Disclaimer: I don't own any of the original TP characters (duh)
"Almost done, just a little more." a soothing voice murmured. Sarra focused on that voice as she went through the most painful ordeal for a second time. A cool hand gripped hers as she tried to think of something other than the pain. "There now, just one more push." said the same voice, and suddenly, it was over. Sarra leaned back and closed her eyes, exhausted. A smile formed as she heard a baby cry.
Sarra, known to most mortals as the Green Lady, but also known as the former Sarra Beneksri, opened her eyes to see her second child. The Great Mother stood over her, smiling patiently. With great care, the Mother handed the little figure wrapped in a blanket to the smiling goddess.
"Congratulations Sarra, it's another healthy girl." The Great Mother said softly as the Green Lady rocked her child gently. The babe stopped crying and stared wide-eyed around the room. At that moment, Queenclaw, who had been present throughout the whole ordeal, left to bring the father in. Sarra slowly shifted her gaze from the little one to the Goddess.
"I thought, being a goddess and the Divine Realms, that child birth would be easier." she whispered, trying not to disturb her little girl. She heard the Great Mother chuckle in reply.
"It's fairly similar to the Mortal Realms. Each birth simply depends on the child and the mother. This was a little more difficult than last time, am I right?" the Mother questioned. When she saw Sarra nod, she continued. "I believe that means this little one will be even more of a handful than Veralidaine." she said with a sigh. "I wish you luck." She was about to say more, when the father, Weiryn, strode in. He went directly to Sarra's side, trying to hide his anxiety.
"Were you like this when Daine was born?" his wife asked with a chuckle. While he was trying to act confident, he couldn't help asking every few seconds if she and the baby were all right. He stood up straighter and replied with indifferently.
"I knew everything would work out."
"Don't listen to him." came an amused voice. Queenclaw had returned. She hopped up on a table next to Sarra's bed. "He was a nervous wreck waiting out there a few minutes ago, pacing and talking to himself. He was even worse the first time."
Weiryn cleared his throat, and quickly changed the subject. "Well, is it a girl or boy?" he asked curiously. In the Divine Realms, it didn't matter whether a baby was male or female, for the parent never dies and there is no need for a boy to carry on the name. In any case though, Weiryn's curiosity was killing him. Sarra handed him the blanket covered child.
"Meet you new daughter." she said softly, so the baby wouldn't start crying again. As Weiryn cautiously picked up the baby, the Great Mother gave a little laugh.
"Not like that. You have to hold her head…there you go. Now you understand." she explained.
The little girl stared at her strange looking father. Her large eyes took in his antlers and strange skin. A wide, toothless grin grew on her little face as she gurgled at him. Two small hands reached up to pull at his antlers and his curly hair. Weiryn couldn't help but smile at his second child, and this time he would be apart of her upbringing.
Sarra frowned, sensing something was off. There was something remarkably different about this new child from Daine, but Sarra couldn't think of what.
Suddenly, she realized what it was.
"Sh--she shouldn't be able to control her arms yet." she exclaimed softly as she watched her newborn daughter yank her father's hair. "Babies don't begin to have control of her arms and legs until months after being born." She looked to the Great Mother, wanting an explanation. The Goddess shook her head, looking a little sad.
"Things are different here Sarra." The Goddess paused for a moment. "It's difficult for us immortals to have children, especially gods. There would be an over abundance of us if there were, and that would lead to chaos. Once a child is born to a god and goddess, it must quickly be given a…responsibility, something to put his or her power to. Without responsibility, they become dangerous. Since there is a need for haste, our children grow at a much faster rate than mortals. There are more rules and such for children, especially if she cannot choose a responsibility, but that will be for later. For now Sarra, try to enjoy what time you have with her. They stay young for a very short time."
"How much time?" the tearful new mother asked, staring at her little girl. The Mother walked over and laid a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"It varies, and I would not tell you if I could. You would then be forever mourning the day she would leave, if you knew. Children are extremely rare in the Divine Realms, Sarra. Rejoice in being a mother, if only for a short time." The Great Mother then turned her attention to the little one.
"You have been born in a world many can't even dream of, and with privileges and powers most would die for. Be grateful and grow up strong, little one, for there will be work for you soon, no matter what rode you choose for yourself."
With that the Mother left, for she was greatly needed in many other places.
Sarra reached for her daughter, and Weiryn gently handed her back. The Green Lady finally took her first good look at her daughter. She had a small bit of brown hair on top of her head and her eyes were a bright blue-green, a mixture of her parent's eyes. Her skin was also a mixture of her parents; a creamy complexion with light reddish-brown streaks. She yawned, and was soon sleeping.
"Have you thought of a name?" asked Weiryn. Sarra thought for a moment, and smiled.
"Almira Kainda…yes, that's it. Almira Kainda Weirynsra." she stated happily.
"What does the first name mean?"
"Of Higher Birth Order."
"And the second name?"
Sarra smiled and sat up to receive a kiss from her husband.
"Kainda? It means Hunter's Daughter."
Ok, this story will get more interesting, I promise. No, Almira WON'T be one of those perfect main characters I always see popping up in fanficts. She WILL have flaws. Anyway, please read and review!