One chapter away from the second part of this story

It had been a girl. A beautiful baby girl had arrived to Oliza and Avaram's life. With that birth, her position as the Wyvern queen had been finally settled as well. And yet, somewhere in her mind, she still yearned to be in a far away place to live her life away by the edge of ocean. Deep inside, her own desires to be free struggled with that of leading her people into a better future, away from the pain of war and the shadow of the falcons. Now her purpose for being queen to her people overshadowed that desire after the arrival of her daughter, Loeiza. She had been given something to reinforce her conviction to be a good leader and give her strength.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a small knock on her door. It was Nicias.

"How are you doing?" He walked up to Oliza and stood by her bed.

Oliza smiled and rested her head on the pillows. "I'm fine. Did Avaram go to sleep?"

Nicias nodded. Avaram had spent most of the time with Oliza and the baby that he had completely forgotten about sleep. Finally, after Oliza's insistence and assurance that she and Loeiza were going to be fine, he had agreed to go to his room and give his body the much needed and neglected rest.

Nicias glanced at the infant as she slept in her small crib. She appeared to be nothing but a bundle of soft blankets except for the soft breathing that could be heard from her.

"I am really sorry to bother you with matters such as these," Nicias said. "There was an envoy from the Lupine Lands with a message from its king."

Oliza's attention shifted from her daughter after hearing Nicias speak of the Lupine Lands. She had not heard a word from them since Ulrik had left though she knew he had been successful. In fact, she had been there with him at the Ordeal. Watching over him carefully and hoping to Anhamirak that he would remain safe. Sadly, she also had to face the hard realization that their lives had taken on different paths. He had taken Auria as queen meanwhile Oliza began her life as a mother and all the responsibilities that came with it. She had though to have forgotten about Ulrik when Nicias came back. He brought her a sense of security that not even Avaram or anyone else could ever give her. After all, Nicias had guarded her life as she grew up and still continued to do so. Things were slightly different now that she had to share his attention with her newfound cousin, Hai.

Oliza broke away from her thoughts of Hai. She did not want to think of her for it would only bring her discomfort. She propped herself up carefully to have a look at Nicias better. He had changed. Ever since he had gone to the White City, to Ahnmik, he had changed. After all, he was rightfully Ahnmik's heir, and most coveted by his grandmother Araceli. Sometimes she worried that Nicias would leave Wyvern's Court to return to his rightful place.

"What did he want?" Oliza asked, keeping her voice light to hide her worry.

"They want to trade with Wyvern's Court. He has come here to go over the basic details." He smiled at her, no doubt sensing her worry.

Oliza nodded. "Good. Where is he now?"

Nicias touched her hand in an attempt to comfort her. It was a bold move on his part that surprised even Oliza. "Don't worry. He is here still and will remain here until you are available. He said that his king also sends his apologies for not coming but that he had to remain at home for a small celebration. It appears that he wants to settle the trading business now to help with the reconstruction and all and that he will come for the next meeting to go more in depth."

She nodded once again. Her attention shifted from Nicias touching her hand to the cause for the celebration. "What was the… reason for a celebration to keep him from coming?" she kept her voice calm and indifferent in order to avoid raising any suspicions from Nicias.

"The queen is expecting and I believe that such news after all they have gone through has caused for a grand celebration." He let go her hand as if suddenly realizing that he had placed it there. He then added carefully, "Hai sends her greetings and best wishes to you. I know that she means well."

Oliza smiled in amusement as she rested her head on the soft pillow once again and closed her eyes. She and Hai had never been the best friends and their relationship had not gone further than formal acknowledgement of each other's existence. It was Hai who had pushed her and everyone else away except for Nicias. Oliza had grown tired of attempting to befriend her. Hai trusted Nicias and only him. In the end, Oliza had to understand that Hai had been given to Nicias to care for. After all, Hai needed the care that Nicias gave her more than Oliza ever would.