Tell me it's real

Truthfully Kirsi had been looking forward to this moment as much as she'd been dreading it. Childbirth was an experience that had been traumatizing for her, especially after the death of her children; she knew births often got harder with age too, not easier. Especially with no longer being at the peak age for child-baring. That thought alone had made her even more certain of her decision to have children with Song despite the risks. Things would only get harder for them with each season that passed. That was how they'd ended up here, the contractions coming on hard and fast as she braced herself for Song to arrive.

"I've been better," she admitted through gritted teeth. His presence and the smile he wore, as well as his touch, were a great comfort to her even if she couldn't mirror the calm he exuded. "But. Also worse." Kirsi reminded herself of that. Physical pain was something she could endure and push through, she was certain of it. With Song by her side she felt even more sure of that, even as another swell of pain threatened to take the breath out of her. "I think you should call for a healer," she suggested lightly after a moment. Her pride often got in the way of her reaching out to others - well, almost always did - but this was a situation she wouldn't dare risk.