Her Name Is Aravis

Her Name Is Aravis

Prologue

Her Name Is Aravis

~Part One: A Dark Childhood~

Prologue

The night was cold and clear, and a stern, solitary figure was gazing out his window. The moon was adrift in a sea of silver clouds, and the stars glimmered as gems in a deep, velvet sky. So beautiful, yet he couldn't enjoy it. Not now. His wife was bearing her second child and he was worried about it. She had always had a strong spirit, but her body was weak.

If something happens to her…

No, he wouldn't think of that. He shook his head and pushed the doubt away. Of course she'd be fine. She didn't have any problems with her first baby.

But that was before the fever took her. She did survive it…barely. It took her a long time to recover, and afterwards she was never again as strong as she once was.

"Father?" A timid, five-year-old's voice interrupted his thoughts. He turned around and saw his son, standing there with an anxious face. "Will Mother be alright?" The father stooped down and took the little boy in his arms. Would she be alright? His heart was painfully uncertain, but he smiled at his son reassuringly.

"She'll be fine, Emmel. Your mother has a strong will and a determined spirit. And soon, you shall be a big brother." A hopeful grin spread across the boy's face.

"Will it be a boy--or a girl?" he asked in an excited whisper.

"We do not know that yet," said the father, raising his eyebrows mysteriously. "Now go back to bed. The hour is late, and you need your sleep."

"Yes Father," the boy mumbled, yawning sleepily and rubbing his eyes.

"Good night, son."

"Good night, Father." The patter of his small, bare feet against the polished marble floor faded into the darkness, and the father was once again alone with his thoughts.

* * * * * * *

An hour passed by, and still he paced back and forth outside his wife's room, waiting…and hoping…and fearing. He halted abruptly and closed his eyes, clenching his teeth and his fists; he could hear more noises coming from behind the door. The sound of his wife struggling with pain inspired more fear in him than the deadliest peril he knew. He had fought many battles without the slightest tinge of fear, but the thought of losing his wife made his heart go cold. He held his breath and waited…and then he heard a sound that was music to his ears: a baby crying. It pierced the stillness of midnight, filling him with hope and joy. He had become a father once again.

Soon the door opened, and the midwife came out and smiled at him.

"O my master, the gods have blessed you with a healthy, baby girl."

"Praise Tash," he sighed. "And my wife?"

"She is exhausted, but well and happy. Once again she has proven her strength. The labor was hard for her, but not once did she cry out in pain."

"May I see her?" he asked, anxiously.

"Yes," answered the midwife, "but not for too long. She is drained, and she needs to rest and regain her strength." He nodded understandingly. Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door with trembling hands.

He stepped inside and saw his wife, propped up on the silk cushions. Her face was thin and pale, her dark hair was damp and lifeless, her eyes were half-closed with weariness.

Just as she looked during the fever.

Haunting images of that time flashed through his mind. Suddenly she opened her eyes and saw him. Her lips curved upward in a tired, but brave smile that chased away his dark memories, and in her arms she held a baby. He came forward, knelt by her side, and kissed her forehead.

"How are you, Araleena?"

"I am well enough," she answered softly. She looked up at him, her emerald eyes shining with joy. "Would you like to hold your new daughter, Kidrash?" He smiled in reply and took the small bundle from her arms, cradling it in his own, never taking his eyes off his daughter.

So tiny…so perfect…so beautiful.

The newborn stirred and wrapped her tiny fist around his forefinger. His heart swelled with fatherly pride.

"She truly is the 'delight-of-my-eyes,'" he said, chuckling. He gently handed the baby back to his wife, and kissed her again. "I love you," he whispered.

"And I love you," she whispered back.

"Is the baby here yet?" They both raised their heads and saw a small figure standing in the doorway.

"Come in, son," said Kidrash. "You are now a big brother." The little boy grinned, ran forward and scrambled up onto the bed.

"Is it a boy?" he asked hopefully.

"No Emmel; it's a girl," said his mother. "You have a new little sister."