======Pregnancy======


Gerard patiently spooned the broth into his wife’s mouth and massaged her throat to make her swallow. Her vacant eyes stared at the wall behind him, not acknowledging his present. Not acknowledging anything.  He wiped her chin clean and brought up another spoonful of the lukewarm liquid, catching a drip before it could spatter on her swollen belly. The door opened and he looked up as Patience stooped to enter the room.

“I thought I might find you in here,” she said, touching his cheek affectionately.

“Well, it’s time for lunch, and I know it makes the servants uncomfortable,” he replied, gesturing to the puppet’s blank expression.

“Still. There is a lot to be done; you should not spend too much time on this task.”

“I know. While you’re here, love, would you mind waking it up, just for a few minutes? I feel the baby will be healthier if it feels you… you know, being in there with him. Besides, your muscles are starting to deteriorate a little.”

Patience sighed and nodded, her expression becoming distant. A few seconds later her human body stood up and stretched.

“Ugh,” she said, her expression disgusted. “This feels so unnatural; so bulky. Nine months? Really, dearest; why can’t humans simply lay eggs or something?” She began moving through various sword stances, designed to stretch all of the muscle groups, her lips pursed in disapproval as the baby’s weight pulled her off balance.

“I don’t know why I let you talk me into this, Gerard,” she grumbled.

“Just think how nice it will be to be able to watch our child grow, love. A child of our very own; teaching him all about the world…” Gerard ate a few bites of his own lunch as he affectionately watched his lumbering wife.

“Yes. I’m still not sure how I feel about that. Only that I currently hate this body - oh, for goodness sake, now it’s gone all tearful. I’m sorry, Gerard, I simply can’t be having with this.” She sat back down on the bed and returned to her fae form. “I shall be glad when this is over. By the way - it apparently wants mackerel with honey.” She gave his hand a squeeze of affection and left the room.

Gerard picked up the broth again and resumed feeding.