"The logic is that your people don't worry about dying out," Niabheara said, a touch too sharply. She looked immediately guilty--then double-guilty, considering the circumstances. "I'm sorry. I know you didn't do it."

"I didn't think you did," Miranda replied. She was quiet again. "If you don't have children, what happens?" she asked. "If you...if you can't? Is that too rude of me to ask?"

She shrugged. "The true Niall line already ended with my father," she said. "I suppose I will not further offend my ancestors by adopting, so long as there's someone wearing the name 'round their neck."

Miranda took a deep breath. "If my daughter stays with you...I mean, if Cormac agrees, and all of that. And you don't have a child of your own...If you wanted to adopt her, I think that would be all right."

Niabheara went quiet, though her body tensed, her eyes darting nervously to the side. "Mira, that's something we won't know for ages yet. I wanted to keep her for you, so that you didn't have to decide between giving her up and not being able to care for her. But I . . . I really don't know. It might be a good thing." She felt herself veering inexorably toward babbling, and quickly shut herself up and changed directions. "I suppose what I really mean is that I wasn't expecting you to offer and I don't have a ready answer. I would have to talk to Marcello as well."

Miranda bit her lip, suddenly looking shy. "I hope it's not presuming too much. I...I do want you to keep her for me. And I certainly wouldn't pretend that I expect her to take the place of any of your own children. It's just...I thought maybe since she's sort-of-blood...it would work for everyone."

"She is blood. That's partly why I didn't feel right to send her away. I . . . I'm really not much more prepared to have a child than you are," she admitted, looking embarrassed. "More able, but not more ready."

Miranda nodded. "I know," she answered. "And I know that's a big decision.I just wanted to...well, say it. Because it hadn't occurred to me before, and I didn't know if you would."

Niabheara gave her a smile as tender as it was pained. "You are dear," she said, "and I know this isn't easy. Let me talk to your brother. I don't want to give an answer without him. Understand?"

"Of course," Miranda replied. "I feel the same way about Cormac." She smiled at the older girl. "So. We talk to the men, and then we can discuss this some more and decide what to do. Decide, at least for now, I mean."