Charlotte knocked quietly and then waited. She stood on the doorstep of the brownstone, fingers now clenched tightly around the handles of her bags. There was nary a light on in the house - and absolutely silent. She hadn't been to visit Islandi in years and only hoped that she still lived.

Islandi was an old, haggard woman; wrinkled and blind. She had long white hair that came down past her waist, but was usually wrapped up in a turban (sort of). Her eyes sparkled and told of her many years and immense wisdom.

A lamp illuminated the window closest to the door. Charlotte sucked in her breath, rather confused as to why a blind woman would turn on a light. The door creaked open...and Charlotte blinked. This was no old woman. Rather, there stood a rather tall, well built man - shirtless - and equally as confused as she was.

"Oh," Charlotte took a step back, whispering in the late hour of the night. "I'm sorry, I was looking for Elder Islandi."

The man scratched his bare chest and gave Charlotte a once over. Why was a pregnant woman out here all alone? "This is the home of The Elder. Do you seek shelter?" His voice was soft, thick with Bethesdian accent, but perfectly enunciating every word.

"I wish to speak to Islandi. I am a friend."

"I have lived with my grandmother for many years, now, and I have never seen you before." The bare chested man stood a bit straighter as he eyed the tiny pregnant woman.

"I have been away for many years. Please, I wish only to spe-" Charlotte's words were silenced by the sound of Islandi herself.

"Who is there, Olanis?" The old woman was seen hobbling down the hallway, hand running along the wall so she'd know where she was going. She wore her hair down, which almost blended right in with the floor length white nightgown.

Charlotte, despite her condition, bowed quickly, averting her gaze from the Wise One. "Elder," she whispered. "It is I, Charlotte. Daughter of Jonathan Cross." She remained bent in the uncomfortable position, her head dipped low in respect, until Islandi touched her head.

"You have not come to see me, child." Islandi's voice warbled in her old age as a wrinkled hand lifted Charlotte's chin so she could gaze upon her face with blind eyes.

Charlotte cupped the old woman's cheeks and smiled. "I had gotten married, Elder."

Islandi smiled back, bright white eyes dancing. "And you are with child; I read it in your aura. You are shining so brightly." The wrinkled hands dipped to touch Charlotte's belly. The old woman gasped. "She has a beautiful spirit."

Olanis gazed between the two women, lips pursed. "I suggest you come in, woman. The night is unsafe." He put a hand on the small of her back and ushered her through the door, then stooped to pick up her bags.

Days later, Charlotte found herself standing on a bridge beneath the stars, overlooking the large placid pond before her. The only light that shone was of the moon; mirrored by the undisturbed water and illuminating both figures.

Yes, there were two. Olanis stood just behind Charlotte, his chest barely touching her back, and hands lightly resting on her shoulders. They simply stood in silence, listening to nature. The crickets chirped loudly in the reeds by the water, letting their melodious tune waft through the night air. Cicada's hummed from the trees and firefly's blinked in the fields close by.

Charlotte's head turned in the direction of a bullfrog's call, smiling softly, then tipped her head back to rest against Olanis' chest. She gave an almost inaudible sigh in content.

Olanis smiled too, dipping his head a bit to rest his chin atop her head. His arms moved to hug her from behind, beginning to rock her gently. "Charlie," he whispered softly.

"Yes?"

"Are you still going to leave?"

Charlotte shifted against him a bit, readjusting herself in his arms. She didn't answer right away because, in truth, she didn't know the answer. Remaining silent, Charlotte simply rocked along with him, keeping her gaze on the inky black water that reflected the night sky. After a time, she spoke. "I wish I could stay, Olanis...but I have family in Rhy'Din. I have a life there. And my daughter deserves to grow up knowing her father."

"Then let me come with you."

Charlotte fell silent. This...this wasn't supposed to happen. She didn't intend for this to be a fling, in fact, she hadn't intended to let it go this far at all. Brian was still so special to her, but Islandi's words had moved her.

"Charlie, I'm not asking you to forsake your husband's memory. I only ask that you let me share myself with you. I don't know what has happened since you came, but mark my words, woman. This was no accident."

Charlotte ceased the rocking motion and reached up with her hands to grip his arms which were still around her. "I don't understand you, Olanis. I don't."

"What do you mean," he replied questioningly in a baritone rumble.

"There are plenty of single women in this town. All much fairer and younger than I...and yet you choose me. I have such baggage and...and kids, no less!"

Olanis was quiet for a while too, seemingly mulling things over in his head. "I don't know how to answer that, Charlie. I don't have all the answers - nor do I understand why this has happened. But Charlie," he paused then, lifting one hand to tip her chin up to look at him. "I'm glad for it."

Charlotte smiled warmly; getting that silly sensation in her stomach as her knees nearly buckled. His head lowered and Charlotte held her breath, closing her eyes. Such sweet torture was anticipation - her heart beating erratically within her chest. He was close, she could tell, his breath upon her lips. Only seconds remained, now....and then it happened. It was a passion filled kiss that ended as quickly as it had begun - chaste - yet....satisfying. Content.

Happy.

11:25pm August 28th

Two hours later, Olanis awoke to find Charlotte awake and sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Charlie?" Olanis got up too, and knelt behind her on the bed.

"My back hurts again."

"It woke you up?"

"Yeah."

"How much longer until your due date?"

Charlotte was silent. The now dull ache in her lower back pulsed and throbbed. Maybe he was on to something. "Two weeks."

"Well maybe you're in labor."

"I hope not. I don't think I'm ready for this."

Olanis kissed her cheek, then got off the bed and turned on the lamp. "You're going to be a great mom." He put on his shirt. "I'll go get Islandi."

About a half an hour later, Charlotte, Olanis, and Islandi all sat in the living room.

The lamp in the far corner of the room was ablaze, leaving most of the room fairly dark. Its rays cast an eerie glow on everyone's features, creating shadows on their faces.

Charlotte lay curled up with her head in Islandi's lap. The old woman softly petted Charlotte's brown hair. Olanis draped a blanket over her.

"You are scared," Islandi stated matter-of-factly.

"Terrified."

"Why?"

"I don't know."

"Of course you do. Do not lie to me," Islandi responded softly, but sharply.

?I?ve seen births, Elder. I?ve delivered many infants. But I?m so frightened. What if something goes wrong? I?ve had so many things happen to me during my pregnancy. What if-?

?Hush. You will do fine. You are strong.? Islandi nodded sagely, continuing to pet her hair.

Cassie woke up almost immediately and silently. She blinked up at Charlotte and the muscled hottie holding her, but didn't move so that she wouldn't wake Aiden. Eyes widened once she realized the situation, and she sat up slowly, cradling the little boy.

Her voice was a hushed whisper when she spoke. "If you can carry her up to her room, I'll show you where it is and put Aiden down in his bed, then I'll take care of her while you run and get the midwife."

She stood, holding Aiden close, who had cuddled against her bonelessly as children do when they sleep, and led the way, moving up the stairs slowly so that he'd be able to keep up without banging Charlotte into a wall or anything. She directed him to her room, where the bed was waiting, clean sheets and quilt, for Charlotte's arrival. Once she saw the man settling Charlotte down carefully, she slipped across the hall to Aiden's room and settled him down on his bed, pulling the covers over him and kissing his forehead before hurrying back to Char's room.

She moved to take Charlotte's hand and lean down to speak. "I'm here, it's going to be okay, and that guy is going to get the midwife. Tell me what you need me to do."