Nasuada bolted upright, gasping for air and clutching at her belly. She bit her lip to keep from crying out in pain. Not yet, she thought, surely it isn't time. The longer she sat, the more intense the spasms became. A small moan escaped her lips. She continued to breath. The pain pushed itself past her wall of strength and she yelled, long and loud, her voice reverberating off of the walls. As if on queue, Farica and Arya entered the chamber. They quickly set to work.
"How did you know?" Nasuada queried, confused.
"Arya heard you whimpering in your sleep," Farica replied, matter-of-factly. "The midwife is on her way." Nasuada nodded, her hands clenching the sheets.
"Nasuada," Arya said quietly, "Let me ease your pain."
Nasuada shook her head fiercely. "I endured the Trial of the Long Knives. I can endure this." As she finished her sentence, another spasm hit her. She yelled again, her back arching in pain. Just as it ended, the midwife walked in to the room.
"How is she doing?" The midwife asked Arya, washing her hands in the bowl Farica had waiting.
"Her spasms are strong and fairly close together. I think she tried to be strong for too long." Arya half-smiled at Nasuada as she spoke.
Nasuada smiled back, trying to keep her mind off of the wave of pain that was about to crest. Tears ran down her face and sweat beaded on her forehead.
"Water. I need water," Nasuada murmured, her voice raspy.
"Of course, Milady." Farica held a bowl of cool water to Nasuada's lips. She drank deeply, the cool liquid replenishing her. She hoped her resolve would hold.
"Your Majesty, when the next spasm comes, I want you to push."
Nasuada stretched her hand to Arya. "Please, my friend, stay. I need you."
Arya grasped her hand. "I would not even think of leaving. I will be here as long as you need me to be."
Nasuada yelled again and pushed down with all of her might.
"Well done, your Majesty. I can see the child's head."
Arya wiped the sweat off of Nasuada's forehead with a cool cloth. "You will get to meet your little one soon."
"Push again! That's it!"
Nasuada gritted her teeth and screamed through them. Several hours passed, and Nasuada's cries rang through the halls. Just as the light of dawn began to creep on the horizon, one last scream was heard, and a baby's cry filled the room.
"It's a boy, your Majesty!"
The tears ran uncontrollably down Nasuada's cheeks as her son was placed into her arms. The midwife continued her work as Nasuada examined her new treasure and soothed him.
"He's a beautiful child." Arya said quietly.
"Yes, he is." She ran her finger along the child's face.
"May I hold him?"
Nasuada nodded and Arya took the small bundle from her. Arya caressed his cheek and sang a short, beautiful song. Nasuada knew it was a blessing.
Nasuada smiled weakly. "Thank you." Arya nodded and handed the child back to her. Just then, the door to her chambers was thrust open and Murtagh ran in.
"Nasuada..." The raw emotion in his voice stirred new tears in Nasuada's eyes.
Arya stood from where she had been sitting on the edge of the bed. "And with that, I take my leave."
"Thank you again, Arya Dröttning"
Arya smiled one of her rare smiles, nodded, and pulled the door shut softly as she left.
Murtagh rushed to the bedside. He laid his lips on hers and stayed for the several seconds, his hands cupping her face. She breathed in his smell and relished in his touch. He pulled away, the tears steaming down his face.
"My Love. How I have missed you." He looked down at the bundle, nestled in her arms. "May I hold him? It is a boy, isn't it?" His voice was thick and heavy.
Nasuada nodded and handed the child to him. Murtagh stared down at his son and ran his hand through the boy's thick curls. "He has your hair."
"But your face."
Murtagh nodded. The baby wrapped his hand around his father's finger.
"What should we name him?" She asked, sounding exhausted.
"Ajihad. We should name him Ajihad."
Nasuada nodded. "Ajihad," she murmured.
Murtagh handed their child back to her so she could nurse. He laid down on the bed next her, cradling both of them. Nasuada relaxed for the first time since he had left. He was home.
"Please don't go again. I need you too much."
"I wouldn't dream of it, My Love."
She smiled and laid her head against his chest, listening to the deep thump of his heartbeat. Her eyelids fluttered as she fought sleep.
"Sleep..." He whispered softly in her ear, and she gave into the exhaustion that raked her entire body.
