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“Yes,” she said between panting breaths She had been bearing down hard with each pain, and felt an urge to push again, but was trying to hold back for a moment “I think so”

They all helped Ayla to her feet and led her to the birthing blanket Proleva showed her the squatting position to take, then she got on one side of her while Folara supported her other side Marthona was in front, sot behind her and clasped the young wo her are of her stomach

Ayla felt enveloped by the softness and war to lean back on her She felt like Mother, like all mothers combined in one, like the soft boso else, too Enorth lay hidden underneath the mounds of flesh Ayla felt sure this woman could display every entleness of a war blizzard If she felt so ing storm, or comfort and nourish like a soft mist

“Now, at the next pain, I want you to push,” Zelandoni said The to her sorip

“I feel it co,” Ayla said

“Then push!” Zelandoni said

Ayla took a deep breath and bore down as hard as she could She felt the donier helping her, pushing down on the baby with her A gush of ater spilled on the blanket

“Good I aiting for that,” Zelandoni said

“I wondered when her waters were going to break,” Proleva said “Mine seem to break so early, I’m almost dry by the tiain”

“Now, again, push, Ayla,” Zelandoni said

Ayla bore down again and felt movement

“I can see the head,” Marthona said “I’m ready to catch the baby” She knelt down closer to Ayla, just as another strong contraction started As Ayla took a deep breath and pushed

“Here it comes!” Marthona said

Ayla felt the passage of the head The rest was easy As the baby slid out, Marthona reached out and caught it

Ayla looked down and saw the wet infant in Marthona’s arms, and smiled Zelandoni smiled, too