Private Tales Brothels and Broken Things

[Cassian]

"I know." he nodded, his knuckles gentle grazing up and down her arm as he watched the child sleep. "But she's safe and loved and she knows it." he answered quietly and turned to press a kiss to Lexi's temple.

"Let's not borrow worry." he smirked. They were both here, both safe, and that was all that mattered to him right now or ever.

"Get some sleep.. I'll watch her."

 

[Lexi Quinzell]

There was clear relief in the slump of Lexi's shoulders; she hadn't wanted to sleep and leave their daughter unguarded. There was no safer place in the world than this city, Lexi was convinced, but her hormones and emotions were so strong right now she was convinced the only two people who could guarantee that were her and Cassian. None of the others could love Daphne like they did.

"Wake me if she fusses," she gently moved the small bundle into Cassian's arms and settled down to sleep. It didn't take long before her breathing told him she was deep asleep.

 

[Cassian]

Cassian's thumb softly brushed against Daphne's cheek, marvelling at the tiny miracle he and Lexi had created together. The weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders, but he pushed aside any worries, focusing on the present moment. He glanced towards Lexi, her peaceful expression confirming her deep slumber. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, knowing that she trusted him to keep their daughter safe.

As the minutes turned into hours, Cassian remained vigilant, observing every gentle rise and fall of Daphne's chest as she slept. He couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonderment at the innocence and vulnerability of this tiny life entrusted to their care. He studied the delicate perfection of their daughter's features, from the soft curve of her eyelashes to the tiny button nose. Her tiny fingers curled around his own, and he couldn't help but be amazed at how such a small being could hold so much of his heart.

Hours passed before Daphne stirred in her sleep, emitting a soft whimper. Cassian's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly adjusted his hold, soothing her with a gentle sway and hushed whispers which quickly settled the infant back to a peaceful slumber. Cassian gently pressed a kiss to the child's downy head, his heart swelling with tenderness. He whispered words of adoration and promises of a lifetime of safety and love.

As fingers of first light crept into the room, exhaustion began to tug at Cassian's own eyelids. He leaned his head against the headboard, still cradling Daphne with utmost care. Despite his weariness, he remained resolute in his duty to watch over their daughter. He relished in the softness of her tiny breaths against his skin, in the feeling of Lexi's warmth radiating beside him. It was his sanctuary, one that he would fiercely protect.

 

[Lexi Quinzell]

There was a light knock on the bedroom door in the early hours of the morning. The usual bustle of the city outside had already started as most of the Ravens and the townsfolk set about their every day lives. It was a sharp contrast to the feeling in their sanctuary, where two peoples worlds had been changed forever.

After the knock Tahlia popped her head round. Her eyes instantly went to her daughter and when she registered she still breathed, the older woman seemed to relax and some of the shadows disappeared from her eyes. Making sure to keep quiet she stepped inside.

"I thought you might not have slept much," she murmured, revealing she carried a tray of coffee and food which she set down on a small side table. "I can take her for a bit, if you'd like to get some sleep. The doctor said he would call in in a few hours to check on Lexi," she offered a tight lipped smile but it was clear Tahlia still feared for her daughters life. Keeping busy was a way of not going mad with the thought.

 

[Cassian]

Cassian's eyes flickered with a mixture of weariness and gratitude as Tahlia popped her head round the bedroom door. His gaze softening as he noticed the relief in Tahlia's eyes as she looked over Lexi, even if it was overshadowed by the lingering worry that plagued her.

Silently, Cassian nodded, acknowledging Tahlia's understanding of their sleepless night. He welcomed her into the room with a tired smile, appreciating the tray of coffee and food she carried. The gesture spoke volumes of her care and concern for their well-being. As she set the tray down, he replied in a hushed voice, careful not to disturb Lexi's rest.

"Thank you, Tahlia. We could use some rest," Cassian admitted, his voice tinged with exhaustion. "It's been a long night."

He watched as Tahlia's tight-lipped smile revealed her own worries and fears. Cassian understood the struggle to keep busy and maintain a semblance of normalcy in the face of uncertainty. He reached out and briefly squeezed her hand, a gesture of mutual support.

"She's in good hands with her grandmother. Thank you for bein' here for us, Tahlia."

Carefully, he shifted Daphne into Tahlia's waiting arms, and as he relinquished his hold on their daughter, he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—relief at the chance to rest beside Lexi and a touch of apprehension at letting go.

Cassian turned his attention back to Lexi, his heart swelling with love as he saw her peacefully sleeping. He settled down beside her, mindful of not disturbing her slumber, and took a moment to appreciate the quiet strength she exuded even in her vulnerability.

With Tahlia's support and the promise of the doctor's visit, Cassian allowed himself to relax, finding solace in the warmth of their sanctuary. He reached out to gently brush a strand of hair away from Lexi's face, and in the embrace of that quiet room, Cassian closed his eyes, his weariness finally catching up with him.

 

[Lexi Quinzell]

Lexi eventually groggily woke to the sounds of quiet laughter from the other room. Her body felt battered and bruised in a way she had never experienced before and she winced as she shifted her position. The warm comforting weight of Cassian at her back made her smile and for a moment, she shut her eyes and let sleep call to her with it's siren song.

Until a child's nonsensical babbling made her remember.

"Daphne..." she murmured beneath her breath and tried to sit up until a firm hand pushed her back down. Blinking against the light coming into the room she frowned to see the Doctor's solemn face. Her first thought of course was for her child. "Is she okay?!"

"Yes, yes," the Doctor reassured her quietly, glancing across to Cassian. "You just need to rest. Commander," he drew himself up to his full height, steeling himself against what he knew was going to come. "I'm putting you on bedrest for six weeks."

"SIX WEEKS?!"

 

[Cassian]

Cassian's eyes flew open, his body instinctively reacting to the sound of Lexi's distress. Adrenaline surged through his veins prepared to confront whatever danger awaited them. He sat bolt upright, fists clenched as he grunted something inconceivable. Lexi. Daphne. Doctor...

A breath shuddered from him as his senses fully awakened and he realised that there was no immediate threat. His hand dragged down his face and settled over his racing heart, urging it to calm.

"Whassis?.." he rumbled, turning his frown to the doctor. Six weeks??

Realisation washed over him, the doctor's words replayed in his mind, emphasizing the fragility of Lexi's condition and the necessity of her rest. The gravity of the situation settled heavily upon him, reminding him of the delicate balance between life and loss they had teetered on.

Cassian slowly untangled himself from the sheets, his movements deliberate as he shifted closer to Lexi. Concern etched deep lines on his forehead and he reached to take her hand in his, intertwining their fingers. The fear of losing her had gripped his heart so tightly, and now, faced with the reality of her vulnerability, he was overcome with a renewed sense of protectiveness and a fierce determination to ensure her well-being.

"It might feel like an eternity, Lex, but if it's what we need to do for you to recover then it's what we're gonna do.." he winced, his voice laced with trepidation. Of all of the things that Lexi had faced, she'd no doubt rather face any of it again before six weeks of bedrest. "We'll get through it."

 

[Lexi Quinzell]

Lexi whirled on her soon to be husband with wild eyes.

"Get through it?!" she spluttered. She had barely been able to do a day or two during the Sickness period of her pregnancy and even then she had at least been able to sit at her desk and write reports in between episodes. From the look in the Doctors eyes she wouldn't be stepping a toe out of this bed unless it was for a bath or to relieve herself. She could feel a part of her withering at the thought.

"Perhaps if your stitches are healing well, by three weeks you can go for a short walk," the Doctor continued, oblivious or uncaring to his increasing likelihood of strangulation. Lexi opened her mouth but the sour-faced man continued. "I've already discussed it with Master Kain, he is prepared with Farah's help to take over Command until you are fit to return, something we will review at the end of the six weeks."

 

[Cassian]

He'd never admit it to her, but six weeks of Lexi and Daphne was a prospect that made him want to burst with joy. Here, in their home, looking after his family, bonding with their daughter. Lexi being safe.. He might've kissed that doctor on the mouth if it wouldn't have earned him a death glare from his betrothed.

They'd never get this time back, and so he'd appreciate every single minute of it. He cooked and cleaned drew baths and wandered their apartment at all hours of the night with a bundled Daphne when she woke, telling stories and singing quiet gypsy songs until she fell back to sleep..

Every day, the end of Lexi's house arrest grew closer, and Cassian tried his best to wish it away until it was only a day away..

"You look a little pale.. Maybe you should give it another week, eh?.." he squinted. It was worth a try...

 

[Lexi Quinzell]

Lexi looked up from where Daphne nuzzled during her feed to shoot Cassian a look. The Captain of the White Ravens had been good at The Look before, but somehow motherhood had made it more lethal. Even Kain who had learnt over the years to go toe to toe with her when needed had gulped and backed down more often than before at her new perfected Look.

The six weeks for Lexi has been far from pleasant. Whilst she had adored her time with her daughter and Cassian, had laughed as they had painted rooms and felt a happiness she couldn't explain when she had watched him with their child, a part of her had been climbing the walls. The first two weeks the doctor had not even let her set a foot out of the bed unless it was to use the bathroom. After that she had been allowed to go to the sofa in the livingroom, and the week after that she'd finally been given permission to 'move about the house'. She was damn well near to losing her mind.

Not to mention the worry of the Ravens.

She trusted Kain to run things in her stead but there was still a killer out there. Loose. Someone who wanted her people dead - a people who now included her daughter.

"All it is is a walk," she reminded him oh too calmly. "I don't take back command for another week. Don't you want Daphne to know what the sun is?"

 

[Cassian]

Cassian found himself reminding Lexi often that he was the father of her child, and that they should not allow her to witness any volatility. Every time Lexi looked at him like that he used their daughter like a metaphorical shield, and he was not ashamed. His wife-to-be was a terrifying woman when she wanted to be.

He had gotten so used to their little safe haven. So convinced that something terrible might happen should they venture outside the front door. But, Lexi was right, of course, and so he ran his hand over his face and huffed.

"Of course I do.. I jus, well people have been wantin' to meet her an' I didn't want to take her out without you so I was waitin', an' I just want you to be sure that you're alrigh' - I mean there's probably hoards of people out there, hoards." he rambled, flailing a hand toward the window before squeezing at the back of his neck and forcing himself to calm himself a bit.

"A short walk. Just.. don't over-do it." he sighed in resignation, lifting Daphne's blankets to bundle her.

 

[Lexi Quinzell]

Lexi stared at him as he rambled, paced, then lifted Daphne from her arms to swaddle her.

"It's not hoards, it's the White Ravens. Our people," she reminded him as she uncurled her legs and stood. She had not admitted to Cassian nor the doctor, but her body had needed the time off. Even if her mind had slowly gone insane. Even now she could feel the twinge of her still healing stitches as she moved about. Sedate walk indeed.

"And it'll be a damn sight better meeting them out there than them attempting to crowd in here," she had had to put her foot down when Tryst the half giant had tried to barge his way in, nearly taking out the door as he did so. He'd been smug every since discovering his prediction on the sex of their baby had been correct. Lexi took a step towards him, running a hand over the soft curls of their daughters head before leaning up to press a kiss to her fiance's lips.

"I need to leave these rooms Cass, or I'm going to break."

 

[Cassian]

Cassian sighed against her kiss, giving a quiet rumble in approval as her affection settled him. She was right, of course, and his chest ached at her words about breaking.

"Sorry love." he frowned, dragging his knuckles down her cheek, and jerked his chin toward the door with a light smirk.

Daphne was bundled into a sling against Cassian's chest, freeing up his hands should he require to stab anyone in the face. He took Lexi's hand and pressed a kiss to their daughter's head before stepping out into the mid-day sunlight.

"So far, so good." he muttered, and carried on down the path.

 

[Lexi Quinzell]

Well, at least it wouldn't be today that she put Cassian on his arse for the first time in front of their daughter. Lexi would have called that growth except that the day was still young and they had a whole walk to get through.

The feel of the sun again on her bare skin made her sigh and the tension that had been building steadily in her shoulders during her confinement began to ease. With it so did the tightness in her chest. She hadn't known how her emotions might have erupted if Cassian hadn't let her leave, but she knew that it would have been bad. She didn't want her daughter to see that side of her so early in her life.

It wasn't long into their walk that Ravens came into view going about their every day lives. The cadets were running to lessons, Lieutenants were shouting orders, Librarians were hurrying with stacks of books. The sight made her suck in a breath. She'd missed this, missed them.

"LEXI! CASS!" one of the white robed figures detached itself and Alec was soon jogging towards them with a huge grin. "You're free!" Lexi snorted a laugh.

 

[Cassian]

Cass walked with one hand in Lexi's, and one protective hand on Daphne's head, quietly explaining the world outside to her as she blinked at it from where she lay against his chest, her eyes above on the clouds and birds.

He grinned at the sight of Alec, but it fell and his eyes rolled. "It was hardly a fu--dgin' prison.." he frowned and cleared his throat, glancing down at the child as though she might reprimand him for his choice of language..

"Uncle Alec is what we call a smart ass.." he murmured to her, pressing a kiss on her head. He looked around, a brow arching. "Good to see the city still stands..." he mused, and carried on toward the training fields. People gushed over the babe as they walked, and Cassian was all too happy to introduce her as they stopped to say hello.

Lexi was a happy sight for many, and he couldn't help but feel a little selfish at his willingness to keep her from them. People were gentle, much to Cassian's relief, and he found himself grow far more emotional than any man should at the sight of a small child rush up to Lexi with a fistful of plucked wildflowers.

Perhaps he did need some guy time..

 

[Lexi Quinzell]

Lexi and Alec shared matching grins at Cassian's huff before the young cadet fell into step beside his friends and chatted away about the recent progress in training.

During her doctor enforced bedrest, Kain had refused to so much as give her one paper report. Not even a boring one like how much the cooks had spent on potatoes this last autumn harvest. She'd needled, subtly queried and out right begged for anything but her Second had always point blank refused to talk of anything to do with work. Alec's familiar report loosened another knot she hadn't known she had been carrying. Everything had survived with out her. Begrudgingly, she could admit Kain had done well.

At least, until a small child ran up to her with flowers.

"Clearly, people have forgotten my reputation," she muttered after forcing herself to smile and thank the small child who then wobbled off back to his mother. They waved when she caught their eye. "Oh fuck, they think I'm one of them now don't they?" She sounded almost panicked. "Oh fuck they're coming over, fuck they're going to ask about mother and baby group meetings aren't they - fuck, fuck, fuck."

 

[Cassian]

"One of them?.." Cassian asked with a quiet laugh. "Aren't you?.." he asked, and catching wind of the impending social interaction, shot Lexi an amused look.

"You know, you can still be a fearsome commander and a mother at the same time. It won't ruin your reputation," he assured her, offering a comforting smile, which fell as he looked between Lexi and Alec with genuine interest.

"There's a mother and baby group?.."

 

[Lexi Quinzell]

"Of course there are," Alec blinked at the question as though it were absurd, then seemed to realise who Cassian was. Since Daphne's birth it was often easy to forget the man had spent most of his time stationed there in the Pits, the training ground, or their apartments. He cleared his throat looking a little bashful. "I mean, not everyone here is a soldier. There's a whole section of the city that's reserved for families, day cares, mother baby gr---"

"Sshh, she's coming!" Lexi scowled but smoothed her face into a smile - albeit a painted smile - as the curvy blonde with her own bundle of chubby joy stepped up to them. She was flanked by two others and behind them a father with his own babe strapped to his chest gave a small, awkward wave.

"So lovely to see you out again, Lexi," the blonde smiled in an overly sweet way that made Lexi's strained smile falter entirely. "I would have thought with all that time in bed you would have answered our invite to our group sooner!"

"Ah, well, you know. Doctors orders. Nothing stressful for six week," Alec nudged her in the ribs. "Not that... baby groups are... stressful.."

 

[Cassian]

Cassian's brow quirked with apparent intrigue as Alec spoke, but he refrained from response as he noted the scowl on Lexi's face and turned to face the onslaught of parents with her, as he would face any enemy. His hand settled protectively on the back of his daughter's head, as though one of the other infants might suddenly grow and wish to marry her.

The silence was awkward for a moment before Cassian's throat cleared. "Actually, I'll be attendin' the eh, group. At least, until Commander Quinzell has things in order.." he announced nonchalantly, eying the man with the ugly child and trying not to make a face. He'd ensure to keep his insistence that their child was the most beautiful child ever to child in the history of children, until after they'd gone.

 

[Lexi Quinzell]

Lexi tried not to sag with obvious relief.

"You?" the woman looked momentarily surprised then seemed to realise she had spoken aloud and recollected herself. "Derek here will be so glad to have some more male company I'm sure. I'm Felice, by the way," she held out a hand with another of her signature pinched smiles. Her eyes drifted from Cassian's down to the bundle strapped to his chest and her eyes seemed to lighten. "And this is the precious bundle of joy that's the talk of the city, hm?"

Alec put his hand reflectively on his sword and Lexi had to swat it away though the urge to do the same filled every fibre of her being.

"Her name's Daphne," Lexi said with as much politeness as she could muster.

"Oh isn't she a little angel, and you're so good with her," Felice practically cooed up at Cassian all smiles and fluttery eyelashes. Lexi considered letting Alec skewer her.

 

[Cassian]

Cassian had always had a problem with schooling his expression to comply with social etiquette. He frowned at the woman as he reached to accept her hand, as though there weren't a million other things he'd rather do with said hand than accept a handshake from the pinch-faced little troll.

"Cassian." he murmured, suddenly regretting what he'd signed himself up for.

"Thanks for your assessment... We should get goin', lots of friends to visit. Male friends. Manly ones." he nodded and looked to Lexi for help.

 

[Lexi Quinzell]

"Don't be a stranger!" Felice called as Lexi all but hurled Cassian out of there after he'd made their excuses. She hadn't bothered to say goodbye herself. Alec trailed after them trying not to laugh.

"You know you don't actually have to go to those meetings, right?" she shot Alec a look that promptly made him swallow his sniggering and peered up at Cassian with a mix of alarm and concern. "They're a bunch of tiny terrorists from what I hear." Lexi hadn't had to have many dealings with them in the past. They didn't cause any trouble worth a Commander's time and she'd been content to let her lieutenants deal with it when necessary.

"Derek's alright," Alec chimed in. "But he does do everything Felice says, I think he's scared of her. They all are."

 

[Cassian]

“You’re sooo good with her..” the adult man screwed his face up and mocked Felice with the air of a petulant teenager as Lexi led him away.

“The..." he paused, covering Daphne's ears.. "..fuck is that supposed to mean?" he whispered, his brow knit, and he scoffed at Alec. "I'm not afraid of her. I'm terrified of one woman and one woman only." he assured with a hesitant look at Lexi.

"Oh, no, I'm goin'." Cassian snorted smugly, lowering his voice as he dipped to whisper near Daphne's ear. "We'll show them all how ugly all those other babies are." he assured with a smirk.

It was then he heard Kain's demands echo from the training arena. "Lets go see uncle Blue Balls."

 

[Lexi Quinzell]

Alec coughed uncomfortably when Lexi returned Cassian's hesitant look with a slow, sinister smirk that promised pleasure with his fear.

The young lad was saved from any other heated looks or words as they stepped through the entrance to the training ground. Kain was standing in the middle of a group of roughly twenty young cadets, no older than 16. He walked among the pairings offering critics as they tried to savage one another with blunt wooden sword. From the hollow crack they made with every impact though, it was uncertain if they were much worse than a steel blade.

Kain glanced up at their approach and a grin split his face.

"There's the happy family," he called, walking over and leaving the cadets to continue.

 

[Cassian]

He didn't even bother to hide his shudder, nor his grin, nor in fact the waggling of his brows.

"And that, kid, was how you were made." he whispered atop the child's head.

The sounds from the training ground drew his attention, and his smile grew at the sight of Kain, whom he clapped on the shoulder.. "How's the new lot doin'?" he asked, looking by him with a sigh. Gods he missed fighting.