Author's Note: I just want to say I am very excited with everyone's enthusiasm with these centaur stories, considering I'm rather winging most of it. Enjoy this next chapter!
***
Soren moved restlessly outside the longhouse. He heard the muffled cries of his sister Rose and frowned slightly. Inside he could hear movement.
"Be calm, lad." Callum requested. Soren turned to his older brother. He stood stock still nearby. Out of the three brothers, Callum had been the most disciplined, and also the most brooding and observant. Soren had always wondered if he'd ever be happy again after Katerina's crimes. But he started to notice small changes in his behavior since Lila's arrival. Every time her name was mentioned, a certain light would appear in his eyes, even if Callum would deny it.
"I want to see the babe." Soren said, glancing at the entrance flap of the longhouse. There were more sounds, more painful cries.
"No centaur is present at the birth unless he is the father."
Soren sighed. "I know this, Callum." Out of the corner of his eyes, he could see Callum's lips curve. "I have been thinking..."
"So you do use that mind of yours." Came Callum's dry chuckle.
"I was thinking..." Soren reiterated. "That now that Thayer has a family of his own and you've got Lila...That I want a mate for my own."
"Every centaur wants a mate."
"Well...I have one. Not a mate, she isn't mine yet."
"Yet?" His brother arched an eyebrow. Soren cleared his throat and began to play with the small dagger he had strapped to his belt.
"On one of my hunts I came upon her."
"Why haven't you brought her here?"
Soren seemed to be fascinated with something on his blade and didn't answer right away. "The time hasn't been right."
"Right? Centaurs kidnap, Soren. We do not wait until the right moment arrives."
Soren was relieved that there was no chance to answer, for a piercing cry sounded from within the longhouse.
"The babe." Soren murmured. Both he and Callum turned their heads.
The child's cry was loud and healthy and female laughter followed. Words were exchanged. The brothers strained to hear, waiting for Thayer to come out. A moment later, Thayer pushed at the entrance flap and in his arms he carried his child.
"Centaurs," He called out. Many came out of their homes, awaiting the announcement. Thayer lifted his child up toward the sky.
"I present to you Sonja, daughter of Thayer and Rose."
The camp cheered. The birthing of a child in the camp was always celebrated, but as their eyes settled on the tiny squirming body in Thayer's arms, it was the fact that Sonja was a human female that made their shouts louder. Several centaurs came forward to clap Thayer on the back, saying to him this was a gift from the gods. The first female to be born to them in centuries.
"The gods find favor in you." Callum said when the others have left.
Thayer's face was so lit with happiness; he hardly took his eyes off his daughter. Soren smiled and reached out to touch the baby's cheek gently, only to have it swatted away by a tiny fist.
"She is strong." He chuckled. "And Sonja is a fine name."
"When Rose is healed, we will feast." Thayer said, his eyes still on his daughter. Lila came out just then, her face flushed.
"Thayer, Rose wishes the baby back with her where it is warm. The cold will make her ill."
Thayer laughed. "My Rose forgets, Sonja has centaur blood in her." But he went in all the same to soothe away his mate's worries. Soren glanced at Lila and Callum.