The Children Arrive. With the father.

Venus wasn't allowed to rise from the bed, but Taka sent for the den mothers to bring in the children. Saraf, Neil, and Taka bathed her while Dakur continued to hold her and keep her from trying to move too much. Saraf had cautioned her that she would not have full funcionability of her body for a while.

After she was clean Saraf sat down beside her, his eyes barely open.

"The tattoos and my magic worked well. I sense potential in you. After you search out Rondo, you may wish to seek a tutor for magical training. The tattoos will help you as well. If you wish to learn Shamanism, I can help. For Healing and Earthen magic would best be taught by the elves. Humans know more of Arcana and Elemental magic. That is your choice though."

"I'll think on it, but for now I am too tired and too worried about my children."

Saraf nodded and seemed to drift off for a moment but when two large females and a male came in noisily he was **** awake. Venus felt her breath catch in her chest when she saw the male holding one of her children.

"Why is Boma here? He isn't needed anymore."

Taka gave a nervous grunt and reached for the child, but Boma pulled back with a deep low growl. Saraf barked out some kind of order or command in their language and the two males allowed their tense muscles to relax. The old shaman rubbed his head in annoyance and looked back to her, his shoulders slumped and resigned.

"My magic worked too well I suppose. I could sense the bonds of life, not only the life. That was why I concentrated so hard that day. Boma is the father. It is his seed that finally impregnated you."

She opened her mouth to say something, but Boma growled out something she didn't understand, except for when me mentioned her as Lok Shea. Taka and Saraf spoke at the same time, both seeming a bit angry.

"Um guys what's going on?"

She found herself growing frustrated when the men ignored her and continued to argue. Behind her she could hear Dakur laughing, but didn't understand why. She only caught bits and pieces of the arguement, but still couldn't make out what was going on.

While the men argued, Neil took the baby from Boma and brought her over along with the two den mothers and their loads.

Both of the den mother's held small green children. Both had the muscles and ears of a goblin, but their features were a bit softer.

"Boma and Taka already named them. The boy is Chalin, Courage in our tongue. The girl is Vassa, or Gentleness. The third child Taka said you should name."

Neil put the baby in her arms. It was another little girl, but her skin was pink and she looked much more human. The muscles were smaller than the other two, but she seemed more full of life.

"What is the word for Hope?"

Neil looked into Venus's face, as if searching for a moment before answering.

"The word is Felt."

Venus hugged the child to her kissed its forhead.

"My little Felt. Will she be taken care of? Being different?"

It was Taka who answered as he placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I will care for her personally. Considering she is special granddaughter."

It took a moment for the words to sink in, but when they finally did, Venus's head snapped to look at Boma.

"You're his son!"

Behind her, she heard Dakur laughing again.