"Go ahead," Daria said. "I am content to make the formal announcement at service."
Hovan stood and raised his arms, claws fully extended in a stance that demanded the room's full attention. Silence fell, and he waited until every face in the dining room was turned toward him.
"In seven tenth-years, n'ruhar," he began, "we will have—"
Some breakfasters were quick to make the connection between the timespan and the previous night's First Sharing, no doubt aided by the little group's satisfied expressions.
"Female or male?" someone called.
"Female!" Hovan called back, too proud for Steve to be dismayed by the interruption.
Within seconds Tarlac and Daria were surrounded by well-wishers, being congratulated with obvious sincerity. There was no doubt in the Ranger's mind of that, as he found himself grinning like an idiot, accepting the compliments and feeling as pleased with himself as any Traiti male.
A clan-sized family had built-in safeguards against his swelling head, though. A youngling Steve couldn't remember meeting tugged at his shirt, and when he looked around, said, "Hey, ruchaya Steve, you don't talk funny any more."
Tarlac laughed. "Thanks! Think you could do any better, in English?"
The youngling grinned engagingly at him. "Sure I could, if you teach me."