Ira’s husband arrived home not long into the meal and introduced himself as Bohan. He and Navihm had clasped hands firmly and were now seated across from Rose, talking rapidly in Nomad. They eventually seemed to agree and Bohan turned to address everyone.

“The Sachem will be in a meeting with his advisors for another hour,” he said. “I suggest that we approach him after the meeting has concluded. He will be more reasonable when he is alone. I also advise that only a small group of one or two go. Any more than that will attract too much attention through camp.”

Navihm turned to the Professor. “It is your decision to make, Professor.”

“I agree,” he said. “The Sachem will not being willing to speak with us in front of his advisors as that would be a show of weakness. Navihm, you know the most about these people, it makes sense for you to go. Hart, you go with him. A Lowlander would stand out too much. It is a miracle we made it all the way here without being noticed.”

Everything being decided, the rest of the meal passed without incident. After they had eaten, Navihm helped Ira take the food away.

“I've missed you, Ira,” Navihm said once they were alone.

She place a hand on his cheek.

“I’ve missed you too,” she said. Navihm took comfort in the warmth of her hand and the light of her smile. Even though she was only a few years his senior, Ira had always mothered him. His magic brushed against her with their skin to skin contact and Navihm felt the flutter of an unexpected sensation.

“Ira,” he said with some surprise. “You’re pregnant.”

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“Shh,” she said, pressing her hand against his mouth. “I haven’t told Bohan. I wanted to be sure.” She laughed giddily. “I guess I am sure now.”

Navihm knelt so he was at eye level with Ira’s stomach. He pressed one hand reverently against her still flat abdomen. He could feel the frantic flutter of the little baby’s heartbeat, thrumming much faster than Ira’s.

Bohan chose that moment to interrupt their revelry.

“Are you accosting my wife?” he asked Navihm playfully. Navihm’s wide grin and hearty handshake was the only response he got. Navihm left the two of them alone.

“Navihm is acting very strangely,” Bohan told his wife.

“I hadn’t noticed,” she said, teary from the good news but unwilling to spring it on her husband just before he would have to leave.

“You are acting strangely too,” he said, pulling her in for a loose hug. She leant her head on his shoulder and sighed contently.

“I will tell you when you return,” she said. “It is time for you to go.”

“You are right, as usual, my dear wife. Wish me luck, the Sachem is going to be very angry.”

Bohan, Navihm and Hart set off through the tangle of tents towards the command tent in the centre of the camp.

“Good luck,” Ira whispered to their retreating silhouettes.

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