Triumph 33

Lenneth had been lightly napping when she felt the bed move, the trembles startling her awake. Lenneth forced her eyes open, seeing the spot next to her empty, Lezard having left the bed. She heard him moving about, heard the rustle of clothing and the crinkle of paper as he gathered the pages up from the floor. She must have made some noise, done something to give away the fact that she was awake, because he was speaking to her then.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to wake you…”

“Don’t apologize…” Lenneth sighed into her pillow, too weary to lift her head. “Just come back to bed.”

“I wish I could.” Lezard said, true regret in his voice. “But we both have a busy day ahead of us.”

“We do?” Lenneth tried to think, but she was just too tired to properly focus. She frowned, trying to think back to the last few hours, recalling Lezard promising not to let her sleep the night away. He had been true to his word, only allowing her some rest in the early hours of morning.

“Yes, we do…” Lezard’s voice sounded closer, the man reminding her, “You’re going to see Eir today.” Lenneth let out a moan, a vocal protest against the idea. Lezard’s face came into view, the God bending down to peer into her face. “Now Lenneth, you agreed.” He sounded as though he was speaking to a reluctant child, and she frowned to hear that tone directed at her.

“I know that!” She snapped, rolling onto her back. “I don’t have to like the idea though.” The mattress creaked, Lezard getting a knee up on the bed. She turned her face, watching his progress as he clambered onto the bed, moving to lean over her. He was half dressed, a white shirt unbuttoned down to his waist, allowing her to see inside to the smooth expense of his chest.

Lenneth’s gaze slid down lower, admiring the view of his stomach, surprised to hear Lezard let out a deep chuckle. “Now Lenneth…there’s time for that later…” There was a teasing edge to his voice, Lezard enjoying having her look at him. She shook her head, dragging her eyes away from his body to peer up into his face, frowning at him.

“You should get dressed.” He told her, making no move to shift off of her. His hands were on either side of her body, not touching but keeping her trapped between his arms.

“I will as soon as you move.” Lenneth told him, shoving at his chest. He smiled to feel her hands on his skin, and he pressed down against her hands, pushing closer to her. “Lezard!!”

He laughed, eyes dancing with amusement. “I just want to kiss you good morning.”

“Are you sure that’s all you want?” She asked, a hint of suspicion to her tone.

“No, but I’ll have to settle for just a kiss.” Lezard grinned, and Lenneth sighed, letting her hands fall away from his front. “That’s a good girl.” He practically purred out the words, going to lie flat on top of her. One hand moved, reaching up to tenderly ease back the hair that had fallen over her eyes. “I love you…” Lezard whispered out the words, Lenneth keeping silent to his ardent proclamation.

Lezard held back a sigh, disappointed that she still refused to say the words back to him. It didn’t stop him from seeking out her lips, a gentle pressing of their mouths together, lips curving round each other. A full minute went by, and still they kissed, Lenneth feeling the tremble in Lezard’s body as he fought to keep from pulling at her night gown.

With one last resounding smack against her lips, Lezard pulled back, smiling down at Lenneth. “That was sweet…” He commented, fingers playing with the hair that framed her face. She nodded, going to sit up, Lezard’s hand landing on her shoulder. His smile widened, Lezard whispering huskily to her. “If I had my way, I’d never let you out of my bed.”

Lenneth frowned at him, annoyed by his words. “Then I’m glad that some things still elude your control.” She told him, causing his expression to mirror hers. She sighed, shaking her head. “You can’t possibly tell me you seriously thought that was a romantic thing to say!!” But from the look on his face, he had, the new God not understanding the reason behind her annoyance.

“Lezard…” Lenneth began patiently, touching his face. “When you say things like that…it makes me feel more like a possession than a person.”

“I don’t mean to make you feel that way!” He quickly protested.

“Do you?” She wondered, a loud exhalation of air from her. “Comments like that just remind me of how you used to be…of how obsessed you were…still are with me!”

“If feeling this way is wrong, than I don’t ever want to be right.” Lezard said heatedly. “Damn it Lenneth, I love you!”

“Then think on your words before you say them!” She snapped back. Lenneth went to push pass him, no longer wishing to be in the bed with him. Lezard grabbed her by the arm, preventing her from moving away from him.

“Lenneth I’m trying…” Lezard said, forcing her to sit back down against the pillows. “I really am…but it’s so hard to know what to say to you sometimes.” She was quiet, just staring at him offering no sign of whether he was on the right track or not. “I would hope that you see my efforts as a…a step in the right direction. A step towards building a better relationship between us.”

A heavy sigh from Lenneth, the Goddess lowering her eyes, staring at his hand on her arm. He was gripping her so tightly his knuckles had turned white, and Lezard gasped, guiltily releasing his hold on her. “I know you’re trying…” Lenneth said softly. “I have eyes Lezard…I can see your efforts…and I appreciate them. It’s just sometimes…”

“Sometimes what?” he asked.

“Sometimes…you slip up and revert to the man you were. The man I hate.” She glanced up, locking eyes with him.

“You hate me?” His expression turned crestfallen, Lezard appearing to only focus in on certain words. Lenneth shook her head, reaching up to nervously brush her fingers across his cheek.

“I don’t know what I feel for you.” She admitted. “Sometimes it’s hate, sometimes it’s fear…other times…a grudging like bordering on something more.”

“More…like love?” He asked hopefully.

“No, Lezard…” She shook her head. “Definitely not that.” At her denial, his eyes hardened, Lezard jerking away from her caressing touch. Lenneth sighed, her eyes sad. “I’m sorry…but I don’t love you…maybe I never will…”

“Maybe never…but the word maybe implies a chance that you WILL love me.” Lezard said, but his voice lacked his usual confidence.

“I don’t want to give you false hope.” Lenneth told him. “Perhaps…” She licked her lips, finding them too dry. “Perhaps sleeping with you was a mistake.”

“Lenneth no!” protested Lezard, reaching forward to take hold of her by the arms. “Never a mistake, never!”

“But it’s given you the wrong idea…” Lenneth said sorrowfully. “I should have never given in.”

“Lenneth what…?” Lezard asked, not having to feign the confusion he felt in this moment.

“I think…” Her words came out slow, hesitant. “I think we should go back to the way things were. Before we started sleeping together.”

Lezard felt a wave of panic settle in over him, if he had been standing he would have staggered back, unsteady on his feet. Instead he sat crouching on his knees, staring at Lenneth in shock. It would have been kinder if she had slapped him, less grievous if she had plunged Gungnir into his chest. Lenneth was continuing to talk, but he could barely make out the words, staring dully at her. He had a moment of indecision, and then his eyes narrowed, amethyst glinting behind his glasses’ panes.

At the look on his face, Lenneth fell silent, feeling a shudder work it’s way through her body. “Lezard?” Her voice held a shaky, nervous note to it, and she cautiously went to touch his arm.

“No…” Lezard shook his head, and lunged forward, seizing her by the arms. “No! I won’t go back to the way things were!”

Lenneth let out a gasp, trying to twist out of his grip. “You’re hurting me, Lezard!” He seemed not to hear her, digging his fingers into her arms hard enough to bruise. “Lezard!” A cry of pain from Lenneth, Lezard partially relaxing his grip on her in response to the noise she made.

“I won’t…” He whispered, forcing her to strain her hearing to make out his words. “I can’t.” He pushed her, causing her to topple backwards onto the mattress. Before she could spring up, he was on her, pinning her down with his body. His hands caught at her face, smoothing back her hair, even as he kissed her, trying to make Lenneth feel the same sense of urgency he felt.

“Lezard stop…” Lenneth said, turning her face to the side. His sloppy kisses fell on her cheek, hasty imprints of his lips up and down her jaw line, Lezard feeling Lenneth squirm underneath him. He could feel her nails digging into his shoulders, scratching him through the shirt, a pain he ignores. It’s nothing compared to the pain of her words, and he touches her face, forcing her to look at him once more.

“You’re mine.” He told her, practically hissing out the words. “Just like I’m yours…we belong to each other, do you understand? If not in love, then through our bodies alone we WILL be connected.”

“This is exactly why I can’t love you!” Lenneth cried out, struggling to push him off her. “Because you’re like this…!”

“Then tell me what to do!” Lezard shouted. “Tell me what you want me to be, and I’ll be it!”

“I want you to…” She hesitated, a name almost on her lips. She didn’t know where it came from, or who it belonged to, but she found herself wishing Lezard was someone else. “To be a good person.” Lenneth finished up lamely. “To be kind to others, and mean it. To do good without expecting anything in return.”

“You would have me be a hero…” Lezard slumped forward, his head resting next to hers. His shoulders shook and she realized he was laughing. “Oh Lenneth…” His voice was muffled by the pillow, but she could still make out his words. “That’s something I’ll never be…”

“Don’t you think I know that?” Lenneth demanded, hearing Lezard let out a sigh. But he didn’t speak, merely laying face down in the pillow, the minutes ticking away. Lenneth lay there, eyes gazing up at the mural on the ceiling, counting out the seconds.

When at last he lifted his head, his expression was calm, Lezard almost looking like his old self again. “I’m not going to apologize.”

“Well, that’s a prize winning conversation starter if ever I heard one.” Lenneth said sarcastically. Lezard’s eyes darkened, turning a glower on to her. She didn’t flinch back from his angry expression, staring boldly at him.

“I’m not going to say I’m sorry…because I am not. Not for any of it.” continued Lezard when she had fallen silent. “I don’t regret one minute of our time together…and I won’t change a thing about our…arrangement…”

“That is not your decision to make.” protested Lenneth angrily.

“And you think it’s yours?” demanded Lezard, his anger matching hers. “You think you can just offer yourself up to me, then close yourself away without repercussions? No Lenneth…it doesn’t work like that.”

“Oh?” Lenneth arched an eyebrow, expression mocking. “How does it work then?”

“I could tell you but…” He smirked, reaching to snag her by the waist. “It’s so much better to show you!” He laughed at her startled yelp, tugging her into his lap. Lenneth immediately began thrashing about, trying to get free. Lezard tried to hold her still, wrapping her hair around his hand, gently tugging on her mane, forcing her to look up at him. An angry glare was on her face, cerulean eyes narrowed as she stared at him.

Lezard started to lean in close, his intent to kiss her senseless, when she spoke. “Lezard…” Her voice was careful control, not a hint of her true emotions to betray what she was feeling. “I’m going to be sick.”

He frowned, his hesitation giving her leave to squirm about. “I mean it…” She said, and he noticed her eyes were looking a little glassy, her skin seeming to hold a hint of green to it. Uncertain he let go of her hair, but he kept his arm around her waist, holding her. “I’m not kidding, let me go…” Lenneth ordered, Lezard reluctantly releasing his hold on her. She flopped to the side, not having expected him to do that. For one-second Lenneth lay on her side, breath coming a little bit heavier.

“I’m okay…” She started to say, and then her face turned an interesting shade, her eyes widening and she clamped a hand over her mouth. Scrambling to all fours, Lenneth hung her head over the side of the bed, a loud retching accompanied her movements.

“Lenneth!” Lezard exclaimed alarmed. He listened to the sound of her emptying out the contents of her stomach, but he had no room for disgust. Not when concern and panic were competing for control of his body. The two emotions were sucker punched to the side by a third, fear for Lenneth’s well being causing him to move. He touched her back, rubbing soothing circles on her flesh as she continued to make horrible retching and wheezier noises.

At last she could cough up no more, and she lay limply on the bed, embarrassed for him to have seen her like this. She was vaguely aware of him saying her name, hands touching her, lifting her up into the air. She whimpered, thinking it too soon to move, Lenneth grabbing onto Lezard’s chest, clinging to him as she shut her eyes, trying to block out the feeling of vertigo.

“That’s it…no more games, no more delays.” Lezard was saying, cuddling her close to his body. “I’m taking you to see Eir right now.”

“Perhaps that would be best.” agreed Lenneth weakly, but Lezard was already moving, gold ether swirling over their bodies. Lenneth groaned, trying to control her reaction to the teleportation, feeling her stomach violently wrench in protest. She heard Lezard murmur soothingly in her ear, nuzzling his face against the top of her head, in an attempt to comfort her.

Her stomach twisted as they arrived at their destination, Lezard taking a stumbling step forward, still holding onto Lenneth as though she was a fragile doll. “Eir!!” He bellowed out the healer’s name, startling the occupants in the rooms all around them. “EIR!! I have need of you!”

Lenneth risked opening her eyes, gazing around the familiar building. She saw pretty stain glass windows, a colorful array that was dazzling to the eyes as it reflected the light of the sun. Tasteful tapestries decorated the walls, soft lavenders and blues coloring the carpets. The touches were all feminine, beautiful statues, and a big bay window that overlooked a verdant green garden. It was Vingolf Lezard had brought her to, the abode most Goddesses called home.

Already she could see them, their lovely faces peering in shock and curiosity at the sight she and Lezard made. The Goddesses were torn between fear and awe to be visited by their lord and master. Voices began speaking, concerned over Lenneth. Figures approach them, Lezard still shouting out Eir’s name, uncertain as to what room was hers. He snarled at the approaching maidens, einherjar priestesses, wanting no one but the Goddess of Healing to lay hands on Lenneth.

“It’s all right Lezard.” Lenneth sighed, feeling her nausea fade away bit by bit. “They’ll be well versed in the healing arts…” She smiled in acknowledgment at the priestesses, seeing the concern on their face.

“Where is Eir?” Lezard demanded, ignoring Lenneth’s words. He avoided the priestesses’ hands, not trusting them to be able to help Lenneth. One redheaded girl clad in pale green robes took the lead, gesturing for Lezard to follow her.

“I will take you to Lady Eir…” She said, taking off at a brisk pace down the hall. Lezard easily kept up with the girl, ignoring the crowd of einherjar and Goddesses that followed him. They only got about halfway before the Goddess in question appeared, still clad in her evening gown, looking sleepy eyed and annoyed. That expression was quickly replaced by shock, the Goddess taking in the sight of a half dressed Lezard, clutching a nightgown clad Lenneth in his arms.

“Please…” He said, approaching the Goddess. “Help her.”

“I will do my best.” Eir said softly, stepping aside so that Lezard could enter her room.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

There was singing to greet him, a soft hum of happiness made all the sweeter by the fact that it was his wife who was doing it. Rufus smiled, slowly opening his eyes as he sighed, a sound of contentment issuing from deep within. He rolled onto his side, catching sight of Alicia. She was still clad in her nightgown, and she sat on the edge of the bed, running a brush through her hair. It was mesmerizing to watch her, seeing the bronze brush go over and over, sliding smoothly through golden strands.

Alicia for her part was carefully counting out the strokes, wanting to do one hundred in all just the way her mother had taught her. She heard Rufus moving about the mattress, heard the rustle of sheets sliding free of his body. The mattress dipped with his movement, soft creaks as he crawled closer to her.

“Morning…” His voice was husky with sleep, and his arms wrapped around her waist from behind. He squeezed her close, and she giggled, feeling him bury his lips against the back of her shoulder.

The brush halted it’s movements, Alicia smiling as he swept aside her hair, placing kisses from her shoulder to the back of her neck. “Did I wake you?”

“Hmm…” He paused to consider. “No I was just about ready to get up.” Rufus let go of her hair, letting it settle back against her neck, inhaling the pleasant scent of the shampoo she favored. “Want me to go get some breakfast?”

“I thought we could eat with Arngrim and Dallas today.” Alicia said, then made a sound, finding Rufus’ hands cupping her breasts. “Rufus!”

“Don’t want to.” He murmured into her ear, greedily fondling her. “Don’t want to share you with anybody else.”

“It’s only breakfast…” She said, feeling a naughty thrill at his words.

“Hmm…breakfast can wait.” He was turning her then, spinning Alicia around to face him. She giggled as she gazed upon him, and he smiled in confusion. “What?”

“Nothing…” Alicia said, raising her hand. The brush found it’s way into his hair, working to smooth out the tangles that found themselves gnarled in his green hair. He luxuriated in the feel of someone else brushing his hair, Rufus surprised at the pleasant feelings such an act arose. As a child, he had never been one to sit patiently around while someone else fussed over his hair, the elves being forced to keep his hair shorn short until he got old enough to take care of it himself. Now he found himself laying his head down in her lap, feeling the cotton of her nightgown cool against his cheek, his eyes closing in mock sleep as she tended to his hair.

“I think…” Alicia said, carefully running the brush down his mane. “Today we should begin the journey to Crell Monferaign.”

“But Alicia!” Rufus protested, a frown on his face. “I wanted to spend more time with you.”

“I know…shh…” She soothed him with a whisper. “But…”

“But what?” He asked, not entirely mollified.

“Well we’re being rude to our friends.” Alicia explained. “Forcing them to sit around all day with nothing to do, waiting on us.”

“I haven’t heard them complain.” replied Rufus sullenly. “Besides, they’ve found something to do yesterday, I’m sure they can do it again.”

“They shouldn’t have to.” pointed out Alica. She set aside the brush, fingering the beads in his hair. They were hardened ceramic, a colorful array that complimented his emerald mane. “Besides…I don’t like the thought of them hanging around, knowing we’re…we’re…”

He rolled his eyes, glancing up at her. She was blushing, eyes intent on his hair. “We’re making love.” supplied Rufus. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of. We’re married now!”

“I’m not…” Alica hastened to assure him. “Maybe just a little…embarrassed is all.”

“I find your shyness endearing.” admitted Rufus. “It’s cute.” If possible, her blush reddened even further, but her eyes drew away from his hair to look him in the eyes. She smiled, causing Rufus to grin widely at her. “Do you really think they’re bored?”

“Coudn’t you tell at dinner last night?” asked Alicia.

“No.” Rufus said. “I only had eyes for you.” He reached up, touching her face, feeling her lean in to his caressing fingers. His confession pleased her, he could tell by the smile on her face, the twinkle in her eyes.

“They tried not to show it, but they’re bored.” Alicia said.

“I’m sure Arngrim could find something to do…” Rufus said, thinking of the pretty bar wench he had seen the beserker with. “It’s Dallas’ that’s the problem.” He stifled a sigh, thinking that was always the case.

“Dallas is…” She cocked her head to the side, thinking hard on the words she wanted to say. “Dallas is just restless. He’s used to keeping busy, and now he’s stuck at at an inn with nothing to occupy his time. It’s bound to be rough…And did you notice? Dallas would barely talk to us last night! He was so quiet!”

Rufus bit his lip, trying to keep from saying something nasty. He didn’t miss the sound of the mage’s voice at all, thinking the quiet was a nice change. “I guess he was quiet for once.” He said at last, seeing Alicia’s emphatic nod.

“Which is why I think we should put the honeymoon on hold.” She said, her words causing Rufus to groan. “Just for a little while!” She added, watching as Rufus sat up. “We can continue it in Crell Monferaign…”

“And after too…” Rufus was quick to suggest. “I want to show you the world.”

“I’d like that.” Alicia smiled, having spent most of her life trapped within the walls of a castle located on the outskirts of Solde. She knew her husband had done quite a bit of traveling before ending up in Solde, the man eager to see the rest of Midgard after spending a lifetime trapped in the Forest of Spirits. Together they would explore, see new sights and experiences.

“It may not be Asgard, but there’s still beauty to be found in this world of ours.” added Rufus, leaning in to give her a quick kiss on the lips.

“Yes.” She nodded in agreement. “Now let’s get dressed.”

“Now” So soon?” She laughed at the protests. “But Alicia…it’s still so early…and I…”

“And you?” She asked as his hands touched her waist, fingers caressing the material of her gown.

“I just want to be with you.” Rufus said, pressing her closer to him. He went to kiss her, hearing her laugh. “I’m serious!” She closed the gap between them, kissing him before he could resume pouting.

“We have all eternity to be together.” She pointed out when they pulled apart for air. “Surely you can wait a few more hours.”

“Don’t know…” He mumbled. “Kinda got addicted to the touch of your skin.” His eyes lit up as an idea occured to him. “I know…let’s have a quickie.”

“A…quickie?” She repeated the unfamiliar word, a confused expression on her face. “What’s that…?”

“I’ll show you.” There was a touch of mischief to his grin, and she squealed as he grabbed her by the waist.

“RUFUS!!” Was all Alicia got out, feeling him drop her onto her back. She started to say more, but he was kissing her then, fast and furiously so, stealing her breath away. His hands crawled all over her body, touching and squeezing making her cry out against his lips. “Ooooh…” She murmured, wrapping her arms around him. “I think I like this quickie thing…” Rufus merely laughed in reply.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Much to Lenneth’s relief, Eir made Lezard wait outside, the Goddess insisting she could not properly examine Lenneth with him hovering over her. At first he had insisted on staying, promising to be good. He tried his best, but after the umpteenth time of him demanding she explain just exactly what she was doing to Lenneth, even Eir’s infinite patience was at an end. She gruffly marched Lezard out of the room, ignoring his protests, curtly slamming the door shut in his face.

“He’s overreacting.” Lenneth chuckled, giving a rueful shake of her head. “Really I’m fine. It was just a little vomiting.”

“It’s not just vomiting from what Lord Lezard reports.” Eir frowned down at her patient, noting the paleness of Lenneth’s skin. “There’s the dizziness to consider also. And your lack of color.”

“I’m always pale.” protested Lenneth. “I just don’t do well in the sun.” Eir approached her, bending down to feel Lenneth’s forehead.

“That’s a relief…you don’t seem to have a fever.” Eir sighed. “And you say the nausea and dizziness just came on unexpectedly?”

“Yes…” Lenneth watched as Eir held up a finger, the tip of it glowing with ether.

“Open your mouth and say ah.” Eir urged, Lenneth complying with the Goddess’ request. Eir brought her finger closer to Lenneth, shining the ether into her mouth. She peered at the back of her throat, a frown on her face. “It’s a little enflamed but that could be from the vomiting.” She lowered her hand, gesturing for Lenneth to close her mouth.

“I need you to lie back down for me.” Eir urged, and Lenneth sighed. She eased back on the bed, hands flat by her sides. Eir’s hands were placed gently on Lenneth’s stomach, the woman pushing and feeling along her belly. “Does that hurt?” She asked, and Lenneth shook her head.

“No.”

“Doesn’t make you want to throw up?”

“Uh uh.”

“Hmm…” Eir frowned, fingers kneading Lenneth’s flat stomach. “Sit up slowly…so as not to bring on the vertigo again.” Lenneth did as she asked, and for a second she closed her eyes, fighting against a wave of dizziness.

“Tell me Lenneth…” Eir said, leaning back against a table. “When was the first time you had sex with Lezard?” Startled, the Goddess just stared at the healer, not answering her question. “Lenneth…?”

“Three or four days ago.” Lenneth blushed, glancing down at her hands.

“Three or four days ago?” Eir repeated, not able to keep the surprise out of her voice. Lenneth looked up at her, an unspoken question on her lops. “This is very strange…” She approached the Goddess, placing a hand on her stomach. “I could have sworn…no no…it’s still there…”

“What?” Lenneth asked, even as the Healer shook her head no.

“I don’t want to say until I know for sure…” Eir was frowning, still touching Lenneth’s belly. “Not until I run a more conclusive test.” She stepped back, ether glowing in her hand, conjuring up a silver sewing needle.

“What are you going to do with that?” Lenneth asked, eyeing the needle with apprehension in her heart.

“I’m just going to draw some of your blood.” explained Eir, and she reached for Lenneth’s hand. Lenneth started to pull back her arm, then let out a resigned sigh, watching as Eir pricked her fingertip with the needle. Blood welled out of the cut, Eir quickly placing a porcelain bowl underneath Lenneth’s hand. Fat drops of red dripped into the bowl, slowly gathering up into a tiny puddle of blood.

“What are you gonna do with my blood?” questioned Lenneth, as Eir used ether to heal the cut in her finger.

“Oh…just run a few tests on it.” Eir said evasively. “See if what I suspect is true.”

“And that is…what exactly?” Lenneth said, reaching out to touch Eir’s arm. “Eir, tell me. Please…don’t keep me in the dark any longer!”

“Lenneth…my lady…I think you’re…I think you’re pregnant…” Eir said, a kindly smile on her face.

“Pregnant?!” Lenneth exclaimed, then clamped a hand over her mouth. Her wide eyes stared over her hand at the Goddess, Eir nodding her head yes. “Me? With child?” Lenneth squeaked out softly, hands flying to her stomach. Her fingers poked and prodded at her belly, disbelief in her eyes.

“I’m not one hundred percent certain.” Eir said. “It’s why I need your blood. But I think your recent illness isn’t an illness at all. You are just having morning sickness.” Lenneth was quiet, still touching her belly, frowning. “But it couldn’t be Lezard’s!” She glanced nervously at the barred door, as though fearing Lezard would burst in at any moment. “It’s too soon…”

“Yes.” Eir agreed. “Do you know who the father is?”

“I…I…” Lenneth frowned, shaking her head no. “I don’t understand…how could I be pregnant…?”

“You really don’t know?” Eir asked, surprised. “You can think of no other who could be the father?”

“I…” Lenneth reached up, rubbing her forehead with her fingers. Pain throbbed as she tried to remember, but try as she might she couldn’t recall life without Lezard around. “No…I can’t.”

“Then I’ll run the test just to be sure.” Eir stepped away from the bed, carefully carrying the porcelain bowl. “Until we know for certain, I think it best not to mention this to Lezard.”

“Yes…” Lenneth agreed, a shudder racking her body. “Thank you Eir.”

“Don’t mention it.” said the Goddess, carrying her precious cargo into the next room. Lenneth sighed, and slumped down against the pillows on the bed, resting a hand on her stomach. A baby! She thought, feeling a hint of wonder to her thought. But how…? She wasn’t some naive little girl, she knew how babies were made, and she and Lezard had certainly done enough of that activity to produce one. But not in such a short amount of time. And yet…she couldn’t remember ever being with anyone but Lezard, Lenneth wondering how her mind could forget such an important event.

Maybe Eir is wrong. She thought without much feeling behind the thought. Maybe I’m not pregnant…and this is just some weird illness I have. But would that be any better than being with child? Lenneth thought the answer was a resounding yes, fearing what kind of life it would have with Lezard as a father. She closed her eyes, content to drift off to sleep, whispering a prayer in her mind. Please…please don’t let me be pregnant.