Oh, Love, No

[Kender Bard]

Nalani trembled to herself outdoors. It was her off hours - close to nightfall - and she had agreed that it would simply be easier to meet with Ryder outside of the manor for a time. She didn't want to spend greatly long time in his company; mostly because she still needed time, time to herself, time to adjust to her new life.

She also didn't want to be terribly close to him. While she had forgiven him for their quarrel, and asked the same, she couldn't help but flinch away at a hug, at a kiss, at anything intimate. It'll go away with time, she kept telling herself. I just need time.

But now time was working against her. She was... late. At first she wasn't too worried, until one week turned into two. It was still early, but, well....

She shivered again and waited for Ryder to show up for their meeting.

[Devon]

Ryder arrived on time as he usually did for their meetings. He always looked forward to seeing Nalani, since he wanted to work past the trouble they had run into when they fought. Ryder smiled a little as he saw Nalani and moved to give her a small hug. "How was your day Nalani?" he asked.

[Kender Bard]

Nalani was stiff in his arms and her hug was a brief return.

"Uneventful," she replied. "Quiet though. I like that.. Ryder, I have to ask you a favor. It's very important. Please, teleport me back to the capitol with you. There's something important I need to tell you, but I must find Master first. To ask him something."

[Devon]

Ryder gave Nalani a strange look, he wasn't sure why she would want to see Master again. After a moment he nodded his head. "all right, I'll take you there." Touching his sign, he held out a hand for Nalani.

[Kender Bard]

"Thank you, Ryder," she said and for once there was genuine - if strained - warmth in her smile as she took his hand as well.

Once in the capitol she wasted no time in hurrying to the temple. She kept her head bowed - she really didn't want any of the other priests spotting her. No doubt rumors had circulated by now, if not the truth. And she did not relish coming back to the Soahcian wing, but she had to.

Looking up at the priests there, she called out, "Master?"

"Ah look who has returned!" one of the Soahcians cooed. More looked over and grins began to spread like wildfire.

"Nalani! Nalani!"

"Shh," Nalani hissed, in vain. "Master, please, is he here? I must speak with him."

[Darastrix]

A Curious priestess darted from the room to fetch the young priest, who came quickly to the main area of the wing. He, like several others, was hoping this would herald in a new wave of drama. The young man barging into the wing before just to get smacked around by Teddy had been amusing, to say the least.

Despite his speed in coming, Master looked somewhat drowsy and rumpled, his robe hanging open to the waist and his hair loose about his shoulders. He grinned and bowed to Nalani. "Come back for another lesson, pretty bird?" he cooed.

[Kender Bard]

"No," Nalani said, her voice curt and angry. It isn't his fault. But lingering resentment was there. As well as something, but she wouldn't dare confront that, not even in her own heart.

She shook her head slightly. She considered asking for privacy, but that was a futile gesture here. "Master, do you take babybane?" she asked quietly.

[Darastrix]

Master blinked at that, then grinned, shaking his head. "Nope. Think you might've come down with the babies, hm?" Oh, this was better than last time! "Well, if you never got the chance to share my lesson with your young man, then you may get to have a very special child indeed."

[Kender Bard]

Nalani bristled but she shook her head and glanced at Ryder. "I can't be certain of that," she told Master. The priests were crowded around, watching with wide grins.

The former priestess lowered her eyes. "Master, I only came to tell you in case my fears are true, and it eventually does turn out to be yours. There's a lot of 'ifs' here but I thought you had the right to know." She added, mumbling to herself, "Not that you probably give a damn."

[Devon]

Ryder gave Nalani's hand a reassuring squeeze, more for himself than for her, but that wasn't something she'd know. "If you're ready to leave, we can do so now, Nalani," he replied.

[Darastrix]

Master put on an affronted expression. "Giving a damn doesn't mean being serious, you know. And it's exciting! Because if it is mine, it'll probably be a Clear, and from what I hear, you people don't have Clears. You're missing out on an entire race!"

[Kender Bard]

Nalani just quirked her brow. She knew OF Clears. Clearly. She was talking to one, so she knew a Clear personally as well. She didn't grasp the stigma that some of the Narutans attached to them, and so was unbothered by his proclamation.

She did take a step back and look at both Ryder and Master. "What would each of you do if it was yours?" she asked.

[Devon]

Ryder looked from Master back to Nalani and replied. "I'd take care of you and my child," he answered easily. "I..I've been wondering why you've been so uneasy around me Nalani, I know I was upset that day, but I decided being with you is more important than my pride, regardless of what has happened."

[Darastrix]

A nearby Proud snorted quietly. "Nothing is more important than that," she muttered to a nearby pathmate.

"He clearly doesn't have any anyway," the other priest replied in an undertone.

Master just shrugged. "I'd do whatever struck my fancy at the time," he stated. "I prob'ly have a kid in several nations by now, but none I actually know about. This is interesting enough to keep me around here long enough to find out, though."

[Kender Bard]

"As you wish," Nalani murmured. "Unless called back, I will see you again either in one month's time - when I know for certain I don't bear a child - or in nine month's after I have had one. Farewell, Master."

She turned quickly and reached Ryder's hand. "Home," she murmured, but it sounded more like a plea.