Lage and Ni huddled together in her room. The soft light fell on them from the fading sun. A few tears ran down Lage's cheek. They lay curled together.
"Our little home is ashes," She mumbled to him.
"We can rebuild," Ni comforted her. He put an arm around her.
Lage closed her eyes, her face pinched together in sadness, "Who would do such a thing."
Ni hesitated to answer, then soothed, "I don't know."
He decided not to tell her about Rara. He didn't want to worry her.
"I want to tell you something Ni," Lage whispered.
They lay in silence as Lage plucked up her courage.
"We're soulmates, the ground and the trees," Lage smiled, "From the moment we met I could feel it. We are two of a kind."
Ni nodded.
Lage sat up and looked more serious, "I want to stay with you forever Ni. I want to make a union proporsel before the council."
Ni froze, thinking about Rara's advances, "Do we need their permission? You are leader."
Lage fell back onto the moss, "I promised."
Ni said finally, "What about Rara?"
Lage considered it, "She loves me, Ni and she'll want me to be happy."
Ni scoffed. He wasn't so sure Rara would feel the same way. He worried for Lage.
Before he could speak Lage continued, "She's strong headed, I know, but we are sisters."
"I worry Lage," Ni said, "Should they not agree."
"They will," Lage put her arms around Ni, bringing him closer to herself, she whispered in his ear, "We're going to be parents."
Ni stiffened, "You're certain?"
"I am," Lage nodded.
Ni felt warmth fill him, he'd never considered having a child in his life. He could imagine him and Lage and a tiny figure between them. He could see their life together, he longed for it.
Lage stroked his cheek. She whispered, "So will you go before my sisters to get their blessing."
Ni felt intense sadness as he thought about Lage being crushed by a refusal from Rara. But maybe just maybe knowing her sister was with child she'd soften.
Then Ni would be free to be with Lage.
He had already decided that he didn't wish to stay in the castle with Rara. He would make a new house for him and Lage and their child.