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I grabbed my overly large stomach, the pain of child birth almost upon me and the pain of loosing my mate stabbing at my heart. I was almost positive I would not live through my first child's birth if the pain was always going to be this intense, if I was going to be this lonely.

Trembling I pushed my way into the Sacred house battling away the women who tried to help me. Sighing I immersed myself in the cool, tranquil waters that lapped at my belly. The water was unnaturally bright, almost aqua colored, very rare for anything except for holy, sacred waters. My light dress paled and shimmered as the water soaked the material and climbed higher and higher, reaching my breasts before I realized that I had been just been standing in awe, in comfort. The light from the pool seemed to be stroking the tears from my face.

With determination I knelt in the water with one fluid movement, trembling as the coldness of the water rushed to my shoudlers in that one, sure, fluid movement.

"Great One!" I cried out, knowing he was listening, "Great One, please give this baby more love than I have been shown! Please, please hear me and reply, give this child something more to hold onto than the thought of ruling, of leadership, of conquest and war. Give this baby someone to love, to adore, to be with and be completed. Please." I whispered, "I beg of you."

I waited for a moment. I waited for a sign, for a great booming voice to answer me. And noting came. Just silence deafening overbearing silence. Disappointed I stood, nothing had said that my prayers had been answered, I turned to leave, sure that nothing was going to change, when the waters rumbled, the light grew brighter, swirling around me, bursting into the air in a spray.

Your wish shall be granted, but at a price.

"Name it! It shall be yours." I cried, unable to meet the light that was shining so brilliantly.

Your own true love shall never be wholly yours. But, you will be blessed with two more children. Love them well, and come to me, as you have tonight. I will bring upon them a blessing as well, for I have taken much from you tonight, much more than you realize.

And the world returned to normal, and I was glad, for I had finally done right in my eyes.