It was a cold day in the Valerious cottage. Be it as it was in the middle of December, or perhaps because the fireplace was dying, or maybe Velkan Valerious' chills had been able to make the entire cottage go cold. He was not cold because he was sick, he was not cold because of the weather. Simply listening to the sounds of his screaming wife in the next room had made his blood run cold. For nine hours, Valeria Valerious had been in labor. Velkan knew she was in good hands. A midwife who delivered many babies before, and Carl, a rather comforting friar was there to help Valeria along as well. Suddenly, Velkan felt his body grow warm, when he heard the sound of a wailing babe. Velkan smiled and stood to his feet, just as the midwife came to give him the good news.
"You have a daughter, Velkan. A healthy little girl." said the midwife.
"Can I see her?" Asked Velkan.
The midwife nodded and led Velkan into Valeria's room. The room was practically bare and only lit by the flickering of a burning candle. As Velkan drew closer to the candle, he finally could see Valeria laying in her bed and holding a small bundle in her arms. For the three years they had been married, Velkan had never seen Valeria look so sick. Her sick was pale and her face and hair were moistened with sweat. Her once green eyes had turned red and sore. Valeria surely looked like death was at the doorstep. However, Velkan chose not to scare anyone and sat by Valeria's side, taking her hand in his.
"I'm proud of you, Valeria." said Velkan, kissing his wife's brow.
Valeria gave a smile for her husband and looked down at her newborn daughter. "She has your eyes." she said.
"How I wish I could've been with you."
"You don't have to apologize. I had plenty of help." said Valeria, taking Carl's hand.
"She did very good. Better than me. I fainted twice." said Carl, his cheeks turning crimson.
"Even so, you did a good thing. Thank you, Carl. Thank you, Miss." said Velkan, addressing Valeria's helpers.
The midwife shooed Carl out of the room and followed him out. Velkan offered his arms, and Valeria carefully handed her fragile daughter over to her father's open arms. The newborn felt light, probably only 5 pounds. She had smal strandsl of blonde hair, and well-rounded blue eyes. All ten fingers and toes were completely intact and her complexion was that of a peach. She was perfect. Velkan shifted his position so he could be right next to Valeria. Together, they gazed down on their newborn daughter.
"She's here now. What do we name her?" asked Velkan.
"Selena. It was my Mother's name. God rest her soul." said Valeria, taking the newborn from Velkan.
"Selena Valerious. Selena Anna Valerious." said Velkan, a proud smile stretched across his face.
"Velkan, could you promise me something?" asked Valeria.
"Of course, darling. Anything."
"We need to protect her. We need to protect her from the darkness." said Valeria, her tone urgent.
Not really knowing if his wife was frightened by something, or simply delirious from the birth. All Velkan could do was nod, and allow Valeria to rest her head against his chest.