Vivianne smiled drowsily as she felt the gentle kiss press on her brow. Varatt’s beard was soft and prickly all at the same time. The kiss, pressed on her forehead, felt like a benediction, a blessing and Vivianne leaned into it subtly. Slowly she opened her eyes and searched Lord Varatt’s face,<br/><br/>“Thank you,” she whispered and reached out her hand.<br/><br/>Nimue and Maric made love that was quiet and discreet so as not to disturb Samantha. Maric held her with her back to his front and silently rocked them to completion. Tears filled Nimue’s eyes as she wanted to beg him for a baby and was torn with the fear of losing another child. He bit her lightly on the shoulder the way a stallion might subdue a mare and Nimue felt chills run down her spine and all the way down her leg. When Maric found his happy place, he held her close and they fell asleep, still as one.<br/><br/><br/>When the morning came, Nimue hurried down to prepare breakfast. While the water was heating, she raced down to the lake to cleanse herself. She stared at the tell tale signs that there would be no child again for this moon. Nimue wiped tears away again, telling herself it was for the best. She didn’t linger, but hurried back to her snug little kitchen and the guests who were waking.<br/><br/>With the morning porridge bubbling in the pot, Nimue began to sing softly to herself and to set the tea to steeping in the kettle. A cry rose from outside and Samatha’s voice reached her.<br/><br/>“Faren! Faren has returned.”<br/><br/>Nimue went to the door to watch Faren leading a large contingent of armed men and a few noble ladies. Nimmie’s eyes went wide. Either there was a war coming or someone, Nimue looked around for Maric, had arranged for a family reunion. Her hand went to her unruly hair and she looked at her stained gown with the wet hem from washing out her monthly courses. She did what any shocked young bride would do when faced with the in laws. She shut the door and went upstairs to change.