The Gift Of Physical Love

[Lady Aislin of Eohmark]

"Ah never understood heaven, or the concept of pure and utter happiness, until the moment ah looked into yer eyes and heard the sound of yer voice reach out to me the only way ye knew how to. Words need nay be spoken, for the look we pass to each other be enough, to tell us how we love each other and what we would do for one another. Ye were made in silence, ye will be loved, even if silence is all that may stir. Remember, ye were made from love, ye will always be surrounded by love in one form or another."

* Name Sorcha Briannon Creed
* Eye Color Blue/Green
* Hair Color Light brown
* Origin Isle of skye
* Ethnicity Celtic, Scottish, Norse & Scandinavian

Mother & Daughter

Weeks after her birth, Aislin and Sorcha said their morning leaves of Eamonn, as he headed back to his first day on duty since his daughter's arrival, reluctantly. It would be the first day that Aislin would have Sorcah to care for without Eamonn's help. Many mother's did most of the work when it came to the children, for it was motherly instinct that took over, but Eamonn had been so smitten by his daughter, that he took most if not all of the duties onto himself, not wanting to place her down for even a moment if he could help it. Even feeding Sorcha had been a family affair; Aislin had sat with her back to her husband's strong chest while he wrapped his arms about her and held their daughter in front of her so she could feed the child. It was safe, comforting and part of Aislin was nervous, anxious and excited to spend the day with her daughter on her own. This moment, was her chance to bond, while Eamonn seemed to have done so the moment he pulled Sorcha from Aislin's hot womb.

As soon as Eamonn had gone, Aislin settled Sorcha on her back upon the furs on the bed and stared at her. Like two children instead of one in awe, they both watched each other and looked for signs to speak to them when words were not able to be formed or unable to be said. In silence, much as she did with her husband, she began to fall in love with her child. Every moment was cherished, every movement was watched with care. After what seemed like only mere moments, or perhaps forever in the sense of moments, Aislin moved her right hand towards her child to touch her gently. Sensing her mother's step, Sorcha kicked out her small feet for a moment before she waited as Aislin's long fingered hand settled on her chest to feel her child's breaths. Up, down. Studying this beautiful girl her and Eamonn had created, became her moments of bonding. When she lifted a small foot up and pressed a kiss to the arch of it tenderly, Sorcha expanded her toes and cooed. When she pressed a finger tip to the center of her child's palm, her child curled her small fingers about the limb as much as she could. Both sets of matching eyes stared at one another, both mouths; one curved, wide and thin, the other thin and barely formed in flesh; remained open in awe as they stared and simply breathed. A smile curled on Aislin's first as her child sneezed and broke the contact only to startle herself and gurgle. Small bubbles moved from little, still forming lips as she watched her mother.

Leaning forward and hovering over her child on the bed, Aislin pressed a soft kiss to each cheek, the tip of her nose and her forehead gently, loving the feel of her baby's skin and the scent that she held. Sorcha's scent. It was unlike anything in the world. As the moments moved on, Sorcha grew tired and yawned, expanding her little, barely formed lips wide befroe those illuminating blue eyes closed to shut out the exciting world. Dileas moved to climb onto the bed with ease, laying by Sorcha's right side as Aislin curled around her child in a fetal position, protecting her at all angles possible without realizing it was instinct. Aislin pressed her mouth, nose and chin against her daughter's soft cheek, listening to her breath in the stillness of the room. Only the sounds they made and that of the fire crackling and burning wood to keep the room warm, was heard as both fell into slumber together, the bonding ever growing, ever lasting. These were their moments, stolen in time.

[Lady Aislin of Eohmark]

"Ye were made at a time of war, when the restless could nay understand the good that our Duke and Duchess had been trying to bring to the lands. In the chaos of battle, where blood had spilled onto the ground like rivers, men and beast alike had lost their lives, it was the creation of ye, that kept hope as yer father lay dying in my arms. The hope that in a small moment of pause within the nights, our physical action of love, had made ye. Ye are our second born, our heir, our son. Ye complete our dreams and hopes with the very breath ye breath. Ye, will never be treated as a second, for their be no order in our hearts."

* Name Kieran Einor Creed
* Eye Color Hazel
* Hair Color Dark brown
* Origin Isle of Skye
* Ethnicity Celtic, Scottish, Norse & Scandinavian

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Birth of Kieran

The back pains were nothing new, for with this child being much larger then Sorcha had been at seven months (really nine and a half), she was sure that it's weight was also doubled and putting pressure where it should not be. After such time of eating, drinking and being merry, Aislin had touched her husband's arm for but a moment, saying she would return and would be heading into the privy for but a few moments. The skirts were gathered up in her arms as the mask held her beautiful face from view and she was heading off slowly in the direction of the grand hall ways. A minor detour had lead her from the path of the privy's however to a opened spare room. Perhaps she just needed to settle down and rest instead? Pushing the door open, a few candles lit the way as she moved inside. The castle had been known by her from visiting a few times in the past and she hoped, from the looks of this room, that no one was currently using it. Moving inside, she shut the door only a bit, sealing out the muffled laughter of the gathered crowd and moved towards the large bed to sit upon it. Both hands moved to the swell of her belly, feeling the baby shift and move deep within her. A few deep breaths were taken before she laid back upon the bed, keeping her boots to the ground as her belly pressed the dress up into the air. Eyes closed and she spent the quiet with her child, soothing it with her warm hands as she rubbed the flesh and material about. That was when, she felt the trickle running down her leg and swore in Scottish as she sat back up, thinking her bladder was giving out on her. In a slow motion, Aislin began to rock back and forth, back and forth until she was able to push her body forward and stand, trying to balance herself with arms out before finding it and feeling the rush of more liquid between her legs. Aislin knew, from having it happen before, that it was time. The second of her and Eamonn's child was coming, here and now. The inside of her dress was starting to soak up the liquid and quickly, before the pain could start, she reached behind her back and began undoing the laces of her bodice, easing the part that held her breast before pulling it over her head so her dress flowed freely. Skirts were lifted and she lowered herself to the floor, trying to get to level ground. Under britches were slid down and pushed from her legs, before booted legs bent and pressed the heel into the stone and rug covered floor. She had no way to get to Eamonn, so she would have to do this on her own. It should be easier, with having had a child only eleven months prior. Grunts and groans as the pain of the contractions building could be heard beyond the door, as a servant passed by, opening it slightly to see if there were possibly a couple already enjoying the night and unable to resist a peek. What she saw, was Aislin upon the floor, sitting with her back against the bed.

'' My lady?''

Aislin rose her head upwards to look at the servant and inhaled slowly. ``Aye...please. Go to the ball and find the Lord Marshal..``

Eamonn was not known for his timeless appearances at fanciful balls, nor did he partake in a great deal of merry making, lest it consisted of food and alcohol. However, he was still dressed accordingly, despite the absence of the mask--something that Eamonn would not be caught dead wearing suck a thing--he was still in attire suitable for such an event. Hazel eyes shifted and gazed down into the light eyes of his wife as she touched his arm, bidding a few moments to visit the rest rooms, and Eamonn nodded. Keen eyes did not fall from the sight of his wife until her beauteous form had disappeared from sight completely. While he felt compelled to follow her, Eamonn restrained himself. No, she could do this on her own, after all, she was simply going to the rest room, correct? Eamonn filled the mug of whiskey once more with that amber liquid and lifted it to his lips. Not much for social gatherings, at least when it came to starting conversations, Eamonn kept to himself, and spoke when others addressed him or passed him by. Eamonn had no sooner lifted the mug to take yet another sip before a servant came bustling into the room with throngs of people, and begged his attention. The tall blond arched a brow, and listened to the servant as she told him that his wife was in a room and needed him. In a room? Curious and concerned, he nodded, downing the rest of the whiskey and sat the mug aside. Eamonn followed the woman down the hall and through the corridors toward the room that Aislin was presently occupying. He thanked the woman, and slipped into the room, closing the door behind him as hazel eyes rested upon his wife, sitting on the floor. What was wrong? Eamonn frowned instantly, and in but a few strides, he was by her side, on his knees, the rich green cape flowed behind him as a gloved hand touched her shoulder. ``Aislin? Are you well?`` He asked, concern laced in every word spawned from his husky voice.

Aislin watched as the servant moved out and waited as patiently as she could, trying to push her body down farther to prepare for it. There was not much time to try and get others, or help, but this was nothing new to the couple. Sorcha had been born within the Griffin castle with only Aislin and Eamonn there to deal with such things. Eamonn knew what to expect by now, after having dealt with it before and Aislin was here to help her husband. When Eamonn moved inside, she looked to him as he knelt down and asked if she was well. `` Nay....ah mean aye. The babe comes. Now husband..ye be ready? Ye may need to go and find a few servants and quietly ask them for the things we need, perhaps two to stay and help us. Ah do nay want to disturb anyone at the ball.``

Eamonn held a deep concern for his wife, fearing the worse even though he had no idea what ailed his wife. Eamonn took no chances, having nearly lost her more times than he cared to recall. Unfortunately, those experiences would never be forgotten. The baby was coming?! His eyes widened all the more and brows rose in sudden surprise. Had he not birthed his daughter by the instructions of Aislin, Eamonn would have certainly been more rattled than he was. However, despite the experience prior, he was still nervous, despite the calm exterior he portrayed. Taking a breath, he nodded, and quickly rose from his place on the ground beside his wife. Long legs carried him swiftly to the door and ripping it open, he jogged down the hall fast to demand a list of things needed for the deliverance of a child, AND for privacy. The servant, wide-eyed, nodded quickly and took off down the hall to rally assistance and things needed. Meanwhile, Eamonn turned on his heels, and paced down the hall and back to the room, closing the door behind him. The cloak was undone and thrust to the bed, gloves pulled off with haste and tossed onto top of the cloak. Falling back down to his knees beside her, Eamonn swallowed hard, but took her hand to offer some sort of comfort.

As Eamonn had set off for the task at hand, Aislin continued to rub her stomach, preparing as a wave of pressure moved into her lower back and hips, making her all the more uncomfortable. Soft and deep breaths were taken from her mouth, as she inhaled and looked towards the door, waiting for her husband's return. When he did and began to shed his prior attire accessories, Aislin asked him to take the top half of her dress from her frame and place it on the bed, least it get ruined from the blood that would come. Once he helped her remove the items, their was a knock upon the door and the servants he had spoken to entered with the things needed, along with a healer just in case. This time, Aislin did not mind another healer about, for she would need them when she was in need to be stitched if she should tear once more. Time passed slowly as Aislin held onto Eamonn's hand and made ready to prepare to push. `` Eamonn...ye be cleaning yer hands aye...ye will be taking the babe from my womb..no one else aye? then let the others clean it. `` Already, Aislin was breathing hard, feeling the babe shifting and pressing low before she felt intense pressure upon her womanhood and then it stretching. The under garement's skirts were lifted as well, showing the crowning bit of a head from the curls that covered Aislin's womanhood. Aislin hissed and laid her head back upon the bed as she reached out tog rasp anything. `` So ye .....see our babe? Does it be coming?``

Eamonn nodded, and did as she asked him, releasing her hand, and long fingers grasping around the ends of her gown and removing the portion she motioned to. Once that had been removed and tossed aside onto the bed, the rap upon the door touched his ears, and Eamonn bit back the urge to growl at whoever had been on the other side, remembering he HAD sent for servants with the materials needed to give birth. Eamonn nodded to the few that entered, before returning to his wife's side, taking her hand and holding it firmly, letting her squeeze as hard as she needed to. Hazel eyes turned back to his wife as she asked him to bath his hands and make ready for delivering their second child. Him? He would have it no other way. By now, he at least knew WHAT to do and could do without flaw or pause. Eamonn nodded, and it was only then that he released his wife's hand and moved to the basin to wash his hands clean. With that task done, Eamonn returned, this time, at the foot of the bed where his wife's legs were, and quickly pushed the skirts and fabric back. A servant came over and with help of Eamonn, clothes to soak of the blood that would come was placed under her rear and bent legs. Eamonn shifted his gaze to that of his wife's womanhood, and there saw the beginnings of the child's head. He pushed his sleeves up. ``Yes, I see the top of the child's head..`` He replied, and as last time, large hands reached for his wife's womb and the birthing of his child, waiting for her to push a bit more before he--as before--reached into his wife and carefully feeling the child's head and neck, making sure the cord was not bound about its neck, and cradling head and neck. ``Push, my love..``

This time their luck would be good, for the cord had not wrapped about the baby's neck and the baby was sliding with ease, even without Aislin pushing. Titling her body slightly upwards, she waited for the instructions of her husband, taking deep breaths to ease her pain. Aislin laid back, seeing no need to press her body up and add another task to what she was doing. Legs spread wide and Aislin cried out softly as the servant pressed the door closed, watching in awe of the birth of a child. The head pressed through and part of Aislin was concerned that the babe was coming too soon, but there was no way to stop such. Her face wrinkled and her eyes closed tightly as she pushed her muscles to make the baby's form shift down lower. It was hard, Aislin's body was working the best it could, making that head crown all the more and push past the spreading folds of her womanhood. At first, it was hard to see the child's head, for it's hair that was upon it, matched Aislin's that was upon her womanhood completely. Aislin gave another push, grunting and cursing in a string in Scottish manner before the head was within Eamonn's hands and the shoulders were struggling to get free. Goop and blood covered their child, as it's face was still, unmoving while shock of the birth took over as was normal. Sorcha had not cried until she was clean, and the baby's skin was a healthy shade even behind the mess that covered it.

Eamonn was relieved to know that this time, the precious cord, which fed nutrients to their child, was not constricting the neck. It would make this birthing easier, not only for himself, but the child as well. His eyes danced from the task at hand to that of his wife, her words still whispering in his mind. Women could die in childbirth. It was not so rare or uncommon. That fear was pushed aside, as the horse lord refused to let such a fear grip him, distract him, from the task. He wouldn't let her die. With the cry of his wife, hazel eyes, hard with determination and concentration, drifted back down to the apex of spread legs. Aislin pushed, and the baby began to slid out fairly easily, his hands continuing to cradle the head, a most precious part of the body. So consumed in his task and duty, Eamonn cared not who was watching or even within the room. He was GOING to deliver his child. She continued to push, and Eamonn even tried to gently pull, anything to help his wife and free the child easier. With their combined efforts, the head finally was free, and now that was left were the shoulders and the rest. His hands were covered in the same, said, goop and blood from her womb and the sack that the child had been cradled in for nine and a half months. Eamonn was not fazed by the sight, as he had seen it numerous times with horses in birthing. One, large hand cupped the head of his baby as the other moved down to help free the shoulders, which after, the baby slid out with ease. Catch and cradle. Eamonn pulled the baby the rest of the way out, though it slid with ease from the womb of his wife. Eamonn sighed, and with his child, the sac and cord came. Freed. A servant came rushing over then, seeing the child free, and began to help clean the baby up, smacking the baby firmly, though not abusively, until a clear wail came. Hazel eyes looked over the child, and suddenly, a wide grin spread across his lips. A son. He had a son. ``A son...Aislin...AISLIN...we have a son!`` He exclaimed, helping the servant clean his newborn baby boy and cut the cord. The end was knotted off and water was used to clean off the rest of the blood and goop, and once that was done, Eamonn quickly washed his hands off and took their baby, moving out of the way with his son in his arms as the servants moved in to make sure there was no tearing, or if their was, to stitch it up. Still beaming proudly, Eamonn moved around the bed to stand beside Aislin and show her their son, who sniffled and coughed, but ceased to cry, lungs clear of fluid.

Aislin knew pushing too hard would not do, so she kept the pushes the same strength as Eamonn helped the shoulders slide free from her body. It as the hardest part and gave the most struggle to get those shoulders from her womanhood as it stretched and tore once more. Aislin's struggled made her body shake until the shoulders were free and the rest of the slime covered child came out into Eamonn's awaiting hands. As soon as the babe was out, Aislin inhaled deeply, easing her frantic heart and waiting for the pain to ease down. Muffles sounds, then the wailing of their child made a soft smile pull at her lips. Eamonn's words were heard and Aislin could not have been more happy. A son. Truly, sex never mattered for them both, they were just as happy when Sorcha entered the world, but now Aislin's world was complete. She had lived long enough to at least give Eamonn both daughter and son to carry on them both. A son to take over the things later on and grown into a man, a daughter to be just as stubborn and beautiful as Aislin to do as she saw fit with her life. A son...Aislin felt hands upon her womnhood, rags and clothes cleaning her and pulling the rest of the birthing sac from her body before warm water was moved to clean her legs and everywhere else as the healer moved forward to see where she had torn if at all. Aislin's pain was gone the moment her eyes saw that beautiful boy sniffling and fighting to open his eyes to look out into the world. One servant moved by Eamonn's side, positioning the candle in the right area so they could better see their son, but so the son was not blinded by the light. Aislin reached out a trembling hand to touch him and make sure he was real. When the light found their son's eyes, Aislin saw that part of Eamonn was given to their son as a gift. `` He has yer eyes my heart..`` Aislin sighed as the baby's eyes shifted to her and he sneezed softly, making more goop from his mouth and nose. `` Ye name him Eamonn. Ye remember the name ye wished?``

While boy or girl did not matter in terms of affection, it did come into play knowing that his name, his blood and legacy had a male to be passed down to. An heir. Eamonn could not have been more proud. He now had both a son and a daughter, which was a blessing twice Eamonn doubted to fall upon him once before. Aislin made his dreams and longed aspirations come to life. As he held his son, Eamonn could not keep his eyes from the little baby wrapped in the clean linen, snuggling close in his arms to keep him warm in the strange world. Eamonn held him close to Aislin as the candle was brought closer to better see their son, who held features of them both, but when he opened his eyes...Eamonn's own widened a bit. The smile only seemed to grow. He had his eyes...his son had his eyes. Eamonn's heart swelled with pride, and hazel eyes lifted to his wife. Leaning over, a soft kiss was placed upon her lips, not caring at this point who saw. He was happy. Eamonn was truly happy, and there was no reason to hide it. The Marshal had a son and daughter now, one to bear on his name and traditions, to carry his armour when he passed on. Eamonn silently thanked the gods for their work and blessing. ``He does...and already he has your hair..dark...`` He whispered, and when he sneezed, Eamonn used the cloth to wipe his face gently. ``Kieran...Kieran Einor Creed.`` Eamonn said proudly. Oh there was no finer moment than this here. With a blend of both of their fathers, Eamonn turned bright eyes to his wife as the servants stitched her up.

Aislin's hand did not leave her son's hand as she reached out for it, ignoring the small pain of the healer cleaning her and stitching what bit she had torn up. It was rather small, after having had Sorcha not but little under a year before. When Eamonn said he had her dark hair, the candle was pulled around to show Aislin that Eamonn was right and a soft laugh moved from her lips. Sorcha had her father's hair and Aislin's eyes, while their son held Aislin's hair and Eamonn's eyes. What blending the body did for the babies. Kieran Einor Creed.`` Husband..that be a...fine name. A fine name indeed. `` Eamonn's kiss was welcomed and Aislin found her wanting more of them, but when he moved closer, she would take that instead, touching their new born son, wishing she could show Sorcha her new brother right now. The healer had finished and Aislin was doing well. A drink was brought to her, as well as some warm broth and the healer bid her to stay in the bed for a bit, before they tried to make their way back home. Just long enough to bid her body to relax and take ease after the hard work of birthing. `` Kieran...ah be liking it husband..just as ah promised ye on the field when ye were near death. It be fitting. `` Servants began to clean the room up, shifting Aislin over to clear the bed and add new linens to it so she was not still in her own blood, nor was the bed tainted with it.

Eamonn could not wipe the smile or grin from his face as he gazed down at his wife, hearing her laugh. She would be doing just fine, and that was news to him that he was glad to hear. Yet another beautiful baby, and healthy, that his wife had brought into the world. Eamonn was so proud of her. A fine name for a fine baby boy...a boy. Eamonn continued to reel in the fact that he had a son now...no...THEY had a son. But he was glad that Aislin approved of the name, for it was their child after all. Eamonn carefully sat down beside his wife, holding their son close to his armoured chest as the servants brought Aislin broth to nurse on and drinks to help restore the energy spent from birthing. Hazel eyes turned down to his wife. Thoughts went back to the day in the field where he had laid dying in his wife's arms. She did promise him such...and Aislin did well. She saved him in so many ways. Leaning over, he kissed her cheek tenderly. ``And I am proud of you..I love you, Aislin. Two children, strong and healthy...I am so very proud to be your husband and father of your children.`` And every word he meant.

Ocean eyes closed as Eamonn kissed her cheek and spoke of his love for her. She was so happy to give him these gifts, not once but twice. Truly they were blessed. Her hand drifted from their son's to Eamonn's arm as eyes opened and looked to him. `` As ah be proud to be yer wife and bare yer seed. Never forget that my heart. It nay matter what others think, ah be proud to call ye husband and lover of mine. `` Another sigh was given and she made ready to rest. `` Ah wish to rest for a time, then we can go and tell the others of our news.`` For two hours, Aislin slept and when time came to place her dress on, bits of dried blood could be seen at the bottoms of it, but not overly noticeable. Her face was cleaned and mask placed back on her face, but Aislin would not move back alone. No, servants were there to help and Eamonn was left to carry their son. Aislin wanted him only to worry of the child as she was moved out to a chair to rest.