Disclaimer: All characters belong to Tamora Pierce.

***

Time passed by at Haven.

***

It was coming into Kel's fifth month of pregnancy and she knew she could no longer hide her pregnancy from any of her friends. She had called a meeting for all of her friends in one bell's time and she had decided to be dramatic and wear her tightest shirt. The curve of her pregnancy was now clearly evident, especially in contrast to her previously toned stomach.

As Kel walked into the meeting room she felt every set of eyes lock onto her and then first Fanche and then the boys raked their down her body. All confidence Neal had given her in encouraging her to tell everyone quickly disappeared as she felt judgement creep into the eyes of those she trusted most.

Kel cleared her throat and the eyes snapped back to rest on her face, "I called you all here to because I have some personal news to share with you." Kel's voice was clear and commanded their attention. "I am here to announce that I am pregnant and, if what the healers tell me is correct, I will be giving birth to a boy in four and a half months."

Fanche's face softened and she walked over to Kel. Placing her hand on Kel's stomach she smiled up at Kel, "You'll be a wonderful mother, Lady Knight."

"Thankyou." Kel's whisper was so low it could not be heard be the men now standing around the room. It meant so much to her to have a mother say that to her.

"If you ever need someone to talk to or some reassurance, you just come talk to me." Fanche replied just as softly then turned to return to her seat, glaring at the men until they retook their seats. Kel looked around at her friends: the shock was slowly melting off their faces and she could tell they were accepting the news.

"So our very own mother is finally going to be a mother." Merric laughed solftly before coming forward and hugging her in congratulation.

***

"Just keep breathing Kel. Now Kel, when I say I need you to push okay?" Neal's voice was calm, he had done this a million times before.

***

Kel's friends were gathered around her bed, all staring in awe at the tiny bundle of joy. All of Kel's friend's in the area had been given leave to come and see her and even Roaul had managed to come down for a few days. She was so glad to have them here to celebrate the birth of such a beautiful baby boy.

"Look at all his toes! They're so tiny!" Owen was the most vocal of her new baby's admirer's and his loud exclamations had almost had him kicked out.

"He's perfect, Kel." Merric had been so supportive of her since she had opened up to him about. "What have you decided to name him?" As he asked the question he lifted one finger up to gently stroke the fire engine red fluff on top of his head.

Kel down at her son with a smile, "I thought I'd call him Anders, for my brother."

Neal leaned down to whisper in her ear, "And will you be telling Cleon any time soon? It's as plain as day that he is Cleon's son: Cleon's hair, Cleon's eyes, nobody could deny it."

***

"She's what?" Lord Roaul's voice roared out and could easily be heard from all over the fort. "I could have sworn you just said that Kel had run off!"

The pause was tense and the air was thick enough to cut with a sword.

"Her son is out there Wyldon! Her son! And you expect her to sit at home and hope the search party does its job?"

***

Neal looked around the room and called attention to all the young knight present. They were all close friends of the Lady Knight. "Listen up, men! I think we all know where Kel has gone." The men nodded. They were all so worried for Kel, but didn't know what to do. "Well, I propose we provide some reinforcements."

Some of the boys looked uneasy and after glancing around uncomfortably, Emmit of Fenright spoke up, "We all love Kel, but it would be treason to go with her. Why don't we just go out there, give her a knock on the head and drag her back tied to her horse before anyone has time to accuse her of treason." Emmit looked around uneasily, "None of us want to end up on Traitors Hill, Neal."

"Do you really expect her to come back that easily?" Merric sounded angry and for the first time people looked down at him on his sick bed, "Her baby is out there! And you expect to be able to drag her back? You don't have to come, Emmit, but don't stop us. Some of us really care for Kel!" Merric was now breathing heavily and everyone could see he was serious.

"Merric," Neal said in his best bedside manner, "You can't come with us. You're injured. There is no way."

Merric's voice was stealy, "You will tie me to my horse, if you have to – I am coming."

All the boys nodded their heads this time. They knew what was at risk, and they knew what they were doing.

***

Kel's return to Corus was a happy one. Even if she was to be sent to Traitor's Hill, Anders would be safe. He would grow up, and follow his dreams, he would meet a pretty girl, Kel knew he would have trials, but it would all have a happy ending.

Merric had been riding beside her on the way back and she had laughed half the trip. Kel had grown so much closer to Merric over her time at Haven: he supported her, he comforted her, he made her laugh, he sent tingles up her spine whenever he walked in a room.

***

Kel couldn't believe it! She wouldn't be dying! The King had chosen to label the group heroes instead of traitors and Kel could feel her feet floating away from the ground.

Suddenly Kel was on her feet and embracing Merric. She could feel herself rising onto her toes but couldn't seem to understand how she was moving. Slowly, and without thinking, she pressed her lips ever so softly against Merric's and kept them there, frozen.

Their lips were both chapped and dry but as Merric timidly began to move his against hers, growing in passion. She knew it was right.