Duke Baird to the Rescue!
It was a sunny afternoon in early August. Alanna was walking through the castle, feeling thoroughly bloated. Jon was in his study, signing yet more important documents. Alanna was considering a walk in her favourite part of the rose garden when she felt a sharp pain in her stomach.
"Ouch!" she exclaimed, rubbing her tummy tenderly. She thought nothing of it and walked on, deciding to head back to her rooms. She had taken a few steps when she felt another, slightly sharper pain. Uh oh, she thought, this isn't good! She felt another pain, and deemed herself incapable of getting back to her room. She lowered herself gently down onto the floor, leaning against a wall. The pains seared through her like a white-hot sword, each with it's own more colourful language in reply than the last. Raoul passed her and she shouted at him, thanking the Gods. Raoul turned around, and ran over to her, startled.
" Raoul, this is urgent, get Jon. He's in his study." She said through gritted teeth.
" I'll be right back, don't move!" Raoul said, concern in his voice.
" Like I CAN go anywhere!" she muttered to herself.
When Raoul told Jon about Alanna, Jon ordered Raoul to get Duke Baird. He ran down the staircase and found Alanna.
" I'm here now, Alanna, it's ok." He whispered to her reassuringly. Alanna nodded, and howled as another wave of pain swept through her. Raoul chose just that minute to return with Duke Baird in tow. Alanna was carried to the healer's room by Jon and Raoul, and placed on a bed in the centre of the room. Duke Baird examined her with his Gift, and turned to face Jon.
" She is going to have the baby any minute now," he reported. " You'd better go and talk to her, it's going to be painful!"
An hour later, Jon sat next to Alanna, marvelling at the beautiful baby girl in her arms. She had Jonathan's coal black hair, but Alanna's sparkling amethyst eyes.
" What should we call her?" inquired Jon quietly, so he wouldn't wake the baby.
" I like…Aurora." Alanna mused.
" Then Aurora it is," Jon said, smiling.