Lisieux Family/The Arrival of Justine

The knocking at her door was unceasing. Desi sat up angrily and stared at it. "Come in if you must, Abby, but please stop that racket!" Abby entered, and carried something in her arms, swaddled in cloth. Desi stared curiously, and the maid approached cautiously. "Abby... what's that..."

There was a small cry, and Desi gasped. She took the bundled babe into her arms. It was an adorable baby girl, green eyes and dark brown locks. Abby took a folded note from the hand of the small, sleepy child. "It hasn't been read, m'lady." Desi nodded and opened the letter, still holding the baby.

My dear Desi,

This is my baby girl, Justine. She is about a month old now, I believe. My dearest cousin, I give her to you. I am leaving the Akadian League for a new life elsewhere. The father of the child, Kayne II Himoura, left for Sirion on the East Continent a few months ago. Not only did he not return, but I found out from my beloved half-sister Ariadne that she slept with him too! (As for Ariadne, we shall have to discuss her later. Just stay away - she's out to get us!) In any case, I am leaving for a new life, on the East Continent in Fontan, as it happens. I plan on becoming an infiltrator. Desi, my love, be careful. I'll try to take out Ariadne if I can, but I'm not sure what will happen. Please take care of Justine. I truly love her, but my life in EC.. I won't be able to support her. Tell her as she grows that her mother loves her and misses her. Care for her as one of your own.

Take care, sweet cousin....

With love, Lady Esme Lisieux

She hugged Justine and the letter to her chest, a small tear falling from the corner of her eye. What on earth had Esme gotten into? And such a mess that suddenly Desi was taking on a child, not her own, but to be raised as if she were. And how would Leon react? It was a potential nightmare, and Desi knew she was going to have to draw from her inner strength to make it through this unexpected arrival. She kissed Justine on the forehead, and handed her back to Abby.

"Take her to the small extra bedroom, and immediately begin preparing it as a nursery. I must speak with my fiancee."

Lady Desiderata Lisieux (Dame of Lantzas)