"I was looking for Mezoo, Oren." I said warily, my hand clutching Lei's.
Oren smiled at me with a dangerous twinkle in her sparkling eyes. "And yet, you found me."
"I wouldn't want to burden you with the children, Oren."
The cane twitched. Lei let go of my hand and skipped right on over to Oren. She grinned at me too. Little triator!
"Give me the baby, Asria."
We stood there, her and I, for a moment before I began to blush and I gently placed the boy into her strong arms. Lei was dancing around on her toes beside Oren while Oren seemed to simply ignore her. Trayu's son fussed briefly and batted his fat baby lashes at Oren before he closed them again. I saw a strange new look on Orens face.
Pride.
I smiled and leaned over to kiss her leathery cheek. She clicked her tongue at me, just like Lei was wont to do and waved a hand at me.
"Thank you Oren." I spoke, as if she were doing me a favor. What I did not realize is that I, and my children, were doing her a favor.
"Asria." She spoke as I was turning to go. I paused and looked back at her warily. She beckoned me closer to where she sat on the steps and went, leaning down slightly. Oren met my gaze and I knew she could see it all, like a pretty picture book, she could see my heart. I did not look away
She tucked a small white flower behind my ear and then cupped my blushing cheek.
"Do not fall down again. He depends on you."
There was an electric silence between her and I, the kind you could touch if wanted too. Moments passed, Lei was watching us intently.
"I won't Oren." I finally murmured, breaking the bond of our gaze somewhat painfully. I stood up, feeling a quiver in my belly.
She said nothing and I turned to go, late for my day with Aamon again. I left something unspoken between the old women and I.
The tense promise of my perfection. For the sake of Fonce.
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