They'll be here soon

Writers: Emma, Suzee
Date Posted: 14th February 2012

Characters: Benani, Miranek
Description: The Master Midwife meets his newest patient
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 6, day 10 of Turn 6

Benani

Benani had heard from her husband and now from Felyna that Miranek
would be coming to Amber Hills to attend the birth of the twins. She
had confidence in Chupsin but to have a Master attending to oversee
the birth helped alleviate some of her anxiety somewhat.

She'd now been on complete bedrest to the point that she was supremely
bored. It didn't matter to her there was snow on the ground outside
she wished she could just get out of her bed and take a walk. But,
according to her last few checkups Chupsin was of the opinion the
babes could be born at any time.

It had already been snowing for three days but they'd gotten warnings
of heavier weather coming in that might close things down even
further. She just hoped the Master would arrive soon.

Miranek turned to thank the young brownrider for transporting him to the
hold. "My duty to you and your dragon," he said as he dismounted. Spotting a
young apprentice waving in his direction he followed him into the hold
itself, suddenly grateful for the heavy clothing required for the journey
/between/.

It wasn't long before he was led into the presence of the Lady of the Hold.

Benani's face lit when the Master Healer was announced. She held out
her hands "Master Miranek! Thank you for coming."

"It's an honour to be here Milady," he replied as he took her hand briefly.

She understood why Zathris was being so over-protective but in this
case she really was glad of it. Her fears for herself and the babies
was eased somewhat by the Master's presence.

"I'm sure you haven't had any time to speak yet with Journeyman
Chupsin about this pregnancy. But I'd be happy to answer any
questions. That is if I know the answer." She chuckled, "I'm sure you
can tell it's twins." Her belly was bloated by the babes to the size
of a small cot.

"It does look that way," commented the healer as he cast a professional gaze
over her belly. "how long have you known that you carried twins?"

"Since they could hear the heartbeats. He knew the first time he
listened. It seems they're both strong."

Miranek nodded, filing the information away in his head. "May I examine
you?"

"Certainly," she smiled. One of her ladies was in the room and moved
to help her get into the appropriate position.

It was the work of moments for Miranek to take some equipment for his bag. A
small bowl, into which he poured some redwort solution and used to wash his
hands, then the tube he used to hear the heart beat of a baby. "When you are
ready," he said gently.

She arranged herself on the pillows as best she could. Her modesty
about these exams had been hard to overcome but she realized healers
had to do it. "I'm ready Master Miranek," she said softly. Her day
down was loose to drape easily over her large belly and there was a
soft throw draped across her knees. Her lady stood ready to assist the
healer if needed.

"I know this won't be pleasant, but I'll make it as quick as I can." In his
experience, many women found the idea of someone other than their husbands
coming this close to them made them a little uneasy even though they knew
that a healer had to know how their pregnancy was going. "Tell me if
anything is uncomfortable, or hurts and I'll stop immediately," he said as
he began.

She laid there and tried to relax during the exam but he knew what he
was about and seemed to move quickly. She did make a few sounds when
pressure was applied but it wasn't so much pain as discomfort. But
then she was perpetually uncomfortable these days.

Miranek stood back, and reached for a cloth to wipe his hands, before
rinsing them again. "Everything seems to be in order, I'd say that it won't
be too much longer before you are holding your babies. I'd just like to
listen to their heartbeats, then we're done for now."

Benani smiled. "I'm very glad to hear that," she said as she
unbuttoned the garment over her belly. She knew where Chupsin usually
listened and spread the cloth to make the Master's access to the area
easier.

Moments later, and a tube was gently placed as the healer listened to a
steady heartbeat from bothof the babies. "Definitely two heartbeats in
there, and definitely good, strong, healthy sounding ones."

"I am so glad," she said smiling at the healer. "My Lord Zathris is
worried about us as you probably know."

"I understand." A father to be who didn't care was the exception
rather than the rule. "I'd say we're a matter of a few days from you
going into labour, twins can come a little earlier than single births,
but I'm sure that the healers here will have been through that with
you."

She nodded and hoped he was right. She was just so tired all the time
now that she wanted the whole thing to be over. "Is there anything
more I should be doing to get ready?" She swept a hand toward the two
cradles and stands next to a rocking chair in the corner of their
room.

"Get as much rest as you can," he advised. "I have three of my own,
and all though they came one at a time, they were a lot of work."

She smiled. "Aye, I'll rest as much as possible. Thank you again for
coming to us. My husband and I appreciate it very much Master
Miranek."

Last updated on the February 16th 2012

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