not as convinced on Brinwolf however."

[Illianna]

"We have some time still" I smile playfully taking her hand "I love you mistress" I say gently

[Illianna]

The days pass quickly as we send out scouting parties and and deal with the fallout of Iekbrounder betrayal. It is late one evening when there's a pounding on my door. I rise from my bed and open it to find ravna there eyes gleaming in the light of the candles. "What?" I mumble at her grinning face.