Naz, having birthed her son, knew that Sayyida’s time was drawing near, and leaving her boy in the care of his father and half-sister, she promised to return to them soon. Once she had found the greying arab mare, who meant a great deal to her, she accompanied her and the golden healer who Naz learned was a part of Maslakhat’s herd, and helped her friend to settle upon the sands. At first, the marwari was a little uncomfortable, not wanting to encroach upon the scarred akhal-teke’s space nor impede her in her duties, but Naz was a quick learner, and managed to largely keep out of the mare’s way. Just as she was beginning to settle, words from her friend had her heart stuttering in fear.

"Sayyida, know that I love you, and I will love your child just the same," she began softly, managing to keep the concern from her voice. "I have loved it all this time in the womb, just as I loved my own before they were born, because you are in my heart, and this child is part of you." Naz glanced aside then, taking note of Sidika’s current location, and determined that a brief nearness to Sayyida would not be remiss. She stepped forwards with confidence and certainty, and reached to comfort her friend. "I promise to be there for your babe, and to do all in my power to nurture and protect it along with the rest of its family. But I want you there with me, Sayyida. A child needs their mother, and I need you – your beloved needs you." With that said, Naz stepped back again, and prayed that her words had given Sayyida the reassurance she’d needed. "So please, my beautiful friend, put these fears to rest. Be comforted by the knowledge that your babe will be protected and nurtured. You are in good care."

Moments later, when Sayyida voiced another question (this one less alarming, to be sure), the marwari held her tongue a moment, and allowed Sidika to answer first, respecting that she was here for emotional support, and that in many ways, the thin, scarred palomino was more knowledgeable then she (when it came to matters of healing and childbirth, at least). "Yes," Naz agreed gently, and hoped with all her heart that this is the case. The first time she’d given birth, it had been a torturous affair, and she had been alone. (She would never regret that, how could she, when Shanti had become everything to her in a dark and difficult time?) What she had observed that far of the mare called Sidika filled her with confidence – the lean Teke certainly seemed knowledgeable and experienced. She continued to keep out of the scarred mare’s way, but remained within Sayyida’s field of vision, holding to her sense of calm in the hopes that this would settle any of Sayyida’s unease.

At the words from the palomino regarding the child – a girl and not a boy – Naz took a small step forward, hoping to see what Sidika was explaining with her own eyes, and finding herself very curious indeed. In the land where she had grown up, there had been healers similar to Sidika, but Naz had never interacted with them, for she’d had little need for their services then. Despite her curiosity, the black and white marwari is quick to cast her thirst for knowledge and insight aside, in favour of reassuring her dear friend. "A daughter is just as much a blessing," Naz said softly, emotion threading through her words. She knew from experience, after all, and she would readily admit that in many ways, she’d be lost without her precious daughter.

The pale faced mare might have said more, but Sidika’s observations soon proved themselves accurate, and before long, the child was on its way. Naz ensured she remained out of the akhal-teke’s way, and circled around, ducking in close every now and again to tenderly caress Sayyida’s face, brushing her damp forelock aside and murmuring encouragement in the arabian’s ear. Oncethe filly was delivered, Naz retreated once more to give the new mother those first few precious moments alone with her daughter. A certain protectiveness threatened to overwhelm her then, as she watched them interact, and her hide prickled with apprehension. Even though these Dunes were well-populated, and Sayyida and her girl were well-guarded from predators, just knowing they were so vulnerable set a fire in the mawari’s bones. Her words spoken earlier had been true enough – she would do anything for Sayyida and her daughter.

Sayyida’s beckoning helped Naz cast aside her rising concerns and she approached slowly, stopping just short of the pair as they rose to meet her, and reached to press a kiss to the Arabian mare’s brow. Mismatched eyes brimming with tears of joy, Naz felt her throat tighten with emotion, and she nodded, managing to find her voice a few moments later. "Yes," she murmured huskily. "It is the most joyful thing in all the world, and she will always be with you, in your mind, in your heart." A silhouette appeared atop a rise in the distance, and Naz knew it was Shanti, come to look for her. "I am so happy for you, Sayyida, and so proud. You will be an amazing mother." She reached for one last embrace, and lowered her head to nuzzle at the filly, before pointing with her muzzle. "Go to him. There will be time enough for us to be together later – I promise not to go far."

And then she watched them make their way to Antares, waiting for them not far off, and turned, eager to hasten to her daughter’s side. "It is a good day, Shanti," she greeted her golden and white girl, kissing her as she had Sayyida. In silence, the palomino splashed mare wiped the tears that dampened her mother’s face, and then leaned in close, in a lingering embrace. Nothing more was said by either, aside from one last utterance from Naz, whispered in Shanti’s ear and whisked away by the desert wind, fervent as a prayer of gratitude. "It is a good life."