Rynlyf Childhood Family Home, 1493
As Nimue stepped through the threshold of Ryna's family home, she paused for a moment to take in her surroundings. The warm glow of the afternoon sun filtered through the windows, casting a golden hue over the rustic furnishings, and the familiar scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air.
"Hello, Ryna!" Nimue called out, her voice bright and welcoming.
From the back of the house, Ryna emerged, wiping her hands on a linen towel. Her face lit up with a smile upon seeing Nimue. "Nimue! I didn't expect you so soon," she replied, moving closer.
The two friends exchanged warm embraces, their laughter filling the cozy space. Nimue felt a sense of comfort wash over her, knowing she was in a place that held so many memories for Ryna.
As the laughter faded, an unexpected wave of emotion surged within Nimue, and tears began to stream down her cheeks. She didn't know why she was crying; it felt as if the weight of unspoken feelings had suddenly become too much to bear.
Ryna, noticing the change in her friend's demeanor, quickly stepped closer, concern etching her features.
"Nimue, are you alright?" She asked softly, her voice soothing and filled with genuine worry.
Ryna reached out, gently placing a hand on Nimue's shoulder, urging her to share whatever was troubling her. The warmth of Ryna's presence offered a small comfort as Nimue struggled to find her words amidst the tears.
Nimue took a deep breath, her heart racing as she prepared to share the news that had been weighing on her. "Ryna, I have something important to tell you," she stammered, her voice barely audible over a whisper.
Ryna's eyes widened, her concern deepening. "What is it? You can tell me anything," she encouraged, squeezing Nimue's shoulder gently.
Nimue bit her lip, grasping the enormity of the situation. "I'm pregnant," she finally confessed, the words rushing out of her mouth. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she watched Ryna's reaction.
For a moment, Ryna was silent, absorbing the revelation. Then, a mixture of surprise and joy filled her expression. "Oh, Nimue! That's… that's amazing!" she exclaimed, pulling Nimue into a tight embrace.
Nimue felt a wave of relief wash over her, but as Ryna squeezed her tighter, doubt began to creep in. "But…," she murmured, pulling back slightly to look into Ryna's eyes.
"But what, Nimue?" Ryna asked, her brow furrowing with concern.
Nimue took a deep breath, her heart racing as she prepared to share the weight of her next words. She whispered, "There's something else that I need to tell you."
Ryna's expression shifted, curiosity mixing with a hint of apprehension. "What is it?" she urged, her eyes searching Nimue's face for answers.
Nimue hesitated for a moment, the tension in the air thick enough to cut. "It's about the baby's biological father," she finally revealed, her voice barely audible over a whisper.
Ryna's eyes widened, the concern deepening as she processed the revelation. "What do you mean?" she asked, her tone urgent.
Nimue looked away, gathering her thoughts before continuing, "I didn't want to tell you like this, but it's important you know the truth."
Ryna leaned in closer, her heart pounding as she awaited Nimue's explanation, ready to support her friend no matter what came next.
Nimue took a deep breath, her gaze still averted as she struggled to find the right words. "There's something else," she finally said, her voice trembling slightly. "Your biological father is Prince Arthur Pendragon of Camelot."
Ryna's eyes widened in disbelief, her mind racing to process the revelation. "What? "Could you please explain how that is possible?" she asked, feeling the weight of the shocking news settle heavily between them.
Nimue took a moment to gather her thoughts, her heart pounding in her chest. "I know this is a lot to take in," she said softly. "But Arthur and I... we fell in love with each other, deeply and unexpectedly. It was a connection that neither of us anticipated, yet it blossomed amidst the chaos of our lives."
Ryna's eyes widened in disbelief. "That's incredible," she said, trying to process the revelation. She leaned closer, intrigued. "But does Arthur know about the baby?"
Nimue took a deep breath, her resolve strengthening. "No, and I want to keep it that way," she replied firmly. "This is my decision, and I need to protect what we have." The weight of her words hung in the air, a clear boundary set against the uncertainty that lay ahead.
Ryna shook her head, puzzled. "But why are you keeping it a secret? You could use his support. This is a huge change."
"I know," Nimue said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "But I can't risk Arthur's father, Utred, finding out."
Ryna frowned, struggling to understand the full implications of Nimue's choice. "What do you think he'll do if he discovers the truth?"
Nimue took a deep breath, her expression growing more serious. "I'm afraid Utred will kill the baby," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ryna's eyes widened in shock. "You can't be serious," she replied, her heart racing. "Why would he go that far?"
Nimue looked away, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "He believes in a certain legacy, one that does not include any threats to his power. If he sees the child as a danger, he won't hesitate."
Ryna experienced a sudden chill. "So, keeping it a secret is the only way to protect the baby?"
Nimue nodded solemnly, the weight of her decision heavy on her shoulders.
Ryna said, "I understand," and then noticed that Nimue was getting worn out.
Ryna's gaze shifted from the horizon to Nimue, who appeared increasingly fatigued. "Why don't you go and rest in the spare bedroom?" she suggested gently.
Nimue looked up, her eyes reflecting both gratitude and weariness. "I think I will," she replied softly, knowing that the burden of their conversation was taking its toll.
Ryna watched as Nimue turned away, hoping that some rest would bring her peace of mind amidst the turmoil they faced.
From the other room, nine-year-old Rynlyf witnessed the entire conversation.