Over the days, Kel became sicker and sicker, but she was happy indeed. Neal would sit next to her and tell her stories. She would lie there, in her bed thinking of the gentle kicks in her stomach, and of how she loved Neal. Neal watched her progress, until one day she felt pains, and told Neal she loved him. He stared into her dreamer's eyes, seeing oceans swim, but he soon realised that it was her crying. "Neal, tell Dom that I think he's a great friend!" she was brave, but it caused Neal heartbreak to see her in pain, so he put a sleep charm on her. She went limp in his arms, and the only thing that suggested she was alive was the gentle rise and fall of her chest, and the slight breaths from her mouth. Neal resisted the urge to kiss her, and left her in another healer's care, to deliver the baby.
*** Kel awoke later to see her mother, Lady Ilane, standing over her. "It's a girl!" she whispered, and Kel nodded. "Neal?" she asked. Lady Ilane smiled. "Well done, my love. She's a great little girl. Neal is holding her. He's lovely!" Kel nodded again. "She has good taste!" laughed Piers, her father. "The boy says that you are the best woman on earth!" he gestured to his wife. "After you, of course, love!" he reassured his wife, and Kel laughed. "Neal, can I see her?" asked Kel. "Sure," said Neal and he passed a light bundle across the bed. Kel gasped. "She's beautiful!" she cried. And Piers and Neal replied, "Well look at her mother!"