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* Goody Bea clears the last of the dinner dishes away with a sigh and puts away her knitting, shooing a kitten away from investigation of the yarn ball. She bends over her lamp to blow it out, preparing for an early night's rest. * Aeryn arrives outside the Goodwife's door and, glancing briefly at his escort, knocks. <Aeryn> Goodwife Bea? ::raising his voice:: * Goody Bea blinks and shakes her head, relighting her lamp with a sigh and going to the door, peering cautiously out the window before opening the door to her evening visitors. "Yes?" * Aeryn offers her a quick bow. "My apologies for disturbing you at this hour, but one of the women in my building is with child, and I believe her time is close." <Goody Bea> Oh... oh, dear. ::glancing at the pair of orcs looming over his shoulder:: One moment, please, let me get my things. * Goody Bea leaves them on her doorstep, checking quickly through her kit before donning a cloak, shouldering the bag, and stepping out the door to join them. <Aeryn> The orc captain who patrols my street was kind enough to allow me to fetch you. ::his face darkens somewhat:: No-one else seemed to care about her... * Aeryn heads off towards his flat, checking to make sure the Goodwife is keeping up. <Goody Bea> ::glances again at the orc guard flanking them and nods:: She's alone, then? * Aeryn nods. "There was no sign of a father." His hands clench. <Aeryn> There was a child who was willing to stand watch over her door--or at least to tell me if any went in. * Goody Bea bustles along behind Aeryn, taking much smaller steps and puffing a little, but seeming to have no difficulty in maintaining the pace. "Aye... so it happens at times, I'm afraid. It is good of you to look after her." <Aeryn> I... I could do no different, under the circumstances. She has no-one else, and I just can't... <Aeryn> ...just can't *not* help her, if it is within my ability... <Goody Bea> ::pats his hand, peering up at him keenly:: Aye, but many could. It is good of you, lad. * Aeryn looks at the street in front of him, somewhat embarrassed at her praise. "Although I know some of the healing arts, regretfully I know little of childbirth. But I thought of you..." <Goody Bea> ::nods:: Aye. Best that men leave women's work to women. ::winks:: Although you might be of aid in the birthing-room, as she has no kinfolk to assist me. * Aeryn points to the building just up ahead. "Fortunately, we are here." He turns to the two orcs who have escorted them. "Thank you, good soldiers, for your permission and escort. Please convey my thanks to your captain for me." * Goody Bea looks faintly wry as the orcs look at each other in consternation. "Human births often take many hours, sirs." She shows them her travel pass. "With your permission, sirs, I'll ask this young man to assist me and call again for escort home when the lass's babe is come and cared for. Unless, perhaps, you should prefer to stand guard within the birthing chamber...?" * Goody Bea hides a small smile as the orcs grunt to one another and quickly hustle back to their posts at some speed. <Goody Bea> ::undertoning to Aeryn as she takes his arm and heads for the door of the building:: Near as I can gather, orcish women are even more... expressive of their views of their menfolk at the birthing-time than human women are. ::she winks:: And they have good throwing arms. * Aeryn waits until they have entered the building before grinning at her. "I believe you may be right. Come, it is this way." * Aeryn leads her up the stairs. A boy, dressed in castoffs, is sitting on the floor at one end of the hall, playing some sort of game with a handful of odd objects. <Aeryn> ::The boy looks at Aeryn for a moment before shaking his head wordlessly.:: * Aeryn reaches into one of his pockets. "My thanks." He hands the boy a medium-sized piece of beef jerky. * Goody Bea smiles at the boy, bending to stroke his hair and slip him something from her pocket. <Goody Bea> There, now. Which-- ::she breaks off at an agonized scream from the door at the end of the hall:: ah. ::leading the way down the hall:: * Aeryn follows, going a little pale. * Goody Bea enters the room, looking around the squalid little apartment with a small compression of her lips. The woman lies on a dirty pallet on the floor, obvious in her distress. "Here, now, lass, I'm Goodwife Beatrice, here to help you. It's alright, now, we'll get you through this." She puts her bag down quickly and kneels slowly and carefully beside the pallet, taking the woman's hand and stroking pale hair away from her sweated face gently. <Goody Bea> ::looking up at Aeryn and nodding to her bag:: There's a small brazier, some charcoal, and a fresh skin of water. If you could find a clean pot and be so kind...? <Aeryn> Certainly. * Aeryn collects the brazier and sets it up in the tiny kitchen. Lighting it, he takes a quick survey of the kitchen contents and decides to get one of his own pots instead. * Goody Bea leans down to listen as the woman picks at her sleeve and beckons her close to whisper. "Aye, lass... Nell, it is, then? Don't you worry. The lad here is one of your neighbors. He was good enough to fetch me when he heard your distress." <Aeryn> I will be right back. ::slips out the door, returning momentarily with a small, clean pot:: <Aeryn> ::Putting the pot on the brazier, he opens the skin and fills it:: <Goody Bea> ::looking up again as he returns, squeezing the girl's hand and putting a hand to her neck to calmly count her own pulse during the next contraction:: It's Master... Aeryn, aye? <Aeryn> Aye, Goodwife Bea. * Goody Bea shifts a little, reaching for her bag to withdraw a couple of comfortable pillows, one of which she puts under the girl's head and shoulders, the other of which she sits on. She digs inside again, pulling out a stack of clean linen and spreading a sheet carefully beneath the girl. * Aeryn steps back into the room hesitantly. "Can I be of any further help while the water boils?" <Aeryn> ::he is paler than usual:: <Goody Bea> ::frowns thoughtfully at him:: You mentioned some herbcraft, aye? <Aeryn> Yes, I do have some skill in that area. Rangers learn much of the forest lore. Should I bring what herbs I have? <Goody Bea> ::leans over the girl, taking her pulse and frowning a little:: This will not be an easy birth, I fear... she's taken poor care of herself. ::nods to her pack:: What you need should be in there... I've willow-bark, of course-- know you motherwort, and bethroot, and black snakeroot, when they're dried? <Aeryn> ::nods:: Aye. * Aeryn goes to the bag and begins searching through it. * Goody Bea shifts position, moving around between the girl's legs to check her progress. <Aeryn> ::finding the herbs, the half-elf turns to the Goodwife and it about to say something. Going red, he changes his mind and goes to check on the water.:: * Goody Bea flips the sheet back over Nell's knees, preserving decorum, and wets a hanky from the waterskin to mop the laboring mother's forehead, whispering soothing words to her. * Aeryn finds the water boiled, and brings the pot back into the room. Setting it down beside the herbs he removed from the Goodwife's bag, he looks at her expectantly. <Goody Bea> ::looks up and nods to the pot:: Pour out a little, and put them to steep. She needs something to ease her. * Aeryn follows her instructions, adding the appropriate dosages of the various herbs to the hot water before setting it aside. * Goody Bea watches from the bedside, nodding approval as Aeryn sets things aside to steep and sighing a little as she sits back on her cushion to wait, glancing around the room again. "Not the sorts of apartments I'd have thought one such as yourself would be keeping, lad." <Aeryn> ::takes Nell's other hand tentatively, stroking the back of it:: It was cheap, and available. With the current situation ::dark glance to the window:: I thought it better to stay away from the inns. <Aeryn> I *did* have to earn my right to privacy here, though... ::smiles slightly:: <Goody Bea> Oh? ::raises an eyebrow, leaning forward to cool the girl's brow again. <Aeryn> ::grimaces slightly as the girl's fingers close sharply on his:: Yes, I found one of the residents in my room. Having just come back from a quiet night outside, I was moderately unhappy about the fact. <Aeryn> He did not hear me coming up behind him, either, so after I woke him and asked him not to do it again, he decided to take my advice. * Goody Bea chuckles richly. "Aye. You're alone here, then?" She nods to Nell. "No girl or bairns of your own at home? Myself, I've never been beyond the gates... adventuring sounds exciting enough, but I leave it to the children." <Aeryn> ::considers:: For some reason, he seemed to be more scared of me because I splinted the arm I broke... and aye, I am alone here. <Aeryn> ::darkly:: Even at home in the village, I was alone. <Aeryn> The life of a ranger was the only one offered to me, and I considered it more than preferable to staying there. <Goody Bea> ::gently, speaking as she gets up to fetch the tea:: Aye, people can be cruel to those who don't match what they expect, in truth. That's the sad way of it. <Aeryn> ::sadly:: Aye. <Aeryn> I do miss the forests, though. The trees are friend to all who treat them well, and Ehlonna watches always... <Goody Bea> ::nods:: Trees live a long time, and shelter all but those who destroy them. ::softer:: Although a tree will never reach out to offer comfort and aid in your need. ::she smooths back Nell's hair and murmurs to her, bending to administer a little of the tea carefully:: <Aeryn> ::softly:: Except in spirit... <Goody Bea> Aye, there's that. ::puts the half-empty cup down and smiles at him:: And yet here you are, in the city. <Aeryn> ::nods:: I am far from the forests of my youth, now. <Aeryn> Once one begins to wander, it is difficult to stop. I have hired on as a woods guide or hired guard, and traveled to many places. <Aeryn> In none of them did I find reasons to stay. Here, I had no choice in the matter. <Goody Bea> ::nods:: My Robyn, he got the wanderlust some years ago... well, a lad will go off to make his fortune. And he writes me and tells me of his adventures. ::she smiles fondly:: That's enough for both of us, I think. * Goody Bea bends over Nell, squeezing on her hand and whispering encouragement as another contraction comes. She frowns thoughtfully as she eyes the swell of her abdomen beneath the sheet. * Aeryn grits his teeth as his hand is crushed again. "Aye, adventures are good to hear of, but bad to experience. Current circumstances being a good example." <Aeryn> ::one hand moves unconsciously to his back:: <Goody Bea> ::chuckles a little dryly:: Aye, I find Marsember offers up adventure enough for me. Count your blessings, lad, that you weren't here during the demon invasions. ::she winks:: Either of them. * Aeryn blinks. "E-...Either of them?" <Goody Bea> ::twinkles at him a little:: Oh, aye. It was quite exciting. Well now... the world will always seek a balance, and Marsember has no dearth of good, brave folk. ::she pats Nell's hand:: <Aeryn> Well, hopefully these good, brave folk can do something about our current situation, disadvantages aside. <Aeryn> The orcs have most of the cards in this game at the moment. And the dealer has not been kind to date. <Goody Bea> ::frowning:: Aye... those poor lasses and their bairns... ::shakes her head:: Never fear. Marsember and her people've stood through many a trouble, we'll make it through this one somehow. <Goody Bea> ::lowering her voice and squeezing Nell's hand as she has another contraction:: I'm certain you know summat about that, yourself, lad, aye? <Aeryn> ::also in a low voice:: I am more than willing to help, but as you see they trust me little now. I have been trying to act sufficiently cowed... <Aeryn> ...ever since ::gestures at his back:: <Goody Bea> Well, the lads you're with should stand you well. Master Kevil's a good man. ::cocks her head:: Since...? What happened, lad? <Aeryn> ::looks surprised:: You did not hear of the matter from Kevil? <Goody Bea> ::shakes her head:: I had a babe come before its time Monday past, and then there were the food riots... I've had little time to visit, of late. <Aeryn> I see... ::lowers voice:: Kevil, Diya and I went out Sunday night, to scout the drydock. Although we had some success, we were caught as we returned to his flat. <Aeryn> ::flatly:: The orcs were nice enough to let us off with a "warning." ::turns his back and lifts his shirt up:: <Goody Bea> ::eyes going round, she clutches the girl's hand a little tighter:: Oh... oh, my. But... what happened? ::puts a hand to her mouth as she sees the healing bruises striping his pale skin:: * Aeryn lowers his shirt and turns back. "They are not shy about using those knouts they carry." He takes Nell's hand again, gently stroking it with his other hand. <Goody Bea> Nay... you're lucky you weren't killed, lad! ::shakes her head:: Taking such a terrible risk... <Aeryn> Aye, I know now. ::shakes his head:: But I still do not know how they managed to ambush us as they did... <Goody Bea> ::shakes her head slowly:: They are not to be taken lightly, lad, and they have this city in a sure grip. I only hope... ::bites her lip, sighing:: Well, I have hope yet, that's the important thing. <Aeryn> ::nods:: As I said, I am being careful to make them believe I am no longer in the trouble business. <Goody Bea> ::raises an eyebrow:: And the truth, I suspect, is different? ::leaning forward again to lay a hand on Nell's forehead as she half-raises herself up with another strong contraction:: Shhhh, lass, shhh, aye, it hurts, but the babe is close, never fear, we'll win through this.... * Aeryn gently slips one hand out of the girl's grasp, replacing it with the other before stretching the first. "Aye, if there is cause enough, or chance enough, I will shed that poise quickly enough. Until then, not. I have no wish to be the first to discover what happens to repeat offenders." <Goody Bea> ::frowns worriedly, feeling Nell's cheeks and peeling back one eyelid to inspect the pupil as the girl lays back to rest:: Nay, you're wise to do so, lad... ::bites her lip:: Here, help me... she's weakening, and she needs to get this child out soon or she'll not manage it. And there's summat not right... Get behind her, get her shoulders up... let her lean back on you. Aye, she'll have quite a grip, but she needs to bear down on something. * Aeryn frees his hand and does as the Goodwife instructs, gently lifting the girl's shoulders and propping her against his shoulder. He murmurs something soothing in elvish, then winces as she grabs his arm in a vise-like grip. * Goody Bea moves down, sliding a pillow under the girl's hips, resettling her. As the next contraction comes, she pushes down on her abdomen, coaching her along as she tries to coax the baby out into the air. * Aeryn is definitely looking paler, but continues whispering soothingly to the girl as the Goodwife works. <Goody Bea> Come on, lass, aye, that's it, I know you're tired, come on... ::pushing down again and reaching a hand between the girl's legs as another, somewhat stronger contraction makes Nell scream:: * Aeryn winces at the scream. <Goody Bea> ::keeping her eyes on the baby's head, frowning deeper:: Master Aeryn, if you would... give her another sip or two of that tea, and the bit of leather from my bag to bite down on... ::glancing up for a quick grin:: Unless you'd care to offer the lass your hand.... * Aeryn winces again at the very idea. "No, I don't believe I would." He reaches over for the cup, and gently coaxes Nell into taking a sip. <Aeryn> ::Placing the cup back on the floor, he rummages one-handedly through the bag until he comes up with the leather. He offers it to the girl.:: <Goody Bea> ::worriedly, muttering to herself:: I don't like the looks of this... ::she gets up carefully to go through her seemingly bottomless bag again herself, bringing out a sheathed knife, a brown glass bottle, and a smaller bundle that looks like a sewing kit. She sets everything to one side of the clean sheet, drawing the knife and resting it point-down in the kettle to boil:: <Aeryn> ::mutters to himself:: I do not much like the looks of that, either... <Goody Bea> ::Nell pants a moment before obediently opening her mouth for the bit of leather and biting down hard as another contraction wracks her. The Goody moves hastily to press down again, peering intently beneath the sheet:: * Aeryn tries to ignore what is happening to his arm, still whispering soothingly in elvish. <Goody Bea> ::pressing her lips together and shaking her head:: Right. The rest of the tea, lad, and hold her. She's too narrow... if I don't cut, she'll tear. ::gathering up Nell's eyes with hers:: We can do this, lass, you're just fine. It's nearly over. ::she reaches for the brown bottle, opening it and upending it against a clean bit of gauze, reaching beneath the sheet again:: * Aeryn takes on a faint greenish tinge, but reaches gamely for the tea nonetheless. "Here, brave one, drink a little more." * Goody Bea reaches for the wooden handle of her blade, shaking water from it and peering critically at the edge with a nod. "Alright, lass, you'll feel a bit of easing in a moment, it shan't hurt, I promise. Aeryn, take one of those soft cloths, I'll need you to take the babe from me." <Aeryn> ::hands shaking slightly, the half-elf takes one of the cloths the Goody indicated:: <Aeryn> ::under his breath:: I don't think anything would hurt at this point... <Goody Bea> ::taking a deep breath:: Alright... be at ease, Nell, breathe deep and steady, don't push until I tell you... just a little more... ::ducking beneath the sheet and working for a moment, quickly casting the bloody knife to one side and reaching for a towel as she flashes a grin at Aeryn:: Aye, and to think they call us the weaker sex.... * Aeryn smiles slightly, and strokes Nell's cheek. "Almost there, dear...almost..." <Goody Bea> Ahhhhh, here we come... ::reaching under again as another contraction visibly ripples the muscles of Nell's huge belly:: Alright, Nell, last time! *Push!* * Aeryn gets the soft cloth ready, opening it somewhat. * Goody Bea reaches beneath the sheet again, hissing a little and quickly scooping something up in one arm. With her free hand, she grabs another towel and presses it against Nell, handing the wet, wrinkled, and slightly bloody baby quickly over to Aeryn. "Here, lad, don't drop her." * Aeryn gingerly takes the baby, wrapping the cloth around her and gently wiping her face clean with a corner of it. * Goody Bea nods to the knife. "Cut a bit of string, there, lad, and tie off the cord, and cut it. I've my hands full here." * Goody Bea snatches for her sewing kit, counting off a length of cord for Aeryn to cut before threading her needle with the rest. * Aeryn does as is asked, looking somewhat bemusedly into the tiny face in his lap. * Goody Bea works beneath the sheet for several long minutes, her face taut. After a bit, she sits back with a sigh, pouring out a bit of hot water and mixing it with cold to wash off her bloodied hands and instruments. * Aeryn looks up from the baby's face and raises an eyebrow at the Goody. <Goody Bea> ::wets a corner of clean towel and reaches out for the baby again as it starts to cry weakly:: Here, lad, let me finish cleaning her off. She's weak, but I think with care she can recover. She'll not be having children again, though. <Aeryn> ::his face mirroring some sadness at that, Aeryn gently helps Nell lay back down:: <Aeryn> ::to the Goody in an undertone:: Elves do not usually have many children... <Goody Bea> ::takes the child, bathing her gently with the damp towel, cleaning off the streaks of blood and whispering quietly to her as she jiggles her in one arm. Her fingers seem to glow faintly as she brushes the baby's forehead, but it could have been a trick of the sun. She wraps the baby up warmly:: * Aeryn brushes Nell's hair away from her face gently. "Rest easy, dear one. Your baby is fine, and beautiful." <Goody Bea> No. ::her smile is bittersweet:: What we humans lack in lifespan, we make up for in bairns, it seems. ::she lays a blanket over Nell, covering her up warmly, and tucks the child in on her mother's chest, fumbling a moment with the front of Nell's gown. The baby's cries quiet as she finds her way to her first meal:: * Aeryn looks away quickly, going over to gather up all the items he took out of the Goody's bag instead. <Goody Bea> ::looking faintly amused:: My thanks for your good help, lad. * Aeryn grins up at her. "I am not so sure I am grateful for all I have learned this day." <Goody Bea> ::clearing up her tools, bundling up bloodied sheets into a neat package and wrapping them in oilskin:: I'll try to look in on her from time to time... ::fishing a few food chits out of her pocket:: Here... she'll be needing these. <Goody Bea> ::grins back a touch wickedly:: Long as you remember the lesson, lad, when next you lie with a maid, and take care. ::winks:: <Aeryn> Aye, she will. And I will make sure she will keep them. * Aeryn crooks an eyebrow at the Goody with a grin, but doesn't comment. <Goody Bea> Good lad. ::getting to her feet again with a creak, looking down at the new mother:: She should sleep for several hours now, until the baby wakes her again. Red meat, if you can get it to her, would be most welcome. <Aeryn> ::nods:: Aye, I shall try. It will be difficult, but I may be able to. <Goody Bea> ::nods, smiling a little as she leans over to tuck the infant in a little better, chucking her cheek with one wrinkled knuckle:: Aye... she'll live. They'll live for each other, now. ::smiles:: <Goody Bea> ::looks up at Aeryn and pats his shoulder:: Aye, a good lad. Send for me if she has further difficulty, aye? I'd best be seeking my own bed, I think. <Aeryn> ::softly:: I must thank you, Ekara, for all that you have done this night. <Goody Bea> ::nods acknowledgement:: It's no more than what I do, Master Aeryn. Only look in on the lass from time to time, that's thanks enough for me. <Aeryn> ::nods:: No need to even ask, Goodwife Bea. After this... ::gestures in the general direction of the room:: how could I not? <Goody Bea> ::smiles gently:: Aye, you're a good lad, indeed. How could you not? ::pats his shoulder again:: Now then, I think you need your rest no less than the rest of us, so I'll be going. ::shouldering her bag and taking a last look around the room:: Sleep sweet and at peace, Master Aeryn. <Aeryn> You too, Ekara. ::glancing one last time at Nell and the baby, he steps out the door and turns to his own flat with a nod to the Goody:: |
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