He's home. He loves her, he missed her, and he brought flowers!

Her eyes fluttered open, and the first thing she saw was the handsome face of the man that slept beside her. He was sleeping on his side, one arm curled up to rest his head upon, the other reaching across the baby to lay on her hip, as if he were protecting the things that meant the most to him.

Her hand lifts and she gently draws a finger down the scars on his cheek, and smiles. He was home. He loved her, he had missed her, and all was right in her world. All of the doubts she had been feeling had seemed to evaporate like rain falling upon scorched ground. Over his shoulder, she could see the bowl that contained the beautiful blue flowers.

As they had settled down last night, he had told her that his only intent upon this journey was to find and bring back those flowers for her, because he loved her. How long ago had it been that she had mentioned them to him? She had been carrying Another One, when they talked of them, and they had spoken of them only that one time, and yet, he remembered. A soft sigh of contentment slips from between her lips as she closes her eyes and remembers the previous evening.


When she had first stepped around the corner of the wagon, he had looked at her and the baby, and for a time, he just continued to talk, telling her that he had missed her and wanted her, then she could see the reality of what she held in her arms begin to dawn on him. She will never forget the mist of tears that came to his eyes when he had shoved the bowl of flowers into her hands and reached to take his son in his arms, to hold him close to his chest. Holding both her and the child tightly, he had told her how much he loved her, and how lucky he was to have someone like her to bear his children and to share his life. His said that he did not know how he could love her any more, but he intended to try. They were the words she needed to hear from him. Perhaps it is silly, but women do need that, it is just a part of how they are.



He asked about his other sons, and was told that Tarra had taken them for a few days so that she could rest. She quickly added that she would send one of the girls for them at first light, but he shook his head, telling her that he wanted to spend the next day getting to know her again, and his new son, and would fetch them himself in the evening.


She had helped him to wash the dust of the trail off, then had lay down beside him, the baby between them. His arm had come out to pull her closer, and he began to talk. They talked for ahn as he told her the tale of their journey. He told her of his fears at losing another brother, and of how he had walked among the dweller merchants, waiting for Eight to find Seven and bring him out of the kataii camp. He told of their escape into the plains, and the hard ride. Partly because they wished to be out of kataii lands, but for him, mostly because he had been away from his people far too long, and he had missed her and his boys. She knew that he was sharing things with her, that he would probably tell no one else. And he knew these things would be held in secret by her, that is part of who she is, and if a man cannot trust the woman he loves, who can he trust?

It might have been her light touch, or the fact that the baby squirmed, but he had smiled, his eyes still closed and reached for the child, turned over onto his back settling it on his chest, that tiny shell of an ear right over his heart. He had then reached out to her, slipping his arm under his head to pull her closer. It was then that he had muttered softly........Sleep my woman, we have all day. Snuggling her head to his shoulder, she reached to lay her hand on the one he was using to hold the baby, and she did just that, she slept.

The Birth of A First Sons', First Son

Rook was pacing outside the wagon, grumbling to himself. He could kill without thinking, or flay the flesh off of an enemy, but a woman giving birth, just set him on edge.

Tarra had not seen Cana for sometime and knew her time was near, as she worked she felt something in the air and she gathered a few things and walked towards Cana 's wagon having a feeling that she might need her. When she neared she saw Rook pacing and grumbling and she made her way up the wagon steps "Make sure water is hot Rook and there are plenty of cloths and a small fur."

Snapping his fingers, the girls were in motion. The girl juneau already had pots of water on the fire, and kasra was in with Cana, wiping her brow with cooled cloths. Cana lifted her head, seeing Tarra, and managed a wan smile. " I am so glad to see you, Tarra."


She smiled gently to her and dismissed kasra. "See to Rook girl I think he needs a drink." She stated gently and then walked to Cana and lowered placing a hand on her stomach. " I had a feeling you might need some help."


Her belly tenses with the contraction, and her jaw clenches and all she can manage is a small nod, eyes closing as she tries to ride through the pain. The girl had fled from the wagon, and gone to get Rook his usual tea, but he waved her away with one word. " Paga"


.
"How long?" Tarra would ask as she placed a hand to her forehead and wiped it with the cloth

Cana rasps out softly. "Not long. About five ihn, or so." She had been counting beats of her own heart between contractions.


"I think soon you will be having a baby then" Tarra would move between her legs and positioned them so she could see if she had crowned yet. " Now with the next contraction push really hard and breathe out." She would state as she rested her hand on her stomach speaking softly as if easing some of her pain.


Nodding, Cana grasped the furs, closed her eyes, and waited. Just having Tarra here, already was making her feel calmer. When the next pain hit, she lifted a bit and pushed, her face scrunching up with the effort and pain.


"Breathe out" Tarra encouraged her as she spoke softly feeling her abdomen tense beneath her hand, when it eased some she would look to her. " So what do you think.. a boy.. a girl or both.?"


Exhaling, she lays back and then takes another ragged breath. " I hope for a boy, and I do not think I am big enough for two, do you?"



"You never know" She would tease softly as her fingers traced invisible designs over her stomach bringing forth the positive energy for the birth. "I think a son.. but I had to tease your mate by saying its a girl just to rile him up. Now get ready to push as hard as you can" She:she offered her hands to her to help sit her up a bit.


She had started to laugh, but it trailed off into a low groan as she reached for her hands, pulling up and pushing for all she was worth.



"That's it deep breath and as hard as you can" She would state as she could see just a bit of the head crown not much but a glimpse.


Taking a breath, she bears down hard, pushing, her jaw set in a rigid line as she did.



"Not much longer" She would state as she eased her back on the furs she then prepared a cloth to be able to clean the little one and lay a ceremonial dagger beside her that was only ever used in birthings. "The next one should do it, I can see just a glimpse of the head"

.
Nods as she takes in gulps of air, then tries to relax, in order to fill her lungs with air, then whispers. "I care not, as long as it is healthy" Her chest lifts and falls as she prepares for the next contraction. Feeling it building, she reaches for Tarra's arm, pulls up and grunts as she bears down.


She gripped her gently as she watched her. "That's it Cana, Give it all you have" One hand released her as she lifted the dagger and lightly cut her so she would not tear the head was good size, she had a feeling he was no small baby then her hand guide his head out slowly as she then released her other arm and smiled as he began to slide from her body covered in a light film of mucous and blood. "This one is going to be a good sized warrior."



Taking in another gulp of air, she pushes again, feeling the baby make it's entrance and that relief that comes for that brief moment when he does. She manages to gasp out. "A boy?"


She cradled him in her arm and gently suctioned out his nose and mouth and then wiped him clean, cutting the cord she then clamped it and lifted him up for her to see. " A very big boy" She smiled gently and moved to lay him in her arms. "Congratulations Cana... You have a beautiful healthy son."


Tears streamed down her cheeks as she takes the baby in her arms, placing a soft kiss to his head, whispering. "He is beautiful" Her fingers trail over that soft cheek, as she kisses him again. "Thank you so much, Tarra."


She would smile gently then move back between her legs and massaged her abdomen easing out the afterbirth. then she cleaned her up and stitched her and applied a healing ointment. placing the after birth in a bowl she covered it up to take care of it. Then she moved to Cana and sat her up a bit by tucking rolls of furs behind her. "I am glad to have been here to help."


Another son for her to love, and to raise in the ways of the tribe. She leans to kiss Tarra's cheek as she puts the furs behind her back. " I need to ask a favor of you."


"What is that?" She would ask as she wiped her hands on one of the extra clothes she brought.


Her voice was soft. "Could you take Another One for a few days, while I recover?" She adds quickly. "I will have the girls pack his things. He is no longer on the breast, drinks from his own cup, and eats meat if you cut it small for him. Besides, it is far past time for him to get to know his grandmother."


She had not realized that he had grown that big already she had missed much it would seem. "Of course there is plenty of room in my wagon. Garyx has not yet returned so he can stay in mine. Do you want me to take Tug with me so you can rest?"


"If it is not too much trouble" Her gaze was on her new son. "He can help with his brother, and you can also take one of the girls to help if you would like."


Tarra would chuckle. "You know me and slaves" She would smile " Besides I think Arkus and Halie would enjoy helping with them."


And this was how Ba'atar's first true son came into the world. It was a bittersweet moment. A child was born, but his father was not there. And so goes life among the Tuchuk.

Lollipops, Chocolate and Tea......All Meant to Heal the Soul

Again, she had gathered her wits about her, put her emotions down deep inside, and endeavored to move on. She had made one decision. If there was any way possible, she would not make again. She was feeling more and more like some sort of bad luck omen when it came to men. She knew their life was difficult, but enough was enough. She would dedicate her life to her children and her work, and avoid men as much as possible. It sounded like a good plan to her.


Sitting on the steps of her wagon, she sipped some of the berry tea that Silken had left for her, and watched Another One with his sweet treat. He would have to have a bath when he was finished, but at the moment, he was certainly enjoying his lolli. As for herself, she was feeling very guilty. So many had extended the hand of sisterhood to her, but she had just not been up to returning that grasp. That would change. Perhaps a talk with Tarra was what she really needed right now. She had been wrong to seclude herself as she had. Maybe a bit of laughter with her sisters would ease the pain that she was feeling inside.


From a small box beside her, she picks up one of the chocolates that Tarra had sent over. Popping it into her mouth, she savored the creamy sweetness of it. It was not hard cinnamon candy, but it seemed to appease the craving that she had. In a way, she was a bit like Tarra. She could take or leave chocolate, it was something that she had just never developed a taste for, but when she was pregnant, she always craved sweets of some kind. She would definitely have to thank Tarra for thinking about her.


Yes. It was time for her to suck it up, rejoin the people that she loved so much, and to resign herself to the fact, she was most likely about to be single again. Her heart ached at the thought of that, but hen again, if he did return, she was not all that sure she had not lost him already.

And Just When She Thought She Could Handle Anything..........

She had slept through the remainder of the night, and well into the next day. At one point she had awoke to a wizened old woman exploring her belly with her hands. Lifting her head she watched her for a moment, then had dropped her head back to the furs. The woman took a long, thick reed and pressed one end of it to her belly, and the other to her ear and had listened. Satisfied, she had then moved it to beside her left breast and had listened again. What she had heard had seemed to satisfy her, and she nodded. Patting her hand, she had wheezed out.
"Rest. Your time is near"


The woman had left, and she lay there in the dark coolness of her wagon, eyes closed, lacking the energy to move, or the will to. Drifting in and out of sleep, she was aware of voices outside her wagon. Sometimes she could understand the words, but most of the time, they were simply a noise. The girls had came in from time to time with cups of tea or cool water. At first she had waved them away, just wishing to sleep, to remain in that cocoon of cool darkness. What had finally sank into that place where she was hiding, was the voice of her eldest son, demanding to see his mother, then the whines of her youngest, who had just recently began to vocalize that one word.....Mama. Her life called to her, and she knew she had to heed its' call.


Calling out for kasra, when the girl stepped inside, she had sat up and in a hoarse voice asked for a basin of water, soap and some scented oils. As the girl left to fetch her wants, she had sat up, twisted to sit up on the side of the sleeping platform, gripping the furs against the dizziness she felt. Both girls returned, and helped her to bathe and dress. It was juneau who helped her to her feet, offering support against another wave of dizziness. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled it and spoke softly. "I will eat now." The girl kasra was off like a bolt shot from a bow, to fix her something to eat, with juneau helping her to step between the flaps of the wagon into the sunlight.


Rook had been standing there, and reached up to lift her from the platform and carried her to a brace of furs near the fire where her sons were eating. Tug immediately set his bowl aside, and ran to where Rook had settled her, flinging his arms around her neck, holding tight. Another One was a bit slower, but had toddled over and tried his best to muscle in beside her. The heaviness in her heat lifted, as she reached to embrace and kiss them both, murmuring words of love to them both. Regardless of what was to happen to her, this was her life, being a mother to her children.


As she sipped at the broth that kasra had brought her, and nibbled on the buttered bread, she began to feel better. Tug retrieved his bowl, sat to one side of her and regaled her of stories of what he and Gabe had done, between bites. Another One reached to take part of her bread and plopped down close to her other side, and began to eat, babbling in that way baby's have. A sort of peace crept into her being, as she shared this simple meal with her sons. Soon laughter rang around the fire as she teased not only her sons, but the slaves. They had such looks of concern on their faces, that she felt the need to lift their spirits too. Rook simply sat, drinking his tea, watching her closely.


The peaceful venue was interrupted when the youngest of the leather workers daughters arrived to return the empty basket, and to tell her that Aleyna had greatly appreciated the small gifts. At first, there was that shot of jealousy that stabbed at her, but she had lifted her head, smiled at the young woman and thanked her for returning the basket. She had even taken a deep breath, and assured the young woman that as soon as Ba'atar returned from his quest, she would tell him that he needed to visit, for they all missed him greatly. A bright smile had broke across the younger woman's face, as she thanked her, and told her they looked forward to seeing him, for he brought great joy to them when he visited.


After the woman left, she had leaned back into the furs, a sort of acceptance coming over her. She had a duty to her children, and to Ba'atar in away. Her job was to keep happiness at these wagons, to raise her children, and to see that her mate was well fed, that he had clean clothes, and his sons. If he chose to dally with others, there was not much else that she could do, now was there? And if he found another, there was also nothing she could do about that. He was a man. Her heart ached with the thought of this, but she swallowed to keep the sobs she wanted to loose into the air, deep inside.


Instead, she sent Tug inside for her flute. The afternoon was spent with her playing the flute, Tug singing funny little songs, and Another One finally napping on the furs beside her. Yes, this was her life, her sons. As long as they loved her, she would find a way to deal with the fact that her mate did not. It had been done by women before, and it was evidently her lot in life now.


The girls had loaded up the empty botas to go to the stream to fetch water, and when Tug asked if he could go with them, she had chuckled softly and nodded. She knew exactly what he wanted. He wanted to swim, and to play along the shore, and she knew the girls would keep a close eye on him.


As she sat there, stroking her belly with one hand, and Another One's head with the other, she was finding peace within her self. The commotion that ensued next, came that peace crashing down. A rider had stopped to speak with Rook, casting glances towards her, then turning his head in what seemed to be embarrassment. When he left, Rook had lifted then come to sit beside her, talking her hand, and spoke to her in a very low, calm tone.


"Cana, two of the kaiila that the hunting party jad been riding, have returned without their riders. They are bloodied, and seem to have come a long way." Her heart jumped into her throat, and the tears began to flow down her face. The old oralu, slid his arm around her, pulled her close and continued to speak gently. "Do not give up hope yet. They are already gathering a party to back track the beasts. We will find them, but you need to be strong, because the boys will need you even more, now."

The Depths of Despair and Confusion

The girls had taken charge of Another One, and Gabe had come to take Tug to visit with her family. The girls had tried to get her to eat, to no avail. It was Rook that had finally coaxed a bit of food into her, and tried to ascertain the reason for her mood. She had eaten mostly just to get him away from her, and refused to talk to him about what had happened earlier in the day.


Finally, she had slipped away, making her way to the pens. There were a few out riders who asked her if she was well, and she had managed to nod at them, and assure them she was fine. It was almost as if Ciegue knew she was coming, because he was waiting by the gate. She hefted the saddle onto his back with a grunt, tightened the cinches then contemplated why she was doing this. She was doing it, because she needed to be alone. Guiding him to the fence, she used it to help her mount. Once mounted, she wound slowly through the lanes of wagons, seemingly, just ambling around. When she was past the last row, she set her heels to the beast and he bunched his muscles and broke into a run.


She was not aware that she had not been as sneaky as she thought, for Rook was behind her at a distance, keeping watch on her as usual, muttering under his breath that the woman had lost her mind, finally.


Riding into the night, she found a hillock away from the herd and finally pulled the kaiila up to a stop. She sat here for a time, just staring into the darkness, then her head had leaned back, and from the depths of her entire being came a scream that rent the night air. Over and over she screamed, until she was almost hoarse. Outriders had come rushing towards the noise, only to be motioned back by the elder Oralu, who allowed her to get whatever it was out of her system. He had grown very worried about her recently, her mood, her quietness. She had seemed to withdraw, which was so unlike her.


She had slipped from the saddle to her feet, then had slipped down even farther to her knees, then had just lay down in the tall grasses and sobbed. She cried as if her heart would break, which it had. There was just so much confusion and uncertainty in her soul, that she had to finally let it vent somewhere, and this is why she had chosen to do as she had. Laying there, she curled up, clasping her arms around her belly, and cried great, choking sobs. The kaiila stepped closer, lowering his massive head to nuzzle at her shoulder, almost as if he were trying to comfort her. But she would not be comforted. Right now, to her, her world was so out of control, she could not think straight.


Finally, cried out, she turned over, staring up at the stars, and the thought came to her, and she wondered if somewhere Ba'atar was looking up at the same night sky. And if he was, what was he thinking of? At one time, she would have told herself that his thoughts were on her, but more an more, she was becoming convinced that this just might not be so. Staring up, she could visualize his handsome face there in the night sky, she could see him laughing. She saw that damnable grin that he had, and the amusement that could dance in his eyes when he was enjoying himself.


Closing her eyes, she could almost feel the touch of his hand upon her cheek, the taste of his lips upon hers. The sadness had come to her today, when she realized that those looks, those touches, those lips had been a lie. He was not a man that had settled into being a mate. If he was spending time with other women, enjoying their company instead of hers, was he still looking? And if he was, what was to happen to her? These thoughts made her physically ill, and she struggled to her knees and began to retch what little she had on her stomach onto the grasses of the plains.


Fear crept into the core of her as she began to rock back and forth, keening into the winds, the tears slowly flowing down her cheeks. Would he find his blue eyed woman, and cast her aside? Would he kills her once his child was born. At this moment in time, she was not thinking rational thoughts. All rationality had fled from her mind, only to be replaced with fear. Fear and loathing. And the loathing was not for him, but for herself. What had she done to make him hate her like this? Had he only taken her as a mate to get her sons, and to have her bear him an heir of his own? She could not even remember the last time he had spoke words of love to her. There was the heat of their passion, but what had happened to words of love? She was bereft to the point of truly wishing to die. Could someone will themselves to die?


Ciegue had kept nudging her, trying to urge her up, knowing that they needed to return. Her hand had grasped the halter, and he had lifted his head slowly, bringing her to her feet. Tilting her head back, she looked at the stars, and they began to spin out of control, and she dropped to the ground, unconcious.


Rook had been watching, and had decided that enough was enough. He had ridden hard to that spot where she was, leaping off of his mount while it still moved to come to his knees beside her, sliding an arm under her neck, lifting her up, patting her face to wake her, to no avail. She had muttered something unintelligible, but she did not wake fully. Carrying her to his kaiila, he carefully lifted her up into the saddle, and mounted behind her, holding her like one would hold a baby and rode back to camp with Ciegue following close behind.


At her wagon, he carried her inside, then called for the slaves to come undress her, to make some weak tea to try and force between her lips. After they had her settled, he returned to sit by her side, holding one of her cool hands between both of his, and prayed. He would send for a healer, but he had the feeling that where she was right now, no healer could walk.

The Seven Sisters.

She was being true to her promise to Birmmah to go visit Aleyna, the mate of Ogadai, who was with child. The woman was young, only about eighteen turnings, the same age she was when she was pregnant with Tug. She could remember back to that time, and how scary it was. She had an advantage though, she had, had Tayco, who was there and very attentive. And right now, she was worried about Ba'atar, and knew the other young woman was also worried about her new mate.


Up early that morning, she had baked fresh bread and packed it in a basket with one of the remaining jars of honey, a crock of fresh butter, and a pouch of the tea that Tarra gave her for her morning sickness, and a jug of freshly squeezed juice that the girls had worked on while she was baking. She thought the treats might lift the young woman's spirits, and having someone closer to her age to talk to, couldn't hurt.


She was definitely into that waddling stage, and Rook teased her about it when she set off. He was going to go with her, but she waved him off, telling him that this would be boring for him, just women talk and gossip. But she did take the boys, children always cheered you up, didn't they? Tug skipped along, talking a passang an ihn, about anything and everything, while Another One toddled beside her, holding onto her skirt. She began to notice just how many people seemed to know Tug, especially women. They would speak to him, he would speak to them, and as they would walk off, Tug would tell her that was a friend of Ba'atar's. Ba'atar seemed to have many friends, especially women friends.


They neared the wagons of Ba'atar's family, Tug grabbed her hand, pointing to a wagon, telling her that was Osieos' wagon, and she just had to meet Osieo. He pulled her along towards the wagon, and the first thing she noticed was that there was quite a group of young women sitting about, working on leather under the watchful eye of an elder man. As the women looked up, they began to laugh, smile and call out greetings to Tug, who they called One. Dropping her hand, he ran right to them, forgetting all about her, and began to revel in the attentions they gave him. She stood there with Another One, a little uncomfortable. Then the unthinkable happened. One of the girls jumped up, came and swept her youngest son up into her arms, calling him.........Ba'tar's son, Another One. What in the name of skies was going on here? She watched her sons disappearing into this gaggle of young women, as she just stood there, with her mouth open, not knowing exactly what to do


Finally the older man came to her and introduced himself as Osieo of the leather workers. Taking a long look at him, she casually said, I see you know the boys. He nodded and said yes, that Ba'atar often brought his sons with him when he came to visit. His sons? The man began to point to each young woman, giving her name, and to be real honest, at this point, she had so many things going on in her head, that there was no way she was going to remember all those names. The man sighed, and said the skies had deemed to bless him with all daughters, and that over the years, he had tried to get Aamon to agree to offer up a son as a mate for each of his daughters. Oh really now? Eventually the man seemed to come to the realization that it was hot out, and that she was very pregnant, and offered for her to sit on the platform of one of his wagons, and rest.


She found herself telling him that she had been on her way to deliver a basket of treats to Aleyna, the mate of Ba'atar's brother Ogadai. The man nodded. Yes, he knew Aleyna, she was his second eldest daughter. She had to resist the urge to roll her eyes at this. It just sort of figured. Tug came over to show her a quiva holder that one of the women was working on, telling her that it was for him, when it was finished, and wasn't it great! Oh yes, it was wonderful. One of the young women finally came and introduced herself to Cana, saying that her name was Dzaya, and was a friend of Yesugei. The man grunted. She is going to be his mate once he comes up with the price. Hmmm, two out of seven, mated to Ba'atar's brothers? Interesting. Evidently, the man had no sense about him, for here he was, pointing to another of his daughter's, who seemed to maybe be the oldest, and telling her that the plan had been for her to mate Ba'atar. Now tell me, what kind of man stands talking to the very pregnant mate of someone, and telling her that this young woman had been the chosen mate for her own mate. Odd people.


The youngest of the bunch became curious and came over to talk to her, asking what was in the basket. She told her of the contents, and the girl smiled with a flash of white teeth and exclaimed that they loved it when Ba'atar brought them some of his honey. Blink. His honey? Tug chimed in, pointing to one of the young women and said that father liked to watch her lick the honey from her fingers. And sometimes she licked it off of his too. She looked down at her son.........Your father feeds the woman honey? Tug nodded, then ran back to the women and began to talk to them like they were his best friends. She tilted her head to look the young woman over, who happened to lift her head, and to be very honest, her breath caught in her throat. The woman had the most amazing blue eyes she had ever seen. A color that was not common among her people.


The man sat there beside her, as they listened to his daughters prattle on about how funny Ba'atar was, how good his voice was, how he teased them, how they enjoyed his visits. No wonder the man had been too damn tired to spend much time with her as of late. He had another herd to tend to. She asked the man..........so, Ba'atar comes here often. The man did not have a chance to answer, one of the women did. Oh yes! He said that coming to visit them relaxed him and made him forget his cares. So, he had cares to forget, and needed relaxation somewhere other than his own wagons? Suddenly, she felt ill.


Handing the basket over to the man, she asked if he would see that Aleyna got it, that she wasn't feeling much like visiting all of the sudden. He nodded, wished her well and got up to return to his work. It seemed like it took her forever to pry her sons out of the greedy grasps of the gaggle of giggling women. Lifting Another One up with a grunt, she settled him on her hip, grabbed Tug's hand and tried to waddle away with as much dignity as she could muster, to the calls of ......come visit again One.......tell your father to come see us when he returns, we miss him. And not one single.......Be well Cana........mate of Ba'atar. Well, bosk dung!
She waddled along, pulling Tug with her, muttering to herself. Gone was the worry she had felt earlier, it has been replaced by anger and hurt. "You better come home soon bosk arse........so I can kill you!"

A Gift

The days seemed to grow longer and hotter, and her heavier. She still went to the pens every day and worked. Not quite as much as she used to, but she found that it relaxed her just to be with the animals. She watched over the pregnant mares carefully, paying very close attention to Tone and BlueSky, who were both doing very well, and she figured they would both foal before it came time for the move back north. So would she, if you got right down to it.


The rest of her time was spent with the boys, and with visits from Birmmah, who was having a difficult time with most of her sons gone, and long over due. She tried hard to put on a cheerful face for the woman, but inside she was getting beyond worried. Two hands had stretched into over two full moons, and she was worried. Had it not been for his brothers going with him, she might have harbored thought that he had left her for another. But she knew him better than that. He loved his people too much to leave them. And that brought about an entire new set of worries for her. Was he injured? Oh skies, she hoped not? Were they lost? No, Tuchuk do not get lost. Had they been captured? Well that was a possibility, but one she did not want to dwell on. She kept telling herself, that he was a man. A man that was on a hunt with his brothers. They had lost track of how long they had been gone, due to how successful they had been on this hunt. A hunt where her man had not taken his arrows, but she pushed that thought out of her mind.


She had found herself sitting on the platform of her wagon, hands running slowly over her swollen middle, feeling the joy of the baby moving. Birmmah had come to sit beside her, and without even asking, reached a hand over to lay on her stomach, smiled then said she had always felt a great deal of joy and comfort feeling her babies move in her womb. She went on to ask how Cana was feeling, if she needed anything, if she was eating right, getting enough rest, that type of thing.


Cana had assured her that she was fine. The girls were keeping her fed, Rook reminded her to rest, and the boys had a way of easing her doubts and fears. She was fine, but she longed for Ba'atar to return. She said nothing about having a fear that he would not, or that he would not return until after the baby was born, that he would miss that wonderful event. Birmmah had enough to worry about, including the mate of another of her sons, that was also with child, younger, and scared. Cana has reached a hand over to lay gently on her arm, telling her that she would walk over the next day, and try to calm the young woman's fears. Birmmah had smiled and thanked her.


The woman surprised her by laying something in what little lap she had. Lifting it up, she smiled and looked at the woman. It was a doll, but not just any doll, it was a female doll. Birmmah had gone on to explain that she had made it long ago, when she still had hopes of having a girl child of her own. But, she had been blessed with nine fine sons, and has given up her dreams of having a daughter and she wanted Cana to have it. Maybe the skies would see fit to give her and Ba'atar a daughter someday.


She was moved beyond measure, and beyond words. All she could think to do was lean her head to the woman's shoulder, and whisper a thank you to her, in a quivering voice. The older woman had slid an arm around her shoulders and held her, both of them not wishing to put a voice to the fears they both had in their hearts.


The woman could be a true pain in the backside, but there was another side of her, that was loving, and comforting, and that was the side that was showing as they sat there, watching the Central Fire slip down below the horizon. Birmmah had finally lifted to her feet, leaned to place a kiss to Cana's temple, and promised to check on her everyday. Her parting words were words of assurance, that then hunters would be home soon, and it would be time for a celebration.