Worth Her Weight In Gold

In her white hands, she held a small dark-haired creature that had rosy little cheeks and sparkling blue eyes. Mercellus thought that he had been happy before, but nothing compared to this, as he tenderly stroked the thin film of hair that covered the tiny head. He looked into Elena’s shining eyes and his heart was so full, he thought it might burst apart. Elena’s face glowed with pure happiness as she held her baby, as only a mother could. “Oh Mercellus, she’s finally here, and I have waited so long for her!” she cried with joy. She cuddled the baby close to her and a tear slipped down her cheek. “Oh I love her so much, more than anything I have ever loved before, she is the dearest little thing!” she said. “Your father would have been so pleased, if he was here,” Mercellus told her softly. “Somehow I think he knows, and he is overjoyed for you.” Elena’s eyes grew misty as she replied quietly, “he only wanted what was best for me, he truly loved me, and I wish he was here,” she broke into a sob, and Mercellus’s own eyes grew watery. Then there was a knock on the bedroom door, and it was Hanna and Cyril, his parents, coming to see the newborn. Mercellus wiped his eyes and welcomed them in and Hanna gave a little gasp as she saw the sleeping baby. “Oh Mercellus, oh Elena! She’s here! My dearest little girl!” she became speechless as she drew closer and admired her. Cyril walked up, his eyes twinkling as he put his arm around his son. “So she’s here,” he exclaimed. “And she has all of her mother’s beauty, and not a speck of her fathers!” There was a cheerful laugh that went around the room. And then Elena spoke. “Here, you may hold her,” she said, handing the baby to the adoring grandmother. Hanna was rapt with affection and warmth and she held out her arms for the little darling. She cradled her in her arms and was lost for words, as she looked at Mercellus. “She’s in seventh heaven!” Cyril chuckled. He walked over and looked down at the sleeping baby. “What did you name her?” Cyril asked, his own eyes glued to his new granddaughter. Elena beamed and looked at Mercellus. He nodded and she spoke eagerly. “We named her Saida Wynn,” she announced proudly. “It means happy and fair and light, and that is exactly what she is,” she finished, clasping her hands together. “Saida,” murmured Hanna. “That is a lovely name, it is a beautiful name for a beautiful baby.” Then Phinehas, one of the servants, announced Ana and Zeph Woods, Elena's mother and brother were waiting in the sitting room and wanted to know if they could come in. He then led in the eager Uncle Zeph and the elated Grandmother Ana. She took in her breath as she saw Saida in Hanna’s arms. Her eyes grew soft as she came closer. She first kissed Elena lovingly and said, “my daughter, now you have a daughter, now you know how overjoyed I was when I had you.” she whispered. Elena smiled up at her mother and gently squeezed her hand. “Go look at her, Mother, she’s perfect,” Elena told her contentedly. Ana walked over to where Hanna was and held out her arms. Hanna freely gave her Saida and smiled kindly. Zeph was talking lightly to Mercellus over by the left side of the room but when he saw his mother holding the baby he walked over and a wide grin spread across his face. He held out his hand for the baby’s finger, and Saida grasped it. She blinked her little eyelids open and stared up at him. Zeph melted as he looked at the new little life. He gave Elena a look that she knew meant he was to be Saida’s servant for the rest of his life. Elena laughed as she watched her brother. Then, Osiris Kendall came, along with Lyra Brooks and the servants admired the baby at a short distance. Then, there was a soft knock on the door. But everyone was chattering so much, no one heard it. So the woman slightly opened the wooden door and peeked in. She gazed at the little group, so happy and blithe, her heart was filled with joy. Mercellus noticed her and ran over to her. It was Alishia, and she had heard the news of the birth and had hurried as quickly as she could over to the palace. Mercellus put his arm around the shaking woman. “Alishia, what is the matter?” he asked urgently. Alishia looked up at him with eyes glowing with ecstasy. “Oh nothing is the matter with me!” she cried, wiping a tear that fell from her hazel colored eye. “I am just so happy for you and Elena! You so deserve the great joy that has been brought upon you!” Mercellus laughed and kissed her worn cheek. “You are the dearest person, come see our little girl.” Alishia walked over to Ana and clung to the little baby that was in her hands. “Oh aren’t you the most darling treasure!” she exclaimed. “Oh what is her name?” she inquired eagerly. She looked over at the enraptured mother and Elena spoke up readily. “Her name is Saida Wynn, her name means happy and fair and light.” Alishia clicked her tongue in agreement. “She certainly is that, and so much more. She will be such a blessing to you Mercellus, and Elena in the years you age, for her beauty and grace will never fade, she will only become more beautiful as time goes on.” Alishia said gravely as she handed the baby back to its awed father. Mercellus looked down at his baby girl and went over to stand by Elena. Saida looked up at her mother and father and closed her eyes, as though she knew she was safe. Elena’s blue eyes sparkled as she held her newborn. “Oh, Mercellus, she is worth her weight in gold.”