Alright so I fully admit that I took too long to get to this chapter. I've been betaing on top of writing so that's why. I mean I started this chapter at the beginning of May but have only managed to finish it now which is definitely an epic fail on my part. Anyway read review.

Nuada came before the people on the third day as he had promised. He had visited Rameska every night reassuring himself and her that the child would be fine. They did not know how they were going to be parents in a world that hated any union of their kind, but they had to know. Standing before her people Nuada was half inclined to tell everyone the truth, to explain his and Rameska's love, but knew it would surely result in a bloody resolution. He had yet to tell his father either and he did not know where he would find the strength to reveal the truth. He had told Rameska this, but she said that if it were possible she wouldn't mind speaking with the king herself. Establishing trade between the two countries would give her an excuse to meet with the king and then she could reveal the truth.

"My people,"Rameska began,"know that I am queen, but my role is not only to rule, it is to listen. Together on this day we shall decide what our next action towards the elves should be. It is either trade or we let them alone."

The people were silent as Rameska's gaze passed over them. They had known her parents to be fair, Nuada assumed, and held respect for her as well. In a way, humans treated their leader almost like an ambassador for their thoughts. She was their voice.

"Those of you who are against this plan please kneel."

Over half of the people remained standing and Nuada could feel the little hope that Rameska had strengthen. She smiled and bowed her head. Nuada also nodded, accepting the decision of the people. Standing straight once more he turned to his beloved.

"I will inform my father of the news."

I am glad that they have accepted. I will tell Nuala of our union. Perhaps, she can help my father accept us.

Before stepping away from the crowd Nuada observed the people that did not accept the trade. He noted that most of them were warriors. He frowned at this small fact, but did not tell Rameska, he did not want to worry her. He supposed that warriors would see reason once the actual trade began. It was natural for a fighter to question sudden peace, it was one reason that wars often lasted long. It took time to trust an enemy, to understand that they no longer meant harm.

I cannot wait for this to begin, please hurry back!

. .. . .. . .. .

"She is truly with child?"

"Yes, it was something that we did not expect."

"Nuada..."

"I know. I should have been more careful, but at the time we did not think-"

"No, brother," Nuala murmured as she turned to her brother, "why did you not tell me this sooner?"

"I was afraid that you would be disappointed."

"No, I am...pleased. Too long have we been separated from humans, you and Rameska will bridge the gap."

"You believe that?"

"With father standing behind the two of you perhaps it will be accepted."

Nuada stood from the chair and pushed his meal aside. He wasn't hungry but had accepted the offer of lunch with his sister. Really, he had only wanted to know his sister's thoughts. He wanted to share the burden, if only a little.

"I will go to father then."

. .. . .. . ..

He found father in the throne room conferring with another elf. Nuada stood at a respectable distance and waited for the two of them to finish.

When the elf finally bowed and made his departure Nuada stepped forward. He looked at his father and wished that he could be bringing happier news. It had been a long time since he was able to present his father with even that. His father looked up at him and greeted him in the old tongue.

"Father," he said falling into the language easily," there is some news that I would tell you."

"And what would that be my son?"

"I-I have managed to establish trade with a neighboring human tribe."

"I see, the one beyond the forest, yes?"

"Yes and-and I also found something else."

King Balor eyed Nuada with a heavy look. Nuada could see that he was apprehensive about what he was going to say next. Nuada was nervous himself, not wanting to disappoint his father, but wanting him to accept what he was going to say.

"I found...my other half. I found my mate and if you allow it, my future bride."

"A human," his father said as he half rose from his seat, "a human girl, Nuada are you mad!"

"No, father for the first time I'm thinking quite clearly. If you could only meet her-"

"Son, what you propose is madness! Do the other humans know of this-this affair?!"

"It is not an affair," Nuada shot back his reply tinged with anger, " I love her."

"Whether it is love or something else this should not exist!"

"Watch your words father! She is carrying my child!"

King Balor sat back down in his seat looking more aged than before. Nuada waited for his father to gather himself and then continued in a more softer tone.

"I love her father and she loves me. She is so much like mother and if you would agree to meet her you would see how wonderful she is. She is kind and gracious, strong and brave, and every inch a queen. I would ask your blessing though I would still have her without it."

"This woman is important to you."

"She and the child are my future father."

"Then...you have my blessing. I will meet her when you two deem our meeting ready."

"Thank you father," Nuada said a genuine smile on his lips. King Balor found himself ensnared by his good mood and smiled back. He rose and tooks his son's hands in his. He pressed his lips to his forehead and then patted his shoulder one final time. Nuada had rarely had moments when he saw eye to eye with his father, but he felt that in the future they might agree on things. He bowed the smile still lingering in his steps and in his mind.

Now don't you feel better for telling father?

Yes. It is rare when you are wrong sister and for that I am glad.

Now go back to the village and arrange for the meeting. And do not forget the trade caravan. I know you are only doing this for Rameska, but you must also remember her people.

I can no longer deny her tie to her people Nuala. Our child will be half human, so humans I will have to embrace.

You have become very wise my brother.

It seems that the women in my life are intent on making me so.