Foreign Customs

She gasped and lurched to her feet, clutching her belly as the babe kicked. Then she felt a rush of wetness as the birth-waters came forth, darkening her forest green skirts until they appeared almost black.

She called for Aragorn, and he came to her side as one of her ladies hurried to fetch the midwife. He held her close, whispering words of comfort as she turned to rest her head against his shoulder.

Aragorn would remain with her throughout, despite the midwife's disapproval. He would give of his strength, and together they would bring their babe into the world.