Just so you know- I've never had a child, nor am I a doctor of any kind…so if I get anything wrong—

-Tell me

-Don't bitch and moan about it

Thank you ;)

PS- I took Mirana's child's name from my other story, A Raven and a Writing Desk. I wonder if you've read it already…it's my huge big project right now ;) Feel free to go read it any time you want.

So, I love when people are straightforward (sometimes) I was asked a couple questions by AlicexHatter4Evaaaaaaaa and she directly asked me to answer them in an author's note :D

Is this your first story with Alice and Tarrant and a couple?

Well, my first story- yes. I have written a poem about them, though. Maybe more than one poem…

Is Mirana about to give birth?

Let's find out, shall we?

"A new baby is like the beginning of all things- wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities."—Eda J. Le Shan

Mirana of Marmoreal, 24 years old

After 12 hours of labor, my baby was still unborn. I was lying in the infirmary- it was empty, besides Tarrant, Matthew, Alice, a doctor, and I- sweating bullets and clutching my sheets. The first few hours, I'd been able to deal with the pain but now it was unbearable. I had to keep my mind focused on the fact that, after it all, I'd have a sweet little baby all to myself…and my husband, of course.

Another contraction hit me like a cinderblock and the doctor in the room told me to try and "help the baby along." Yeah, well, he's not the one lying on this cot trying to give birth, now is he? I 'pushed' the baby along, and t seemed like that was all I had to have done. I was curled up like I was doing a sit-up and I felt something slip out between my legs. I heard the shrieks of my baby as it was- finally- pulled from my body. I fell back and rested my head on the pillow behind me. I closed my eyes for a moment before I started to frantically search for my child.

The newborn was placed in my arms by Matthew. Alice smoothed my hair out of my face and wiped my perspiration covered forehead with a cool rag. I looked at the little person in my arms and looked at Matthew, one question going through my mind.

"It's a little girl," he whispered. Okay, that wasn't my question, but a little girl!

"Is…is she…healthy?" I asked timidly. I had been sick when I was born and I didn't want my baby to get my disease as well. That'd be terrible.

"Of course she is! Wha' kinda question is tha'?" asked Tarrant, standing near Alice.

"Oh, hush up," I said, smiling widely.

"What'll you name her?" asked Alice, touching the little girl's few curls of blonde hair. Matthew and I looked at each other.

"I…I don't know. We never really thought about that," said Matthew. We all laughed. We really didn't plan when it came to this baby.

"Well, what about Julia?" asked Matthew. Tears misted my eyes as he mentioned my lost sister's name. I remember how she looked, and our daughter looked exactly like her. I bit my lip and blinked my eyes, trying to clear the water that gave away my emotion.

"I'd like that," I choked out. "Hi, Julia." Her little eyes opened, revealing little blue orbs. I memorized her face, the smile she gave me when I touched her nose, the way she bit on my finger. I felt like I was holding little Julia of Crims back when I was 6 years old. I told Matthew to come lay down with us. Alice, Tarrant, and the doctor let us be. He and I took turns holding Julia, but my arms felt empty without her there. I leaned my head on his shoulder and sighed in contentment. I closed my eyes and dozed off. It must've been hours. I noticed when Matthew got up, pulled the blankets over me, and placed Julia in the bassinet across the room.

As he turned his back to walk out the door, I smirked and said "Where do you think you're going, mister? Get over here," I ordered. I sat up again and he came to sit next to me.

"You're a naughty little thing Mira," he informed me. I knew it too. I smiled and kissed him lightly. He kissed me back, a little deeper this time. Of course, just as I was really starting to enjoy it, Julia shrieked from her bassinet, telling us she was probably hungry. I heaved myself up and walked to the bassinet. I lifted her tiny, pale body from her nest of blankets. She immediately stopped crying and smiled smugly, as if to say Ha, I made you get up.

What a child. Oh well, it makes me love her that much more.