Northstar Vale A new reason to smile.

Oh, Ibis... Was that pity in her voice? Maybe not, but that's how Ibis heard her name as it fell from her friend's lips. She heard the rest but did not react to it, too busy staring empty-eyed ahead; thinking of those moments of passion, expression, play, and how they might affect her entire future now. She had always wanted to be a mother, but not yet - no, she was too young. That youthful ignorance coupled with a sense of security (in knowing she could come back to the Empire after her adventure) had given her the courage to strike out on her own and have her fun. How was she to know?

Is the man you brought one of them? — Akavir. He was here somewhere, he could have heard their entire discussion; Ibis looked around then, as if expecting him to materialize and begin throwing judgement at them both, when really it was Ibis feeling self-conscious of her decisions for the first time since making them.

Yes, his name is Akavir. I brought him home, we.. We have a connection. The words felt as if the fled from her, as if she were slowly deflating around the weight of her new reality. Pregnant. No; she would deny that until it became clearer, until she knew for certain. She was not ready. Her gaze flashed with determination at that thought and she looked to Reiko, wondering if she would be rebuked. Am I a lesser woman because of my choices, Reiko? I loved none of them. I only wanted - I'm not sure, the fun of it? The passion? To feel something more than the sadness that has plagued me since the Emberwood.

She needed validation or condemnation, something, lest she wallow in this limbo for eternity.