Exton

Alise's labor had progressed all day. She spent most of the time pacing, restless and agitated; she was unable to sit for very long. She tried to block from Stoney, wanting him to get his rest, but she wasnt very good at it. And his love and reassurance kept her spirits up. People had been coming and going throughout the day and Alise had lost track of who had been there and who hadnt. She made Raina swear that should the babies come sooner than expected she would make everyone leave the room, Alise saying she had no desire to be the freak at the center of a sideshow. Stoney had touched her mind then, Allie, it will be as you wish, just me and you, Rowan and Star. It will be fine, I'll be with you soon.

Raina was getting worried about Alise, she was pale and had dark circles under her eyes and was just about to call Rowan when Alise doubled up in pain and her water broke. She calmly asks Pandora to call Rowan and helps Alise to the bathroom to get changed and cleaned up.

Alise starts to cry as Raina is helping her change into a clean shift, “What if I cant do this?”

Holding her close Raina laughs softly, “Honey, its a little late for that now. They cant stay in there forever.”

Alise swats at her but is smiling, “I know. It just seems like this is taking so long..”

“Do you want to be closer to Stoney right now? I can try and get the bed so its comfortable for you..”

Alise nods, “Can you make a fire in the fireplace? It seems so damp and cold today, like it might snow.”

“Of course I can build a fire. When this is over remind me to tell you about the time I almost burned down the longhouse....”

“Raina, you didnt?!”

Raina nods, “Yeah, I did. And got my ass paddled for it too, and had to sleep for a week with the horses. Trust me, I know how to build a fire now.”

Pandora sticks her head in at the moment and asks how far apart the contractions are, “Rowan needs to know.”

Alise tells Pandora “About 15 minutes or so..”

Raina gets Alise settled and the fire going. When she leaves the room she can tell Alise and Stoney are 'talking'.

“Lets get this fire going too and make some coffee. I assume Rowan is coming?”

Pandora nods, and as she stacks wood in the fireplace Raina says a silent prayer to Freya for strong, healthy babes and a easy birth for Alise.