Hope Falls

“Dramatic? I am being dramatic for pointing out that I am going to be utterly alone when you leave so I do not want the heartache prolonged further? You always did lack empathy.” Indira muttered, shaking her head. “No longer than three weeks. In two and a half Aoife says she will have to give me something to make them come as she cannot guarantee them safe delivery if they stay inside longer.”

---

“Aoife has reported that Cavanaugh and a few of the others are essentially no use to us right now because of the sheer exhaustion they are suffering. Delayed reactions, weight loss, muscle tone evaporating. Cavanaugh and the men that were with you cannot be put in the middle of a fight until they’ve had chance to recharge. I do not send Hawk lightly, son.”

"Three weeks, I shall add on another two to help you with them when they first arrive. To make sure you are fully rested, and I get to bond. So five weeks here for definite, and then as soon as I arrive home I will begin preparing my boys to come afterwards to meet their cousin."

---

Kael just shook his head, mumbling, "I haven't had a real conversation with him yet, he hasn't met Daphne without the formalities. He won't be there long, will he? A few days... a week?"

“The quicker he quells it the quicker he can come home. We do not want this going on any longer than it has to.”

---

“You think Rajiv would allow you to bring all three of them here?”

"Three? Oh! Oh, of course." Avani laughed quietly to herself as she reached forward to take her sisters hands in hers. Squeezing tightly, "I forget, the years have all blurred together, haven't they? I have had another since then. He is.. I believed I would be well versed with the three but he is the most needy child I have ever had the displeasure of knowing."

(( Did we ever come up with names for her kids? I don't remember ))

---

"I - Fine. Is there anything you need me to do?"

((No we didn’t))

---

“Another… four boys. You have your hands full…” Indira raised her eyebrows, hesitating before squeezing her sisters hand back.

---

“Be present, today. The halls are still filled with our guests. Thank them for their gifts, for attending the wedding. Do not show that we are concerned about anything. If we look worried they will also panic.”

"I think Rajiv is.. satisfied for the moment. I hope by the time I return home he'll tell me that he now has more than enough children and I do not have to bare any more of his brood. I can't bring myself to having a fifth."

---

"I would have much preferred an order to go back to bed for the day," Kael grimaced, lifting his free hand up to rub at his forehead. "I remember little of the celebrations, did I do anything I should know about? In case people ask?"

“You weren’t offensive if that is what you are asking, just drunk. The court were largely in the same intoxicated state. Nobody has made any complaints about your behaviour.” Isolde assured. “After you had Indira sent away you also told Cavanaugh to free the sister from being guarded, if you recall. If you don’t and you wish the order reversed I’d be quick about it.” She added, “As for an order for you, it’s become clear I can’t give you them anymore. Only advice. You’re as free to go back to bed as you are to saddle up with Wyatt, as you are to go make small talk with the people, or visit the stables where your wedding gift from Prince Lucian is waiting. You know what I’d advise, the day is yours to do with as you wish.”

---

“It feels wrong to say I hope your husband loses interest in you… Almost cruel. But I know you hate being married to him…”

"It would have been wonderful, to have been plagued with girls so that he decided I was not worthy of his attention, of his effort." Avani snorted her gentle agreement. Voice dropping to a whisper, "I intend to have fun with the locals here, become so dizzy in the head I don't know if I need hands to walk or feet. Find a bed to fall into of someone who wants my body as a whole, rather than just the womb. It is exciting."

---

Kael frowned, glancing sideways towards his wife, then his father before returning it to Isolde. "Can we speak privately?"

“I’m going to go speak to the kitchen staff, thank them from both of us for the food they’ve prepared over the last few nights for the wedding. A huge effort was made, I’d like them to know we enjoyed it.” Daphne pressed a gentle kiss to Kael’s cheek and excused herself.

“Aodhän will you prep Hawk? We need him out of here as soon as possible and on the road.” Isolde asked quietly, moving to sit down at her desk and beginning to roll the map back up.

---

“Oh do be careful Avani…” Indira whispered in concern, “There are eyes and ears all over this place. I don’t doubt Isolde would blackmail you if she found out. I hope you get what you are looking for… safely. And learn from my mistakes too.” She added with a humourless snort. “Do not fall for them…”

"You came here with the intention to marry, to help save our home. It was Ishaan who was dishonest, who... ruined that and got all of us into this predicament. If it weren't for him then your babies will be eagerly anticipated as heirs." Avani frowned, casting eyes towards the doorway. Listening for any footsteps outside before whispering in their native tongue, "I have already tasted them. Isolde hires very... talented military."

---

"Yes, yes." Aodhän nodded as he got to his feet, squeezing Isolde's hand gently as he passed behind her and made his way out of the room. Casting a suspicious glance over his shoulder before the door had closed behind him.

"My apologies over the past few days have been, they have been distracted and... in front of people. I haven't given us the privacy we need to have a conversation about it." Kael began, cautiously as he moved to sit where his father once had been. Breathing along to the gentle pat - pat - pat of his fingers as he tapped them against his knees. "I am sorry , so - so sorry for using words I knew would hurt you, mum. Using... I mean if someone used... I was cruel. It wasn't okay... I want to, if I can make it better.."

“And now they are bastards who are only wanted by me.” Indira whispered sadly, though raised her eyebrows at her sisters words. “You - you are playing with fire Avani. Her soldiers are loyal. They work for Hawk. He won’t tolerate nonsense. Are you sure you trust this man?”

---

“You wanted to wound as you felt I had wounded your bride, and it worked. At least we know that you can win battles of words as well as one with swords, mm?” Isolde wrapped the map back up with the ribbon it was tied with, having paused when he called her mum. “Your apology is accepted Kael, don’t spend any more time fretting…”

"I am very grateful that they will be joining our family soon," Avani assured, resting a hand on her sisters stomach with a sad smile. "We will be an ocean apart but they will not have peace from me, I shall be sending letters and expecting them to send letters back when they are able. Drawings, before that. Your children will be loved by more than just you, Indira. As for the solider, he is... he appears to have a gentle soul. Soft spoken, and respectful and remorseful if he offends, it is endearing."

---

"You threw a slap, and I pulled a sword on you in return." Kael swallowed, visibly shaking with his anxieties as he reached out for her hand. "I - I hurt you. I ne- never thought I would be capable even.. even in anger. I'm so ashamed, I'm so sorry."

Indira blinked away tears at her sisters words, moving to rest her own hand over Avani’s. “Thank you…” she whispered thickly, “For reminding me that even though their family here do not want them, that they will be loved by the rest… “ she wrapped her free arm around her sisters shoulder. “Pretend to be my maid, where you must disguise yourself. If you are going into town… be careful…”

---

“We are all capable of things we do not expect ourselves to be. And it’s not always wonderful things. I’m not excluded from that. We are all reprehensible on occasion. It’s unsettling when we realise.” Isolde allowed him to take her hand, “Your apology is accepted, don’t worry any longer.” She repeated.

"Wyatt? I did send someone to fetch you but it appears communication is something that needs to be worked upon by some of our staff." Aodhän grimaced as he knocked on the doors to the Captain's home. "I understand you are suppose to be resting this morning but this is something I really must speak to you about."

---

"I am just longing for a night where I am more than something to breed with. This place is wracked with danger for us, but the every day person won't be able to recognise me so maybe I will get a taste of what our lives could have been like." Avani chuckled quietly. "My solider believes that your Prince genuinely loves you, he is convinced of it, so if that is the case I hope he allows you to come home soon."

---

Kael edged to the front of his seat, leaning in to initiate a hug but stopping half way through the motion. Shoulders tensed, awkward.

“He may have had our stories been different. But he will forever associate me with the loss of the first woman he loved, and that meant I could never be the second. Before his marriage he considered me a friend; I know that. But he does not need me anymore. For anything. Not to talk to about his anxieties, or to come to to teach him about our country and neighbours. He does not even need me as a dance partner, or a walking partner or someone to eat with. I saw him with his wife last night, and he truly was as smitten with her as they have said. And I - I truly am happy for him. But it shattered all of my fantasies. That perhaps he just got along well with this girl, but he would still need me. That I would still have a place. But I don’t. The way he was with her - she will be everything to him that I was, and more. I have no doubt that he will still be polite with me, for the children… But I realised it wouldn’t be the little family I had imagined in my head. I imagined us as a family, and he’d leave to fulfil his duties with his wife but it would be us he would return to when the day was done… I was naive to think so. Incredibly naive to think that he wouldn’t find a love match. And to think that in the long run, once he was fully healed from his past, and moved forward, that he would want anything to do with the woman who is the reason his first love was murdered.”  Indira shook her head with a small laugh. “It’s why I ordered every sugar laden thing possible. When he ordered me brought back up here last night I was inconsolable. And I remember when I was small and if we were upset you would have them bring sweet things up from the kitchen, using the sugar to make the upset go away… Does not work as an adult though.” She added. “He may let me return home eventually, but it will be the same choice that the father of your boys gives you. Stay with them, or leave without… Maybe when they are men, and grown, I will be able to come home with them, if I do a good enough job of teaching them about it, to make them want it… but before then… This is home.” She shook her head, pulling away. “Please be safe. I hope you have all the fun and excitement you are looking for… I’ll aid you if I can, wherever I can.”

---

“It breaks my heart that you came home, married, and instead of being joyful together it turned into something so ugly.” Isolde cracked, pulling him into her arms. “I did not wish for it to be that way. I wanted you to come home to celebrations, to know how proud I was of you for your choice, how well you picked. How excited I was for your future… I hate that it did not go that way. I never wanted for you to be so upset with me you felt you had to say what you said in retaliation… that I could not keep myself together to prevent it escalating further…”

---

“It is my day off Aodhän. You assured me after the wedding I would get at least one day!” Wyatt called through, not going to the door, but remaining sat.

(( Sorry I fell asleep ))

Sullivan lay, awkwardly sprawled out on his stomach. His head, which rested on a pillow in his fathers lap, tilted to the side on and mouth slightly agape to allow himself to breath as he slept. Eyelashes fluttering as the sound of voices began to stir him, fingers curling to grip Wyatt's wrist to confirm he was still there.

"I know I wouldn't - " Aodhän cut himself off, pushing the door open so he could step inside. "I wouldn't be disturbing you unless it was vital. You are needed, and once this issue is resolved then I will ensure you get several days."

---

Kael relaxed into her, breath shaking with his relieved laughter as his arms lifted to hug her back tightly. "You - You were? I didn't know if you would be pleased. Especially as you had said no in the past to the offer of her, I was worried it would come across like I was undermining you, worried the personality thing was just a guise for some other issue you didn't feel ready to have told me yet."

---

Avani rested her cheek against the top of Indira's head, shuffling her position to hold her sister more comfortably. "I despise it, when people say it to me, but when you are growing an entire person - people, in your case - inside of you then things can become muddled. Especially when you have time to over think, and when you are being kept away from your family. If you believe this man was your friend before his marriage, if he is as wonderful as these people believe, then give him time. He has not been back for long, and you know how tiresome weddings can be - how much attention so many people need after it, how everyone must be praised for doing the bare minimum to help. Take the time to breath. You will be a wonderful mother, Indira, you are destined for it. You have bounds more patience and empathy in your little finger then I have in all of me. The moment you see their faces, the moment you hold them in your arms where you are or how they came into the world or who their father with becomes... tiny. All that matters is them, and everything else is insignificant. It is as natural as breathing."

“I know the women that catch your eye… or I knew the ones that caught it in the past. The confident ones, with personality and a deep sense of pride in their own self. They have liked adventure, and have been willing to say yes to most things. With their own opinions and thoughts they are not afraid to express to you. I just did not imagine that you would find yourself happy with a mouse of a girl whom has been taught to be seen and not heard, that she is nothing but a vessel for children, who must keep her head empty and her face appealing. On paper it seemed like the worst match possible.” Isolde explained as she pulled away, brushing her hand across his face. “The match itself was always a good one, for what she would bring. But I was worried you would find your toes curling with boredom, which would lead to bad behaviour. So yes; you choosing and marrying her was indeed a surprise. But you are happy, and if you are happy then I’m pleased for you.”

---

Indira was silent as she curled into her sister, closing her eyes as she listened. “I fear I will not be allowed to do things my own way. The way we would be allowed at home. Father didn’t care how we were raised as long as we were alive, he only took an interest in the boys when they started education. But here… the difference… it is overwhelming. They birth on their backs - the first child Isolde had whilst I was here her labour lasted almost a day because of it I swear, just on her back the whole time. They do not shave the baby’s heads at birth - Aoife looked at me as if I’d suggested cutting off a finger when I explained that we do it. She said Isolde would not allow it. It was that final - as if it was her child I was carrying. They bring men into the room and the child gets handed to them first, can you imagine if at home a man came into the room? Isolde has already decided I cannot manage to feed them so she has hired a wet nurse to do it too. Sent a nanny to talk about schedules, how they will be staying in the room with me to do things through the night. It is not that I do not think I will need help or am not willing to accept it, but it feels like she just doesn’t me to have any time with them alone. As if she doesn’t trust me, or as if she wants eyes on them at all times…”

---

“Florence is not here. Because today is my day to spend with my son. Because I was granted the day off. Tell Cavanaugh to do it.” Wyatt sighed deeply when Aodhän entered the room, shaking his head at the audacity he had to just walk straight in.

"It was considered, and Kael especially thought the case for you but Cavanaugh and the others who have been to the East have been deemed unfit for work by Aoife. Muscle deterioration, lack of nutrition from the months of sea, all the things that come with it." He lowered his gaze to watch the child as he stirred in his fathers lap. "Where is Florence spending her day? She will have to come back. A dozen wolves have attacked in one of the northern villages, maulings. It isn't only our people it is happening too, but anyone who is deemed loyal to us and not the Adair's cause. The group is larger than the dozen when there is a full moon. We need to squash these people out before the stories of them spread, before they become any larger a threat and it is only you who can do that."

Sullivan's grip on Wyatt's hand tightened as his eyes opened fully. Pulling his legs up towards his body to roll onto his side, facing his fathers chest.

---

"She is not a mouse, in the flesh. Her ways of pride are different to Indira and Fiadh's, but they are just as strong - she denied help getting dressed this morning, insisted she would do it on her own. Her culture is important to her, but she is willing to have a discussion with you and the seamstress to meet half way so the people find it easier to accept her as a future Queen. She is funny, witty and could rival one of the most skilled hunters we have here without breaking faltering a step."

---

"I will lay out demands, the next time I am within her company. They can't claim that they are not torturing you here and then deny you your own children. Write a list, with the most important things you wish to preserve from how we raise the children at the top and the ones you are more happy to compromise with as you go down. I will fight your case with her, I don't know how much she will listen but there has to be sense in trying."

“She’s gone to the village, it’s Sullivan’s birthday in a few days and she needed to grab a few last minute things without him being there. So she won’t just be rushing back, and I won’t be rushing out. I can’t keep letting my family down, Aodhän. You cannot keep stripping me of my days off instead of sending someone else in my place. What if I were killed tomorrow? Would you just back down and refuse to send anyone because I was no longer around? It’s never even crossed your mind to pick up a sword and go yourself has it? Or send Kael?”

---

“I must say it did surprise me, when you wrote to say she is skilled with a bow… it’s not something I expected them to teach their girls… Perhaps instead of a ball next time you can organise a hunt and have your wife lead, mm?”

---

“Thank you, Avani.” Indira whispered, resting her head on her sisters shoulder. “I have missed you…”

"Kael and I have also been away for seven months with a lack of good food, good rest and good training ground. I have missed the birth of my youngest, I have a naming ceremony to organise. Kael is newly wed and is anticipating the birth of his first children." Aodhän wrinkled his nose, taken aback by the blatant refusal. "If you do not act, then you risk the danger reaching our gates again. We risk this group growing, your son getting caught up in it - as a young wolf he will be perceptible to their brainwashing. Leave now with some of your men, eliminate a few problems, and return home in time for the child's birthday."

---

"She would adore that, yes." Kael nodded.

---

"You needn't lie just because you haven't seen me in awhile." Avani laughed humourlessly. "There is no need to exgarrate our closeness."

“I can count on my hands the number of days I have had with my son with zero interruptions or duties, Aodhän. I was promised today as another one of them. Why can the men not go first and I will catch up with them tomorrow?”

---

“Something to organise in the Summer, when the beasts are most active in the forest.” Isolde nodded, “Something for you to look forward to.”

---

“We may not have been inseparable but I have missed you; all of you.”

Sullivan pushed himself to sitting then with an exgarrated breath, shuffling to sit hip to hip with Wyatt. Both of his arms wrapped around one of his fathers to cement him into place, prevent him from standing up to leave.

"They will do very little unless you are there to make the order, you are aware of that. People are dying, Hawk. Your mates kind as well as your own. We are trying to prevent an out break, it won't take you long. The boy can spend the day with Mor until Florence gets back and you can head off as soon as you are ready."

---

"Something for you to look forward to, seeing what she can do."

---

"Everyone misses you too. Ishaan, especially."

“There is a King in the south, an Angel, Conan. I’ve not met him, but Kael has. He is friends with his cousin… his cousin is Luca Kovalsky.” Indira snorted, “The Pirate. Remember his companions? The redhead, the other girl that Ishaan and Arzen bedded and then Arzen all but threw up when he learned that she was a half breed? He’s Lucian Zaretsky here, Prince Lucian Zaretsky. Anyway - his cousin, the King. Kael talks about him - says that he is not a bad man, but he did not wish to be King, it is complicated how he got there, and it is clear his heart is not in it. His people can tell… I can imagine Ishaan is like that right now. He never wanted to do anything but serve under Arzen as his right hand. He took the crown as he had to but… his heart won’t be in it, is it?”

---

“Me? Oh, no no.” Isolde chuckled, shaking her head. “I do not hunt, you know this. Nor enjoy blood sports, or riding where unnecessary. I am sure you will have all the fun possible, and I will marvel at the trophies you bring home but you will not see me with a bow and arrow or a spear.” She laughed again at the novelty. “Your new wife has me surpassed in that category by simply trying.”

---

“And then when I get my next day off and you create something else you absolutely need me for? Where does this end Aodhän? Me not being allowed time with my family?”

"I don't mean holding a weapon, or joining in but going and observing. Please? You must see who she is, that she is deeper than the paper profile you read portrayed her to be."  

---

"Please do not make me order you,"  Aodhän sighed, rubbing his face in exasperation. "Do this, come back to collect your family and the keys to whichever of our hideaway homes you have wanted to experience to go there for several weeks. We can't disturb you if you are not in easy access, and it will be a personal thanks."

---

"Luca Kovalsky is a Prince?!" Avani's eyes widened, "And he isn't- his crew have been travelling without him for years, I had assumed the bastard had finally met his end and was feeding the fish." She shook her head, mumbling, "We have lost you, Arzen, father. Ishaan always failed to barb his heart. Where Ayaz could boost him up before - the two barely speak. He is the perfect shell to be moulded now, whether Zoya's father does it first or the wolves that are circling time will tell."

“Mm. He’s crippled now. The wolves set a fire at their palace and in the chaos that ensued he became paralysed from the waist down. He is an Angel too… I always thought he was a Warlock, or perhaps a lesser Fae but it turns out he had his wings taken millennia ago. So now he is an Angel with no wings, no legs. He cannot fly, he cannot walk - he cannot perform any longer. Obviously a boat is no place for someone in a wheeled chair, as they are not stable, so even if he were to go on a boat he would not be able to begin to enjoy his sailing. A broken doll. He is one of Kael’s closest friends. He comes here occasionally, but mostly Kael has gone to see him when he travels. And every year for Kael’s birthday he sends him a pair of Hviteran draught horses. You know those huge, huge beasts? They are Kaels most prized possessions. He has a small heard of them now. They’re beautiful. He put me on one once, but I felt like a toddler on dad’s warhorse. Four, maybe five or six of me could have sat on its back and it wouldn’t have even noticed.” She chuckled, shaking her head. “But yes… the pirate is a Prince. He and Ishaan got on well, once upon a time. When you get back it is a tale to tell him, maybe he can use that friendliness to build relations. His own allies that that are not loyal first to Lord Mehan.”

---

“When I get back I am moving my family out of the castle and off the grounds completely. I shall be here during my shifts and outside of that nobody will know where we are staying. I have one child, I am likely to not have any others and I have missed most of him growing up because you fail to trust someone to fill my place.” Wyatt snapped then, gently prising Sullivan away from his chest. “Son… go with Prince Aodhän, find Princess Morfyyd and play.”

---

Isolde sighed deeply, grimacing at the thought. “Depending on the weather of the days you go, perhaps I will come for an hour.” She relented.