The rest of the trip passed uneventfully. After spending the night in Azura and collecting the cart from Thomas' supplier we travelled back with Vasek, who sat quietly on the back and did not speak a word. Fergus was also quiet, he knew how delicate this situation was and decided it would be best not to do anything to accidentally inflame it, which meant I had several hours to think.
"Rhyn, there's something I've got to tell you," Sari said as she walked into the kitchen where I was preparing tea.
"Sure, what's up?" I asked, standing over the kettle. I looked around. Sari was stood in the doorway holding her stomach, with a queasy look on her face. I ran over and put my arms around her, "Are you okay?"
She looked into my eyes and after what felt like a small eternity said simply, "I'm pregnant."
My mind went berserk, everything from we're so not ready for this to it's got to be a joke right? I settled on "I'm sorry? Did you just say..."
"I'm pregnant."
"But that's not possible. I mean you... and me... and..." It was common knowledge that this was an impossible union, there were several other Human and Keidran multiracial couples in the town who could attest to that. "Is it..."
"It is yours."
"I don't know what to say. How is this even possible? I..." there was a moment of silence. "Do you want this?"
"More than anything," a tear was forming in the corner of her eye.
"So do I," I pulled her in tight as she cried into my shoulder. I smiled and kissed her head between her ears.
It was getting late as we approached the bridge over the river. There was a noise from the back of the cart and Vasek walked up to the front, {I will stay here, I will not cross the river. You will bring her here to me.}
A part of me sighed a breath of relief that I'd get to prepare Sari for this, maybe she could blunt the blow of her condition to him. {Okay, we will meet you back here in the morning.} Vasek disappeared into the forest.
As soon as we were sure we were out of earshot Fergus whistled, "Brother, eh? You're in for it when he finds out."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence there mate," I replied, "as if I wasn't freaking out enough. I have no idea how I'm going to present this to Sari," I sighed. "Any ideas?"
"Just break it to her carefully, and try to avoid any sudden shocks that might send her into premature labour." I looked at him sternly and he smiled back.
A thought dawned on me, "You know what this means though? He's her brother, and he's older than her. I can ask him."
"Well, yeah, if he doesn't rip your guts out first," evidently Fergus had had a similar realisation.
"Fantastic," I declared as we reached the town gate.