What Is Done

Chapter 36 - A New Day

Laverne Ingerman was nearing half a century of age when he was no longer an only child. Forty-six years to be precise. He also learned of what makes children a few months beforehand.

The Iridonian castle was something Laverne had only seen once in his life hitherto. The Elven kingdom of Iridonia was small compared to Arün and the rest of Elven Guard. It harbored less than half a thousand elves within its walls that protected them from the Forest of Vērdön. They called their castle The White Castle. It was nowhere as impressive in size as castles of other kingdoms. Most would describe it as a large white manor. The city was named Iridonia from the Elvish words of iridon and ia which meant "white lily" for the infamous white lilies that grew there.

Laverne spent the early days of his forty-sixth year racing through The White Castle. His birthday had just passed and he had spent the day sulking because in the Iridonian winter, it does not snow. He had regained his joy as his mother's birthday passed and the month faded into what humans call February.

Laverne found his mother's elder brother tiresome. On the flip side, Laverne had many conversations about little things with his grandfather. Taergyn was old and wise. Even if elves did not show age, Laverne knew it in his bones that King Taergyn was withering.

Taergyn had inherited an incredibly rare trait among elves: white hair, and while neither of Taergyn's parents had such a trait, Taergyn passed it down to his children. Laverne thought his family history was interesting. Taergyn had been given a great burden by his father: to increase the number of white haired elves in the world. He had somewhat succeeded in it following the births of his two children and two grandchildren.

Laverne loved hearing the story Taergyn told him of his heritage practically every time they visited each other. That night, he wandered away from the library as Taergyn instructed him it was time to sleep. It wasn't until he was much older when he was told the reason why his hair color was rare or what people would do if they could get their hands on him.

The night went by easily. Laverne was awoken in his room by a servant asking him to attend a meeting in the courtyard. The early morning air was brisk against his cheeks and unforgiving as they turned pink. He slowly approached a table where the rest of his family ate breakfast.

"Good morning," Valka and Moria greeted him at the same time. He sat and a servant gave him a plate.

"Good morning, Mother, Father," Laverne returned their greeting. Then he said good morning to his uncle and grandfather. His uncle ignored him but Taergyn returned the greeting as well.

"We have something to tell you, Laverne." Valka sent mixed messages and dread filled Laverne. Valka held Moria's hand, slightly squeezing it, and exchanged a glance with each other. 

Laverne waited to be told the news. His mind raced, combining every possibility of what all the adults in his family could say next. His parents were divorcing. They no longer wanted him as their son. We have a new beachside vacation home in Zilawin. Grandfather Taergyn was dying. They were going to take a trip to Hieracon or the Muoen Nation next week. All the horrible and wonderful flooded his brain.

Laverne's expression said "What is it?" as he thought of every mash-up.

"I'm pregnant," Moria said meekly, complimented by a shy smile. Laverne stopped picking through his breakfast.

"Pregnant," Laverne repeated the word. He knew what the word meant. Realization flooded his mind. "You're having a baby?"

Moria bobbed her head in a nod and rubbed her pregnant belly. "You're going to have a little brother or sister!"

"Isn't that great?" Valka smiled. Taergyn was clearly excited about having another grandchild. He'd known for a while. Everybody knew what Moria's growing belly meant over the past year except Laverne who hadn't addressed the thought. A part of him just guessed his mother was getting fat.