643 Hasty Goodbyes

The clouds blanketed the night sky, softening the already gentle moonlight to nothing but whispers of silver in the air. Winds swirled over the snow drifts, occasionally teasing a cloak on a vigilant guard. The stone archway to the Life tree of the Shadow Realm was cast in shadows, and at the darkest point of night, the center of the portal glimmered with power.

Kyera sat on the stone seat across from the portal, made for the ones who await a champion's return. However, it was perhaps put to better use now, as its Princess sat on the cold stone watching the power twist and swirl inviting her home. The baby on her lap was fast asleep but the thoughts in her mind made her restless.

The nurse maid had been chosen, and her husband would stay with Gale. The decisions were made yet she felt so restless. Laying her son on the bench, carefully nested in the blankets she lowered to her knees before the altar of three. The God of Shadows, The Goddess of Death, and the God of Life stood side by side on the altar, stone images of what humans saw them as.

A prayer for peace and safety filled her heart and poured from her chest. The words turned to shaky tears as she finished the prayer. Her son, no longer sleeping listened as she begged the gods on his behalf. She wished for nothing but the protection of her son and daughter, her world in human form.

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The sun rose as Kyera knelt at the alter, having not moved through the night. A orange tiger form lay wrapped around the baby while Kyera knelt. Gale woke to the gentlest breath of warm dragon breath being blown over him.

Raina walked down to the Alter and knelt beside her mother, in full Dragon Nest Gear. She waited patiently for Kyera to sit back on her heels and look at Raina whose pure blue eyes were filled with concern.

"Mom?" She asked softly and Kyera offered a gentle smile, and both ignored the puffiness around her reddened eyes.

"Yes baby?" Kyera asked as she reached out and tucked a wayward strand of black hair into Raina's neat braid.

"The guard is waiting for you and Uncle and Daddy are worried." She pointed out, trying to sound reproachful but she could not quite do it. Raina could only imagine that Kyera was filling similar to Fantasy when she had to leave after finding out she was pregnant. Terrified she would be separated from her children, or taken from them for good. She barely managed to sound annoyed.

"Then let's go. I don't want them to tear the place apart looking for me." Kyera stood up and moved to pick up Gale, only to see Kan staring at her, her son nested in her cousin's fur. Tempest was carefully blowing warm air on the baby making him giggle as he woken up. Kyera realized, a bit embarrassed, that she had no idea when any of them had shown up.

"Yes. We should." Kyera wrapped her cloak around her  cold shoulders and her son. Together, the group trudged back up the walk to the Palace to find Kendrick and Clovis waiting there.

"We figured you might have gone to pray, but all night Kyera?" Kendrick's tone was obviously annoyed as he perched his hands on his hips. Thank goodness there had been no storms last night or his anger would be ten fold.

"Yes. I needed time, Kendrick." Kyera replied and Clovis nodded hugging her to his chest, their son between them.

"I understand. Let me have Gale, let's get you some breakfast. You need food before you get on Ivory." Clovis told her a bit beaten down. Right now he was going to be as indulgent as possible. His wife was having a hard enough time without him making it worse. Kyera kissed Gale's forehead gently and shook her head.

"I need to leave now. As soon as possible. Get the nurse maid to feed Gale, and make sure he is burped and put to bed properly. Vigils are not the best for rest. I am leaving Ivory here. She will protect the keep and both of you if you need to fly. I'm riding Ember." Kyera explained as she moved away and hugged Raina close. The younger girl clung to her mother tightly.

"Come home safe." Raina whispered and Kyera flashed her a warm smile.