Rara held the child in her arms. She was warm to the touch but also limp. She decided her name was to be Oribella.
Oribella would not walk on her own, despite looking like an older child she was feeble. Rara carried her feeling her warmth against her skin. Her favourite thing about her little daughter was her eyes, just like Ni's.
She finally reached the castle whilst every one was asleep. She took little Oribella to her bedroom and lay her on the magma bed beside her. Oribella snuggled up to her, and they fell sleepy with little Oribella in Rara's arms.
The next morning Rara woke up feeling a sense of determination. She picked Oribella up off the bed.
But the poor child began to shiver being removed from the heat. Rara wrapped her up in some of her own clothes. Then she headed for the throne room.
Everyone else was already there.
When Lage saw Rara she stood up, looking both nervous and excited, "I have some news for everyone."
Rara had to hide her grin as she replied, "As do I."
It seemed only then did everyone notice her bundle.
"If I may speak," Rara said looking Lage dead in the eye.
"Of course," She deflated.
Rara stood in the centre of the room addressing everyone.
"I bring joyous news," She grinned and unwrapped the child.
Everyone gasped as they looked upon the tiny orange girl. She tried to duck away but Rara held her firmly, "I have been given a gift by the Earth, proof that Ni is my soulmate."
NI scoffed, Rara could see he held Lage's hand.
"Come, Ni. Hold the child, she is yours as well as mine," Rara said with a smile.
Ni walked toward her, under his breath he muttered, "I don't know what you're up to but I suggest it ends now."
She smiled sweetly back, filling her voice with all the sugar she could muster, "It does."
She offered the child to Ni, and his eyes widened. Rara could already tell he knew the child was his. Ni took her into his arms in wonder. No longer did he look angry, just confused.
"I don't understand," He said aloud.
"What is it?" Kinntho asked, peering to look at the little girl.
"The girl is in fact my daughter, I can feel it in her spirit," He said in disbelief. He bounced the girl and she giggled touching his face.
"She's called Oribella," Rara whispered, leaning closer to Ni.
Ni rocked her back and forth, "Oribella."
Behind him Lage stood up with a cry, "But Ni our child."
Now Kinntho and Kithel were looking back and forth between the two.
"She is right," Ni said, "She carries my child."
He handed Oribella back, but as he did she reached for him crying. He stopped.
Lage rushed down to Ni putting her arm on him, "Please Ni, you can't leave us."
Lage looked around the room and with a brave voice she shouted, "I propose Ni and I to be married."
"And I propose Ni and I be married," Rara added, "The Earth has spoken for me."
The room began to shake and tremble. And everyone nearly lost their balance.
Ni looked between his pained true love and his tiny little daughter.
"I see no choice but to accept both proposals," Ni said, at last, he spoke with a hollow voice, "Half my time for each of my families. Does the council agree?"
"Yes," Rara said smiling, she took Ni's hand.
Lage sobbed but nodded her head slowly, "Whatever you must do Ni, I trust in you."
"Yes," Kinntho had a perplexed expression.
When the room finally emptied Kithel pulled Kinntho aside.
"Rara's done something foul," He whispered.