Topic: Unspoken Surprise

Storm Divine

Date: 2008-02-04 13:43 EST
Just drop it in. Storm repeated this over and over again in her head, stalling as she stood in the midst of the Marketplace. Her body was starting to adjust to the changes of carrying, but by no means had the symptoms faded. Nausea was ever present and strong, but the teas she had received from Sylvia as well as other medicines she picked up gave her a greater ability to eat. The newest symptom that was the presence of fatigue, such as now. Naps were taken frequently, and she was in bed after settling Avery down.

When the sun would usually stand high in the hour, the dark clouds and light rain concealed the brightness. Suppressing a yawn, her fingers fiddled with the corner of her letter. She tried to keep it covered under her cloak so that it would not get wet, though a few droplets managed to hit the middle of the parchment.

After her visit with Sylvia, Storm could not ignore the small warning. Ewan thrived off of the information that he knew; the sooner the better. She knew that to be true in not only his choice of work, but in everything. She wanted to surprise him when he got home and share the wondrous news. She wanted to see the shock, surprise and happiness go across his face. When she thought longer though, she came to realize that her fantasy was what she wanted, and not necessarily what Ewan would want. So, after several attempts and wasted pieces of parchment, she finished a letter with the joyous inside. She had tried to use fanciful words that left hints and surprises, but instead she found that simple words would be appreciated most.

She had planned to walk to the manor to drop off the letter, but she could not find the energy to do so. With the Marketplace just behind Zephyr Cottage, she opted to have someone else deliver the letter. Yet now when she stood outside the small building, she hesitated. What if he was already on his way home and the letter did not reach him? With several questions to consider, she shook her head slightly and stepped inside.

She was hoping to do what he wanted most, and so she gave the address of Yearling Brook and walked back home before she could change her mind.

Storm Divine

Date: 2008-02-06 00:38 EST
It was more than a pleasant surprise when Ewan found her in the inn. His smile said everything, and his greeting was warm and eager. So warm that it brought a high color to her cheeks and she thought of no other. After exchanging quick and excited words, he was ardent to break the news to Avery.

Ewan moved and arm about her shoulders, not only was it comforting to have her close, but he could read much from her body language in that touch. "When I leave I want you to tell others as well. Those you trust. I need to know you have the help you need when I am away. I know you will be careful in your choices."

In an automatic response, her own arm wrapped around his waist. The way he phrased is words brought a suspicious look to her face, "Planning on being away more?" But the look faded to a more sober one, "I will be careful yes, but it is only a matter of time before everyone will know."

"I know, but the ones you tell will know you gave them your confidence. It is different, as well you know. And yes, I will be away some, but no more than usual." He opened the door, gave a smile to the surprised care giver, and released his hold on Storm to make his way straight for Avery's room.

"I know." Once she stepped inside, she had to chuckle softly as he made straight way for Avery's room. Offering a sheepish smile to the care giver, she only took the time to take off her cloak and gloves before following him. Avery was in a fast sleep, the covers hiding half of his face and his back to the door.

Ewan laid a gentle hand on Avery's shoulder to try and not startle him. It did not take much to wake the boy, but it was not an instant awakening. His eyes fluttered open and slowly shifted to the form that was waking him. Pleasantly surprised to see Ewan, he quickly sat upright, *Dad, you're home!* He signed happily before moving to give him a warm embrace. Storm moved just in time to see the reunion, and leaned against the doorway.

He hugged Avery close, and then reached back a hand for Storm. "Just for a little bit, but I wanted to be here when your mom told you something."

*Told me what?* Curiosity making him alert, his eyes moved to Storm as she walked forward and placed her hand in Ewan's. She smiled for him and took a deep breath, "Well Avery, your father and I are going to have a baby." He blinked at first, the news not something he had expected. Then his eyes went to her abdomen, *Really? Can I feel it?* And without waiting for an answer, he leaned forward to place his small hand over Storm's belly button.

Ewan laughed light and low, grinning up to Storm with raised brows. "Well, at least he is eager. Takes after his old man. Speaking of which, how long do Elementals carry their children?"

"No, not for a while at least." While Avery still seemed to be looking for physical signs, she rolled her eyes before looking down at her husband, "Nine months, same as humans. Particularly since that is what you are."

*Does the baby make you sick, mom?* His mind slowly trying to put the events together, "Yes, sometimes."

"And it makes her tired, too, son. So, I am going to count on you to help her out even more than you already do while I am away. I think we should probably let mom go ahead and rest. If you like, I will stay here a bit with you until you fall asleep again."

With a given assignment, he nodded vigorously, *I can help take care of mom.* With that just said, he saw it rather childish to have his parents stay in his room till he fell asleep. *No, it's okay.* As he settled himself back into bed, Storm released Ewan's hand and moved to give Avery a gentle kiss to his forehead, "Good night, little one." She then moved to their bedroom to start getting ready for bed.

Ewan tucked Avery in once more, and followed his wife to their bedroom. "Do you need me to get you anything before we go to bed?"

She just finished pulling one of his shirts over her as he came in. "No, I have everything I need here." She motioned to her night stand, where different small packages of herbs, along with a few crackers and a teacup with water set aside.

A nod alone in response, he went to his side of the bed to prepare for sleep. He sighed, stopping in mid-preparation for bed. "This is going to sound rather...foolish, but it is the truth. It is going to feel good being next to you tonight." Not waiting for a response, he finished getting ready for bed and pulled back the covers.

She watched him for a moment, and she smiled warmly. "That does not sound foolish, beloved." She moved to the bed, slipping under the cover he pulled down, "It is a good feeling to be next to you every night." She let out a soft sigh, "Beloved, I must warn you that the mornings are still very difficult for me."

"I will be here to help," he promised. It was one morning, and he would give it to her. Arms pulled her close and he kissed her goodnight.

Paola

Date: 2008-02-07 14:27 EST
?Quit trying to eavesdrop.? Celeste scoffed at Paola as she pressed her ear against the wall. ?Besides, you have plenty of other things to get done.? Picking up a small paperweight, she tried to toss it by the Air?s feet.

?Hey!? Her smooth face wrinkled and she idly booted the small item away from her feet, ?I cannot hear! The shields that they have around these rooms are astounding.? She looked on the wall, finding the best place she had sought out, and pressed her ear against the wall again.

?If you need to know, then they will tell you. Now stop being paranoid and do your job. Speaking of,? the Water stood up from her seat, ?you are distracting me with your obsessive ploys.?

?I have the best intentions at heart. Do you think it is something serious? An illness, mayhaps?? Her brows twitched as the voices dropped even lower to murmurs, ?You know that she cannot travel the portals very well since the ceremony.?

?I am sure it is not of your concern.? Celeste reached over and nimbly grabbed the collar of Paola?s shirt and tugged her away from the wall, ?This is not a place for such signs of disrespects.?

?Since when were so you high on your stool?? Paola retorted with an irritated smirk. How she wanted to know! ?I need something from her nevertheless.? Snatching up a book on her desk, Paola sent Celeste a satisfied smirk.

Saying nothing Celeste huffed and started to the hallway to her room. Just as she past Storm?s room, she heard Cornelious give a whoop of excitement and even the sounds of festivity could not be hidden within the shields of silence. Paola sent Celeste a curious look, and raised a hand to the door. Celeste shook her head and mouth ?no? but Paola already was knocking, ?Storm??

Storm Divine

Date: 2008-02-07 20:51 EST
Storm?s eyes casually rolled to focus on the ceiling as her father stood up to pace around the small room. She had been trying for several minutes now to share the joyous news with him, but somehow the conversation had taken a wrong turn. They were now on the focus of Ewan, and Storm found herself to be in a defensive position.

?And Ewan-?

Lacking all finesse, the words were out of her mouth before she could hold them any longer, ?and I are going to have a baby.?

?-What?? His attention whirled onto her, every muscle on hold.

?Ewan and I are going to have a baby.? She repeated slowly for him, her brilliant smile surfacing. Cornelious gave a whoop of excitement and laughed, ?Of course! This is wonderful news!? Ranting coming to an abrupt end, he leaned in to give her an affectionate hug, and Storm thought he might pick her up and spin her.

?Please, do not spin,? she murmured, though she could not keep her own laughter within as she hugged him tightly.

Then there was a brief knock on her door, ?Storm??

?I will not spin.? His smile completely unrestrained, Cornelious opened the door, saw Paola and Celeste, and proclaimed, ?Storm is having a baby!?

She dimly heard the excitement in the shared news as her pale cheeks flushed at the attention and at his announcement. If she concentrated enough, she could hear his voice traveling down the halls to other Guardians. That was not how she had planned to tell everyone, but the moment was over now, and the news would spread like wildfire. It took no effort to have a smile on her face, and she braced herself for the celebration from others.

Storm Divine

Date: 2008-02-09 13:30 EST
?The sickness is not so uncommon with the different blood. I have seen it stay with the mother for the whole term before.? At Storm?s face, the midwife chuckled, ?It is rare, but a possibility. And you will more than likely lose weight before gaining any.?

Storm relaxed at that statement. Already this morning she had borrowed one of Ewan?s belts and poked a hole through it so that it would fit her. She was sure that he would not mind, but nonetheless, she had felt guilyy in taking her dagger to it.

?You have caught the pregnancy rather early, but in your case that is not a surprise.? A slender hand reached for a calendar, and Carlina flipped through, her lips moving in unspoken words as she counted, ?You should be due around the Autumn Equinox, perhaps a little after.?

Storm leaned over to glance at the dates that she was pointing to, and quickly placed the date on the Rhydinian calendar. The end of September. She did not notice the smile as she thought upon the time and how it was both her and her husband?s favorite season. The moment was short-lived however, before Carlina continued, ?You said that you were given teas to help with the nausea, do you have any with you??

?Yes, I brought what I have been given.? Storm reached into her cloak?s pocket, and produced several small pouches and handed them over.

She examined each one, ?Ginger, peach leaves, peppermint? oh, not this.? She set one pouch aside, ?Try to stay away from the anise. The rest is a good start for the nausea. Now, there are several other things that you will need, and I would rather give them to you now rather than wait for you to need one.? She stood, and moved to a dresser that had several cabinets. She opened each drawer, pulling things out and naming them as she went along. ?There is not much I can do for the heartburn, but try to eat little, frequent meals. Do not eat spicy foods, and try not to lay down right after. If you need to, try honey with milk. You need to add these things to your diet daily..? and the list went on and Storm was pleased to know that each bottle and pouch was labeled.

?I worry about your scarring, Storm.? Caralina started quietly, ?I will give you a few ointments to help with the pain when the time comes.? Storm sighed softly, but she nodded just the same and listened on how long she should stand, how often to exercise, and how to adjust her daily schedule.

When she finally left for home, Storm felt completely overwhelmed. Yet, she felt much more at ease with the information that had been provided.