Northstar Vale A new reason to smile.

The pain lingering in Reiko's expression was there because of her. Whatever gaity they had shared over the announcement that she was pregnant felt leagues away from this moment, and while the woman recoiled, Ibis felt herself withering. It was the last thing she wanted to do - purposefully or otherwise - to anyone she cared about. She would find a way to apologize; but the words didn't work in the moment.

Then, there came a proposal that Ibis had not considered; perhaps she should have thought about Akavir in such a way, but he was just another fling so far - a cute boy, attentive to her, affectionate and playful. A husband? It didn't feel right, and made her flush with new warmth. It was worth considering, she reasoned - merely for Reiko's sake, so she wouldn't have to face her own struggle alone.

I.. ah, but there was a hitch in her throat. Her tongue was tied. She couldn't think of what to say at that concept, but knew Reiko meant well and - it was probably a good idea, in the long run. Someone to help her. Was it right to rope someone in to a position like that? Whose to say he would even agree? I'll consider it. He... He doesn't know. He thinks he's the only one, and if I am pregnant... That feels wrong, like a trick. Maybe there was some sense to be found within Reiko's culture of restraint after all.