The Chronicles of A Ceathair: A Voice From the Past
Prologue
Cavan paced outside the room, keeping himself from running up the stairs and into Esmora's room. Another loud groan emanated from the room, but that was all he heard. However if she let any sound escape from her mouth she must be in pain. He wanted to hold her hand, but Synedtia, his wife's best friend, had shooed him out as soon as Esmora had told her it was time. He sat down, but stood up again as he could not stand to be still. Finally, he heard footsteps coming down the hall above him. He rushed up the stairs to see Synedtia.
"Congratulations, you have two children, boy and girl. Very nice if you ask me. One's screaming his head off and the other is as quiet as a mouse."
Cavan hardly heard her as he rushed past and into Esmora's room. He stopped at the door to gaze at his radiant wife. She wore one of her rare smiles and was looking back and forth at the bundles in her arms. She looked up at Cavan and beckoned him over.
"We really need to pick names now," she said softly.
Cavan peered into the blankets that Esmora held and gently lifted one into his arms.
"So, what's his name?" Synedtia said loudly near Cavan.
"Alaire," he said softly.
Esmora looked up, surprised, "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice choking with memories.
"Yes," he said. "And now that I've named Alaire, we need a good name for the girl."
Esmora and Cavan grew silent, the only sound was the boy in his arms. They gazed at their silent daughter who looked around with wide eyes.
Synedtia laughed from behind them, "Freyda," she said, "Her name is Freyda, sweet voice. How ironic, and yet," she let out another loud laugh.
Cavan once again wondered at his wife's choice of friend. He would never fully understand their bond.
"Freyda," Esmora cooed to her daughter.