Elaine sat beside a lake within the small forest known as the Aliore Woodlands. She would listlessly stare into the lake for such an extensive amount of time that cause anybody who knew her to worry. It did not help that she looked so feeble that a gust of wind could knock her down.

No one would think such a frail looking woman was Elaine Aliore, known for being as willful as she was strong. Yet here she was, mourning the loss of her children, for their ashes had been scattered across this lake.

Three. That was the number of times she was with child and, ever since a year ago, It too was the number of times she had experienced the loss of one. They had all perished before they could experience a single breath of the world. And so, like any other day, she sat there, looking at the lake.

Before long, she took out a book. Today’s book was a collection of children's story filled with bright pictures. She turned to the page of a random fairy tale and started the next story.

There was only the sound of her voice drifting through the air. As she reached the conclusion of the story, her tone grew sorrowful. “And so, with the knight’s accomplishments, he was able to ask for the princess’ hand in marriage. They were finally able to openly get married with everyone’s blessings … had three beautiful children … and lived happily...” she could not finish.

Tears welled up in her eyes.

“Is this my fate…? Unable to ever have a child?” She asked, looking at the sky.

“Do you want a child?” A mixture of voices reverberated throughout the air behind her. “If you really wish for it, it is not impossible for us to give you one”

Elaine quickly turned around. As if the world stopped for a moment, nothing could be heard nor seen. Despite that, she knew someone or something was there, and she knew they were waiting for an answer.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

Hope welled up in her heart. If anyone asked her whether she wanted a child or not, of course she would answer with a yes. But, at the very least, she was smart enough to know nothing could possibly be this convenient. However, although she hesitated, it did not take long for her to make a decision.

♦

When Owen Aliore arrived at his wife’s cabin, he was stunned. This cabin was something she had built for the two of them when they had gotten married, but ever since the loss of their children, it had only been used by her when she wanted to be alone. Thus, when he was told to come to the cabin, he had expected an unknown situation. However, he did not expect his current situation.

Before his eyes was his wife sitting on her bed, with an unknown baby, which looked eerily similar to him and his wife, sleeping in her arms. Not only did the boy look like their very own child, but Owen noticed his wife’s blue hair and his very own golden eyes on the child. He looked back and forth between the child and his wife in disbelief. Before he knew what to say, she had already started talking.

“Owen, don't you think our child is very cute” She said happily.

“Elaine, who is this child? Where did he come from? ” He hurriedly questioned his wife.

“This child… is a gift… yes, He is a gift”

“A gift…?”He repeated. “From who?”

“He was a gift from the gods. They had taken pity on me and decided to gift a child to me.” Before Owen could say anything, she continued. “I can imagine how you must feel, but please believe me. I am your wife! I would never do anything to harm us!”

There was nothing left for him to say. Despite the absurdity of the situation, he was inclined to believe his wife. They had been trying to have a child for so many years even with all their failed attempts, and yet there was one right in front of him without having to do a thing. On top of that, he could unquestionably feel the bloodline connection between him and the child.

“What are we going to tell everyone?” After a long period of silence, he asked his wife.

She had a grin plastered on her face, as if she had expected his reactions.

“That is why I told you to come here as soon as possible”