Fendros stopped to give Meesei a quick glance. Given how long the labour had been so far, he assumed that the crescendo they were riding was coming to an end with what she said. This was good. He looked down at Ahnasha and received her look. He smiled as he knew the torture would soon be over. With more confidence, he encouraged her further. "Just a little longer, Ahna. You've made it this far. Just a little longer! You can do it!"

In Ahnasha's next scream she found a new power in her already previously vice-like grip. Fendros had to resist the urge to join in the screaming. He felt as if his middle finger bones were going to burst from his skin. In order to resist his fingers getting dislocated, he had to squeeze Ahnasha's hand in return. "Just a little longer, Ahna!"