Officially Pregnant
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Avery, Paula
Date Posted: 21st April 2015
Characters: Telemon, Zelah, Runnfreya
Description: The Healer officially confirms the Lady's status.
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 12, day 12 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Bryvin, Parme
She had put off having the official confirmation, preferring to trust her mother's training and her knowledge of her own body. What if she'd been wrong about it? (Her stomach disagreed with that point.) Or what if something had happened to her after the announcement? But she was the Lady, and waiting until she was visibly showing wasn't an option that her position really allowed.
When Xeladrie entered the infirmary, it was with her head held high, and she tried to keep her nerves off her face.
Ena's warble alerted Telemon. He recognized her immediately and could almost guess why she was here. He had befriended many drudges with his kindness and they kept him informed with the hold's gossip. According to kitchen staff, they had been making deliveries of dry crackers to her quarters regularly now. Dismissing the journeyman he had been talking with, Telemon went greet her. "My lady," He bowed. "What can I do for you?"
"How are you today, Master Healer?" she asked him. They both knew what was going on, but she felt compelled to discharge the duties of politeness first.
"I'm fine. How about you, how are you feeling? Do you want to move somewhere more private?" Telemon inquired.
"Please," the Lady said. The holders would know eventually, but she'd rather bring it up in private.
"This way, Lady Xeladrie," Telemon guided her to a room reserved for patients that needed privacy. Like her. There was even do not disturb-sign at the door, which he latched after them.
She sat down on the provided exam table and looked at the Healer. "I suspect I'm pregnant, and it's time to get an official confirmation. I'd also like advice on when to announce it."
Telemon nodded and took a hide to start her medical records. "So, when did you last have your menstruation?" he asked. He tended to believe women's own diagnoses in these matters.
"My cycle is always the third sevenday of the month," she said. "I had only a little spotting in the 10th month and since then, nothing."
Telemon nodded. "Any other tell-tale symptoms?" he asked.
"Some nausea," she admitted.
"How about your breasts? Do they feel sore or swollen?" Telemon asked. Especially with first timers, breasts usually grew bigger early in the pregnancy. "Tender to the touch?"
"Sore's a good description," she agreed.
"Congratulations, My Lady, you are indeed with a child," Telemon
smiled. Then he became serious again. "I need to do you a physical exam to ensure everything is as it should be," he said. "You need to undress for it," he took one of the infirmary robes from a shelf to her. "If you feel uncomfortable being alone with me in such situation, we can ask one of the Ladies to be present. Or we can ask Parme, who's excellent midwife, to do the exam."
"I'd like to have a lady here," she said after a moment, considering. Telemon was a professional, of course, but she'd just feel better with a companion.
"All right, who shall I call?" Telemon asked.
"Uhm." Her mind was drawing a total blank. "Any lady who's willing?" The specific didn't matter as much as someone.
"I'll be back shortly, you can change meanwhile," Telemon said with a bow and left the room.
He came back few minutes later with a woman in her early thirties. She wore lot of expensive jewelry (too much) and her dress was obviously well made and expensive, but the low cut was barely proper. Her breasts looked like they could pop out of the dress if she took a deep breath. Her dark hair was laid up to a simple knot. "I'm hardly the lady you're looking for, master Telemon," she protested when Telemon ushered her in. "My reputation is enough to sully her," she continued.
"Nonsense, you don't give yourself a credit," Telemon replied. He had learned to know her rather well while treating her husband.
Xeladrie didn't recognize the woman, but she gave her a hesitant
smile. "I'm sure it'll be fine. I'd just appreciate the company," she reassured softly.
"This is Runnfrida, her husband is one of your minor holders," Telemon introduced them.
"My Lady," there was nothing wrong in her curtsy. Her appearance might be odd combination of vulgar and elegance, like someone who was not used to wearing finery, but her manners were flawless.
"Pleased to meet you Runnfrida." Xeladrie answered. She tugged the infimary robe's hem as she spoke.
"Horrible things, those," Runnfrida gestured towards the robe and smiled with genuine warmth. "Shall I distract you with a story while master Telemon does his thing?"
"Yes please," Xeladrie said to her.
She pulled herself a stool and launched into a story that might or might not be true, while Telemon started to do his exam.
The story was fascinating enough to keep Xeladrie's mind off of the exam. Listening to Runnfrida was much better than just closing her eyes and waiting for it to be over.
"All done," Telemon declared and helped the Lady Holder back to
sitting position. "Everything is as it should be. You're nearly end of the first trimester, so you're on the safe side if you like to make the official announcement of your condition," he continued. Runnfrida curtsied and bid her farewell, leaving the two of them alone again. "Did your mother, aunties or possible older sister ever had any problems in their pregnancies?" He asked.
The confirmation brought her a feeling of triumph, if not happiness. If it was a son, Bryvin's happiness would be assured. And she would be safer.
"One of my aunts had bed rest the last few sevendays, but that was the worst of it," she told him.
"That bodes well for your pregnancy. Certain problems with pregnancies seem to be passed down by blood," Telemon replied. "I'm scheduling you a regular checkup, once in month right now, more ofter when you approach the due date."
She nodded. "I hope it goes well, too. It'll be a good omen for us if it does. And I'll be sure to keep those."
Telemon gave her some general instructions concerning pregnancy, what to avoid and what to do, before the appointment was over.
On her way out the door, she smiled at him one last time. "Thank you for confirming this. It means a lot."
Last updated on the May 5th 2015