A/N: I own nothing.

Ryne decided to lay low for a few days in the Rak'Tika Greatwood with Master Matoya. She felt bad at first for intruding on her, but Y'shtola made it clear that it was no trouble at all. Outside of Gaia, she doesn't have anyone to have girl talk with, and she isn't sure how to go about explaining her new feelings to the older woman.

It's early in the day and they are sitting at a tree stump like table, enjoying cups of tea. Ryne looked over to Y'shtola wearing a mild frown. For the few days she's been here, she's noticed something is off about her. Her ears constantly twitched and her tail would jerk randomly. She locked eyes with her, and Y'shtola smiled warmly. She blushed looking away. It's silly. Ryne knows Master Matoya is blind, but sometimes she wonders.

Y'shtola clears her throat, lifting her cup to her mouth. "So, am I ever going to be informed on why you're hiding here?"

This conversation was bound to happen at some point. Ryne looked down nervously. "H - How about a trade? I tell you what ail's me, if you share what's ailing you."

Ryne held back a giggle watching Y'shtola's ears flick quickly a few times. Her features remained neutral for a long moment. Y'shtola blinks slowly, letting out a sigh. "Very well, I'm waiting to hear from one of our healers. I've been ill."

Ryne set her cup down roughly, she leaned forward before speaking again. "Is there anything I can do? Perhaps I can brew something?" Y'shtola shakes her head.

"I'm afraid not. Don't worry yourself. I'm confident in our healers." Y'shtola waves a hand towards her to continue. Ryne chews the inside of her cheek. A deals a deal.

"Right. Well I - I like someone and I may have ruined our friendship."

Y'shtola crossed her legs, leaning back in her chair. " Hmm you fear she won't feel the same?"

Ryne blushed covering her mouth with her hands. She shouldn't expect anything less from Master Matoya. She stood then and began pacing around the room. "It's not just that, but how people will look at me! There's the coming battles, our future. It overwhelms me so that I - I can't..."

Ryne hung her head trembling. Y'shtola slid from her seat and wrapped her arms around her. When she pulled back, she wiped away the tears that fell from Ryne's eye's. She lifted her chin. "My dear, you are young. You may have many loves that come and go, but know this. Almost all we desire is on the other side of fear. Never let fear cheat you from happiness."

Ryne sniffled nodding her head. She thought back to all she has accomplished, what they have accomplished. None of it would have happened if she gave up and let fear consume her. She wiped her eyes smiling. "Thank you Master Matoya ."

"It's what I'm here for," Y'shtola said.

A faint knock at the door startled both of them. A young Miqo'te walked in dressed in a similar black garb as Y'shtola. She seemed startled by Ryne's presence. Y'shtola acknowledged the woman with a wave of her hand. "It's quite alright. Ryne is a dear friend. You come bearing good news I hope?"

The woman clasped her hands together in front of her. "Yes! Forgive me for taking so long Master Matoya, but you can rest easy. You are not ill, but with child."

Ryne's eye's grew wide. They shot over to Y'shtola, who looked less than excited. Her features relaxed and she rested a hand on her hip. "I see."

The woman bowed to her. "If there is anything else you need, please do not hesitate to send for me." She left shortly after that, the door clicking shut behind her.

It is quiet for some time. Ryne shifted back and forth on her toes unsure of what to say. She cleared her throat. "Urm congratulations?"

Y'shtola glanced over to her. A small smile spread over her face. "You mistake me. My lack of enthusiasm isn't remorse. This is a pleasant surprise."

An excited squeal erupted from Ryne and she wrapped her arms around her Shoulders. Her thoughts started racing about how their group will change with a little one around. There is also the curiosity of who the father is, but she wont press her on it.

Ryne stayed for a few more hours. Before leaving she promised Y'shtola her secret would be safe with her. She couldn't help wondering how Thancred would react. Immediately, she felt awful. He must be so worried about her. She lifted into the air and teleported near the entrance of the crystarioum.

Squinting, she lifted her hand and shielded herself from the sun's strong rays. She would first Check the usual training grounds for him. Remorse started to set in. Thancred is like a father to her, and she just disappeared on him without a word. She jumped back startled when he jumped down from a tree in front of her.

Ryne lifted her hands defensively. Then looked down when his angry gaze met hers. "Have you any idea how worried I've been? If Y'shtola hadn't -"

"I know you're upset," Ryne interrupted. "But I just needed some space. I won't just disappear like that again. I'm sorry!"

Thancred's scowl slowly faded. He crossed his arms letting out sigh. "Very well. No since dwelling on it. Now that you're here you can help me locate Gaia."

"What?" Ryne said confused.

Thancred nodded. "She disappeared around the time you did. I've no luck finding her. I assumed you were together. "

Ryne looked off into the distance. She couldn't believe what she just heard. Why would Gaia run away? She was the one that ruined everything. Ryne bit her lip thinking over where she could possibly be. It was unlikely, but she had an idea. "I think I know where she is."

Gaia does not like the out doors. At least, that's how she made it appear. Ryne checked two locations, before finally finding her sitting at a stream. It is the same stream Ryne had suggested they camp at one night after training. Gaia had complained the whole time about how filthy and loud it would be. Now, She is wearing an unreadable expression. Her eyes glued to the water.

Ryne approached her slowly, her heart rate picking up. She felt mildly light headed, a part of her wanted to just turn and run away. Master Matoya's words rang through her mind, giving her the strength she needed. Gaia tilted her head slightly in her direction.

"You're right. This is pleasant."

Ryne felt the tension in her body relax at her tone. She sat next to her, making sure to leave a safe distance between them. There is a peaceful silence for some time. Ryne pondered how she was able to avoid their caretaker for so long. "Poor Thancred. Didn't think to look right under his nose."

Gaia let out a quiet chuckle shrugging. "If I'm to be honest. I had him frozen for a while. The spell must have recently worn off."

Ryne shook her head in disbelief. None of them had a full understanding of Gaia's abilities yet, but she continues to amaze her. They locked eye's, Ryne instantly looked down at her lips. She turned away feeling extremely embarrassed. She didn't want to feel this warmth settling in the pit of her stomach. This is going to be harder then she thought. Gaia's voice reached her ears. "It wasn't bad you know, the kiss."

Ryne sharply inhaled. A bit of joy filled her heart, but she didn't let it stay for long. Something about this just didn't feel right. She watched the stream before continuing. "Gaia, I don't want you to feel forced to say that. I'll still be here for you, even if you don't feel the same."

Gaia nodded, her eyes downcast. "I'm sorry Ryne."

Ryne hunched over slightly, trying her best to not let her emotions overwhelm her. Gaia continued. "I'm just not use to this. Dealing with people, but you're important to me."

Ryne let out a breath she was holding. She turned towards her, meeting her gaze. She isn't really sure what she see's there, but the last thing she wants is to take advantage of her dear friend. "I don't want you to be pressured, so lets just keep being friends?"

Gaia slowly smiles. She reaches over, scooping Ryne's hand into her own. Delicately, she kisses the back of her hand. "Thank you."

Ryne gawks at her, a goofy grin on her face.

"Hey!"

They both look over startled at a disgruntled Thancred. "Don't think for a second you two are getting out of training!"

Gaia groans. She stands stretching out her back. "Well, Fun's over. Lets get on with it then."

Ryne stays there, running her fingers over where Gaia's cool lips have just been. What does this mean? Perhaps there is hope? She thinks back to the conversation she had with Master Matoya and smiles to herself. She is still young. Only time will tell what this will blossom into. For now, she will hold on to these precious memories for as long as she can.