know this life [birth]

Poem was a natural. Most women were, Theory was slowly discovering. Unless something traumatic occurred (and she had prayed quietly in the dead of night that nothing would), they were quite able to guide themselves through this process. She was simply here in case of emergency. Of course her heart was beating riotously and her stomach was clenched at the thought of emergency, but Poem's labor went completely by the book. The only thing that really surprised Theory was the sheer number of children that slowly worked their way into the world. Her eyes were wide at it all. No wonder Poem had been so round. There was so much life she had to bring into the world. Even Theory's rudimentary predictions at litter size weren't close to this. "You're doing incredible, Poem," she whispered words of encouragement. Theory beamed at Sparhawk expectantly when her sister gave him the opportunity to name some of their children. The man was a stilted speaker of their language, but his heart was true. She was sure he would pick excellent names.