[Hopetoun] Who do the Stars Gaze Upon?

[Avalon]

Vhalar 25, Arc 721

Isra was the picture of calm in the face of a wholly unique situation. However, her only concern was Vega and the baby, and as such, she focused on them. Everything else was just noise and could wait.

The redhead's water broke. Nodding her understanding of what the laboring woman was saying, Isra reached into her bag and grabbed a few small things. Vega wasn't feeling the need to push, so they weren't there yet, but the labor seemed to be progressing quickly. Too quickly, in her experience. First-born children usually kept their mothers in labor for a fair bit before making their entrance into the world, but Isra had no way of knowing if her patient had been having minor contractions before realizing what they really were. Every birth was different.

Dumping out a special liquid into her hands and rubbing them together, the healer listened to Vega, but her calm expression didn't change. The woman had given Isra her expectations, and those were to be honored. "Of course, Vega."

Vega settled and gave her more information, which aligned with what the healer was observing and her thoughts about Vega's progression. "Thank you. That's good information. Right now, do what feels natural. If you feel like moving, move."

Isra watched and waited. Every piece of information she could visually obtain from how the laboring woman acted was another puzzle piece that would be useful. She listened to Arlo and Vega converse, nodding with a warm smile as they both confirmed they knew what she meant about the contractions, but Isra made a note to be more precise in the future. The whole birth process would be new to the redhead, and it was good to keep in mind that she would only be able to frame what she felt from that perspective.

When Vega proclaimed she was ready to push and expressed a bit of wonder at the feeling, Isra returned the redhead's smile. "It is odd. One of those things that you have to experience to understand." Pushing meant the baby was ready to make its debut, so as Isra prepared herself, she grinned, nodding at Vega's comment as she settled down. "Ready to catch." The healer considered telling her patient that she hadn't dropped a baby yet, but thought better of it at the last minute.

The healer didn't bother with lengthy explanations or words. A woman's body knew what to do, and her job was to make sure the baby made a fuss-free entrance. Grabbing a thin blanket from her bag, Isra gently slipped it over Vega's knees, then folded it back a bit, allowing the redhead to position her legs in the most comfortable position she could. "If you are wanting to push, the baby is well on its way. I'm going to look real quick and confirm that."

One look told Isra what she needed to know. "You are good to push Vega. I can see the crown of the baby's head, and it's in a good position. The baby is eager to get out here and meet you. When you feel the need to push, push. The sensation will come and go, so in-between, rest."

Isra kept her focus on the baby's progress. Questions would be answered if needed, but everything looked good, and it was time for a little Creedlet to come into the world.

[Vega]

25th Trial of Vhalar during Arc 721

For some people, words were important.

They were for them, too, but not in the usual way. Their relationship was one of laughing together, of tormenting each other and teasing. Words were not what told their story, actions were; listening to their words one might be forgiven for thinking that Vega and Arlo spent most of their time bickering or disagreeing but nothing could be further from the truth. When Arlo said that he was more than ready, Vega heard the tone of his voice and she met his gaze with eyes which swirled in every colour. The speed of her shifting eyes told of her intense emotion but just for a moment, they slowed as she looked at him. Returning his smile, she grinned back at him. "Good job, I'd say. I'm not sure either of us is stoppin' this any time soon," she said, her hand in his.

"Stop fussin' I can get down on my own," she said, as she gratefully accepted his help; leaning on him and briefly resting her head against his chest. She raised an eyebrow when he said she'd do the heavy lifting and he'd be the love and support, though. "Sounds about right, I reckon," she grumbled good naturedly

Isra, in fairness to her, was the picture of reasonable and helpful. It was appreciated, but not in the moment. Right now, Vega just needed to accept that as her due and she would thank the midwife later. Nodding her head, she frowned in concentration as the process happened. "What I don't... ow.... ow ow ow ... what I don't like," Vega informed Arlo, "Is that I have got zero control here. It's... ohhhh, this is happenin' an' then some." It was a type of pain unlike any she'd experienced before, and she'd been worried about her legs not holding up properly. Mind you, she thought, she hadn't prepared for three... "Hang on, those mice can't see anythin' can they? Arlo, what's goin' on down there is not a spectator sport. Don't let them."

It might seem that in between the contractions and the pushing, that Vega wasn't resting. Arlo, of course, knew her better. She was regaining equilibrium, immersing herself in a sense of normal -or at the very least as normal as possible - by talking to him. She did so with her head resting against him and he could feel her controlling her breathing and making sure that she breathed deeply. She was trembling all over, but she did not mention it or concern herself with it. "Are the papas pacin'?" Vega could just imagine it, the two about-to-be-grandfathers winding each other up and getting all a fluster. Groaning in pain, she pushed and let out a low growl. "I bet," she said between breaths, "those useless twins would be dead by now. They'd best remain childless that lot." Sighing slightly, she leaned against him. "Where'd they get that book, those mices?"

When Isra said that she could see the baby's head, though, Vega looked rather surprise. "That's quick, innit?" A sharp elbow dug into Arlo's ribs. "See? Efficient, I am."

[Arlo Creede]

If the physical processes of child birth must be experienced firsthand in order to truly understand, then, Arlo figured, he'd have to take the midwife's and Vega's word for it. Happily so. As the son of Cassion, the act of experience was like a drug he could hardly resist. But in this case? Not so much.

Still, when the midwife declared that she could spy the crown of their child's head emerging into the world, he briefly had to fight back the urge to go and have a peek. But then he'd have done Vega or anyone else very little good was he to faint dead away as a result, or at best, throw up on somebody's lap or shoes. Still, Vega was right. There was no turning back now, and why would they want to? Still she had as much hope of shrugging off his help getting down onto the ground as she had of convincing him to turn a disinterested eye to her welfare, and that of their child.

"You can," he said when she declared she could do all on her own. "Indulge me anyway." As requested, the three mice....or whatever they were, got the proverbial stern side eye should they be congregating within viewing proximity or worse, in the act of gawking. "Mind your manners, and you can stay. Otherwise, wait outside till we're done here." When she spoke of their respective fathers, at least the mortal ones, Arlo couldn't quite help grinning a little even as he dabbed away the beads of moisture from Vega's skin, and smoothed the damp hair back from her forehead.

"They're pacing plenty, making sure they're both presentable for first impressions, bouncing their first words off the other for effect." Nervous too, Arlo imagined. Particularly Vega's father who'd have worries beyond the usual case of jitters. This was his daughter after all, and he'd know how things could potentially go wrong. If rarely. But quick? In the scheme of things, he'd guess that things were proceeding somewhat at pace. And he grinned again. "Our little Creede takes after his or her mother, then. No wasted time waiting for others to sort themselves out or shuffle their feet."

[Pig Boy]

25th of Vhalar 721

When given a side-eye by Arlo, the mice cadouri sidled over to where they wouldn't be able to see much. Unfortunately, Onnie caught a glimpse of the baby's crown, and promptly fainted. Rollo and Ruby were swift to snatch him up, however, along with the gifting tome, and took him off toward the side. It was a little awkward balancing the gifting tome and their friend Onnie, but they managed to get out of the view of the birthing itself.

When Vega asked where they'd gotten the book, it was Ruby who answered, "We... er... We were gifted it, upon arriving in Idalos. From who? We can't say..."

Rollo elaborated, "Because we don't know!" He held his hands up in a shrug. "I always thought it was Saoire, but then, why wouldn't she give it in person...?"

They both giggled lightly at each other, but then got all serious when they remembered the look Arlo had given them. "Perhaps when this is over, we can figure out who gave it to us? Or... we can..."

Leona snarled lightly at the mice, who then hopped in fright at her growling. "Silence..." Leona nuzzled Vega's neck as she was giving birth. "Cling to us Vega, I think the worst is almost over..."

So saying, the baby was on the verge of making it out. It would only be a few more moments until Vega had successfully given birth. Leona tried to be there for Vega in the moment, but the mice were annoying her, and it bled into her attempts to soothe her friend.

[Vega]

25th Trial of Vhalar during Arc 721

One of the mice fainted and Vega gave Arlo a glare. "You had one job, you did," she said with a smile.

However, in reality, she had very little time or energy to spare on anything except the process she was involved in currently. Vega looked at Isra and nodded. "I need to... oh frangipannie, ow ow ow.." She rested against Arlo and Leona in between the contractions and when the time came to push, she pushed with all her might. It was quite something, she thought, as she sat there, on the floor of the oasis. Joy would be an older sister, the fathers would be grandfathers - she could just imagine the two of them there, both nervous, both excited, neither one of them being too demonstrative. They would both be excellent, Vega didn't doubt, but all she could do right now was to focus.

"When this is over you three," Vega said to the mice. "We'll have a look at that book, an' see if we can work it out" It wasn't likely to be Saoire, Vega thought. Maybe, but why? But then again, why would any Immortal be interested in this child? Vega was Xiur's Champion, it was true, but that hardly seemed relevant at the moment. Then, though, she looked at Leona and a thought crossed her mind. "Don't let them get to you, what's the matter?" She asked the question in genuine concern but then let out a low groan again as another contraction hit. Vega knew that she needed to focus and s, focus she did now.

Hopefully, she thought, with a half-groan-half-growl, they were near the end and soon they'd get to meet the child which they'd believed they could never have.

ooc: apologies for delays <3

[Avalon]

Vhalar 25, Arc 721

The birth process was different for anyone who was blessed to experience it. There was always pain, but in the aftermath, when life gave time for reflection and soul-searching, each moment of the adventure provided many lessons for people to learn. For some, those lessons would sustain them through the entirety of their lives. Others would mull upon the curiosities the experience provided, provoking further thought at another time.

But within the moment, birth was an authentic, raw affair. Perhaps one of the most primal experiences known, and only something one that had been through it could describe. Isra's focus was on Vega and the baby being born to the world, a fragile little life full of wonder, possibility, and potential. Vega bore down, following her body's instincts and pushing, inching the child into the world.

A booming voice came from somewhere outside the Oasis, seemingly talking to others that might be there. There were softer voices, and then that voice, which Vega and Arlo would readily recognize as belonging to Cassion. It appeared the eager Immortal was ready to meet his grandchild or perhaps take them on their first adventure as soon as they made an appearance – one just never knew with Cassion.

"It was a night like so many others, and yet, the stars twinkled with glee, knowing what joy the darkness would bring. They kept the exquisite secret to themselves for the time being, but it would not be long..." his voice thundered, the tone worthy of The Taleweaver, entertaining the others with a preview of his newest masterpiece in the making.

The baby's shoulders, as they sometimes did, managed to get stuck just a bit, delaying the precious arrival but giving Isra time to clear the airway of the infant during a moment of rest between contractions. A few adjustments of the baby's body got things on the right path again, and a few more strong pushes from Vega brought the tiny little one to its destination, gently eased from the mother's body.

All was quiet within the moment, a distinct hush in the heart of the Oasis and beyond. A warm, gentle wind picked up, and slowly, the sounds of life returned. Whether or not those involved realized it remained to be seen, but it appeared something was in the air. The stars danced, shining brighter, bathing the Oasis in something akin to a soft candlelight glow, and a sensation of peace was felt by all.

As soon as the child was free of Vega, Isra's attention shifted quickly. The little body was tinged with blue, indicating an airway issue. Turning the child gently in her hands, she positioned the small body over her knees, head down, so that gravity would assist her, tapping along the lungs and using a suction device until a very healthy wail came from the little one in her care. A healthy cry was, in her opinion, one of the best sounds in the world.

Noting the skin pinking up well, she felt confident enough in the baby's condition to begin wrapping him up. It was time to make some introductions.

Rising, the smiling healer took a few steps, positioning herself next to Vega and then gently lowering the baby into her arms. "Congratulations, you two. Your son is eager to make your acquaintance. He's rather insistent on it, in fact." Grinning at the new parents, Isra then turned to the aftercare that needed to happen, giving the three a moment.

[Vega]

25th Trial of Vhalar during Arc 721

Things happened, but they happened around her and Vega wasn't really there.

She was aware that there were mice and fathers and stars and Immortals, that there were plants and people, that there was Isra and Leona, but she wasn't there with any of them.

Vega was here with Arlo, only, and in that current moment, Vega was focused entirely on them and their child which she was bringing into the world. Everything else peeled away and there was only the moment. She concentrated, followed what her body told her and needed to do. It wasn't like she had a choice except to do that, because the reality was that this was happening, with or without her consent. That inevitability didn't bother her, though, far from it. She shouted along with the contractions and - as much as it hurt, it was also amazing and wonderful to her. This was their child - a child they thought they could never have - coming into the world. As she shouted out in pain, those sounds were much more "whoo-hooo!" and "yeeehaw" than might be usual for other labouring women.

And so, time went on and she yelled out, bore down, pushed and let out the odd stream of colourful Rakahi. She did what she had to do, she listened to her body and all other issues were forgotten. Vega was not a wise woman - she was very much a bundle of emotions and reactions - but she was completely focused and utterly in the moment.

It was only after the babe had slid into the world that Vega felt panic. There was no sound. Why wasn't he crying? Babies were supposed to cry, Vega knew that. The first noise, the cry they were waiting for seemed to take an eternity and she lifted her head to look at what Isra was doing. The baby was held upside down and terror wrapped around her heart. She didn't speak or ask what was happening though - if it was serious and Isra needed all her attention on their newborn infant. Vega would not disturb her with questions and so, she watched in silence.

At the first wail, she breathed out a long slow breath which she hadn't been aware she was holding. Relief flooded through her and she rested her head back against Arlo's shoulder as tears started to fall from her eyes. "A boy?" Vega's breath had not yet evened back out and she laughed with pleasure, sobbed with delight and hiccuped all at once. "Thank you," she said, and held out her hands to take their son. Looking down at him she beamed. "Arlo, look," she said. "We made somethin' perfect."

For a moment, she was simply content to be there, with her husband and son. Mice and so on were forgotten, but one person wasn't. Looking at Arlo, she smiled at him. "Joy should meet her brother, shouldn't she? An' the papas, too." There were a hundred emotions in her heart, and she saw them reflected in his eyes but Vega said nothing of that. She didn't need to. He knew.

[Arlo Creede]

Truth was, Arlo hadn't really known what to expect. Of course he'd grown up on farm and had watched any number of newborn creatures come into the world. He'd even been there to help Jonas help to ease the way with his own worn but gentle hands, when just a little extra help was needed. But those were the mechanics of the birthing process, and this wasn't like that at all. What he hadn't quite anticipated was the emotion of it all; and how it touched every nerve and a few more he hadn't realized he had. And the worry. For the babe, and for Vega.

It was a wonder, to be sure. And it was true. One could never really know where his immortal father would turn up next, or what he'd be up to when he did. But the voice was unmistakable, and Arlo couldn't help but grin a little. It did him a great deal of good to know that the grandfather to be, in spite of all those things that must otherwise need his attention, was here in anticipation of the birth. And naturally, Cassion told a tale of their child's entry into the world. It was a fitting introduction for sure, he thought.

His stomach turned just a little when the head crowned, though to be honest, he'd kept to his word and remained near Vega's shoulder area, and further from the business end of things. But even from his current position, he still was able to catch a glimpse of it. And then, one the child slipped into the world, Arlo listened for the cry. Waiting, watching, his heart pounding and he must've held his breath until finally their child too pulled in his first gulp of air. Only then did Arlo relax, as did Vega seem to. She must've been holding her own breath with him.

"It's a boy?" he said, when the midwife placed their son into Vega's arms for the first time. Smiling down at the child they'd made together, Arlo reached over and took the babe's small hand in his, marveling at how the tiny, perfect fingers wrapped snugly round just one of his own. "He is perfect, isn't he?" he said. "And so are you. Look what you've done here. You've made and grown a whole, perfect little person."

"They should, shouldn't they?" he said when Vega suggested that introductions might be in order. To be honest, he wasn't in too much of a hurry in that regard. Still, he wondered. "What should we call him, you think?" It only occurred to him, just then, that they really hadn't spoken much about that, about what they might call their new son or daughter when the time finally arrived.

[Pig Boy]

Player Name: Vega

Points awarded: 15 xp
Magic xp: none

Knowledge:

Endurance: x 6
Discipline: x 4
Caregiving: x 1

Renown: 5 the mice will chatter among themselves about this momentous event.
Loot: +1 baby boy loot drop
Injuries/Overstepping: Soreness and exhaustion.
Wealth Points: n/a
Consequences: In the aftermath of the birth, the mouse cadouri, Ruby, gives Vega the book that they'd been promised to gift to the mother of the child. In it, she'll find a story about a brave queen, the mother of a prince who inherited her curse, who faced a cursed king in battle, and overcame the curse so they both may be reborn anew. If she spends more than a few moments looking at the pages, she'll feel a pull into the pages of the book. Whether she resists the pull or not, when she dreams on the last night of Zi'da, she will be disturbed by dreams that remind her of the story, and at the end transported to a place of darkness, from which she doesn't awaken. Yet while there, she feels very much awake.

Please start a thread detailing this event and I will be along to mod you.

(This is related to your Vindecaldra effigy request.)

Skill Review: All Skills used appropriately to PC's level

Player Name: Arlo

Points awarded: 15
Magic xp: none

Knowledge:

Caregiving: x5
Storytelling: x3
Discipline: x2

Renown: 5
Loot: +1 baby boy loot drop.
Injuries/Overstepping: n/a
Wealth Points: n/a

Skill Review: All Skills used appropriately to PC's level

Notes: I enjoyed this thread very much, and am sad to see it draw to a close a bit prematurely. Nonetheless, you all wrote your parts very beautifully, and it was a pleasure to write them with you. Thank you for putting up with my attempted comedy with the three wise mice .

That said, I enjoyed introducing a bit extra to the birth thread, and I'm sure I speak for Avalon as well when I say you both are a pleasure to mod.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this review, feel free to PM. Enjoy your rewards!