As the moon bathed the blue waters the stars bathed the world in their iridescent light.

There was a gentle breeze caressing the trees. The firelight was reflected in the mens faces as they sat around the fire waiting. The clan was gathered as were the vikings. Mead was being passed around and much joy and anticipation were felt.

Within the small birthing hut a mother struggled to bring forth new life. She had not wavered in her duty as the contractions became stronger and stronger. Beside her was Elena the clan midwife. Also within the hut were her clan sisters. Brianna who had never given birth sat beside her, her face white as ash. She gripped her hand and squeaked words of encouragement. Belle stood near by waiting for the time to come.

Doom paced outside the door of the hut being shooed out by the midwife who feared evil things would be visited upon them if he were to be present.

The midwife handed her a birch stick to bite on. She had scattered ash leaves in the four corners of the hut to ward off evil spirits. The midwife intoned, "Mother Goddess , the giver of life, bring forth the bairn."

It was then the final contraction contorted her young body and she brought forth the child with much strain. The cry could be heard throughout the glen as he filled his lungs and made the world know his presence.

Taking up the Bolline, the white handled knife she waited for the pulse in the cord to quit and she cut it. Swaddling the infant she pulled back the hide cover and handed Doom his son.

But her work was not finished. Just as the babe in Dooms arms was being celebrated. The mother pulled the midwife to her and whispered her trial was not over for she felt the presence of another. The midwife in astonishment felt the child's feet coming forth. Tis no easy task lass you must not push. The bairn is feet first. The air in the hut was thick with tension as the midwife waited for the right moment. Then as if it was meant to be so, the babe worked its way into the world.

No cry was heard as the midwife cut the cord. She thought to shake the bairn and wake her. Her heart heavy with dread that this one would not be gifted with life. As she shook the bairn, the baby scrunched up her face. She cocked one eye open starring at the woman with a petulant look to her face as if to say "shake me again and I shall slay you." The women were amazed that the bairn did not cry. The midwife swaddled the tiny bairn and then called to Doom. You ave another milord. The lady has given thee a double blessing. May the Goddess of all be praised for you have been blessed with her good fortune this day.

It was with amazement that Doom then looked upon his daughter.

She be a rose milord and rose of Eire I tell ya. The little lassie would nae cry and looked upon me as if I had treaded upon her presence. I tell you milord this is a special bairn.

Sera brought forth a set of twins. She had begged her husband not to wait the customary six months and to name the infants.

They had chosen Talor Patrick for his son. But now they must name a daughter also.

As they whispered into the night they decided to name her Fjorda for his first wife It was a strong viking name.

Fjorda was a beautiful infant. She loved to be held and fussed over and was rarely fussy herself. She had the ice blue eyes of her fathers. Her hair was golden. She was tiny of build but strong of heart.

As a child she was curious but always the lady. She abhors to this day being dirty. She is delicate in appearance. Her hair the color of the golden wheat. her eyes still the icy fjordal blue of her father. She is a rose who is blossoming with each passing day.

Twill be Sir Tancred who brings forth the final blossoming of this delicate rose. What secrets do her petals hide as she begins her journey to young adulthood and marriage.