Her long braid wobbled back and forth as she shook her head, [color=#FFE58F]”I’m not so far along yet that I need to stop to rest every few minutes. That won’t be for another couple of months!”[/color] She beamed up at him, giving her abdomen a small pat. She was clearly thrilled about her current condition, and what would come due to it. It had been such a struggle.

Despite her pronouncement of no weakness, she did gladly take the offered arm, stepping lightly onto the deck of the ferry. She snaked her arm around his waist, walking with him towards an empty seat for the ride to Shirogane. The gentle slapping of the water on the hull, the warmth of her mate next to her, and the general exhaustion of a long day was threatening to lull her into a quick nap during the ride.