Authors Note: Welcome back to this story! A longer chapter but I got Elinor and her mother plus Merida and Ian. The baby is born in this chapter!

As always a big special thank you to MaidenoftheSummer on reddit for reading and giving me advice on the chapter.

Historical notes: Laying in period - a long bed rest before and after the mother-to-be gives birth. A medieval peasant might only stay in bed for a day or two. Royalty or the gentry would be in bed for up to two months. A medieval baby shower was typically held at the birth or shortly before/after the birth. A waiting room would be set up just outside of the birthing room for the visiting royals to give gifts and gossip. All of the clan Lords' wives show up. Caitlin Dingwall and Deirdre Macintosh in this case.

Cultural note: Nothing.

Please review!

~*~ Merida P.O.V ~*~

Merida had the maids prepare bedrooms for their impending visitors. Grandmother Moira, ever the one for tradition, invited both Lady Macintosh and Lady Dingwall to be present for the birth. Something about tradition and they'd have gifts for her and the baby.

Honestly, she'd rather have the visitors over this "lying in period" her mother and grandmother thought she should have. Laying in bed all day and just waiting for the baby to be born sounded awful and unsanitary. She'd rather entertain Caitlin and Deirdre than confine herself.

Confidently, she moved to take care of her horses. Agnes was almost big enough for her to ride in a couple of months. She was running a brush through Agnes' coat when something unexpected happened—a sharp, sudden pain shot through her lower abdomen, causing her to gasp and double over slightly. It was a sensation she hadn't experienced before, a deep, squeezing pain that radiated from her back and wrapped around her belly.

She steadied herself, one hand gripping the wooden stall as the brush slipped from her fingers. The pain subsided just as quickly as it had come, leaving her breathless and confused. Merida straightened up, shaking off the discomfort, trying to convince herself it was just another strange twinge, nothing more.

But as she resumed her brushing, another contraction hit about twenty minutes later, this time stronger and more pronounced. She had to pause, closing her eyes as the intensity built, her free hand instinctively cradling her belly. The pain wasn't unbearable, but it was unmistakably different from anything she'd felt before. It came in waves, tightening and releasing, as if her body was gathering its strength for what was to come.

Merida leaned against the stall, her breath coming in short bursts as she waited for the wave to pass. When it finally did, she stood there for a moment, gathering her thoughts. Were those real contractions or the fake ones she had been told about?

Nervously, she put a hand on her belly and felt the baby shift. They didn't come again as she finished with Angus and Agnes. Her steps headed toward the staff meeting she had to lead.

"Merida," called a voice as she saw Annabel catch up to her. "Your mum wanted me to make sure you'll still be able to walk to lunch together."

"Of course," she said as she felt her lower back seize a little as she grunted.

"Merida," she said, looking concerned.

Before she could say anything else, they turned to the field outside. She insisted on doing the occasional staff meeting outside just to get some fresh air. Vevina and much of the staff rather liked the change of pace.

She grinned as Annabel followed her outside, clearly still concerned. Merida knew she should mention the contractions, but she didn't want to alarm anyone just yet. Besides, if they were just the false contractions she'd heard about, there was no need to disrupt the day over nothing. Focusing, she turned to the crowd she had control over. Mostly maids and servants as Annabel reluctantly left.

"So we have Lady Macintosh and Lady Dingwall staying for two weeks," said Merida, starting the meeting as she shifted her weight from one foot to another trying to ease the pain.

Off to her right was Peigi, watching her with furrowed eyebrows.

But as the minutes ticked by, another contraction hit—this time, stronger and more insistent, cutting through her concentration like a knife.

"I'm thinking use a few of the pigs for a roas-"

She bit down on the inside of her cheek and her hand went to her belly. Merida could feel the eyes of the staff on her, and she forced a smile, trying to brush it off as nothing. Before she could continue, Peigi stepped forward, her expression serious.

"Ma'am, are you alright?" she asked, her voice low but firm.

Merida opened her mouth to reassure her, but another wave of pain surged through her, and she couldn't stifle the small gasp that escaped. The staff exchanged worried glances, and Merida knew there was no hiding it now.

"I think…it's time," she admitted, her voice shaky but determined. There goes walking with mum to lunch (or was it after - her mind went fuzzy for a moment). Much less greeting and getting to know Caitlin and Deidre before the baby came.

Peigi, the one of the most senior members of the staff present, seized control of the meeting taking charge.

"This staff meeting is officially canceled," said Peigi with a steely gaze turning to the pages Merida had taught archery to. "Finlay tell the family. Brody, help me get her to the birthing room. Everyone else is dismissed, if you have any questions please find Lady MacGuffin."

Brody, a tall man with a husky build, wanted to carry her, but Merida insisted she could walk.

The midwife they had hired moved into the castle two days ago and thankfully was there at the meeting following them. Shannon, the main midwife, and her assistants, Abigael and Cora, were either with her or ahead of them.

The meeting was forgotten as everyone sprang into action, the air buzzing with urgency.

As she walked past the front of the castle she could see horses with their guests greeted by Vevina. As she gave them all her best smile which was hard to do being half carried and the pain shooting down her abdomen.

"Nice to meet you, Lady Macintosh, Caitlin," she said, addressing them as they preferred in their letters. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye and a strained but playful grin, she added, "I'd offer you a proper tour, but I'm a bit busy bringing a new clan member into the world. Maybe next time?"

Lady Macintosh's jaw dropped, her hazel eyes wide as she reached out to take the hand of the woman in a different clan dress.

"I had baby supplies," said Lady Macintosh, still stunned.

Lady Dingwall, who had been standing beside Lady Macintosh, blinked in surprise before her face lit up with a wide smile.

"Well, isn't that convenient!" said Caitlin her voice was light and airy. "I suppose if the baby doesn't like the castle's grand tour, it can always take a detour through the nursery instead!"

Merida couldn't help but chuckle through the pain as she gave them a final wave as the midwives hurried her inside.

~*~ Elinor's P.O.V ~*~

Elinor stood in the hall, her heart pounding with anticipation as she awaited Merida's arrival. She'd finally be able to talk to her and hopefully have no interruptions. The sudden commotion shattered the silence, and a page burst into view, his face flushed and eyes wide with urgency. He bowed deeply, his voice trembling as he delivered the news that sent a jolt through Elinor's core.

"Your majesty," he gasped, barely catching his breath, "Merida's having the baby!"

Elinor's breath caught in her throat, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts and fears as she grasped the gravity of the moment. The baby was a week early! Her due date was in May and April wasn't even over yet.

"Your mother and sons have already been informed," he said, "I'm on my way to find the King, Kevin, and Ian."

"They're out hunting," said Elinor as she started in the direction of the birthing room. Merida had her mother for comfort and she had to get there next.

She turned the corner and was surprised to see the other ladies from the clan there. Elinor knew her mother invited them and they had presents for Merida. She took a calm breath and realized that they were going to the same place. She put on a cheerful smile and went to say hello.

Before she could properly greet them, she nearly had a heart attack.

"Oh Elinor," said Caitlin Dingwall as soon as she saw her. "Did you know that you're having a grandbaby right this second?"

"She's already pushing?!" burst out Elinor as Deirdre tsked at Caitlin shaking her head no.

Oh thank goodness, she thought, as they made their way to the birthing room. Just outside of the inner chamber was a sitting room area. Her mother sat next to the boys who were already there playing with Una and Owen. They were all going to be present when the baby was born and gathered here including any female friends. In this case Merida's friends were her ladies' maid Peigi, the three lords' wives, and her family.

"I wouldn't go in there," said Moira with a huff as Elinor walked to the door, "I already tried. Merida's still getting settled and making final adjustments to the room. Now there's a draft and she's insisting on waiting until Ian gets here before letting anyone else in."

Elinor's eyes widened at the realization that Merida was insisting on waiting for Ian before allowing anyone into the birthing chamber. She felt a surge of frustration and concern.

"No one is allowed in until he arrives? That's not how things are done. The birth could progress rapidly!"

Deirdre's gasp was a dramatic punctuation to Elinor's alarm. "Men aren't typically allowed in the birthing chamber. It's considered highly improper!"

Elinor paced the small waiting area, her thoughts racing. The page who had delivered the urgent news was likely still out in the woods searching for Ian and the others. That could take some time that they didn't have. Merida's insistence on waiting was adding unnecessary stress to an already tense situation.

"I need to be with her," Elinor said, her voice tinged with desperation. "I want to support her in any way I can. This is too important."

Elinor strode determinedly to the door of the birthing room. Her hand reached for the handle, but the door was firmly shut and locked. She glanced at her mother who gave her an 'I told you so' look. She could hear muffled voices from within, and her heart raced as she tried to push the door open.

"Merida, it's mum!" she called out, her voice filled with a mix of authority and desperation. "May I please come in?"

The door remained resolutely closed. Elinor pushed harder, but it didn't budge. Her efforts to force her way in were met with resistance. She could feel the weight of the door pressing back against her. It was locked or barred from the inside.

"Please, let me in!" she pleaded, her hands grasping the door handle with increasing force. She could hear a faint murmur from the other side, a conversation she couldn't make out clearly.

Deirdre and Moira rushed forward, trying to pull her away from the door.

"Elinor, stop! You're making things worse!" Deirdre said, her voice strained with concern.

As she continued to push against the door, a new voice joined the conversation. It was one of the midwife's assistants, speaking through the crack of the door.

"Your Majesty, please, Merida is in a delicate state right now. She insists on waiting for Ian. We can't disturb her."

Elinor's shoulders slumped in defeat as the reality of the situation hit her. She could sense the firmness in the assistant's tone and the exhaustion that accompanied it. Her face flushed with frustration and helplessness. She peered in to see Merida with her eyes squeezed closed, sitting upright, and panting heavily, both of her hands held by the other assistant.

"Is there nothing we can do?" she asked, her voice cracking almost desperate. "Can't someone make an exception?"

The assistant's voice softened, but it remained resolute.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty. We must respect her wishes and follow the established customs. She needs to be calm and quiet at this moment."

Elinor finally let go of the door, her hands trembling. She turned back to face the waiting area, where Moira and Deirdre stood with expressions of concern and sympathy.

Her breath came in ragged bursts, and she sank into a nearby chair, feeling the weight of her helplessness.

"I can't believe this," she said, her voice low and shaky. "I just want to be there for her. Why must this be so difficult."

Elinor slumped into the chair, her emotions a turbulent mix of frustration and sadness. Her eyes darted toward the door, the sound of Merida's labored breaths faintly audible even through the barrier. The waiting area, once filled with bustling energy, now seemed unbearably still, each second dragging by with oppressive slowness.

She took a moment to look around the room, her heart still racing but her demeanor settling into a more composed grace. With a deep breath, Elinor straightened up and turned to address her guests, her face softened by an apologetic smile. Her role as queen was not forgotten, and she was determined to uphold her duties even in the midst of this deeply personal event.

"I am so sorry for my behavior earlier," Elinor said, her voice steady but tinged with sincerity. She looked at Lady Macintosh and Lady Dingwall, who had gathered with warm, supportive expressions. "I was overcome with worry; but I must remember that we are here to celebrate and support the princess. Deirdre and Caitlin, we are glad to have you here to represent your clans and we appreciate the gifts you brought for the baby."

They smiled at her and nodded in understanding. Her dark eyes trained on the two of them and then over at her family. As the conversation shifted to lighter topics and the mood in the room began to lift, Elinor's attention was drawn back to the door of the birthing chamber. She couldn't help but wonder about the momentous event taking place inside. Each passing minute seemed to stretch endlessly.

Finally the doors to the birthing room swung open.

In a dramatic fashion, Fergus, Lord Kevin MacGuffin, Ian, and Ewan stumbled into the room. They looked like they had freshened up, though the evidence of a hurried attempt was clear in their tousled hair and wrinkled clothes. Ian, his blue eyes wild and hair unbraided, pushed forward to the front of the group, scanning the room for Merida before his gaze settled on a locked door at the far end of the room.

"Finally," said Moira, standing up to guide him to the birthing room. There was a note of exasperation in her voice, though it was softened by the tension in her shoulders. "You're here. She wouldn't let us in unless you were."

Elinor stood up just as quickly before knocking quickly.

"That better not just be my mum," whined Merida as the door was opened.

"It's all three of them," said one of the assistants gesturing for them to follow.

Ian and Elinor immediately went to Merida who was sitting in a birthing chair. Ian took her hand for her to squeeze his other on her back. One of the assistants shut the door from Fergus or any of the kids from seeing Merida in pain.

"Merida you're not going to push for a while," said Shannon, Elinor knew was the head midwife. "Just take a deep breath and have some water."

"I don't need water, I need this baby out of me," said Merida as Elinor wiped the sweat from her face. She looked up at Shannon with a deep sigh. "How soon can I push?"

"Not for a couple of hours, you came here as soon as your earliest contractions started."

Merida looked stunned, frustrated, and like she was going to cry at the same time as Elinor sympathized with her.

Merida's emotions churned inside her, a mix of exhaustion, frustration, and the overwhelming reality of the hours still ahead. Her chest heaved as she fought to hold back tears, feeling the weight of it all pressing down on her. Elinor, seeing her daughter's turmoil, gently squeezed her hand, offering silent support.

"Merida," Elinor said softly, "I know this isn't what you expected, but you've got the strength to see this through. You've never backed down from a challenge before, and you won't now."

Merida let out a shaky breath, nodding slightly. "Aye, but this... this is different, Mum. I feel like I'm losing control. I don't think I can do this."

From the corner of her eye, Elinor could see her mother straighten and march over to her. Merida squeezed both her mother and Ian's hands with a deep breath.

"What did you say?" asked Moira sharply.

"Mother," said Elinor as Merida winced at the next contraction.

"Let a dying woman speak Elinor," said Moira.

She got on the level of Merida's eyes. The intensity in her tone and eyes seemed to say it all. Moira's eyes bore into Merida's, their sharpness cutting through the haze of pain and fear. Merida shifted uncomfortably trying to adjust to the birthing chair. Ian's hand rubbing her circles on her back gently.

Moira's eyes narrowed as she leaned in close to Merida, her voice dropping low, that sent a shiver down her granddaughter's spine.

"Did I just hear you say you can't do this?" Moira's tone was sharp, each word cutting through the noise of Merida's thoughts. "Listen to me, lass. The strength of those who came before you flows through your veins. This isn't just childbirth. This is your rite of passage, your trial by fire. You will bring this child into the world, and you will do it with the strength you were born with. You have no choice but to succeed, Merida."

Merida's breath hitched, her heart pounding as Moira's words bore down on her. She swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her words settle deep in her chest. The fear was still there, but now it fueled her, igniting a fire that had been smoldering within her all along. She nodded, determination hardening in her gaze. She could do this—she would do this. There was no other option.

"Now I will take my leave," said Moira. "You have enough people in this room."

She gave Merida a long piercing gaze before turning on her heel to go and gossip with the other ladies from the clans. Ian, stunned by the intensity of Moira's words, instinctively rubbed Merida's back in an attempt to comfort her.

"She's a little scary," he murmured, his voice laced with a mix of awe and concern.

Merida, still reeling from the encounter, looked to her mother for reassurance. "Mum, how did you grow up with her?"

Elinor gave a small, knowing smile, though there was a hint of sympathy in her eyes.

"To be fair, my dear, only my father could handle her when she was like that. She gave your uncle and I quite a fright a few times."

Merida, in between contractions, kept shifting in the birthing chair, trying to find some semblance of comfort. Every so often, she would shoot a glare at the door, as if willing the process to speed up through sheer force of will.

A few hours later, talking with Ian and her mother made her feel better. Vevina had showed up after clearing things up from the staff meeting earlier today and the cooks preparing her a light meal for later.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Shannon gave a slight nod. "It's time, Merida. You're ready to start pushing."

She braced herself, gripping Ian's hand tightly as she prepared for the final ordeal. Elinor was on her other side, her presence a comforting anchor.

"Get this kid out of me," said Merida as she was just tired.

Her face red and curls brushed away with her chest heaving. After what felt like hours, was probably only a few minutes, she heard it. She was finally told what was going to happen that would change her fate.

"You're almost done," said Cora, positioned to catch. "You're going to take a break and then give us one more push."

Merida nodded determinedly as she waited and then pushed.

"That's great, this baby will be out before you know it," said Cora. "Now hold…" there was a pause before she nodded. "Another push."

Elinor winced as Merida's nails dug into her skin but said nothing. Ian was rubbing her back with his free hand. She had pushed some hair out of her face and took a wet washcloth to wipe the sweat away.

"Alright another push," said Cora or was it Shannon this time? Elinor waited on a baited breath hoping this was it. "Oh, oh, oh, oh. One more push and then the baby is here."

Merida waited for the signal and pushed one more time.

Then they heard it - a cry. A healthy strong cry as she blinked and gave the go ahead to push one last time.

"It's a boy," said Shannon as she looked up and over at Elinor and then at Ian.

"I'm done," she said, surprised as she gasped. "I was ready to push again. Wait, it's a boy?"

"Yes, it is," said Elinor, wiping hair and sweat away from her face.

The infant was placed in her arms as she looked down at the boy who had stopped crying staring up at her.

She could only stare back, her mouth opened but closed. He looked gross, with blood and other fluids on him, plus he was small and delicate–picking him up scared her a little. However, she watched as he snuggled against her chest, tongue sticking out at her as a tiny smile crossed her face.

"He's handsome," she said, finally still studying him. "But he could really use a bath."

The other women gently laughed not to startle the babe before a servant took him away from her. She already missed his tiny body on her chest and watched as he got his first bath and an exam done. She didn't even notice being wrapped and cleaned from the waist down. She grunted at the tightness but her eyes never left the small baby who immediately started nursing with the wet nurse.

"He's about eight pounds five ounces."

"Why don't we give you three a moment," said the nurse, feeling her eyes on her.

Merida sat up as the baby was passed to her and he rested in her arms. Her eyes didn't leave him as the rest of the women left. Ian reached over to touch his head and the other still on the small of her back.

Elinor looked back as she put a hand on her chest. They looked sweet together as they fawned over their only child as Merida held him close and Ian counted his toes.

The door shut on them as Elinor turned to everyone else in the room.

"We have a grandson, Elinor," said Vevina pulling her into a hug and she hugged back.

"Here, have a drink," said Kevin, pushing a mug of beer to her. "I can't believe we're grandparents already."

"To the baby, may he be as big and strong as us one day," said Fergus clinking his glass with everyone else.

~*~Merida's POV~*~

Merida's eyes met Ian's, and for a moment, the world outside their small chamber seemed to fade away. The only things that mattered was the warmth of their embrace and peaceful face of their newborn son.

"He looks like you," Merida said softly, as she gazed at the tiny, swaddled bundle in her arms. Next to her, Ian was crying watching her or the baby or maybe even both.

Nestled in a soft pastel swaddle, the babe had an angelic and calm presence. His tiny round and cherubic face was framed by a faint halo of wispy soft red curls. Wide blue eyes gazed up at them and his skin was smooth and rosy. She grinned at him as his tiny hands instinctively grasped the air. She grinned and adjusted the blanket up to his chin. Their child, her beautiful little boy, made a gurgling sound watching her.

"He may look like me, but he definitely has your fiery spirit," he replied, noticing chuckling as Merida managed a tired, but radiant smile.

"And you know how?" she teased, her voice a mix of exhaustion and amusement.

"I just know," he said, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. "That was incredible; in just a few pushes, we have a new life. How are you feeling? Can I hold him?"

She laughed a little at him asking to hold him. Nervously Ian, reached out, his hands trembling slightly as Merida carefully passed their son to him. He automatically supported his head remembering how he treated his siblings when they were born. Ian adjusted the baby in his arms, his expression shifting from nervousness to pure wonder. He looked like a natural as Merida grinned.

"Really sore from the waist down," she said, adjusting herself with a wince and then laughing softly. "I can finally see my feet again. Until we want to try again for another."

"You just brought a new life into this world, and you're already thinking about more?" he asked, his tone both surprised and amused.

"Well, we did vow to have many children that one night," Merida said, her eyes twinkling despite her weariness. "Plus I really did like making the baby."

"That we did," he muttered as the infant's finger wrapped around his own. "It's our grand plan to fill this castle with the pitter-patter of tiny feet. How could I forget? You know, just seeing him for the first time, holding him in my arms—it's more than I ever imagined."

She chuckled, his eyes still glistening with tears but she said nothing. Ian leaned forward passed her their son. They should name him, but right now, in this moment they'll announce it later. Right now it was just them and their small family. The room fell into a peaceful silence, broken only by the soft coos of their newborn. As the fire crackled softly in the hearth, Merida felt the pull of sleep beginning to take hold. She was exhausted, her body still aching from the labor, but she couldn't bring herself to close her eyes just yet. She didn't want to miss a single second of this moment.

"I love you Ian," she whispered as she leaned on his shoulder.

"I love you more," he replied, never taking his eyes off her or their son. He leaned in to kiss her again, this time lingering for just a moment longer.

With a contented sigh, Merida finally allowed her eyes to close. Their son, warm and peaceful in her arms, was already fast asleep. As they drifted off together, the fire in the hearth burned low, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. Outside, the world was quiet, the stars shining brightly in the clear night sky.