Author's Note: This fic seems totally random to begin with, but I can assure you I have a plan. Trust me when I say there will be lots of Sybil and Tom goodies to look forward to.
Far Away from Home – Introducing Alanna!
Dear Mam,
I promised I would write to you the moment the baby was born, I just wish there was a quicker way in which I could contact you. Little Alanna was born early this morning; and Mamai, she's beautiful. She looks like Sybil save for the eyes. Her eyes are all Branson, "full of mischief," as you would say.
I can't seem to take my eyes off of her, she's so tiny. I don't remember Orlaith or Maire ever being this small.
You would have been so proud of Sybil, Mam; she did everything you told her to do and breathed exactly the way you showed her. Doctor Clarkson and Lady Grantham kept insisting she stop pacing and lay back down in bed. But she was determined to do as you did with us, and walk through the pain, only lying down when it all got too much for her. Sybil told me that Doctor Clarkson rolled his eyes at this "new age nonsense," but she insisted that as you have had seven children, and he "had had precisely none" – you would know best. I told you she's a feisty one. If Alanna is anywhere near half as…spirited as her mother, I'm in trouble. Who am I kidding? I hope more than anything she has the confidence and courage of her mother and the… roguish good looks of her father… of course! If I close my eyes, I can hear you laughing at that.
I wish so much that you could be here with us, so that you could get to know your newest grandbaby. I don't know when we'll be able to come home, but I promise to write as much as I can.
I'm including the money I promised you for the girl's new clothes. Tell them that their favourite brother, Tom sends his love. Take care, Ma… or should I start calling you Mamó?
All my love, Ma
Your loving son,
Tom
Alanna - Means 'darling child'
Mamai - Mammy
Mamó - Grandma