Cortana thought Illidan was taking things so well since the arrival of their two children. She was proud of herself and him too. She was not ashamed of the fact they were not life mates, not at all. The love they felt for one another was not like those who stayed mates forever, and she was okay with that. Let the others think what they wanted. She had settled down beside the baskets, as they were tucked neatly amongst long grass and flowers.
Illidian stood close by, watching the baskets and their mother. He had thought that he could love her once the foals came, but even after their birth, he knew that they would never be more than passing lovers. That did not stop him from feeling affection for her. She had given him two foals, after all. Stepping closer, he lowered his head to nuzzle the darker basket. "I'm glad we decided to do this." Even if he would not stay with her, though that part remained unspoken.
Cortana smiled up at Illidan; he would be a very fine father for her children. She trusted him wholeheartedly, and knew that if she needed him ever again, he'd be there. This comforted her greatly. "Yes... I hold no regrets." She said quietly, gazing lovingly at her baskets. "I will never regret this. What we have is something greater than others will have... we have understanding."
"Indeed. I only wish I could be more for you," the stallion said, looking up at her from behind his blindfold. "I'll stay, though, till they're foals and I'll only be a flight away."
Cortana nodded. "Do not wish for something that cannot be changed. You and I are not meant to be. There is no changing that." She said simply, leaning her head down on the two baskets. "You are already here for me during this time of newness for me."
"It's new for me, too," Illidan chuckled. "What will you do when I go? I can take one of them with me if it will be easier on you in the raising."
She looked down to the pale basket and sighed. "I will live my life. I will know that i have a friend in you and can trust you with my life. " She looked up at him. "It is only fair that you do. I do want visits occasionally. I hope you know that." She smiled teasingly.
"I will visit often and you are welcome to come see me as well," Illidan assured her. "I may not always be nearby, but I'll make the effort so that our children will know both of their parents."
She nodded quickly. "Yes... I want them to know you and how we are. I want them to be knowable of how we are. And you are strong and a good father figure for them."
"You'll be a good mother, too," the stallion chuckled, moving to lie down beside her and their baskets. "You'll be wise and teach them things."
Cortana raised her head proudly. "Well of course. I am a very smart lady I am." She said with a chuckle, gazing down at the baskets. A change of subject came forward. "I hope for a boy and a girl."
"I don't care what they are, so long as they are healthy," Illidan sighed, settling into parental bliss. At least for now, anyway.
