Andina answered the door to see Irisa there. She blinked and backed away, disappearing, only to have Stahma appear, "Yes, dear? Have we to clear something up with Lawkeeper Nolan?"
Irisa shook her head, "I came to see Bear."
Stahma looked at her oddly, "I don't understand? I don't think there are bears here."
"Your grandson."
Stahma paused a moment, "Why do you want to see him?"
Irisa looked down and shook her head, "Never mind."
As Irisa moved to walk away, Stahma grew her smile that one never knew was compassion, or a plot forming from the inspiration of a new situation. "Come in."
Irisa was taken to the nursery and was stark white like everything else in the home. The stark differences in the two races made it clear at least one reason why Irisa didn't like the child raised by people so starkly clean and sterile. Her people let children play in dirt and she could imagine they'd never let Bear.
"He really is growing." Stahma stood over her. It was likely puzzling to see Irisa so interested in the baby. "Was he any trouble in the traveling?"
"No. He was quiet."
Stahma smiled, "You seem inexperienced and I'm sure since Nolan found you at an older age, he was inexperienced as well. You do seem to have a mother's touch though."
Irisa didn't reply. Something most weren't surprised by. You preferred her quiet really. Stahma walked out and ran into Datak in the door. As she took his shoulder, he looked at her oddly and said, "You will leave her alone with our grandson!"
"Shhh." Stahma took him toward the dining room. "She has no ill wishes for him. As Nolan says, she had to convince him to bring the baby along. However, I think Nolan was likely teasing her." Stahma poured some tea, "I don't think she even understands her draw toward him. Perhaps with all the things she's done in the past, a sense of new life must be refreshing for her."
"She can't BE here. What if she's spying!?"
Stahma looked at him, "Irisa is hard, but she is easy to read. She is here only to see the baby. Besides, Andina is by the door to make sure Irisa is in that room only or coming toward the door."
Irisa stared at him. The chubby pink face with pink eyes. She didn't know what she felt. She just knew something so small must be protected. He was the only innocence left in the cruel world.
