River nodded, panting, and Elise murmured, "Everything will be fine," to them both as he left.
Outside the room, the pack had clustered near the main hearth, both trying to give River space and also wanting to be close in case they were needed--and just excited to be near when the babies were born. Lake noticed Kahroan's exit first and stood from his armchair, crossing to him. The others looked over, whispering and beaming, but they'd been through this often enough to know not to crowd the new father.
"Oh, Kah." Lake smiled at the baby, then at him. "He's gorgeous."
There was suddenly a noise from the birthing room; through all her labor pains, River had been more prone to grunts of effort than actual noises of pain, but that--that was a scream. Lake suddenly froze, eyes snapping to the door.
Elise was in the doorway, voice clipped and strained, trying to remain calm. "Nora, I need you in here."
The mage jumped to her feet and ducked inside. Before Kahroan could follow, Elise held a hand out to him and said in a tone that brooked no argument, "Stay," before she disappeared back into the room.