* Loria sits up, her face pale. With a quick glance at Kevil, she rolls out of the blankets and crawls out of the tent. She scrambles to her feet, taking a few paces away from the camp. Once behind the shelter of a large pine, she vomits noisily onto the ground.

* Kevil opens one eye blearily as Loria sits up, then wakes more fully as she bolts from the tent. Frowning with worry, he crawls out after her. "N'shava?" He looks around, locating her by sound more than sight, and follows her into the trees. He frowns more as he sees her, but says nothing, merely walking over to help her hold her hair, his hand rubbing her back lightly and soothingly.

<Loria> ::glancing at him quickly, her face the picture of dismay:: Oh. Kevil...

<Kevil> Would you like some water, n'shava?

* Loria nods, resting one hand against the rough bark of the pine. "Please."

* Kevil kisses the top of her head and walks back to the center of camp, drawing a cup of water from the bucket set aside for their morning use. He carries it back, kneeling beside her as he offers her the cup.

* Loria takes a sip of water, swishing her mouth out and spitting. She picks up a fallen branch and scraps a bit of dirt and pine needles over the mess. "Thank you." She moves to the other side of the tree, sitting down with her back against the trunk, leaning her head back and looking into the branches.

* Kevil shifts so he can look at her, his eyes worried.

<Kevil> N'shava... We are no longer aboard a ship.

<Loria> ::nods, taking another sip of water, this time swallowing it:: I know.

<Kevil> And you continue to be ill... I think this is not seasickness, d'va?

<Loria> ::she looks around, glancing at the small, quiet campsite. A few tents, Temire wrapped up near the dying embers of the fire, the horses picketed on the outskirts:: No, I don't think so.

<Kevil> ::reaches over to brush the hair from her face:: Loria, if you are sick... ::he bites his lip:: Have you asked Her for healing?

<Loria> ::shaking her head:: I'm not... ::she sighs:: I hadn't meant to... ::she stops again, studying the inside of her cup:: I'm not sick.

<Kevil> ::blinks:: But of course y- ::blinks again, his eyes widening suddenly:: Loria...? ::his voice drops to the narrowest whisper, thin and almost reedy as his decades of training desert him, and he forgets to breathe:: Lori, n'shava, tell me that means what I think it means...

* Loria glances at him, her dark blue eyes searching his face. "I... I think I'm pregnant... " She takes another sip of water, swallowing. "I'm sorry."

* Kevil freezes, looking at her almost hesitantly through wide eyes, breath returning as a fast, shallow pant. "S-sorry? Why are you sorry?"

* Loria blinks several times rapidly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Bad timing, Kevil... I'd meant... well, I... " She bites her lip.

<Kevil> Timing? *Timing*? ::he stares at her for a moment, then laughs, breathlessly. He carefully takes the cup of water from her and sets it aside, then takes both of her hands in his, raising them to kiss her fingers with worshipful devotion. His dark eyes meet hers earnestly.:: Loria, you could not have given me a greater gift than this news. What does the *timing* matter?

<Loria> ::touches the side of his face:: I thought... I thought you'd be worried... I didn't me... ::she stops, shaking her head:: No, no lying... I did mean to. I just didn't mean to quite this *soon*.

* Kevil looks at her searchingly, a hint of doubt clouding his expression. "You... Are you upset? You are-" He hesitates. "You are not thinking of ending it?"

* Loria shakes her head several times frantically. "No, no... no, never... "

<Kevil> ::looks relieved and pulls her into his arms:: Bright Lady... Loria, my love, my wife... ::he looks into her eyes, smiling, brushing his fingers through her hair lightly:: I want this, I want our child. The added worry of it coming *now*... ::he sighs briefly, then smiles again:: I would be worried for you in any case, d'va?

<Loria> ::throwing her arms around him, she buries her face in the crook of his neck:: Family tradition, I guess... I'm sure the Blessed Mother is having a joke at my expense...

* Kevil wraps his arms around her more tightly, closing his eyes and rubbing his cheek gently against her soft hair, breathing in its warm scent. "Joke?"

<Loria> ::softly:: Temire is late, too. The Blessed Mother was frequently at Her battles, well into the middle of some of Her own pregnancies...

<Kevil> ::shivers and laughs softly:: She will then surely wish to keep you safe, then, d'va? You and our... our child... ::he shivers again, tears filling his eyes as it sinks in and the shock wears off:: Oh, Bright Lady, Loria... ::his voice breaks and he stops, his hands trembling as they stroke her hair::

<Loria> ::looking at him seriously:: *Are* you all right, Kevil, my heart?

<Kevil> ::laughs shakily, ignoring the few tears sliding down his face:: No. More than merely "all right," I am joyful, ecstatic... There are no words. ::he looks at her with eyes full of love:: I love you, Loria.

* Loria smiles at him, her chin trembling slightly. "I love you, my husband..."

* Kevil kisses her suddenly, passionately, his arms pulling her tightly against him.

<Loria> ::clinging to him, she shudders, hot tears spilling down her cheeks::

<Kevil> ::breaks the kiss with a gasp and holds her close, his fingers tangling in her hair:: Ah, n'shava...

* Loria wipes her eyes a little self-consciously.

<Kevil> ::kisses her forehead:: Such blessings... ::he takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly::

<Loria> I'm sorry, Kevish... I should have told you earlier... I didn't want you to worry... ::glances at him:: Ok, worry *more*. ::she laughs::

<Kevil> ::smiles faintly:: I should have worried more still if you had insisted on keeping the secret and we progressed on, you still suffering this mysterious illness... Though perhaps eventually I would have guessed on my own. I can count, d'va? ::he grins::

* Loria laughs again, trying to keep her voice down as to not disturb anyone else in the camp.

<Kevil> ::blinks suddenly:: Did you say Mistress Temire, too...? ::he glances back toward camp, another hint of worry touching his eyes::

<Loria> ::nods:: I don't know if she is or not. ::her jaw firms a little:: I hope she's *not*. I was afraid mine was... I don't know, wishful thinking... her's... ::she shakes her head:: It's not my place, to criticize, I guess...

<Kevil> ::sighs:: None of my business, either, I know... but... ::he sighs again:: Well. It is a tense situation, and she a highly athletic young woman - perhaps it is no more than those things, combined to interrupt the body's work. ::makes a face:: With hope, we will be home again before it matters. Has she other symptoms? ::he waves a hand vaguely toward the mess behind the tree::

<Loria> ::shakes her head:: Not that she said. ::bites her lip:: I am her friend, as well as her priestess... I will... not make judgments.

<Kevil> ::eyes her, then glances toward camp, then nods:: As you say, n'shava... ::he looks at her for a long moment, obviously willing to drop the subject. A smile slowly grows on his face as he looks at her until finally he is grinning foolishly::

* Loria looks at him, her mouth quirking up. "You... silly..." She grins at him. "I won't even ask you to keep it to yourself... no one's going to be able to look at you and not know *something* is up."

<Kevil> ::his grin turns a little sheepish:: You can not blame me, surely, n'shava? I have wanted a child since I was little more than a child myself!

<Loria> ::tracing over his mouth with her fingertips:: No, of course I don't... I never... I thought... for years, I believed I would never have a child, could never have one... and now?

<Kevil> ::catches her hand and kisses each fingertip, smiling:: And now?

<Loria> ::meeting his eyes:: I have everything...

<Kevil> ::pulls her close, his voice a whisper:: Thank you... ::he kisses her::

<Loria> ::looks up at him curiously:: Thank you? For what, my love?

<Kevil> ::laughs and kisses her again:: For everything. ::he smiles at her:: Come back to bed, n'shava...

* Loria peers at the sun creeping steadily up into the sky.

* Loria grins at Raven, pointing to the sky and holding up two fingers, as they crawl back into their tent

* Raven - on watch in the crook of a tall tree - grins at Loria and makes a shooing gesture.

<Loria> ::crawling into the tent, she looks at Kevil over her shoulder::

* Kevil glances back at Raven with a surprisingly bashful grin, then follows his wife into the tent. "You are beautiful."

* Loria laughs, flopping down onto the blankets and rolling over to look up at him.

* Kevil crawls up next to her, wrapping his arm around her waist and kissing her. "It hardly seems real..."

<Loria> ::grins at him, tracing her fingertips over the line of his jaw:: Seems real enough, but then, *I*'m the one who's been waking up early, these last several mornings.

<Kevil> ::tipping his head back slightly:: *You* told me it was seasickness, n'shava, and naught for me to concern myself with... ::he grins at her::

<Loria> ::blushes slightly:: I didn't want... I wasn't sure... it could have just been sea-sickness combined with wishful thinking...

<Kevil> ::smiles and nods, tracing the line of her jaw with one finger:: Is it- Are you certain, now?

<Loria> ::nods:: As sure as I can be, without actually seeing a midwife... ::turning her head, she kisses his palm::

<Kevil> ::His breath catches, and he leans down to kiss her lips, his finger trailing down the side of her neck::

* Loria leans her head back, closing her eyes and sighing with satisfaction.

* Kevil kisses her throat. "I hate that we are on the road... I want to hold you the whole day. I want to show you how happy you make me..."

<Loria> ::slipping his thin shirt off over his head:: Well, we can't stay in bed all day, my love... so, we'll just make the most of the time we have...

<Kevil> ::nods, and opens the ties of her robe, sliding his hands along her smooth skin and slipping the fabric from her shoulders::

<Loria> ::shivers slightly:: Are you happy, love? I'd... hoped for a better time to tell you, but... I *want* to have your child.

* Kevil kisses her hard, hungrily, leaving them both breathless. "Happy is too pale a word..." He smiles and puts his hand flat between her breasts, feeling her heart beat for a moment, then lifts her hand to put it over his own heart. "I feel like my heart will burst with joy... can you feel its song?"

<Loria> ::laughs, sliding her fingers to the side, lightly brushing his nipple:: It makes a nice harmony with my own...

<Kevil> Ahh... ::he sighs in pleasure, then bends his head to kiss her breast, his lips tugging gently at her nipple::

* Loria groans, her nipple hardening. She arches her back, her hands running over his back.

* Kevil suckles at her breast, his fingers sliding across her skin to tease her other nipple to hardness, his body pressed against hers.

<Loria> ::panting, she slides her hands down his back, her fingertips slipping under the waistband of his trousers::

* Kevil moves down, kissing her stomach and sides, lightly nibbling the sensitive places at the curve of her hips and groaning softly at her touch. "So beautiful, n'shavalin..."

* Loria moves under him, her fingers twining in his hair.

<Kevil> ::pausing at her abdomen, he whispers:: N'issal... I have waited so long... ::he trails kisses and happy tears across her stomach::

<Loria> ::giggles:: I'm almost positive he can't hear you, yet...

<Kevil> ::laughs softly:: It does not matter, n'shava... You can. ::he licks a thin line along the fold of her hip::

<Loria> ::gasps, her hips thrusting at him once:: Silly man...

<Kevil> ::grins:: A fool for you, I admit. ::his tongue flickers across her clit, barely brushing her node, and he sighs happily at the taste of her::

<Loria> ::turns her head from side to side, running her foot lightly up his side::

* Kevil licks at her clit again, then glances up at her face with a smile. "I love you."

<Loria> ::shivers:: K-kevil... ::her voice is dark with longing::

<Kevil> ::grins and covers her with his mouth, rhythmically stroking her with his tongue::

* Loria bites down on the heel of her hand, moaning, her hips rocking gently.

* Kevil moans softly in response, matching the urgency of her movements, his hands roaming over her soft skin.

<Loria> ::gasps again, shuddering as her climax washes over her:: ... n'shava...

* Kevil groans with desire, slowing for a moment, then begins again, harder and more urgent, as if his own pleasure depends entirely on her satisfaction.

* Loria writhes under him, her hands twining in his hair urgently, panting.

<Kevil> ::slides two fingers into her, pressing up and forward, panting with need::

* Loria shudders, her body covered with a light sheen of perspiration, crying out again. "Aah... Kevil... " She rolls him over suddenly, her mouth hungry down his chest, kissing and nibbling.

* Kevil sighs with pleasure, twining his hands in her luxurious hair.

<Loria> ::continuing down his chest, she pauses near his hip, tonguing the sensitive skin there, her breasts pressing against his cock::

<Kevil> ::lifting his hips to press against her:: Ah, n'shava...

<Loria> ::grinning a little, she licks the head of his cock::

<Kevil> ::groans, biting his lip to keep it quiet enough not to wake the rest of the camp::

* Loria runs her tongue lightly up and down the length of his cock, her fingers moving along his stomach and thighs.

<Kevil> ::twitches and moans:: Loria...

<Loria> ::gives him a quick look, her eyes sparkling as she continues to lightly flicker her tongue over him, her nipples pressed firmly against his thighs::

* Kevil gasps, his hips half-thrusting involuntarily. "Lori- please..."

<Loria> ::gasping, a wave of longing crashing over her, she moves up, straddling his hips::

* Kevil groans and lifts his hips to meet her. "Ah, Lori-love..."

<Loria> ::leaning back as he penetrates her, she gasps:: Kev...

* Kevil throws his head back, thrusting into her with soft gasps.

* Loria watches him, her eyes fixed on his face, her hands moving to the back of her neck, as she rides him, panting with desire.

* Kevil clenches his jaw, holding back the moment of climax as long as he can. Finally, unable to put it off any longer, he wraps his arms around her waist and hips, pulling her tight as he stiffens, shuddering with the exquisite agony of release.

* Loria looks down at him tenderly, her eyes warm and satiated.

* Kevil relaxes all at once, panting, and smiles up at her, lifting one hand to touch her cheek. "I love you, n'shava."

<Loria> ::collapsing onto him:: I love you... ::she kissing him once lightly, then rolls off::

* Kevil slides his arms around her, holding her close and kissing her hair.

::Time passes...::

* Raven drops out of the tree from which she was keeping the last watch of the night, glancing up at the sun, somewhat higher than usual, then crosses to the center of camp, stoking the banked fire and putting water for tea to one side. She nudges Temire gently with her toe.

* Temire rolls over pulling her blanket over her head and mumbles something incoherent.

* Raven grins and nudges Temire again, then leans down to tug affectionately on one of Nightrunner's cocked ears before heading into her tent to wake Finn.

* Temire jumps away from the second nudge, getting wound up in her blankets and falling on her rear, looking around her frantically for a moment before calming down, "Oh Raven...Morning?"

* Nightrunner lifts his sable head quickly, nipping playfully at Raven's sleeve as he uncurls and gets to his feet. He eyes Temire's thrashings with wary amusement.

* Temire sighs and extracts herself from her blankets before going and packing her bedroll up. "You're getting soft Temire."

* Finn emerges from his tent in short order and grins at Temire. "Got breakfas' started, have ye gel?"

* Bark-Eater trots into camp a few moments later, a fat rabbit held in her jaws, still struggling.

* Temire shakes her head, "That was Raven. Is it my turn to cook? I lost track on the ship."

<Finn> ::grins at Bark-eater:: Ah, an' ye're a rare an' lovely lass, ain't ye? ::to Temire, his grin mischievous:: 'Tis mine, iffen ye're willin' ta risk't.

* Temire smiles, "It hasn't killed me yet, though if you want I can skin the rabbit for you."

* Bark-Eater pads over to Finn and lays the rabbit down at his feet, keeping the struggling creature carefully pinned with her half-open jaws as she flicks an ear at Finn.

<Finn> A bargain! ::he laughs, not bothering to keep his volume low. He leans down and grabs the rabbit by its scruff, then meets Bark-eater's eyes:: Thank ye, m'lady.

* Vallel sits up at the sound of Finn's voice, the slight strain around his eyes slightly less than it has been in days past.

* Bark-Eater releases the rabbit carefully, acknowledging him with a brief wave of her tail as she trots over to touch noses with Nightrunner and head with him towards Loria's tent.

<Vallel> ::looking over at his wife, his eyes soft:: Morning, Gloss... ::he puts one hand on her shoulder gently::

* Finn picks up the rabbit and breaks its neck with quick efficiency, then offers it to Temire. "All yers, gel..."

* Kevil opens one eye as the wolves nose into the tent. "Morning already? Again?"

* Temire closes her eyes and nods, "Thanks Finn." Takes the rabbit and goes to her gear, digging at a hatchet and removing the rabbits head, then proceeds to skin it with one of her shivs.

* Glossaria rolls over and pushes up on one elbow, reaching for her holy symbol and putting it around her neck.

* Bark-Eater opens her jaws in a laugh, dipping her head to brush her cold, wet nose against Kevil's exposed foot.

<Finn> ::rummages in the pack of food and comes up with a loaf of bread, which he cuts into thick slices. He lays the slices on a flat rock to toast slowly, and goes back to the packs for a pan and a bit of bacon.::

<Kevil> ::jerking his foot back:: You are *not* encouraging me to get up, you know...

* Loria giggles, lacing herself into her armor.

* Glossaria pulls clothes from her pack, dressing efficiently and tucking her notebook into a pocket as she studies her husband's face. "You're looking better-rested. Good."

* Temire finishes skinning the rabbit, "Finn you got any recipes for the innards or should I give those to Bark-Eater and Nightrunner?"

* Loria starts to stick her head out of the tent, then retracts with a groan. "Te*mire*...." She rolls over on her pallet, her face pale.

* Temire looks towards Loria and Kevil's tent, "Sorry Loria." Almost says something, but then keeps silent, going back to her work.

<Vallel> ::leaning over, he kisses Gloss's cheek:: I am feeling better... better enough to try and reach Tarri again... I hope she's not worried... ::bites his lip a little::

* Bark-Eater tugs lightly at Kevil's blanket with a yip and a grumbling noise. {Jaybird is a pup, to lay in the den until his mate brings him the kill?}

* Loria laughs at Bark-eater's comment, giving Kevil a sly look before crawling out of the tent, her face still a bit pale.

<Finn> ::laughs:: Give 'em ta th' one what brung 'er in, aye? There'll be more fer th'other.

* Kevil looks between Loria and Bark-eater suspiciously, then sighs and reaches for his clothes.

<Glossaria> ::nods, biting her own lip, her smile fading a little:: Be careful not to overextend yourself too soon, love, or you'll do yourself a worse injury.

* Vallel nods, pulling Gloss into his arms with a sudden shudder. "I'll be careful, love... I'm just... glad it's not you." He says this last in a very soft voice, kissing his wife's hair.

* Temire nods and begins removing the rabbit's organs, piling them on the skin, "How do you want this Finn? Cut into sections and put on spits? Diced for the frying pan?"

* Finn tests the pan and adds a few square chunks of bacon to sizzle and melt. "Dice 'er, iffen ye'd be so kind; I'll fry 'er up wi' th' bacon an' some onion." While the bacon's fat melts, he begins dicing a couple of large onions.

* Kevil crawls out of the tent and looks around with a wide grin.

* Glossaria tenses for a moment before relaxing in his arms with a sigh.

* Loria crawls out of the tent as well, fetching herself a cup of water and drinking it thirstily.

* Temire nods, then looks at the rabbit, "Shredded then." Begins stripping the meat off the rabbit's bones and shredding it into manageable pieces, depositing them into the pan as she does so.

* Bark-Eater wanders over and makes the rabbit remains disappear while Loria is not looking.

* Raven emerges, her clothing changed, and crosses to the fire, pouring herself a cup of hot water. She retrieves a packet from her saddlebags and sifts some tea leaf into the cup, then sits back and watches the bustle while she waits for it to steep.

* Nightrunner starts to lunge for the growing pile of bones, checking himself somewhat sheepishly and sitting on his haunches, watching the pile avidly.

* Kevil walks over to the fire to get cups for himself and Loria, filching a bit of bacon from the pan with a grin.

<Finn> AYE! ::he mock-glares at Kevil:: Wait yer turn, boyo.

* Temire smiles at Nightrunner, "Want to lick my hands clean?"

* Vallel dressed hurriedly.

* Nightrunner cocks his head, looking from Temire to the bones with a soft whine.

* Temire picks up the largest of the bones and holds it out to Nightrunner, "It's alright. You can have them if you want them."

* Vallel exits the tent and begins to pack up his things, knocking the tent down and rolling it up with only minimal difficulty.

* Kevil grins at Finn as he hands Loria her cup of tea-water, imitating the Moonshaen's accent perfectly. "Ye'll want ta guard th' pan better'n 'at, then, lad."

* Finn snorts and laughs.

* Glossaria perches on the woodpile, consulting her maps and making notes in a small hand.

* Vallel finishes packing up, then sits near Gloss's feet, before schooling his expression, reaching out with his mind, searching for his friend. {Tarri?}

* Kevil sets his tea aside to steep and gets to work striking his and Loria's tent, humming under his breath.

* Glossaria glances up as Vallel sits, biting her lip a little as his eyes go distant.

<Tarri> ::Her responding mental voice is overwhelmingly relieved, and surprisingly somewhat less terrified than it had been at their last contact:: {VAL? Oh, Val, thank the Mother, I was beginning to worry you'd-} ::She quashes the thought with surprising agility.:: {What happened?}

* Temire sets the bone down, "Loria, could you let Nightrunner know he can have the bones?" Temire goes to wash her hands.

<Vallel> ::a quick flash of remembered pain and fear:: {I'm sorry, Tarri... I pushed it, burned out for a few days. I'm better. How are you? I'm sorry you were worried.}

* Loria grins at Nightrunner, gesturing to the pile of bones that he's been eying eagerly. {Have at, my friend.}

* Nightrunner wags his tail and starts to lunge for the bone, checking himself again and picking it up delicately from the dirt, crunching it between his jaws and swallowing before attacking the rest of the pile.

<Tarri> {I'm... okay, I guess. Nothing's changed, except...} ::there is a slight hesitation:: {I'm sharing my cell with Pollie, now.}

<Vallel> ::an expression of mixed anxiety and relief cross his features:: {She's there, then? I wasn't... I didn't know if I should reach her, she's never heard me. And I can't... shouldn't push too hard.}

* Temire dries her hands off and picks up her short sword with its unusually long hilt, moving to the edge of the campsite to begin practicing her forms.

* Bark-Eater sneaks up from behind Nightrunner and snatches away the last bone from under his very nose, crunching noisily and swallowing it down. Nightrunner mock-growls, and in moments, the two wolves are rolling in the dirt in play-battle.

<Tarri> ::mixed stoicism and fear:: {If you'd rather talk to her instead...} ::a tendril of horror snakes into her mind:: {They're holding her for *my* good behavior, they said.}

* Loria looks down at Nightrunner for a moment, then pales again, turning around, swallowing hard. "Yuck... excuse me a minute."

* Kevil watches Loria leave with a sympathetic look that transforms almost instantly into a large grin.

<Vallel> ::shuddering:: {Oh, Tarri... we'll... we'll get you out soon. And no, I can't talk to her... } ::a deep undercurrent of worry and fear for his sister:: {I wouldn't be able to let go. But be well, and brave, Tarri... }

* Glossaria glances up at the soft growls of the wolves, watching them a moment before returning her eyes to Vallel, watching him with concern.

* Finn finishes frying up the breakfast, dividing the fried meat and onions up on top of the toasted bread, setting aside a double-portion for Vallel.

* Loria moves over to the fire and picks up a piece of bread, nibbling at it around the edges.

<Tarri> ::firmly:: {I won't let them hurt her, Vallie. I promise.} ::She pauses:: {You should go, before you strain yourself again. Don't... I have faith in you. You don't have to contact me *every* day.}

* Glossaria rises and goes to the fire for two portions of breakfast, holding them patiently as she waits for Vallel to come back to himself.

<Vallel> {Tell Polla I love her... } ::he drops the mental contact with a gasp::

* Temire finishes her practice and sheathes her sword before heading over to the fire to retrieve breakfast and a cup of tea.

<Finn> ::nods to Loria:: 'Tis done, lass. ::he hands Vallel's extra-large portion to Glossaria carefully:: Don' short yerself, now, lassie, aye? ::he smiles at her brightly::

* Kevil finishes packing the tent, then quaffs down half his tea on his way to the fire for breakfast. He watches Loria as he eats, barely noticing his food.

<Glossaria> ::nods gravely:: Thank you, Finn. ::returns to Val's side, offering him breakfast silently::

* Vallel opens his eyes, looking around. "Polla's with her." He takes his breakfast, wolfing down his food in a manner that makes Bark-eater stare.

* Temire consumes her breakfast with the speed of a rested psionic, watching Vallel.

* Raven eats quickly and neatly, then rinses out her cup and packs it. She pats Finn's shoulder. "Very nice, Carther."

<Finn> ::ignoring Raven and looking at Vallel:: They've nae hurt 'er, 'ave they?

<Vallel> ::shaking his head, he swallows:: Tarri... said that Polla was... they're holding her hostage, against Tarri's good behavior. ::he looks faintly sick for a moment::

* Temire bites down on a curse, pacing a tight circle once before bringing herself back under control.

<Finn> ::his merry face darkens for a moment, and he sighs:: We'll 'ave 'em back soon.

* Kevil looks down the path they're travelling, his eyes both worried and resolute.

* Vallel nods, finishing his breakfast and watching Gloss with a look of profound relief. When he catches Finn's eye, he colors faintly, looking at the ground.

* Loria finishes the piece of bread, leaving the onions and meat to one side.

* Glossaria eats more slowly, neatly eating first onions, then meat, then bread, cleaning her hands as she finishes, eyes downcast. "She's not to be a Bride, then?"

* Loria hands half her breakfast to Vallel. "Here, Vallie... I'm... not hungry."

* Temire finishes her meal and prepares another cup of tea, watching the conversation.

<Kevil> ::quietly, to Loria:: You should eat more than bread, n'shava.

* Vallel nods absently, taking Loria's plate without question. "Tarri didn't specifically say, but... that's the impression I got."

* Loria shakes her head at Kevil. "If I eat that, I'm just going to be sick again."

* Bark-Eater, leaving off her tussle, comes over to circle the seated Loria, sniffing her hand and making a warbling query. {You are well, bright lady? Do your pups trouble you?}

<Kevil> ::sighs and kisses Loria's cheek:: We will find you something more palatable for the noon meal, then, d'va?

* Loria grins at Bark-eater. {Can't put anything past you, can I? I'm well... just... not up to meat right now. I think I'd kill someone for a nice ripe apple, though.}

* Temire sips her tea, watching Loria and Bark-eater with the smile that says she's found something she wants to learn.

* Raven begins to saddle the horses and tie on the packs.

* Bark-Eater growls and yips some more, tilting her head. {Your scent says pups. You wished to hide your scent? There are berries... I can show you.} She turns, pointing her muzzle out towards the woods and taking a few steps before turning back questioningly.

* Kevil glances at the wolf, and then at his wife. "Loria?"

<Loria> ::laughs:: {No, it's all right... I told my mate.} ::she runs her fingers through Bark-Eater's coat::

* Temire sighs and stands, finishing her tea before packing up the last of her things.

* Loria stands up, looking over at Kevil. "She knows... " She grins, half-pleased, half-shy.

* Kevil grins and leans down to scratch Bark-eater's ears. "Lisl told us she was among their wisest, d'va?"

<Bark-Eater> ::pressing into the touch:: {He did not know? Humans are scent-blind, truly.}

<Finn> ::eyes Kevil and Loria suspiciously::

* Temire straps on her equipment, then begins saddling her horse.

<Loria> ::grins:: I'm not sure she believes me that *you* didn't know, before I said. ::she leans over, kissing Kevil's cheek::

* Vallel eyes his sister, scraping the last bit of breakfast from her plate. "Lori, want to clue the rest of us in, or are you taking Lisl-lessons?"

* Glossaria gets up to bring Vallel the remaining portion of breakfast, studying the wolf's behavior curiously. "Has she found something amiss, Loria?"

* Raven finishes with the saddlebags she's packing, then pulls on Finn's sleeve until he bends to listen to her whisper into his ear.

<Kevil> ::grins at Loria:: Surely she will believe I am as foolish as that!

* Finn grins suddenly and laughs, then picks up the packs of cooking gear and turns to help Raven.

* Bark-Eater wags her tail. {The jaybird jests and plays and preens, but misses little of what happens in the wood.}

* Loria gives Kevil a long look. "You can tell, if you wish, n'shava..." She moves to pack up her gear.

* Kevil pitches his voice for the others, though his eyes remain on Loria, shining. "She is with child."

* Temire tightens a last strap and turns with a smile to Kevil and Loria, "Congratu..." Temire's voice trails off.

* Raven looks around with a sly smile. "Congratulations, my sister."

* Loria blushes, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you."

* Vallel drops Loria's plate to the ground with a clatter, staring at her.

* Glossaria blinks, startled, turning to study Loria. "Morning sickness... limited appetite..." She shakes her head with a rueful smile. "Congratulations, sister. How far into gestation are you?"

* Raven glances at Temire, one slim eyebrow raised curiously.

* Temire turns pale and begins cursing softly.

<Glossaria> ::frowns:: Temire? ::hesitantly:: Is... something the matter?

<Finn> Aye, now, boyo, dinnae break th' plates! ::he grins as he bends down to scoop up the plate Vallel dropped and winks at Kevil before turning to scrub and pack it::

<Loria> ::putting one hand over her stomach:: Not long... a month, maybe... ::she looks curiously at Vallel::

* Vallel continues to stare at his sister, as if, perhaps, she sprouted another head.

* Temire sighs, leaning against her horse, "It just occurred to me...If Tomas finds out, do you think he'll move against Tarri without waiting to get the two of you?"

* Kevil follows Loria's gaze to Vallel, and grins widely.

<Raven> ::softly:: There is nothing we can do about it, Temire... We are already moving as fast as we can.

* Loria frowns. "We can hope he won't know."

* Temire sighs, "I know...Just wishing I was strong enough to shield everyone...Or that we had a half dozen or so of Tyl's torcs."

* Vallel blanches, looking at Temire. "He's not psionic, Mira... what good would it do?"

* Glossaria nudges Vallel gently. "It's customary to congratulate an expectant mother, Vallel. In most situations." Her smile falters slightly as she glances at Temire. "It depends on how well he comprehends his power. He may believe-- rightly-- that Bane's seed could overcome a mere human's."

<Kevil> ::shakes his head:: So far as we know, Tomas has no psionics in his employ. We need only not discuss the matter overmuch, and we are safe from more ordinary scrying. ::he makes a face:: I have a spell or two...

<Finn> ::nods to Kevil:: Aye, so've I.

* Temire shrugs, "I don't know. There's overlap between psionics and magic, but I don't know how much or where...It should be possible...but none of us here are strong enough even if it is."

* Kevil scowls at Glossaria's suggestion and puts an arm around Loria. "He will not have the chance."

<Finn> ::eyes Temire:: Aye, but Raven's the right of 't. We'll no' linger on th' subject, an' move as fast as we may, aye?

* Temire nods, "Well I'm as ready as I'm ever going to be."

<Glossaria> ::nods:: There are certain spells that allow one to know thoughts. ::her tone clinical and even:: And we know that he is capable of insinuating himself into one's dreams. Perhaps... ::looking troubled:: ...it would be wise, Vallel, if you didn't offer this bit of news to Tarri.

* Vallel shakes his head, then moves over and kisses his sister on the cheek. "Congratulations, Lor..." He looks at Gloss and nods once. "I've been... limiting what I tell her, anyway."

* Kevil grins slightly foolishly, and picks up the tent pack and bedrolls, carrying them over to the horses.

* Loria pulls her brother into a fierce embrace, whispering something in his ear.

* Temire pulls out her pendant and holds it in one hand, bowing her head, "Blessed Mother protect us."

* Vallel nods, resting his head against Loria's shoulder for a moment, giving Kevil a slightly dark look, before turning to finish packing.

<Glossaria> ::nods and goes to help Vallel pack, smiling a little:: I'm going to be an aunt... perhaps Loria will afford me an opportunity for practice...

* Kevil - tying the tent and bedrolls onto his horse - is oblivious to his brother-in-law's dark looks.

* Vallel mutters something under his breath.

<Glossaria> ::looks surprised, touching his arm lightly as she pauses in her folding:: Why are you upset, Val?

* Loria finishes packing her horse, giving her brother a slightly exasperated look. "Because he still doesn't see *me* when he looks at me. He sees the fourteen-year-old sister he used to come to when he skinned his knee."

* Glossaria frowns in puzzlement. "I was not aware he was postcognitive?"

* Temire shakes her head, "Don't try talking sense into him Loria. I think brothers are required to be scandalized. And Val, you can just get over it. Not like you and Gloss haven't been trying hard enough yourselves."

<Kevil> ::grins at Loria again, then glances at Vallel with a slightly startled look. He opens his mouth twice to say something, then shakes his head and turns to help Finn dig in the firepit, aware that he can't actually say anything helpful::

* Vallel laughs, slightly forced. "Skip it, Mira... I'll get used to it. In time. Check back with me in ten years or so?" He mounts up, settling himself on his horse.

* Temire chuckles freely, "Careful Val, I might hold you to that." Temire mounts her horse, a smile on her face.

<Glossaria> ::turns her puzzled frown on Temire:: We've been using protective methods, Temire. We're not quite ready emotionally to start a family.

* Raven looks around the campsite critically, scuffing her boot toe over a few remaining tent-peg holes and checking Finn's work at the fire pit before nodding and mounting her own horse.

* Temire smiles and shakes her head, "Don't worry about it Gloss. It would take far too long to explain."

* Kevil barely restrains a snort of laughter at Glossaria's comment as he climbs onto his horse.

* Loria grins, pulling herself onto her own horse with a slight groan. "Come on, sister, summon up your hideous purple beastie and let's go..."

* Finn mounts with a hint of awkwardness, his dappled mare giving him a long-suffering look at his ineptitude.

* Glossaria presses her lips together with a small shake of her head, and slips a violet scrap of paper into her mouth, casting the spell that summons her purple spirit steed. She saddles it and mounts.