Change

It had been three years since Heron had married his queen. And in that time many changes had come over Amriel. For one, there had come a stabilization in regard to his throne – and with it a bit of an easier job though Heron was still quite busy most of the time. But magic had become accepted for the most part by most of the population – though there were still a few people here and there who disliked it – but they had begrudgingly started to accept that their kingdom was changing. Most though actually embraced the change.

Hazel and Asrar had tied the knot as well a year and a half ago. Hazel seemed to take great pride in her husband and though Asrar did not often verbally express it to Heron it was quite clear that he was as besotted as ever with his wife. And a bit more to Heron's surprise, Asrar had began to become quite studious in researching sorcery. Oh, he was definitely still more inclined for the physical but he was also getting a bit of a magic repertoire – focusing mostly on stuff he could use for his wife. For instance he had figured out a way to keep spiders from coming in – apparently an actual request from Hazel.

It was however another coming change that was taking most of Heron's focus now.

Having finished all the work he had to do for today – mostly just signing documents – he went to go see his wife. She was easy to find, mopingly laying down on a couch in the Queen's sitting room. He walked over to her and kissed her forehead gently. "I love you, El."

Elswyth looked up at him and then lifted herself up to kiss him. "I know." She sighed, "And I love you too."

Heron sat down beside her and wrapped an arm around her, rubbing her upper arm soothingly. His somewhat despondent lady leaned against him and sighed. "But I'm really ready for this to be over. I want to go hunting again."

"I know." Heron brushed his hand through her hair.

"I mean, I do want to be a mother, but I'm done being pregnant." She mumbled. Then whomped her head onto his lap. He continued threading his fingers through her hair knowing all she wanted was some comfort and not for him to actually say anything.

"Heron." She reached up to cup his cheek. "I might be complaining, but I'm actually somewhat happy to be carrying your child."

"I'm happy too." He said quietly, "And I wish it was easier on you."

Elswyth had not been having the easiest pregnancy. She had been constantly sick at her stomach for months, and had some very noticeable moodswings. And as she grew further along, she grew fatigued more and more easily as her stomach swelled. Sometimes she was very clingy towards him and other times grew a bit prickly – though even then it was clear it wasn't aimed at him. He was starting to get better at reading her moods – though admittedly at first he had stepped wrongly at times and rubbed her the wrong way or said the wrong thing. She was thankfully drawing near the end of the pregnancy and according to the doctors she seemed to actually be in good health.

It was actually the next day that Elswyth went into labor. It was a rather harrowing thing for Heron who was not allowed into the room (His state of mind was quite frantic and the doctors said it was best for him to wait outside). So all he could do was wait in a panicked state as he waited to hear how his beloved was doing.

At some point his sister came and sat with him, sending her husband to go do something before he joined them – later Heron realized that Asrar had been canceling anything Heron had to do that day.

It was seven hours before Elswyth had finished giving birth and the doctors let the anxious husband and new father go see her. She looked absolutely exhausted, but was smiling albeit very tiredly. Her smile grew a bit brighter when she saw him and she held her hand out to him. He grabbed it immediately, kissing her forehead. "You okay, El?"

"Tired, but there were no real complications."

"I was so worried."

She tiredly chuckled.

That was when one of the doctors came over carrying not one, but two bundles. She handed the two to Heron, "Your children, Your Majesty."

"Two?" Heron blinked, a bit taken aback.

"I had twins."

"…" Heron had fallen silent, staring into the faces of the newborns. They were so adorable. He felt tears begin gathering in his eyes and he quietly thanked Xi'eli for this unexpected gift.

The doctor informed him, "One is a boy and the other is a girl. The boy came out first."

"Thank you."

"Just my job."

Having already discussed names for their children it was fairly easy for Heron and Elswyth to name their little prince and princess. Prince Thoran and Princess Risama. The news of their birth was met with great joy throughout the kingdom.