The monk led the way to the back where the horses were and Red had expected some good horses in order to pull this load, especially over the distance. However even he was pleasantly surprised at the site.
Muscular, refined, tall. Built for pacing rather than speed. So tall that Red's head barely reached the horse's back. One bone white in color the other dusty gold. These were not regular draft horses but two Vaelrûn horses.
The Vaelrûn Horse was bred centuries ago by the Ordrim, a monastic order that roamed the vast central plains, a region known for its wild weather.
These monks seeking stillness in movement, carried their faith in carts pulled by their horses. Over generations, through selective breeding and spiritual practice. They developed a breed that could pull heavy wagons for weeks with minimal rest, water, or food.
All while remaining calm and steady in temperament.
According to legend, the first of the Vaelrûn line was a foal born during a week long storm. When all other animals sought shelter, the foal walked into the wind as if it heard a voice.
The monks saw it as a sign, and named the breed in its honor. Vaelrûn, meaning "grace in endurance" in the monk's no longer spoken language.
Jane was awed by the horses. Red told her what he knew about their history. "What's he doing now?" Jane asked, peeking over Red's shoulder who was sitting at the reins.
The monk was currently braiding the long main of the two horses.
"He's issuing a ritual, some monks believe that cutting the mane of a Vaelrûn is a sin, and that braiding ensures fair weather."
Jane looks at the monk, happy about learning new cultures and appreciative of the blessing.
Preparations complete Jane waved goodbye to the monk from the carriage as they set off to the Goldenfields.
With it having been a week since the events in the Empire, Red had something on his mind still. during Some idle conversations with Jane resting against his back, Her lips close to his right ear, he asked "So who's Eric?"
An evil smile formed on Jane's beautiful face. "Why? you jealous?"
"What!? Absolutely not! What would I have to be jealous about, I'm a dashingly handsome 5 star vector who managed to court the Silver Star of the Empire."
Jane was gleeful and giggling at Red's rare outburst, finding it cute.
"Ok ok mister stud. If you must know he's a Titled noble who worked his way up from a private to a commander in just a few years. A renowned 3 star water Conduit.
Jane took on a more reminiscent smile, "but more importantly he's a friend. I've known him since my academy days. he was one of the few men who didn't try to court me.
In a world that was as fake as politics he was one of the few real ones."
Red was listening intently. "A Titled noble huh, he must have quite the accomplishments."
after a small pause Red couldn't help himself "so…you two were never a thing?"
"Red! I'm literally caring for your baby. You don't need to worry, and no we were never a thing. Besides he has this cute girl named Triss."
Tightening up on the reins, Red was secretly in a good mood because of her answer.
Jane was happy with the fact he was secretly worrying about these things. It showed his more human side.
Feeling each other happiness they shared a kiss.
----
Weeks passed and the journey has been thankfully quiet. No monster attacks or bandits thinking they could find an easy target. Some mild storms were their biggest concern.
There was a development though Jane's belly was in full baby mode and grew much in these weeks to the point Red was helping her do everything.
Even the littlest of things, to his credit it was endearing but Jane had moments she wanted to do things herself.
However at this moment Jane was puking and trying her best to be comfortable but with the contractions It was proving to be difficult.
Holding Red's hand tightly she felt the baby kicking like she never felt before.
"Honey the baby is going crazy today" she says with a small pain filled laugh. Red did what he could, warm wash cloths, helping her move, and relaxation techniques.
After a couple hours Jane managed to fall asleep.
The sun was set and the wagon parked under a low hanging cliff ceiling.
Light rain started to fall on the dry cracked ground, the interior of the wagon was filled with warm lantern light. Smells of brewing tea and porridge permeated throughout.
Sitting on the bed filled with blankets and pillows Red's back was against the wall, with Jane resting on his chest.
He wanted to check on the baby and feel them. If he wanted to know the gender of the baby he could have looked a while ago, but the surprise of it was exciting.
However he lost to temptation.
Placing his hands gently on her belly he closed his eyes and focused. Listening, feeling. Moments passed and a steady heart beat could be heard along with movement.
'A girl!' Red was instantly ecstatic, 'looks like Cassia it is.'
Fractions of a second passed but even in his joy he didn't miss the secondary heart beat. 'huh?' he gently spread his resonance and read the second heart beat.
Shocked is how Red would describe his emotions. Shocked from pure joy.
"Twins…" Red whispered in realization. They are having twins, a boy and a girl.
Jane stirred awake fluttering her eyes open. She looked up at Red's face "mmh? What was that about twin's honey?"
Red looked into her silver eyes and with a smile, a real smile one he never knew he could muster "We are having twins my love."
Sitting up fully "what do you mean?" Jane was excited but confused.
" I used my resonance to listen to our baby's heartbeat but to my surprise I heard two unique heartbeats. A boy and a girl."
With his words finally sinking in Jane repeated the word "twins…TWINS!"
She wrapped her arms around Red's neck and started kissing his face "honey we are having twins! This is so exciting…"
"Oh for the love of the 12, Twins. I'll be a new mother not only to one but two." Jane started to bite her thumb nail in nervousness.
Amused by her antics, Red placed a hand on her back caressing it gently. "You will be a great mother."
Jane visibly calming down. "You think so? I'm so nervous, but also excited." after a moment they shared a hug. "you'll be a great father, I know it."
"Wait names! We have to start planning for their future!" with new found energy Jane looked for a pencil and paper to jot down notes
Not wanting to interrupt his beloved, he smiled and poured Jane and himself a portion of food.
Jane was furiously writing things down until her head shot up and looked at Red. They fell into a heartfelt conversation of hope about the new life they are gonna live in the Goldenfields.
With love in her eyes Jane wonders what their babies are gonna look like, she giggles. "With both our looks, I bet our children will be coveted for their beauty."
Red sharing the excitement had a lingering fear in his heart.
No doubt in his mind problems will arise in the future, and for whatever reason he's had a premonition that one of his children will be a part of it.
So he thought about getting stronger. Unfortunately a human breaking into 6 star territory was unbelievably rare but those who did marked the world in catastrophic ways.
Those individuals could be counted with less than one hand.
'I need to grow stronger…'