“That’s my girl.”
Lana’iel looked up from the infant cradled in her arms and smiled at her husband as he entered their bedroom. Renir returned the smile, absolutely beaming, as he sat down on the edge of the bed next to his wife. He kissed her head and caressed her now empty, still-swollen belly, whispering words of comfort and healing to ease any lingering pain.
“A fine daughter you’ve borne us, my dear,” Renir said affectionately. He winked at his wife. “Perhaps next time you can bear us a son.”
Lana’iel laughed. “If the Light provides.” She gazed toward the sleeping infant and gently stroked her soft cheek with a finger. The newborn awoke at the touch, but did not cry. Her light blue eyes, as light as a summer sky, observed her surroundings and pondered this new face in front of her.
“She will be a fine healer,” Lana’iel said proudly. “Her touch is already delicate and her eyes are full of wonder and knowing.”
“Indeed,” said Renir as he leaned over and kissed his daughter. “And what is her name, love?”
“Närcyssa, with the hopes that she’ll have just as much mirth as the flowers after which she’s named.”
Renir cupped Lana’iel’s face tenderly and kissed her once more. “She’s beautiful. I’m truly the luckiest man in the land to be surrounded with such pretty girls.”
A noise from the hallway caught his attention, and he chuckled as recognition came. “Luisette,” he called, “I see you peeking; when the sun shines on your hair like it is now, it absolutely glows.”
I poked my head around the door frame and peered into the room. I looked at my father, and then at my mother, and last, at the child in her arms. I looked at my mother once more and asked, “Minn’da, may I see her?”
My mother smiled. “Of course you may.”
I hesitantly stepped into the room and slowly made my way to the bed. My father made way for me, and I climbed onto the bed. My mother turned her arms toward me, and I was able to see the infant – no, my sister – for the first time. Our eyes met, and she smiled.
