Chapter 97

March 1439

Merry grinned as he felt his grandchild moving under his hand. "He certainly is active, isn't he?"

Ivy gave a weary sigh. "I don't think he ever stops moving. Estella said he was supposed to be quieting down at the end, but..." She sighed again and shook her head.

Merry chuckled. "I know where he gets that from." They both looked over at Pippin, who was racing around the garden with the boys in a game of tag.

"How are you feeling today?" he asked. His daughter looked tired and uncomfortable. He felt sorry for her, though he couldn't say he regretted getting a grandchild.

"I can't wait for this to be over! She leaned back slightly, jammed a fist into her lower back and winced.

"I'd say you have no more than a week," said Estella. She patted Ivy's belly. "The baby's already dropped."

"I hope so," muttered Ivy. She waddled over to a garden bench and gingerly lowered herself. She leaned back, squirming a little. "My hips ache," she groaned.

"That's a good sign," said Estella. "That means your body's getting ready to deliver."

Ivy didn't look appeased by that.

Merry walked over to where Pippin and the boys were playing. "Ready to go?" he yelled. Merry had brought Estella to stay with Ivy until the baby was born. He would take Fari back to Brandy Hall with him, so that Pippin and Ivy wouldn't have to worry about him while they waited for the birth. Which, according to Estella, would be very soon, and Estella was usually right about these things. They'd come back as soon as he received word Ivy was in labor.

The boys went and said goodbye to Ivy and Estella. His sons were excited about being uncles, but they didn't come close to Fari's excitement about being a brother.

Merry kissed Ivy goodbye. "I love you, Ivy-lass," he said. He tried not to show the sudden stab of worry about her. He had worried a little about Estella when she had the boys, but this was his daughter, his little girl...

Ivy smiled at him. "I love you, too, Grampy."

-o-O-o-

Ivy groaned, leaning against the bed post for support. As the pain gripped her belly--ten times worse than any cramp she'd ever had from her monthly--she wondered if maybe this hadn't been such a good idea, having babies. The pain finally passed and she gasped for breath.

Estella rubbed her back. "All right to walk again?" she asked.

Ivy nodded slightly and reached out to rest her hand on Estella's shoulder. Another walk around the room. No matter how tired she was, she'd do it. Estella said it made labor go faster.

They slowly walked to the door that led to the hallway, then turned and came back. On the other side of the room, Pearl and Nel were quietly talking with Lily, the healer at Great Smials. Vinca wasn't here--she was taking her turn watching their children. The women were chatting quietly as they waited. Everything was ready--piles of cloths, a basin of water, and the birthing stool. Now it was up to her.

She was glad they'd decided against Pippin being here. He'd worried so much over her pregnancy, she knew he'd have gone crazy watching her now: in pain, blood trickling down her legs, on the verge of exhaustion. No, it was better that he was sitting out in the hallway. Nel said her dad and the boys had arrived a while ago, so at least Pippin would have her dad with him. She smirked. They could worry over her together.

She had another contraction just before they reached the bed, harder this time. Estella got her to the bed and Ivy leaned against the post again. This contraction was worse than the last and left her legs shaking. She started to slide down to the bed.

"Nel," Estella called, and Ivy's sister-in-law came over to help Estella get her propped back up and walking over to the birthing stool. "Let's get you sat down," Estella said, keeping her voice bright and cheerful. They helped her sit on the little birthing stool, bunching her nightgown up and out of the way, and Pearl sat behind her, so that Ivy was supported against her.

Another contraction came, as bad as the last, that left her shaking. Then another. And another. And another. Close together, all as intense as the last, all leaving her shaking and exhausted. "I don't...want...to do this...anymore," she finally gasped, her head tilted back onto Pearl's shoulder. She wanted to quit, just forget about having a baby and go to bed and sleep.

Pearl wiped her sweaty brow with a cool, damp cloth. "It won't be long now," she murmured into Ivy's ear. "Then you'll have your baby and you won't remember any of this."

Ivy shook her head. How could she not remember any of this? She was going to say so, but another contraction gripped her. She started to cry. She couldn't help it. She hurt and she was tired and she just wanted it to stop.

"Ivy? " Estella asked. "Ivy, look at me." Ivy opened her eyes, wiped at her tears, and looked up at Estella. "You have to save your strength, love," Estella said soothingly. "Crying isn't going to help. You need to concentrate. All right?"

Ivy nodded and sniffled. Nel brought her a handkerchief and helped her blow her nose. "You're doing good, sweetest," Nel said. "This is always the hardest part, right before you push the little imp out. I wanted to quit, too, but we all get through it." She took Ivy's hand and squeezed it.

"Thanks, Nel," Ivy whispered. Then she groaned, another contraction taking her, and this time there was a rush of warm liquid between her legs as her waters broke. Lily brought cloths over, to replace the ones beneath the stool that were now soaked.

"I think her pains are slowing down," Lily said.

Estella nodded at Lily, then turned to smile at Ivy. "You'll feel like pushing that baby out soon, and then it will all be over."

Ivy nodded weakly. Over soon. That's all that mattered.

The contractions slowed, just like Lily said, and became less painful. Ivy gave a little snort at that thought. She would have never dreamed of calling these contractions "less painful" a few hours ago.

"Rest a little, while you have the chance," Pearl said to her and Ivy did, leaning back against Pearl and closing her eyes, lulled by Pearl's hand gently massaging her belly. She was so tired.

She must have drifted to sleep, because she startled when another pain came. This one was different. She was overwhelmed by the feeling--no, the need--to push. She gripped Pearls knees and groaned as it took her, the need to bear down and push the baby from her body. Then it passed, leaving her panting. "I needed to push," she gasped.

"Good, good," Estella said, getting up from her chair. "That woke you, didn't it?" she said, winking.

"How long did I sleep?"

"Just a few minutes. But even that's long enough to get a little strength back." Estella knelt down between Ivy's knees. "Just relax and let your womb do the work, love," she said. "The baby's definitely on the way, now."

Ivy smiled. Her baby was coming! She didn't know if it was knowing that or her short nap, but she did feel better now. Pearl helped her adjust her position so she was upright again and she held onto the handles at the side of the birthing stool.

She had time to breath a little before the next one came, a little stronger this time, but still not as bad as the earlier contractions. She bore down when the urge took her, grunting, and felt something, a fullness between her legs. She also felt like she had to use the privy.

"I think I need the chamber pot," she said when she had regained her breath.

"It's most likely the baby," Estella said. She patted Ivy's knee and smiled. "But don't worry about trying to tell the difference. It happens all the time."

Ivy grimaced. With the blood and waters and other things... Having babies was messy.

Her body went into a rhythm--push and rest, push and rest--and the only things outside of herself she was aware of was Pearl's comforting warmth and Estella's soothing voice murmuring praises after each push.

She pushed again and felt an uncomfortable pressure between her legs.

"I can see your baby's head," Estella said to her. "You're almost done, Ivy."

Ivy just gaped at her for a moment, panting. She could see the baby? Almost done?

At the next push, the pressure was replaced by a burning feeling. "You're close now," Estella said to her. "Almost there."

"Almost there," Ivy breathed. She wanted this done. She wanted her baby. When the next urge to push came, she cried out, her hands painfully gripping the handles of the stool. When it was over and she was leaned back against Pearl, she could feel something warm and wet between her thighs.

"This one's not going to waste any time," Estella chuckled. "Another big push or two should have it done."

When the next urge came, Ivy bore down as hard as she could. She wanted this done!

She was rewarded with a wet, slippery sensation coming out of her, and then Estella was holding a slimy and bloody little creature in her hands.

"There we are, all done," Estella cooed. The creature in her hands started to wail. Estella looked up at Ivy. "You've got a beautiful little boy, Ivy."

Ivy slumped back against Pearl and started to cry, too, along with her son. She had a son!

Lily came over, and she and Estella wrapped the baby in a towel. Then Estella tied a string around the cord and deftly cut it, just above the string, with a small knife.

Lily smiled at the baby in her arms. "He's lovely, Ivy," she said. She leaned forward so Ivy could see the little face peeking out of the towel; wrinkled and squished and slimy, but the most beautiful face Ivy had ever seen. "I'll go get him cleaned up while you finish," Lily said.

Ivy nodded, sniffled into her sleeve, and settle back on her chair. She had another contraction, a very small one, but it still made her wince. Estella finished wiping her bloody hands, then pressed one hand low on Ivy's belly. "We'll let you have another of those," she said, "and then see if the afterbirth is ready to come."

It took three contractions before the afterbirth finally slid out of her with wet plop onto the floor. Estella gathered up the cloths and stood up, letting Nel take her place.

"You did so good, Ivy," Pearl murmured in her ear as Nel cleaned her up with a warm, wet cloth. Then they helped her out of her sweaty nightgown and into a clean one. "Ready to stand?" Pearl asked.

Ivy nodded and Nel pulled her up while Pearl pushed her from behind. "Don't be afraid to lean on me," Nel said, when Ivy's shaky legs threatened to give way. "You may be taller, but you're lighter than most hobbit lasses." Nel winked at her.

Nel got her to the bed, the blankets already turned back, and helped her in. Lily was right behind Nel with a rolled up cloth. "You'll need these for a while," she said. She helped Ivy get the cloth tucked between her legs. "The bleeding should slow soon, and then it will just be like having your monthly for a little while."

"That's supposed to make me feel better?" Ivy sighed.

Lily smiled and patted her leg. "Now, I think there's somebody who would like to meet you." She stepped out of the way and Estella came up to the bed with a little bundle in her arms.

"Here's your mum, dearest," Estella was murmuring to the baby. "As much as your gran would love to keep you, I think you're mum might be upset with me." Estella winked at Ivy and handed her the baby.

The sight of him took Ivy's breath away. He was even more beautiful now that he was cleaned up, warm and pink in his blanket. She cuddled him to her breast and bent her head to kiss his tiny brow. "You're so lovely, little one," she whispered. She touched his silky soft cheek and he turned his head, his mouth seeking her finger.

"You can try to nurse him," Estella said, "but perhaps after his dad and granddad have met him and we can give you some quiet time."

Ivy nodded, still admiring her son, and she felt the warmth of a blush on her cheeks. She'd completely forgotten about Pippin.

"Are you ready for him?" Nel asked. "Because I'm sure he's ready to claw the door down." She giggled.

"We're all cleaned up now," Lily said. She picked up a basket full of linens, some of them spotted and streaked with blood. "I'll sneak these out through the parlor. The blood tends to upset the dads." She chuckled, then went out the door to the parlor.

Estella chuckled, too. "Go ahead and let him in, Nel."

-o-O-o-

Merry found Pippin sitting in the hallway, across from the closed bedroom door. Inside, he could hear Ivy's groans. Pearl had sent a message to Buckland that Ivy was in labor, and he and the boys had travelled here as quickly as possible. The boys had been sound asleep when they'd arrived, and he'd herded his sleepy sons--and carried a sleepy Fari--down to the wing where Pippin's sisters lived. Vinca was waiting up for them. No baby yet. Merry had sighed at the news. He had hoped he'd have a grandchild by the time they arrived, but his poor daughter was still laboring.

Pippin was completely focused on the door. When Merry sat next to him, Pippin startled and looked at him in surprise. "Merry! I didn't hear you."

Merry squeezed his shoulder. "It's all right, Pip. You're distracted right now. It's hard to wait."

"I wouldn't know. I didn't get to do this with Fari," Pippin said. "I was out in the fields and Diamond didn't want anyone to send for me. I didn't know until over an hour after he was born," he said sadly.

"I know, Pip," Merry patted Pippin's knee and smiled. "But knowing you two, I'm sure you'll have plenty of opportunities to sit across from this door from now on."

Pippin looked at him, a crooked grin on his face. "Merry! Did you just say something crude about your daughter?"

"I blame it on Estella," Merry said. He leaned back and sighed, settling in for the wait.

"The only other time I've done this was when your children were born," said Pippin. "I remember when Ivy was born and..." He sighed. "It doesn't seem that long ago, does it? And here she is..." He waved toward the door. "When I first held her, I could never have imagined she'd be having my baby someday." He glanced over at Merry. "Was I wrong to fall in love with her, Merry?"

"It's a bit late to be worrying about that now, isn't it?" Merry joked, but seeing the look on Pippin's face, he knew his friend needed reassurance. "No, Pippin. You weren't wrong." Merry put his arm around his cousin. "You love each other. That's all that matters." Merry chuckled. "With as tangled as the Took family tree is, I'm surprised you're even worrying about this."

Pippin cracked a smile. "I suppose so."

The rest of the wait was spent in silence, the only sounds were Ivy's muffled groans and grunts on the other side of the door. With each cry, Pippin seemed to grow paler. "Why don't you go lie down in a guest room," Merry finally said. "I'll come get you when it's over."

Pippin looked at him. "Could you have rested when Estella was going through this?"

Merry shrugged. "You're right." He sighed. "Well, perhaps I'll go get us some tea and--" He was interrupted by the wail of a newborn baby.

Pippin sprang to his feet and went to the door. "The baby's here," Pippin whispered.

Merry got up, too, and clapped him on the shoulder. Pippin looked at him, a wide grin on his face. "The baby's here, Merry," he said. He stared back at the door, like he was willing it to open.

After the baby's wails stopped, there wasn't anymore noise from the room. And they waited. Pippin looked panicked. "Do you think something's wrong?" he asked, voice shaking.

"They probably have to clean things up," Merry said, though he did harbor his own feeling of worry. He certainly wouldn't show it to Pippin, though.

The door was finally opened by Nel. Pippin ran past her, straight to the bed where a very tired looking Ivy was holding a baby in her arms.

"Fari got his brother, Pippin," Ivy said, beaming at her husband as he approached.

Merry watched Pippin, who was near tears, kiss Ivy, then pull back the blanket and examine his son. Estella came up to Merry and he put his arm around her.

"This is almost like his first child," he said quietly. "He didn't experience any of this with Fari."

Ivy handed the baby to Pippin and he leaned over and kissed her. Then he walked around the bed, towards Merry.

"Would you like to meet your grandfather?" Pippin asked his son. He grinned and handed the baby over to Merry.

Merry looked into the little face. His grandson. "He's beautiful," he said, smiling up at Ivy. He let a tiny hand rest on his finger and felt some guilty relief that, although a little large, the baby appeared to be about the size of a normal hobbit baby. He looked up at Pippin. "Have you decided on a name for him?"

"Boromir," Pippin said proudly.

Merry smiled. "I'm sure Faramir will be proud to know you have honored his brother."

Pippin shrugged. "It seemed appropriate, since we already have a Faramir, and I wanted to do something to remember Boromir."

"Hello, Boromir," Merry whispered to his grandson. He placed a soft kiss on the baby's head. "Welcome to the world."

Author's Notes:

The 'wet plop' is dedicated to Juno, who inspired me to add a detailed birth scene and gross you all out. ;-)