Soon

Writers: Suzee, Miriah
Date Posted: 25th June 2015

Characters: Karhal, Loella
Description: Karhal brings a gift.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 13, day 15 of Turn 7

Karhal

Loella

She was out hanging laundry as he came up behind her, his footsteps
quiet on the grass. From behind, he saw her stretch upwards and he
tried to be quiet as he attempted to sneak up, but a sudden bark from
Rikka spoiled his approach. Karhal stopped and eyed the dog. She was
doing what she had been taught, but it certainly ruined his fun.

Rikka's greeting made her turn with a smile. "Trying to sneak up on me
again big guy?"

"Couldn't hurt to test her capabilities, " Karhal replied smoothly,
but with a hint of chagrin. "Isn't the drudge we have assigned helping
you with this?"

"Sure she has. She did the heavy part and now she's scrubbing the
kitchen floor." Loella smiled at Karhall. "I'm perfectly capable of
hanging the clothes on the line."

He arched a brow and eyed her swelling stomach. "Just don't strain
yourself." He bent to pick up the basket as if testing its weight.
"And as long as she's helping in things you absolutely shouldn't be
doing." He tilted his head. "By the way, I have something for you."

She smiled and shook her head. "I know my limits, not that you believe
me. She's helping, but sometimes I feel useless you know? I can't just
sit around doing nothing all day." She tilted her head and looked
expectantly up at him. "Something for me?"

He nodded. "It should be inside by now. " He took her hand, tucking it
in his arm. "Come on."

She chuckled and let him draw her away from the clothes basket. She
could send the drudge out to finish up. That was probably his plan all
along. "Alright," she smiled.

He led her to their door, opening it for her before ushering her
inside. He led her to the middle of the floor of the living area and
then covered her eyes. Guiding her to take a step at a time, Karhal
was careful about leading her to their spare room. He made her stop at
the doorway, then bent to kiss her cheek and moved his hands. In the
room was a brand new cradle, obviously hand carved and excellent in
craftsmanship. It was painted white and gold, with carved runners and
flits along the sides.

When he uncovered her eyes she couldn't believe them. "Oh Karhal," she
sighed, "It's so beautiful." She ran her hand over the beautifully
crafted footboard. "Wherever did you find it?"

At her reaction, Karhal's smile was wide. "I called in a few favors."
And a few marks owed. He was pleased that she seemed to love it. She
honestly asked for so little of him that he wanted to spoil her with
gifts. Unlike his previous wife, she didn't insist on expensive
fabrics and accessories; it was easy for him to indulge in what he
could for the wife he truly loved. "And a few workmen will be coming
in to do a little white washing and trim on the room tomorrow."

Her increasing belly didn't let her get down next to the cradle like
she wanted so she sat in the nearest chair. "Its so beautiful," she
said.

There was no doubt that Karhal was pleased with her enjoyment of his
gift. "I'm glad you like it." He bent to brush his lips over her brow
and then her lips. "Nothing but the best for either of you."

She had waited for this man for so many turns that the love in his
eyes and hands was all the pampering she needed. She put an arm around
his waist and hugged him back. "I'm going to visit the midwife
tomorrow and then begin my confinement. Do you want to come?"

He frowned for just a moment as he quickly went through his schedule
for the next day. He mentally adjusted a patrol and nodded. "Yes. Of
course I want to be there." His heart beat a little faster at the
thought. It would be soon. "Do we have everything we need for the
babe?" He searched in his mind, clearly going over everything that
they had made, bartered and purchased for the soon to be born child.

She reached up to caress his face. "I've got everything I can think of
and my mother has added several things herself. The baby is almost
here Karhal," she said quietly. She was far enough along this time
that she felt confident the child would be born rather than lost. "The
midwife will bring the birthing chair."

He didn't admit it, but Karhal was growing more nervous the closer the
time came for the birth. Women died in childbirth. Babies died. He
didn't know if he would survive if Loella... He mentally shook off
that thought. He laid his hand on her swollen abdomen, his fingers
gentle as he stroked the round curves. "Soon." His face was calm, but
there was tension in his brow.

"Ah," Loella grinned as the baby kicked and rolled under its father's
hand. "I think pretty soon."

As the child rolled against his hand, Karhal relaxed and his face
softened. The though of a child, their child, being born filled him
with a indescribable warmth. While most men might hope for sons,
Karhal was only concerned if the child was healthy; it didn't matter
if the child was a boy or a girl.

She smiled and then winced when there was a fairly powerful kick. "I
just wish it didn't kick me in the bladder," she said and scooted
toward the necessary.

He chuckled as she hurried and watched her, his eyes soft. Soon.

Last updated on the July 8th 2015

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