Aym was hard at work inside the temple; he and Attiscesus had taken out Mir̃alai's bedroom wall to add an expansion. They planned to add a nursery that would also serve as the children's bedroom as they grew older. Along with a living room and kitchen. A functional home hiding beyond the temple walls. While this extensive project was under-way, Mir̃alai stayed in the spare bedroom of Caxton's cabin, well away from the noise and dirt. Though she was only five months into her pregnancy, Mir̃alai was not taking it well. She was a bit larger than she would have been if it were a singleton pregnancy, and as it was her first pregnancy, she struggled badly to deal with her symptoms. The Lamb was sore, and irritable. She no longer went on crusades, though not for lack of want. Aym would not allow her to put herself in danger while she was carrying their children. Mir̃alai resented him for it, she wanted to take her frustrations out on the hostile creatures inhabiting the other Domains. He stood his ground despite her complaints, and though she gave up arguing, she also refused to see him. She had hardly spoken to him in the last week, and certainly did not allow him to sleep in the same bed as her.
Aym and Atti were taking a break from their project, leaning against the temple wall to enjoy the cool early-spring air.
"Is she still giving you a cold shoulder?" Atti asked as he sipped on the water Aurelia had brought them.
"She bid me goodnight yesterday." Aym shrugged a little.
"Ah, that is progress." The ox chuckled.
"It is." He sighed, "She is handling this so poorly, I wish she would allow me to help her. I offered to go on crusades in her place, but she refused."
"It is her pride, she will come around soon enough."
"I do hope so."
"Have you heard anything from your brother yet? I have not seen him in some time now."
"He is still in Narinder's Domain." Aym spoke gravely, "Mistress Nykka insists that he is alright, but I still worry. Mir̃alai and I have no access to him, it would be foolish for us to attempt to visit him."
"Your worry is natural." Attiscesus shrugged. "I can only assume this is the longest you have been separated from him, you've spent the entire winter apart."
"Indeed…" He frowned a little. Thinking of Baal's absence had caused a cloud of gloom to settle over him. Atti set his water aside and motioned for Aym to follow him back inside to continue working. Aym followed, thankful to take his mind off it.
The grueling day had finally come to an end, and Aym decided to try his luck with Mir̃alai again. After washing in one of the on-ground bathhouses, he made his way back to Caxton's cabin. Moments after knocking, the rabbit answered the door.
"Yes…?" He asked, looking up at the cat with a stressed expression. The hare had taken it upon himself to care for Mir̃alai while she refused to see Aym. Apparently, the task was more strenuous than he was prepared for.
"I wish to see Mir̃alai."
"I don't think-" Caxton began, then glanced back as the guest room door opened. Mir̃alai looked out and sighed when her eyes met her lover's.
"I'll see him." She said to Caxton who looked beyond relieved. He stepped aside, allowing Aym to enter. Mir̃alai disappeared back into her temporary bedroom, leaving the door open for Aym to follow. He did so, and closed the door behind himself.
"How are you feeling? I have been worried about you." Aym said as he watched her settle back into her bed, pulling the blankets over herself with a somber expression.
"Not great, Aym. I cannot stand to just sit here all day."
"Mir̃alai, you can leave the cabin." He sat on the edge of the bed, feeling relieved that she did not shoo him away as she had been recently prone to doing. "You can still perform sermons, and rituals. You can interact with your Followers, or visit Mistress Nykka. It is not as if I am holding you prisoner here."
"It feels like you are." She pouted, crossing her arms.
"I want you to be safe, and I want our children to be safe. I am sorry, but I do not think I ask too much. It would be foolish to allow you to go on crusades while you are in this state."
"I would be fine, Aym. The creatures out there are weak, I am sure I could manage it."
"Anything can happen. If you are so intent on going on a crusade, why not allow me to join you? I could protect you-"
"I do not need to be protected, I can take care of myself."
"I know, but accidents happen. Surely you can see why I worry." Mir̃alai looked off, fidgeting with the hem of the blanket.
"How is the project going?" She changed the subject.
"It's going as expected. We've nearly finished your bedroom, then we'll move on to the nursery."
"I hope you finish soon, I don't think Caxton likes having me here." She frowned.
"You are mistaken, Caxton adores you."
"He doesn't, not now anyway. He grows weary of helping me, I can tell. He kept insisting that I speak to you again."
"I am glad you agreed. I've missed you."
"I wish this pregnancy would go faster, I hate this."
"I know, but it will pass."
"That's what Nykka tells me too. I am tired of hearing it." She crossed her arms. "I feel miserable."
"I understand..." That had apparently been the wrong thing to say. She glared at him with a sudden ferocity.
"You do not understand how this feels…! I am sore, and tired no matter how much sleep I get! I'm angry, and when I'm not angry I'm sad. I am hungry all the time, yet throw up half of what I eat. You will never understand! Before long you will regret staying with me, just like Caxton!" Aym blinked, confused by this senseless outburst. He did not retaliate despite how misplaced her fury was. Instead, he spoke in a calm tone.
"I wish I could help you, Mir̃alai, truly. If yelling at me relieves some of your stress, then by all means, yell. Do as you must, I will not take it personally. I will continue to stand by you as I promised I would." Tears welled in the hormonal Lamb's eyes, and she reached out to Aym for a hug. Unfazed by the shift, he moved over to wrap his arms around her in a gentle embrace. She buried her face in his chest, crying away her frustrations.
"I- I hate feeling like this." She muttered, gripping his robes tight. "I don't understand why I am so angry with you. You've been wonderful to me, I'm sorry."
"It is alright…" He purred and kissed her head. "I love you."
"I love you too…" She sniffled. To Aym's relief, Mir̃alai did not make him leave that night. She finally allowed him to sleep by her side once more. Comforted by this, he fell asleep shortly after laying with her.
Aym was awoken by a knock on the guest room door. Assuming it was Caxton, he sighed and climbed out of bed, being careful not to wake Mir̃alai as he stood. He opened it, and was shocked to see Baal standing on the other side. Unable to contain his elation, he grabbed his brother in a tight hug. Tears of relief and happiness welled in his eyes.
"I was so worried, brother…!"
"Aha, I am fine." Baal's voice was strained due to his twin's tight grip on him. "I missed you too." He chuckled.
"So, it is true?" Aym asked as he released him. "You were only crusading? You weren't punished in my place?"
"You know I cannot say, Aym." Baal sighed. He looked past Aym to Mir̃alai who had been roused by their conversation. "Hello, Mir̃alai." He smiled as he greeted her. "Are you feeling okay?"
"Better today." She returned the smile as she slipped out of bed. "You've been with Narinder for quite a while."
"Yes, I admit that I could have returned a bit sooner, but…" He glanced back to the closed front door, looking a bit embarrassed. "I was with Bharadei, I… missed her." Aym chuckled.
"There is no shame in that."
"She seemed to have missed me as well. I believe we are together now, officially speaking."
"Oh, that's wonderful." Mir̃alai grinned, clasping her hands together in joy. "Is she here?"
"Yes, I asked her to wait outside the cabin. I hope that is alright with you, Mir̃alai. I'd hate to overstep."
"Yes, yes." She waved a hand. "It is fine, of course. You know, Aym and I have been meaning to visit Forneus again, we haven't seen her in the last two months. I'm sure she'd be happy to meet Bharadei."
"Ah, I- I don't know. I mean, we've only just begun our relationship." Aym could sense that this apprehension was due to embarrassment. The way he saw it though, if he had to suffer the embarrassment of Mama's boisterous joy where Mir̃alai was concerned. Then this would only be fair.
"You'll be fine." He smirked, walking past him to open the front door. As promised, Bharadei was standing on the porch, leaning against the railing as she watched Mir̃alai's Followers go about their day. The wolf turned and smiled at him.
"Hello, Aym, did you sleep well?"
"Very well, thank you." He said with a polite bow that elicited the usual snort from Bharadei. "Mir̃alai and I would like you and Baal to accompany us today. We are going to visit my mother."
"Your mother?" She asked, her brow furrowed.
"Ah, I have no doubt that you would get along with her." He assured Bharadei. "Not to mention, she will surely be thrilled that my brother has found a mate." She could tell he was teasing, and she smirked.
"Yes, yes. I will come."
Mir̃alai was pleased to be leaving the grounds, and she did not complain about having the others along with her. It seemed that, for the time being, she was in good spirits. Forneus had settled her camp in Dark Wood, and thanks to the Red Crown, Mir̃alai was able to lead them straight to her. They came across enemies, but it hardly mattered. Aym and Baal were skilled enough to handle them without assistance. It was midday when they reached Forneus' cart. The fat cat was busy setting out her wares for passing customers. She turned upon hearing the group enter the clearing, and a bright smile appeared on her face.
"O love! My sweet kits have come to visit!" She beamed and motioned them over. Aym and Baal each gave their mother a tight hug. "How I have missed you! Ah, my kit!" She pinched Baal's cheek. "You have not been to see your Mama!"
"My apologies, Mama. I have been busy."
"So they tell me!" She laughed and looked over at Mir̃alai. "Come give Mama a hug, little Lamb!" Mir̃alai grinned and hugged her without protest. "How are my grandkits?"
"Everything is going well." Mir̃alai assured her as she stepped back.
"Who be this?" She asked, gesturing to Bharadei who was standing awkwardly off to the side. Baal cleared his throat nervously.
"That is Bharadei, Mama. She and I are together." Bharadei offered a little wave.
"Er, hello, Forneus. It's a pleasure…" She offered her hand to the cat who eyed her appraisingly.
"What happened to you, girl?" Forneus motioned to Bharadei's ragged scars, and eye patch. "You are a warrior?" Bharadei retracted her hand and subconsciously felt her torn ear, looking more nervous.
"Ah, I- I was, yes. Before I began serving my Mistress."
"I see." Forneus nodded with an unamused expression. Mir̃alai looked concerned by the mother's behavior, as did Baal who fidgeted awkwardly. Forneus glanced between them and her composure broke. She laughed boisterously and grabbed Bharadei, pulling the wolf into a big hug. "I jest, I jest! Of course Mama approves!" A look of pure relief washed over Bharadei's face as she hugged the woman back. When Forneus finally released her, she went on. "A warrior! O courage! O pride! I am pleased my kits have found such strong women!" She beamed and nudged Baal. "You have made me proud, kit. Very proud!"
"Thank you, Mama." Baal smiled.
"The thanks is mine, son." She chuckled, "Aym! Come, come, help your Mama." Aym perked up, not expecting to be singled out.
"Oh, yes, of course." He nodded and followed her into her traveling cart. She pushed aside a pile of bedding as she traversed the messy cart to the very back. A shelf overflowing with boxes, and books waited there. Forneus approached and started looking through its contents. She tossed aside a few boxes, one nearly hit Aym as he ducked to avoid it. "Um, what- what did you need?"
"I have something for you." She huffed as she reached her arm deep into a messy pile of wares on the top shelf. She gasped happily, apparently finding what she had been digging around for. She freed her arm, her fist clutching a small box within. She handed the box to Aym with a grin on her face. Aym raised a brow as he took it.
"What is it?"
"Open it, son!" She chuckled, "Go on!" He eyed his mother wearily then pulled the top off the tiny box. Inside was a dusty, golden ring. Set in the center was a small diamond. Aym's eyes widened upon seeing it, and he used a thumb to wipe away the dust that had accumulated over the jewel. It glittered against the light streaming in through the cart's windows.
"Mama, is this…?"
"Aye! Your father gave that to me many summers ago." She grinned.
"I- I can't take this, Mama. It's all you have left of him."
"Oh, it has not fit since I was a wee thing." She laughed, "I eat too well now!"
"I don't know…"
"Take it! You best make an honest woman out of that sweet girl. Do not dishonor her."
"Very well." He sighed, closing the ring box. "If you're sure."
"I am, I am!" She thumped him on the back. Aym nodded and placed the box securely within his robes. "He would be proud of you, kit. Just like me!"
"Thank you, Mama." Aym smiled, hugging her tight.
The visit with Forneus lasted for the better part of the day. During their time with Forneus, Aym learned quite a bit about Bharadei. The wolf had indeed been a warrior in her past. She used to worship Shamura and became a warrior in the hopes of gaining their good favor. Even after their defeat, she continued to pray in their name. She had been out on a crusade with her comrades when they were ambushed. The group had suffered heavy casualties, and it was then that she sustained the injuries that plague her appearance. Alone, and badly injured, she attempted to return to her home camp. It was then that she stumbled upon Nykka. The Goddess healed her injures and brought her back to her Domain. Bharadei felt indebted to her for the kindness, and vowed to serve her from then on.
The group made their way back to Mir̃alai's cult, arriving just after sundown. To everyone's surprise, Nykka was standing on Caxton's porch. She appeared to be having a light-hearted conversation with the rabbit.
"Oh, Mistress…!" Bharadei exclaimed as she rushed up to her. "Was I gone too long? I apologize." She frowned. Nykka smiled and patted her head.
"Do not fret, I am glad you are taking time to spend with your friends, dear. No, I am here to see Mir̃alai."
"Oh, right. My apologies." The Lamb approached her, "I forgot you would visit today."
"It is fine, I have not been waiting long." The Bishop smiled. She motioned to the temple, "Are you expanding as well?"
"Not exactly. Aym is adding a few rooms in the back."
"I see. How kind of him." She smiled at Aym who bowed. "That explains why you are staying with little Caxton here." She chuckled. "Come, Mir̃alai, I assume you'd prefer to do this in private."
"Yes." Mir̃alai nodded and followed Nykka into the cabin. Caxton stepped off the porch to go back to his prayers while his home was occupied.
"Do what in private?" Baal asked curiously, leaning back against the railing.
"Nykka has been visiting fairly frequently to keep an eye on the pregnancy." Aym explained, "She has assured us that if anything goes wrong, she'll be able to catch it in time." A slightly awkward silence followed this statement. Aym knew they were all thinking the same thing. Nykka did not look good. It seemed every time he saw her, she appeared weaker. The stress of trying to keep up with his old Master was taking its toll. How odd it was to look upon his brother, knowing he knew much more than he or Bharadei, and not be able to speak to him about it. When they were both servants, they were free to at least speak to each other about everything going on within the Domain, but now Aym was every bit as clueless as anyone else. Baal's expression had subtle hints of guilt hidden in it, there was definitely more to it. Yet, he could not ask him. He would not put Baal in that very tough position. Concerned, and perhaps a little desperate for information, Aym turned to Bharadei.
"Have you been to Narinder's Domain lately?"
"No, I haven't. Mistress no longer allows me to accompany her. I think she has lost trust in me after that argument with Mir̃a. I admit I may have revealed more than I should have, but I was only concerned."
"We all were." Aym sighed, a bit disappointed. The door opened, and Nykka stepped outside with Mir̃alai trailing just behind her.
"All is well." She smiled, patting Aym's shoulder. "I will return in a week's time."
"Thank you, Mistress." Aym bowed.
