Room for an Aubert... or Two?

[Brynn Reade]

People said that the worst torture one could go through was to see someone else suffer. At least someone you vaguely cared about. Alright, the time of torture was – hopefully – well past for them all now, but Meghan still thought this notion to be right. Giving birth was probably the worst torture nature had invented by itself, without the help of any sick human mind. Looking at it like that, not thinking about the happiness and elation that followed afterwards, you could almost be sure never wanting to go through this again, and Meghan was almost relieved she was now past the childbearing state. Hopefully this experience won’t be too traumatic for Caitrin, as Meghan had heard stories of women who shied away from everything concerning children and bearing them because of the bad experience they had made at their first birth. Normally, the mind was set to make you forget the worst of it, but it didn’t always work. Then again, Caitrin had all the characteristics of a fighter, Meghan thought. She would be fine.

Her hand hurt from the constant violent squeezes Caitrin had been giving it for the last hour, but Meghan knew tht was just a fraction of the pain the other woman was going through right now and so she didn’t detract her hand, nor did she say anything. From what she could tell, the cervix was fully opened now, and all they had to wait for was that urging sensation that made Caitrin want to push.
And there it was!! After a particularly long and painful contraction, Caitrin confirmed that she had felt the urge. Now things finally got into the last stage! Mobilising all her energy, Meghan tried to give her voice the most encouraging tone she could muster and smiled. “Yes, it is very close. Now, this is what you do!” she started to explain, thinking back on the instructions, she herself had been given. She wouldn’t be able to go through them to tee, but it was the direction that counted anyway, right?

”Make sure your back is firmly planted against the back of the bed, through the cushions, and that you have a good standing with your propped up feet. Brynn, come here!” She demanded firmly and Brynn tread closer towards the bed, giving Caitrin an encouraging smile of her own. “Climb onto the bed next to Caitrin and hold her other hand and her arm, to further steady her.” Brynn did as she was told and took Caitrin’s damp hand, squeezing it softly.
Then Meghan returned her attention to Caitrin. “You probably already feel the next contraction coming. Take a deep breath and when the contraction is on you, push! Don’t worry, your body will know how to. The contractions will now come quicker and quicker, use the small respites to gain your breath.”
It felt like Meghan had never talked so much in her whole life than in these las two hours. But it was necessary, some things simply were not self-evident.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was starting to feel quite guilty about the amount of pain she must be putting Meghan’s hand though. Then again, she felt quite bad for hauling this woman away from her duties in the first place, Meghan had not had to come and help her, and despite what Brynn had told her earlier in the day, Caitrin hoped that she would accept some form of payment. After all, she was doing a fantastic job so far, without her, Caitrin probably would have lost her head long before now. She finally released Meghan’s hand as the woman said that yes, she was close to the birth. She was letting out short, sharp breaths of relief, and closed her eyes for a moment, trying to calm herself down. Soon she would have two more lives to look after, her children would soon be in her arms, and that was motivation enough to keep going.

She nodded to Meghan, to let her know she had heard her. Caitrin wasn’t sure she could manage words right now, she was near exhaustion, so knowing the twins were near birth was a relief of many sorts. She listened carefully to the woman as she explained what she had to do, and although it hurt to move at all, Caitrin shuffled up the bed so she was sat up, and raised her legs. She felt self-conscious for a few moments, how silly that she should still be bothered about her lower half being on display in front of these two women. However, this really wasn’t the time, and she put her legs apart, as there was only one way these babies were being delivered wasn’t there?

Caitrin gave a soft smile to Brynn as she climbed beside her, and she squeezed her hand back, letting her know how much her company really was appreciated at the moment. True to Meghan’s word, Caitrin felt her next contraction coming on quickly, and she groaned against her lips, a small cry escaping them as she felt the innate ability to push wash over her. She did push, as hard as her body would allow her, and when the contraction passed, Caitrin let herself fall back into the bed again, a bead of sweat rolling down her cheek. She was breathing quickly, using all her effort to put her breathing back under control.

Caitrin looked to Meghan, to ask her a question, but as she did another contraction pressed upon her lower abdomen, and she let out a scream, and her body would have flung forwards had it not been for the grip Brynn was keeping on her. She could feel the babies within her still, pressing against her lower body. Jesu, it hurt as well as being the most uncomfortable thing she had ever felt. “How- how far along is it?” She managed finally, before she looked up to Brynn with a soft smile, “Thank you.” She said quietly, squeezing her hand softly, she wouldn’t want to be the one holding her hand right now, not if this was going to get more painful. She admired Brynn’s readiness to step into that position, hopefully her hand would not suffer too much. The next contraction struck with a new sensation of pain, and an almost stinging sensation in her lower abdomen, Jesu, she wasn’t sure how much more of this her body could take.

[Brynn Reade]

For every of the woman in the room the world had long since narrowed down to the intervals contraction-respite-contraction-respite. Contraction meant alertness to the most extent, as Meghan always feared something could go wrong. She checked for signs of overboarding exhaustion with Caitrin, but concerning the circumstances she was faring exceptionally well, Meghan had to admit. She was not a crying bundle of nerves that begged for everything to be over, she might scream and pant, but she was not giving up yet. A mother giving up on the whole affair was the worst that could happen, and somehow Meghan had always feared that the most, as she wouldn’t know how to encourage Caitrin to try once more when she was on the edge of her physical bearance. With a quick glance, she also checked on her daughter, but almost expected Brynn to be fine anyway. She had watched over several births after all, and would be a little less concerned now it was not her own mother’s fate at stake.

Brynn truly felt calmer than she had expected herself to be. It was not like she didn’t care about Lady Caitrin’s wellbeing – heaven prevent! – but it somehow still was different. Had she been a worrywart before, she now felt oddly resigned. The lady seemed strong and in her eyes her mother was doing a good job. For now nothing more could be done than being there, as the greatest work had to come from Lady Caitrin herself. Brynn returned the smile Lady Caitrin gave her and squeezed the hand back to know that she was still there and would remain. “You’re doing great, Mylady!” she simply said and nodded earnestly.


”My daughter is right, that was excellent!” Meghan agreed and then moved a bit forward, letting go of Caitrin’s hand to inspect the state down below. “Take her other hand as well, Brynn, I have to keep watch now. Not long now, dear, I can almost see the head of the first one.” With that she lowered herself on both knees and kept a close eye on Caitrin, while Brynn took her other, almost moving behind her in the process. Ideally, she knew tht there were three women in the room, and close female relatives often took up the part of holding and stablizing the mother-to-be, while the midwife oversaw the actual birth process. But then this had been an improvisation all along,so there was no point in chickening out now.

Then the next contraction hit and Meghan saw the little head moving forward just the tiniest inch. “Push and breathe, dear, come on! Only a few times more, I promise!” Then another faint memory stirred, something the midwife had said to her on Elinor’s birth. “Use the pain as an incentive, imagine you’re pushing the pain down.” Meghan knew that the human mind was a peculiar thing. When you didn’t know how to do something, a little mental image often worked wonders to achieve just that what you had been aiming for.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Jesu, how on earth had Caitrin’s mother gone through this several times without complaint? Caitrin couldn’t imagine wanting to go through this again in a hurry. Indeed, the pain had never been greater than what she was experiencing now. Caitrin had suffered many injuries physically and to the heart over the years, but they all seemed to crumble away in comparison with the birth of her children. However, she supposed all that pain had been for nothing, at least this pain was going to have some reward at the end of it. A million thoughts were rushing though her head at once. Jesu, she wasn’t ready to be a mother, she couldn’t look after two children could she? She barely knew how to keep herself safe. But it was too late now, whether she was ready or not to be a mother, because the children were well and truly on their way. It had been a distant day dream, even as they had grown within her womb, but now this was real, and it would all be over soon.

Any thoughts that anything could still go wrong were pushed to the back of Caitrin’s mind. She didn’t have time to worry about what could go wrong, she could just about focus on the here and now. Caitrin cried out as another contraction took her by surprise, she was still not used to the pain, despite the fact she had been in this condition long enough now. Caitrin squeezed Brynn’s other hand, and gave her a small smile of gratitude. Even though she had not known the pair of women very long, and this whole thing had been an improvised affair at best, she was grateful to both of them. She had no idea how they both felt about this, especially Brynn, had she seen a birth before? It felt odd that Caitrin was the one giving birth, and she was the one probably the one most ignorant to the ways in which it actually happened. Well, she wasn’t that useless to not know how children came to be in the world, but she had little idea of how to deliver them safely. She kept a steady grip on Brynn’s hands, but she almost relaxed for a moment, and a small smile came across her face as Meghan said she could see the head of the first baby.

Caitrin blinked slightly, and for the first time it felt real, her baby was there, and it would not be long now until both children were out in the world. She looked across at Meghan and bit her lip as she nodded, Jesu, she would draw blood to her lip before long with the ferocity she was clamping down upon it. See the pain as an incentive. Right. Another contraction ripped through Caitrin’s body, and she felt a sharp stinging in-between her legs, much like the stinging she had felt before, but this was a sharper and more obvious pain. “What is it? What’s happened?” Caitrin asked urgently, in-between her pants. She was trying her best to apply Meghan’s ideology to her condition, but it almost felt like even thinking was a task too hard for her. She pushed again, with more determination than she could ever remember mustering as the next contraction struck her. As she did, she felt a large weight shift downwards, and her body almost went into shock for a few moments at the sudden pain and stinging. Caitrin had no idea what was going on, she could just about focus on Meghan’s face and looked to the woman for guidance.

[Brynn Reade]

They were entering the critical phase now, Meghan knew that, the phase where it was almost over, but just not yet, and where usually every woman was pushed way beyond her limits. Caitrin seemed to be no exception and Meghan prayed for her and also for herself to be strong. Sometimes harsh words had to be used once the spirit of the parturient was waning. Meghan remembered her own faltering all too well, especially after knowing the baby would be stillborn. Where was the use in giving birth to something that was not living? But the choice had been an easy one to make in the end: Giving birth or die trying, and she already had had two beautiful children at that time who needed their mother. For them she had been keeping going. That was another reason why first births could be difficult: sometimes the mothers-to-be didn’t feel like they had something that was more worth living for than living through this excrutiating pain.

With every contraction that jolted through Caitrin, Brynn’s grip became stronger and more secure. She soon found out what to expect from Caitrin’s body once it contracted, how she would rear and how best to prevent it. Truly, when she had got up this morning, she would not have expected how the day would turn out. That she would help a lady through labour just because Idris had been too busy to fulfil one of her usual chores… it was almost to be called crazy when you thought about it. Gladly though, Brynn didn’t have much time to think. Her muscles started to ache from her effort of keeping the lady down and she knew her hands would ache in the morning too. But that was all worth it, right? She would help in bringing two new lives into this world, and she would learn important things for when it would be her time one day.

Meghan sensed Caitrin’s oncoming panic and she shifted a little, so she could look her in the eye, locking her gaze. “Shh, nothing is wrong my dear. Keep on pushing! The little worm is squeezing its way through, that is all!” Her voice rose a little in pitch when Caitrin’s next pushing effort showed one half of the little one’s head. “Head’s almost through, just push once more, Caitrin!” she egged the young lady on. Maybe it would take two or three more for the baby to be fully out, but once the head was out, anything else seemed almost effortless in comparison. Meanwhile Brynn gently dabbed the young woman’s forehead in a short respite, to keep the beads of sweat from running into her eyes. She herself felt thoroughly soaked as well, from the woman in labour leaning against her and from her own efforts of keeping her down.

Another contraction struck and Meghan exitedly exclaimed: “Head’s out, now give the shoulders a good squeeze!” The elder woman’s hands darted forward to cup the tiny, slippery head of the newborn, then waited for the next contraction.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin could feel her effort starting to wane slightly. She just wanted this to be over, Jesu she had felt like this ordeal had lasted forever and a day, and she just wanted to stop now, and do nothing. However, that wasn’t an option was it? Only she was going to give birth to these children. Brynn and Meghan could encourage her and help her though it but at the end of the day the responsibility to deliver these children safely rested with her. She was starting to not care if she screamed, or if her husband heard her crying out. She was in pain, Jesu she was in so much pain, but simple worries like that seemed to just disappear.

She hadn’t noticed how sweaty she had become in the heat of labour until Brynn brushed her forehead. She smiled thankfully at the woman, and tried to keep her breathing at a normal level. Meghan’s reassurance that nothing was wrong gave her hope, and settled her nerves slightly. She breathed a sigh of relief, which quickly changed to a cry with her next contraction. Caitrin almost wanted to laugh at Meghan’s excited outburst; that it was only the shoulders to go. Caitrin couldn’t really describe the sensation her lower body was going though, it just felt strange, but Jesu it hurt.

Just one more push. The thought kept repeating itself in Caitrin’s mind, and it was all she could focus on. Just one more push and her first born would be in the world, and the next would follow shortly she was sure, or at least she hoped that was the case. Her next contraction came swiftly, and Caitrin let out a sharp scream as it struck and she pushed with all the strength she could muster. She was sure Brynn’s hand was about to let out. Here they were, three women huddled in a room, but soon there would be five lives in this little corner of the world. Caitrin pushed so hard, and leant into Brynn and for a few moments, she just felt like her body was in shock. The stinging had stopped, replaced by an ache straight away as the room was filled with the cries of a new born child; her child.

Tears went to Caitrin’s eyes straight away as she heard the cries, it was what she had been waiting all this time to hear. She sniffed back slightly and looked up to Brynn with a wide smile. This wasn’t over of course, there was still another baby to deliver but she was allowed a few moments of respite to enjoy this moment. Her first born, hers and Griff’s first child was now in the world, and they were hopefully healthy and strong. She bit her lip, and looked on at Meghan, these moments seemed like a lifetime, and time almost stopped for her, her instincts had already kicked in and she just wanted her child in her arms, “Are they healthy?” She asked, brushing her hand over her eyes. Jesu, she was so happy, her tears were not born of anguish, but of a state of complete bewilderment and happiness. She needed to remember this moment, because though she would have children after this one, this was her first born child. “What is it?” Her next question wasn’t an urgent one, she didn’t care what it was, she just wanted her child to be healthy.

[Brynn Reade]

Just one more... one more or two... Meghan’s nerves were taut beyond compare as she waited for the all-dominant last push Caitrin would have to press out of her exhausted body. For now. There was still another baby to go, but this one would be the dedeiding factor of victory or failure. If the first baby was healthy, the second probably would be too, and the elation of having one out would help Caitrin deliver the second. Most likely there would be a short respite, maybe a minute or so, but they were not there yet. The soft and fragile head of the almost born baby was pressing into Meghan’s waiting palm and she felt the next, critical contraction pushing it further out. She dared not helping it along, for fear of breaking any bones. This was the way of nature, it had to work out on its own or it wouldn’t. But chances were good. Very good indeed.

Brynn winced violently as the contraction hit Caitrin, as her fingernails were digging deep into her palms, and the scream hurt her ears. Involuntarily, she held her breath, almost willing Caitrin on with nothing but her own goodwill and strength. And then a little jolt ran through the young lady’s body as the rest of the first baby glided out of her almost too easily and so surprisingly fast, Meghan almost forgot to get a tighter hold on it, But she caught it just in time and gently pulled it away from the womb, remembering to strike it softly on the back to start its own breathing process. Two seconds passed that felt like a whole lifetime with a thousand worries running through Meghan’s mind at once – then the baby took in a sharp breath and started to wail first, and then to scream! The firstborn Aubert child had come into this world!

Finally Brynn let out the pent up breath and suddenly had to bite her lip for no apparent reason. It was truly a miracle!
Not allowing herself to get lost in the moment like her daughter did just yet, Meghan turned the baby around to examine it, first for any sign of disfigurement or illness, then for the sex. A quick examination showed all her worries to be moot. Even through all the slime and a little crumpled by the birth, the baby was sweet and very good looking, and its screaming suggested that it was healthy.
”You have a strong, beautiful daughter, Lady Caitrin!” Meghan announced, somehow falling back into the formal address as it seemed suitable for this solemn moment.

Reaching into her skirts, she brought a piece of a string to light, which she tied around the umbilical cord in two places, then used a knife that had been washed in the hot water Brynn had brought earlier to cut the cord. Then she held up the little worm for Caitrin to see, wondering how long she would have until the next announced itself. Usually that happened between the next few moments.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin’s eyes were just looking at Meghan, to see if her child was alright. After all this time, and all this effort, Caitrin felt at her most impatient, though she knew she would not be able to hold the baby straight away. She still had another baby to deliver, and hopefully that would not take too long. She wanted to enjoy these moments with her family and soon Griff would be able to join them as well when they were all in a better state. She brushed away her tears again, and looked up to Brynn with an air of thanks. She wasn’t quite sure she would have been strong enough to go through this alone, and Meghan had made this experience so much more bearable. Of course she had not been able to take away all the pains, but it was hardly fair to expect that of her.

Now of course she was just curious to know what she had had, was this the little girl she had craved, or the boy which Griff had longed for. She bit her lip, quite nervous about the revelation as Meghan turned around to face her. A daughter. Caitrin had her baby girl and her face broke out into a wide smile and she put her hand to her mouth. Jesu, she had prayed for a little girl, she didn’t know what to call her yet, or anything like that but for now she was happy and settled in the fact that she had a little girl, and that was all that mattered. She couldn’t take her eyes off her little daughter, she looked so fragile, and her cries were still filling the room. “She’s beautiful.” She breathed softly, and bit her lip as she felt another contraction coming on. She didn’t scream this time, she merely groaned against her lips. She supposed the second birth would be easier seeing as the first had paved the way or so to speak.

The stinging was back, which told her the head was close to the bottom of its journey. She gasped out in pain as the flesh was still tender from the first birth. A new wave of determination was spurring Caitrin on, as she knew that once the second child was out she would be able to hold them both and enjoy the moment with her new born children. As her next contraction hit, she looked up at her daughter, Jesu, she couldn’t believe that she was only a few minutes old. She didn’t need Meghan to tell her how far the head was out this time, after going through the pain with her daughter she could almost sense it. This child felt smaller than her first, not significantly, but Caitrin just felt it. It was probably nothing to worry about anyway. She let out a sharp cry, and noticed Meghan had returned to her side to deliver the next child. As Caitrin pushed down as hard as she could, she was rewarded with another bawling a few seconds later, and now her body truly did go into shock. The weight she had been carrying round with her for months had vanished, and her bump now had no more children to bear within it. She let out a chocked tear for a moment, and looked to Meghan for her diagnosis of her second child. Did her daughter have a little sister, or a brother? Rubbing her eyes again, Caitrin shifted slightly from where she was sat, and though she ached and felt like she was in more pain than she would ever be able to bear again, she just had a wide smile on her face. Her children were here, and she was a mother, and Griff, her husband, now had the chance to be a father.

[Brynn Reade]

Even though Meghan was greatly touched by the scene unfolding before her eyes, the magical moment of a mother seeing her child for the very first time, she didn’t allow herself to give in to her feelings just yet. She tried to stay as focussed as she could, as she still had to worry about the next little worm that wanted out. He or she would probably be smaller, as she had heard the stronger one came out first. Then again, the whole birth had been going rather swiftly, so Meghan was sure the other child had been pushing its sibling further down, which meant it had quite the will of its own.
But of course, she couldn’t hold back the bright smile than spread over her own face, when Caitrin reacted so excitedly and simply: joyful of having a daughter. Meghan herself had also wanted a daughter for her first child, and her wish had been granted in Brynn. She didn’t love little Gyrth any less of course, but Brynn and even more Elinor simply were her heart’s delight.

”Brynn, hold the womb so the baby won’t turn inside again, please”, she reminded her daughter of her duties, who bashfully tore her eyes from the little wonder that still bawled a little, so forcefully being drawn from the warm and cozy place it knew. Too bad Caitrin couldn’t hold her just yet, but she had to focus on the second child now. Meghan had only just placed the little girl into the crib, when Caitrin was struck with another contraction. First the afterbirth slipped out, the only connection that had held the twins together. Meghan forced her mind to concentrate, but she knew it would be easier this time. Caitrin didn’t need any more instructions, and also the pain would be less than before. With one last, almost demanding cry, the young woman delivered her second child into this world, and like before Meghan was there to support it and free it from the umbilical cord.

Brynn’s eyes had been fixed on her mother’s movements while she held Caitrin’s hands down gently, and so she was the first one to see about the second born’s sex. “The second is a boy, Mylady!” she exclaimed with a little chuckle. “Now you can quarrel on with your husband about the names!”
A girl and a boy, how delightful indeed, and probably every mother’s wish once she couldn’t decide. Now she didn’t have to.
”And it is as healthy as the first!” Meghan announced after listening to the little worm’s crying. Quickly she cleaned it with some of the still warm water and a soft cloth, then decided the moment was right.
”Here you go, Mylady!” she said softly and gently placed the little boy, wrapped into warm and clean sheets, inot the waiting mother’s arms. “Brynn, please bring the other while I wash Caitrin and take away the soaked sheets.”

What followed now was mostly work for those who helped, but the mother had done her share and could just lean back and enjoy the moment. As soon as Caitrin was a bit more presentable, which would take no more than another minute, they would call for the father.

[Caitrin de Archer]

This time Caitrin didn’t even have to ask before Brynn quickly told her the gender of her second child. Jesu, a boy? She had a son and a daughter, this was the family she had been wishing for with Griff, and more. As she heard her sons cries, she leant back in the bed, and almost let out a sigh of relief. Nothing had gone wrong, her children were healthy, and so was she. She ran a shaking hand through her hair, Jesu, she was trembling so much. Not because she was scared, just because of the shock, the shock she had twins, and that they were now living and breathing. She was a mother now, and she always would be. She laughed at Brynn’s words, “And quarrel we shall.” She said with a satisfied grin. They had only been expecting one child, but this would probably fuel Griff’s pleas that the boy should be named after him. Caitrin still disagreed, she didn’t want to call her son Griff.

Now that both children were delivered, Caitrin was more anxious to hold her children more than anything. She smiled brightly as Meghan walked around the bed, and placed her son in her arms. It took Caitrin a few moments to find a comfortable position, but she sat up straight, and held her son towards her. His small, blue eyes were just staring up at her, and she couldn’t keep a smile from her face. “Hello.” She said in a small voice to her son, she couldn’t quite think what to do, she was just staring at this little life in her arms. Something did catch her eyes though, and with one of her hands, she stroked the little strands of hair at her son’s head; his red hair. She let out a small laugh, oh Griff was going to love this.

Caitrin looked up as Brynn presented her with her daughter, her first born. With a quick word of thanks, Caitrin took her daughter in her other arm, pressing both her children against her chest so that she could steady them both. It felt slightly awkward, but now she had them under her gaze, she didn’t want to let go of them. She looked now upon her daughter, who was making small noises at her mother; she too already had strands of red hair. She kissed her daughter’s forehead with a wide grin, but of course there was someone missing from this scene, someone who really should be here to witness this.

Caitrin looked up at Meghan, who was busying herself with the tasks which came with the messy business of the birth. She smiled at the woman, “Thank you so much, I don’t know how me, or my husband, will ever be able to repay you.” She now looked across at Brynn, “Both of you.” Caitrin pressed her lips together, and looked upon both of the newest little Aubert’s in her arms. “Can you let my husband in when you have finished your tasks?” She asked hopefully, and then looked to Brynn, “I think Griff should see the twins in one go, it could be more amusing than hiding one of the babies.” She said softly, dismissing the earlier plots. That wasn’t the reason Caitrin didn’t want to play a small trick on her husband, no, now that she had her babies her arms she simply couldn’t bear to let them go.

[Brynn Reade]

Now it was over Meghan finally allowed to let excitement and relief wash over her too. Well, she was more introverted than most women, so the surge of excitement didn’t make her scream and jump around, her smile merely grew wider and more heartfelt, and she took up the chores that had to be done with great gentleness and care. Removing the dirty sheets from under Caitrin’s body was one task, but before that, she washed away all the remaining blood and slime which was important to prevent the feared childbed fever that could strike down even a healthy and happy mother like out of the blue. No one should say that Meghan Reade didn’t do her job properly until the last task was done. She was known for the same thoroughness down in the kitchen and within her family, and she wouldn’t slag in that now. While she was working, however, she snuck a few glances at the happily united mother and children, those two little wonders who would soon be the cause of many sleepless nights and weariness. But then, Caitrin Aubert wouldn’t have to get up before dawn to get work done in the kitchen. If she wanted more sleep, she could take as much as she liked.

Upon seeing Caitrin’s own red hair, it hadn’t come as much a surprise her children were now blessed with the same hair color. It had been the same with her own children, even though her husband’s hair was even redder than her own reddish blonde. It was too early to say of course whether they would bear any resemblance to the mother, but Meghan guessed time would tell. Gyrth was very similar to his father in looks, though not in any way in his character, whilst Brynn could be called her father in mind and hair and her mother in face.
With a warm smile Meghan accepted the thanks and made a dismissive gesture with her hand. “It was short notice, but it was actually a pleasure, Mylady!” she claimed, returning to the formal address now the birth was through. “I am glad my daughter was able to convince me, and I wish your little family well.”

Brynn was all caught up in silently and almost reverently watching the two little babies, held safely in Lad Caitrins’s arms. Would her own children one day look like that? Would she be as exuberantly happy as she felt the young mother was now? And would it be so easy for her? Knowing only her mother’s births before, she knew how tragic and messy a birth could end, and she was glad Caitrin didn’t have had to experience any of this. Her labour would soon be forgotten.
She was drawn from her reverie when Caitrin made that comment about not wanting to trick her husband about the number of children. Thinking about it, if he was still outside the door, he probably guessed since he must have heard two babies cry. He was probably at his wit’s end by now and yearned to be reuinited with his little family.

As if her mother had guessed her thoughts, she suddenly said: “I’m done with my work, I think it is time to let the lucky father in. Brynn, would you fetch him?”
It went against every current wish of Brynn’s to leave the lovely sight of mother and children even just for a second, but she also knew that this was no longer her place. Their task was done, and now the father could demand his rights. They probably should give the parents of a few minutes’ standing some time alone anyway. Dutifully, she got up from the bed and walked towards the door, opening it and searching for Lord Griff with her eyes. “You may come in now, Mylord! Your wife desires your presence”, she said with an enigmatic smile, not saying anything about the children yet.

[Griff Aubert]

Had permission to godmod Gwaine.

Just as Griff had expected, Gwaine hadn't been any help. At all. In fact, he was quite sure that he was probably the worst person to talk to when your wife was in labour. Even Lucan would have been preferable, and that was saying something. He was still pacing, and trying to calm down but that was rather difficult considering his wife was in labour and she was screaming on the other side of the door. Or she was...wait...the screaming had stopped. Oh, Jesu. He was panicking even more now. If Cait wasn't screaming she was either a mother or dying of blood loss - and still a mother and oh, alright, erm...right. He'd just wait here and Brynn would come and tell him what was going on and he'd be fine and Cait would be fine and the baby would be fine and it would all just be...fine. Right. He just had to calm down and breathe normally. Just breathe in...and out...and in and why were they taking so long to open the door? What was going on in there? There must be something wrong otherwise they'd let him in, but then if there was something wrong they'd need a physician. So why weren't they opening the damn door?

Luckily, before Griff had any more of a panic attack, the door did open and the young girl spoke. He let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. Caitrin must be fine and the baby must be fine too. He could probably calm down now. Running a hand through his hair he looked over at Gwaine, who appeared to be quite enjoying this. Again: helpful.

Griff was calming down slightly, until another thought found its way into his head: he was a father. A proper one. With an actual child and everything. Right. He was panicking again. Gwaine must have sensed this because he stood up and walked over to his friend.

"Cait's not in labour anymore." Was all Griff could think to say.

Gwaine just looked at him. Griff wasn't moving towards the room. In fact he wasn't moving at all...or...breathing... With a roll of his eyes, he shoved Griff into the room. The younger man stumbled slightly, but quickly recollected himself because, as he'd told himself hundreds of times, this was no time to panic and besides, Caitrin was probably tired and not wanting to put up with him being an idiot. He was already scratching his neck as he took in his surroundings before spotting Caitrin with...two babies...there was two of them...they had twins...the shortness of breath was coming back, which he was desperately trying to repress as he made his way over to his wife and children. Gosh, children. That was an unexpected word.

"Erm...hello." Well that was a brilliant way to start. Caitrin was lying there, holding there newly born children and the first words to come into his head were "erm" and "hello". He swallowed and stepped further forward, looking down at the small beings in Caitrin's arms. "Are you...alright?" He asked her, his voice breaking in the middle of the sentence. Well this all going terribly well so far.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin Aubert was a mother. A mother to twins. Even though she had known this before, and she had obviously known she was going to be a mother, it was still a lot to take in. She just kept looking over the babies in her arms; her children. They both had their eyes open, and were just staring up at her. Occasionally one would move in their blankets and flex their hands. Caitrin was just transfixed by both of them, they were two completely new lives, lives she and Griff had brought into the world. Holding both of them at once didn’t give Caitrin a lot of movement, but she was just enjoying being here for now, and hearing them breathing against her chest. Her daughter began to make soft grunts at her, as if she was trying out her new voice, everything about both her children was just so... new and fragile. She felt like she would break them if she held them too roughly. Her grasp was soft, but still supportive.

As the door opened, Caitrin looked up in time to see her husband standing there, just watching her. She smiled at him proudly, then looked down to their children who were unaware of their fathers presence so far. She had always maintained that Griff would make an excellent father, though at the moment he just looked panicked. She could tell; he was scratching his neck. Oh, right, he didn’t know about the fact they had twins; that was a point. Well he knew now didn’t he? Caitrin didn’t say anything to him straight away, she didn’t want to panic her husband any further. She let him speak first, though it was clear he was taking this as well as when she’d told him she was pregnant in the first place, probably worse actually. Caitrin smiled down at their children, then back up to her husband, “Are you asking me, or them?” She teased softly, only then realising how tired she actually was. Now the adrenalin of the birth was starting to wane, her fatigue was starting to set in. “I’m exhausted, but it was worth it.” She admitted, and shifted her grip on her children so Griff could see them both with ease. They were both still very much awake, but they weren’t particularly animated for the time being. That might be a good thing though for the moment, until both parents got used to just having them in their arms. Well, that was another thing, getting Griff to actually hold one of their children.

“They don’t bite you know.” Caitrin joked softly, and gestured for him to sit down next to her on the bed. It was quite difficult to do anything with two children in her arms. It still felt strange to say children, and know that she was speaking about their children. Once Griff had shuffled onto the bed, Caitrin smiled at him, and carefully set both her children beside her. Luckily she still knew which was which without having to check. Looking back at her husband, she took his arms, and moulded his arms into a cradling position. She had her plan set in motion already. She would argue until she was blue in the face about Griff holding either of their children, but she was tired, so they were doing this her way. “Now this, Griff Aubert, is your first born.” Caitrin lifted their daughter up slowly and carefully placed her into her father’s waiting arms. She kept hold of the baby until she could feel Griff shift to actually hold her. “A daughter.” She announced proudly as she reached back to take their son in her arms. It felt more comfortable now she was just holding one of their children. Her heart was thudding as she watched for Griff’s reaction, “And this is the youngest; a son.” Their son was just looking up at his mother, and began to stretch out his fingers over his blanket. “And before you say anything, he’s not being called Griff.” Though she was being serious, she was grinning at her husband, because they’d jested and argued about names for the past few months, and now they actually had children to name. This was their little family now, and she and Griff had the chance to be parents together.

[Brynn Reade]

After Brynn had asked the father of a few moments standing through the door, she lingered there for a moment, her eyes searching Gwaine. She gave him a smile and a thumbs up, thinking she could go as far and say as much without offending anyone. Gwaine had helped in this after all as well, he had been a great ally in convincing her mother to help Caitrin out, even though none of them would have thought how quick it all would come in the end. Meghan had barely even said yes, and then Idris had found them in the kitchen, raising the birth alarm right away.
Then the young goosemaiden returned to her mother’s side, who had taken a few respectful steps back and now had positioned herself next to the fireplace, hands folded over her lap and gaze if not on the floor, at least somewhere else then on the parents and the newborn children – the perfect picture of a dutiful servant, waiting for further instructions. Normally Brynn had no difficulty doing the same, this posture and the whole attitude coming with it was in her blood after all, but this time it was far more complicated. Her eyes couldn’t stop straying towards Caitrin and her babies, just not able to let go of the sight of their cuteness for long. She ought to give them some privacy, she knew that, but it was hard.

Meghan could feel her daughter’s excitement, and she send a warning look at her from under lowered eyelids, secretly reaching out to take her hand and squeeze it. ‘Keep it down’ that gesture meant. Normally Meghan had to use it more on her two livelier children, she couldn’t even remember when the last time was she had to tell Brynn to tone it down a little, she usually never toned it up. The last time might have been… oh, shortly after she got together with Alex, when the introverted girl had been chasing her siblings through all the kitchen and servants quarters in her happiness. But, oh dear, how long that seemed past now as well! Time flew like the fastest bird indeed!
But then, Meghan might be subtle, but she was neither deaf nor blind, she simply had to acknowledge something of what was happening in front of her. This just confirmed what she had thought all through the birth: These two would make good parents indeed, exceptional ones even for their kind. You could almost feel the aura of love that surrounded them now all together.

Brynn felt it too, and it made her feel very happy inside. Though she had to bite her lip hard and quick as Caitrin’s remark that the boy would NOT, by no means be called Griff. Just like she had promised her earlier that day. Goodness, that seemed so long ago as well. It had only been this morning… A little sound escaped her lips still, but she hoped it could be mistaken for a sneeze or anything like it. Her mother’s fingernails were painfully digging into Brynn’s palms, and she blushed.

[Griff Aubert]

Griff wasn't really paying attention to what Caitrin was saying, he was far too busy staring at their children and trying to think "their children" without wanting to run away and hide in a cupboard. He hadn't been lying when he'd told Gwaine he wasn't ready to be a father, and although he was still of that mind, there was something, something he couldn't describe, something he'd never felt before which was just as horribly terrifying as the original panic. It was sort of a good scared though.

He laughed, a little awkwardly, at Caitrin's comment about them biting. He really wouldn't be surprised if they'd already made their minds up about him and were therefore determined to bite him at every given oppurtunity. He sat down on the bed, just as awkwardly as he laughed, not taking his eyes away from the children. They were just...perfect, just like their mother. A small smile crept onto his lips, and then before he could fully register what his wife was doing there was a baby in his arms and the smile had been replaced by a look of panic. There was a baby in his arms, there was his baby in his arms. Gosh. It was all rather overwhelming. This was an entirely new life, one that he and Caitrin were supposed to be responsible for and look after and not drop and hope they turned out alright.

He just looked at his daughter. Well. She was ginger, but he supposed that didn't matter right at the moment. "She's beautiful." Of course Caitrin could already see that, but he felt the need to say it anyway. They were both beautiful - his daughter, his son, his wife - his family. He was quite determined that this one was going to be good and loving and everything he didn't have when he was growing up. He and Caitrin were going to be everything his parents weren't and that way his children wouldn't be like him. They'd grow up to be fantastic.

"And this is your youngest; a son. And before you say anything, he's not being called Griff."

Griff had to tear his attention away from his daughter in order to look at his son, who was just as perfect and just as ginger. He frowned at his wife. Griff was a perfectly good name. "I think it's a rather fitting name actually. Better than Caitrin." He teased, starting to feel more at ease now. He was still horribly nervous, but at least he'd managed to hold his daughter without dropping her. That was a start.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin smiled across at her husband encouragingly, she knew he wouldn’t drop their children. She had faith in him of course, but she wished he had more faith in himself sometimes. Their daughter looked content in her father’s arms, and Caitrin wouldn’t have expected anything else. Griff seemed to be taking this better than Caitrin thought he would, or perhaps he was just repressing his sheer panic; she wasn’t quite sure. Looking up though, she could see Brynn and Meghan were still stood by the fire. Caitrin had almost forgotten about them while she had been caught up with her little family. “Thank you both for what you have given us, I know it isn’t much, but there is some coin by the fireplace in a small leather purse, please take it.” Caitrin smiled encouragingly, of course nothing could compare to the gifts she and Griff had been given, but at least it might be enough to make up for the work they had lost coming to attend her.

Once she had finished speaking to Brynn and Meghan she looked back to her husband and shuffled so she was sat next to him; their son still in her arms. She sat so she could rest her head on Griff’s shoulder, and only then became aware of just how tired she actually was. She let out a small yawn and almost closed her eyes in the process before jerking herself back into the present. She was well justified to be tired of course, she had just given birth to twins after all. The adrenalin from the birth was wearing off and leaving fatigue in its place. But she didn’t want to sleep just yet, she wanted these first few moments as a family. “They both are...just perfect.” She confirmed, smiling into the warmth of her husband’s shoulder. Caitrin looked at their daughter, still in her father’s arms, and just staring up at him. “Someone likes you.” Caitrin whispered softly and kissed the side of Griff’s neck as she shifted so she could still rest her head on his shoulder.

Normally Caitrin would have slapped her husband in the stomach, or something similar but several factors were preventing this reaction. For one he was still holding their daughter, and secondly it just felt like too much effort altogether. Sitting up, she pulled a face at her husband, “Well she is ginger...” She trailed off, laughing as she did. Caitrin had no desire to call her daughter after herself, she wanted her to have her own name and personality, and plus it would get terribly confusing in a few years time. Kissing Griff’s cheek, Caitrin shuffled across the bed so she could lie herself down behind her husband; her body proposed up by the pillows at the top of the bed. She wished she was being dramatic, but she really was exhausted. She shifted her son so he was lay on top of her, one of her arms cupping his body to keep him in place. Their son didn’t seem much put out by this, he settled into his new surroundings with ease, happy that he was still warm at least.

She yawned again, but her eyes were lingering from their son to where Griff was sat, crooning his neck over their daughter. A warm smile pressed across her lips, they were going to get this right, she knew they would. Their children would never grow up thinking they were unwanted, and not loved. Between her and Griff they could manage that, they would raise their children well, unlike their own parental role models. The only thing Caitrin could be thankful from her father was the fact he had sent her to Camelot, but that hadn’t been born out of love, it had merely been what was convenient at the time. Caitrin pressed her lips together, she didn’t want to think of Payton now, he couldn’t hurt her, she had her little family, and this was all she cared about now. Her son shifted against her, and she ran a hand over his head, everything was just so new. Even though the twins were fresh from her belly, it felt like they had been here for a lifetime. Already she couldn’t picture a world without them. “Well we have to name them something.” Caitrin pointed out reasonably to her husband, “There’s two, so we could name one each; I’ll name our son.” She winked at him, she wouldn’t let him call their son Griff. She already had a name for him in mind anyway.

[Griff Aubert]

To say it was a strange moment was rather an understatement. Griff was holding his child, his daughter it was...overwhelming. That was probably the best word. She really was perfect and so small and with eyes exactly like her mother, and hair like her mother. She was basically just a mini Caitrin, not that he was going to tell his wife that because she'd probably be smug about it. He was still holding his daughter, but he briefly turned his attention away from her to look at his son. Caitrin was right, they were both perfect, there really was no other way to describe them. And they were theirs, and they were going to be loved and protected and so bloody happy. "Hmm?" Griff had been rather distracted by his son and hadn't noticed his daughter was staring. Well, she clearly knew which was the better parent. "Oh," he grinned, "What else do you expect? She knows a good thing when she sees it."

Yes, she was ginger. It was a relief that Caitrin hadn't somehow lost her sight during childbirth. It would be rather impressive not to see his daughter's far too bright red hair. "I had noticed," he said, grinning at Caitrin. He was trying to be more serious in his teasing, but it was impossible to keep a smile of his face with his newborn daughter in his arms. "We're not going with mini Caitrin then?" He wasn't surprised, Caitrin hadn't been quite so forward about her expectations for a miniture version of herself, unlike him. He also wasn't surprised when she suggested naming their son. That would be a no to Griff then. That was disappointing. He'd have to try again in a few months time...

Hmm. Naming a child was rather important. He didn't want them stuck with a name they hated. He bit his lip, going through a few names in his head, trying to see if he could imagine himself calling his daughter that. He shifted slightly so he could still hold her close to him but with a hand free and ran his finger along her tiny ones. Everything about her was so small and new and fragile. "What about Esmae?" He suggested, tearing his eyes away from her to look at his wife for approval. "It's either that or Griffina."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Their daughter certainly was just beautiful, and she would only grow and become more beautiful. She wondered if she would take after her mother, perhaps she might be worse. God, she hoped not, that would be an incredible achievement. She didn’t want her daughter to be like her sisters though, they been romantic and dreamy at court, and look at what had happened to them. Caitrin however had played the game, and now she had her own family, a family she loved. “Well, she and I both.” Caitrin said, smiling at her husband and kissing his cheek softly. “I can see her being a little daddy’s girl, and you letting her be exactly that.” It was a jest, but she didn’t mind in the slightest, the fact Griff was ok with holding their daughter was the most important thing right now.

She shook her head at Griff’s words as she’d never wanted to name her daughter after herself. Caitrin wanted her daughter to have her own name, and that was that. As Griff looked on at their daughter, presumably trying to find the closest name he could to ‘Griff’ in female form, Caitrin looked down at their son who was just making soft gurgling noises at her. Everything about this whole situation was so new, it felt strange that she wasn’t pregnant anymore, and that she’d been carrying these two around with her for months now. Even though she’d only just given birth it felt like hours ago, she felt like the twins had always been here. Though she already had a name in mind if they had a son, she was now just looking at this bundle wrapped up in her arms she was trying out the name on him, seeing if he suited it. She looked up as Griff spoke again, Esmae? Caitrin tried it out on her tongue, looking across at her daughter. The name sounded quite continental, in Mercia they had quite strong, simple names, but she supposed Griff was from further south so they had more variation with the influences from across the sea. She’d never heard the name before, but it sounded beautiful, “Somehow I prefer Esmae over Griffina.” She pulled a face at her husband, “I love it.” She didn’t have the energy to get up and sit by her husband but she nodded at him all the same. “Esmae Aubert.” She said softly and proudly, trying out the name, deciding that it suited her.

Caitrin then looked down at their son, who was slowly shifting around in his blankets and just settling into his mother. “I want to name him Arthur, Arthur Aubert.” Caitrin smiled up at her husband, waiting for his approval, “What do you think?” In her opinion the name suited their son, but if Griff really didn’t like it she would pick another name. As long as it wasn’t Griff. She yawned again and felt her eyes droop slightly, “I didn’t think it was possible to be this tired, or this happy.” She said softly, leaning back into their pillows, her son still in her arms. She ached mostly, everything from her waist down was screaming out in pain at her. She shifted and groaned, her spare arm coming to rest over her belly. It felt strange as her belly was no longer rounded but an ache was there in its place. Sitting up slowly she held her son loosely in her arms, trying to block out the pain, Jesu she hoped this pain wasn’t going to last.

[Brynn Reade]

Both women were watching in silence as the two parents welcomed their children into this world, Brynn with a little more excitement than her mother, who had seen these kind of scenes a few times and had been through it four times herself, three times succesfully. Still, the air of routine didn’t take away the magic for her eyes either, but she was careful not to pry. They were both forgotten by Lord and Lady Aubert, and Meghan was contemplating when would be the best time to make a quiet, inobtrusive exit. “Thank you both for what you have given us, I know it isn’t much, but there is some coin by the fireplace in a small leather purse, please take it.” Lady Caitrin said and Meghan’s gaze flickered towards said pouch. In all honesty, she didn’t want the money, as she felt like an impostor, being no actual midwife. She had helped Caitrin out of a sense of duty and companionship every mother should feel for a mother-to-be, helping her in that crucial hour and she was awfully glad there had been no complications. It wasn’t her doing though, it had been nothing but luck, and did luck really deserve to be honored with money? She had almost made up her mind to decline the offer and simply leave the purse at its place by the fireplace, when she felt her daughter’s gaze on her, and as she looked over she saw Brynn slightly shaking her head and pointing at herself, before she fixated her eyes on the happy parents again. Meghan knew what it meant: ‘If you don’t take it, I will.’ And she also knew what her daughter’s arguments would be, the same as before.

As much as Brynn was a tactful person, however this time she was too mesmerized to care. The whole birth had been quite a deep and meaningful experience for her, somehow erasing a little of the vague fear she had felt towards it ever seeing her mother’s dreadful birth with the stillborn baby and Elinor’s dangerous delivery as well. She had seen now that even though it was still painful, it could be a quick and unscaring affair as well, leaving both parents not fear for either their children’s or mother’s safety, but with enough space to be nothing but elated and simply happy. Would she one day also be so happy? And would she quarrel about the baby’s names with Alex – given he was the father of her children?
Griffina?! Brynn had a hard time to keep a chuckle at bay. The poor child would probably be sentenced to a life of jibes and jokes, being so closely named after her father. Esmae did have much more appeal there in her eyes, even though it was none of Brynn’s business of course. It was a simple, yet elegant name, perfectly befitting for the tiny lady there in Lady Caitrin’s arms and also for the beautiful child she once would become.

But the next name that was suggested Brynn hadn’t been in the least prepared! What an honor! To name your firstborn after the new king of Camelot might be presumptious, but not for Lady Caitrin who seemed to have a special bond with Arthur Pendragon – as far as Brynn had figured out by now by comments dropped and a few other indications. For them, it was perfectly appropriate, and it would probably ease the child’s way a great deal, being named after Camelot’s beloved king.
But just as she was reaching this conclusion, she felt herself being nudged by her mother.
“I think it is time to give them some privacy”, Meghan whispered, and as much as Brynn would have liked to stay for the twins’ sake, she knew her mother was right. As she saw that Meghan in fact wanted to leave without the purse, Brynn rolled her eyes and tried to sneak towards the fireplace as inconspiciously as possible, then rejoining her mother, who now cleared her throat gently.


“Lady Caitrin, Lord Griff, I think our task is done. May the spirits bless you!” and with one last curtsy the two women left the room, feeling elated and upbeat after their succesful day’s work.

[Griff Aubert]

Caitrin was describing their daughter - a little prematurely Griff felt - as a "daddy's girl" as though it were a bad thing. To him, it seemed perfectly natural. He was the better parent, therefore it was only to be expected. He resisted the urge to narrow his eyes at Caitrin because he was a father now, and some level of maturity was expected, instead he just looked back at his daughter, who was still staring and it was beginning to become quite unnerving. She had a rather expectant look on her face. Like mother, like daughter it seemed - she was going to be handful. "She's staring at me..." Was he expected to do something? What he supposed to know what she wanted? How exactly did one know what a baby wanted? Weren't there instincts or something that were supposed to kick in? Well where the hell were they? Oh Jesu, this was already a disaster. He'd knew he'd be no good at this, and yet Caitrin had been adamant he'd be fine. Well, he'd proven her wrong, hadn't he? He couldn't enjoy the victory however because the girl was still staring. He stared back. So much for displaying some level of maturity.

Griff was actually quite surprised when Caitrin approved the name. For some reason he'd been expecting her not to like it, but no, she did, he'd managed to name their daughter. This was an achievement. Esmae Aubert it was then. He rocked the child gently in his arms, "What do you think of Esmae, huh? Or would you prefer Griffina?" Obviously, she didn't reply so Griff looked at Caitrin with a grin, "I'm taking her silence as a yes." He was trying to sound serious, but as always, it didn't work. "Alright, Esmae it is."

"I think just Arthur Aubert will be sufficient." He replied, a smile tugging at his lips, although he didn't see why his son could be named after the king, but he couldn't be named after his father. But it was obvious Caitrin had already made up her mind, and Griff had no objections against the name, he supposed it suited the child. At least she hadn't wanted to name him after her uncle, then he would have some objections. "Arthur and Esmae, quite a nice ring to it." Griff shifted slightly as Caitrin leant further back, just so he was still facing her, but careful not to move too much and disturb Esmae. His wife did look tired, but then that was to be expected, and of course he wasn't going to say that. She'd probably already trained the children to hit him at her command. "You've been married to me how long and yet you're only this happy now?" He raised a questioning eyebrow, although he had to agree with her. They had their family now and that was all that mattered.