Contents
31 South
Overview
In the Priory, Tunuva defeats Esbar in a spar before Siyu goes into a difficult labor. With Denag’s aid and an herbal draught, Siyu safely delivers a daughter.
Esbar reveals Saghul has collapsed. The birth triggers Tunuva’s buried grief for her dead son, and Canthe unexpectedly consoles her, reshaping bonds within the Priory.
Summary
In the War Hall, Tunuva warms up beneath the mirrored ceiling, reflecting on lineage and a nightmare of Esbar stabbing her. She spars with Esbar before gathered sisters, including a newly freed Yeleni and the visiting mage Canthe. After a measured defense, Tunuva outmaneuvers Esbar and wins the bout.
A postulant rushes in with news that Siyu is in labor. Tunuva hurries to the birthing chamber, where Denag prepares the space. Memories of Tunuva’s own arduous birth and the loss of her son surface as she steadies Siyu, who wants only Tunuva present.
Siyu struggles as the child fails to descend. Denag suspects a malpresentation, administers a brief numbing draught, confirms a face-first position turned toward the belly, and carefully adjusts the baby. With Tunuva’s support, Siyu pushes again and delivers a healthy daughter. Relief floods the room, though Tunuva is shaken by grief-laden memories.
Outside, Esbar arrives with Lalhar and reports she missed the birth because Saghul collapsed. Tunuva, exhausted, sends Esbar to Siyu and flees to her balcony, where she finally releases years of pent-up sorrow for her dead child.
Canthe follows, finding Tunuva in anguish. Despite being an outsider, Canthe offers quiet, knowing comfort, acknowledging the pain of losing a child. Tunuva accepts the solace, hinting at a new, tender connection amid shifting family stresses in the Priory.
Who Appears
- Tunuva MelimVeteran sister who defeats Esbar, supports Siyu through labor, then relives grief for her lost son and accepts Canthe’s comfort.
- SiyuYoung sister in difficult labor; with Denag’s aid delivers a healthy daughter; leans on Tunuva for support.
- DenagExperienced birth guide who diagnoses malpresentation, administers a numbing draught, and safely delivers Siyu’s child.
- EsbarTunuva’s lover and sparring partner; loses the bout and later reports Saghul’s collapse, arriving after the birth.
- CantheInysh mage guest who declines to spar; later comforts Tunuva during a breakdown over her lost child.
- YeleniRecently freed from confinement; observes the spar and the unfolding events from the sidelines.
- SaghulElder who collapses off-page, drawing Esbar away during Siyu’s labor.
- LalharBanded ichneumon companion that arrives with Esbar, briefly interacting with Tunuva.