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It looked as if the time really was upon them.

Kieran had spent the last week gathering the necessary materials and plans for the trip across the ocean, but the usual energy that he had for traveling was somewhat subdued. It had been a year, a year of ups and downs, and he still couldn't believe how quickly time had flown. Months ago he had been optimistic, eager to fulfill his wife's request by expanding their family, and now here they were without any sign of pregnancy. Needless to say, Kieran was actually disappointed in how unsuccessful they had been. He had even taken concoctions from Taijana's family and prepared herbal remedies as written down by his own mother.

They had done so much....with no results. Perhaps all the talk of fate and spirits finally got to me. Kieran had surely believed that it would happen and that they would indeed grow the family and be parents of a youngling once more. He had been so hopeful that he had tried to push off any requests for lengthy travel but now that a full year had passed he found himself running out of reasons to stay. They had tried. What more could they do? What more could he do? Kieran's lips pressed into a fine line, frustration once more dancing across his gaze. Still he would never blame Taijana nor would he let her see that he was actually upset. It felt like a loss, all the hopes and dreams about having more children really had settled with him and now that their suggested timeline was up Kieran felt hopeless. As usual he blamed himself and wondered about what he could have done. All the logical solutions, the herbal remedies, the exercises, and everything else that he could have thought of failed. It was rare that he felt at such a loss.

But he would never reveal that to Taijana. Perhaps a sad gaze would get caught here and there but Kieran would quickly wipe it away with a smile. They could go out to a nice spot for the day, enjoy some fine dinners, spend time with their girls and just relax together for the night studying the stars instead. Anything to put a smile on his wife's face and to distract her from their current worries. Even now as they approached the docks, Kieran found himself reaching over to grab Taijana's hand and give it a squeeze, "You know we still have some time before it departs. Why not spend it together instead of just awkwardly staring at each other across the way?" He mused with a small grin, "What do you say?"

Kieran smirked lightly at his wife's question, "Then worst case I'll have sent my luggage in advance since it's already aboard the ship. I can take the next one in a couple of weeks." He teased quietly though in all honesty perhaps it was what he was hoping would happen. Two weeks could mean a lot of differences in this world and it would be one last hope....but no. Kieran took a deep breath and pushed his glasses back with his free hand. They had set a deadline for a reason and he had to remember that.

"Don't worry they will ring the bells when the ship is calling it's final passengers." Kieran reassured before tugging his wife along, "This port has gotten so busy that the last time I was here there was a little eatery. We can grab something light there." His silver gaze studied the crowds as he spoke and navigated them slightly away from the docks and towards a little line of merchant stalls and shops, set up specifically for travelers and their family members.

"Oh?" Kieran found his steps slowing as he waited to see what his wife had brought for him. He had noticed her packing earlier this morning but had originally assumed it was more supplies for her own journey back to their home. As the binding slipped away, layer by layer, he did indeed realize that it was a journal. She knew him well. A small smile curved up the corners of his lips, his obvious fondness for the gift reflected in his silver gaze as he moved to take the parcel into his own hands.

"Is this a hint for me to write down everything and send letters?" He teased quietly, "You know I'll always send letters home. I would never want to worry you needlessly." It was a habit that they had picked up years ago, long before they had even went on their first official date together, and the Yaeli man had never stopped writing to his family. If he could send packages of goods from the new lands he would send them as well. He was certain Belrea had a lot to offer, especially considering that they had flying ships. So surely he could send regular letters and even packages home for Taijana and the girls to enjoy. It would probably be about a year before he saw them again and so he would make every letter count.

Kieran hadn't looked at the details on the journal yet. He had focused more on navigating the docks so that they could get to the merchant stalls. The yaeli adventurer was almost ready to order some food before Taijana's words made him halt, "Who are waiting for me?" He repeated before slowly and surely glancing over at the journal cover again. Kieran had got a glimpse before when his hands ran over the smooth leather cover, but he had thought that it was just a design choice and nothing more. So what Taijana was telling him was that....

No. His gaze narrowed, his own mind incredulous of what she was hinting, and the Yaeli found himself almost at a loss for words. They had given up hope, right? Was Taijana still somehow hoping that she could have children? "But there's....three little stars." He finally managed the words after a long pause, his gaze slowly rising to meet his wife's questioningly.

Someone new...someone new. The words echoed in Kieran's mind, his gaze widening at his wife's suggestion. Was she truly suggesting what he thought she was suggesting? But we had tried so hard with no results. Why would Taijana be telling him this now? Was it still a dream or reality? Kieran swallowed, fighting to try to find the words to express his concerns and mainly questions, but he couldn't seem to bring himself to say anything. Would it be insulting if he just brushed off his wife's hopes? Or was he just being so pessimistic about their situation that he couldn't accept the truth that was right in front of him?

And then came the confirmation of his suspicions.

"One more?" Dare he hope that this was real? Kieran's steps completely still and his fingers clenched at the journal in his hands, "Are...are you sure, Taijana? When did you find out?" Better yet with the ship looming in the background of their discussion, travelers passing them towards the giant floating vessel, Kieran had to wonder why would she wait until now to tell him?

Kieran's breath hitched in his throat. Why hadn't she told him earlier? Even if the spirits had taken back the baby, if she had lost it....would he have just been kept in the dark? The thought surprised and upset the Yaeli man at the same time. He would have wanted to be there to comfort her. Why would Taijana want to take on that burden all by herself? His expression softened, slight hurt in his voice, "Tai why not tell me? I would have grieved with you if we had lost the baby." He would have rather much known what almost was than what never was.

"I'm glad that you did tell me now." Better late than never? Still Kieran couldn't help the knot that grew in his stomach. Would it be that easy to leave his wife knowing that she was indeed pregnant? "A whole year, Tai. Are you certain? I can always...I can figure something out." His fingers brushed over the journal one last time before he tucked it neatly away with his own travel bag. That way his hands were free to reach for his wife's hands and give them a gentle squeeze, "Please don't feel like you have to hide things from me, Taijana. I'll gladly take any part in your burdens. That's why I married you. If you feel like you want me to stay then you know I will find a way to stay. If I go I will make certain to be back within a year, if not sooner."

Kieran's gaze softened at the confession, "I can understand that." He replied quietly. He understood how caring his wife could be but it did not stop him from worrying about her. What if this had happened before and she didn't tell him? Was he such a bad husband that he couldn't even recognize if his wife was pregnant?

"That's true." Kieran slowly nodded at Taijana's reasoning. His wife had her family and their two oldest to help out. He would send letters and care packages as well while he was away, "Maybe Belrea will have some good medicines and teas to help with pregnancy. I hear that their medicine is top notch overseas. I will make certain to send you back anything I find." He promised with a hopeful smile. Surely if Taijana believed everything would be okay then he could also have faith in his wife to be strong during this time.

"It's okay. I just want to be allowed to worry about you as well." He replied quietly and gave her hand a squeeze, "I'll go but you have to promise to be careful and to check in with a healer often. Let's go ahead and get you food so that you'll be content on your way home. Order whatever you like." He knew about the cravings of pregnancy and would be expecting to be busy before the ship departed gathering whatever Taijana needed from the local merchants.

Kieran nodded, "I'll make note of that. When I come home you better expect a lot of medicines and similar gifts." Things to help the baby stay healthy and to help his wife rest up, "I'll take a lot of shifts to make up for the time I've been away."

"That's a promise. We'll keep in touch and I'll do my best to shorten my trip so that I can make it home." If he could get there before the baby arrived it would be even better. Kieran had never left Taijana alone during those final days before and just thinking about it now made his gut clench. Could he really stand leaving her alone? Surely, somehow he could make his trip quicker. Even if it meant several sleepless nights...he would try. He just wouldn't tell Taijana exactly how hard he planned on working to make it happen.

"We'll find out if they do." Kieran grinned, "Just here..." He glanced around and found an old stump that was a bit away from the main path, "Sit and wait? I'll go find some. Slipping his overcoat from his shoulders, Kieran placed it on the stump like a cushion and gestured for his wife to sit, "I'll be right back." He would help her settle on the new seat before darting off to find at least some, if not all, that she asked for.