Solo [Stories in the Snow] An Unexpected Arrival

[Lorelle]

Timestamp :: 70th of Winter, 513 AV

Book. Book. Book. End of the shelf. Turn. More shelf. More books. Lorelle yawns, shuffling through all of them. Checking each to see if order and perfection has been achieved for what feels like the millionth time. So many times she has checked over these shelves. So many times she has checked over the ledger. Looking to see what is late, what is due, who is to be fined, etc. Her job isn’t a hard one. It isn’t easy either. Somewhere in the middle. It is one thing for sure though. Repetitive. There is only so much she can do in a day.

Sure, there is the occasional mixed in weird case. Like a book coming in having been chewed up by a dog likely from the Frostfawn hold. Or once there was someone with a very long drawn out story about how he wanted to take home a book on one of the gods when it was specifically marked to be for in library use only. Oh, and one time there was a little boy who wouldn’t let her have a book back and she had to chase him out of the snow. A shiver runs up Lorelle’s spine at the memory of that one. She frowns, remembering that boy with much disgust.

The point is, Lorelle’s job is rarely entertaining. So when something happens that makes it such than she better take the chance and enjoy it. For something likely won’t happen again for awhile.

“Miss?” Lorelle turns at the sound of a woman’s voice. Her eyes land on a Vantha younger than herself. Probably about eighteen or maybe nineteen. The woman has yellow streaks in her dark hair and stands about five foot and two inches. Thin, but this is masked by her swollen stomach. For this woman is heavy with child. Lorelle focuses on the girl’s face, not wanting to stare. She is pretty, curling hair framing her Vantha face with its shifting eyes and small smile. Lorelle nods. “How can I help you?” the librarian asks, happy to get away from checking the books over. She doesn’t mind looking over the books, but helping someone is preferred. A less taxing task.

“I am looking for a couple different books and can’t seem to find them,” the woman says, her voice pleasant and lyrical in her native tongue Vani. Something Lorelle easily understands. Lorelle nods, trying to stay focused and not let her mind drift where it wants to go. Telling this girl she just needs to look harder. “Alright,” she says, “Well some may be checked out but why don’t you tell me what you are looking for and we can see what this library has alright?” The woman nods. “Yes, that sounds good.”

Lorelle nods, waiting for the pregnant Vantha to tell her the books she is looking for. When the woman doesn’t the room sits in silence for at least a full two chimes. Finally, Lorelle sighs. “What is it your looking for?” she asks, forcing herself to stay pleasant now. The woman flushes with embarrassment. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize ... Cooking, sewing, and medicine. I think that is all,” the woman says, seeming flustered. Lorelle raises an eyebrow, eyeing the girl’s stomach. “Wanting to make the Arvinta baby ready I am guessing?” she asks, motioning the girl to follow her.

Even though Lorelle doesn’t see it, the woman nods. “More like getting myself baby ready,” she says, “This is my first and I am my husband’s second wife. His first died during childbirth and well... we are both nervous for me.” It is times like this that Lorelle wishes no one would ever share their life’s story to anyone. It forces other people to care or at least act like it. Even when they don’t want to. “Oh I see. Sorry, for him. Congrats on the baby though and I am sure you will do fine. You look ...” Lorelle struggles to find a word, “Young enough.” She winces, frowning at herself. “Healthy, I meant healthy.”

Groaning mentally, Lorelle runs a hand through her hair. Not wanting to deal with this. She looks back to the other Vantha woman and gives a smile. The pregnant girl seems on edge now which is not where Lorelle wants her. “Sorry, I am not experienced with this sort of thing,” she says, “I do think you will make it though. Relax would be my advice. Not that it is any good. I have never been in your position before.” The woman raises an eyebrow. Lorelle sighs when she sees it and turns back around before continuing to walk on.

“But you look older than me. Surely you have at least one little one around …” The pregnant woman’s voice is cut off when Lorelle shakes her head. Lorelle sighs, looking back to her for a tick before stopping at a shelf. “Here,” she says, bending down grabbing a book and giving it to the girl. “Sewing,” she says shortly before standing straight once more, “Let us continue on and find the others.” The girl is quiet for a few steps before she begins talking once more. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to pry.”

“Didn’t,” Lorelle says, her forced pleasant attitude gone now. “I am older, yes. Twenty to be exact. Not a married Vantha though. Never found the right man.” Lorelle’s tone is short and quick. Wanting to get this explanation over with more than everything. The pregnant Vantha stays quiet as she thinks of something to say. “Sorry,” she mutters. Lorelle doesn’t give an answer as she doesn’t find the need to do so. there is nothing left to say. Being an icemaiden isn’t exactly something celebrated around here.

“This one is on cooking,” Lorelle says after she slides another book off a shelf, “Just the basics. According to the Winterflame author it is full of basic recipes and kid friendly food ideas.” The girl nods, taking the book. Lorelle moves on, happy with the silence that has settled between them now. She finds the last book the girl wants, wondering who this woman is as she picks the book of medicine up. “Alright, that is all I got for you of the selections you have told me. Anything else?” Lorelle asks. The woman shakes her head. “No, thank you.” Lorelle gives a short nod. “Alright, if you need me. I’ll be at my desk. You’ll check out there if you decide you want to take the books home.” The girl listens before nodding and moving away. Lorelle watches before giving her own nod of satisfaction and heading towards her desk.

[Lorelle]

The library is fairly silent. Only Lorelle and the pregnant Vantha are in the main room. Each flips the pages of their own books. Lorelle’s being the ledger and the other woman’s being whichever book she is in. Lorelle tries not to think of the girl. Or the being inside of her. Or the girl’s story. It makes it easier to stay impartial. She doesn’t want to know anymore about the girl than the girl probably wants to know about her. Though, Lorelle isn’t sure about that. The girl seemed rather interested in Lorelle’s own story. Which has sort of unnerved the Vantha librarian. She is just happy the pregnant girl is sticking to her part of the library while she herself stays at her desk.

A bell passes by and Lorelle feels like falling asleep in her chair. It is so peaceful and silent in the room that is the main part of the library. Perfect sleeping conditions. Except for one tiny problem. Lorelle is on the job and if Jack catches her sleeping she will surely be forced off of it. Sighing, she sits back in her chair twiddling her thumbs. The door opens and a young boy comes in. Probably about twelve or thirteen if Lorelle would have to guess. He comes right up to her desk and puts down a book. “Lious Skyglow,” he tells her, “book on art techniques from other lands.” Lorelle nods, sitting up and looking for the book in the ledger. Raising an eyebrow when she finds it she looks to the boy. “You know this is overdue right? You will need to pay a fine.” she reminds him.

The young boy nods, pulling out a small pouch from his pocket. Lorelle guesses that inside the pouch is what she will be receiving for the fine. “Yeah, how much do I owe?” the boy asks. Lorelle looks back to the ledger, seeing that the book is overdue half a season. Forty-five days to be exact. “Nine silver mizas,” Lorelle answers, “forty-five times two equals ninety copper mizas which transfers to nine silver mizas." She explains out loud to make sure she did it right. When she is done, she looks to the boy who is counting out the silver rimmed mizas. He sets them out on the table. “Thanks,” Lorelle says, the boy gives a simple nod before turning and making his way towards the shelves.

Lorelle watches him, closing her eyes and smiling lightly before standing up and gathering the coins. She goes into the office and puts the nine silver rimmed mizas away before returning to her desk. On the way back, she notices that the pregnant lady is clutching her fist so tight that her knuckles are white. Lorelle raises an eyebrow, unsure as to what is going on but not wanting to pry either. So she shrugs and returns to her desk, not thinking anymore of it.

Another bell or so passes by and Lorelle is about ready to go home when the pregnant girl comes up. She looks to be in somewhat of a rush. “I need to go. Here. I want to take theses home,” she says, looking a bit flushed to Lorelle. Elle doesn’t bring it up though, just nods before opening up the ledger. She takes down the titles of the two books the woman has chosen and is about to have the girl sign when she notices something weird. The woman’s dark pants are starting to get darker. Like liquid is spreading down her legs. “Um miss,” she says before the girl takes a sudden grip on the desk. By the look on her face and the cry coming from her throat, Lorelle can tell she is in pain.

“I ... I um...” the librarian is flustered. Unsure of how to deal with this. And actually, quite unsure as to what is going on. The woman just seems to be in pain till she isn’t anymore. Lorelle moves her over to take a seat and stares at her. Never having had to experience this before. “So .. are you alright?” she asks stupidly. The pregnant lady looks at her with eyes Lorelle is easily able to tell are angry. Very angry. “Do I look alright?” she snaps, taking Lorelle aback. The librarian shakes her head. “Um.. no,” she says, sounding as if she is playing a guessing game.

The woman rolls her eyes. “I am having a baby,” she says, her voice seeming to grow angrier towards Lorelle than it was a little bit ago. Lorelle doesn’t blame her though. This is an area where she is little to no help. Maybe even less than that. “What can I do?” Lorelle asks, having not the smallest clue. “I need to get home,” she says. Lorelle tilts her head slightly. “Can you be moved like that?” she asks, completely confused and feeling out of place. The woman rolls her eyes. “This is why you should have married and had children,” she points out. Lorelle frowns, crossing her arms. “This is why I didn’t,” she snaps back, knowing it is actually only one of the reasons. And a small one at that.

Lorelle can tell that the woman is about to tell her something else when she has another contraction. Lorelle watches as the woman before her wades through the pain. Unable to think and a bit confused as to why the girl has had another episode of pain so soon after the previous one, the librarian finds that boy who she had to find earlier. “Hey kid,” she says, “I need you to do something for me alright?” The boy looks up from where he is reading something or looking at a picture. Something of the sort. He raises his eyebrows. “What is in it for me?” he asks. Lorelle’s eyes shift dark blue. “Kid, this woman is having a baby and I am already stressed out. I don’t need your lip. I need a favor. Now are you going to do it or not?” she asks. The kid looks dazed for a moment before nodding and standing up. “Lious Skyglow at your service,” he announces. Lorelle nods.

“Okay good, now. I need you to go get this woman’s husband. He should know what to do. His name is...” Lorelle realizes she doesn't know who the woman's husband even is. Let alone his name or whether or not he knows what to do. She looks to woman who is looking at her with a glare in her eyes but to busy groaning in pain to care to do much about it. “Whitevine. Juan Whitevine,” she answers as she gasps for air. “What she said. Now go boy. Be quick,” she snaps, making Lious nod before darting out of the library. Lorelle nods, pleased. Without looking back to the woman in labor, she sighs. Now for the main challenge of today. Lorelle wishes she knew before hand that today was going to consist of this. She might not have shown up.

[Lorelle]

Lorelle isn’t sure what she is still doing here. Two bells have passed, the woman’s husband has showed up and they have taken up a good portion of the floor in the office with the woman’s body and the blanket she is on. Along with other things needed for this child’s birth. Lorelle stands on the sidelines, wishing they could have just gone home. When her husband got here though, he said something about her needing to be stable and her contractions to close together or something. Lorelle isn’t completely sure, but she doesn’t think this falls in her line of work. sounds more like something Jack should be handling. Not that he would. He would have shooed them out the door long ago. Now Lorelle feels weak for not doing that herself. As if she didn’t feel helpless enough.

“Your doing good Lillian,” the husband says as he holds her hand. Lorelle looks over, a shiver running down her back. This is too much for her. To much exposer and not what she wants to see or experience. It makes her happy that she never married and unless her and Meville’s dream of leaving Avanthal happens, there is little chance of it ever happening. After seeing this, she isn’t sure that she will ever allow herself to be with child. Thinking that makes her feel like a wimpy child herself, but she can’t help it. This is far out of her comfort range.

The next hour is full of groans of pain, gentle encouragement from Juan and pacing from Lorelle. She moves throughout the shelves, in much distress and not knowing what to do with herself. She doesn’t want to leave them here. Knowing that she is probably the only other one here in the building with them. Still, she also wants positively nothing to do with this. She doesn’t want to hear it or see it or smell it. Yet she has a feeling all those things will be experienced today. The hope that this will be moved out of the library faded long ago, but now the longing for them to leave has as well. Lorelle just wants this baby to be born, the cries to stop and for them to go.

“Librarian, I need you,” Lorelle frowns as she hears the husband’s words. She gets up from where she is sitting down with her knuckles white as she grips the arm rests of the chair. With stiff movements, she stands up. The screams have gotten worse and though she doesn’t care to know, Lorelle has no idea what is going on. Just that the husband has called her. Tense, she looks into the office. Her eyes look everywhere but at the woman sprawled out in pain on the floor. “Yes?” she asks, trying to sound gentle and encouraging but feeling as though a large ball has dropped in her throat and is now blocking out all sound she might want to make with her vocal chords. “I need you to come here and crouch by Lillian’s head. Help me keep her calm. Give her your hand to squeeze, just make her as comfortable as you can,” the husband instructions.

Lorelle feels her face drop as she dares to look to the man asking her to do this. He crouches down next to where Lorelle knows the baby is preparing to make its way out. She sighs, her eyes revealing her panic as a tight ball of nerves twist in her stomach. This is so not in her job description.

Nodding, Lorelle moves over and crouches next to the woman covered in sweat who keeps trying to keep her breathing controlled. Lorelle puts out her hand and the woman instantly takes a hold of it, her body clenching in pain as what Lorelle knows is another contraction tears through her body. Lorelle tries not to wince, secretly hating seeing others in pain. Any sort of pain. It makes her uncomfortable to see the torment another person is going through and being unable to do anything about it. “It is okay Lillian. Your doing good. Just keep calm for us,” Lorelle tries to comfort, having no clue as to whether or not what she is saying is true or not. It seems like it should be. Why wouldn’t this be okay? She is doing good right? Lorelle sighs, unsure and confused. Why did this have to happen here? At the library and not at the couple’s home. Or at the healing center. Where it should be going on.

It is well into the night before any changes happen. Lorelle is exhausted herself and she knows that the woman is. She keeps asking for this to be over and Lorelle listens as her husband tells her just a little longer. That it will be okay and she just has to let her body do what it is made to do. Lorelle can hear the fear in his voice each time though. She can see it in his eyes. He doesn’t want to loose Lillian like his first wife. He is scared he will too. Her and their baby. It makes Lorelle feel worse each time he speaks to her about it.

Ready to just leave them, for she doesn’t want to stay here all night for a second time this season, Lorelle is about to instruct them on what to do once they leave if they wish to do so before morning when something happens. It is fast and Lorelle doesn’t really follow what is going on. All she sees is the woman is holding her knees as her screams pierce the air louder than they have been all not. Lorelle moves away from the two, unable to figuring out how to help. The screams continue, the husband tells her she is doing okay just a couple more. Then one more. Suddenly, after one last piercing scream, little short cries make their presence in the air. Only a few before everything aside from the woman’s quiet panting as she tries to catch her breath is silent. “Girl,” Lorelle hears the husband say, “Perfect and asleep.” Lorelle hears Lillian laugh, overjoyed and relieved. Sneaking a look over, Lorelle sets her eyes on the baby born in the library.

The girl is small with tanned skin and a full head of hair. She sleeps soundly as her father cleans her to the best of his abilities. Despite herself, Lorelle smiles. It is amazing and kind of impossible to think that she has gotten to witness a baby being born. In the library of all places. It has made up her mind about something though. It may change later. But in her current state of mind, it is decided. She is never having children. Ever.