Chapter 2
**Rhoelyn:** Nysse rests her head on the table, holding the last sachet of nausea medicine. “Three days and I still haven’t been able to go help Rhese…”
**Araatris:** Sarren pats her back, rolling his sore shoulder. “You’ve helped in other ways, Nysse. Rhese is just fine; your mother and I look out for him.”
**Rhoelyn:** “I know, an’da, but now he’s off on another mission and I’m still not feeling any better.” She sighs and stands. “I’d better go see Rhoe.”
**Araatris:** Her father’s worried gaze follows her out of the apartment, and the huntress strides back toward the Temple, Tsume falling in at her side.
**Rhoelyn:** The young woman brushes her hair out of her face as she watches the ongoing repairs from the invasion. She pauses at the temple entrance.
**Araatris:** Two armored guards, a new feature since the demons invaded, flank the battle-scarred open archway into the central grotto. One bars her way.
**Rhoelyn:** “I’ve been sick and I need to see a priestess, Rhoelyn Silverwing. May I go in?” Nysse bites her lip. “What’s your name?” The man asks simply.
**Araatris:** “Nyssera Whispersong,” she answers. He glances over at his partner, who shakes his head. “I’m sorry, miss. You’ll have to wait while we verify.”
**Rhoelyn:** He murmurs to someone just out of sight in the temple. When he turns back, she mumbles, “I’m just going to be here… trying to not be sick…”
**Araatris:** Beneath his helm, his silver eyes widen, and he steps back a half-step. “I’m sure it won’t be long, miss.” Soon, a young human steps up behind him.
**Rhoelyn:** The human scowls at the guard, but speaks to Nysse. “Nyssera, Rhoelyn has requested that I bring you to her. If you would please follow me.”
**Araatris:** Nysse nods and follows the woman, watching her red ponytail sway as she walks. The rhythmic motion has her feeling even worse, and she gulps.
**Rhoelyn:** They head deeper in temple into what could be quarters or exam rooms. The night elf finds herself looking anywhere but her guide’s hair.
**Araatris:** The young woman pauses at a closed door, frowning and folding her arms across her chest. She glances back, “It seems we’ll have to wait.”
**Rhoelyn:** The huntress bites her lip. “O-oh. Umm. W-what’s your name? I haven’t seen you here before.” The human woman replies flatly, “Araatris.”
**Araatris:** “Ah. It’s nice to meet you, Araatris.” Nysse watches her lean against the wall with a quiet little sigh. “You… have you been at the Temple long?”
**Rhoelyn:** The small woman glances at her. “Not long. I was brought here to keep me safe, I guess.” She smiles bitterly. “At least I can bandage wounds.”
**Araatris:** The huntress fidgets with her bow harness’s strap. “That must have been very helpful through the recent days. The Temple has been very busy.”
**Rhoelyn:** “Yes.” Araatris glances at the door and sighs. “If I’d known you’d have to wait, I would have taken you elsewhere. What are you here for?”
**Araatris:** “I…” Nysse tenses against another wave of inexplicable nausea, turning a bit green in the face. The human grimaces and takes a step away.
**Rhoelyn:** The human hurries into an open room and returns, shoving a bucket into Nysse’s arms. “Stomach. Got it. Please try to keep it in the bucket.”
**Araatris:** Despite her blush, Nysse clutches the bucket close, breathing slowly. The door beside them clicks open. “Now, remember. Rest for the night.”
**Rhoelyn:** The kaldorei man nods. “I will, but can I go back to work tomorrow?” “Yes, you may.” The man bows and leaves Rhoelyn standing at the door.
**Araatris:** For a moment, the priestess leans tiredly against the door frame, watching him walk away. Then her gaze passes the women, and she straightens.
**Rhoelyn:** “Thank you, Araatris. Please come in, sister.” Rhoelyn steps aside. Araatris bows and turns on her heel to leave. Nysse shuffles into the room.
**Araatris:** The healer closes the door and looks her sister up and down, a loving smile lifting her lips. She eyes the bucket. “Have the herbs been helping?”
**Rhoelyn:** Nysse starts to set it down. “It was, but I ran out of medicine and tried to eat…” She looks pitifully at Rhoelyn. “Can’t you just heal it?”
**Araatris:** Laughing, she steps over and claims the huntress’ hands. “No, sister. What ails you cannot be healed.” Despite her smile, her eyes fill with tears.
**Araatris:** “Oh, goodness.” She frees one hand to wipe at her eyes, tsking. “Days to get used to the idea, and I still cannot manage to avoid crying.”
**Rhoelyn:** The young night elven huntress frowns in confusion. “Am I that sick? Why are you laughing? And… crying?” Nysse peers closer at Rhoelyn’s face.
**Araatris:** Sniffing and forcing herself calm, Rhoe straightens and grips her hands. “Nyssera Whispersong, it is my joy to inform you that you are increasing.”
**Rhoelyn:** Nysse blinks and stares at her sister. “What am I increasing? Rhoe, you’re not making sense. I don’t understand why you’re happy I’m sick.”
**Araatris:** The priestess giggles. “Nysse! Oh, my ridiculous sister. You are expecting a baby! Two, as a matter of fact.” She smiles and squeezes her hands.
**Rhoelyn:** The younger kaldorei’s legs give out from under her and she sinks to the floor suddenly. “B-baby? Are you teasing me, sister? I… I can’t be-”
**Araatris:** Graceful and calm, Rhoelyn sits on the floor beside her, wrapping her arms around her. “I would never tease about such a thing. Just breathe.”
**Rhoelyn:** “I don’t f-” Twisting Nysse grabs the bucket and retches. “I’m sorry.” She takes the handkerchief Rhoe offers and wipes her mouth. “A baby…”
**Araatris:** Soothing a hand along her back, the priestess decides not to correct her for the moment. “Is that so stunning? You are already a wonderful mother.”
**Rhoelyn:** Nysse blushes crimson. “That’s different! This one will be totally dependent on me. How will I help Rhese? And the invasions?! Oh Elune…”
**Araatris:** “Life carries on, sister, no matter what happens outside.” Rhoelyn brushes her hair back. “You aren’t likely to be ill for more than a few months.”
**Rhoelyn:** Wide-eyed, the huntress stammers, “M-months?! I’ll be taking herbs for months just to eat? Does the baby want me to starve?” She tears up.
**Araatris:** “Oh, no. I assure you, Nysse, the children have as little choice in that matter as you do.” Rhoelyn hugs her tight. “I will help you through it.”
**Rhoelyn:** Laying her head on her sister’s shoulder. “It’s hard to believe. New Silverwing chil- Wait.” Nysse raises her head. “Did you say children?”
**Araatris:** The little silver-haired priestess smiles tenderly. “Twins, Nysse. You are carrying twins. Oh, Rhese is going to be so happy…”
**Rhoelyn:** Nysse gasps. “I have to tell him!” She fumbles in a pouch for a hearth. “I’ll call Morthis. He’ll… oh! I could go meet him at the office.”
**Araatris:** Rhoelyn giggles. “Take a breath, Nysse. You should not leave Darnassus until your hyperemesis is lessened. You of all people must eat.”
**Rhoelyn:** “My nausea? Isn’t there anything I can do that doesn’t take medicine?” Nysse rests both of her hands on her abdomen. She smiles tentatively.
**Araatris:** Her sister nods. “We will try what we can, but the herbs will not harm the babes.” She leans close, whispering joyfully, “Nysse… your babies!”
**Rhoelyn:** Nysse giggles. “I have no idea what I’m doing. Except for the illness, I would have no idea.” She peers at her stomach. “How long, sister?”
**Araatris:** Rhoelyn reaches out a gentle hand and places it on her stomach. “Many months, yet. They have grown only a pair of moons, so far.” She smiles.
**Rhoelyn:** “Will they show soon? I can still hunt and work for now, can’t I?” Nysse raises her gaze to Rhoelyn. “I’m sorry. I have so many questions.”
**Araatris:** The priestess giggles, reclaiming her hand. “I will answer all of them for you, my sister. You are the farthest thing from alone in this.”
**Rhoelyn:** Nysse murmurs shyly, “Thank you, sister. Would you mind getting some of those medicinal packets while I ask Morthis to get ahold of Rhese?”
**Araatris:** “Of course not.” Giving her cheek a quick kiss, Rhoe gets to her feet and steps from the room, closing the door. Nysse fumbles for her pouch.
**Rhoelyn:** When she activates it, a gruff voice grumbles, “Nysse, are you better now? We could u-” “N-not exactly. Can you put me through to Rhese?”
**Araatris:** “Ahhh…” Morthis is uncharacteristically hesitant when he says, “Rhese… can’t be interrupted right now. What’s going on? Do you need support?”
**Rhoelyn:** Nysse blushes even though he can’t see her. “Yes and no. I have some really personal news to tell him. It’s important for me to talk to him.”
**Araatris:** “Give it a few days, Nysse,” the spymaster says. “We’ll see after that.” He hesitates briefly before continuing, “If that’s all…? I’m busy.”
**Rhoelyn:** She pleads, “Morthis, he needs to come home as soon as he can. Please.” Nysse clutches the stone tightly. “It’s about why I’ve been sick…”
**Araatris:** Morthis’ tone turns worried. “Is it something serious? Rhoelyn is there with you, right? If she needs help, I have Calinea in Astranaar for a day.”
**Rhoelyn:** “N-no! It’s not like that. It… it can’t be healed,” Nysse squeaks. “I need to tell Rhese first. Is he undercover? Can you trigger his hearth?”
**Araatris:** “… Look, give it two more days, and we can try.” The night elf on the other end of the stone is firm. “Two days, Nysse. Then we should be safe.”
**Rhoelyn:** The night elven woman frowns and asks sharply, “Safe? What do you mean safe? Where is my mate, Morthis? I was supposed to meet up with him.”
**Araatris:** “Classified,” he says, curt. “And before you get in a tizzy, he’s not alone. Kaerryn has his back, so stop fretting. Go get some rest and heal.”
**Rhoelyn:** Nysse clenches her teeth, and snaps even as her stomach flops. “Morthis, I need Rhese. This isn’t something that’s going to heal itself.”
**Rhoelyn:** She swallows hard and glances at the doorway nervously. Lowering her voice, she mumbles, “I’m pregnant. I need to get to him. Please.”
**Araatris:** There’s a moment of silence from the other end of the stone before that gruff voice speaks again, softer than usual. “… congratulations, Nysse.”
**Rhoelyn:** “T-thank you. No one besides Rhoe knows there will be two new little ones. I wanted to tell Rhese…” Nysse fights back tears of frustration.
**Araatris:** After another silence, she can practically hear the way he pinches the bridge of his nose in his tone. “Look, I can’t get him for you, right now.”
**Rhoelyn:** Nysse bites her lip. “Why? I didn’t think his next mission was supposed to be silent. Rhese told you I was planning to meet up, didn’t he?”
**Araatris:** “He told me. Plans have changed.” Morthis’ voice takes on a stern tone. “Understand, Ghost: you are hereby assigned to Snowbird’s care.”
**Araatris:** “You don’t leave Darnassus until she gives you medical clearance.” He pauses. “You understand?”
**Rhoelyn:** The young woman scowls at the stone. “I understand, but I’m fine. If Rhese needs me, then I’m-” The door opens and Nysse shuts off the stone.
**Araatris:** Rhoelyn comes in with a small basket full of herbal sachets. She smiles at Nysse. “So? I would have to laugh just a bit if he fell over in shock.”
**Rhoelyn:** Nysse smiles sheepishly as she shoves the stone in a pouch. “Morthis said I’d need to wait for now. Rhese is in the middle of a mission.”
**Araatris:** “Ah. That explains the furrow between your brows, sister.” The priestess sits back down on the floor beside her, brushing her hair back.
**Rhoelyn:** The huntress leans on Rhoelyn’s shoulder tiredly. “I’m taking you away from your work. Do you need to go?” She reaches for the basket.
**Araatris:** “Soon. But this is important. You are important, my sister.” Rhoe yawns and rests her cheek on Nysse’s head. “I am sorry that I’ve been so busy.”
**Rhoelyn:** Opening one sachet, Nysse munches on the herbs to calm her roiling stomach. “It couldn’t be helped, Rhoelyn. None of us expected this.”
**Araatris:** After a short silence, the smaller woman asks softly, “Are you happy?” She lifts her head to look down at her. “They are beautiful, Nysse.”
**Rhoelyn:** Blushing, Nysse ducks her head. “It hardly feels real. I’m too shocked to feel anything yet. I-is that bad? Is something wrong with me?”
**Araatris:** “Oh, never.” Rhoe squeezes her tightly. “You have not had enough time to adjust to the idea. I’ve been insensitive to even ask. I am sorry, sister.”
**Rhoelyn:** “I think I will be happy.” The huntress smiles shyly. “I just can’t see them like you can. We’ll have so much to do to prepare for them.”
**Araatris:** “We have time.” Rhoelyn rubs at Nysse’s arm. “First, we must prepare for you. New armor. Clothes. I have a lotion that will ease aches, later.”
**Rhoelyn:** Nysse blinks and stares. “I… I think there’s a lot I don’t know.” Spontaneously, the young night elf murmurs, “Can you tell their genders?”
**Araatris:** The priestess grins. “If I could, would you really wish to know?”
**Rhoelyn:** The huntress shakes her head quickly. “N-no. I was curious. I suppose we’ll need several names. I think Rhese would like the surprise, too.”
**Araatris:** “Well, for your edification, I cannot see that. The light of who they are cares nothing about biology.” She glances down at Nysse’s stomach.
**Rhoelyn:** A look of relief crosses Nysse’s face. “I’m glad.” The huntress places her hand on her abdomen. “It doesn’t matter. We’ll love them regardless.”
**Araatris:** Rhoelyn nods at her, biting her lip. Her voice is a little thick when she says, “They will have love as riches from their amazing family.”
**Rhoelyn:** “Like you…” Nysse smiles tenderly. “I can’t wait to tell Rhese.” She giggles and grasps Rhoe’s hands. “How do you think he’ll react?”
**Araatris:** The healer smiles tendery. “I think he will be shocked, at first. As stunned by the idea as you. Not so long ago, he was afraid of fatherhood.”
**Rhoelyn:** “That was before Yami.” Nysse shifts and settles on her knees. “I should let you get back to work.” She kisses Rhoelyn’s cheek. “Thank you.”
**Araatris:** “You are always welcome, Nysse.” The priestess stands and helps her sister up. Before she can step away, she gets a big hug. “Elune adore.”
**Rhoelyn:** The huntress hugs her tight and smiles. “Elune adore.” She scoops up the basket and leaves. The passageways are sparse as she walks.
**Araatris:** She rests a hand on her belly thoughtfully, barely noticing her path until she steps onto the soft grass of the central grotto, looking up.
**Rhoelyn:** The large statue in the middle stares down. “Elune…” Nysse meekly ducks her head. “Please help me bring Rhese home.” She bows deeply.
**Araatris:** Only the soft burble of the fountain dripping down out of the statue’s bowl answers her prayer, but Nysse still leaves the temple feeling relieved.