Disclaimer: I own nothing, I make no money.

Author's Note: Installment number three. Personally one of my favorites. Thanks again for reading. Enjoy.

Hand in Hand

Chapter Three: Family

Parn never could sit still.

Deedlit watched from her seat on the marble bench of the castle at Valis as Parn paced back and forth before her, his armored boots resonating throughout the silent light-filled hallway. She was leaning over the edge of the solid bench's arm, her head resting over her own as her eyes followed Parn's fidgeting figure.

"Parn." Her voice was soft, but there was slight annoyance to it.

He didn't even seem to hear her. He kept pacing the stone floor, grasping his gloved hands tightly, his eyes roaming every so often to the large set of doors only a few feet away, ending the long empty corridor where they waited.

"Parn," she repeated, this time louder, her head coming up from its resting position.

He glanced at her quickly, his eyes frantic and even a bit innocently frightened. She was suddenly reminded of how young he still was.

"I should be in there with him, Deed," he spoke firmly, his hand pointing to the wide set wooden doors across from them. "He needs me."

Deedlit caught her initial instinct to scoff and instead tried to smile wanly at him, knowing that mocking Parn now would only make him more frustrated and angry.

Oh the boy sometimes!

"I really don't think Etoh needs you to be present for this Parn," she offered.

Parn began his pacing again with renewed vigor. "Of course he does, Deed! I'm his best friend. How can I support him from out here? This is a very crucial time for him and I should be in –"

"You should be out here with me and ready to support him when he enters with the news," she interrupted, resting her head down on her arm again, lazily twirling a length of hair in her other hand. "Honestly, Parn, I don't understand why you humans get so nervous over such a trifle when you've risked head and hide in battle dozens of times."

Parn stopped and pulled up before her, impeaching her with his eyes. "Because, Deed, for us humans, there is danger in more things than battle."

She looked at him through uncertain eyes. "I…", she lowered her voice, raising herself into a straight sitting position. She looked at her feet as they dangled over the marble bench's ledge. "I wouldn't know."

Parn's eyes softened at her words and he felt his shoulders release some of the tension he had been holding while pacing the hallway these last seven hours.

Suddenly, there was a sharp wail that pierced the air, loud enough they could have sworn it had reached Marmo.

Deedlit shot up from her position and instinctively grabbed at Parn's arm. He moved a hand naturally to her back, holding her against him as they snapped their heads to the wooden doors just as they began to swing open. Their breaths held for long seconds.

Etoh came walking out from behind the door, a shaky smile spreading his face as he came up to Parn and grasped his free hand in his. There was a joy in Etoh's eyes Parn had never seen before. And then he pulled in a deep breath and flashed Parn a quivering smile as he breathed, "I have a daughter."

Both Parn and Deedlit's bodies sagged with relief upon the news of the safe birth but immediately Deedlit leaned forward, laying her hand across the men's two joined ones. "Fianna? Is she well?"

Etoh's glistening eyes caught Deedlit's and he nodded fervently. "Yes, my wife and daughter are both well and healthy. Thank you both for being here. It has meant the world to me, to us. May Falis bless you. Please," he motioned toward the open door behind him, "Excuse me. I must return."

Parn and Deedlit nodded wordlessly, blinding smiles creeping across their faces as Etoh slipped his hand from theirs and closed the door behind him.

They both sighed and looked at each other, their relief swimming in their eyes. Deedlit wiped at hers, laughing. "And you were so worried, Parn! See? Fianna is a strong woman. And you are a devoted friend to be here in Etoh's time of need."

Parn nodded. "He would do the same for me." Then he stopped, realizing the implication of his last statement.

Deedlit blinked at him.

"Well, that is to say…" Parn stuttered, reaching a hand back to scratch at his head, "Not that we have – or would – or wanted to…maybe but – I mean!"

A sly smile came over Deedlit's face and she linked her fingers behind his head, staring up coyly at him through long lashes. "Why, Parn, all you had to do was ask."

She could hear his gulp as his cheeks blazed red.

Her laughter filled the hall.