Pt’this shifted uncomfortably. He had delayed shedding and now was paying for it. Recovery was taking longer. He was still glad he had waited though. To hear of Sapphire’s pregnancy made things more bearable. He never slept well when he was shedding. He thought a lot about the pregnancy and the baby. He imagined Sapphire with a swollen belly and swollen feet too, probably. He imagined holding and rocking the baby. He thought of possible names, both dragon, and human, to suggest to Sapphire. And he wrote to the baby as Thailyn had written to Ann. It was an old custom for dragons that had faded in practice. But, he decided to continue it anyhow. Ann had appreciated having her father’s letters, and while Pt’this had every intention of being around while the child grew up, there was no guarantee. He had tried contacting Ann and Nim to see how Sapphire was doing, but his telepathy was unreliable for some reason when he shed. There were usually scrying mirrors in the shedding caves for emergencies, but this one’s was missing. He’d have to report that when he could. He looked at the parts of him he could see. He wasn’t going to be done on time, but he would be far enough along he’d be able to go back. Maybe spend the night with Sapphire before they left, if they were careful. They hadn’t spoken of it, but he was sure she’d want to go too. He’d rather she’d stay in Sen-gan where she was safe although with Remtani being left in charge, there was absolutely no way she would do that. She could go to Thager, finish packing her things. They had brought most of her stuff to Sen-gan, but there was still a little left. But, just like she had refused to leave him at Dragon Castle when they were fighting Lyra, she wouldn’t leave him now.