Alyen and L'Naym's Hotel Room
6:45 PM
L'Naym went over to a desk, opened it and slowly pulled out a data chip. "My mother made
this. For me," she said softly. "It started out as a personal journal but it turned into a series
of messages for me. She started right after the Mating struck her. And she kept doing it until…"
she swallowed.
She came over to Tuskaro and sat beside him on their bed. "Just before she died she gave
it to my father and asked him to give it to me when I was ten and ready for my Long Walk.
We watched it together and we both cried for hours afterwards. The next day I showed it to
Grandmother and Aunt Brimyl and we all cried afterwards. Ever since then I've made it a point
to watch it once each year. Often alone, sometimes with D'Ray, and ever since we lifemated,
with Tuskaro.
"There's never a set day for when I watch it. I just do it when I feel the time is right."
She paused. "This year it's today."
She activated the chip and a holographic image of a Nlian woman appeared.
Kirk immediately recognized her from images L'Naym has shown him. Kalii Ryleth, noted
hydrologist and irrigator. Mother to Shylea L'Naym. She bore a strong resemblance to her
daughter, although her hair was much shorter and worn differently. Her eyes, though, were
her daughter's eyes. Her smile, although quieter than her daughter's, was bright and it was
obvious that she was a strong, vibrant woman, filled with life.
She was smiling and her hands kept going to her flat stomach.
9.28.2234
"I normally don't make personal journals, but this event is so special, so wonderful that
I had to make some kind of record.
"Last evening, the Mating struck my beloved and me. We were both sitting outside in the garden
enjoying the weather. The sun had set and it was twilight. Twilight, be it morning or evening,
has always been one of my favorite times of day and that one was one of the loveliest that I had seen.
"I turned to Farseen to comment on how lovely it was. And it happened."
She paused and her next words where whispered. "Afterwards, as we lay in each other's arms,
I turned to him and all I could say over and over was, 'We have made a child, Beloved. We have
made a child.'"
10.3.2234
"Hello, my little one.
"I've decided to keep making these recordings…as a message for you. Your father and I will
constantly share our love with you, both while you're in my womb and after…but you won't
remember it. I've decided that it will be nice to make a permanent record. Something that we
can all look back on and share over and over in the years to come."
She smiled as she rubbed her stomach. "I've been to the healer and she assured me that
you're healthy. I've yet to hold you in my arms and I don't even know yet what your gender is,
but I already know that I love you with all the love that is within me."
More messages followed, daily events and observations. Words of love.
11.3.2234
Kalii was positively glowing. "Hello, my daughter.
"Today the doctor told me that I would be bringing a little girl into the world. I would
have loved you no matter what gender you were, but knowing makes this somehow
more….real."
L'Naym gave a soft sob.
"And now that we know, your father and I will have a better idea of what sort of names to consider.
And I'll have a better idea of how to fix up the nursery. I've already chosen the perfect spot,
the small room overlooking the gardens. I'm already planning to decorate it with flowers."
She paused. "I can't wait to hold you in my arms. To see your small face and count all of your
fingers and toes. I'm so anticipating seeing you. Anticipating how you will fill this house with
your presence."
Other messages followed. Dreams and plans for the future. Joy at the coming new life.
12.3.2234
"Your father and I were resting together on our couch. He rested his hand on my stomach as both
of us reached out to you. He looked at me and said, "I have never been so happy." I too felt whole
in a way I had never felt before."
1.3.2235
"If only you could see your father and me now! We've both had months to accept that you are coming
and yet still sometimes it seems so unreal. If only you knew how much you have already changed our lives.
For the better. I can honestly say that from the Time the Mating struck this has been the happiest period
of our lives together.
"We're constantly wondering what you'll look like, what sort of person you will be. What will you like
and dislike? Will you be an irrigator like me? A metal smith like your father? A scout like my parents?
A scholar like your father's father? Something else all together? The possibilities are endless after all.
"We both worry sometimes. Worry about the future. Worry and wonder rather or not we'll be good parents.
My mother says I've always been maternal. Your Uncle Ingclo told your father that he thought that he'd
take to being a parent as easily as he takes to the forge.
"We're bound to make a lot of mistakes, but I promise you this, my daughter- both your father and I
will always be there for you."
2.14.2235
"Today when I reached out to you I felt your tiny soul respond. My little one, the joy I feel Is
beyond description."
3.23.2235
"You're getting bigger and stronger every day. When I feel you moving inside me I wonder if it's possible
for anyone to be as happy as me.
"Hurry to me, my little one, I'm waiting. I can't wait to hold you in my arms. I can't wait for you to arrive
and for our life as a family to begin."
4/8/2235
"Today was a perfect day. Your father and I had gone to Aaupa to visit my sister. Ingclo and Tiray
were visiting too. Today all of us went to the beach and visited the Miewa Coves. All of us were in
the water talking, laughing and, in little D'Ray's, case splashing and playing. She is such a bundle
of energy my sister's child! Nearly three and such a handful! I can only imagine the antics the two
of you will have as you play together!
As I sat there watching her, I imagined what it would be like to watch you play. I've always l oved
music and I already know that your laughter will be the most wonderful music I have yet to hear."
Shylea paused the recording. "This is when it starts to change," she whispered
4.11.2235
Kalii's face was pale with both exhaustion and deep worry.
"We're in the hospital, little one," she said softly. "I'd been feeling chills for the past few days.
I'd started before your father and I visited Aaupa, but I didn't think anything of it.
"When we got back home I started feeling worse. I was in the bedroom when suddenly I felt
as if the temperature dropped. I felt like I was suddenly trapped in an ice machine and I couldn't
stop shaking.
I was afraid…so afraid. All I could think of was what if something was wrong with you?
"Your father sensed my distress and rushed in. He took one look at me and called for help.
And now we're both sitting in the hospital while the healers run tests. Their exams seemed
to show that you're all right but what is happening?
4.13.2235
My sister and mother are here. They came as soon as your father contacted them and that comforts me.
But not as much as it will comfort me to know that you're all right.
4.14.2235
Today the healers spoke to your father and me. There's nothing wrong with you. I'm the one who is ill.
They told me that I have Lungarus Syndrome. It's very rare and very dangerous. There is no concern
about you contracting it; my womb's natural defenses will protect you.
But if the doctors aren't able to treat me…
More entries followed. Updates on doctor reports, treatments.
Kalii's appearance began to change.
She grew paler, she lost weight and her hair began to thin.
4.22.2235
"I imagine I don't look well at all, little one. But you're still healthy and that gives me joy."
4.30.2235
"I lie in bed and feel you moving and that comforts me as nothing else.
More entries followed.
Kalii's appearance continued to worsen. Her fair fell out and her once strong, vibrant voice
grew hoarse and weak.
5.12.2235
"Today the healers told me that there's nothing else they can do. I already knew anyway.
I can feel my body giving out."
Her face grew grim in determination. "But I can't die. Not yet. If I die now you'll die as well
and I cannot and will not let that happen.
"The healers informed me that in some species, if there are complications with the pregnancy,
the unborn child can be removed and placed in an artificial womb. But that's not an option for
our people because of the strong vascular link that mother and unborn child share.
"So I have to stay alive for at least another two months. Long enough for you to survive outside
my womb. And I will."
She paused "I remember hearing stories once about the Defense Force that the government
put together to planet our planet long ago when they first learned of hostile alien races.
They asked Tkarite and Andorian warriors to come and train the members.
"I am not a warrior. I have never handled a weapon or raised my against another living creature
in my entire life. But I am going to fight now. Fight against this disease that's killing me.
I'll fight for you my daughter. I'll fight for you."
More entries. With each one it seemed that Kalii looked worse. But she continued to fight.
Finally.
7/23/2235
"I'm getting weaker but the healers told me that you were now strong enough to leave the womb.
The relief I felt was indescribable. For months I've fought to hold on…for you. Now…now you'll be safe.
"In a few hours I'll be going 'under the knife' as an associate of mine from Earth would say.
I'm too weak to try to deliver naturally so the healers will remove you surgically.
7/25/2235
Kalii was tenderly holding a wrapped bundle. She was completely bald now, her face gaunt, her
eyes sunken. Her voice was hoarse and faint.
"You were born yesterday. You were conceived in twilight and you were born in twilight.
When I held you in my arms for the first time I had never in my life felt such joy…or such grief.
"My beautiful little daughter you were at last born. I knew from the moment I saw you that you
were mine. I could have picked you out from every child in this hospital. You are my daughter,
my greatest treasure and my greatest joy."
She lay a tender kiss on her baby's forehead. "But I will soon leave you. I used all of my strength
to stay alive long enough to bring you into this world. Now…my strength is gone. I feel myself
weakening more every day. A year from now you will be taking your first steps and saying your
first words. But I won't be there."
Tears started coming to her eyes. "My precious, little one. You are the joy of my life. The very
beat of my heart. My greatest treasure."
Tears were raining down her face. "Please forgive me, my precious daughter. Forgive me for
leaving you. Forgive me for making you grow up without a mother. Forgive me for not being there."
She was sobbing now. "I don't want to go. I want to stay. I want to watch you grow up. I want
to watch you take your first steps. I want to watch you laugh and play. I want to be there
when you need advice, comfort or simply a hug. I want to be there for you for all the times
that you'll need me. I want to be there for all the times that you'll need your mother."
"Please…please forgive me, my beloved daughter. Please forgive me for leaving you.
Forgive me…for not being there. Forgive me…."
7/27/2235
"It feels good to be back home. I insisted on leaving the hospital two days after you were born.
There was no point in staying- you're healthy and there is nothing more the healers can do
for me. I've had enough of hospitals. I want to spend my last days in my own home. I have
to wear a breathing mask now. I take it off when I make these so you can hear everything
I say clearly.
"I know that soon…soon this and other recordings are all that you will have of my voice.
"I want to tell you this especially. When your father brought us home I asked him to carry me outside.
I'll soon be too weak to be moved, but I was determined to do this. I was determined to Name you.
Normally a child is Named on the seventh day of their life, but I'm not sure if I'll still be alive then.
You father has promised to hold a proper Ceremony for you…afterwards, but I was determined
to do this one thing. Name you Mother to Daughter.
"I carried you outside with only your father and the Giver of All as witness. First I spoke your name
in your ear so that you would be the first to know your name and hear it spoken aloud.
Then I spoke it to your father. Then I presented you to the Giver and told Him. I repeat it to
you now that you may know and remember.
"You were conceived in twilight, you were born in twilight. You are Shylea, 'Twilight's Gift.'
Shylea, Daughter of Kalii. Shylea, Daughter of Farseen. Shylea of the families of Ryleth and L'Naym.
Shylea, Child of the Desert. Shylea, Daughter of Nlia. You are Shylea L'Naym.
"Know and remember always."
7/28/2235
Kalii's voice now was even weaker and she was speaking while lying down.
"Shylea, from the moment you were born, I've begrudged every minute that you're not in my arms.
I hold you constantly and even sleep with you in my arms. Because…I know…
7/29/2235
"You had a visitor last night. D'Ray…" she broke off in a fit of coughing. "D'Ray was…determined
to meet…her new cousin. I asked her…to help take care of you. I want you to have….a special friend."
7/30/2235
Kalii's voice was now a barely audible whisper.
"I…love you, Shylea….always love you…."
Alyen and L'Naym's Hotel Room
9:00 PM
The recording went silent.
L'Naym was sobbing quietly. He lifemate and Soul Brother also had tears in their eyes.
Gently her lifemate wrapped his arms around her. Her Soul brother went and hugged her as well.
Three Souls Touched.
There were no words. Just sorrow, comfort, gratitude and above all, love.