It was finally time. Gar, who usually showed little expression, paced back and forth near the entrance of the cave while taking occasional glances at his mate, Lena. At the side of the cave, Nif was with Lena telling her soothing words. Old Nif had helped Lena through two other births before, and she assured everyone that she saw no problems.
It was right after breakfast when Lena’s mood changed. She happily talking with Gar and the children when she stopped suddenly. Her stomach gripped her tightly, and she knew it was time. Gar went to fetch Nif and watched as the two women talked. As Lena and Nif focused on the birth, Gar started to pace around the cave more.
The fire was built high and hot at Nif’s request, throwing shadows all around the cave as people moved in preparation of the birth. The stoic hunter was torn between wanting to support his mate and not wanting to face the actual birth. Gar could barely stand to watch the pain he saw his mate have to endure, despite surviving intense pain himself.
Han came over and laid a hand on Gar’s shoulder. “All good,” Han said. “Another strong child.”
Gar nodded, glancing just beyond the fire and then at the mouth of the cave. He gave Han a quick smile then continued pacing, inching closer to the cave entrance with every step. After few more passes he glanced outside, but then turned toward his mate and walked over.
Nif was soothing Lena, who was sitting back and sweating in the now hot cave. Gar stood quietly off to the side, watching everyone move around with a purpose. Nif stood up to make sure the cleansing water was being heated. She looked at Gar and nodded as she passed.
“All good. Just like others,” Nif said.
Gar stepped closer to his mate and squatted down, taking her hand gently in this. Her eyes opened up at the touch and she smiled.
“I love you,” she said before closing her eyes again. She squeezed his hand hard as the pain took hold.
“Love you, too,” Gar replied, enduring the discomfort of his hand without showing it.
Nif came back over, followed by a few people carrying the heated water. “Need room,” she said and Gar moved out of the way. She laid her hands on Lena’s stomach and closed her eyes. Lena squirmed a bit and gave a short gasp as another contraction hit.
“It is time,” the old woman pronounced. A few moments later, Lena’s water wet the furs she was sitting on. Lin, who had been sitting nearby, gasped in surprised then got up to tell Han and the other men the news.
Lena squeezed her eyes shut and took a deep breath. Gar stood, staring, almost frozen as he stared at his mate finally giving birth. After more breathing, concentration, and pushing, the top of the head was visible. Lena gave a small shout as the others encouraged her.
It was just too much for Gar. As much as he loved his mate, he couldn’t take the situation. He turned toward the mouth of the cave and walked outside into the bright sun.
Gar walked around outside, trying to find something, anything to distract him. People walked by and said comforting words to him, but he wasn’t paying attention. His mind kept wandering back to his mate and the tiny bit of the head he had seen. He stopped and stretched his arms high to the sky, stretching until his muscles ached and his mind cleared. He sat down without opening his eyes and let the crash of the waves down at the beach calm him.
It was the piercing cry of a newborn baby that broke the silence and made him open his eyes. His hunter reflexes had him on his feet and moving toward the cave in a heartbeat. He slowed down and took a deep breath as he reached the cave entrance. He took measured steps inside, toward the crying and toward his mate.
As his eyes adjusted to the light, he saw Nif spitting on the ground and tying the cords. Vel, Nif’s apprentice, was wrapping the infant in soft furs after just washing him in the water. She handed the dark bundle to Lena, who held it close and smiled at it.
“A son,” Nif said.
“Our son,” Lena echoed. She looked up at Gar and smiled.
Gar walked carefully over to Lena and saw his son. He tenderly touched the child, running his finger along his slick skin. “Our son,” Gar said. A tiny hand reached out and grasped the hunter’s finger tight. Gar smiled.
It was only when Gris hobbled over that Gar finally took his eyes off his child. “Pa, my son,” he told the old man. The baby was quiet at his mother’s breast.
Gris nodded. “A strong son is named Tal,” the old man mumbled as he smiled his toothless grin. “Strong son.”
Gar looked back at Lena as she was stroking the child’s head.
“Our son, Tal,” she said, smiling at his little face.