It was long, laborious.. but Delia showed a strength that was carried in all women who faced this trial, and she like others overcame her exhaustion to birth the baby. Her pushing and the final moment of truth felt as if it took an age to arrive and yet, the reality was that it was only moments before the head of the child crowned and as Delia pushed hard to bring the baby forth, Antonin guided the tiny frame through the canal with tender hands and fear in his heart as the babe emerged into the world.
It was a girl. A tiny, beautiful angel that settled into Antonin's hands in ominous silence but he did not allow the emotion of fear to overtake him as he turned to Evan and called him to come closer so that he could reach over Delia's thigh and pass the child off to Rosier, reaching for the cloak to bring it to him.
"Rub your fingers down the nose gently to clear the canal, and the back to stimulate the child, keep her warm and stay close, I cannot cut the cord until the placenta is born.." The cord pulsed, and Antonin knew it was important the babe get the blood from its core. Turning back to Delia, Antonin smiled at her, "It is a girl, she is beautiful.." And now to make sure that his wife did not die.