Jaida felt her mind blank out, thanking Mahal for that as the birth wasn't easy. Panting heavily for air as she pushed. Her skin covered with sweat. But dwarves were tough, hearty. And somewhere amongst Nori's encouragements, and the midwife instructions, she heard crying. The high pitched cries of new life. She tilted her head to look down as the midwife lifted the baby for her to see. A girl. She swore she heard that. But she was too focused on the enormous red fuzball being carried away to be cleaned.
Nori had tears in his eyes, turning to Jaida and beamed at her. Stroking her hair back carefully. Squeezing her hand. "You did it. It's a baby girl. A girl." Nori choked up and kissed her forehead. So proud of his wife. Smiling so adoringly at her.
She blinked rapidly, feeling so weak, and yet alive at the same time. "A girl. Can I take a bath too?" She chuckled weakly. Squeezing his hand lightly.
He squeezed her hand. "Uhm. I don't know." He laughed sheepish. "But I can get some moist cloths to wash you, if you want?" He asked her softly as he stared into her eyes. "A girl." He mumbled to himself.
"Moist cloths." She scoffed. "Run me a bath." She grumbled, pushing up slowly to a sitting position. Hell no was she seeing anyone like this. The bedsheets needed changed and everything! Looking over to the midwife who was prepared to protest but immediately gave up at the look she gave her.
"Bath! Yes, Amrâlimê!" Nori dashed off and started the bath. No way was he going to protest with his wife when she had that look on her face. He wasn't stupid. Returning to Jaida and carefully lifted her up, bringing her to the bathroom.
"Thank you." She said softly, letting him help her from her clothes and into the bath. "Change the bedsheets please. I'll make it quick."
"Yes yes." He kissed the top of her head and moved back into the bedroom, quickly changing the bed. Smiling over at the midwife who was cleaning his baby girl. He was truly an Adad now. Blinking rapidly as his eyes burned. When the bed was clean again, he walked back to his wife.
She moaned as she finished cleaning herself, she did not like the feeling of sweating in her clothes. Looking up to Nori with a smile as she rinsed out her hair. Already feeling more alert from the bath. "Clothes. Comfy clothes. Please?"
Nori nodded, kissing her deeply for a moment. His adoration and pride being poured into the kiss. He walked away again and soon returned with wide and very comfortable clothes. Grabbing a big fluffy towel to dry her.
Jaida groaned a little as he helped her from the tub. Dried her off and helped her get dressed and brush out her hair. Then he walked her back into the bedroom. She carefully propped up some pillows so that she could sit upright. The midwife noticing their return. Instantly bringing over their wrapped up bundle of joy. Placing her in Jaida's arms.
Nori whimpered when he saw their little miracle. Well, no one could ever doubt it was his baby because damn the kid had red hair. "She's perfect." Nori cooed as he sat down beside Jaida. His finger very carefully touching those little chubby cheeks. Adoring the little one with all his heart. "She's so tiny."
She brought the little one up and rubbed their noses together. Giggling as she was so happy. The baby blinking as she opened her eyes. "Ah. Those are mine. Adad's." She turned to Nori with the most adoring look.
"Yes, yes they are." He smiled tenderly at them, resting his head against Jaida's. Sighing contently and mumbled to the sweet little dove. "She's so tiny, Jaida! So teeny weeny!"
"She needs a name Nori." She turned, handing the baby off to him.
"Name?" He squeaked and carefully cradled the baby in his arms. Looking utterly lost. She was so tiny. He was just scared he would accidentally drop her. "I'm not good with names." He stared into the baby's eyes, feeling such intense love. Now he understood Dwalin.
"Well. I have one if you don't mind." She whispered. This was her new favorite view, watching her one, holding their baby in his arms. The little one wiggling around a bit, grabbing at his beard.
Nori snickered. Leaning in and rubbed his nose against the baby's, just like Jaida had done moments before. Making silly noises. "Tell me, Amrâlimê."
"Mettalise." She said softly, leaning back against the headboard. "I want to name her after Amad."
"Mettalise." Nori mumbled to his daughter. "A pretty name for a pretty girl. You'll do your grand-Amad proud. I just know."
She smiled, holding her arms out to take the baby back. "Will you get Adad and Uncle Balin? Oh! Wait I have something else first."
"Mmm?" Nori tilted his head as he carefully placed that tiny miracle in her arms. "You two look beautiful together."
"Do you think Bofur would be the god-Adad?" She asked carefully. Her Adad and Uncle, even Dori, they were older dwarves. And Ori was so young.
"Oh yes. He'd be so delighted. We just have to make sure he doesn't run off with our little bundle of joy." He brushed his finger against his daughter's cheek, cooing for a moment and getting up. "I'll be right back." He walked out of the room and asked for Dwalin and Balin to come in.
Dwalin clasped Nori's shoulder for a moment and walked into the room. Choking up the second he saw his little jewel with a bundle in her arms. "Hello." He whispered with a hoarse voice as he slowly approached.
Balin was right next to his brother, tears immediately in his eyes. Taking a deep breath as he moved towards Jaida and holding out his arms. To which she carefully passed the baby to him. He looked down with an adoring smile as the girl started entangling her hands in his beard. "Well those eyes suit you better than my brother. Told your Amad that the first time I held her too." He sniffed.
Jaida shook her head amused as she watched her uncle. Then turned her gaze to her father.
Dwalin moved to her and hugged her close. "I'm proud of you." He mumbled against her hair, holding her tightly for a long moment. Then he turned to his brother and held out his arms. "Give me my granddaughter." He spoke gruff and Balin handed the tiny girl to him. Dwalin cradled her in his arms and felt tears roll down his face. His breathing a bit choppy as it brought back so many memories. "You look just like your Amad did. Just as tiny. Expect that hair of yours. That's all your Adad."
"Aye. That it is. Unfortunately there will be no convincing of otherwise." Balin drawled out, winking at Nori. "Alright then. Give us a name."
Jaida reached out and brushed the baby's hair back. Then folded her hands in her lap. "Her name is Mettalise."
Dwalin froze when he heard that name, looking at his daughter with glassy eyes. "Mettalise?" He turned to the baby, holding her closer and rested his forehead so carefully against hers. "Your grand-Amad would have adored you so much." He cried softly.
Balin had never felt more proud of someone than he had in that moment. Leaning in and pressing a kiss to Jaida's forehead. Backing up to watch his brother. Knowing how conflicting of emotions must be running through him.
A tear ran down Jaida's cheek as she watched. This moment was it, she could truly die in peace. Beaming when the baby started to coo and giggle, reaching up to touch her grand-Adad.
Dwalin broke out in real sobs now, rocking her in his arms and blubbered how precious the little one was. A little precious gem, just like her Amad. Promising he'd keep her safe, always. And no boys! Boys are stupid.
Nori couldn't help but chuckle when Dwalin warned off his granddaughter from boys. Wrapping his arm tightly around his Jaida and discreetly brushed away a tear himself.
Balin huffed, his face turning a bit disgusted. "Right hand to the King, greatest warrior dwarf in Erebor my arse! You're more of a baby then the newborn!"
Jaida giggled, reaching out to take the baby back from her father. Her cheeks hurting. "Alright. You can visit later. I want Dori, Ori, and Bo to see her before I fall asleep."
Dwalin pulled a face to his brother and gave his little granddaughter a kiss. Handing her back to her Amad. "Trust me. I'll come over a lot."
"I know you will. As will we. Have an extra place set at Friday's dinner and Sunday's tea." She said softly, cradling the baby again. Leaning towards Balin as he gave the baby a kiss as well.
"Shall we send in the lads?" He asked as he pulled away.
"Yes please."
Nori cooed to his daughter again, playfully brushing his braid against her nose and made her giggle.
Looking up when his brothers moved into the bedroom. Moving immediately towards the couple and their new niece or nephew.
"By my beard." Dori whispered breathlessly. Tears brimming his eyes. "It's a girl." He stepped forward and placed his hand on his brother's shoulder.
Jaida nodded softly as she looked at Ori. "Do you want to hold her?"
Nori beamed up with pride. "First girl in our line in five generations, am I right?"
"Can I? She's so tiny! Dori? Was I this small when I was a baby?" Ori carefully took the baby, smiling shyly at her. Rocking her.
"I believe so. I'd ask if you were sure she was yours. But there's no denying that ball of sunshine." Dori chuckled, squeezing his brothers shoulder. A proud look on his face. "You were a bit bigger than that Ori. But still small enough you barely fit in my hands yes."
"Oh wow. Her hair is so pretty. So red! Redder than yours, Nori!" Ori smiled brightly when the baby babbled and tried to touch his face. Whispering to the baby and introduced himself. He was an Uncle now! He wasn't the baby anymore.
Jaida looked so adoring over at Nori, for such a long time before she turned back to the baby. "You'll start teaching her young right? I want her to be as smart as her Uncle."
"Oh of course. I'll come over every day to read to her. She'll be even smarter than me!" Ori puffed with pride.
"Yikes, Ori. Don't set such high standards for the kid. She's barely an hour old!"
"Oh she's going to love her Uncle Ori. I can see her now. She'll follow you around. Be your little shadow." She said softly.
"Alright alright. Amad looks tired let me hold her for a moment." Dori made grabby hands as he turned to his youngest brother.
Ori pouted at Dori for a moment and reluctantly handed her over. "Really? I'd like that. I always followed Dori, or sometimes Nori. I'll keep her safe. I promise!"
"I know you will Ori. You're a strong dwarrow. And I'm proud you're my brother." Nori spoke seriously, making his baby brother look startled.
"Oh Mahal fatherhood is already making him soft. Quick. Hurry up and have another." Dori teased. Holding the baby in one arm and tickling her belly. "Oh that hair looks better on you."
"Jaida. He's being mean to me. Say something about it!" Nori complained as he nuzzled his wife's neck.
Dori rolled his eyes, playing with the baby for a moment before handing her back to Jaida. "Name?"
"Mettalise." Nori smiled adoringly, kissing his daughter's head carefully. "Our little Mettalise."
Dori took a shakey breath, wiping a rogue tear as he watched the trio. "Alright Ori. Let's leave the happy family to themselves." He opened his arm to his brother.
Jaida looked up from the glorious sight before her. "Send in Bofur? I can handle one more visit I think." She yawned.
Ori moved to Dori, leaning against him for a moment and beamed at his family. "Get some rest and we will!"
They turned and left, Bofur moving inside shortly after, taking off his hat and smiled kindly to them. "Ello, how ye'll doing?" He asked as he came closer.
"Hey Bofur." Jaida said softly. Her eyes a bit tired, but they were sparkling like the starts in the sky.
He sat down on the bed, looking adoringly at the baby. "Such a wee little thing, innit?"
"Yes she is. Bofur. We wanted to ask you something." Nori smiled at Jaida.
"Yes. Here, relieve me for a moment." She smirked, holding the baby out to him.
"Oooh. Wee little bairn." Bofur muttered and took the baby. Knowing precisely how to hold her as he had held many of his nieces and nephews. "Pretty little thing. Much prettier than your Adad. Just as pretty as your Amad."
Jaida leaned against Nori. Feeling absolutely at peace with everything. Her decision all the more clear when she saw Bo with the baby. "Her name is Mettalise. And she needs a god parent. Seeing as Adad and Dori are older. And Ori is so young."
Bofur looked at the two of them, blinking rapidly for a moment. "It will be an honor to be little Lise's god-Adad." He puffed up with joy and pride. Laughing with the little one grabbed his braid. "Curious little thing."
"I take back what I said about Ori. She's going to have a hard time choosing between him and Bo. She's already got you wrapped around her finger." She said softly.
"That she does. Little blossom. Oh I've so many toys for you. You'll want for nothing." Bofur promised her as he carefully stroked her hair back.
"Now she has a personal toymaker and a private tutor. She's set for life." Jaida murmured. A blissful smile on her face as she closed her eyes. Starting to sink against Nori's side.
Bofur looked at Jaida. "I think it's best if I leave now. Ye all need your rest. I'll come back soon." He said softly.
Jaida blinked, shaking her head as she sat up. Smiling sheepish at him. "You better. Maybe we should make up a schedule." She teased, letting out a wide yawn.
"That is fine with me!" He stood up and tucked Jaida in more. Kissing her temple brotherly. "Rest." He ordered them softly and shook his friend's hand.
"I'll see you later, Bofur."
"Bye Bo." She managed out. Somehow as she had already drifted off before he reached the door.
Jaida mewled as she stirred awake. Blinking rapidly to adjust to the darkness around her. Shivering as she registered that she was cold. "Mmm. Nori?" She rolled over, patting the bed but it was empty. That made her jerk awake, worry running through her. Slipping out of bed and moving from the room. Prepared to call his name again but stopped when she heard noises coming from the nursery, so she moved there instead. She leaned against the doorframe when she saw him sitting in a chair, hanging over the crib.
Nori spoke softly to his daughter, tears in his eyes as his heart was so heavy. Oh little one. "You promise me, you listen to your Amad, alright?" He told the baby. "She's the one with brains. Mahal..." He sighed deeply. "She's the one with everything. You're gonna worship her like I do as she's so perfect. As are you." He choked up at bit. "I'm so sorry I bring you two down. Just always know I love you both forever." He brushed the baby's cheek. "I may be a poor excuse of a dwarrow and an Adad. But no one could love you more than I do. Even if your grand-Adad will claim differently."
Jaida's heart clenched so fiercely to hear Nori speak of himself that way. It brought tears to her eyes. Stepping in so quietly and moved for him. "Nori." She whispered, reaching out and brushing her knuckles over his cheek.
He squeaked a bit surprised, looking up at her. "Jaida? Oh I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you up. You need your rest." He kissed her knuckles lightly.
She shook her head, moving to sit in his lap. Looking so tenderly at him. "Nori, Mettalise couldn't have asked for a better Adad. And even if she did, Mahal wouldn't be able to give one to her. She already has the best in Arda." She whispered sincerely. Pressing her forehead against his. "Ok. The second best. Can't have my Adad getting offended now."
He chuckled softly as he stroked her back, looking into her eyes. "I just want to make you both happy. You two deserve the world and more." He mumbled to her as he sighed slightly.
"Nori you are my world. Mettalise is our world. I love you so much. I wouldn't trade you for anything." She turned her head as the baby stirred. Reaching over the crib and lifting her out.
"We created her." Nori whispered in awe but also still a bit of disbelief. "So tiny. And that little nose of hers. It's so cute." Nori sighed dreamy.
Jaida cradled the baby in her arms as she leaned entirely against Nori. Pulling her legs up beside her. "She's perfect. I could hardly imagine being able to love so many as much as I love her." She paused. "I want more." She whispered as the baby started to drift off again. Singing softly to lull her to sleep.
He kissed her shoulder gently, smiling the whole time. "Then we have many more. We need an army to keep your Adad busy."
She carefully moved from Nori's lap and placed the baby back in her crib. Tucking her in and kissing her forehead. "Well I'd say let's get to practicing. But I just gave birth this morning." She giggled softly.
Nori watched with a tender look in his eyes. "Give yourself a few weeks to recover my love. Then I'm sure Bofur wouldn't mind babysitting now and then." He winked playfully to his wife.
"Nor Ori and Dori. Or Adad and Uncle Balin. We have plenty of babysitters." She whispered, turning back to him and taking his hand. "Come now. Let's get back to sleep."
He squeezed her hand softly and they walked back to the bedroom. Laying down with her and cuddled her against his chest. "I adore you so much." He mumbled as he buried his face in her hair.
She wrapped her arms around his neck as she let out a yawn. Burying her face in the crook of his neck. "I know. And I you. And as will Mettalise. And every other child we have." She murmured.
"How many do you want?" Nori asked her softly as he combed his fingers through her hair, sighing happily as she was so close. Feeling her breath on his skin. This was home for him.
"As many as Mahal blesses us with." As many as they wanted. That they could handle. There were no limits for them now. The world was laid out on a silver platter for them.