Ruveila had met with Aria's father and mother just an hour before. The couple had heard she was alive and well and had been in Tortall as the announcement was made. She had spotted them at the market with her nephew in tow. It was the very issue that the couple had come to talk orginally to Findabhair about but decided Ruveila might be the easier option, as they were not so comfortable around the woman whom had married their ex son in law.

Ruveila had always been someone they enjoyed talking to and trusted very much, thus had the issue at hand been discussed. They found themselves unable to care for Santiago, as their business was not doing so well and the boy had problems they did not have the time or funds to work through. He didn't speak at all, though it was found out his voice did work, when he would cry and whine when he was hurt or wanted something.

The child seemed to know people were there but did not really communicate at all with them, using his expression to try to cue others in on what he needed. He was also unable to use the privy on his own, bathe or even eat without help. When Ruveila heard this, she felt horrid that her nephew seemed to have a mental block and he was not able to stay with the two whom had adopted him. As she knew she was already pregnant, she did not agree at first to take the child.

It was after much begging and pleading and her own heart that got to her that the Princess had agreed to adopt her nephew as her own. The child did not really seem to mind, as she was one of the females he had been attached to when a baby. Besides, in Ru's mind, this was good practice for her own child. So after agreeing and taking the formal paperwork with her, she and the Tyrans departed from one another, the boy clinging to her hand.

As she walked to a clothing store to try to find him some clothes and get a wardrobe started for him, she heard someone call out and turned around, Tio clinging to her skirt, peeking from behind it.

Fin smiled at her friend as she saw her walking into the same store she was going into. Fin called Ruveila's name as Yui walked ahead while Miaka clinged to her skirts as they walked up to her sister and their aunt. "Hi aunt Ruveila!" Yui said happily while Miaka just waved shyly at her aunt, though had a happy grin on her face to show her happiness at the sight of her aunt. "Hi ruveila! What are you...who the...He looks just like Sai...Ru...is that Santiago?" Fin interrupted herself as she noticed the small boy behind Ruveila. His uncanny resemblance to Sai freaked Findabhair out a bit, as if he were a ghost from the past.

Ruveila smiled at her nieces, as she was healed enough now to be able to play with them, though she was a bit short on time, trying to get prepared to reattend the University the coming year. " Yuitama... are you being a good girl and listening to your mother?" She asked the child, noticing how Santiago shrank back and hid behind her, though he peeked at Fin from behind Ru's skirt.

Hearing her question, Ruveila paused for a moment then nodded. ' It is Santiago.. Aria's parents can't care for him anymore... he can't hardly do anything on his own, except walking and crying. I had no choice but to take him.. I won't have the child be an orphan." She replied and would have picked the boy up, but she was seven months along now and there really no bending anymore for Ru.

Yuitama smiled widely as she nodded her head at Ruveila. "Yes aunty, I've been very good! Haven't I mama?" She said, looking back at her mother who simply nodded. Fin looked down at the boy, kneeling, unworried about her skirts. "Why was I never told about this? Why... why did they not tell me? Is this why they tried to keep him from me? Why...why wouldn't they ask me to care for him? He is Sai's...I would have loved to." Tears sprang to Fin's eyes as she looked over at Sai's mini-me. "Hello Santiago...I'm Fin, these are your sisters, Yui and Miaka.." She said sweetly, pointing to his sisters in turn and both looked at their mother confused. That was their brother?

Ruveila sighed softly, a hand resting on the boy's head. " It is because when you married my brother and had a son, the council feared a civil war with Aoki and Santiago over whom was the rightful heir, so they planned to kill him and make it look like a botched kidnapping. I found out and took him away myself and to Aria's parents.. at the time I was not aware of his... problems." Ruveila started, hating the policy as much as she was sure Fin would.

" You got the girls because they can't inherit the throne... Aoki is recognized as the Emperor and Saihitei's rightful heir, and even if the boy here had not been shoved aside, his mental problems would have had him removed anyhow.. but because Aoki is the one ruling... well you right now till he is of age.. you are able to overrule the council and make the call of his fate." She added, sighing softly.

It was all so complicated. " I just fear you being able to handle it... I am even scared I can't.. but I was not going to leave him all alone... Fin he has to be watched almost constantly and you have to do everything for him.. he doesn't understand how..."

What Ru explained angered Findabhair to no end. "What the...He's a child!" She half screeched as she held her hand out to the boy. "I don't care what it takes. He is Sai's son. I could not abandon him...he's as much mine as...Ruveila you know I can't let you keep him." She said softly, hoping not to anger her best friend. "I love you but that is too much to take on. You're pregnant and going back to University, Yui and I could take care of him, she's already like a mother to the other children. You should see her. I could take care of him Ru...honest." She said, as if trying to prove herself.

A hint of relief flooded through the female as Fin practically demanded to take Santiago. As much as she would have loved to argue it, she knew it was best for the child to be with family and Fin had enough people protecting her that he would be safe, not like with herself, whom was a target as soon as she gave birth to her child.

I.. can't rightly argue you on that.. its your right if you wanted to take him. He doesn't really talk, though its obvious he can, I just don't think he understands how..." She said, handing the documents and notes she had gotten from Aria's parents.

" Everything about him is contained in there, as well as a birth certificate and everything.. I wish I could care for him but I'll be doing well to deal with one child and what with the University and trainingfrom Kataru and Nobutada.. I am going to be busy." She replied, feeling a bit depressed but knowing she was doing the right thing, as she had when she took him to Aria's former home.

A sharp kick reminded the Princess that it was time to eat. " It seems my little passenger is demanding nourishment... and eating sounds good to me right about now as well." She replied, smiling slightly. She seemed less down and more positive than she had been since she had come back.

Fin nodded, taking the papers and placing them in her apron pockets. "Alright...thank you Ruveila, so much..." She said softly, "I'm sure we can get him talking and laughing in no time. We have enough help in our home." She said with a smirk. "Oh! How rude! Yes, I think that'd be wonderful, would you two like that? Something to eat?" She asked, both Yui and Miaka answered in the positive. "Well then, how about you Santiago? Would you like to go eat with us?" She tried, hoping interacting with him would help.

Ruveila smiled and then looked down to Tio, which was what Aria's parents had nicknamed him and he seemed to respond to. " Is Tio hungry...?" She asked, patting her stomach and the boy looked at all the females and then patted his stomach and opened his mouth and pointed inside, like he was saying he was hungry too.

It was at that point that Ruveila gently prodded him forward and the boy looked back at her then over to Fin and moved closer to her, pausing for a moment, then latching onto Fin's skirts. Ruveila smiled again. " I think he is trying to understand that you feed him now... probably best that you do, and then the girls can help.. so he gets to know them."

The Princess replied, looking around for a place to eat. " I seen a healer today Fin. She said I will probably give birth in late December or early January."

Fin watched Ru interact with the boy, smiling. She was sure she could do this now. When the boy came to her she patted his head lovingly. "Yes I think they'd love to get to know their brother." She said, pointing at one of her favorite cafes, a silent suggestion. "Really?! Oh that's so exciting...and soon!"

Ruveila blushed slightly at the excitement her sister was showing. " I am guessing the girls here are as excited as you are.." She replied, seeing a bigger smile from her oldest niece. She had always been very close to Yuitama and Miaka, as she was there to see them born and had always been their favorite relative, and Ru was really glad Fin had married Saihitei, because she would have been devestated at her nieces fate if not for Fin being so strong and there for them.

The Princess nodded her head and walked with the group to the small cafe. She had some things to share with Fin. " Another bit of information the healer told me is that my baby is sitting really low in my abdomen from what she can feel and thus the labor might not be so long.. and I hope she is right.. I don't do so well with lots of pain." She said, picking out the table for them then sitting down.

" I feel so much more lighthearted and less sad since I talked to Lady Vania, and I know you remember her. Anyhow.. now that Leon and I are different people.. it will be like getting to know each other all over again... maybe there is a chance for us to become close as we once were again and I am trying to hold out for that hope. But I am trying to make a life for myself and do things right, as I want my baby to have a good example to follow." She added, looking at Fin after this. It would seem that the old Ru's optimism had finally returned and while different and her lower face veiled, she was still the same woman inside she had always been.

Fin smirked as her daughters nodded their heads happily, both showing their joy. Fin patted Ru's hand at the healers news as they found a table. "Really? That's good. How have you been lately? You know I can help with any aches you've got right? There is no need to pay for a healer." She stated softly.

At Ru's admittance that she was feeling better, emotionally at east, Fin wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Ru that's wonderful, I knew you'd bounce back. "She said then squeezed Ru's shoulders. "Though don't worry, I'm sure you wil grow on Leon again, you've just got to give him time."

" Oh Yama... my feet hurt all the time and do does my lower back since it feels like the baby dropped further down.." Ruveila replied, the dropping of the baby further down meant one thing, she probably would be giving birth within a matter of weeks.. her own mother had carried her children the same way and about a month after the "drop" , Hinote would go into labor.

Looking at Fin, she smiled again. " I think that.. they..have forgiven me.... I just feel like the burden of their deaths is off my back... and Maybe I can get back to being the old me in some ways, though I have been trying to get used to reading with only one eye." She replied, remembering the healer's words about how she might someday gain back some use of the eye. Fin would know that by they, she meant Tanith and Saihitei.

Fin nodded, making a list of potions and salves she could get for these ailments. "Alright, remind me when we leave, you can come by the house. I should have some things for you." She stted, going into healer mode.

As Ru talked, Fin patted her hand. "I'm glad...though there was really nothing for them to forgive."

" I shall accompany you after our meal then, as I am not about to turn down any help I can get, I need to stop trying to do everything on my own, swallow my pride and let people help me... " Ruveila replied, smiling slightly and ruffling Yui's hair.

As she sat down and looked over the menu, she felt move movement from the baby and giggled, as it sort of tickled. " So... if memory serves me.. there is a festival coming up... are you planning to attend?"

Fin nodded with a small smile. "Good, I think I can help you with that swallowing your pride bit.." She teased. Though at the mention of the festival, Findabhair winced. For as soon as the word festival was uttered, Yuitama and Miaka started begging to go. "Well...I had wanted it to be a surprise...but yes. We are going." She stated, earning a screech of happiness from the girls.

Ruveila cringed slightly. " So sorry Fin.. I didn't know you wanted to suprise them... " She replied, biting her lower lip for a moment and her gaze drifting downward, distracting herself with the menu before ordering a large salad and some green tea. " I am trying to stay away from a lot of red meat.. mother says it can cause a baby to grow too big." She said as she handed the menu to the man whom had come to take their orders.

Findabhair simply laughed it off with a shrug. "No worries Ruveila, they were to know sooner or later." She said good- naturedly. Fin ordered the same for herself though she also ordered a couple veggie and fruit plates for the girls to snack on as well as some juice. "Wow, I've never heard that of red meat before. I guess I got lucky with the twins then...umm Ru, are there any meals that Tio prefers?"

" He does not eat meat... at least no one could get him to anyway." Ruveila replied, then thought about something and blushed. " I wonder what my baby is going to like... either he is going to hate melon or love it.. because I am always craving that and spicy curry." The Princess shared. She was thinking about Leon again.

Fin nodded and ordered the same for Tio as his sisters. "I believe that means they will like it. Since the twins are just beginning to eat solids though, I'm not quite sure." Fin stated when the waitress left. "Though when I was pregnant I couldn't stand anything spicy. It gave me the worst heartburn."

Oddly enough, Ruveila still had the dreamy smile on her face each time she finished speaking, wondering if Fin could tell she was still in love with Leon even if she had let go of the idea of being with him for the time being, the hope of it being rekindled would never die. " Maybe so... I think the baby will have the Gift... probably fire.. being it seems to like warmth so much... almost reminds me of Leon.. it would be interesting if the baby did turn out of fire."

Findabhair giggled at this new development. "Well, if you to do get back together, then it would be fairly easy to convince strangers that the child is his. He's famous around here." She said with a small smile before leaning against the table. "Now, are you going to tell me what the silly smile is for or do I have to tickle it out of you?"

Ruveila held a finger to her lips and blushed heavily. " I can only hope we do end up back together.... I.. can't fully ignore how I feel." She started, not sure if she should bring up the kiss or not... she was still trying to sort it out in her mind.

Fin smiled at her best friend, patting her hand encouragingly. "Well, has he given you any reason to hold onto how you feel for him?" She asked, always the perceptive best friend, Fin knew exactly what to ask.

Ruveila thought about the question carefully for a moment, the blush growing more prominant. She then leaned in to whisper to Fin. " This does not leave us but he kissed me... then said he was sorry... but Fin.. it felt just like before... and of course his daughter, Vania and her daughter Aleiah walked in after that... and it made us both feel awkward.... so I don't know what to do now... I am actually supposed to be on bedrest but I don't listen so well..."

Findabhair leaned in to listen carefully. She couldn't help the grin that spread over her face. "Well, it seems that he just needs some time to adjust. He had himself convinced you were dead, you can't just undo that overnight." She stated before sighing. "Love, you need to rest, you surely look like that child shall pop out any moment."

" I think it was some of the past feelings that came over both of us.. I fell before and he was helping me up when we just were sort of staring at each other and then it happened.. it was a pretty serious kiss too... oh.. what is my problem.. I can't seem to let go... something keeps telling me not to.. maybe Leon could be..." She said softly then shook her head.. she should be more focused on listening to her heales for a change.

" I know.. I know. But I get lonely up there and never get much fresh air and I don't really like being in the Palace.. I feel like everyone there is talking about me and most of probably isn't good...now I can understand how some commoners must feel when at the Palace." She replied witha sigh and cringed... ok that kick hurt.

Fin rolled her eyes at her best friend. "As usual, you're over-thinking things Ruveila. You need to just sit back and let things happen... " Findabhair stated, sitting back in her chair so Miaka could climb onto her lap. "Ru you know you can stay at my place, at least until Uni starts again."

" If only I could.. but...mother wants me to stay at the Palace where the head healer and my new maid are living at the moment. I was shocked to find out that Tanith had an adopted daughter... I did not know until I spoke with the girl.. her name is Tenten." Ruveila shared, clearing her throat.

She then stopped talking as her food and drink arrived and her attention became focused on that.

Fin nodded in understanding, after all, it did make sense. "Alright...but you can come down anytime you can...after you have the babe. Until you're off bedrest, Ill just come to you." she stated, not letting Ru get out of bedrest on her account.

When Fin and the kids got their food, Fin put her plate off to the side and made sure the kids' piees weren't too big. Realizing Tio wasn't able to feed himself, she fed him and began to eat her food interchangeably.

Ruveila sighed and rested a hand on her swollen stomach after she finished eating. " I don't really get much in the way of visitors... so maybe thats why I feel so trapped at the Palace." The Princess replied with a soft sigh, feeling the child cease movement within her womb.

Before the woman could say much else, a older Yaman accented voice called out. " There you are Highness... we've been looking everywhere for you! You are supposed to be in bed!" The female said and then looked over at Fin and bowed respectfully. " Your Imperial Majesty.. do forgive my rudeness..." Tenten said, then turned to Ruveila again. " Now now... back to your room with you... unless you want to lose the babe and have it early."

Fin was about to reply when the woman came. She bowed her head as did her two little princesses. "Yes Ru, you should go. We will visit you soon as we can. I'll even bring the twins, its been some time since you've seen them."

Ruveila grumbled something under her breath before letting Tenten help up and brace her as the healer turned back to the group. " Just look in the royal wing for the blue hued room, its where she will be." The woman said, walking Ruveila away from the group, as the Princess waved goodbye helpless to resist when she knew it was the right thing to do.