Chapter 18: Lailah and Qrow's journey part 1
In the outskirts of Summer's home, a group of close friends gathered to hear important news from Lailah Branwen, her lavender and silver-streaked hair catching the light as she spoke. Her orange eyes, a mark of her dark elven heritage along with her pointed ears and dark skin, held both determination and concern as she addressed her companions: Summer, Taiyang Xiao Long, Raven, and Raptaryn, the dark elven scholar-soldier whose similar features marked their shared heritage.
Lailah explained that she and her husband Qrow – distinctive with his black hair and silver eyes – would need to return to the dark elven settlement in Solitas. Her sister, High Queen Hyuuan, and brother-in-law High King Berethon required assistance before their people's planned migration to the continent of Sanus, specifically to the region of Vale.
The announcement stirred worry among the members of STRQ. Their concern centered not on the mission itself, but on Lailah's condition – she was carrying her and Qrow's first child, a pregnancy that had initially shocked but then delighted both their friends and the Beacon Faculty following the couple's wedding. This child represented more than just a new addition to their family; it symbolized the future unity between Humans and Dark Elves.
Raven, her red eyes so different from her brother Qrow's silver ones, shared worried glances with Taiyang. Summer watched her friend with concern, while Raptaryn's orange eyes, matching Lailah's, reflected his understanding of the cultural significance of this journey. Lailah's position as her sister's bodyguard now carried additional weight – she was protecting not only the High Queen but also the future of their peoples' integration.
"The journey from Solitas to Vale isn't exactly a casual stroll," Summer spoke up, her concern evident. "Especially not for someone in your condition, Lailah."
Raptaryn stepped forward, his scholar's knowledge coming to the fore. "The migration itself will involve coordinating thousands of our people through various climate zones. From Solitas's perpetual winter, we'll need to traverse either the eastern sea routes or cross through Atlas territory." He exchanged knowing looks with Lailah, both aware of the complex politics such movements would entail.
Qrow moved closer to his wife, his hand protectively resting on her shoulder. "Hyuuan and Berethon have already started establishing diplomatic channels with Vale's council," he explained to the others. "But the physical movement of an entire elven settlement..." He trailed off, his silver eyes focusing on Lailah's slight baby bump.
"I've already consulted with the healers," Lailah interjected, her orange eyes bright with determination. "They've given me specific guidelines for the journey. The first trimester is nearly complete, which means the morning sickness should subside soon." She placed her hand over Qrow's on her shoulder. "But they've warned that the extreme temperature changes between Solitas and Vale could be challenging."
Raven crossed her arms, her red eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "We could break the journey into stages," she suggested. "Set up temporary settlements along the way. It would be safer for both Lailah and the other pregnant women or elderly among your people."
Taiyang nodded enthusiastically. "I know some reliable transport contractors in Vale who could help with the logistics. We could set up supply lines in advance."
"The bigger concern," Raptaryn added, his soldier's training evident in his tactical thinking, "is that Lailah's role as High Queen Hyuuan's bodyguard might need to be adjusted. The traditional protective formations would put too much physical strain on her."
Summer moved closer to her friend, placing a gentle hand on Lailah's arm. "What about the baby's sensitivity to dust and magic? Dark elven children are known to be more attuned to magical energies even before birth, aren't they?"
Lailah nodded, her lavender hair catching the light. "That's another reason why we need to plan this carefully. The child within me carries both human and dark elven heritage – we're not entirely sure how they'll react to the magical fluctuations during travel. Particularly when we cross the natural ley lines between continents."
"Then we'll need to bring specialists," Qrow stated firmly, his protective instincts as both a husband and future father showing clearly. "Someone who understands both human and dark elven prenatal care. We can't leave anything to chance."
The friends fell into a thoughtful silence, each considering the complex challenges ahead. This wasn't just about moving a population – it was about ensuring the safety of a child who represented the future of both their peoples, while helping an entire civilization relocate to a new home.
To be Continued in Chapter 19: Lailah and Qrow's Journey part II