Okay, I've been meaning to finish this for quite some time, but life just got in the way. This is officially the last chapter in this story, hope everyone has enjoyed the ride! Again, I'm super sorry for the long, long, long wait! Hope you like it! As always, read and review 3

Mia21

Six months later, a very pregnant Mel was just finishing up the writing of her notes from Petitioner's Court. With Vidanric currently out of Remalna, seeing to some border insurgents, Mel was making sure to record everything that had gone on for him. Mel had dove fully back into her role shortly after her and Vidanric's ball, and she had forgotten how much she enjoyed most of Court, especially Petitioner's Court.

She was currently seated in an antechamber that they often used to discuss the Petitioner's and their cases, which was good since the stools were a lot more comfortable than the cushions. She wasn't having trouble getting up and down from the kneeling position yet but figured she probably would soon and wanted to make sure Vidanric was back before then so he could help her.

Leaning back a little from the table, Mel stretched her head back and to both sides, trying to loosen the knot that had crept up in her neck. It was as she was leaning back that a pair of strong arms slipped around her and a kiss was dropped on her head.

"When did you get back Danric?" She asked.

"We returned during Petitioner's Court and tried to make as little noise as possible." He told her.

"Well you succeeded in that." Mel returned, smiling, glad to know her husband was safe and home. Their two little bugs would be happy daddy was home too, as he tells way better bedtime stories than Mommy does.

Just as Mel had predicted, Alaraec and Elestra were ecstatic that Danric was home. They came rushing in as the two were finishing dinner and threw themselves at Danric, who laughed and put one arm around each. Watching them, Mel couldn't help but chuckle. Danric looked at her, brow creased, as Alaraec sat down next to him and Elestra actually climbed on his lap.

"Just thinking you're going to have to work on growing an extra arm when this one is born." Mel told him, putting a hand on her distended stomach.

"So I can hold on to all three." Danric nodded, laughing as well.

Later, each parent carried one child to bed, tucking them in after Danric had told a fantastic story about a knight proving himself to his lady love by fighting and defeating a dragon. Even Mel was spellbound, and had to admit he really did tell better stories than she did. Feeling exhausted from a long day that had included Petitioner's Court, Mel didn't argue when Danric suggested they should head for bed early. After they were actually in bed, Danric placed his splayed hand on top of her bump.

"You know, I've been meaning to ask you if you had any ideas for names." Danric said softly.

Mel shrugged as best as she could lying down. "My only thought was that, if it's a boy, I would maybe name him after my father."

Vidanric nodded. "And a girl after your mother?" He wondered.

"Maybe. It's hard to start to thinking of names when we have no idea if it's a boy or girl." Mel told him, folding her fingers in his on top of her baby bump.

"I'm afraid you're right about that, but we named our first two after my parents. It would only be fair to name this one after one of yours."

Mel sighed. "I know the right name will present itself when he or she is born."

Three months later, early on a Wednesday morning, Oria Ranisia Renselaeus was born at seven pounds and five ounces. It was a relatively easy birth, and both mother and baby were doing just fine. That evening, Danric was allowed to bring his other two children in to meet their new sister, and for him to check on mommy. Alaraec was the first to point out that she was tiny.

Mel laughed. "Don't worry Alaraec, she'll grow. You did."

After staring at her for some time, Elestra finally came back over to both her parents and sighed.

"What is it?" Danric asked, picking her up.

She crossed her arms and frowned. "I wanted a brother."

Trying his best not to laugh, Vidanric told her, "You have one sweetheart."

"Not Raec, I wanted another one!"

Mel did laugh at that, meeting Danric's eyes and shrugging. "Your own children are always the worst judges."

Vidanric nodded, setting Elestra on her feet so that he could lean down and kiss Mel. "I love you so much." He whispered.

"I love you too." She answered.

Well, what'd you think? Of this chapter or the story in general? Please let me know!

Mia21