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baby peeped at her and waved her hand in the air. Jill smiled and slipped her finger into the tiny velvety grip.
    Their little trio watched over the medics working frantically, and when they arrived at the medical centre, Rimash carried them after the still form of Imbri. The blood on the pathway let him follow at a stately pace even as the medics ran off.
    “Well, Imjay, I am sure that she will be fine.”
    The red eyes looked at her seriously through thick lashes.
    Rimash asked, “Imjay?”
    “Imjillema is a bit of a mouthful. Imjay is a lot easier.” She stroked the baby’s cheek.
    “I will arrange for clothing and a bed for her. What else do we need?”
    “Food, diapers, toys. That sort of thing.”
    “Right. I will notify the Childcare Archive. They can provide me with a list.” He was staring down at the baby in her arms.
    Imbri never woke up. She breathed her last at the Great Archive with her new child at her side. Jill was now a mother.
    Jill hadn’t considered children as an option because she had rejected the three suitors that her family had brought to her. She had been told that they wouldn’t find anyone else and that it would be disrespectful for her to consider a man from outside their traditions.
    So, she had dated, she had been careful and she had never considered making any permanent attachment.
    Imjay needed a mother, and Jill was going to have to rise to the occasion.
    “How do we proceed with the funeral?”
    “The Archive itself is making the arrangements. Her family on Selna will be notified, but her body will remain here. She will be laid to rest in the hall of the archives, with all honour paid to her.”
    “That is very nice.”
    “She gave birth to one of only a handful of citizens of the Great Archive. She deserves all that the Archive can offer in her rest.”
    A medic came up and inclined her head. “May I take the baby to check her over, Archive?”
    “Of course. May I come with?”
    “Of course, madam.” The medic reached out and scooped Imjay from her arms.
    With one last glance at Imbri, Jill followed her new daughter, and Rimash followed her, both of them dotted with the blood that had brought Imjay into the world.
    While the death was a tragedy, life awaited, and that life was wailing like a banshee all the way down the hall.
     

Chapter Six
     
     
    When Jill had a chance to sleep, she dreamed of wind, water and the heavy beat of wings. A low, slow song eased her back into dreams with less wildness and a calmer pace.
    Imjay squalled several times in the night, and each time, Jill got up, crossed the room, warmed a bottle and fed her. She also changed her and walked up and down the floor with her eyes nearly closed.
    The option to breastfeed had been opened to her, but it would take a few days for her body to change rhythm, so she opted for the nutrient mix that would help a Selna-Nyal grow big and strong.
    Her hair was currently black and silky, but Jill had been warned that it was probably temporary. Eyes and hair belonged to the Nyal.
    When Imjay was finally settled, Jill went to put her back in her bed, but she started to fuss. With a sigh, Jill went back to bed and put the baby on her chest. Imjay slept, and Jill went in search of the soft mental music.
     
    A hand on her shoulder woke her out of her sound sleep. Rimash was standing with Imjay tucked in one arm, and the baby was looking at her with bright eyes. Jill felt less than bright.
    “Good morning, Archive. Your breakfast is ready, your clothing is in the lav, hanging on the door and a triple dose of caf is waiting for you in that carafe. Get ready and I will explain your new schedule.”
    She got out of bed and staggered into the lav, greeting the shower with relief. Hot water was both relaxing and invigorating.
    She dried off, got dressed and brushed her hair, settling it in a soft twist. Her dress went on over her head, and she settled her headpiece in place before heading for breakfast.
    Imjay was