As they approached the room Elara's cries rung out.
Gabel clutched his chest, then pushed open the door.
Beside Elara on the bed sat Judith.
"He is back now my dear," she ran her hand over Elara's head.
Judith then stood letting Gabel have her spot.
Sitting himself back down he leaned in close, "I'm back my love, I am here."
Her sweat soaked head leaned against him while her hands gripped tightly onto his tunic.
"I'm here," he spoke again wrapping an arm around her to prop her against his body.
"Don't leave me again," she sobbed pulling at his clothes.
Gabel pushed back a piece of hair stuck to her forehead.
"I won't my love. I promise."
Moving his eyes down, he glanced at Joan who was sat at Elara's spread legs.
Next to her on the bed was a pile of blood soaked towels.
The sight sent a shock of fear through him.
Not even battle shook him like this.
He swallowed hard, then brought his head down to kiss the side of Elara's face.
I must not let her be scared.
"Elara, I am so proud of you."
She nuzzled her head against him, then suddenly flung back into his shoulder,
Screaming out.
"Deep breaths Elara. Push with this next one." Anna spoke out, feeling her belly.
Gabel tried to brace Elara as she push hard against him.
Her face turning bright red.
Several minutes later her body went slack and she began to sob uncontrollably.
"I can't anymore..I can't! Something is wrong!"
Anna walked back over beside Joan and knelt down, seeming to examine her.
"Your child is coming Elara. I know you are in pain..but you must not give up now. When the next contraction comes I need you to push as hard as you can. Push even though the pain seems unbearable."
Gabel looked down at her tear stained face.
Her body trembling.
The expression she bore was one he had never seen before.
It was like something created in his nightmares.
"What can I do! Please I need to help her."
He asked out in desperation.
"Encourage her, try to comfort her. This will be the most painful part so try to distract her." Anna answered while wiping more fluid from Elara's lower region.
Gabel grabbed Elara's hand and brought it up to his face.
"Elara ...look at me."
She let out a groan then slowly tilted her head up.
"Soon we shall meet our child, soon this will all be over. Are you excited to hold our baby?"
She nodded, her whole body shaking wildly.
"I a-am ...s-scared."
Gabel kissed her hand and shook his head.
"No no..don't be. I am here, I will not let anything happen. Do you hear me? I'm not going to let anything happen to you or our baby."
She sobbed, her face turning red while her body tensed up.
Instead of moving back, this time she leaned her body slightly forward.
