Lion Head Mesa Eien ni Tomodachi

it was time. 

spurned by the queen, belen had come to the doctor, wild-eyed and panting that the babies were arriving. tavina charged the girl with bringing fresh pelts and water, and went at once to join the royal woman. "lean on me," she said lowly as the pains began in earnest.

satsu laboured hard. she would not return to bed and tavina did not insist on this. she kept herself close as the woman walked or sat or lay down; she did not speak except in soft murmurs. 

childbirth was a rigor. the sesh did not allow any close. she kept them all at bay and ramesses especially, though as the hours wore on she ordered belen to inform his majesty of the happenings.

the young fellahin was the go-between for the pharaoh and the birthing chamber.

each time a child was born, belen left and bowed before ramesses, telling him of the sex.

and then it was over. tavina smoothed the queen's forehead with a cool wet pelt. "you have done very well, great one. you have given akashingo a prince. an heir." the sun had not yet risen but when it dawned, it would be upon a new chapter within the hallowed palace.