Arthur's Point of View

Dwarven Coast/Harbor City

Before I could even respond or think of what to say, there was a light knock on the door. Ignoring it was easy enough. However, someone decided to open the door anyway. My mood was not in the best state, so I immediately lashed out without seeing who it was.

“Get out!” I hissed, and I heard a chirping enter my voice, similar to how it sounded when I transformed.

Elincia's Point of View

Dwarven Coast/Harbor City

“This is not what I intended, Arthur.” I told him after Kheri closed the door as she fled from Arthur’s tone. “I did not expect this to happen.” Never before had I heard such a tone or voice from him. “We were drunk, but maybe there was a reason for this.” Since he wasn’t taking the initiative, I used my magic to coat the room with a sound spell.

He couldn’t look at me. “Is it easy for a High Elf to get pregnant?” His voice came in a whisper.

That was not a question I was expecting. “There are no recorded incidents-“

Arthur’s hands fell, and his dead expression made me feel uneasy. “Lies.” His tone was emotionless as he spoke as if it was fact. “Lucia wouldn’t be here otherwise.”

“Lucia is not the product of a High Elf getting pregnant.” I told him.

The man didn’t even flinch as he just shook his head in an annoyed manner. “If I ever get the chance, I’m going to kill Rudnurth.”

My mind froze at that. Arthur seemed completely certain that Lucia was born from a High Elf. But that begs the question, how would he know that? There was only one option for who Lucia’s parents were. Well, we knew who her father was. The mother, though…

The man seemed lost in thought. He brought his elbows to his knees as his hands covered his mouth. Arthur shook as he bounced his knee up and down in a nervous manner that I never expected from the man. His cheek muscles flexed as I could tell he was grinding his teeth behind his hands.

“Arthur, I have never once considered the possibility of having children, but maybe this is a chance to-“ My voice came to a stop at the terrified expression Arthur had as he listened to me. “Are you-“

Standing up suddenly, Arthur looked down at me. “Did you plan this?!”

I was surprised at the sudden accusation. “What!? No! I’m merely stating that perhaps this is an opportunity for a family that I have never thought possible.”

The man began pacing like a mad dog. I watched him for a moment as my own thoughts raced. There might never be an opportunity like this ever again. Igniting my magic grabbed Arthur’s attention. He studied me as I placed my hand over my lower stomach and cast a spell. Multiple spells.

“What did you just do?” He demanded.

With a content smile, I answered. “I placed a fertility spell and a preservation spell. It is commonly used among Elves who will try to conceive. This allows for a greater chance of conceiving over a longer period of time.”

My smile fell at Arthur’s gaze as he stared at me dangerously. It was my choice, selfish though it may be, and it was an opportunity I didn’t want to let pass me by. A chance for a family of my own… After my last one slowly crumbled away, this seemed like a sign to me. However, I was pushed onto my back on the bed as Arthur was suddenly on top of me.

“Why?” The same chirping as before entered his voice, and I felt a chill run down my neck. “Do you understand what you risk?” He asked as goosebumps appeared on my arms while one of his hands rested on my stomach. “What’s to stop me from ripping my energy out of you?”

The question was suffocating as he held my gaze. Arthur was waiting to see my response. No doubt, it would determine how he would act. My lip trembled at the question and the thought of my choice being taken away from me. However, Arthur was right. What could I do to stop him?

Slowly, I moved my arms to the side to show that the choice was up to him now. “Nothing.” I answered, and Arthur closed his eyes at that as he tightened his lips angrily while his nostrils flared. “I make the same risk as everyone else.” My words got him to look at me once more. “The risk of being a mother. However, do you truly think you will be able to remove everything?”

His voice darkened. “And if I were to rip out your womb?” Arthur asked in a dark tone, and I felt ice flood my veins. “Why should I risk being a father just to humor you? After all, you would heal.”

“You took that risk when you got drunk. This is your fault as much as it is mine.” I watched as he narrowed his eyes angrily and felt his grip tighten. “But if you truly wish to remove my ability to ever have children, I suppose I would be powerless to stop you.” My eyes filled with tears. “So, make your decision on whether or not you will maim me. Will you leave my mutilated womb on this bed? Perhaps on the ship on our way home?” I asked in a shaky voice.

While I’m not sure what happened, Arthur seemed to be startled as he stumbled off of me. His eyes had widened for a moment before his face went white as a sheet. Almost like he had seen a ghost or had a vision. Looking at his hands, he began to tremble and shake as he closed his eyes and hunched over. My breathing quickened as I lay there for a moment. Watching him. He dry heaved a few times before he went to all fours as his body seemed to shut down.

“What did I almost do?” I heard him ask himself pitifully, and it appeared I was out of danger. “Winter… What do I do?” That was a new name, but I knew better than to ask as the man appeared to be breaking down.

“We could be parents, Arthur.” My statement made him freeze as he shakily got to his feet. “Is that not something to be excited about?” I asked in a calm voice.

He scoffed. “Please.” Arthur mocked. “What do you know about being a parent?”

“I have lived a long life, Arthur.” I replied with an irked tone. “Many have come and gone, and while I may not have been a mother by blood, I still raised Typhon. He is a Delmaris, through and through.” Then I lifted my head a bit and stared back at him. “What do you know about being a parent?”

His eyes widened slightly before he closed them. “You don’t know what you’re doing, Elincia.” He rubbed his forehead in thought as if he was contemplating something.