Aftermath

Okay, second chapter. We are currently buried in snow, and its still falling. I'm waiting for work to call and tell me not to come in, because there is no way that they will stay open. Ah, who am I kidding? With my luck, they will. XP

Disclaimer- Still don't own the Legend of Zelda.

"Having a baby is like falling in love again, both with your husband and your child." ~Tina Brown

Ilia was at Rusl and Uli's house when she went into labor.

Link had made every necessary change to his house before they had gotten married. With the help of the other village men, he had made it bigger, more accomadated to family life than that of a bachelor. He built a lower level around the base of the tree, replacing the ladders with stairs so that the original rooms could still be reached.

They were happy. The sense of belonging to each other was so warming, comforting, and they thought that they couldn't be any happier. But when Link saw the look in Ilia's eyes as she tenderly held Uli's infant daughter, he knew that they could.

The day finally came when they proudly announced that Ilia was pregnant. Everyone was so thrilled, and a celebration was held that very instant. The expecting parents were given so many well-wishes and advice that they hardly knew what to do with it all. The night was filled with drinking, dancing, singing, and more merriment that half of them would be unable to remember in the morning. Link refused each and every drop of alcohol that was offered to him, on the grounds that it wouldn't be fair when his wife was not allowed the same indulgence in her current state.

As Ilia's due date drew closer, she stayed in town more and more, mostly because Link insisted upon it. While their house was not that far removed from the rest of the village, it would still be difficult for her to traverse the short distance if the baby decided to come while Link was away.

So the two of them stayed with Ilia's father. Bo was, of course, delighted to have them, and reminded them of this every day. Ilia spent plenty of time with the other women of Ordon, listening to them reminisce about their own pregnancies. Mostly Uli, as hers had been the most recent.

Ilia was helping Colin with some of his chores when the pains started. She pressed one hand to the top of her stomach, using the other to grip the edge of the nearby table, squeezing it so hard she thought the thick slab of oak would crack.

"Colin, go find your mother," she told him, her voice tight.

The boy nodded, snatching the wooden sword he had inherited from Link and ran out the door. Uli was there within minutes, with Pergie and Sera hot on her trail. They coaxed Ilia into the bed, helping her to get comfortable and instructing her on how to breath.

It was agony. Her entire lower body was on fire, and her hips felt like they were going to split apart. She forgot all about the loving warmth that had flooded her heart when she realized that the little life was growing inside her. She just wanted it out, now.

Hours later, after the sun had fallen far below the horizon, Ordon had exactly one new citizen. The unbearable pressure was finally gone, and Ilia was practically sobbing with relief.

Suddenly, Sera was beside her, urging her to sit up as Pergie handed her a squirming, squalling bundle of blankets.

"You have a beautiful, bouncing baby girl," the older woman told her, smiling despite the fact that she was exhausted as well.

"She's got a good, healthy pair of lungs, by the sound of it," Uli added.

Ilia pushed back the edge of the blanket cocoon so she could gaze at her daughter. The infant was still slightly red and wrinkled, but to her mother, she was the most gorgeous child anyone could have wished for. Ilia skimmed her fingertips against the chubby cheeks, the soft wisp of blonde hair, and the tiny, pointed ears that she had obviously inherited from her father.

There was a gentle knock at the door, and Uli moved to answer it. The other two women followed her out as Link entered the room. He only made a few hesitant steps, his posture screaming "defense," before stopping. Ilia smiled in a reassuring way, beckoning to him gently. He stepped forward again, hesistating again until she patted the space beside her. He sat down beside her craning his neck to see the baby. His movements were still calculated and careful as he placed one calloused finger in the baby's palm, lauging when she curled her fingers around it.

"She's beautiful," he whispered. "Just like her mother."

Ilia laughed as well, leaning forward to kiss him on the temple. "Would you like to hold her?"

He nodded, eyes bright as he took the baby in his arms. She started to fuss a little, but settled quickly when her father's arms cradled her securely. Link held his daughter with the same tenderness and care he exhibited around Ilia. The sight of the two of them together filled the young woman's soul with so much happiness that she was sure she would burst.

"Did you decide on a name yet?" Link asked quietly, never taking his eyes away from the infant's face.

Ilia smiled warmly. "I thought I'd let you decide. After all, I know what you want to call her."

Link looked at her, his gaze wary, a frown marring his handsome face. "Are...are you sure it's okay? You know it was never like that between me and her, so-"

"I know, Link," she interrupted softly, still smiling. "But I know she became one of your closest friends, and you want to honor the sacrifices that she made for you. That she made for us all. Only a few people outside of this village will ever know how big a part she played in our salvation, but we will always remember. And since I never got the chance to meet her in person, I can think of no better way to thank her for all that she did."

For several long minutes, he was silent. Then he nodded, grinning from ear to ear. "Midna it is then."

Fear the baby-filled cuteness!!!!!!!!! Fear it and review!!!!!!!