David began to cry and it signaled the need to move back to their room. The Time Lord was concerned about her having to walk the distance, but Rose assured him she was ok. She felt a bit sore and bruised, but ok. She leaned on Alice as he carried David out of the Tardis.

Chapter 59 Sayla

When they opened the doors the whole room of women stood up. He didn't realize they were still there. They all "Awwwed" at the same time and made an aisle down the center of the room. Affording as many of them a look at the baby as possible. He whispered to Rose, "I think we may have to get a bodyguard for David."

Thankfully they did not follow them to the hallway and then their room. A lovely white, rocking, bassinet was already set up in their room with red velvet cushions and light netting over the top. Alice was yawning as she entered the room and went right to her bed to sleep. She was still in her nightgown. David had started to fuss and wanted a feeding.

Rose sat in the comfy chair and held him to her breast, humming the lullabye. She almost nodded off, and when he was done, The Time Lord picked him up and put him in the bassinet. She sat back in the chair with her eyes closed. The Time Lord sat on the bed where he could see them all. He was exhausted too, but couldn't stop staring at his family, his son, his daughter, his wife.

Grateful was not a strong enough word for what he felt, knowing he could have lost them all on this trip. There were no words in any of the 8 billion languages he knew. Rose had drifted off and he was tempted to leave her in the chair, if it weren't for the image of her anger next morning at being left in a chair. He smiled and picked her up, laying her on the bed, a Tardis robe wrapped around her. Pulling the blanket up, he kissed her face gently, "I love you Rose." He lay beside her staring at her face until he too slipped off to sleep.

They all rose late next morning. A novice had been stationed at their door and heard them start to move about. She sent word they were up and had breakfast brought. Alice's classes had been cancelled, and they spent a lazy day with the children.

The Rev Mother had left strict instructions that they were not to be disturbed, unless by their request. A novice stood silent in the corner of the room at David's and Rose's beck and call. Taking delight in helping care for the baby. A rotation had been established, and she was relieved after an hour for the next delighted novice. By the afternoon, 8 couldn't stand it anymore and rushed the door. "Can I come in?" he said over the shoulder of the novice blocking the door. "Yes, please come in." Rose chuckled.

She signaled for the novice to come to her. "Thank Rev Mother for me, but I think we can receive visitors now." "She will be pleased to hear that." the novice smiled, "May she come and see you?" "Absolutely, She may come whenever she likes." She bowed and left, whispering to the novice in the hall and then taking her place in the corner.

8 had a wicked smile on his face, "So how is my wife and son doing today?" The Time Lord became very territorial and put his arm around Rose. "She is my wife, and my son, not yours, so kindly stop referring to them that way, unless you're looking for a fat lip!" 8 grinned again, kissed Rose on the cheek and whispered, "Has he had his coffee yet?" Rose broke out in a chuckle, "Yes, but not enough to tolerate you. I'd listen to him."

He wandered over to the bassinet, keeping his eye on 10. He bent low over the child, sleeping after having eaten. "Hello David, I'm…" he stopped to try to think of an appropriate moniker, "...your..., your grandpa Smith." He looked at 10, "How's that?" The Time Lord growled, "It'll do for now. Not like either of you will remember."

"Oh I don't think the boy will ever forget. A face like that will probably traumatize him." Ohila came into the room and went straight to Rose. "Ok boys, time to let the women talk, so shoo. It's a lovely day, take Alice with you to the gardens for a walk." 8 slapped 10 on the back, "Come on, I know when I'm not wanted." 10's eyes were wide in surprise. "Really? That's not been my experience so far." 10 went to Rose, "Are you ok? Is there anything I can get you?" Rose smiled, "No husband, I'm fine. See you in a bit." He bent to kiss her cheek. "We'll be back soon. Come on Alice, you can tell me the names of the plants." Alice ran to her father, taking his hand.

Then Ohila began, "So Rose, How are you really?"

Rose squeezed her eyes shut for a moment and sighed. Tired, weak, and a little pain yet."

Rev Mother was concerned, the Elixir should have healed everything. "Give me your hand." Rose held out her hand and she took it, closing her eyes and breathing deeply. "Your body has formed scar tissue in your uterus from the tear and the incision. The Elixir may have tried to heal you too quickly and your body couldn't keep up. It may become a problem if you wish to conceive again." Rose was sad over this news. She wasn't ready to think about another one for a while, but would have wanted the option to be open.

He would be devastated, and she wondered how she would tell him. Ohila saw her grief, "I'm not saying impossible, just, unlikely." Rose nodded her head, "It was a surprise getting pregnant. There are eight years between Alice and David, and I'm not getting any younger." Ohila smiled, "You're younger than you think." Rose didn't understand.

"The Elixir is made for Time Lords who have a problem regenerating. It restores their life force enough to continue the process. You are not a Time Lord, you can not regenerate, but it has, and will continue, to restore your life force." Rose was astonished, "How long?" "I think you had enough Elixir to be able to live a century or two."

"Or two?"

Ohila smiled, "Perhaps more. A trade off then. No more children, but three times longer lifespan. Do you think he will approve?" Rose thought a minute not knowing if she should say this, "His greatest fear has always been losing me too soon. I think this will bring him a great deal of comfort. Besides, he will be hesitant to have another child, considering the problems we had this time."

Ohila stood to go. Rose struggled to get up with her. "Don't trouble yourself my dear. I know the way. You rest. The pain you have now will relieve itself in time. I'll see you again soon." She smiled and left. It was odd to have the room to herself. She wasn't sure what she should do, when she looked up to see a young novice leaning around the door frame.

"Hello, What's your name?" The novice pulled back so she couldn't be seen. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you, please forgive me." Rose grinned, "I'm sorry what was that?" Rose had heard every word, but she wanted her to come into the room. A face popped back around the corner. "I said, I'm so sorry for disturbing you." "What?" Rose said again. "Please come in where I can see you."

The novice was horrified she had made such a nuisance of herself. She stepped tentatively into the room. Rose waved her hand, "Over here." The novice came to Rose and Bowed low, "I'm so sorry to have disturbed you" She was a young woman with dark hair and beautiful blue eyes. So pale and drawn, Rose was concerned for her.

"It's alright…. What's your name?" "Sayla" "Hello Sayla, Why are you here?" The girl dropped to her knees, bending low, "Please forgive me, I meant no harm. I just wanted to see the baby." Rose suspected as much. The whole convent probably wants to see him, but she was the first to be so bold. "It's alright Sayla. Please sit down. You make me uncomfortable seeing you on the floor."

Sayla rose to her feet, her head bowed low, but she wouldn't sit down. "Please sit down Sayla, for my sake." She was unsure what she should do. Protocol said stand, obedience said sit. Rose sighed and stood up. She went over to David, picked him up and brought him back to the woman, putting him in her arms. The look on Sayla's face said it all. She practically glowed, awestruck, and quickly sat down to cradle him.

"He's so beautiful. What is his name?" Rose smiled to see her reaction, "David John Smith"." Sayla looked at David dreamily, "He is so much bigger than my son." Rose was surprised, "You have a son? I thought you were a novice here." "I am" she said sadly. "They took him from me and I miss him very much." She began to gently rock the baby. The look on her face was so sad, Rose could not look at her without tears.

Chapter 60 DO Something