Zenora

At the end of the street, the children had to get off from Ursai and they were sad about it. I told them that I would come back soon, maybe with Rhydon as well, and they were instantly happy again.

Finally we arrived at the barn, I told Ursai to get to his mate and son, and try to hunt for some meat. I needed him strong as well, just like Rhydon, as we would be heading towards the rebel camp in a few days.

He walked off into the forest, and I went inside the barn, to see Bastet and Cirilya.

I frowned, when I not only saw the gryphons and Cirilya, but also Nicolai was here.

Apparently, I interrupted a conversation when I entered the barn, as Nicolai had a frown on his face and Cirilya had her arms crossed on her chest. They both looked like they committed a crime, but neither of them was willing to confess first. They switched their glares between each other and me.

“Tell me.” I said firmly to them.

“Well… I’ve been talking to Cirilya about my research, and she has actually more to tell, than I could ever find.”

Cirilya turned her head away, looking angry. Disappointed towards me, like I did something wrong. She had her head turned sideways, but I could see tears roll over her cheeks. I had never seen her cry before, so I walked up to her, and hugged her strongly. She pulled her arms around me, and sobbed in the crook of my neck.

“Cirilya, what is it? Why are you crying?” I asked her gently.

“You have to tell her Cirilya. You can’t keep this to yourself, you know it.” Nicolai said and he left the barn.

The smile I saw, when Nicolai came into my room a few days ago, was gone. Altered into this sad face, abruptly changed by learning the new information that Cirilya has. The information that I needed right now, but of which she was reluctant to share. I waited for her, to start the conversation herself. I really wanted to know what she had to tell me, but I don’t think that she would, when I would become angry.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” She said, when she was done crying after a few minutes.

I guess she was referring to the Mage’s Fury, as Nicolai was doing research about it. It would have been the only reason, logically thinking.

“Is that what this is about? That I didn’t tell you about my magic outburst? I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you, a lot had happened lately as…

“No, not that! Well yes, that also… But I meant your wedding! I thought I was one of your friends!” She said sobbing.

“You didn’t let me finish my sentence, Cirilya.” I smiled to her. “I wanted to say, that a lot had happened lately, as Brock asked me to marry him.”

“Oh.” She gasped, as red cheeks appeared, shamed of herself because of her little outburst.

What is going on with her? She is a six-hundred year old Elf, she is one of the wisest people I have ever met. How could she be so clouded in her emotions right now?

“Are you alright Cirilya? You are not yourself.” I said to her.

She let her head fall forward and sighed out loud.

“Yes, I guess… Being a druid is so different compared to being a mage. When I could read minds, I knew what everyone was thinking, but now that I can’t anymore, it’s hard to understand people’s emotions. I have to ask everything, and I’m not used to that!” She kept on ranting about how she missed being able to teleport, and conjure her favourite deserts. Or about the use of her telekinetic abilities, when teasing the younger Elves in the forest.

I felt a bit sad, that I forced her to become a druid, so I just kept listening and tried to keep my face as neutral as possible.

“See! That face of yours, what does it say? You’re not looking particularly happy, right?”

“No this isn’t my happy face. I’m sorry, that I made the Moonlight Goddess turn you into a druid.” I said to her.

“What? No, no! You’re getting this all wrong!” Cirilya clearly stated.

“I’m really happy that I’m a druid! I’m really excited about my healing powers, being able to ask the Moonlight Goddess for guidance, and the ability to shift into an animal. I still have to find out more of the abilities, as my father is still researching the old scrolls, written in an ancient Elfish language. So, please don’t be offended, I just needed to release myself for a moment there.”

I’m glad that she feels this way, I was worried that she didn’t like to be a druid. All I did, was trying to save the druid’s powers, and I felt that Cirilya was the perfect candidate for it. The Goddess said, that she knew that Cirilya was worth it, so at that time, I was happy that I wished for it to happen. But hearing her rant right now, gave me an odd feeling for a moment.

“Can I congratulate you now?” She asked me.

“Yes.” I said with a smile.

She jumped in my arms, and we gave each other a big hug. She braced my shoulders really tight, and we stood there for few moments. When suddenly she pulled back, and looked at me with big, round eyes. Gasping and putting her hand in front of her mouth.

I looked at her, frowning. What is she thinking right now? Then a tiny vision, flashed by in her head.

No! No! Not now! Why now? This isn’t the right timing! What if something happens to me? What if Brock finds out? He won’t let me go with him, hell, he would do everything to keep me here. And if he manages to keep me here, then he wouldn’t be able to focus on the battle!

“You can’t tell anyone, especially Brock!” I suddenly yelled at Cirilya. “You can’t let him know about this! My powers are needed in the battle, I can’t stay here!”

“Yes I know. As much as I dislike you being at a battle, in this condition, you are really valuable to the army. We have to come up with an extra layer of defence for you.”

I sighed. I’m glad that Cirilya thinks the same way as me.

Wow… this is going to be life changing, both for me and Brock. I’m actually thrilled, I always wanted this to happen, even though the timing is off right now.

When I saw the vision, or actually heard it, I immediately knew what it was. Apparently, Cirilya has some amazing hearing! Now that she is a druid, I guess that her animalistic features gave her good ears, as I could clearly hear the sound when I read her mind. It was a really fast, steady rhythm of drumbeats. Everyone knows what it is, when you mimic the sounds. Two of them, quickly following each other, then a tiny pause, and another two after that. It continues that way, from the day the heart is formed, up till the moment you die.

Thump-thump… thump-thump… thump-thump…

I’m pregnant!