Chapter 32
One night, when Loni and Scar returned, they found Da pacing, wringing his hands, beside himself in panic. Lydia sat beside Loni's mate, sobbing piteously. Gem was in labor!
It was not that either of the other two had never seen such a thing; but that they were caught in ugly memories, fearful, and uncertain what to do.
Loni didn't even bother washing up in the pool they had built for that purpose, at the side of the waterfall; he went direct to his tormented mate.
****
It wasn't easy for Loni to do two things at once; on the one hand, he needed to be at Gem's feet to catch the new born; on the other Gem needed his strength, but holding her hand to give it to her, kept him from helping the little one.
And then there was Lydia. She had completely lost it, sobbing as if Gem and the baby were going to die. But when Loni entered her thoughts, he realized the problem. She was thinking more of the babies she'd lost.
Perhaps, I can involve her somehow?
"Lydia," he shouted into her mind. "I need your help. Go to Gem's feet. Catch the baby."
Lydia stared at him, at first not comprehending; her sobs quieting, as the order sunk in; her body still shaking with the resulting hiccupping tremors. After more than one try, Loni finally got through to her. The younger woman wiped at her tears, and obediently, moved into place.
Loni looked about; saw Scar apparently asleep on his mat.
Good! He'll be no problem. But...where did Da go?
He sighed. Of all times for the boy to disappear.
Another contraction was assaulting his woman. Loni willed Gem his energy, so she could fight through it. Loni felt the weakness flood over him, as he traded vigor for limitation.
And then, Gem was pushing. Lydia was yelling excitedly:
"It's coming! I see its head!"
Suddenly, the feeble wail of a new born, from a distance; Loni realized he'd near passed out; giving too much of his life force. The man let go of Gem's hand, and went to cut the cord; and after that...deal with the afterbirth.
****
Scar recognized what was happening. He had often watched as cows and pigs gave birth, but...he had never seen a human do it. As Loni took control of the situation, Scar decided simply to observe, retiring to his own mat, where he lay down, feigning sleep, but covertly watching, one eye open, hidden by his folded arm.
The one armed twin noted when Da left. It seemed to Scar, the simple one was in such a state, he couldn't stay and watch. Also, Scar was quite certain Loni hadn't told Da to go; that man was too busy with the ministrations to his pregnant partner.
The tears Lydia was shedding told Scar another story. He had gathered enough, previously, to know the Physicians had taken her baby, and Lydia was mourning the loss of that young one; paralyzed into uselessness. More than likely, this new birthing was bringing back unpleasant memories.
While the twins were together Galar had often instigated torment of the animals. Because of that conditioning, such a scene as this, merely amused Scar. He lay there, enjoying the madness of the scene.
When the baby dropped from its mother, Lydia caught it; and Scar realized, he'd been wool gathering.
How was Lydia commandeered into helping?
He had missed something.
After the baby was freed of the cord, and swaddle wrapped, Loni gave the infant into Lydia's care. As he turned to clean up his mate, the younger woman cuddled the baby girl to her breast.
****
For so long, Lydia had ached, her nipples leaking hourly; her milk was full and ready, and the sound of the infant's cries made it flow. She opened the flap of her coveralls, and pressed the child against her swollen breast. The seeking, tiny-one nuzzled, and quickly latched on. Her hungry drawing soon eased Lydia's prolonged discomfort.
Lydia sighed, as if she had been given a reprieve.
Loni turned, and saw. Chuckled. To her mind alone, he commented:
"You haven't dried up! That's good. Between the two of you, my wee one will be well fed."
Tears sprang to Lydia's eyes.
He didn't scold; he approves.
Because of that, when Gem held out her arms for the baby, Lydia didn't mind giving it up. Gem too, seemed happy, smiling widely at her.
****
As she nursed her new born, hours later, Gem noticed how Scar sat across the camp, on his mat, scrutinizing her every move.
Lydia had gone back to her mat, asleep now, that she was at last more comfortable; Da, as yet, had not returned. Loni was asleep, also, lying just behind Gem's back.
She raised the infant to her shoulder, to burp the little one, and between the gentle pats, beckoned with her hand, for Scar to come near. The one armed twin inched like a dog across the dust of the center court, timidly, hesitantly. With each encouraging wave, he moved closer, until he sat beside her on the bed.
Loni did not stir; he appeared more exhausted than the mother of the new one.
The baby was asleep now, content. Gem carefully eased her into the crook of Scar's arm, directing him on holding her safely, as she did so.
If I let him hold her, he should feel more included...
But Gem chose not to invade his thoughts. Perhaps if she had, what came after, might have been prevented.
****
Scar hadn't wanted to return the soft, cuddly bundle, but after much persuasion, he had given in. She, once more, slept next to her mother. He'd obeyed the woman dutifully, returning to his pad, but his mind objected. Also, he feared reprisal from Loni, if he showed disrespect to his woman.
Sometimes, Scar still felt, she was supposed to be his, but Loni
