It was storming. In hearts and minds, as well as outdoors.

In the intense darkness of her dreams, and far into the night- when the true dividing line between day and night was drawn, Lei'ursathdd hadn't strength to wake from her usual nightmares. Hearing her soft cries, Lyan stirred and took her in his arms. The storm outside had ceased, and even the air around them seemed to be holding its breath between moments.

She woke up to feel him holding her, felt his boundless love of her, even in the groggy realms of sleep. Never had his touch felt more immediate, more needed, more welcome to the woman. Gladly she turned to him in the blanket of the darkness, exulting in his arms and his comfort and soul.

Both weak, both tired, they clung to each other in the still air, aware only of that moment each other and none of the troubles of the previous days. His breath mingled with hers, and not far off was a third breath- that of her newest son.

Lyan made a strange noise in his sleep, pressing his head up underneath his wife's chin. He was muttering to himself. A flood of feeling beyond gratitude or even love washed over her. He was her life, a gift by which all others could be measured.

"Hush, love" she said, delicately smoothing his hair from his forehead. "Banish these night ghosts. You are not a man to be affrighted by spirits." And yet the woman knew of the contradictory nature of the words. She, herself, was not a woman to be troubled by dreams, and yet...

The woman shrugged off the thoughts, and ignoring the pain in her limbs, held her husband tighter as he slept. Events of recent had been overwhelming for the matron, from her current physical state, to the capture of her husband- from the constant demands of those around her, to the absence of a few of her house members. Apart from all else, there was the constant need to reassure everyone, that she was not dying, that the child was living, that the purpose of Ka'vanth was pure and true.

They meant well. But Lei'ursathdd felt herself indebted to so many, that she could not even begin to think how she would start paying off these debts. So she answered them, each in turn, endlessly, accepting their wishes and good will.

She was tired.

The woman had perhaps never been more tired in the entire course of her life... And yet she knew that now was not a time for idle moments. Still, others were constantly telling her that her duties lay with her new son, and no other at moment.

But how could they say such? She was mother not only to the new babe by her side, but in part to her husband, another son, as well as in part each member of Ka'vanth. The woman was even considering taking another child under her wing, something she would speak of with her husband, when he awoke in the morning.

Ah'Lueten kept her together, teaching her how to calm her thoughts and focus them on the tasks that need be. She was greatful to her advisor for his endless services and wisdom.

The infant stirred, crying out softly to pierce the night air. Struggling to sit, the matron rose, and moved to take the frail babe into her arms.

With the child to her breast, she thought of the circumstances with which he had come into the world, and the events that had followed thereafter. A debt was owed to so many people, this child's life was secured in the palm of so many hands...

Already others were claiming this child for their god. Devion, Necrucifer, Drakkara... Because of the extraordinary circumstances of his conception, Lei'ursathdd knew that the child would be magicly inclined. His conception was owed to Drakkara. His life to Devion and Necrucifer. His return to Mencius, among others.

'Where will your path lead you, little one? ' the matron wondered aloud. She thought of the many blessings and prayers that had been uttered over his head.

Above all else, she wondered whose voice she had heard that night, in her head, urging- demanding the child into existance.