Nova Peak my arms are open

again.

she does not have time to catch her breath, to marvel at the fragile, breathing life beside her. her body tightens, and the pain returns, merciless and all-consuming. elowen gasps, hisses a curse.

"just breathe, dove." lorcan’s voice is there, steady, grounding, but not quick helpful. still, she clings to it, clings to him, because he is her anchor in this storm. the white woman at her side is far, far to happy for the agony that elowen is in. could they not see something was wrong?

again. she obeys, as best she can. breathes. bears down, and another rush, another little body slipping free.

the silence lingers too long this time. elowen blinks through the haze of exhaustion, her heart thudding dully in her chest. she shifts, trying to see, trying to reach, but ayovi is already moving, already tending. 

elowen does not question it, she only nods weakly, willing herself forward, willing herself to finish what must be done. her body is heavy, and she grips lorcan tighter and pushes once more.