Exton

Aware only of pain and Stoney's hands, Alise tries to look around the room. It is dark out but she is unsure of the time. The fire is casting dancing shadows on the walls. She thinks she sees shapes in the shadows, Who would that be? Her pale face and the dark circles under her eyes worries Stoney. It seemed like Alise had been pushing a long time and not gettng anywhere.

“Let me lie down. I cant do this any more. I cant... “

Stoney looks at Rowan who nods her head, “Let her rest a few minutes if she can. She is doing really well, this is just the hard part.”

Alise turns to her side and tears start to trickle down her cheeks, “*Maman, veuillez m'aider, je biseautent font ceci. Je vous vois là dans les ombres...”

Opening her eyes Alise sees her mother, kneeling on the floor next to her. “I told you we would be here. I know this is hard ma petite, but it is almost over. I told you this first one would be hard. All the others will be so much easier.” She strokes Alises cheek and Alise asks “All the others?”

“I told you at Samhain, remember? You will have a large family and the little one of Stoney's heart will come to you next time.”

Alises eyes open wide, “How do you know this?”

Her mother laughs, “I cannot tell you more, so do not ask. You need to save your strength now. This little one is growing impatient and wants to meet his mama and papa. Lean on your husband and listen to Rowan, all will be well. I wll be here, je taime Alise.”

Touching Stoneys mind, Chiot, did you hear her? Sarah will come to us next time. She says this is the worst of it. I feel like my body is ripping in half... Before Stoney can reply the contractions start again, more powerful and making her entire body shake. As Stoney moves behind her to help her sit up the fragrance of roses fills the air and she smiles.

Stoney kisses the top of Alise' hair. "Do you smell roses, mon Chaton? Someone blesses us with their presence.”

He blinks, looking again. "Your maman, Chaton?" His eyes focus on the vague image by her side.

"Merci, Madame. and we are grateful for your aid." He bows slightly, inclining his head to the now more distinct woman. Rowan and Star exchange a look, shaking their heads. Well, I see your maman... and she will see our bebes. It is enough, oui?

Rowan smiles, “I can see the babie's head...Alise, open your eyes when you push, look, one is coming....”

With Stoneys and Rowans guidance Alise delivers their son into the world screaming his little head off.

Rowan laughs, “This ones a boy, little over 5 pounds I would guess.”

Alise is crying and laughing, “We have a boy, a son. Let me see him.”

After cutting the cord Stoney carefully brings the baby to Alise. “He has your hair Chaton, but I think my eyes.”

Rowan is relieved that at least this baby looks to be a good size. “You better let Star take him for now. We have another waiting to make his appearance.”

Star takes the baby to a bassinet with a warmer, she measures and weighs the baby and wraps him in a soft flannel blanket.

Rowan notices that Stoney looks at odds with himself, wanting to be with Alise and fascinated with his new son. Rowan grabs his hand, “Come here. I think you should do this.”

Stoney shakes his head, “Me? I cant, … isnt that your.... I mean...”

Rowan smiles, “This one will be much easier for her. Put your hand here.... see, this one is coming already...”

Her strength almost gone, Alise manages to push her tiny daughter into Stoneys waiting hands. The look of love and wonder on Stoneys face as he holds his newborn makes Alise cry and she knows that this is an image she will carry in her heart forever.

“A girl? We have a daughter and a son? She is so tiny. Mon Dieu, look at how small she is. Is she all right Rowan? I dont want her to go to the hospital.”

Rowan checks her over, trying to hear her heart over the fuss she is kicking up. “She seems strong, just small, maybe a bit over 4 pounds. Lets get her wrapped up, she will need to stay warm. We will have to see how she does.....”

Alise nods and Star brings both babies to her. Stoney takes his son and settles in next to Alise who cant stop staring at the little girl. “She has your hair Chiot, so dark..” and right then she opens her eyes and looks at her mother. Stoneys eyes open wide at the sight. She has the same eyes as Alise, almost purple in color, not the normal bluish shade of most newborns.


*please help me, I cant do this. I see you there in the shadows