Post by Lady Eirian Gwenyth Apollius on Jul 29, 2008 18:33:46 GMT -6
Yesterdays Fancy: The note upon which the Lady of the Valley had returned to her estate was struck on determination comingled with an air of foreboding. Every shadow and presence beyond the close-knit circle of associates was scrutinized by resident and guard. "Let nothing go unseen, let nothing pass your attention." Sir Caden's warning was taken to heart with all the fervor of a zealot clutching a biblical passage close as instruction for life. Scouts kept watch on higher hills while the sound of horse hooves were constant on the lower thresholds. One pass after another blended in with the passage of the day; a horse's neigh with the bleeting of sheep on the moor, the whir of the spinning wheel or the click of the loom. Peace seemed sanctimonious, almost bombastic in considering it was a thin veil of falsity that the Lady was hidden behind. If she needn't go beyond the expansive grounds, then it was there she'd remain. A swollen belly was held by hands as she watched the passage of space through the high archways. No pane of glass kept the air from creeping in, playing with the hems of her robes. The midwife talked of the child's time coming nigh for how low the lady carried, and the guards spoke of conceleing her from unknown eyes.
Frackin Jarhead: Apollo had found that his peace was answered by staying with Eirian, or at least by her side if he could not hold her. It had been several months since he'd seen her, because of his country's tradition of training their youth. Saul had become a Talon like his father, though brash and stubborn, Saul would make a good leader one day.-- Apollo wondered why it was Saul resented him so much, but he had not been able to put a finger on it, and probably wouldn't While sharing his time with Eirian, Apollo had sent for his son who was out looking over the land. It was a new place for Saul, one that he found interesting and ..quiet, as he had put it. He said it seemed too peaceful, or too good to be true. What was he seeing that Apollo could not?-- Apollo's fingers made their way next to Eirian's on top of her stomach. ``Saul should be coming soon, I've sent for him.``(d)
Knights of Skye: Caden had ridden out, restless, he felt the coming of the babe as much as Eirian herself did. He followed the lines checking on the security of their home double checking all making sure each and every guard was known to him and in their respective places. He was nervous after the appearance of Mia, unsure who else might have been sent. Beside him Annabel paced the long strides of his gelding picking up on her Master's uneasyness. A shiver ran down his spine, it felt suspicously like the calm before the storm and he hated that feeling. With any luck the birth of little Hope would come without much ta'do other then her beautiful birth. He frowned Double checking the lines once more leaving instructions that no one but the known were allowed through any other visitors were to be greeted by either himself or the steward. He rode back dropping off the gelding's back then handing the reigns off before he and Annabel went in search of Eirian, knowing just where to find her. (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: Under Apollo's fingers came a quivering as a hearty kick jolted the tips of his touch. Inside, the babe turned to her side in a huff of protest, anxious to be apart of the world she had heard of, been touched by with hands that did such extraordinary things! Eirian stepped closer toward the King who touched the round womb tenderly, "Do you feel that? She gets more anxious by the quarter hour to see the world." She lifted a hand with intention to place it against his face. Months had gone by and in the passage of time no love was lost between them. When she spoke of the baby, she spoke to her of the vigilant, watchful cousin they would have in Sir Caden Robertson, the wise and strong Jonas. She spoke to her of her step-sibling's Saul, his handsome, dark features, his studious silence. She spoke, too, of Talion, and told the child that her father was as anxious to see her as she was. "Is Saul happy?" The question was a tedious one for it depended on what the youth percieved as happy in so much as what his father could devise of it. "I hope there is peace in his heart." (d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``I am uncertain of how my son feels. He hasn't had it in him to discuss with me the terms of his disapproval or unhappiness.`` Apollo replied, frowning as he lightly stroked Eirian's cheek. ``I assume he is content, at least, but beyond that.. I am in the dark. He is a mystery.`` Apollo turned, hearing foot steps and recognizing that it was Sir Caden. He stood. ``We have company, my lady.`` He offered his hand to Eirian, not to help her stand, though she could use him for that, but just to feel her hand within his own as he stood to face the Knight. ``Good afternoon, Sir Knight.``(d)
Knights of Skye: Caden flashed them both a dimpled smile. " Good afternoon, King." He greeted with a bow then moved forward to kiss Eirian's cheek in greeting. " Good Afternoon beloved cousin. Everything is well?" The young Knight was tense that much was certain he tried though to set it aside in their presence, not wanting to cause undue worry to his cousin or to the tiny Hope. His eyessparkled with a liveliness and excitement despite his tenseness. " I have a gift
Knights of Skye: for you and Hope." (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: "What youth isn't one," she said softly, leaning forward to kiss his lips, "It will be fine with time. What'er he brewds over will go away as suddenly as it came when it all makes sense to him. No matter what comes of it, he is your son and some part of him will love you, admitted or no." A woman's gentle heart offered comfort with what eyes observed. Eirian didn't know her words would prove prophetic in the times to come when people, places and life would align to open the way to how it would be done. She came to stand on unshod feet while greetings were given, "Good afternoon, cousin. Aye, all is well. What have you for Hope and I now? You spoil us too much!" Soon the babe would be more than a name, more than a discussion. One hand held her back while the other rubbed her womb. (d)
Frackin Jarhead: Apollo remained quiet, only watching the pair discuss. What had caught his attention was the caped youth that had rounded a corner and was walking their way. He was armed, though minimally, and looked emotionless. Saul had grown a lot since Eirian had last seen him. He was getting broader in the chest like his father, and he already had the natural build. His hair was longer, curly, and he had the tint of a beard that followed the edges of his jaw and cheek. He arrived unannounced, and he looked from Apollo to Eirian and her cousin, then back to his father. ``You called for me, Father?`` -- ``Yes, Saul, I was only curious where you had been; just uncertain if I'll be needing help with anything today.`` --``Well, i will stay close then, Father.. call me and I will come, I won't be far.`` He turned to go, but locked eyes with Eirian for a moment before turning.(d)
Knights of Skye: Caden grinned words about to fall from his mouth when the approach of another was taken note of, a nod given to the young man in greeting. His surprise laying in wait for a few moments while the other young man gave his greeting, not wishing to distrupt them. (d
Yesterdays Fancy: Eirian rubbed the great fullness of her body as she stepped forward so that she could observe the three men at once. When Caden fell quiet, she wondered what for until he looked to the youth whom he didn't know. "Caden, this is Talion's son, Saul. Saul, this is my guardian and cousin, Caden. Tis fine, Caden you needn't go slack jawed in shock. He has been about roaming the land. No one unknown made it beyond your fine defenses," Small feet took strides as long as stature's weight would allow so she could go to Caden, touch his arm and kiss his cheek. Then, she meandered across the expanse to stand near Saul as he sought to take his leave. "Good afternoon to you, Saul. Enjoy your wanderings." His gaze met her own, sapphiric jewels shining with a glimmer of tenderness as she canted her head to him. Yet, it was when they met again the world began to retreat. Edges blurred, the tendrils of color began to crawl to assume shapes being coaxed from the depths of thought. Nothing would pass across her face to denote it, but inward..her mind began to shift (d)
rackin Jarhead: ``I will...my lady.`` He said cooly, turning to make his retreat without much of a word, he'd disappear within a couple of moments. ``See what I mean..? A mystery. I wish I knew how to approach my son, figure out why he is the way he is.`` Apollo said, coming to Eirian's side. His hand touched her shoulder, but his gaze was still in the direction his son had gone; when he shifted he looked to Caden. ``Don't mind him, he's the quiet type.`` He said, trying to douse any doubts the man may of had about Saul.(d)
Knights of Skye: " Life has not been easy, time and experience will change the way he feels now." He said softly watching as Saul dissapeared. Then turned shaking his head as if having been lost in thought then grinned at his cousin and then at Talion. " Come to the nursery and I will show you." He offered another grin then went to the door to hold it open for them. (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: Saul had left but the place where he stood still held her gaze captive until Caden spoke. Turning away from it to focus on what he said, while the young mother-to-be thought upon the goodness of her cousin's generous heart, the subconcious had forged a bond with the wayward Avarian youth. "Let us go then. You will forgive me? My feet will be slow.." She clasped the King's hand into her own, "shall we go look and see what other thing our daughter has gotten now?" For the truth of it was Hope had been the focus of many a gift-giving venture. Venison, chicken, lamb, mutton, quail and beef had come to be hung in the smoke houses in lieu of a feast to celebrate the impending birth , given by the people of the villages and nearby farms. Pieces of clothing had come amidst icons to be hung from the birthing bed to encourage blessings. The shadow that crept over the valley was in contest with the rays of light radiating with such an auspicious occasion close at hand, but soon they would clash (d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``Yes love.. shall we.`` He led her at her own pace to the nursery. They followed behind Sir Caden, Apollo keeping quiet during the small journey. His thoughts were centered around his son and how it irked him that his son could so wasily avoid him; or maybe he was just being too overbearing. He shook his head and guided his attention to Eirian. She should be the center of his thoughts, so he took in a deep breath and smiled. No more on the topic, he reminded himself as they walked slowly.-- Saul had left them, unable to really stand the formalities of everything, royalty.. bah. He found his comfort in looking at the complexity of one large flower. It fascinated him with the vivid colors and unique designs.. (d)
Knights of Skye: He lead them to the nursery, and then opened the door. In the center of the room was a beautifully crafted rocking chair, the back engraved with tiny jeweled humming birds. The seat thickly cushioned. the edges braided in tiny tassles hanging down to the curved rungs. A cushioned platform, moveable to help support the baby while Eirian or anyone else held her. Caden smiled to Eirian. "M'father bought something like this for m'mother when she was close to giving birth to m' little sister." A flash off sadness in his blue eyes for just a moment and then it was gone and he was watching them intently. (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: The bond between father and son was fragile enough to risk severing if precaution was not taken. Eirian looked up to view her betrothed's expression before leaving the matter betweeen the sire and progency to solve. Before them was the nursery constructed of an imagination left free to flourish. Light poured in from all directions along the walls depicting scenes of life in the country. The golden grain waved in distance beyond the hill on which a shepardess watched, wondering what was beyond the road. Nimble fingers captured the designs of pastures from a foreign country; it was an homage to the other blood in her veins. A robed woman watched the road leading toward the Imperial Throne, writing along the side in scrawling silk black thread foretold of her name in that mysterious tongue. But it was the humming bird chair that took away from all the careful details of a mother toward the tender minstrations of a cousin. She squeezed Talion's hand before stepping forward to examine the beautiful design, "Caden...thank you. Oh...my..oh.." Her smile was large as she walked around it. Suddenly as the smile came, it was replaced by a look of surprise. A sharp, sudden pain bound up the belly only to fade and leave the impression of a thudding, fluttering pressure. A hand went quick to the babe's domain as it happened again, and inbetween a gust of breath she smiled in the pain's departure.." We will be using your gift soon..I think.." She breathed in sharp, laughing airily, "Call the midwife." (d)
Frackin Jarhead: Apollo glanced in between Caden and Eirian, and there was a moment of confusion, but not panic. ``Caden, would you mind going to find her, I will stay with lady Eirian.`` He glanced to Eirian, returning her smile with his damnably handsome one -- he looked like the funny rogue General she used to tend to when in Orkney. Young, brash, long hair and beard-- and always the quirky jokes that made her skin turn as red as a tomato. That's what Apollo remembered when he saw her smile. He moved in behind her to support her lower back. ``Umm.. what to do?`` That silly look of confusion again..(d)
Knights of Skye: Caden's face went a few shades paler from its normal color. When he was asked to go in search of the midwife he was swift on his feet as he rushed off to find the midwife. He practically tugged on the poor woman's hand nearly dragging her before she could grab what sheneeded. Only stern words had him pausing long enough for her to gather her things. Then he took the bag from her and carried it for her leading her towards the nursery. (d
Yesterdays Fancy: She fluttered her lashes, concentrating on her breath as another contraction would come and go. Apollo was so funny; he became again the man who once made brash jokes with no care for the company he kept. He had offered her hand out the same as he had given a rose not so long ago, " What you do now." The Regent smiled to the General, " The remainder is left to nature I would assume. A man can conquer nations yet knows nothing of birthing children.." She held to his arm, a bit of nervousness, a bit of glee in her tone, " I'm nervous...Talion...a little scared too.." she confessed "if one can be subject to ruling nations, than she can deliver a baby, aye?" Her gaze fixed on his eyes until she saw beyond them...beyond the valley..beyond the Isle of Skye towards a face encased in steel. She shook her head, finding it a figment of the light..for much of it encased the room now. To look upon the hill..she saw beyond tit the sea instead of grain...the eyes of an enigmatic woman..a glimmer of gold. Her feet began to move back as she sought to stand erect. Another contraction began to wrack her body throughout as if the pain took on the form of bands, strapping down around the womb. Doubling forward, her wince filled the silent room, voice echoing as she moaned in pain. It was early yet, were they supposed to hurt so fiercly? (d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``Umm.. sure.. I guess.`` Talion didn't know chyt for birthing babies, and that shown on his face. As he faded from her visage he began to notice the patterns of her body and caught her as she sought to fall forward. ``.. ack.. chyt what am I supposed to do?`` He whispered to himself. When Saul and Sierra were born, he was captured by the Nords and on a ship.-- Talion wasn't sure what to do, so he lifted her up with a quick grunt and moved to where she could lay down. ``Caden.. over here!``(d)
Knights of Skye: He nodded concern lacing over his face as he half dragged the midwife after him. The tiny woman clucked at him then snatched her bag coming to Eirian's side and kneeling beside her. " Come now Lass. It seems the babe comes quickly" She whispered her knarled hands moving to rest on the swell of Eirians belly. (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: "Something's wrong....something is not right.....it shouldn't hurt this much..should it?" She looked down to the woman whom had been sent by the Chief Baliff himself to reside on the land for such a time as this. "Call for Amelia, the other midwife." She looked to both men, and to apollo's nervousness, "Hush now, young mother, ye've got a good man to see you...now, Sir, dun look so dumbfounded, help her stand. Walking helps with the contractions." Looking over her gown and the floor, she could see the water hadn't broke nor fluids annouce the ambiatic sac had ruptured. "Get a pot of water boiling, clean towels, summon a maid to unbraid your lady's hair.." She put her hands next to her belly, feeling the direction of the child. Her feet kicked in posistion to suggest she was nearly aface, but withdrawing in. "She turns about ,that is why it hurts now..she's bein' skiddish. It won't be the first skiddish child." Eirian's back arched as another contraction sent a wave of pain crashing against her. In the midst of that wave formed the face of Saul observing his flower. "Come now, let's get her to her chambers" (d)
Frackin Jarhead: Apollo did as he was told..-- Her vision rested upon Saul, as he turned to look at the flower. Its stem was green, as emerald as the grass which surrounded it, she could see the reflection in his eyes. His hand outstretched, stroked the stem only to pull back a pricked finger whose top now turned scarlet. He scowled, and her vision turned dark as he seemed to look straight up at her. Without warning, he yanked his blade from its sheath, slashing the air and screaming.-- Behind him, she'd hear him laughing that maniacal laughter. When Saul stopped yelling, he turned to look at Eirian in her vision, the reflection in his eye holding the shiny surface of a mask, one she had seen before. There was a sound, she could see the Midwife talking, but her face became molded and her eyes turned to fire. Lips were moving to the sound of a spell being summoned, and her mind turned back to Saul who was now standing with his sword at the ready, and he ran and slashed-- the vision was gone with only Saul's glare as a memory, the blood trickling down the length of his sword.(d)
Knights of Skye: Caden unaware of aught else happening beyond what he could see moved in to help support Eirian to help move her to her chambers following the instructions of the midwife. (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: Her were over those of Apollo and Caden as her weight was supported by either as they began to leave the beautiful nursery to make ready for the occupant who would reside therein. It was not Arianna Hymerodraeth she walked through as she saw each man in ignorance walk through the waking world to leave her in the angry sea of signs and omens. The thorn on the stem was coated in Saul's blood, a sword dripped with blood his a well placed blow had soaked the gleaming steel in. Steel was the face glaring in the reflection of the eye all shrouded in fire as the midwife became the visage of a woman with fire in her eyes. She looked between the both of them before recoiling from the touch of the midwife, "What's wrong, my girl, did that hurt, talk to Cala now, talk to old Cala. Amelia will be here soon with her herbs..My lady?" Half way down the hall her feet began to give way, the words on her mouth a strained whisper. Unable to scream, unable to cry out."Saul!" her eyes widened before her vision started to waver, " Saul..something holds him....Percival..." It made no coherent sense as the midwife put a hand to her brow to feel a cold sweat make the back of her hand glisten. The men could feel it on her arms, as it began to wash her body. (d)
Knights of Skye: Caden unaware of aught else happening beyond what he could see moved in to help support Eirian to help move her to her chambers following the instructions of the midwife. (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: Her were over those of Apollo and Caden as her weight was supported by either as they began to leave the beautiful nursery to make ready for the occupant who would reside therein. It was not Arianna Hymerodraeth she walked through as she saw each man in ignorance walk through the waking world to leave her in the angry sea of signs and omens. The thorn on the stem was coated in Saul's blood, a sword dripped with blood his a well placed blow had soaked the gleaming steel in. Steel was the face glaring in the reflection of the eye all shrouded in fire as the midwife became the visage of a woman with fire in her eyes. She looked between the both of them before recoiling from the touch of the midwife, "What's wrong, my girl, did that hurt, talk to Cala now, talk to old Cala. Amelia will be here soon with her herbs..My lady?" Half way down the hall her feet began to give way, the words on her mouth a strained whisper. Unable to scream, unable to cry out."Saul!" her eyes widened before her vision started to waver, " Saul..something holds him....Percival..." It made no coherent sense as the midwife put a hand to her brow to feel a cold sweat make the back of her hand glisten. The men could feel it on her arms, as it began to wash her body. (d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``WHERE is that pot of water?!`` Apollo growled as he was buried searching for rags and towels. People just weren't moving fast enough, or in Apollo's case.. in circles like chickens with their heads cut off. He couldn't hearEirian over his own cursing, and when he returned, he was far from smiling. ``What to do?`` (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: "AMELIA!" Amelia was on the far end of twenty eight, younger than than Cala's 55 years but just as learned in the area she excelled at: herbs for the use of mother and child. Cala had caught hold of Eirian's wrist with a tightly knitted brow. Her expression became that blank, serious stare that all who move in action assume in such situations, " Her heartbeat is moving much, much to fast. My lady!" He took a hand and gave her a hard tap against the face, making sure the Welsh woman's eyes were in direct focus with her own, "Don't shut them, no matter how much you want to. Breathe..evenly." She took Eirian's hands "We are almost there.." Amelia had barely come over the threshold as the Steward gave her the same treatment Caden had given to Cala. " Land a'goshin, Miss Cala I'm here! What's the rush now tis a first baby those do nay come too quick none..." "Look at her..." "Saint Lucille and Elizabeth...I'll get the vapors ready..she shouldn't be so over wrought, she's healthy, did we nay examine her just this mornin? Twill be fine mam.. come now. Sir..let take her aye..no need afrettin' yourself with the women's business. Twill be no birthin' fer awhile.." The water was boiling, the tools from the bag were already being put to the water in the lady's chambers to be ready at a moment's notice. As the chambermaids brought in piles of sheets and clothes..the doors would open for the midwives. They took the fretting woman from the hold of her beloved and cousin, to which instantly she began to rail against them, "Saul...do not let the darkness take Saul..it is still looming over our home..." Suddenly the twist of tension made her aware of her body and herself again..the women..when were there two of them? Both of them seemed to notice her becoming aware, thanking God that no fever was setting in as they'd feared...at the mention of moving forward without Talion or Caden she turned her head over her shoulder, "No...do not make them go...no..please....Talion...Talion don't go." (d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``Ok, OK.. I'm here love.`` He replied, moving briskly to her side. He took her hand, clammy and sweaty, they both shared it, and held on tightly. ``We can talk about Saul later, honey.. lets worry about getting the babe .. out. `` He said cooly, running his other hand through her hair. He wasn't sure what to say, or do, really, but he was going to be here for Eirian; and that he was determined. He ran a rag over her forehead after he had pulled his hand back and tried to smile. She could tell it was forced.(d)
Yesterdays Fancy: "Saul is being watched, he has been infected with untruths.." She pulled him close to her and spoke into his ear.." Avaria is being infected with them. People are falling prey to it..those close to you. Don't let them take .. our...son.." Her mouth had formed the word 'our' with no thought for the fact he was not born to her, but in that a part of her loved him as Apollo loved the child he did not fashion who wanted to be born. Tears welled in her eyes as she stepped toward the bed. Quick, nimble women undressed her down to only her shift while Amelia unbraided the ropes of thick hair, pulling out every pin. Eirian's breathing was eratic. Swallowing hard, the sweat only formed more as her eyes looked as if she'd gazed into the blackest pit of the human soul. The babe seemed to draw up, further up into the womb though the contractions sought to push her down. As she pulled on her umbilical chord, she cried aloud. A thin line of bloody-watery fluid began to seep down her leg. As she was laid into the bed, Cala would throw a cloth over her legs for her modesty as she beheld the place of heat between her thighs. "Calm down, lass. You will exhaust yourself and the baby and it is not yet time. Nay, the passage is not wide enough." Washing her hands in a bowl of hot water, the sleeves cuffed, she thrust her left fingers into the space. She brushed the shoulder of the child, who had been efaced in the morning, now having turned so that her shoulder was closer to the passage instead of her head. " I saw..the most..terrible...terrible things...." She panted, her eyes hollow, her face as pale, as lumiscent as white fire (d)
Frackin Jarhead: He wasn't sure of what to say. Maybe she was losing her mind? Or maybe he had lost his. He took in a deep breath and looked to the women in the room to see if they had any idea of what he should do. The look on his face was just.. " I do not know where to begin. Help me please." in the most subtle of ways. He held onto her, seeking to just listen for now and wait. He assumed Amelia was going to make her drink herbs, and someone to keep her hydrated with water. He just busied himself with keeping her head cool. ``Shhh...shhh...``(d)
Yesterdays Fancy: "Open only two of the windows for air, shutter the rest, and then leave.." Amelia bustled the chambermaidens about until the room was prepared just as it ought to be. The last of the afternoon light had slipped down from twilight toward the full stretch of evening. Candles were lit around the room to chase away any shadows, only to throw them down on the bed where the canopy curtains were pulled back. The cool water seemed to chase away the perspiration enough as she came to review the King's handiwork, " Just like that, keep her calm. This is going to help." She went to her bag, taking out small clay bowls. Stands suspended the brown, rounded clay above candle flames. Pouring in a touch of water, the rest of the bowl was filled with a strong oil scented of lemon grass and camphor. Medicinal sweetness crept in to calm the senses to make the mother struggle less. Lavendar oil was applied behind her ears,her throat, and on Eirian's wrists.."There, my lady....there...shhhh......" " Just like that..sir..keep bathing her brow there. Twill be fine.." Men weren't often at the helm of such ships as this. War was their providence, not the matters of hearth, home, and birth...
Yesterdays Fancy: "Talion....." She tossed her head from side to side..ultimatly settling it in the direction of his touch, his softly voice. The tension in her body began to evaporate as the herbs did their work.." is the baby alright....is she?" She looked up at him with eyes that said 'my ways can not help me here...and I do not want to lose faith in this hour. Don't leave me.' She craned her head forward to look before the urge to shut her eyes, to succumb to the warm, sweet heaviness lulled her head back..and her eyes became half-lidded slits (d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``Yes love, the baby is fine. Just relax, everything will be alright... shh..`` He had caught her forehead as she sought to lean forward and peer. Easing her back, she fell into her relaxed state, and he relaxed alittle. That look she had given him haunted his mind for a moment, and he looked up to Amelia. ``Is everything.. alright?`` He asked, whispering for Eirian's sake. They were right, this was not Apollo's forte', but he had to learn sometime, and this : was a major turning point in his life, and something Eirian and he would share for the rest of theirs. He found his seat beside his soon-to-be wife, running his finger through her hair and patting her red cheeks with the cool rag.-- He remembered when that face looked heated...--- ``Fine! You won't apologize! Maybe the stocks will teach you a thing or two in manners!`` Eirian yelled at the foot of the stairs at the castle. Apollo and Artres stood looking to theother, and Artres smacked him. ``See what you did?!`` Apollo recoiled. ``It wasn't me!``-- ``Uh, my lady.. our good general here is intoxicated.. he doesn't know what he's doing, or who he is capable of .. upsetting. So if you could ...`` Apollo yanked on his sleeve. ``<sw> ..but I'm not drunk..`` He whispered. -- ``OVERLOOK.. this incident, I think all will be well in the morning.``(d)
Yesterdays Fancy: "I can't wait to see her...here in the world. She has lived so well in my mind..her hair..her eyes. The sound of her voice.." Talion would feel the warmth of a presence embrace the pair of them, and in the eye of his mind see the child called Hope - the palor of her skin in the light of morning shining like fire, her hair, thick and dark. Almond shaped brown eyes held Apollo's gaze as she smiled to him - as an infant, then as a girl of five, and as a young woman in many of the robes her mother favored now, sicle shaped weapons in a sash at her waist..her arms around a chinese guitar. She dissolved into mist as Eirian's eyes began to close. Finally, her breathing slowed..evened. The familiar rasp of her breath was evident, so the midwife began to massage oils into her chest to open her lungs. --
Yesterdays Fancy: Her famed hands massaged the salve down into her chest, around her breasts, and just below her rib cage. Slipping between the ribs, she loosened the thin muscles to encourage expansion, " Her pulse is slowing, her breathing is becoming even..this is good. Both she and the babe can rest now to gather strength. What say you, Cala?"
Yesterdays Fancy: The elder midwife looked with approval, massaging the thighs of the mother, and then resting her hand on the lowest part of the belly. Pressing down against the fundus, the uterine wall, through the belly, she coaxed the child to turn toward a downright posistion. She had not lowered enough yet for delivery..but the herbs allowed the pair rest through some contractions. " Aye..the calm has helped..the birthing is spaced just as it ought to be. A first labor shouldn't be so hard, so fast as it was coming..the breathing, the heart, would have pushed ill on her womb. Aye, now both mum and bairin are fine." Cala stood, moving to wash her hands in the pot of waer again with the hard soap of goose fat and ashes. She would go to take a rest, she said, while Amelia would take over the work until it was time for the delivery..and so another pair of hours coursed by. Sand in the hour glass..
Yesterdays Fancy: Eirian had lulled softly on the pillow, wincing as contractions came, groaning in the depths of the herbal stupor but retaining a sense of induced peace. In time, her eyes were fully opened as she looked to Apollo when the contraction allowed her back against the propped up pillows behind her back. With a faint smile, she lifted her hand to his lips, kissing it gently. (d)
rackin Jarhead: Apollo had kissed her hand softly, eventually lowering it back down to his other hand where he had been keeping it. She squeezed often, and he assumed it was a needed stress reliever. He hadn't felt more worn out before in all his life, and he wasn't the one pushing!.. He was pushing for her though. He kissed her forehead, and looked up to Amelia. ``How is it coming along? Anything new?`` He asked anxiously, for both of them. He'd afford Eirian another glance his calm, chyt-eating grin slowly sliding over his sly middle-aged features. (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: Amelia was a presence of goodness in a world where mother's needed a strong, tender, knowing hand. "It's coming along well. Just a while more and soon it will be time.." She smiled up to the pair of them, stood up to rub the womb before letting the pair of them alone a moment to see the tools were in place for Cala. --
Yesterdays Fancy: "Soon we will see the form of Hope..our baby..to hold her." Eirian's brow was bathed in sweat, but she didn't care. Nor did the pain matter at the talk of how close it was at hand. Poor Caden! He had lost his mother and sister in childbirth, and had been the benevolent one praying for the family. Amelie leaned to the door to send word as one of the maids had instructed when the time was nigh to the young man. Eirian braced herself up within the bed at the midwive's insistance (d)
Frackin Jarhead: Apollo eased the rag over her forehead, taking the sweat from her brow and cooling her off temporarily. ``After this, we're gonna eat something.. I'm starving..`` He said, trying to make her laugh. He was just as excited as she was about this baby being born, and the time was coming nearer. He reached for her hand, squeezing to show his tender feelings and he leaned forward to kiss her cheek. ``Can you feel her? Is it time, love?`` A hand sifted through her hair, and he wiped her brow again whilst holding her hand. He made a glance back to the door, to the midwife. He looked puzzled, confused as to what was to happen next, but he kept quiet.(d)
Yesterdays Fancy: " I can feel her, oh I can! " She yelled a bit as the contraction took her, this one closer together with another behind it as she eased again. Laughing, she nodded, "Aye..it has been long. Tis the middle of the night now." The labor had gone on since the middle of the afternoon, and now in the midst of the night it might soon straddle the coming of a new day. She leaned into Apollo, kissing his cheek as in his arm she was held up. "Tis almost time?"
Yesterdays Fancy: Cala came in at Amelia's call, both of them smiling and nodding. "Ah, from what Amelia says, my lady, it is! Soon you will meet this babe you've had so many in a tizzy about! How do you feel?"
Yesterdays Fancy: "Ready..very ready.. I haven't pushed in so long now..but I want to so much.."
Yesterdays Fancy: "Ah.good! Amelia's saved ye best pushes for last..now, let Cala see what we have to work with. Good hips you have lass. I am sure this won't be your last child?" She looked over at Apollo expectantly with a chortle, "Pretty young wives and zealous older men always make for good families."(d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``I dunno if I can survive another one of these.. `` replied Apollo as he curiously watched the women do their work. He was taking notes for whatever reason, but was still uncertain of what was occurring, other than the obvious. He held Eirian's hand, glancing to her with expectant eyes and squeezed some. The corner of his lips began to perk up as he grinned at her. ``Keep it up, darlin.. we may make breakfast yet.`` Always on his stomach. He shook his head, rubbing that cloth over her head again.(d)
esterdays Fancy: "You're awful.." She laughed at Talion, holding on to her belly before another contraction made her groan. "Mmm!" She winced, biting into her lip as the midwives both returned to the bedside. Tools were brought over to bind the chord, cut it, and bind up the stump. Swaddling, long, thin reeds for suctioning the mucus and birthing from the child's body and eyes. She cried out, "Oh God!" "That's it! Good girl! Push again! Ye passage is nearly perfect!" The woman washed her hands, oiled them, and thrust them up into the heat of her sex, manipulating the shoulders of the child to align for a head first birth. The vision of the child was what made the labor barable. The midwives prayed into the passage, calling to Jesus, the saints, the holy spirit to issue the child forth. One rubbed the belly from the outside while the other massaged the womb from the inside. A sharp wince came as the babe shrunk backward, stubbon, resistant. As the midwife rubbed and moved the babe anew, Eirian cried aloud. For a man who had gone to war, such a sight as this was assuredly heartwrenching (d)
Frackin Jarhead: Apollo's eyes grew to the size of the windows in the room as he watched this happen. He wasn't sur ehe believed what he was seeing, but that woman's arms were all the we up inside his soon to be wife! He didn't know anyone could do that! Then.. pop.. something slid out, and Eirian screamed, nearly taking his hand by surprise! She squeezed until his hand was turning purple and hers as white as a ghost. He was having a hard time breathing, and he had no idea.. what she had gone through. Something clicked in his head. And the scene changed as everything began to slow down and he and Eirian exchanged looks. She had just given birth to another life.. He kissed her softlyand pulled back so they could both see if Hope had come out the way she had foreseen.(d)
Yesterdays Fancy: "Push! Again! Good ...ah there is the head...the shoulders...push again!" Cala was as excited as Amelia, who was readying the tools and herbs for the chord. "Listen to that! Oh for such a stubborn child such a lusty cry.."-
Yesterdays Fancy: "A Girl, my lady, my lord! You have a daughter, a beautiful healthy daughter...My lord, come! Come, cut her chord...see her and see her carried to the mother.."
Yesterdays Fancy: She bore down, sitting as far forward as possible and gripping her knees. Lighting was splitting her, tearing her open as she cried out into the depths of the night before falling back into her soon to be husband's embrace. After the beauty of a kiss she looked down to see the bawled fists, the feet of the child kicking about as lusty cries cleared her lungs. Cala sucked through the river reeds to clear out the squirling baby's eyes, the remainder of her mouth. Amelia soaked clothes to clean the blood and refuse from the body to swaddle her. They beckoned Apollo close as the chord was tied off, passing him the dirk to cut it (d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``Umm...here?`` He asked, and they pointd where again, and he brought the dirk up and cut it as cleanly as he could. He was uncertain, but the look of accomplishment crossed his face as he realized, Apollo did good. They cleaned the baby off, handing it to Eirian as Apollo came back to her. His grin was wide, and he studied Eirian's face as she looked to her baby. It was a beautiful moment for the pair of them, more so for Eirian. It had been more of a learning for Apollo, and he had taken as many notes as he could.. before he forgot them, but the most vivid thing stuck out in his mind-- and that was Eirian's smile. He ran his fingers through her hair and sat as close as he could to her and their child, Hope.(d)
esterdays Fancy: "Aye just there. Cut a man down in battle and afraid of this little line are you?" Cala was full of pepper and vinegar with a wry grin showing a row of healthy teeth. Her stout figure served her well! A lifetime of giving birth toand delivering an infinite number of country children. "Perfect.." She bound off the chord after applying a salve around it, swalled the child to be presented forward to the mother. "I dare say that is the lovliest babe I've delivered.."
Yesterdays Fancy: "A little princess. Such eyes.and a full head of thick, black hair. Oh yes..the lovliest child of the valley." The afterbirth was put into a bucket to be burned in a separate room, the tools put away in bucket of water to be cleaned elswhere. Amelia saw to it that the linens on the bed were changed, the mother was well and good. She had not torn nor stretched over much so there would be no need for stiches. A sponge bath, a change of gown, and scent of roses and lavendar left to linger would soon be all that remained of the midwives as the great event was done..
Yesterdays Fancy: Eirian leaned back into her Apollo's arms for there was enough room for them in the bed now. Sapphire eyes gazed down to a pair of brown ones that opened with starbursts of blue in their heart.. "Hope...and that you are...that you are. Hope Olwyn Apollus.." The last name was whispered as she looked over to Talion. She fidgeted her hands free of the swaddling, suckling on her balled fists with pink gums seeking out her thumbs. Wide, wide the mouth became as she yawned! Laughter ensued as she took the child from near her breasts..passing her to her father.."Here...hold our daughter.." (d)
Frackin Jarhead: Apollo carefully took the baby, allowing it to lay within his forearm as he curled it up to him. The baby looked to his face as he smiled, and she started crying. ``Uh.. is that.. good?`` He asked, looking to Eirian with a confused/worried look. It had been the first time he'd ever held a baby before. He sat her upon th ebed, with his arm still under her, and let his finger fall victim to her balling and unballing fists. She slung his finger around for a moment and she started to die down in sound, and she quit crying. ``She either likes beating up my finger, or she likes me..`` He said softly, looking to Eirian with another one of his grins. He leaned forward and kissed his
Frackin Jarhead: soon-to-be-wife. ``You did wonderfully, love.``(d)
Yesterdays Fancy: "Oh, it is fine.." Eirian watched as such a strong man was brought to a place of awe by the tiniest form of newfound life. Hope's little face was scrunched up in frustration as she sought a source of comfort beyond the breast of her mother or her thumb. Clasping Talion's finger, she waved it, clutched it..and found peace." A child is going to cry, Talion. Oh, Master Talon, great King. Humbled by a tiny wee thing.." She was a mother at long last, no longer yearning, no longer praying for life to be fashioned within her womb. "Ah, she knows the sound of your voice...she remembers you..she loves you. We love you." Another kiss was shared between them as her forehead rested against his, "I have everything in this world. You both are my life." (d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``Then lets eat..``
Yesterdays Fancy: Eirian laughed in spite of her self and Hope looked up at the sound of the boisterous voices and silly words of yet she did not understand. "Aye..breakfast. I am famished.." So began the life of the little family (d)
Frackin Jarhead: Apollo had found that his peace was answered by staying with Eirian, or at least by her side if he could not hold her. It had been several months since he'd seen her, because of his country's tradition of training their youth. Saul had become a Talon like his father, though brash and stubborn, Saul would make a good leader one day.-- Apollo wondered why it was Saul resented him so much, but he had not been able to put a finger on it, and probably wouldn't While sharing his time with Eirian, Apollo had sent for his son who was out looking over the land. It was a new place for Saul, one that he found interesting and ..quiet, as he had put it. He said it seemed too peaceful, or too good to be true. What was he seeing that Apollo could not?-- Apollo's fingers made their way next to Eirian's on top of her stomach. ``Saul should be coming soon, I've sent for him.``(d)
Knights of Skye: Caden had ridden out, restless, he felt the coming of the babe as much as Eirian herself did. He followed the lines checking on the security of their home double checking all making sure each and every guard was known to him and in their respective places. He was nervous after the appearance of Mia, unsure who else might have been sent. Beside him Annabel paced the long strides of his gelding picking up on her Master's uneasyness. A shiver ran down his spine, it felt suspicously like the calm before the storm and he hated that feeling. With any luck the birth of little Hope would come without much ta'do other then her beautiful birth. He frowned Double checking the lines once more leaving instructions that no one but the known were allowed through any other visitors were to be greeted by either himself or the steward. He rode back dropping off the gelding's back then handing the reigns off before he and Annabel went in search of Eirian, knowing just where to find her. (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: Under Apollo's fingers came a quivering as a hearty kick jolted the tips of his touch. Inside, the babe turned to her side in a huff of protest, anxious to be apart of the world she had heard of, been touched by with hands that did such extraordinary things! Eirian stepped closer toward the King who touched the round womb tenderly, "Do you feel that? She gets more anxious by the quarter hour to see the world." She lifted a hand with intention to place it against his face. Months had gone by and in the passage of time no love was lost between them. When she spoke of the baby, she spoke to her of the vigilant, watchful cousin they would have in Sir Caden Robertson, the wise and strong Jonas. She spoke to her of her step-sibling's Saul, his handsome, dark features, his studious silence. She spoke, too, of Talion, and told the child that her father was as anxious to see her as she was. "Is Saul happy?" The question was a tedious one for it depended on what the youth percieved as happy in so much as what his father could devise of it. "I hope there is peace in his heart." (d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``I am uncertain of how my son feels. He hasn't had it in him to discuss with me the terms of his disapproval or unhappiness.`` Apollo replied, frowning as he lightly stroked Eirian's cheek. ``I assume he is content, at least, but beyond that.. I am in the dark. He is a mystery.`` Apollo turned, hearing foot steps and recognizing that it was Sir Caden. He stood. ``We have company, my lady.`` He offered his hand to Eirian, not to help her stand, though she could use him for that, but just to feel her hand within his own as he stood to face the Knight. ``Good afternoon, Sir Knight.``(d)
Knights of Skye: Caden flashed them both a dimpled smile. " Good afternoon, King." He greeted with a bow then moved forward to kiss Eirian's cheek in greeting. " Good Afternoon beloved cousin. Everything is well?" The young Knight was tense that much was certain he tried though to set it aside in their presence, not wanting to cause undue worry to his cousin or to the tiny Hope. His eyessparkled with a liveliness and excitement despite his tenseness. " I have a gift
Knights of Skye: for you and Hope." (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: "What youth isn't one," she said softly, leaning forward to kiss his lips, "It will be fine with time. What'er he brewds over will go away as suddenly as it came when it all makes sense to him. No matter what comes of it, he is your son and some part of him will love you, admitted or no." A woman's gentle heart offered comfort with what eyes observed. Eirian didn't know her words would prove prophetic in the times to come when people, places and life would align to open the way to how it would be done. She came to stand on unshod feet while greetings were given, "Good afternoon, cousin. Aye, all is well. What have you for Hope and I now? You spoil us too much!" Soon the babe would be more than a name, more than a discussion. One hand held her back while the other rubbed her womb. (d)
Frackin Jarhead: Apollo remained quiet, only watching the pair discuss. What had caught his attention was the caped youth that had rounded a corner and was walking their way. He was armed, though minimally, and looked emotionless. Saul had grown a lot since Eirian had last seen him. He was getting broader in the chest like his father, and he already had the natural build. His hair was longer, curly, and he had the tint of a beard that followed the edges of his jaw and cheek. He arrived unannounced, and he looked from Apollo to Eirian and her cousin, then back to his father. ``You called for me, Father?`` -- ``Yes, Saul, I was only curious where you had been; just uncertain if I'll be needing help with anything today.`` --``Well, i will stay close then, Father.. call me and I will come, I won't be far.`` He turned to go, but locked eyes with Eirian for a moment before turning.(d)
Knights of Skye: Caden grinned words about to fall from his mouth when the approach of another was taken note of, a nod given to the young man in greeting. His surprise laying in wait for a few moments while the other young man gave his greeting, not wishing to distrupt them. (d
Yesterdays Fancy: Eirian rubbed the great fullness of her body as she stepped forward so that she could observe the three men at once. When Caden fell quiet, she wondered what for until he looked to the youth whom he didn't know. "Caden, this is Talion's son, Saul. Saul, this is my guardian and cousin, Caden. Tis fine, Caden you needn't go slack jawed in shock. He has been about roaming the land. No one unknown made it beyond your fine defenses," Small feet took strides as long as stature's weight would allow so she could go to Caden, touch his arm and kiss his cheek. Then, she meandered across the expanse to stand near Saul as he sought to take his leave. "Good afternoon to you, Saul. Enjoy your wanderings." His gaze met her own, sapphiric jewels shining with a glimmer of tenderness as she canted her head to him. Yet, it was when they met again the world began to retreat. Edges blurred, the tendrils of color began to crawl to assume shapes being coaxed from the depths of thought. Nothing would pass across her face to denote it, but inward..her mind began to shift (d)
rackin Jarhead: ``I will...my lady.`` He said cooly, turning to make his retreat without much of a word, he'd disappear within a couple of moments. ``See what I mean..? A mystery. I wish I knew how to approach my son, figure out why he is the way he is.`` Apollo said, coming to Eirian's side. His hand touched her shoulder, but his gaze was still in the direction his son had gone; when he shifted he looked to Caden. ``Don't mind him, he's the quiet type.`` He said, trying to douse any doubts the man may of had about Saul.(d)
Knights of Skye: " Life has not been easy, time and experience will change the way he feels now." He said softly watching as Saul dissapeared. Then turned shaking his head as if having been lost in thought then grinned at his cousin and then at Talion. " Come to the nursery and I will show you." He offered another grin then went to the door to hold it open for them. (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: Saul had left but the place where he stood still held her gaze captive until Caden spoke. Turning away from it to focus on what he said, while the young mother-to-be thought upon the goodness of her cousin's generous heart, the subconcious had forged a bond with the wayward Avarian youth. "Let us go then. You will forgive me? My feet will be slow.." She clasped the King's hand into her own, "shall we go look and see what other thing our daughter has gotten now?" For the truth of it was Hope had been the focus of many a gift-giving venture. Venison, chicken, lamb, mutton, quail and beef had come to be hung in the smoke houses in lieu of a feast to celebrate the impending birth , given by the people of the villages and nearby farms. Pieces of clothing had come amidst icons to be hung from the birthing bed to encourage blessings. The shadow that crept over the valley was in contest with the rays of light radiating with such an auspicious occasion close at hand, but soon they would clash (d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``Yes love.. shall we.`` He led her at her own pace to the nursery. They followed behind Sir Caden, Apollo keeping quiet during the small journey. His thoughts were centered around his son and how it irked him that his son could so wasily avoid him; or maybe he was just being too overbearing. He shook his head and guided his attention to Eirian. She should be the center of his thoughts, so he took in a deep breath and smiled. No more on the topic, he reminded himself as they walked slowly.-- Saul had left them, unable to really stand the formalities of everything, royalty.. bah. He found his comfort in looking at the complexity of one large flower. It fascinated him with the vivid colors and unique designs.. (d)
Knights of Skye: He lead them to the nursery, and then opened the door. In the center of the room was a beautifully crafted rocking chair, the back engraved with tiny jeweled humming birds. The seat thickly cushioned. the edges braided in tiny tassles hanging down to the curved rungs. A cushioned platform, moveable to help support the baby while Eirian or anyone else held her. Caden smiled to Eirian. "M'father bought something like this for m'mother when she was close to giving birth to m' little sister." A flash off sadness in his blue eyes for just a moment and then it was gone and he was watching them intently. (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: The bond between father and son was fragile enough to risk severing if precaution was not taken. Eirian looked up to view her betrothed's expression before leaving the matter betweeen the sire and progency to solve. Before them was the nursery constructed of an imagination left free to flourish. Light poured in from all directions along the walls depicting scenes of life in the country. The golden grain waved in distance beyond the hill on which a shepardess watched, wondering what was beyond the road. Nimble fingers captured the designs of pastures from a foreign country; it was an homage to the other blood in her veins. A robed woman watched the road leading toward the Imperial Throne, writing along the side in scrawling silk black thread foretold of her name in that mysterious tongue. But it was the humming bird chair that took away from all the careful details of a mother toward the tender minstrations of a cousin. She squeezed Talion's hand before stepping forward to examine the beautiful design, "Caden...thank you. Oh...my..oh.." Her smile was large as she walked around it. Suddenly as the smile came, it was replaced by a look of surprise. A sharp, sudden pain bound up the belly only to fade and leave the impression of a thudding, fluttering pressure. A hand went quick to the babe's domain as it happened again, and inbetween a gust of breath she smiled in the pain's departure.." We will be using your gift soon..I think.." She breathed in sharp, laughing airily, "Call the midwife." (d)
Frackin Jarhead: Apollo glanced in between Caden and Eirian, and there was a moment of confusion, but not panic. ``Caden, would you mind going to find her, I will stay with lady Eirian.`` He glanced to Eirian, returning her smile with his damnably handsome one -- he looked like the funny rogue General she used to tend to when in Orkney. Young, brash, long hair and beard-- and always the quirky jokes that made her skin turn as red as a tomato. That's what Apollo remembered when he saw her smile. He moved in behind her to support her lower back. ``Umm.. what to do?`` That silly look of confusion again..(d)
Knights of Skye: Caden's face went a few shades paler from its normal color. When he was asked to go in search of the midwife he was swift on his feet as he rushed off to find the midwife. He practically tugged on the poor woman's hand nearly dragging her before she could grab what sheneeded. Only stern words had him pausing long enough for her to gather her things. Then he took the bag from her and carried it for her leading her towards the nursery. (d
Yesterdays Fancy: She fluttered her lashes, concentrating on her breath as another contraction would come and go. Apollo was so funny; he became again the man who once made brash jokes with no care for the company he kept. He had offered her hand out the same as he had given a rose not so long ago, " What you do now." The Regent smiled to the General, " The remainder is left to nature I would assume. A man can conquer nations yet knows nothing of birthing children.." She held to his arm, a bit of nervousness, a bit of glee in her tone, " I'm nervous...Talion...a little scared too.." she confessed "if one can be subject to ruling nations, than she can deliver a baby, aye?" Her gaze fixed on his eyes until she saw beyond them...beyond the valley..beyond the Isle of Skye towards a face encased in steel. She shook her head, finding it a figment of the light..for much of it encased the room now. To look upon the hill..she saw beyond tit the sea instead of grain...the eyes of an enigmatic woman..a glimmer of gold. Her feet began to move back as she sought to stand erect. Another contraction began to wrack her body throughout as if the pain took on the form of bands, strapping down around the womb. Doubling forward, her wince filled the silent room, voice echoing as she moaned in pain. It was early yet, were they supposed to hurt so fiercly? (d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``Umm.. sure.. I guess.`` Talion didn't know chyt for birthing babies, and that shown on his face. As he faded from her visage he began to notice the patterns of her body and caught her as she sought to fall forward. ``.. ack.. chyt what am I supposed to do?`` He whispered to himself. When Saul and Sierra were born, he was captured by the Nords and on a ship.-- Talion wasn't sure what to do, so he lifted her up with a quick grunt and moved to where she could lay down. ``Caden.. over here!``(d)
Knights of Skye: He nodded concern lacing over his face as he half dragged the midwife after him. The tiny woman clucked at him then snatched her bag coming to Eirian's side and kneeling beside her. " Come now Lass. It seems the babe comes quickly" She whispered her knarled hands moving to rest on the swell of Eirians belly. (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: "Something's wrong....something is not right.....it shouldn't hurt this much..should it?" She looked down to the woman whom had been sent by the Chief Baliff himself to reside on the land for such a time as this. "Call for Amelia, the other midwife." She looked to both men, and to apollo's nervousness, "Hush now, young mother, ye've got a good man to see you...now, Sir, dun look so dumbfounded, help her stand. Walking helps with the contractions." Looking over her gown and the floor, she could see the water hadn't broke nor fluids annouce the ambiatic sac had ruptured. "Get a pot of water boiling, clean towels, summon a maid to unbraid your lady's hair.." She put her hands next to her belly, feeling the direction of the child. Her feet kicked in posistion to suggest she was nearly aface, but withdrawing in. "She turns about ,that is why it hurts now..she's bein' skiddish. It won't be the first skiddish child." Eirian's back arched as another contraction sent a wave of pain crashing against her. In the midst of that wave formed the face of Saul observing his flower. "Come now, let's get her to her chambers" (d)
Frackin Jarhead: Apollo did as he was told..-- Her vision rested upon Saul, as he turned to look at the flower. Its stem was green, as emerald as the grass which surrounded it, she could see the reflection in his eyes. His hand outstretched, stroked the stem only to pull back a pricked finger whose top now turned scarlet. He scowled, and her vision turned dark as he seemed to look straight up at her. Without warning, he yanked his blade from its sheath, slashing the air and screaming.-- Behind him, she'd hear him laughing that maniacal laughter. When Saul stopped yelling, he turned to look at Eirian in her vision, the reflection in his eye holding the shiny surface of a mask, one she had seen before. There was a sound, she could see the Midwife talking, but her face became molded and her eyes turned to fire. Lips were moving to the sound of a spell being summoned, and her mind turned back to Saul who was now standing with his sword at the ready, and he ran and slashed-- the vision was gone with only Saul's glare as a memory, the blood trickling down the length of his sword.(d)
Knights of Skye: Caden unaware of aught else happening beyond what he could see moved in to help support Eirian to help move her to her chambers following the instructions of the midwife. (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: Her were over those of Apollo and Caden as her weight was supported by either as they began to leave the beautiful nursery to make ready for the occupant who would reside therein. It was not Arianna Hymerodraeth she walked through as she saw each man in ignorance walk through the waking world to leave her in the angry sea of signs and omens. The thorn on the stem was coated in Saul's blood, a sword dripped with blood his a well placed blow had soaked the gleaming steel in. Steel was the face glaring in the reflection of the eye all shrouded in fire as the midwife became the visage of a woman with fire in her eyes. She looked between the both of them before recoiling from the touch of the midwife, "What's wrong, my girl, did that hurt, talk to Cala now, talk to old Cala. Amelia will be here soon with her herbs..My lady?" Half way down the hall her feet began to give way, the words on her mouth a strained whisper. Unable to scream, unable to cry out."Saul!" her eyes widened before her vision started to waver, " Saul..something holds him....Percival..." It made no coherent sense as the midwife put a hand to her brow to feel a cold sweat make the back of her hand glisten. The men could feel it on her arms, as it began to wash her body. (d)
Knights of Skye: Caden unaware of aught else happening beyond what he could see moved in to help support Eirian to help move her to her chambers following the instructions of the midwife. (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: Her were over those of Apollo and Caden as her weight was supported by either as they began to leave the beautiful nursery to make ready for the occupant who would reside therein. It was not Arianna Hymerodraeth she walked through as she saw each man in ignorance walk through the waking world to leave her in the angry sea of signs and omens. The thorn on the stem was coated in Saul's blood, a sword dripped with blood his a well placed blow had soaked the gleaming steel in. Steel was the face glaring in the reflection of the eye all shrouded in fire as the midwife became the visage of a woman with fire in her eyes. She looked between the both of them before recoiling from the touch of the midwife, "What's wrong, my girl, did that hurt, talk to Cala now, talk to old Cala. Amelia will be here soon with her herbs..My lady?" Half way down the hall her feet began to give way, the words on her mouth a strained whisper. Unable to scream, unable to cry out."Saul!" her eyes widened before her vision started to waver, " Saul..something holds him....Percival..." It made no coherent sense as the midwife put a hand to her brow to feel a cold sweat make the back of her hand glisten. The men could feel it on her arms, as it began to wash her body. (d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``WHERE is that pot of water?!`` Apollo growled as he was buried searching for rags and towels. People just weren't moving fast enough, or in Apollo's case.. in circles like chickens with their heads cut off. He couldn't hearEirian over his own cursing, and when he returned, he was far from smiling. ``What to do?`` (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: "AMELIA!" Amelia was on the far end of twenty eight, younger than than Cala's 55 years but just as learned in the area she excelled at: herbs for the use of mother and child. Cala had caught hold of Eirian's wrist with a tightly knitted brow. Her expression became that blank, serious stare that all who move in action assume in such situations, " Her heartbeat is moving much, much to fast. My lady!" He took a hand and gave her a hard tap against the face, making sure the Welsh woman's eyes were in direct focus with her own, "Don't shut them, no matter how much you want to. Breathe..evenly." She took Eirian's hands "We are almost there.." Amelia had barely come over the threshold as the Steward gave her the same treatment Caden had given to Cala. " Land a'goshin, Miss Cala I'm here! What's the rush now tis a first baby those do nay come too quick none..." "Look at her..." "Saint Lucille and Elizabeth...I'll get the vapors ready..she shouldn't be so over wrought, she's healthy, did we nay examine her just this mornin? Twill be fine mam.. come now. Sir..let take her aye..no need afrettin' yourself with the women's business. Twill be no birthin' fer awhile.." The water was boiling, the tools from the bag were already being put to the water in the lady's chambers to be ready at a moment's notice. As the chambermaids brought in piles of sheets and clothes..the doors would open for the midwives. They took the fretting woman from the hold of her beloved and cousin, to which instantly she began to rail against them, "Saul...do not let the darkness take Saul..it is still looming over our home..." Suddenly the twist of tension made her aware of her body and herself again..the women..when were there two of them? Both of them seemed to notice her becoming aware, thanking God that no fever was setting in as they'd feared...at the mention of moving forward without Talion or Caden she turned her head over her shoulder, "No...do not make them go...no..please....Talion...Talion don't go." (d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``Ok, OK.. I'm here love.`` He replied, moving briskly to her side. He took her hand, clammy and sweaty, they both shared it, and held on tightly. ``We can talk about Saul later, honey.. lets worry about getting the babe .. out. `` He said cooly, running his other hand through her hair. He wasn't sure what to say, or do, really, but he was going to be here for Eirian; and that he was determined. He ran a rag over her forehead after he had pulled his hand back and tried to smile. She could tell it was forced.(d)
Yesterdays Fancy: "Saul is being watched, he has been infected with untruths.." She pulled him close to her and spoke into his ear.." Avaria is being infected with them. People are falling prey to it..those close to you. Don't let them take .. our...son.." Her mouth had formed the word 'our' with no thought for the fact he was not born to her, but in that a part of her loved him as Apollo loved the child he did not fashion who wanted to be born. Tears welled in her eyes as she stepped toward the bed. Quick, nimble women undressed her down to only her shift while Amelia unbraided the ropes of thick hair, pulling out every pin. Eirian's breathing was eratic. Swallowing hard, the sweat only formed more as her eyes looked as if she'd gazed into the blackest pit of the human soul. The babe seemed to draw up, further up into the womb though the contractions sought to push her down. As she pulled on her umbilical chord, she cried aloud. A thin line of bloody-watery fluid began to seep down her leg. As she was laid into the bed, Cala would throw a cloth over her legs for her modesty as she beheld the place of heat between her thighs. "Calm down, lass. You will exhaust yourself and the baby and it is not yet time. Nay, the passage is not wide enough." Washing her hands in a bowl of hot water, the sleeves cuffed, she thrust her left fingers into the space. She brushed the shoulder of the child, who had been efaced in the morning, now having turned so that her shoulder was closer to the passage instead of her head. " I saw..the most..terrible...terrible things...." She panted, her eyes hollow, her face as pale, as lumiscent as white fire (d)
Frackin Jarhead: He wasn't sure of what to say. Maybe she was losing her mind? Or maybe he had lost his. He took in a deep breath and looked to the women in the room to see if they had any idea of what he should do. The look on his face was just.. " I do not know where to begin. Help me please." in the most subtle of ways. He held onto her, seeking to just listen for now and wait. He assumed Amelia was going to make her drink herbs, and someone to keep her hydrated with water. He just busied himself with keeping her head cool. ``Shhh...shhh...``(d)
Yesterdays Fancy: "Open only two of the windows for air, shutter the rest, and then leave.." Amelia bustled the chambermaidens about until the room was prepared just as it ought to be. The last of the afternoon light had slipped down from twilight toward the full stretch of evening. Candles were lit around the room to chase away any shadows, only to throw them down on the bed where the canopy curtains were pulled back. The cool water seemed to chase away the perspiration enough as she came to review the King's handiwork, " Just like that, keep her calm. This is going to help." She went to her bag, taking out small clay bowls. Stands suspended the brown, rounded clay above candle flames. Pouring in a touch of water, the rest of the bowl was filled with a strong oil scented of lemon grass and camphor. Medicinal sweetness crept in to calm the senses to make the mother struggle less. Lavendar oil was applied behind her ears,her throat, and on Eirian's wrists.."There, my lady....there...shhhh......" " Just like that..sir..keep bathing her brow there. Twill be fine.." Men weren't often at the helm of such ships as this. War was their providence, not the matters of hearth, home, and birth...
Yesterdays Fancy: "Talion....." She tossed her head from side to side..ultimatly settling it in the direction of his touch, his softly voice. The tension in her body began to evaporate as the herbs did their work.." is the baby alright....is she?" She looked up at him with eyes that said 'my ways can not help me here...and I do not want to lose faith in this hour. Don't leave me.' She craned her head forward to look before the urge to shut her eyes, to succumb to the warm, sweet heaviness lulled her head back..and her eyes became half-lidded slits (d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``Yes love, the baby is fine. Just relax, everything will be alright... shh..`` He had caught her forehead as she sought to lean forward and peer. Easing her back, she fell into her relaxed state, and he relaxed alittle. That look she had given him haunted his mind for a moment, and he looked up to Amelia. ``Is everything.. alright?`` He asked, whispering for Eirian's sake. They were right, this was not Apollo's forte', but he had to learn sometime, and this : was a major turning point in his life, and something Eirian and he would share for the rest of theirs. He found his seat beside his soon-to-be wife, running his finger through her hair and patting her red cheeks with the cool rag.-- He remembered when that face looked heated...--- ``Fine! You won't apologize! Maybe the stocks will teach you a thing or two in manners!`` Eirian yelled at the foot of the stairs at the castle. Apollo and Artres stood looking to theother, and Artres smacked him. ``See what you did?!`` Apollo recoiled. ``It wasn't me!``-- ``Uh, my lady.. our good general here is intoxicated.. he doesn't know what he's doing, or who he is capable of .. upsetting. So if you could ...`` Apollo yanked on his sleeve. ``<sw> ..but I'm not drunk..`` He whispered. -- ``OVERLOOK.. this incident, I think all will be well in the morning.``(d)
Yesterdays Fancy: "I can't wait to see her...here in the world. She has lived so well in my mind..her hair..her eyes. The sound of her voice.." Talion would feel the warmth of a presence embrace the pair of them, and in the eye of his mind see the child called Hope - the palor of her skin in the light of morning shining like fire, her hair, thick and dark. Almond shaped brown eyes held Apollo's gaze as she smiled to him - as an infant, then as a girl of five, and as a young woman in many of the robes her mother favored now, sicle shaped weapons in a sash at her waist..her arms around a chinese guitar. She dissolved into mist as Eirian's eyes began to close. Finally, her breathing slowed..evened. The familiar rasp of her breath was evident, so the midwife began to massage oils into her chest to open her lungs. --
Yesterdays Fancy: Her famed hands massaged the salve down into her chest, around her breasts, and just below her rib cage. Slipping between the ribs, she loosened the thin muscles to encourage expansion, " Her pulse is slowing, her breathing is becoming even..this is good. Both she and the babe can rest now to gather strength. What say you, Cala?"
Yesterdays Fancy: The elder midwife looked with approval, massaging the thighs of the mother, and then resting her hand on the lowest part of the belly. Pressing down against the fundus, the uterine wall, through the belly, she coaxed the child to turn toward a downright posistion. She had not lowered enough yet for delivery..but the herbs allowed the pair rest through some contractions. " Aye..the calm has helped..the birthing is spaced just as it ought to be. A first labor shouldn't be so hard, so fast as it was coming..the breathing, the heart, would have pushed ill on her womb. Aye, now both mum and bairin are fine." Cala stood, moving to wash her hands in the pot of waer again with the hard soap of goose fat and ashes. She would go to take a rest, she said, while Amelia would take over the work until it was time for the delivery..and so another pair of hours coursed by. Sand in the hour glass..
Yesterdays Fancy: Eirian had lulled softly on the pillow, wincing as contractions came, groaning in the depths of the herbal stupor but retaining a sense of induced peace. In time, her eyes were fully opened as she looked to Apollo when the contraction allowed her back against the propped up pillows behind her back. With a faint smile, she lifted her hand to his lips, kissing it gently. (d)
rackin Jarhead: Apollo had kissed her hand softly, eventually lowering it back down to his other hand where he had been keeping it. She squeezed often, and he assumed it was a needed stress reliever. He hadn't felt more worn out before in all his life, and he wasn't the one pushing!.. He was pushing for her though. He kissed her forehead, and looked up to Amelia. ``How is it coming along? Anything new?`` He asked anxiously, for both of them. He'd afford Eirian another glance his calm, chyt-eating grin slowly sliding over his sly middle-aged features. (d)
Yesterdays Fancy: Amelia was a presence of goodness in a world where mother's needed a strong, tender, knowing hand. "It's coming along well. Just a while more and soon it will be time.." She smiled up to the pair of them, stood up to rub the womb before letting the pair of them alone a moment to see the tools were in place for Cala. --
Yesterdays Fancy: "Soon we will see the form of Hope..our baby..to hold her." Eirian's brow was bathed in sweat, but she didn't care. Nor did the pain matter at the talk of how close it was at hand. Poor Caden! He had lost his mother and sister in childbirth, and had been the benevolent one praying for the family. Amelie leaned to the door to send word as one of the maids had instructed when the time was nigh to the young man. Eirian braced herself up within the bed at the midwive's insistance (d)
Frackin Jarhead: Apollo eased the rag over her forehead, taking the sweat from her brow and cooling her off temporarily. ``After this, we're gonna eat something.. I'm starving..`` He said, trying to make her laugh. He was just as excited as she was about this baby being born, and the time was coming nearer. He reached for her hand, squeezing to show his tender feelings and he leaned forward to kiss her cheek. ``Can you feel her? Is it time, love?`` A hand sifted through her hair, and he wiped her brow again whilst holding her hand. He made a glance back to the door, to the midwife. He looked puzzled, confused as to what was to happen next, but he kept quiet.(d)
Yesterdays Fancy: " I can feel her, oh I can! " She yelled a bit as the contraction took her, this one closer together with another behind it as she eased again. Laughing, she nodded, "Aye..it has been long. Tis the middle of the night now." The labor had gone on since the middle of the afternoon, and now in the midst of the night it might soon straddle the coming of a new day. She leaned into Apollo, kissing his cheek as in his arm she was held up. "Tis almost time?"
Yesterdays Fancy: Cala came in at Amelia's call, both of them smiling and nodding. "Ah, from what Amelia says, my lady, it is! Soon you will meet this babe you've had so many in a tizzy about! How do you feel?"
Yesterdays Fancy: "Ready..very ready.. I haven't pushed in so long now..but I want to so much.."
Yesterdays Fancy: "Ah.good! Amelia's saved ye best pushes for last..now, let Cala see what we have to work with. Good hips you have lass. I am sure this won't be your last child?" She looked over at Apollo expectantly with a chortle, "Pretty young wives and zealous older men always make for good families."(d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``I dunno if I can survive another one of these.. `` replied Apollo as he curiously watched the women do their work. He was taking notes for whatever reason, but was still uncertain of what was occurring, other than the obvious. He held Eirian's hand, glancing to her with expectant eyes and squeezed some. The corner of his lips began to perk up as he grinned at her. ``Keep it up, darlin.. we may make breakfast yet.`` Always on his stomach. He shook his head, rubbing that cloth over her head again.(d)
esterdays Fancy: "You're awful.." She laughed at Talion, holding on to her belly before another contraction made her groan. "Mmm!" She winced, biting into her lip as the midwives both returned to the bedside. Tools were brought over to bind the chord, cut it, and bind up the stump. Swaddling, long, thin reeds for suctioning the mucus and birthing from the child's body and eyes. She cried out, "Oh God!" "That's it! Good girl! Push again! Ye passage is nearly perfect!" The woman washed her hands, oiled them, and thrust them up into the heat of her sex, manipulating the shoulders of the child to align for a head first birth. The vision of the child was what made the labor barable. The midwives prayed into the passage, calling to Jesus, the saints, the holy spirit to issue the child forth. One rubbed the belly from the outside while the other massaged the womb from the inside. A sharp wince came as the babe shrunk backward, stubbon, resistant. As the midwife rubbed and moved the babe anew, Eirian cried aloud. For a man who had gone to war, such a sight as this was assuredly heartwrenching (d)
Frackin Jarhead: Apollo's eyes grew to the size of the windows in the room as he watched this happen. He wasn't sur ehe believed what he was seeing, but that woman's arms were all the we up inside his soon to be wife! He didn't know anyone could do that! Then.. pop.. something slid out, and Eirian screamed, nearly taking his hand by surprise! She squeezed until his hand was turning purple and hers as white as a ghost. He was having a hard time breathing, and he had no idea.. what she had gone through. Something clicked in his head. And the scene changed as everything began to slow down and he and Eirian exchanged looks. She had just given birth to another life.. He kissed her softlyand pulled back so they could both see if Hope had come out the way she had foreseen.(d)
Yesterdays Fancy: "Push! Again! Good ...ah there is the head...the shoulders...push again!" Cala was as excited as Amelia, who was readying the tools and herbs for the chord. "Listen to that! Oh for such a stubborn child such a lusty cry.."-
Yesterdays Fancy: "A Girl, my lady, my lord! You have a daughter, a beautiful healthy daughter...My lord, come! Come, cut her chord...see her and see her carried to the mother.."
Yesterdays Fancy: She bore down, sitting as far forward as possible and gripping her knees. Lighting was splitting her, tearing her open as she cried out into the depths of the night before falling back into her soon to be husband's embrace. After the beauty of a kiss she looked down to see the bawled fists, the feet of the child kicking about as lusty cries cleared her lungs. Cala sucked through the river reeds to clear out the squirling baby's eyes, the remainder of her mouth. Amelia soaked clothes to clean the blood and refuse from the body to swaddle her. They beckoned Apollo close as the chord was tied off, passing him the dirk to cut it (d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``Umm...here?`` He asked, and they pointd where again, and he brought the dirk up and cut it as cleanly as he could. He was uncertain, but the look of accomplishment crossed his face as he realized, Apollo did good. They cleaned the baby off, handing it to Eirian as Apollo came back to her. His grin was wide, and he studied Eirian's face as she looked to her baby. It was a beautiful moment for the pair of them, more so for Eirian. It had been more of a learning for Apollo, and he had taken as many notes as he could.. before he forgot them, but the most vivid thing stuck out in his mind-- and that was Eirian's smile. He ran his fingers through her hair and sat as close as he could to her and their child, Hope.(d)
esterdays Fancy: "Aye just there. Cut a man down in battle and afraid of this little line are you?" Cala was full of pepper and vinegar with a wry grin showing a row of healthy teeth. Her stout figure served her well! A lifetime of giving birth toand delivering an infinite number of country children. "Perfect.." She bound off the chord after applying a salve around it, swalled the child to be presented forward to the mother. "I dare say that is the lovliest babe I've delivered.."
Yesterdays Fancy: "A little princess. Such eyes.and a full head of thick, black hair. Oh yes..the lovliest child of the valley." The afterbirth was put into a bucket to be burned in a separate room, the tools put away in bucket of water to be cleaned elswhere. Amelia saw to it that the linens on the bed were changed, the mother was well and good. She had not torn nor stretched over much so there would be no need for stiches. A sponge bath, a change of gown, and scent of roses and lavendar left to linger would soon be all that remained of the midwives as the great event was done..
Yesterdays Fancy: Eirian leaned back into her Apollo's arms for there was enough room for them in the bed now. Sapphire eyes gazed down to a pair of brown ones that opened with starbursts of blue in their heart.. "Hope...and that you are...that you are. Hope Olwyn Apollus.." The last name was whispered as she looked over to Talion. She fidgeted her hands free of the swaddling, suckling on her balled fists with pink gums seeking out her thumbs. Wide, wide the mouth became as she yawned! Laughter ensued as she took the child from near her breasts..passing her to her father.."Here...hold our daughter.." (d)
Frackin Jarhead: Apollo carefully took the baby, allowing it to lay within his forearm as he curled it up to him. The baby looked to his face as he smiled, and she started crying. ``Uh.. is that.. good?`` He asked, looking to Eirian with a confused/worried look. It had been the first time he'd ever held a baby before. He sat her upon th ebed, with his arm still under her, and let his finger fall victim to her balling and unballing fists. She slung his finger around for a moment and she started to die down in sound, and she quit crying. ``She either likes beating up my finger, or she likes me..`` He said softly, looking to Eirian with another one of his grins. He leaned forward and kissed his
Frackin Jarhead: soon-to-be-wife. ``You did wonderfully, love.``(d)
Yesterdays Fancy: "Oh, it is fine.." Eirian watched as such a strong man was brought to a place of awe by the tiniest form of newfound life. Hope's little face was scrunched up in frustration as she sought a source of comfort beyond the breast of her mother or her thumb. Clasping Talion's finger, she waved it, clutched it..and found peace." A child is going to cry, Talion. Oh, Master Talon, great King. Humbled by a tiny wee thing.." She was a mother at long last, no longer yearning, no longer praying for life to be fashioned within her womb. "Ah, she knows the sound of your voice...she remembers you..she loves you. We love you." Another kiss was shared between them as her forehead rested against his, "I have everything in this world. You both are my life." (d)
Frackin Jarhead: ``Then lets eat..``
Yesterdays Fancy: Eirian laughed in spite of her self and Hope looked up at the sound of the boisterous voices and silly words of yet she did not understand. "Aye..breakfast. I am famished.." So began the life of the little family (d)