31. The Urgralgra Way of Life

Arya, Eragon, and Willow all slept long past daybreak, but the former two awoke before Willow. As soon as Eragon knew his wife was awake, they mentally communicated that they would quietly leave Willow to continue resting and go attempt to explain to Varhog's family what they must undoubtedly be concerned over, so Willow wouldn't be expected to explain it personally.

Arya got up and helped Eragon carefully remove himself out from under Willow's sleeping form. She was still deeply asleep, and the slight jostling did nothing to disturb her. After ascertaining that Willow was comfortable and warm, with a blanket drawn all the way up to her ears, they set a plate of food, a large jug of water, and a glass on the table next to the bed then left the hut.

Myrintuk was not hard to come by. She waited anxiously at her hut, hoping to hear something of the dreadful events of the night before, which had left her beside herself with worry and fear. When Eragon and Arya arrived, she interrupted their explanation so she could gather the other females of the family together, rightly guessing this was something they would all wish to hear as well as that Eragon and Arya would appreciate not having to share it repeatedly. Eragon also suggested that Murtagh and Nasuada be summoned, since Willow viewed Murtagh as more of a brother than she did Eragon. Murtagh was with her when Sunset hatched, helped Willow raise her dragon, comforted her when her father died, and flew with her to the Isle. As they were waiting for the family to gather, Eragon also repaired Myrintuk's damaged door with magic.

Once all were assembled, Arya began with the simplest explanation she could, telling everyone that Willow had found herself expecting twins, but when her body had threatened miscarriage, she and Varhog had come seeking her help. The news of the twins was met with excitement, once everyone was reassured they were healthy. But Myrintuk wasn't satisfied with the lack of details, for she had observed her beloved son abandon the hut at a dead run with an agonized howl on his lips and demanded now to know why.

Arya then saw it was necessary to expound the entire scope of the situation. She knew none in the family would be offended by details of Varhog and Willow's intimacy and that if she tried to leave them out, nothing would make sense anyway.

Everyone was silent and astounded as she finished the lengthy explanation, both by all that had happened to Willow and Varhog in their week away from the village as well as by how Arya had remedied the situation. Since some time had passed since she and Eragon had left their hut, Arya said, "I promised Willow we wouldn't leave her alone, and I fear she may awaken to find herself in that very dilemma. I'll remain here to answer questions, so would someone volunteer to go be with her?"

Myrin immediately arose and, while beginning to head for the door, said, "I'll go." She stood tall and strong, in spite of the fact her baby still had not been born, though signs her labor was imminent increased by the hour. Arya admired the proud Urgal woman. It seemed the Urgals viewed pregnancy as did the elves, seeing it as a privilege and the crowning achievement of a woman's creative power rather than an unwelcome though necessary ordeal to endure in order to have a child, which was the way most human and dwarven women seemed to view the affair, what with their complaints, poor posture, and waddling gait.

Arya hoped Myrin's baby would not be born before Varhog was able to return. She knew how much it meant to Myrin that her dear brother and his mate be present for the birth. Myrin had also consented to let Nasuada, Arya, and their husbands be present. Nasuada's time among humans and dwarves was her only exposure to the business, and she had confessed to Arya that she didn't agree with the negative perspective. Her native people—the Wandering Tribes—saw pregnancy and birth in much the same way as Urgals and elves, and Nasuada wished to witness a natural, gentle birth.

-:-:-

Myrin walked quickly to Firesword's hut, not even pausing when her womb tightened, a sign her body was preparing for the impending arrival of her baby. She quietly let herself in and went to the bedroom, where Willow was still sleeping with her arms wrapped around a pillow and a blanket all the way up to her ears. She looked comfortable and peaceful, which was amazing, considering the tribulation she had recently had to bear.

Myrin walked to the bed and gingerly laid down, resting a hand over the impression under the blanket made by Willow's arm. Myrin was saddened by all Varhog had endured at the mercy of Willow's strange malady, but given how upset she was upon first meeting Willow, Myrin was amazed to admit that she already loved this strong, sweet human for staying with Varhog, though it had caused her such pain.

Myrin ached for Varhog. He must have been feeling terrible agony that he couldn't be with Willow to ensure her safety and happiness, for the very reason that his presence would result in a relapse of her symptoms. Myrin was glad Varhog's absence was necessary for only a day.

Myrin moved her hand to the swelling of her womb as it tightened again—this time more powerfully than before—and her baby shifted inside. She knew the baby would soon be born. This was her fourth cub, and all of the signs that labor was all but upon her had appeared. She thought to her baby, Please, little one. I know I've been begging you to come, but please wait just a while longer now. I want your uncle to be here when you arrive.

Willow stirred slightly, murmuring under her breath, and Myrin couldn't help but reach out and stroke her, so motherly were her instincts. On many occasions, she had comforted one of her children in the same manner as they snuggled next to her in bed.

-:-:-

Willow stirred even more, her eyelids fluttering. After a few more moments, she opened her eyes to find Myrin next to her, stroking her arm with a loving expression on her face. But it took her some time to be able to speak, during which Myrin sat and poured her a glass of water from the jug on the table.

"Here, Willow," Myrin instructed, handing her the glass. "Drink this. Your body will need more hydration now than ever before with the demands of growing your babies. Drinking enough water is one of the best ways to stay healthy and avoid nausea in your early pregnancy and throughout."

Willow struggled to sit up enough to avoid spilling the water out the side of her mouth as she drank. Once she had, she returned the empty glass to Myrin. "Thank you," she softly said. "You know?"

Myrin nodded, opening her arms to Willow, who gratefully leaned into Myrin's chest, unavoidably pressing into her round belly. Myrin continued stroking down Willow's arm and said, "Firesword and Arya went to our mother this morning, and she insisted that all the females in the family be gathered together so the story would only need to be told once. Murtagh and Lady Nightstalker were also present." She closed her eyes, slowly breathing in and out several times as her womb contracted.

Willow wonderingly said, "I could feel your womb tighten. It felt powerful."

"Yes, Willow. Everything that our womb does is powerful, starting with its essential role of growing the baby and ending with delivering it into our hands. And the labor surges are indeed strong and insistent. In the early stages of labor, all one must do is relax and breathe deeply—the womb will take care of its work. But as the labor advances, more focus is required to achieve sufficient relaxation so that the efforts of the womb will not be perceived as painful. Once the task of opening is complete, the blessed moment of active participation arrives, and the mother can assist her womb in gently pushing her baby out, which is the most beautiful experience imaginable. I'm thrilled you will be able to experience it for yourself within a matter of months, and I'm delighted to get to share it with you at the birth of this baby. My only worry now is that the baby will come too soon, though I've been eagerly awaiting its arrival for weeks. I want Varhog to be here."

At mention of her husband, Willow's joyful expression dissolved into deep emptiness and longing.

"I know you want him to be here, sweet Willow," Myrin soothed. "And I'm also certain that he desires to be here with you more than anything else. He will soon return and you'll be reunited without further fear that your body will ever want to be apart from him again. Thank you for trying to stay with him though it hurt you so greatly. He's one of the best rams I've ever known. The best, next to my own mate and my sire."

Willow nodded fervently at her last statement. "Why are you here? I'm inexpressibly grateful, but I'm just curious."

Myrin smiled and said, "I volunteered. Arya didn't want you to be alone when you woke, but she knew she would be needed to answer questions. The whole explanation was quite a shock to everyone, just as it was to you."

"Thank you," Willow whispered. "It means so much to me that you in particular came. I feel Varhog is somehow closer since it's you." When Myrin remained silent, only answering Willow with another loving smile, Willow said, "Will you please tell me more of how Urgals view all things related to childbirth, babies, and mothering? I'm so anxious to learn all I can. I want my birth to be the kind of experience you and Arya describe it as."

"Yes, Willow," Myrin said. "I would be happy to. Birth is an indescribably beautiful experience. I never knew how humans viewed it until just this last week. Lady Nightstalker, Firesword, and Arya have all described the most disturbing picture imaginable, which, they assure me, is how most humans view the blessed event. I also learned that your mother died after childbirth, which saddens me greatly. No Urgralgra woman has ever died from complications surrounding the birth of a child. We trust the process so completely. The female body is designed to do its job in a perfect and effortless way, in the same way it effortlessly breathes and pumps our blood for us. So too should a birth be easy. It's not effortless, necessarily. You will see that it's called labor for a reason, because it is some of the hardest physical work your body will ever perform. But it should happen painlessly, like breathing and pumping blood and countless other functions of the body. You'll see what I mean when this baby is born."

Willow was listening in rapt attention. She would never forget the screams of agony coming from her mother's mouth during the birth of her baby brother. It had been so terrifying and felt so unnatural. What Myrin was describing sounded so much more like what Willow expected birth should be.

Myrin continued, "After the birth, the baby should soon be placed on the mother's body. It can be placed over her abdomen, which is best, or near her breasts. I say over her abdomen is best because the baby will gradually begin to move itself toward her breasts with reflexive movements of its legs and arms, assisting the mother's loose and empty womb in shrinking back down and delivering the tree of life. This is how we refer to the organ that develops along with the baby, providing a barrier between the baby and the mother, which both protects it and gives it life from her body. This organ is born soon after the baby itself, and these movements from the baby on its mother's body assure that the afterbirth happens in a timely manner so the womb can stop bleeding.

"The baby is born with reflexes that allow it to move itself toward its mother's breast, where it instinctively knows it will find the milk that will give it nourishment for many years." Myrin paused as Willow lifted her eyebrows.

Myrin smiled. "Yes, I said years. The other two females, Arya and Lady Nightstalker, were also surprised to witness our young ones nursing at the breast into early childhood. You'll see it just as soon as you're able to be among our women for even a few minutes. How do you think our rams grow so strong and tall? They're nourished at their mother's breast until five, six, seven years of age, even longer in some cases. By then, of course, it's not with the frequency and need of a newborn infant. Often the older child simply seeks the reassuring love of his mother's arms in a gesture more natural and familiar to them than anything, since it's the first thing they do in life.

"Varhog nursed at mother's breast until he was six, the longest of any of our siblings. Mother often thought it was why he was closest to her. For many years after I was born, we nursed together, which, I believe, is why we're so close. Mother never allowed bickering or fighting at her breasts, so we simply became accustomed to getting along. When Naynuk was born, Varhog continued desiring the reassurance for about another year, but it was only once every other day or so. Weaning is a very natural thing when breastfeeding is allowed to follow this course.

"The breastmilk, while essential for life in the newborn as the only thing that will provide the full nutrition it needs as well as the only thing it can swallow, is always valuable and beneficial for any child, no matter their age. It provides them with a foundation of good health for their whole life. We rarely, rarely have sick children here."

"That's lovely," Willow murmured. "I wonder if my brother, William, was so sickly because he couldn't have mother's milk. He died at age five and was almost constantly sick his whole life. We couldn't find a wet nurse to care for him so we did the best we could with formulas made from goat's milk and other ingredients recommended by midwives. I'm grateful to be learning this. I suppose it's good I have two breasts. I'll be able to feed both my babies at once."

Myrin nodded. "Yes, two babies at once is less common than one, but almost never will a mother with only two breasts naturally conceive three babies. To a cat or a pig with many teats, a whole litter will be born, and they will all find the nourishment they need. But our bodies seem to know what we're able to handle and try wherever possible not to exceed those demands. While it will take some getting used to at first, with some help from Varhog, I expect that feeding both of your babies at the same time will quickly seem the most natural thing in the world, and I daresay it will be quite enjoyable too. Nothing is more satisfying than knowing that your body has continued uninterrupted in providing the full nourishment your baby needs after it has separated from your womb." She paused as Willow smiled near the end of her speech. "What's funny?"

Willow laughed. "When you said it would be enjoyable, I was just thinking that wasn't too hard to imagine. Nothing was more enjoyable for me than when Varhog used his mouth to explore my breasts. Perhaps he was so good at it because he had so many years of practice."

Myrin smiled. "I'm glad you discovered that pleasure early on, sister. It truly is the most wonderful part of lovemaking, in my opinion. I think all the rams enjoy it, as it reminds them of the beautiful, pure bond they had with their mothers, one which they can again enjoy in a more passionate setting with their mates. For the Urgralgra, the breasts are highly honored and revered as the center and source of all life and happiness a woman can offer her children and her mate. They're never viewed in an inappropriate or lustful manner. Indeed, the thought never occurred to me until the humans told me such a view is sometimes held by the coarser men of your race. That's abominable, in my mind.

"Firesword and Murtagh were most surprised to observe the older children nursing as easily as the younger. The women sometimes go about with their breasts uncovered simply for the ease it provides. When a young one or two is constantly coming for milk and going just as quickly, it's much easier not to have to uncover and recover yourself. No one thinks anything of it around here. But you should have seen Murtagh, in particular. Firesword seemed to have some preparation for it, perhaps from Arya, who seems to share many Urgralish views when it comes to these things. But Murtagh was very uncomfortable." She laughed at the memory and Willow joined her, perfectly able to picture Murtagh's discomfort.

"It seems he has grown more accustomed to it, and I believe Lady Nightstalker has also benefited." Myrin's eyes twinkled. "Apparently Murtagh had not yet discovered that such an expression was desirable or pleasurable for a woman. Firesword and Arya seemed to have stumbled upon it early on, like you and Varhog. I believe my uncle, of all people, first encouraged Murtagh to give it a try. I think Lady Nightstalker has been more content and relaxed these last few days, if you understand my meaning."

Willow laughed. "I love how natural and easy it feels to discuss these things. It reminds me of my first day with Varhog. He accidentally entered the washroom as I was relieving myself. Thinking I'd be embarrassed, he turned to go, but I invited him to stay. He then relieved himself right after as I looked on. It was unlikely, but I felt no awkwardness. It seemed only natural, as this does now."

Myrin gave Willow a gentle squeeze. At that moment, another surge tightened her womb, and she grabbed Willow's hand, placing it on top. "See how strong and firm it gets?" she said, once again breathing deeply to relax. When the sensation passed, Willow felt the noticeable change in the shape and tautness of her womb. "The time between that one and the last one was longer," Myrin observed. "Which is good. Maybe the baby really will wait until Varhog returns. He'll appreciate seeing this now that he will be a sire. He'll make a wonderful father."

Willow nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I never knew how amazing he was with children. I suppose he never had cause to show me before, but picturing him cradling a tiny infant—now two—in his great, powerful arms fills me with such excitement. They'll seem so small compared to him, but he'll be so gentle. Seeing him stomp about and play with the children filled my heart. I think I'd be happy if these first two are sons. Then I can be sure there will be at least two more males in the world like Varhog, which will only mean good things for the future." She smiled blissfully at the thought, loving her husband all the more.

Myrin also smiled. "I didn't even know how Varhog was with children. Most Urgal rams are playful and kind, but Varhog was far more so than our eldest brother, Yarbog. I suppose I expected Varhog to be like Yarbog, but he surprised me. It warms my heart to hear you speak of him so, Willow. I never thought any mate he chose would be worthy of him, and I'm so glad I was mistaken. Couldn't you have a male and a female?"

Willow explained, "I can see the babies with my mind. Their energy at least. We learn this ability as Dragon Riders. When I first realized I was conceiving—it happened the morning after our wedding night—it was only one egg being fertilized. By the time it joined with my womb yesterday, it was two. They're in the same sac that will grow with them these next many months. So they're two divided from the initial one, which means they'll be the same sex, either two sons or two daughters."

Myrin seemed intrigued by this knowledge. "Do you think you could see with your mind what my baby is? Tarhvek and I desperately wish for another son, a brother for our young Tarhvek. But I suppose I'm so close to finding out as it is. No, don't try to discover. I want to be surprised. It's one of the most exciting things, knowing that the moment when you will finally learn whether you have a son or daughter is so close. After the baby's head is born, it often takes another minute or two for the rest of the body to follow. It wasn't that way with my third cub, but with my first two, that was the case. I suppose our bodies remember and stretch somewhat more easily with each subsequent birth.

"But after the baby's head is born, your womb is still swollen with the rest of its body and it's hard to see, though you can easily reach the baby. It's so miraculous, Willow, to be able to reach down and finally touch with your hands the one who has been so far and yet so intimately close all those months. It's also amazing if your mate is able to experience that, since he hasn't played the same central role in the growth of the baby after the moment of conception. To finally feel with his hands what he has so long anticipated is truly indescribable. Tarhvek holds those moments as some of his most cherished memories.

"I was astounded to learn that this precious moment of first handling your baby is often enjoyed by someone other than the mother or her mate among humans and that a woman is often flat on her back, unable to witness the miracle she's creating at that moment. That's unimaginable to me. No wonder her pain is so great. That's the worst position for a birth, since it forces the opening of the pelvis into its narrowest position. We Urgals give birth in an upright position, often standing or squatting, which opens the pelvis to its widest natural width. This makes the birth easier, but it also makes this moment possible. Tarhvek has always been behind me so I can rest against him and from there, he can easily see over my shoulder and also reach to hold our precious baby as it emerges from my body. We two have always been the first to hold our baby and see whether we've made a son or a daughter." She glowed with happiness that she would experience such a moment again so soon.

Tears came to Willow's eyes as she pictured this. It sounded so beautiful and perfect. "Thank you, Myrin. I'm so excited for that moment. You were telling me before about how the baby moves up the mother's body. What happens next?" She was hanging on Myrin's every word.

"Yes, the baby can move itself to its mother's breast. He follows the smell from his own hands as he grasps at her skin and also the smell of her milk, which is only present in small amounts at first, just right for how tiny his tummy is. He can't see well, but he can recognize contrasts in colors, which is why the mother's breasts have a dark spot around the nipple. It serves as a target for the baby, something he can recognize as a contrast to the rest of her skin color. He'll make his way there slowly, sometimes taking half an hour or more. She can help him as he gets closer. The birth is also hard work for the baby, who helps his mother's body open with his head and pushes with his feet. He must also endure this strong pressure over and over, as well as the extremely tight passage from her body. Babies are often deserving of the long sleep they enter after they find their mother's breast and enjoy their first meal.

"The baby will often do a perfectly good job on his own of taking his mother's breast into his mouth, creating a suction and a latch that should cause her no pain or irritation. An experienced mother will probably help her little one with positioning her breast, especially if it is large. It's like learning to dance with a new partner. You each learn a little at a time until it's effortless. Each of my cubs has been a little different, but we've all had enjoyable breastfeeding relationships. Young Tarhvek still nurses. It creates much stronger surges in my womb, which I've been encouraging these past weeks. Similar efforts from my mate, as well as joining our bodies, also produce powerful contractions." She laughed. "Tarhvek always finds the challenge of my ponderous belly a worthy and amusing undertaking. He has never yet been unsuccessful making love to me, though I might be ready to give birth within moments."

Willow was surprised. "Would you want such a thing right then? Would there be any risk to the baby?"

"In most cases, no," Myrin replied. "If the sac surrounding the baby has already ruptured, perhaps then it would be wise to abstain, so the male's fluid doesn't reach the baby, but before that there's usually no problem. It would be up to the mother, and many wouldn't desire it. Some rams might be reluctant as well. There are some benefits, however, for the willing couple. The contracting of the womb that naturally occurs during a woman's climactic release helps strengthen her womb and prepare it for the birth, but that would be more helpful in the weeks leading up to the birth. Since it can bring on and intensify the opening efforts of the womb, it can also be helpful during the actual labor. I love engaging in these types of behaviors during my labor, but since we'll have a large crowd at this birth, I suppose Tarhvek and I will have to resist." She looked disappointed. "Perhaps we'll just get our fill before anyone arrives."

Willow laughed. "Do you think Tarhvek would be uncomfortable if he knew you talked of such things with me?" she wondered.

Myrin also laughed. "Not at all. He would only hope I had done an admirable job of accurately portraying his manliness and how much pleasure it brings me. The only thing that brings a ram more pleasure than his own release is knowing that his mate is satisfied. And we women feel the same, desiring to ensure our rams get the love they need. This physical expression is as important to them as an emotional expression is to a female.

"Tarhvek and I share our love intimately most nights. It's a beautiful, selfless way of loving someone, Willow, and we're not ashamed to discuss it in our culture, though we strongly emphasize that such expressions must be saved for marriage, since they're also the way a new life is created. To create a new life without the bond of commitment and love that comes with a good match is considered disgraceful and unjust. The child deserves to have both a father and a mother who love one another and the child itself, and who are equally committed to caring for and raising it, which is the best way to ensure the child's health, happiness, and future success. Why would we give them anything less? And why would we share such love casually, with just anyone, when the pleasure is so much greater knowing that the one you are with is yours alone and is loyal to you unto death? I can't imagine any lustful expression ever bringing such contentment and satisfaction."

Willow nodded, realizing how true Myrin's words were. Knowing that she and Varhog had only shared this intimacy with one another was an indescribable feeling, one that deepened their bond of love and trust. Willow agreed that no lustful expression, no matter how pleasurable, could be better than experiencing the same enjoyment in the arms of her husband, who would always stay by her side, protecting her and their children unto the laying down of his own life, if necessary.

"I love your ways, Myrin," Willow declared. "They seem the best way, the right way. The only way that leads to true happiness and joy, as opposed to fleeting, empty pleasure. Do all Urgal rams have the ability Varhog does of making love again and again? When it first happened for us, we were both so surprised! Not to mention tired! It went on for hours before we forced ourselves to stop."

Myrin laughed indulgently. "Yes, Willow. All Urgralgra rams can do that. Though the release of fluid doesn't happen every time, only the sensation of it. To release semen each time wouldn't be possible. But while their bodies produce more, they're able to maintain their arousal. And you do need to be careful not to get too carried away. It has happened more than once that Tarhvek and I spent the whole night wrapped in each other's arms only to have the children awaken the next morning, expecting us to go about our day as if nothing was out of the ordinary. Those following nights were among the only few we didn't make love, since we simply had no energy." She paused as Willow laughed.

Myrin went on, "It's gratifying to be able to speak this openly with you, Willow. I have rarely interacted with humans. Firesword was the only human I saw before you all came here and that only briefly over ten years ago, when he came to propose the Games and the extension of the Dragon Rider pact. Little did I know how profoundly that would affect my life. I never expected to be friends with a human, let alone to have one as my sister, the mate of my favorite brother. But I sense you are no common human. I haven't experienced the same degree of openness from any of the others. Varhog told me I would need to come to know you for myself, that I wouldn't believe him otherwise, and I see he spoke truly."

When Myrin once again paused, Willow glanced around, noticing that the sun shone more brightly under the curtains. She looked back as Myrin asked, "How are you now feeling? I've been talking for nearly an hour! You must be hungry. The demands of growing those babies will be intense. You must always stay well-fed, hydrated, and rested. If you do, you'll feel healthier and happier at this time of your life than at any other." Myrin reached for the plate next to the bed and handed it to Willow, who sat up, crossed her legs, and put it in her lap. Myrin also refilled the cup with water and gave it to Willow.

Myrin then continued, "Having a life grow inside of you is the most miraculous experience. No discomfort is too great to bear during these final days of pregnancy if the mother has taken good care of herself through proper nutrition, exercise, and mental preparation. Though I love the moment of finally meeting my baby, I also always mourn the end of the pregnancy somewhat, since it's such a blessed time. But I've never yet carried two. You'll grow more rapidly and be necessarily larger by the end. I know Varhog will do everything in his power to ensure your comfort and good health. I'm excited for you, Willow."

She fell silent as Willow busied herself with the task of eating. She truly was ravenous, but she nonetheless offered, "Would you like some of this? You must also be hungry, since your baby is so much larger by comparison."

Myrin helped herself, and they chatted of this and that. When the food was gone, Willow insisted that she needed to visit the washroom.

Myrin got up and offered to help her. Willow thought she would be fine until she also stood, then she swayed and almost sat back down on the bed. Myrin put her arm supportively around Willow's waist. "Why do I feel so weak and dizzy?" Willow wondered.

"You lost so much blood and this last week has been so trying," Myrin replied. "As you rest and eat, your body will quickly recover. To lose blood this early in pregnancy is not healthy or normal. After the birth, some blood loss is expected, but by then, your body has increased its supply during the entire course of the baby's development, so it isn't a drain on the mother. Some of the weight you gain will be just that—increased blood supply, which is yet another reason staying hydrated is so important. You'll also gain weight in your breasts as they prepare to feed you babies—"

She stopped as Willow smiled and murmured, "Varhog will probably like that."

Myrin followed Willow's tangent a moment. "Yes, I'm sure he will. Tarhvek always has. Already full breasts become that much fuller when they begin to produce milk. A smaller chested woman might also appreciate the growth, though her smaller initial size has nothing to do with how much milk she can make. Her breasts are also perfectly capable of exclusively feeding her baby with her own milk." She paused as she regarded Willow in her dress. "How did Varhog like your dress and the removal of it? It seemed clear enough from what I saw, but that was only his first reaction."

Willow giggled. "I think it's safe to say that he enjoyed both—particularly the latter—immensely. He confessed that he never knew my breasts were so full, since I always wore the leather coat and pants you saw me in when we met. I always thought I'd undress from them for our first time, which never seemed to be a problem until I was wearing this and felt so sensual and feminine. Varhog admitted it made him a little crazy."

"That is as it should be, Willow. The males are so free and adventurous. For them to want to take a mate and start a family, the draw has to be powerful indeed. Our bodies are one such a pull, and the joining of his own with it is the other major incentive. Few males can resist the beauty of a healthy female body, as deeply ingrained as it is. That attraction is what draws him to her and makes him want to do his part in continuing his race. This is another reason intimate expressions must be reserved for marriage. If a male could simply receive his gratification with any female who would join herself with him, what would be the motivation for him to remain loyal to her and their family? That he gets to enjoy that privilege exclusively in marriage is usually enough to keep him committed, since it's such a powerful experience. And it becomes us as females to care for ourselves and our bodies so they will always have the same effect on our mates. A good mate will never expect perfection. He understands the demands of pregnancy and the changes it creates in our bodies, but he'll always appreciate if his woman cares for herself and him enough to keep herself healthy through proper nutrition and moderate exercise. I was surprised to learn that some humans use pregnancy as an excuse to let themselves go by not attending to their own health as they ought to, allowing the normal weight gain to become excessive and unhealthy."

Myrin then returned to her original train of thought before the tangent. "In addition to your blood and breasts, you'll also gain weight through increased fluids, because of the babies themselves, and also due to the growth of the organ that supports their development, which Arya referred to as the placenta. As I said, we Urgralgra call it the tree of life since it looks like a tree—as you'll see when mine is born—with many blood vessels that all flow like branches toward the cord that runs between the mother's and baby's bodies. There will also be an increase in your body fat, but only to support the production of mother's milk in the early days. You will find that those days are some of the most intense, demanding days of motherhood, since you'll get so little sleep and your babies' needs will be so insistent and constant. With two, it will be all the more work. I will ensure that Varhog understands the absolute necessity of his participation in every aspect of childcare he can assist with, which is nearly everything aside from the feeding, which only your body can do best.

"If you're here when your babies are born, the work would be somewhat easier since all of the females in the family will share in it. Arya and Lady Nightstalker informed me that in some human cities, women don't receive the help they need without the nearness of family. Our culture is very family-oriented and it's particularly valuable when a woman has a new baby."

Willow agreed, "I would be perfectly content to remain with the Urgralgra for the rest of my life, which will be long indeed, thanks to my bond with a dragon. I love your culture, Myrin. It's appalling to me that so many misunderstand it to such an extent."

Myrin said, "Yes, marriage, family, and home are the center of our whole culture. That others see us as a violent, bloodthirsty race is not surprising, however, because they're only familiar with the deeds of our rams, who seek out conflict to prove their worth. This they do not for the simple glory in bloodshed and brutality, as is commonly assumed, though Tarhvek assures me that the thrill of battle is unlike anything else, rivaling even the thrill of being with me. They do it to prove that they're capable of protecting their future mate and family, should danger ever threaten them.

"Thankfully, the Games Firesword started have given them the opportunity to prove their worth and gain a place in our society without resorting to bloodshed and murder, which is slowly helping to change ancient views. Having humans interact with the women and children in our village will help to dispel those mistaken views more quickly, I would imagine, since it's so clear where our values truly lie. When the rams aren't off sparring, hunting, or tending fields, they're kind and attentive sires and mates. They assist in the mundane tasks of day-to-day life like washing, cleaning, cooking, and playing with the children, which is obviously their favorite. And the children's too. No one understands play like a father, and he's willing to get down and wrestle in the dirt. It's a lovely way of life, Willow. I've only learned of human ways this last week, but I'm sure I prefer our culture. Will you not be here for your birth?"

"I'm not sure," Willow said. "Eventually we Riders must return to the Isle, but I hope we can often return here to be with our family and so I can learn more about how to be a good wife and mother. I want Arya to be present, but if we can all be here together, that would be my ideal scenario. It's still many months away." She thought of a question. "What do you do with this tree of life, the placenta, after it's born?"

Myrin smiled. "We have an interesting practice with regards to that, though it's as natural to me as everything else we do, since I've grown up with it. But in this instance, even Arya was surprised. Most women actually choose to consume the organ, as do all mammals after the birth of their young, even those that do not typically eat flesh as their main diet. This practice is not an effort to protect their young from predators, as is commonly assumed, for even predatory animals such as bears and wolves consume the afterbirth, but rather because nothing can replenish the mother's body after its intense effort of creating a new life like consuming the tree of life. It's full of nutrients and other necessary elements that allow her swift recovery. Consuming the organ ends the post-birth bleeding in a matter of days, as opposed to weeks, brings the mother's breastmilk in quickly and abundantly, and helps her find greater balance and happiness.

"Others choose to bury the organ and plant a seed above it, which is symbolic of continuing the circle of life, but when a mother has done that and then after subsequent births eats it, she always realizes just how amazingly beneficial it is to her body and often chooses to consume the tree of life after every future pregnancy."

"That's so interesting!" Willow exclaimed. "And how does one eat it?"

"There are several methods," Myrin answered. "Many will eat some of it at the time of birth. It's a very instinctive thing to do, and the organ is completely fresh and warm, though still raw. You simply pinch off the amount you desire and put it in your mouth, as with any other food. But since it is a fair-sized organ, many mothers prefer to have it made into a stew she can consume for several days or dehydrated to last for several weeks. In either case, the placenta continues to provide all the benefits with each portions she eats.

"I was shocked to learn that most human or dwarven women discard the organ like waste and bleed from their wombs for several weeks, if not a couple months, following the birth of their babies. How awful! What a drain that would be during the most intensive and demanding time of her life, not to mention the extra work of having to clean herself and deal with that inconvenience. Since the time of my marriage, I haven't experienced a menstrual flow in almost seven years. Between pregnancy and constant nursing, my womb has remained still, only becoming active in time for us to conceive again, with no blood flow in between. It's marvelous, Willow."

"It sounds marvelous! How is that possible?" Willow wondered. "The lack of a monthly flow, that is?"

"It's one of nature's great wisdoms. Our bodies are designed to be infertile when the demands of a nursing baby—or even a nursing baby and a nursing toddler together—are great enough. If the body feels that the demands required to feed the baby or babies at the mother's breast would interfere with the growth of a new baby in her womb, it simply doesn't produce fertile eggs during that time and there is no need to prepare the womb for pregnancy, which effectively eliminates the monthly menstrual flow. Because of the way we nurse in our culture, the average time that passes before the return of fertility is nearly two years after the birth of the most recent baby. So our bodies aren't even capable of becoming pregnant until the demands of the nurslings decrease enough. Only then will the womb resume the cycle of fertility, since the mother's resources would not be depleted if a new baby began to develop in her womb. Does that make sense?"

"Yes!" Willow exclaimed. "The body is able to regulate the activities of the womb to take into account the other demands placed on the woman's body when her breasts are making milk for the little ones. How exquisite! I love the idea of not having a menstrual flow for the next many years!"

"You grasped it exactly, Willow," Myrin approved. "That's one great gift of following nature's course when it comes to pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. Our bodies are never placed under undue strain, and we're able to enjoy this most beautiful time of our lives, even the childbearing years, with good health and vitality. Mother went nearly twenty years without a menstrual flow and after that span of time, the body is naturally entering the less fertile phase that accompanies older age. It's much healthier for a woman's reproductive organs to have such long phases of rest between pregnancies.

"However, that extended window of infertility would not be expected if the demands of the baby on the mother's breasts were insufficient. Our young nurse whenever they wish, day and night. We have no sleep or feeding schedules, as the other two females you travel with have informed me sometimes occur in the other races. There are no artificial substitutes for the mother's breast. How ridiculous would it be to shove a piece of some harmful material into the baby's mouth just to quiet it when what it really needs and wants is its mother's breast? There the baby not only gets the perfect nutrition it needs, but also warmth, love, and protection. There's no adequate substitute for the perfection nature designed, even the mother's breasts. They truly are the source of all a newborn needs for its survival and happiness in the first months of life. When that bond develops without interference, the child is able to move forward into other relationships with the security and assurance that it will always have its mother's love."

"How lovely," Willow happily declared. "Is there more than this you could share with me?"

Myrin laughed and just at that moment, Arya walked into the hut by herself. The other two women had settled on the sofa after Willow used the washroom.

Willow smiled delightedly. "Myrin has been sharing the most fascinating things with me!" she gushed. "It makes me more excited than ever to experience motherhood. It's amazing that nature has provided all the answers and solutions to make the job as enjoyable and simple as possible!"

Arya smiled in turn. "Yes, Willow, it's true. You are one of the fortunate few humans to be learning of these things. They truly do make the whole daunting role of a new mother so much less stressful and more fulfilling. How are you feeling? It is now past midday."

"Is it already that time?" Willow exclaimed. "It passed so quickly! I suppose I slept most of it and have been otherwise completely engrossed in Myrin's lessons. To answer you, I feel so much better than last night. I can already feel changes in my body that indicate my reaction to Varhog is being erased and replaced. Before, just thinking about him being near was enough to bring on any number of unpleasant symptoms. But now I'm desperate to be with him again just as soon as I can. I was wondering how you'll ascertain if I need to be treated for an allergy to his semen and how that will work?"

"Can you be patient for that explanation until Varhog has rejoined us?" Arya requested. "He'll also appreciate knowing and then I'll only need to share the details once. I find myself weary of all this talking and explaining."

"Of course, sister!" Willow remorsefully agreed. "I hadn't even thought of that. You have done so much for us, it's the least I can do. I think I'd like to go out and rejoin the others, if they don't mind. But I'd prefer to wear something other than this dress. Not only is it inappropriately revealing for the occasion, it's also special, something I want to keep between me and Varhog as much as possible, as long as it still fits, that is. Do you have something that would work for me?"

"I do," Arya answered. "We're the same height and nearly the same build, though my pants might feel tight through your hips. Come, let's get you changed and go meet your family. They're most anxious to see you."

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