More murmurs of shock went around, as Luca continued, his voice filled with excitement.
"The Goddess of Fertility had apparently already predicted such a problem would occur. She knew that I would have my own worries regarding this."
"And that's why she created a solution on her own."
His eyes sparkled. "And that solution is right here!"
Without warning, he strode to Leona and to her startled squeak, lifted the hem of her dress and pointed at her belly, where the sacred mark over there was shining brightly.
"This mark right here is exactly the gift that she has given all of you!"
The revelation hit the assembled elves like a wave of warmth and wonder.
One by one, they lifted their dresses, peering down at their own bellies.
To their utter surprise, the marks were shining, a soft, gentle glimmer that pulsed like a second heartbeat.
Luca watched their reactions with a satisfied smile, his hands resting on his hips.
"Like I mentioned before, this is called a Sacred Mark."
