The Silver Queen [AU]

[Smith Family]

"Never shame. Regret for what you felt you had to do... aye, maybe that. Sadness, anger, maybe even disappointment. But not shame. And always love," Jaina says firmly, kissing her temple after they sit. "What's wrong, lovie?"

[Coquette Blacquin]

Still, she shakes her head. "I... I don't think I can come back from this. I don't think... I don't think I can pretend anymore. I don't think I can be who I was."

[Smith Family]

"There's always hope, Cindy," Jaina corrects her. "Maybe you can't be the same person you were. Doesn't mean you can't become a person you like."

[GamesMaster]

Vig, confident his charge is in good hands, sits nearby, washing his paws delicately. Lady Olocaryn has good family, he decides, satisfied. 

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I've lied to you since before we met," she murmurs. "My husband... I was... I'm not fit to be around. The only thing that kept me going was wanting to be sure you were safe, all three of you. Four," she corrects, glancing at Jaina's stomach. "I couldn't let more ill fall on my family, I just couldn't. But once that's done, I... I don't think I'm coming home."

[Smith Family]

"Don't you dare," Jaina flares at her. "Don't you dare make me lose another daughter!" Kyle, wincing, gestures uselessly to lower her voice to avoid waking the napping younglings.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I'm sorry," she whispers. "I  just... can't."

[Smith Family]

"Then we'll carry you until you can," Jaina says fiercely, though she does lower her volume, if not her intensity.

[GamesMaster]

"Well said. And may I remind you, you are still mortal, and capable of change. You would not be worthy of my protection were you not a good person. You are merely hurt and confused."

[Coquette Blacquin]

Coquette stares down at her lap, hunching her shoulders, tears streaming down her cheeks. "P-promise?"

[Smith Family]

"A mother's promise to her child," Jaina confirms in a whisper. "Wherever you've gone, wherever you go, you will always have a home with me."

[GamesMaster]

A few moments later, Vigile calls in greeting, "Ray Lightsong," in a voice loud enough to alert Jaina and Cindy that she's returning. 

[Coquette Blacquin]

Cindy sits up, then, wiping at her eyes, trying to make herself presentable. 

[Haliel Lightsong]

Glowing in more ways than one at the sight before her, the aasimar sets down a crudely trimmed stump. "Best I could find," she says apologetically.

[Smith Family]

"More than suitable, Ray Lightsong, thank you," Kyle assures her quickly. Jaina nods before offering, "I've some salad and cold roast chicken I was about to serve up- stay and join us?"