Hushed Willows And through the merry flowers of June

Lily was restless, too. Her advancing pregnancy was tethering her more and more to the willows, when all she wanted to do was run. Trouble was, she couldn't run anymore without getting tired after a short while. She kept up a good shuffle, but it was slower than her usual gait, and it frustrated her. So she paced, much like Mali, but for different reasons.

Her belly churned--though not unusual, anymore, with these babes inside her--when she spotted Delight's boy, looking deep in concentration. She hadn't properly spoken to him since the incident with Mahler at the border; she'd never gotten the chance to talk to him about his behavior. The moment had come and gone, and bringing it up now would be inappropriate, ill-timed.

Instead, she tried to be casual as possible as their paths came to an intersection. Lily gave him a chuff of greeting as she neared, dipping her head respectfully. Hallo, Mali, she said softly. I hope you're doing well. I don't mean to bother you. Any overt hostility from him and she'd be on her way again.

She did so hope, though, that she could win him over. At least eventually.