an entrance

[sheila_nagig]

[ OOM: The miracle of an easy birth.]

An old lady proceeds to enter through the front door. Most people have probably never seen her before.

But they may recognise her. Maybe if they've visited Ireland, or maybe even if they just look closely at the face, they'll recognise something of her old self

Comments

[and_far_away]

There's a man also sitting near the fire, his baby daughter - not even a week old - held carefully in his lap.

He looks up and nods to her as she sits down.

[sheila_nagig]

She smiles softly at the bebbe. And nods at the gentleman.

"She's beautiful."

She doesn't have to be able to see the baby too closely; all babies are beautiful.

[and_far_away]

And Sharpe, who finally has a living daughter he has every expectation of being able to keep, smiles at her.

"Thank you."

[sheila_nagig]

"She's not so old, is she? And so peaceful already.""

The soft Irish lilt in her voice is calming, like a babbling brook on a summer's day, or the wind through the trees.

"I think this one's going to be a quiet one, too."

[and_far_away]

"Not five days yet, but she's not long fed. Sleepy." He peers over at the baby in her arms, assuming it's her grandchild. "How old's yours?"

[sheila_nagig]

"I gave birth and came through the door. Not an hour old yet."

And he looks like a week old, two weeks old, his eyes already open and looking around him with eyes like Sheila's.

"He's waiting to be Named by his daddies."

[and_far_away]

He'd ask if she should be walking yet... but he's not stupid, and that is not a human child of an hour old, even if she looked young enough to give birth.

He nods slowly. "And then?"

[sheila_nagig]

"And then I will go and take a well-earned nap."

And by nap, she means, 'going to sleep and never waking up ever again. But nap sounds better.

"I'm sure you will understand the need for sleep soon if you don't already."

[and_far_away]

He chuckles wryly. "Oh aye, I do."

Especially with his wife not back up to strength yet. Or ever.

[sheila_nagig]

Oh dear.

She smiles at him, and nods.

"Aye, that you do."

A soft wink, and she kisses the baby's forehead..

"What's your name?"

[and_far_away]

"Richard Sharpe", he tells her. "And this here's Dominique."

[sheila_nagig]

"That's a very swanky name. Fit for a princess."

She rather likes it.

"I'm Sheila. I'm afraid I won't be back again," she says, until she has to stifle a yawn. "Although I wish I could, to see that one turn into a stunner."

She doesn't believe in un-beautiful people. Just angry ones, hurtful ones, deceitful ones. And babies are none of those things.

[and_far_away]

"Not quite", he says with a quiet smile. "She'll be sister to a Viscount, though, if he keeps the title." He glances up at her at the last part. "You know that for sure?"

[sheila_nagig]

She nods.

"Unfortunately so. I can feel the Earth calling me Home."

She smiles, albeit a little sadly.

"It's not a decision I regret."

[and_far_away]

"Nor should it be", he says softly. "Not when it's only your time come."

[sheila_nagig]

"I've been around almost since the beginning. I've seen a lot."

She looks around, looking for Jack. He should be here soon.

"My time should have come an age ago. I'm just stubborn. Knew there was something else I was needed for."