Page 65 of Nixx
I take a deep breath and tell Mery I'll be back in a moment.
No sooner do I get out than Hugg jumps on me to find out what's going on.
“Everything is going well Hugg. I'm just taking a short break.”
I look for Nixx and when I meet his eyes, he understands at once that I need him. In a split second, I find myself in his arms, embraced, pampered, and comforted.
He whispers softly in my ear.
“It's going to be okay, Kitten, you're going to do great. Believe in yourself as others believe in you. Like I believe in you.”
So, my daughter, did you hear? Who are you to doubt when this fabulous man has put his trust in you? Go on, get back in there now. You have a baby to deliver.
I take a deep breath and meet the bright eyes of my beautiful dark angel. He places a last kiss on my forehead and I return to Mery. The brave girl continues to modify her position every four contractions, scrupulously following the advice I gave her.
A final check of the cervix tells me that we are there. The dilation is now complete. I give my last instructions to Mery and after a few strong contractions, I see the baby's hair appear.
Oh my God! I hold my head up and help this little angel over his shoulders. His bald mini-wings are stuck against his back. A last contraction and I catch this little wonder, this noisy little angel, that I delicately deposit on Mery's chest, who laughs and cries at the same time.
Polly and I proceed to a quick grooming of this beautiful little Erian. I make sure that Mery has expelled all the placenta. Then Polly helps me to change the soiled sheets and we help Mery to refresh her face and to put on a clean tunic.
The baby quickly fell asleep in his mom's arms. When she indicates that she is ready, I remove the screen and wave to Hugg. He rushes into the tent without delay and I see Mery's bright smile.
The emotion that I have kept under control all this time, suddenly overwhelms me. And I find myself, once again, sobbing in Nixx's arms, flooding his broad chest with my tears.
When they dry up, I am torn from Nixx's torso to be propelled on Lokk's. Okay, fine! I take a quick look at Nixx to see how he takes this intrusion. But all I see is his bright smile.
Around us, I see Rymm, Zakk, Liamm, and others. All have come to wait with Hugg and share flasks of ignis. Lokk finally frees me.
I finally pass from arm to arm, for brief hugs and congratulations. Still, it was Mery who did all the work. Hugg joins us outside, beaming with happiness. He crushes me in his arms and drops me back into Nixx's.
Then he speaks at length to his understanding friends:
“Do you realize that? The most beautiful of the Companions has just given me the most beautiful of the sons! I am blessed by the Winds! He is absolutely magnificent. His nose is superb. His chubby little arms are perfect. And his hands and feet? A wonder! And what about . . .”
I stop listening to Hugg's long monologue about the absolute perfection he and his Partner have designed. I look at Nixx, realizing with sadness that I could never give him such happiness. This realization is heartbreaking. His thoughts must have joined mine, because his face is suddenly darker. He wraps his arms around me without a word and holds me tightly to him.
***
This happy day ended with a last warm meal. Mery came briefly to present Fill, their little angel, to the community. And everyone warmly congratulated the happy parents.
Nixx and I are about to leave for bed when Zull and Azarr arrive for a final meal after their long journey from the South Bastion. What a pleasure to see them again!
“Azarr, Zull, did you have a good trip?" my man asks, giving them a warm hug.
“We didn't hang around, as we were hoping to save ourselves another night under the stars. Were you going to bed?”
“Yes, but now that you've arrived, we'll keep you company if you don't mind,” Nixx replied.
“Are you kidding? We can't wait to hear more about your companion's new exploits. They've already made the rounds of almost every land on the Continent!”
At Azarr's words, I feel myself blushing all the way down to my toes. Shit, and I wanted to be discreet. A wide smile stretches Nixx's face and proud as an Erian whose child would make his first flight, he tells them:
“If you mean the fact that Sarah confronted a gortach armed with a tent peg and profanity, that's true.
It is also true that she saved the life of Dall, who was wounded, and a child. But if you’re referring to the care, she gave in this camp to all those who asked her, or to the fact that she helped Mery give birth to her first child, let me tell you that everything is absolutely correct.”
“We have heard all these rumors indeed. And if we add to these, the fact that she also saved Loony's life, we can easily conclude that Sarah has won the loyalty of the Erians hands down.”
