Daughter of a Ranger

Epilogue

Jemma was throwing up for the fifth morning that week. Lydia was holding her hair back, calling for Hal to get his mother. He did so, and Karina bustled in, Hal following close behind.

"Do you think she ate something funny?" Lydia asked Karina. She shook her head.

Hal answered for his mother. "We've all been eating the exact same things as Jemma. If she had eaten something funny, we would all be sick as well."

Hal then paused, and gave his mother a funny look. Karina gave him a confused glance, before Hal said quietly, "How long has it been since you saw David, your husband?"

Karina gave him another look before realization crossed her face.

"Jemma, dear, is it possible that you could be pregnant?"

Jemma paused and wiped her mouth. She pondered to the journey they had taken from Araluen...and that night...the night before they left for the journey.

"Oh my god." She said, making Lydia gasp.

"You're pregnant?" She said quickly. "This is great! You'll have a little baby running around, who you can take care of, and...why are you crying?"

Jemma had burst into tears, continuing to throw up. She hiccuped, then said, "I'm sorry...it's just...David isn't here...and...and...and my mum and dad are in Araluen too..."

"Hal, go talk to Thorn for a bit." Karina said. "If he asks, just tell him that Jemma's a little overwhelmed."

Hal nodded and left as Karina kneeled next to Jemma and brought her into a hug. "It's okay, dearie." She said quietly. "We're all here. We'll help you. Your child will be well looked after. Besides, you're safe here in Skandia."

Jemma nodded and buried her face into Karina's neck. Karina wrapped her arm's around Jemma, while Lydia did the same from behind, leving the three women in a group hug.

"Thank you." She whispered.

...

Jemma looked down at her babies in happiness.

"I can't believe they turned out to be twins." Stefan said, shaking his head.

Ulf and Wulf gave each other identical grins.

"So, have you got names?" Karina asked.

Jemma smiled, before saying, "Daniel, after my grandfather, and Stanley, after David's grandfather."

Ulf and Wulf started to chuckle, and Thorn shook his head. "It looks like we have another Ulf and Wulf on our hands."

"What do you mean?" Stig asked, as Hal, Lydia and Edvin started to chuckle as well. Karina smiled.

"She's named them Dan and Stan." Lydia shook her head. "I am seriously pondering if the names of your and David's grandfather's was a coincidence."

Jemma just continued to stare at her boys.

...

"There are people attacking Hallasholm! They said they wanted Jemma Treaty!" A young Skandian ran into Erak's hall.

Erak looked grim. He turned to Svengal, who was visiting, and said, "Go and find Hal. Tell him to get his crew and go. Protect Jemma and her children!"

Svengal nodded and raced away.

...

Jemma ushered Daniel and Stanley onto The Heron. The two two-year-olds giggled, excited, not understanding the urgency to Jemma's voice.

"Quick, hide!" She hissed. They didn't listen. She then had a thought. "Hide and Seek time! You go find a spot to hide!"

The two children giggled and raced away. Jemma watched to make sure they stayed on the boat. She then raced to help the others quickly load everything needed. They kept some supplies on board, but in the hour after they had been told to leave, they rushed to grab extra supplies and fresh food and water.

Karina waited on shore as they said their goodbyes.

"Thank you, Karina." Jemma hugged the woman. "For everything."

Karina nodded. "Stay safe, and look after the little ones."

As they sailed away, Jemma brought the kids out of their hiding places and got them settled down for a nap.

"I'm sorry." She said to the rest of the crew.

"For what?" Lydia inquired.

"You guys all have to sail away from Hallasholm, because of me and the kids."

"Don't be ridiculous." Thorn said. "We all love you and the twins. We'd protect you until our last breath."

Jemma smiled.

"Thank you." She said.

"What are friends for?" Hal smiled. "Let's go."