Storm's reach was beginning to feel less foreign beneath her feet, still she caught herself looking toward landmarks as though she expected them to move while she wasn't paying attention but there were paths she knew now. Familiar scents lingered among the unfamiliar, she could reach places without wondering whether every turn carried her farther from where she intended to go.

There were familiar faces, too. She slowed near the edge of the springs, head tilting slightly as she watched the other woman drift through the water and for a moment, there was no movement at all. Sindri? concern came quickly but quietly, carrying Elske several steps closer before she caught the subtle evidence of life. A breath and the slightest movement against the water. Oh. she was sleeping or resting at least.

Elske's features softened, though the severity naturally carved into them likely made the expression considerably less obvious than she intended. Her gaze wandered over Sindri and there was no missing how much had changed since they'd first met.

She approached the water's edge but didn't immediately disturb her. If Sindri had managed to find somewhere that eased whatever discomfort came with carrying so many little lives inside her, Elske saw no reason to interrupt simply because she'd happened upon her. So she lowered herself beside the spring quiet company was something Elske had always been good at.

Only after several moments did she speak, voice gentle enough that it would not matter much if Sindri were truly asleep You look more comfortable than the last time I saw you, there was the faintest touch of humor beneath it. Their first meeting had involved freezing seawater, Elske half drowned and shivering, and Sindri trying to usher a stranger toward warmth.

Her eyes slipped toward the swell of Sindri's belly. How have you been feeling?

Not how are the babies or when are they coming. Elske imagined enough people asked those questions once someone's pregnancy became impossible to overlook.