A Little Late(N'zule, Rory, Nisha, Open)

[thedreamerlady]

The Healer she'd been seeing about her pregnancy had told her she'd been due several days ago. If it had been a normal time for the Weyr, Nisha could have gone to see a Healer, and see if their was anything they could do to help her. However, due to the fact that nearly every Healer was dealing with people from the sickness(Nisha wasn't sure how she'd managed to not catch it, but wasn't complaining), and no healthy person would risk going to see a Healer for anything less than a life threatening problem, Nisha stayed in Weyrling Barracks.

Feeling monstrously huge, Nisha, with the help of Barsamith's sturdy shoulder hauled herself from her cot, and stood. As was becoming the norm, she took a minute to find her balance, and tottered about the room, looking for something to do. She couldn't clean, she couldn't even bend over, and she was bored out of her skull.

Finally realizing the only real thing that she could do was spend the day conversing with Barsamith(their link was becoming much closer considering they could hardly do anything but talk to each other), Nisha changed into a red and purple dress. The dress was the most comfortable now that she was in her days of pregnancy- the full skirt was just yards of material, and it offered support to her sore chest, and the best thing was that it made the most soothing swishing noises when she had to walk anywhere.

As she was about to put on underskirts and drawers wetness began shooting down her legs, and Nisha looked down in horror. It wasn't pee, meaning only one thing- she was going into labor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mine? Del's voice pushed all concerns from N'zule's head and he sat in his Weyr, fixing Del's spare harness.

Barsamith called. She says that Hers is sobbing, and in pain, and says the clutching begins soon. She tells me to call you and Rory. I will call Rory, but you must go to hers right away.

Greens didn't have much maternal feeling, but some of N'zule's feelings must have transposed themselves on her, because Del wanted to go comfort the young green and her rider right away, and was willing to speak directly to a human to guarantee that they could go their faster.

As N'zule dropped what he was doing, and leapt onto Del's back, she sent her thoughts right to the handyman.

Barsamith's requires you and a healer.

Then she focused her attention on getting to Barsamith's herself.

[hrsegrl]

Rory wasn't accustomed to dragon voices in his head, so when he faintly heard Delith's voice, he knew it was about Nisha. He couldn't send anything back to Delith, which was partly why he would never have impressed. He lacked the innate telepathy in which the dragonriders used to send and recieve thoughts to their bonded.

The excitement rippling through him made him want to shout for joy. He had the nursery all set up. He had hand made the wooden crib and it was sturdier than any he had ever seen. The blankets were all neutral colors, pale and calming. His sister had helped him when he moved to the larger accomodations. The nursery room had been completed two months ago but Rory still spent time going over everything to make sure it was perfect. Until now... now that it was finally to arrive.

Rory had run to the infirmiry nearly knocking some people over. When he got there he was faced with the sick, the dead and the dying. He caught one man's eye, someone he had not seen before. He would remember someone that handsome. Rory smiled and waved him over.

"Step outside sir." Gidian said calmly, nodding to one of his apprentices to go on diagnosing the illness without him. "Now what is the reason your stopping by here today?" Gidian expected the illness but not the words that the other man spoke.

"Actually its a friend of mine. She's having a baby and its her first time. Its coming later than it should..."

Gidian cut him off. "What? You are bothering me about a baby? Are you serious? Do you not understand that people are dying? Women gave birth long before there were healers around to help them. Actually women who live in rural areas still do. I'm sure she will be fine. Keep her away from people congregating and might I suggest you wash up with some sweetsand and hot water before seeing any baby." With that Gidian rejoined the mass hysteria that was the infirmiry.

Rory who had little idea how bad things truly were was stung to reality. He quickly ran to his rooms washed his arms and face, changed clothes, thought of burning them but stuck them in the laundry basket and ran toward the Weyrling Barracks, already out of breath.

Arriving at the Barracks, he was sweaty although well dressed and not able to say anything till he caught his breath. when he collected himself he entered the girls section of the barracks. "Nisha, I went to the infirmiry to get a healer but..."he paused, "No one is able to leave the sick and the dying. They don't want to contaminate the child. The Healer I spoke to was a master and he said that women were having babies without healers a long time ago and that even now women in rural areas do it all the time." He had no idea what else to say.

[thedreamerlady]

Nisha was standing- one of the woman she'd spoken too before the sickness had hit told her that it might help shorten her time of labor.

All she knew was that she was feeling sweaty, and occasionally a extreme pain came from her nether regions(a contraction?).

And then N'zule arrived, and tried to hustled her back into her bed, Nisha started shouting at him that she knew what she was doing, and Barsamith- who was growing to a more impressive size every day hissed at him, and Del- who was outside, bungled to try and convince the little green to quiet down.

It was chaos, and that was when Nisha spotted Rory, and moved as quickly as she could to go see him.

"No Healer?" She asked, looking very unhappy. She was a pregnant weyrling for Faranath's sake- she deserved one. But if she couldn't get one, she'd get one who was as good as, if not better than a healer.

"Where's Allior?" And then the great rippling pain struck her again, and Nisha leaned forward, wincing.

[hrsegrl]

"Allior is coming." Rory said, again feeling guilty for not thinking ahead. "She said I forgot to bring numbweed and you'd be wanting some." Of course he would forget and she would remember. She had four children and that was plenty of times to remember the pain of it all. Rory was only a bystander, there for moral support.

"I'm going to stand behind you so you can lean on me okay?" Rory spoke as he moved behind her and waited for her weight to lean on him a bit. He looked over at N'zule for some sign that he was actually paying attention when he heard Allior enter.

"Good Rory, keep her there. Nisha dear, just focus on staying calm and breathing normal for now. I'll let you know when its time to d work. N'zule, are you going to just stand there like a dimglow? Go get some hot water in this pail." She promptly set the pail down and ripped some cloth into large sections. "I was going to make a new work outfit but this is the only fabric I'm sure hasn't been contaminated."

[thedreamerlady]

Leaning back on Rory made a world of difference. She'd been getting help- massages of her lower back, cremes to rub onto her stretching skin- Rory and Allior knew everything.

And the mention of numbweed made Nisha feel almost delirious with joy. She couldn't wait to have that rubbed onto her, so that the sharding- the contraction struck again, and Nisha gasped. They weren't steady, and they weren't close together- she wasn't even close to having all of this be done.

"Rory, I'm so glad that you're here." Nisha sniffled. "And, don't think it's your fault about the Healer, and-" Nisha was going to pieces, and N'zule was finally about to stop standing around looking about as smart as a bovine, when Allior arrived, bringing some direction to the rather messy scene, Nisha's eyes dried a little, and she started to launch herself at the older woman, really just wanting a hug. When Allior told her to stay put, Nisha's eyes misted up, but she managed to force the emotional freak out she was about to have back down, and worked on breathing steady, though every few minutes she seized up as pain wracked her body.

N'zule, for his part, when finally ordered to do something went briskly about it, only pausing to ask Delith to talk to Barsamith, and keep her from getting too upset.

The green crooned, and invited the younger green to come outside, and sun with her. This accomplished and comforting cuddling happening, the two greens spoke and gossiped, and try not to focus to much on the anxiety in Barsamith's rider.

N'zule quickly returned with a bucket of hot water from the hot pools, and waited for Allior to tell him what to do with it.

[hrsegrl]

Nothing made Rory happier than to have people happy to see him. "Wouldn't miss this for the world." He grinned and knowing how long this process could take tried to be as comforting and easy to talk to as possible. "Now that Allior is here, you really have nothing to worry about. She has done this a number of times and helped a few other women who were unfortunate enough not to make it to the infirmiry in time." Rory made certain his voice was soft and calm.

Allior meanwhile was watching Nisha's contractions. "Looks like this is going to be a long labor for you. Would you like something to drink?" Water really couldn't do anything bad to her and it would keep her from becomming dehydrated. "I'm afraid all there is left to do is wait for the little one to decide to come on out." She grinned.

"Speaking of the baby, have you thought of any names?" Allior loved the youth of the Weyr but never wanted to work in the Creche, fostering was more her calling. "I always had fun picking out names, though I thought my girl names were always better, coincidentally I've only had girls. Thank goodness Kerzule and Nashin live with us...need some boys around to keep us sane." She giggled, much like a little girl.

[thedreamerlady]

Nisha smiled hopefully, then decided she wanted to sit down. A long labor- oh no, this wasn't going to be fun. Not one bit. Settling her ungainly body on her bed, she kept her breathing steady for a little bit. She'd realized she probably wasn't going to get numbweed for a time yet, and that was mildly depressing, but she forced herself not to dwell on it.

"Actually, since it's going to be Rory's baby, I haven't really thought of any names. I'm afraid, I haven't thought of any good ones. He thought of some good ones we we first found out about the baby thought. Nishor, for a boy, and Rorisha for a girl. But, there are lots of different ideas for a name you know. I don't suppose you have any good ones?"

Yes, Nisha was babbling, but at least she wasn't crying anymore. N'zule was unsure about what exactly he was suppose to do, but decided he'd go sit next to Nisha. She looked like she'd need a hand to hold any minute now.

They both waited for Allior to respond.

[hrsegrl]

The moments seemed to go by slowly for Rory. Waiting wasn't his strong point. Worse, he felt responsible for Nisha's pain. If this could just happen quickly then they could move on to a better time. Thankfully Allior was a neutral party and seemed to be keeping people's minds off of what was actually happening.

"Oh, I just love the girl name. You really should use it if its a girl. Boy names seem to be harder. I mean one must keep in mind that they will have an honorific if they impress a dragon. Which since your family has a lot of dragonriders in it, its entirely possible your child could impress one day. Too bad they don't allow girls to stand anymore. My three were so wanting to experience it. They get cross with Kerzule and Nashin for bringing it up."

She smiled endearingly at the younger woman. "If you want to know what I did, I chose the girl names and Rory chose the boy names. He unfortunately never got to use any." Allior hugged her brother. The family resemblence was apparent, more than apparent. If anyone were to see them together who did not know them, they would guess the pair were twins.

"So N'zule, how is Delith? Kerzule goes on and on about her you know..." Allior added. N'zule's son was a sweet boy, if not a bit clingy at times. Alli knew it was because the boy saw her as his mother and he trusted her. Both boys were treated like her own children. Though she was suggesting to both of them that in a couple Turns they would be allowed to Stand...so they better be paying attention to their lessons.

Rory was listening to his sister but paying more attention to Nisha. After all, his sister was chatting to keep them all from freaking out. N'zule, though he had children, had never been around a woman giving birth which was why he seemed to not be completely there with the rest of them. Nisha was late and this being her first baby, there was no doubt fear. Rory never knew what to do in stressful situations. Thats why he had Allior. When Nisha had moved to lay comfortably, Rory had followed her. He didn't take up much room and stayed sitting near her head... not really staring but wondering at women and their ability to create life within them.

[thedreamerlady]

Nisha giggled.

"Men are very helpful." There was a slight gleam in her eye, as she thought of how nice people had been in Weyrling training. "You should be rewarded for how well you turn out your Fosters. And my family has good boys." After all, Z'ian and Sh'tan had been so helpful when it came to doing things she could no longer do- like carrying just about anything.

"Well, if that's the way it is, I hope that Rory gets to use a male name for once." She winked up at the man sitting by her head, trying her best to project relaxation, and peace. She knew that Barsamith, cuddled with Delith or not, was still scared. Sam didn't like it when she was in pain, but at least seeming to be calm would make things better.

"Though a girl would be nice." Nisha's voice was wistful, and she almost jumped when N'zule's hand slid into hers and squeezed reassuringly.

"Maybe they'll still get a change to Impress." N'zule voice spoke out softly when Nisha trailed off. "After all, girls will still be allowed to stand during Goldflights. And if Greens or blues want them then, no one can gainsay a dragon."

He smiled at the mention of his youngest son. "Kerzule should be pleased to know that Delith has never been better." A frown marred his face. "You don't suppose he's becoming jealous of Lazule now that he can stand?"

N'zule was more than a little helpless at understanding emotions, and anything of the sort with his sons. That didn't stop him from loving them in the traditional Weyrfather sense.

[hrsegrl]

Allior agreed that men could be helpful but then at times they were very much not sure what to do. Now was one of them. N'zule and Rory seemed more anxious than Nisha. "Hehe. Rory didn't mind helping with the girl names either. After all. I did name one after him." She grew a little quiet but cleared her throat and batted her eyelashes a few times to keep from tearing up.

"No one ever said the babe couldn't impress a Gold either. " Allior spoke sweetly. Personally she was glad none of her girls were old enough to stand for the last Gold. After seeing those two girls mauled, Allior would prefer Allie, Alene and Aine to become drudges than to stand at a hatching with the possibility of being mauled.

Rory, having spent a good deal amount of time with Kerzule and Nishan laughed. "No, Kerzule was making a joke the other day about how his brother might still be standing when he impresses. I think its funny that he has thought that far ahead. He doesn't much care for being the last to do everything." Of course he was trying to get his mind off of the birth but he was having a hard time doing so. He wished she would go into harder labor and get the whoel thing over with. They were probably all wishing the little one would hurry up and come out.

[thedreamerlady]

The contractions were still there, though they didn't hurt as much as the first ones- or maybe the fact that they weren't surprising her with happening at different times. She shifted, loosening her grip on N'zule's hand.

She was highly uncomfortable, and the contractions seemed to be very consistent. It was, by far, the most irritating, annoying, and slightly painful thing that had ever happened to her.

By sheer force of will, she focused on the conversation at hand, her jaw clenched slightly.

"I wonder if they're jealous I Impressed before them." Nisha added, sounding amused. Then a particularly violent contraction hit, Nisha yelped, squeezed N'zule's hand, and the male Greenrider grimaced and bit his lip trying to control the noise he sorely wanted to make.

[prissy]

{Mine comes. Barsamith, he wants to help.} Xanuth relayed as Sh'tan had hurried to the barracks upon hearing that his half sibling was in labor. He saw her and rushed over to her side, he took a deep breath then he spoke carefully thinking his words over.

"Do you need anything Nisha?" He asked rather quickly he wanted to help but he knew he was about useless unless they needed something done. He hoped that the baby would be fine, he wanted his new neice or nephew to be healthy but he doubted that Nisha would have time to take care of the child anyway what with training and all.

{Mine do not worry the hatchling will do well.} Xanuth reassured his rider he knew that His was worried and afraid for a Greenriders hatchling why he didn't know. So he just reassured His and hoped that it was enough for him.

[hrsegrl]

Allior, noting the extreme difference between this contraction and the last went for the numbweed. "Alright now remember, breath." She looked at the person who had just entered.

"Unless you've washed properly young man, its best you keep your distance. The disease is very contagious and we don't want to expose the baby. If you have washed thoroughly before coming in, we can use your help." Allior was down to earth at times like these. She began applying the numbweed and poured a cup of fellis. "Rory, help her drink this then I'll need you at this end..." She was talking about the foot end of Nisha's body.

Rory, noting the concern of the other Weyrling, wondered if Nisha had an admirer. Well she deserved one for dealing with such a stressful thing when she should be concentrating on her training. He hoped things would work out easier for her after the baby came.

Holding her head up a little, he told her to drink. "Allior brought some fellis juice to help with the pain. Granted it is diluted more so than usual to keep it from affecting the baby. Its not going to taste very good either." Rory spoke soothingly.

[prissy]

"I have healer, what do you need of me?" He asked as he looked on his half sister needed him, that was a good sign. He hoped that everything turned out alright with her and the baby, he also hoped that Xanuth would talk to Barsamith so that they could stay calm together.

{Mine you are fine do not worry,} Xanuth again reassured His who only watched, he was also assured that everything will be alright.

[thedreamerlady]

Barsamith felt the presence of her clutchmate in her mind, telling her to tell hers something, but Barsamith was staying out of the painful place her Rider's mind was at this point.

Thank you, Xanuth. Thank yours for mine. Barsamith's voice was quiet and calm, as always- just because her Rider was freaking out, didn't mean that she would.

Nisha, on the other hand, was not taking it so gracefully. She wasn't as down to earth as Allior, and this hurt! Worse than the arm that still retained a scar from Barsamith's hatching, worse than the shame of failing to be more than a drudge, worse than anything.

Nisha never wanted to go through this again. She drank the vile juice Rory gave to her, but it didn't help. She seemed to be sweating buckets, and every muscle in her body was starting to hurt. This needed to be over, and soon. Her mind tried to escape into a different land, but was always brought swiftly back by a burst of pain that not even Fellis and Numbweed could dull.

The haze of pain rose, and time seemed to pass quicker, racing up to the event where someone would tell her that the baby was crowning.