Karma:

Deformity is a Curse

Nyesh Halthor, Alpha of the Lupine, watched his wife sleep soundly, her chest rising and falling with each breath. Lately, he had not been sleeping well or eating much and that worried his wife, the second princess of Wyvern's Court, and now Alphess of the Lupine. He had assured Rose that he was fine, that he was just a little stressed about her well-being, being nine months pregnant and all.

He remembered his father's death three months ago and his grief over Namid's sacrifice six years ago. Nothing that day, could prepare him for the heavy burden that came with being the Mana of Sheeva Intre and the Alpha of the Lupine.

He still mourned for Rakab, and was still haunted by Rakab's bloodless face as they found his body near the cliff. Nyesh shook his head and shivered, he was leader now, and he didn't need to dwell in the past. Closing his violet eyes, he breathed in the pungent early spring air and went outside to watch the sunrise.

He limped now, from an accident with a former foe and used his gift from Sheeva Intre, a walking stick, to get around. Damage in the nerves of his brain had formerly rendered him handicapped, but the gods blessed him with the ability to use his left hand again, but they could only fix a small part in his left leg, which also created the limp.

Slowly, he eased himself onto a fallen log near the fire. Branwyn, one of his advisors of the newly made council, walked from the tent she shared with her mate, the crow Yrel, another member of the council. "You're up early." The raven said, smiling.

Nyesh nodded, beckoning her over, "Listen Branwyn…have you ever felt strange when in dreams?"

The raven shook her head, and placed a hand on her Mana's shoulder. "What is it?"

"Like your dreams become reality, as if you're not dreaming but living." Nyesh replied.

"I've never experienced anything like that before." Branwyn whispered, ebony eyes staring at the ground.

A quiet voice interrupted their conversation, "May I join?" Nyesh looked up into the face of his wife and couldn't suppress a grin: Hastily combed hair hung down her shoulders, her face was flushed with a pinkish glow, and her eyes sparkled with joy. She was wearing a thin, loose-fitting nightdress under a fur-lined robe and the curve of her stomach clearly showed.

Nyesh stood and took her hand, "Come."

Rose smiled and took a seat, placing a hand on her stomach.

"How are you feeling?" Branwyn asked, passing both of them each a bowl of warm porridge.

Rose took the bowl and sighed, "Fine, but it feels as if I'm going to go into labor soon."

Sheila sat down beside Branwyn, "Early labor pains." She explained, standing and pressing her hands to Rose's back and stomach, lightly. Rose winced and gripped Sheila's arm, panting. "Stop." She whispered.

Nyesh saw worry cross over the emerald boa's face, "Come with me." She ordered softly, helping Rose to her feet and they entered Nyesh and Rose's tent, settling her on the bed. Sheila quickly explained to Rose about the situation and Rose nodded, slowly.

There was a cry of pain from the tent and soft breathing and then another cry. Nyesh winced and stood, hoping to get to Rose, but Branwyn laid a hand on his shoulder. "She needs to do this on her own, my Mana."

Sheila began to usher more healers into the tent and Nyesh felt his throat close up with emotion, she needed him now and he needed her.

But it was only when Branwyn left to wake the other members of Sheeva Intre and the tribe that the truth of the raven's words hit him. He would have shouted it to the world if it were true but right now he was frozen to the spot, his head swimming with thoughts.

He was to become a father today.