Tristeza Martell's Chambers

[The Smith]

"We are still going to pretend she is my child with your maid correct?" The Sea Lord asked.

[brigida]

The smile which had only moments before lit her face vanished suddenly, and though the tears still flowed, they were no longer tears of relief, and they slowed considerably, to the slow pace of a dirge. She gazed down at the child, her face contorted by anguish. "Not now," she said, still looking intently down at the beautiful little child. Her voice had the sound of pleading.

[The Smith]

The Sea Lord nodded, and waved out the doctors, mid-wives and guards. Pulling up a seat he smiled at the babe, "Tell me when you are ready then."

[brigida]

"Tonight?" she asked, looking up suddenly, her eyes full of sadness.

[The Smith]

"If not soon when? You must not mother this child." he frowned at her, "If this is too hard for you announce it is ours. I am not ashamed."

[brigida]

Tristeza blushed furiously, "Nor am I," she answered quickly, "But it would be too dangeous." she looked back down at the child, tears coming again to her eyes. After a long moment of looking at the child, she uttered a great sob, and held the bundle tight against her, muttering, "you must take her now, I will not be able to bear to lose her when I love her even more."

[The Smith]

The Sea Lord snickered once, "Somehow I doubt that." Leaning he lifted the babe from her arms, and turned and walked toward the door.

[brigida]

Tristeza steadied her breathing as she watched the child go, her eyes full of pain and tears, and her heart full of a sudden wave of emptiness. She sunk miserably into the bed, consumed by hopelessness and loss.