***PROLOGUE**
A scream echoed through the stone halls of Lordaeron castle, waking Terenas.
"Push, Branna!" Anna instructed, positioning herself between the woman's legs. Branna gripped her friend's hand tightly as she did, screaming again in the process. As her cry softened, it was replaced by that of a child's whose lungs were breathing in their first breath of fresh Lordaeron air. Panting, Branna relaxed against the pillows and a woman gently wiped the sweat from her brow. Her friends congratulated and soothed Branna before they left her alone, save for Anna.
"It's a girl," smiled Anna, cradling the child in her arms as she came to sit down on the bed beside her friend. A bright grin spread across Branna's weary face as she used all that remained of her energy to reach up and take her daughter into her arms, shushing her gently. She loved the girl so much already, and tears of joy gathered in Branna's eyes. She reached out a gentle finger, watching as the baby's miniature ones curled around it.
"She's a strong one, isn't she?" She looked up at Anna proudly.
"She is," Anna agreed with a soft smile. "What are you going to name her?"
"Mavelin." Branna looked over her daughter. Yes, it was perfect for her. "It was my grandmother's name." She traced a gentle finger over the baby's ears, following as they curved into a small point. Her brows furrowed, "She looks like him, doesn't she?"
Anna let out a sigh, "She looks more like you than him, Branna."
"Mavelin..." Branna cradled the now sleeping baby, bringing her up so that she could place a soft kiss on her peachy forehead. "My sweet Mavelin..."