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Hey! So, I promised to have this chapter up faster than i did with the last one. i will agree that was kind of rediculous, but whatever. Anyway, I think I got the characters right this chapter so i'm really excited. so far this is my favorite chapter, mostly because so much happens, and its funny. I am going as always for you guys to review. Really i need to know how i'm doing, suggestions, and improvements. But most importantly, ENJOY!!

Chapter Four: Announcement

I was informed that the Sitian delegation was in two weeks. Great, just enough time for me to look more pregnant. Not that I could keep it a secret much longer. Ari was growing frantic with worry, since I wasn't able to work out with them, and I hated to make him worry.

"You've got to tell them sometime" Valek pointed out. He was becoming increasingly over protective of me, more than usual that is.

"I know. You could tell them for me."

"No love, this is your big news. Not that I'm not happy, but you should be the one to tell them."

"and Janco cant make fun of you if I tell them."

"well, there's that too." He smiled at me.

"alright. They're probably training now, I'll go find them."

Good. I have meet with the commander. I'll see you later." Je kissed me then walked out.

I walked to the cove where Ari and Janco were practicing. They stopped when I entered.

"There you are. We thought you'd dies. Ari was getting worries.: Janco said embracing me.

"How are you feeling?" Ari asked.

"Sore mostly. And still nauseous."

"You should see a physician. Find out what's wrong."

"Oh, I know what's wrong."

Ari looked startled but said nothing. Janco looked at ne incredulously and said

"What's wrong with you then?"

"I'm… having a… baby."

They gaped at me open mouthed. After a few seconds Janco laughed.

"And here I thought you were just trying to avoid losing to me again."

I laughed. "I could beat you even if I was sick."

"This does explain a lot," Ari said. "You've never missed training until now."

"Yeah and it looked like you were spending too much time with the cook" Janco teased

Ari nudged him with his elbow. Then turned back to me.

"You look fine. Other than looking like you might vomit. And until you said it, I never would have guessed you were pregnant."

"Thanks Ari. I feel huge, even though it's still early."

"So," Janco said, "When is Janco Jr. coming?"

"Janco Jr.?" Ari laughed.

"Well of course she would him after her favorite teacher."

"Favorite teacher?" I said.

"Aren't I?" He said, feigning hurt

"What if it's her?" Ari asked smiling.

"That's easy. Name her Jacky."

They began to argue about appropriate names for the baby. I listened at the more ridiculous ones. I did have to stop them when they started naming it after fighting moves. I was not going to name my child Kata.

"I'm due next warm season, according to Dilana."

"Excellent! Just enough time to get you back into shape." Janco said grabbing his bow.

"Do you really think she should be doing that?" Ari asked.

"Ari, I don't want to be one of those women who sit around eating for nine months. I cant." I picked up a bow and took the stance.

Our match started. The pregnancy didn't affect my ability to sense his moves, which was good.

"She's big and round and moves like a clown." Janco sang as he dodged my attack.

That distracted me. As I let my guard down to tell him off, he swung hi bow down, hitting me hard in the side. The force sent me to the ground. Damn! I shouldn't have let that happen.

Ari was at my side instantly. Janco sat his bow down and joined Ari next to me.

"Are you alright?" Ari asked.

"Yeah fine. I think." I placed a hand on my abdomen, sensing for any damage. None that I could see.

"I knew this was a bad idea." Ari replied helping me up.

"I guess I don't know my own strength." Janco said. Ari gave him a warning look

"Ari I'm fine, really. No harm done." I placed a reassuring hand on his arm. I could tell he was going to be as over protective as Valek.

"Well take it easy on the superwomen stuff." Janco said. "We wanna make sure the baby doesn't come out stupid or anything."

"Oh," Ari said. "Is that what happened when you mother was pregnant with you?"

We all laughed. Promising to be careful, I headed back to the suite.

The Sitian delegation was only a few days away, and the entire castle was bustling with people getting ready for. I got updates from the Commander on the agreements and deals both territories wanted to make.

The day before the Sitian council members were to arrive I made contact with Irys.

"How are you doing?" She asked.

"Well. Things are slow here, so I'm having time to relax."

"That's good; I have a surprise for you when I come."

"Really? I have one for you too. A big one, I thought

The subject switched to the upcoming delegation.

"The more contact we have with Ixia the better."

"Agreed. I just hope it isn't sabotaged like last time," I paused. "Where's Cahil?"

"At the moment he's teaching horse training at the Citadel. Don't worry Yelena; we're keeping an eye on him. After all, we isn't going to go completely unpunished after helping Roze."

That made me feel better. For some reason, having Irys take a hand in things is always reassuring.

I talked to Irys most of the night. Finally, exhaustion pulled at me, so I said good night and went to sleep.

I woke up to an empty suite. It wasn't surprising since the meeting was today, so I went to the baths while I waited for Valek to return. I watched Ari and Janco practice, and gave them tips ob shielding their thoughts on their moves. At noon I headed up to meet the Sitians.

I stood next to Valek, as the parade of colorfully masked Sitians entered. I saw Irys' mask and to my surprise, Leif, followed closely behind. Toward the end of the procession, were my parents! I felt my mouth fall open. This must have been the surprise Irys talked about. I had a feeling mine would be bigger.

Mother smiled at me as she passed. One thing I was sure of, this was going to be very interesting. Unfortunately, I'd have to wait until a break in the meeting to talk to them. I followed behind Valek into the war room. Only the council, Valek, the Commander, and I were allowed in the meeting. I didn't know where my family was staying. I tried to push it out of my mind and focus on the delegation.

"What's Sitia like right now?" I asked Irys in our minds.

"Still some what chaotic. The Roze ordeal really hit the council hard. But, things seem to be settling down."

"And the Sandseeds?"

"Will repopulate, but it will take time. By the way, you'll be happy to know that Opal is doing well at the Keep. Though, she seems impatient with her powers."

I smiled remembering Opal, wanting to prove she was good enough. She had been a major factor in stopping Roze and the Warpers, even if she didn't believe it. Her glass animals had been used to trap their souls. We also found that in her glass pieces, was magic she had put into it, though we didn't yet know the extent of her power.

"I'll have to visit her sometime soon. It will be good to see the Citadel again."

"I'm sure she'd love to see you; along with the rest of us."

Turning our attention back, the discussion was on a trade agreement between the countries. I remembered last time the same agreement was interrupted by Mokgan poisoning the drinks.

I waited for Irys and Valek after the meeting. The three of us headed to the suite where my parents and Leif were staying. My heart beat faster with every step. Mother hugged me when I entered. Even though I'd seen her just a month ago, it was as if I hadn't seen her in years.

"I have some news for you." I said, trying to smile, despite my nervousness.

"Oh, what's that?" Father asked coming into the room.

"I'm, um… having a baby."

Leif spit out the drink he had been drinking. Everyone stared at me, besides Valek. It was a whole minute before someone said something. But instead of yelling at me, Mother rounded on Leif.

"You knew and you didn't tell me!"

"What? No, I was kidding before! I never thought it was true!" He sputtered.

"No mother, I didn't know," I said, laying a hand on her arm. "It wasn't true when he made the comment."

She turned to look at me, the color in her face slowly returning to normal. After a few seconds she hugged me saying

"My little girl's going to be a mother."

I heard Leif laugh. "There's nothing little about her anymore."

Mother let go of me and shot him a look that stopped his laughter.

"Its fine mother, really. Janco already teased me about it." I moved to the couch to sit next to Irys.

"Oh I heard about that," Valek said. "You neglected to mention that you got hit during your training." He and mother crossed their arms at the same time; it almost made me burst out laughing.

"Don't worry; I checked afterward, both the baby and I are fine. And I promised Ari I'd take it easy for a while."

"Yes, you will." he was stern about it, but love and concern radiated from his eyes.

Soon after the shock of my announcement, Esau brought out snacks and drinks for all of us. It was nice to be here with the people I loved. I did wish Ari and Janco could have joined us, but they were training. Leif asked about the meeting, so we filled them in on what we could. Part way through, Mother and Irys stepped into another room to talk. Something told me it was about me. I could decide weather or not that was good.

Valek had to head back to the Commander, so Irys walked with me back to the Suite.

"I didn't get a chance to congratulate you." She said as we walked. "You must be excited."

I nodded. "And scared. I'm not sure I know how to be a mom."

"I'm sure you'll be fine; you have a lot of support. And that includes me." She stopped to look at me. "Don't think that just because I'm in Sitia while you're here in Ixia means I can't help. I want to do all I can for you, and of course play with the baby when it comes."

I smiled. "Don't worry, I wont just be here while I'm pregnant. I still have a job, and I miss Sitia when I'm away too long. You'll probably get sick of me with all the help I'll be asking from you."

"Don't count on it." She hugged me. "I'm very happy for you and Valek. You'll do fine."

I opened the door to the suite before turning to Irys.

"Thank you." I said.

"You're welcome. Sleep well Yelena."

I said goodnight, then watched her head toward her room before closing the door and walking to bed.

Oh man! I loved writing this one. Making people flip out is a lot of fun. By the way, so you know, if you're a fan of Poison Study or Maria V. Snyder (which i'm guessing you are since you're reading this) that she has recently wrote a new book called Storm Glass, which has to do with Opal a few years after the "Roze incident"! i've read it and its really really good, so you shoudl get it! and yes the original characters are in the book. though, for those of you who like Leif, your alittle out of luck, but you'll find out why (right Felicia, hehehe). So there you go, not only did i update but also gave very important book information. so you owe me big time!

As always PLEASE review!!!!!!!