Hello to all my readers, reviewers, and all you newcomers out there! :D So far, not a whole lot of enthusiasm, but I'm hoping things will pick up. In case anyone's wondering, this story is mostly going to be centered on Alaya's early years: no dates are going to be posted, mostly because that would be one helluva headache right now. I may go back later and work with something, though. Enjoy the read, and reviews are always appreciated. Flames will be used on my little brother (sorry Toothpick, you had it coming!).
Disclaimer: I don't own Halo.
Chapter One: A Child Born
The chambers were normally silent at this hour, a time when all those who dwelt here were at rest. On this night, however, the sounds of bustling servants and screams could be heard. Before a closed door a human male paced, worry etched in every line of his face; the screams were loudest on the other side of the door.
"This has gone on for hours, is such a thing normal?" Even as he spoke to the empty air, the loudest scream he had ever heard tore through the night, followed by a new sound: the thin wail of a newborn infant.
"Captain?" The young man turned to the servant that had appeared at his side.
"Yes, what is it?" he asked impatiently. "What of my wife and child?"
"The child is strong and healthy, sir," the woman replied. "The lady is asking for you." The servant smiled in relief as her master rushed into the room behind her.
HALO HALO HALO HALO HALO HALO HALO HALO
She dozed, weary from her labors, as all around her servants were cleaning the mess of birth. Where is he? she wondered wearily, where is my husband?
"Fara, my elana," a low, roughened voice murmured as a calloused hand touched her forehead. Blue eyes opened sleepily as she smiled up at her husband.
"You know full well I am no spirit, katier," she whispered, smiling at the memory. To think that I once found him arrogant.
"You ensnared me then, elana, and hold me even now. If anything, your trap has strengthened this night." She watched as her husband gazed down at the sleeping bundle in her arms. A dusting of dark brown hair covered the tiny head, and tiny fists scrunched up against the pale, rose-colored blanket.
"Our daughter is strong and healthy, Petrach, Like her father." The child stirred, crying softly as Fara moved her to her breast. "Hush, my daughter, my sweet one. We are here, and always will be."
HALO HALO HALO HALO HALO HALO HALO HALO
For my beloved daughter,
I have begun this record on the day of your birth, in hopes that one day you may look kindly on these memories. Even as I write you are in my arms, sleeping, perhaps even dreaming of your fate. I only know that as I look upon you, my sweet angel, that my life is now complete.
You are the most precious jewel in the Empire, my beloved. Your father himself, the greatest man in the armies, wept when he saw you in my arms, and I fear that one day he will lock you in your rooms when you come of age! But he loves you, my alaya, my precious daughter. You have made both our lives complete.
One day, I hope, you will read these entries and think well of us. But know now that we love you, more than anything in this life, more than the Empire itself. I do not doubt that as you grow you will not think the same, for I did not, but we shall love you all the same.
Your loving mother,
Fara
