Interlude - Seliph
As Arvis had 'threatened', within a month of returning to Agusty, presents arrived for Sigurd and Deirdre, and not just from him. Father Claude of Edda also sent some presents and medicines, as well as many other nobles. King Azmur, amusingly, sent probably the most, along with a formal letter of congratulations, and a personal letter half-begging that Sigurd stop getting involved in other countries' politics so that he can properly present his wife and child to the court. Freege and Dozel were notable in their absence, but Lex immediately went about buying gifts to 'make up' for his father, and Azel wrote to Tailtiu, which resulted in bunches of presents from her and her sister, as well as a reassurance that they would 'properly scold' their father for focusing 'too much on work'. No one had the heart to write back that the snub had been deliberate.
Besides, it didn't matter, as a few months afterwards, almost a full month before her due date, Deirdre went into labor.
I had a thousand and one things to do, and calming Sigurd shouldn't be on that list, but unfortunately, the person whose job it should've been, Lord Quan, was out on patrol with Finn, meaning that it had fallen on me. Even though, unfortunately, I was also the only healer here with any experience with childbirth. From a healer's perspective. Ethlyn was a wonderful help, but she didn't know what a healer needed to look out for, and Lachesis had to hunt down a competent, and trustworthy, midwife in the city. I nearly cheered when Eldigan showed up early for his monthly meeting. I really did.
"Perfect timing!" I greeted, not even giving him time to tend to his horse, or give orders to his escorts, before snagging his arm and dragging him inside. "Deirdre's gone into labor early, and she's been in labor for twelve hours at this point, and gods, I need help keeping Sigurd calm."
"She's giving birth already?" Eldigan asked. It took him a few tries to keep his feet under him. "Wait, why are you calming Sigurd?"
"Because everyone is busy and not here." I could curse. I really could. "I am also the one most used to being overworked."
"Why not ask the knights?"
"They're on patrols. Oifeye went to get Lord Quan and Finn. Shanan was trying, but he needs help. Others are taking over duties that really Aideen, Ethlyn, Lachesis, and I should be doing, but we're not because the baby decided to come now." I nearly groaned as I saw Ethlyn running down the hall. "What now?"
"Well… oh, hello, Eldigan," Ethlyn greeted. She even managed a curtsey. "I'm glad you're here. She's the best of us at keeping Deirdre calm through the pain, but she's also had to run around keeping everything running smoothly. I don't know how she does it."
"I smile a proper healer smile," I deadpanned, too stressed to put the healer mask back on. It was so much easier to keep calm when I didn't actually care about the people involved, and thought of them only as my patients. "Then I recruited Lewyn and Erinys to keep it that way." Though, that also had ulterior motives of forcing them to spend time together. "Regardless, was there anything else or can it wait until after I've delivered Eldigan?"
"It can wait. Hopefully, you won't have to leave the room again." She smiled sweetly, while Eldigan just looked so incredibly confused and amused. "Sorry, but you're going to stay a while. I hope Chagall can deal without you!" She skipped off, and I continued to drag Eldigan down the hall, heading towards where I'd last left Sigurd.
We quickly arrived, and I saw Shanan looking so bewildered while Sigurd paced the floor, looking a little disheveled. "I have a present for you," I called, shoving Eldigan inside. Eldigan stumbled a bit, before waving. "Now, rant and fuss at him. Deirdre needs me more than you, especially now. Shanan, make sure they don't go brawling in a tavern or something."
"How do I do that?!" Shanan yelped. He looked warily at Sigurd and Eldigan. "They're bigger!"
"Pout at them. You can also try guilt, and simply being adorable." I looked at Sigurd and Eldigan. "If you two make him cry, I will retaliate. Then I'll find Ayra and have her retaliate."
They yelped, while Shanan laughed. I didn't stick around for any other reactions, and just half-dashed down the hall, going to the room where we had Deirdre set up. Hopefully, Lachesis would return with a midwife before Deirdre went from 'early labor' to 'birthing'. I wanted someone with more experience around, since so many things could go wrong.
Ah, why did the baby come early? This was so incredibly stressful!
The midwife, who I never even got the name of but I was certain someone else did, arrived shortly before Deirdre actually started giving birth, and thus, I was free to focus on keeping Deirdre healthy while she handled the baby. Once everything was finished, I tended to Deirdre while the midwife did all that she had to make sure the baby would be fine, reassuring her and getting her into a clean clothes and, perhaps more importantly, a clean room. Only after getting her settled in, and checking that she was conscious, I went to get the baby from the midwife and brought him to her.
"So, from what the midwife says, we'll have to be careful, but it seems like he was simply in a hurry to meet you," I explained to Deirdre as she cuddled with her baby boy. I'd taken the time to change clothes and give myself a quick wash before coming in, mostly so that I didn't feel like I was dirtying the room. "We'll have to be careful with his breathing, and he might have difficulties feeding himself, like more premature babies, but he's a healthy enough weight, and there should be few complications."
"Aw, look at that pretty smile," Deirdre cooed. I had a feeling she wasn't paying any attention to me, but I couldn't fault her for it. She did just go through labor. "I can forgive everything with that pretty smile. You're the cutest baby ever, my little one."
"He's all swollen and his head is still a bit pointy." I made my voice teasing, and she frowned up at me. "Oh, okay, fine, yes, he's absolutely beautiful. He's the most beautiful baby ever."
"Your auntie is being mean, sweetie." Deirdre kissed the top of his head, and I flushed a little from embarrassment at being called 'auntie'. "You mentioned difficulties feeding himself?"
"Yeah, it'll likely be a workout, but she did mention that he might have a mature suck-and-swallow reflex, as well as the ability to coordinate. You'll have to feed him to be certain." I smiled slightly. "Though, you do still have the chance to ask for a wet nurse instead."
"No, my baby." She held her baby protectively to her chest. "I understand that some people want, or need, to wet nurse their children, but since I seem to be capable, then I would like to nurse my own child."
"Well, in that case, be prepared for some messy feedings and a fussy baby." I grinned and she made a face at me before going back to cuddling her child. "Regardless, let me make sure the cradle is secure."
"Can't I just cuddle with my baby all the time?"
"Holding is good. Accidentally rolling over in your sleep and suffocating your child is bad." I fussed over the cradle by the bed, removing some hazards the midwife had warned me about, and then turned my attention to her, making sure her pillows were still fluffed and that her blankets were smooth. "You up for a check up or would you rather wait a bit longer?"
"I want to wait a bit longer, if you think I can." She smiled gently and kissed her baby's forehead. He fussed a little before curling into her. "...You know… I never thought I'd get to be a mother. No, rather, I thought I never would be a mother, thanks to the taboo and the catastrophe."
"Did you want to be?"
"A little, but that might've just been because I knew… it wouldn't be allowed." She laughed a little, but it sounded watery and sad. "If the village had its way, I would grow up and die surrounded by strangers, acquaintances. People who blamed me for my mother's transgressions." She closed her eyes and a tear slipped down her face. "I was so scared to leave, but now look. I have a loving husband and wonderful friends. I have a baby boy of my own, and people who smile at me." She lifted her head and laughed again, smiling. "Ah, why am I crying?"
"Overwhelmed." I sat next to her on the bed and used my sleeve to wipe away the tears. "It happens. You went through a lot of pain, and now you're so happy you don't know what to do."
"I suppose so." Her smile grew. "Yes, that's an appropriate summary. I wonder if I have a right to be so happy."
"You do. You're fine. I promise." A knock of the door turned my attention away from her, and I smiled. "That's probably Sigurd. Should I let him in?"
"Please?" She giggled as I stood up. "He should meet his son."
"He should also says how much he loves and respects his wife." I laughed as well, and kissed the top of her head. She silently held up her baby, and with another little laugh, I bent down to kiss his forehead too. "Puffy little thing."
"When you and Chulainn have a child, I swear I'll say the same things."
"Well, they'd be true." We shared a grin and I went to the door, opening it to find a fidgeting Sigurd fussing with the cuff of his shirt. "Come on in, Lord Papa, and greet your son."
"If he actually calls me that, I might just hurt you," Sigurd instantly joked. He walked in shyly, and practically beamed at Deirdre and the baby. "Hey, you two… how are you feeling?" I watched them for a moment, mostly just to burn the scene of Sigurd tentatively talking and cooing over his son for the very first time in my memory, before stepping out and closing the door behind me, leaving the new family to spend time together while I prepared for the next few months. There was still a lot of work to do, to make sure Deirdre and the baby would remain healthy, and as both Chief Healer, and Deirdre's best friend, it was my job to make sure it would all work.
However, as I headed for the infirmary, a very red-faced Aideen intercepted me, looking rather… frazzled. "Help me hide!" she hissed, even ducking behind me. Her eyes darted about the hall. "I accidentally kissed Midir."
"...How do you accidentally kiss your crush?" I asked, biting back a smile. It wouldn't do to show how amused I was. "What happened?"
"I was just so happy that Deirdre's birthing went smoothly, and that her baby is healthy, and…"
"So, you were overcome with happiness and you kissed him." This time, I couldn't fight the smile or the laugh. Aideen whimpered and pouted at me. "Oh, very well. Come to the infirmary with me and you can help while you calm down. But you must talk to him about it. He'll have to be so very confused at your kiss and run."
The next few months were going to be hilarious and fun. I could already tell.
A month after Deirdre gave birth, Sigurd hosted a party to 'present' his newborn son to everyone. Unusually, Sigurd held it out in the courtyard so that the villagers could also attend, a chance to party and enjoy some good food as an 'apology' for invading. The way that the villagers threw themselves into preparations, however, proved they loved him. Eldigan still go the bigger cheer when he arrived with Lady Grahnye and Ares, but that was only to be expected.
"Ah, I'm nervous…" I whispered to myself, fidgeting with my hands as I hid in the corner of the sparkling room. I could cut out an arrow from someone's eye without a blink, dig out chain mail links without a thought, stare unflinching at a infected wound. I could glare down an enemy commander, and stand my ground against just about anyone. However, today, I was almost beyond nervous. As custom in Grannvale, today would be the first day anyone besides the parents would hear the baby's name, and Deirdre had requested I be the one to do it. It was something so simple, but I couldn't help but fret. What if I tripped over my words? What if I mispronounced his name? It was a simple name, truthfully, but I worried…
"There you are!" Azel popped up beside me, and I had to bite back a little yelp. "...Did I seriously make you squeak?" he asked, startled. He handed me a mug of apple cider, or so I guessed by the smell. "Seriously?"
"No, you didn't," I instantly replied, hiding my embarrassment behind my mug. I tried to focus on the party, but most people were just blurs of smiles and laughter. I honestly might faint from nerves. "I did not squeak."
"Yelp."
"I didn't do that either." I focused my attention on where Altenna and Ares were playing. I smiled when I saw them playing with the bears I'd given them, and my smile widened when I saw how they made sure to include the baby too, making him smile and gurgle, getting an adult if it looked like he was starting to get overwhelmed by all the people. It was easy to see that the three would be as great of friends as their fathers. I couldn't wait, really, to watch them and their friendship grow.
"If you say so, Lady Sister." Azel grinned, and I gave him a warning look. "Relax. I brought you some cider for luck."
"Oh, is that what this is?" I rolled my eyes and he snickered. "I'm fine."
"Of course." His grin faded slightly, but he mostly hid it by sipping his own drink. "So, Aideen and Midir are officially a couple."
"They are." I insisted Aideen talk to Sir Midir after she'd stopped panicking, and the result was another couple. "I suppose we'll be having another party like this before long."
"Maybe for you and Chulainn?"
"We share a room, yes, but nothing of that sort, yet." I shrugged. People seemed to be expecting, which amused me since we still had yet to 'properly' kiss, but we were both very odd people. There was simply something comforting about waking up and seeing him beside me, and that was enough. "I promise I will warn you if it changes."
"Ack!" He went red, and I started giggling, unable to help it. "Ugh, meanie."
"I'm sorry. I couldn't resist." I found myself relaxing, though, and I leaned into his side. "You know I love you, right, Azel?"
"Huh? Yeah?" He gave me a weird look before some understanding crossed his face. "Oh, you're worried because your work has been keeping you away."
"It seems like yours has as well."
"W-well, I am an important part of the army!" Azel grinned, proud of the fact. "Let's take a small trip just the two of us when things calm down? A day trip?"
"That sounds like fun." I tensed again, though, when I noticed Sigurd looking around the room for someone. I tentatively brought up my hand to wave, and he caught sight of me instantly, smiling and beckoning me forward. "I'm up."
"You'll be fine, Lady Sister." Azel gave me a hug and a bright smile. "I brought you the cider of luck, after all!"
"That you did." I took a big gulp and passed him the mug. "Hold onto the rest for me?" Then I took a deep breath and walked out of the shadows to stand in front of everyone. The crowd hushed as they noticed me, and I hid my nerves by gently moving Altenna and Ares away from the baby. They frowned, but calmed when I smiled. Perhaps they sensed my nerves, because they glanced at each other and, in silent agreement, they simultaneously pressed their bears' faces to my cheek for good luck 'kisses'. I was so touched that I almost cried, but I held onto my smile and 'slipped on' my healer's mask at the last second as I turned to the crowd.
"Allow me to thank you all on behalf of Sigurd and Deirdre for coming to celebrate the birth of their son," I declared, making sure my voice carried. I bent down to pick up the baby from the cradle, so that he could see all the people, and so that they could see him. "It is my honor and joy to present our little lord, Seliph Baldos Chalphy." The crowd cheered, and poor Seliph squirmed at the noise. He didn't like loudness. "If you would like, you may now give him your greetings."
I settled Seliph back in the cradle, and remained crouched by him as a very, very long line of people came to say hello, and even leave gifts and blessings. Deirdre and Sigurd stood near, accepting congratulations and the like, and every so often, they glanced over, worried. I made sure to smile, though, and quietly snuck Altenna and Ares back closer so that they could help me keep Seliph calm with so many strangers showing up. It was a relief when the line of people stopped, and I could leave Seliph to his parents and return to Azel's side to chat and drink cider.
My part was done, and I could finally relax. This was Seliph's day, and I intended to enjoy it.
Author's note: Yay, babies. The average time a first-time-mother is in labor (all stages of labor iirc) is about 16 hours, though the times can vary wildly. Despite how they're depicted in most media, most newborn babies… well, those I've talked to mentioned they're like ET, but swollen! XD Seliph's full name is revealed in supplementary materials.
Next Chapter - Interlude, Reopened Scars
