Over the next day or so, living quarters shifted around a bit, as Amanda, Duncan, Anne and the babies settled into the house Constanza had pointed out. It was of similar construction to the temple, though it had smaller interior spaces, wood lining and floors, and was really quite comfortable, if spartan in décor. Ritchie, Joe, Methos and Fitz settled into the rooms in the boat.

Constanza had vanished without a word, and no one was sure where he went. The only thing he had said in answer to "What now?" was, "Take care of these children. I'll be back soon." And he was gone.

The phenomenal growth that had marked the children when Amanda was carrying them continued. And at the end of one week, they were physically five years old. And there was something about them that made them seem far older. Was it their quiet natures? Their eyes that took in everything around them? Their ears that never missed a word uttered? Clad in their light brown clothes that seemed to be supplied in the right size from a mysterious source, they played and laughed like any children, but had moments of introspection that belonged to those far beyond their years.

Duncan leaned in the doorway, watching the kids out in the field like area between the house and the temple. Ritchie and Fitz were playing with the kids. Ritchie had found himself with a small sidekick, as Darius had taken a particular shine to the young Immortal. And Ritchie had no problem with that, whatsoever. They were a good match up, and Duncan had full confidence when he saw the two together.

Then, there was the other match up. Rebecca was taken with Fitz. The little brown haired, blue-eyed girl had been fascinated with Fitz from the beginning. The Hugh Fitzcairn charm was already taking hold. Duncan trusted Fitz, but the protective side of him still was...silly. She was a child. Maybe, when she was older...and that would be far sooner. But...well, he would keep an eye on things.

Naming children. These new entities among them, and they selected sounds with which they would be identified. They had first names. But the rest?

"They need middle and last names," Amanda said, coming up behind Duncan and wrapping arms around his back. Duncan turned to kiss Amanda. Still radiant, her body had healed completely from the trauma of the pregnancy within moments after the children had been released from her body. She was beautiful. He kissed her, holding her in his strong embrace.

"Mm, there's the Highlander I like so much," she grinned.

"You're beautiful," Duncan said simply.

"I know," she grinned.

"Modest, too," Duncan quipped.

"Modesty is dull," Amanda said, "I'm just happy to have our Immortal recuperation talents. I've seen what pregnancy can do to women. Ew." Amanda made a face.

"That's due to bad diet and no exercise, before, and especially during and after," Anne said, walking into the room. "Much of that can be avoided."

"That sounds like work," Amanda said.

"It is," Anne said. "But it can be done."

Amanda wrinkled her nose, looked back at the kids, and said, "Well, how about names?"

"Has this been on your mind that much, Amanda?", Duncan asked.

"Well, don't like to leave loose ends dangling,", Amanda said.

Duncan rolled his eyes and thought of the litany, but shook his head, and just asked, "What do you see as middle names?"

"You first."

"Alright. I want the boy to carry the name Connor."

Amanda nodded and smiled slightly, "I think he'd like that. I hope you get a chance to tell him."

"So, how about Rebecca, what's her middle name?", Anne asked.

Amanda turned to the woman behind her and said, "I hope you don't mind, but her middle name is Anne."

Anne smiled and nodded, "Thank you, Amanda. I'm honored." She then paused, "So, how do you pick last names?"

"Simple," Amanda said, "Darieux."

"Why not MacLeod?", Duncan asked, sounding somewhat offended.

"Duncan, you put so much stock in your clan name. Geez, there are other names out there. I DID give birth to those kids, you know."

Duncan looked offended.

"Oh, that MacLeod pride damaged now. So clumsy of me."

"It is important to me, Amanda. But I can understand why it wouldn't be as important to you," Duncan said.

"Duncan...geez, naming is one of the few things I have control over here....look, I'm going with MacLeod, too. Your last name is a central part of yourself, while mine is just something I put on a driver's license. I have no problem with MacLeod at all. I just like seeing you pout."

Amanda grinned. Duncan was so cute when he was offended, sometimes.

Methos came around the corner with Joe. They had been looking over the house, marveling at it for similar reasons they had the Temple. Methos was grinning widely, overhearing the conversation. He understood Duncan's pride at his Clan's name. They may be Immortals, but he understood the all too human need for roots and reference points. And, at the same time, he understood Amanda's attitude on the use of a name like a garment. To be discarded when it had outworn it's welcome, or had become too dirty.

"Oh, Duncan, would it really upset you if Amanda had insisted on her current last name?"

"Well...Amanda gave birth to them," Duncan said. "I was just their to hold her hand. I didn't even provide the usual contribution."

Amanda reached out with fingertips and turned Duncan's head toward her.

"Dear Duncan, you've contributed more than your share, more than many biological fathers. I have no problem welcoming our children to Clan MacLeod."

Duncan smiled and hugged her.

Joe wondered out loud, "Your family keeps some kind of record. You and Amanda going to go to Scotland after this to put them in?"

Duncan hugged Amanda, and the two looked at each other and then at Joe.

"Yes."