A/N: Well, this is my second T.M. fic. They're quite fun actually. I'm used to writing first-person Beka Cooper, and I find that third person is quite easier. I'd love to know what you think - constructive critism or otherwise - because this is my first Immortals (Daine/Numair) fic.

Summary: Daine hardly ever thought she'd fall in love, let alone get herself pregnant! This is a short story about Daine and her tid-bit unusual journey with pregnancy. Humour/Romance.

Disclaimer: Tamora Piece owns her characters and her world, etc. Most of this is hers.

Chapter 1: Confessions and Constellations

The girl sat alone in the forest, looking up at the sky. All around her, a storm raged, uprooting trees and pulling at her untamed smoky brown curls. She got up and walked further into the underbrush, plunging herself into darkness, still watching the sky with sharp attention. Silver light gathered around her hand that clutched the claw that swung on her chest – a gift from her friend, the badger god, to keep track of her.

It had been two years since Veralidaine Sarrasri's ordeal with the gods and she was now a stunning young woman. Smoky brown curls framed a lightly tanned face; blue-grey eyes remained trained on the constellations of stars above her. To any other, she could have just been star-gazing…but she was truly waiting for something, or, to be more precise, someone. She was patiently waiting for the night-sky to clear and that familiar image to appear. When the silver mist near her materialized, though, it still startled and delighted the girl both to see her mother.

"Ma!" she cried in joy, flinging herself into the goddess's arms. "It's so good to see you. I never got to thank you for my birthday present…I missed you so much, ma."

Daine's mother smiled. "I missed you too, darling." She laughed. "Daine, you've grown so much. I'm so proud of you, more than you could know. But, don't forget, you did call me here for a reason." She looked knowingly down at her daughter, who blushed darkly.

"It's just – I mean – Numair's still asleep. I need to talk to you."

Sarra smiled down at her daughter and pressed a finger to her lips. "I'm honoured, Daine," she whispered. "What do you need?"

"I – a –" Though her mother had thought it not possible, Daine's face went another, darker, shade scarlet. "I'm pregnant."

Sarra raised an eyebrow sceptically. "Did you not use that charm I gave you?"

"Yes, I did!" Daine cried defensively. "I trust you made the charm great 'n' all, but I think Kitten nicked it when I was bathing."

Sarra smiled down at her daughter and held out a hand. Daine pulled off the necklace that held the charm and passed it to her mother. Sarra analyzed the ruby-coloured charm before confirming the dreaded news.

"It's specially attuned to you, youngling." Tears sprouted from the goddess's eyes. "It doesn't lie. Oh, I'm going to have grandchildren! How I wish I could be alive to be able to really help you with everything. I feel so – useless."

Daine looked up at her mother, much to her embarrassment feeling tears well up in her own blue-grey irises. "It's not your fault, Ma." She attempted a smile. "I can still see you, at least. That's more than most can say. I will call on you, when it's time."

Sarra tried a watery smile. "I love you, Daine. If I could go back and not die, I would."

Daine grinned. "Oh, but, Ma, how would I get to learn so much, then? Things happened as they should. I wish you could be here, alive, but we can't deny fate." She made a face. "Or the gods."

"Off you go, then," Sarra ordered, sounding very motherly. "You have friends waiting for you back at the palace." Hugging her mother one last time and kissing her on the cheek, Daine shape-changed into a golden eagle, and vanished into the sky.

When she arrived in the dining hall just on time, Daine was greeted by a disgruntled Kitten – evidently annoyed because Daine hadn't taken the dragonling with her – and a tired-looking Numair. She quickly tucked the chain away and sat down.

"Where've you been?" Alanna asked, looking over Daine's sodden clothes, and tangled hair – well, more tangled than normal. "You look like you just got rammed by a herd of horses."

Daine shrugged, and went back to pushing her chicken around the plate. "I just went for a walk, is all."

Alanna raised an eyebrow. "Your appetite hasn't been very good lately," she said worriedly. "Are you sick? I heard you –" Suddenly, she cut off, her eyes glinting with understanding.

"Oh, Daine! You're –!"

Daine glared at her, glancing anxiously at the curious Numair out the corner of her eye. "He doesn't know yet, Alanna!" she hissed. "Don't –"

"Why not?" The Lioness said, looking puzzled.

"Because he might leave me," whispered Daine, looking down, tears welling up in her eyes. "Or he might –"

Alanna thrust the girl's chin up gently, but firmly, with one hand. "You know Numair would never do that."

"Daine?" Numair looked anxiously at her over the table. "Are you alright?"

Alanna looked pointedly at Daine. The young woman rolled her eyes, her smoky brown hair bouncing, her blue-grey eyes nervous.

"Odd's Bobs, Alanna! Okay! Numair, I have something to tell you." Daine took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant."