Re: Baby Blues
The little one was finally intercepted by her Papa. He lifter her up from the floor and cradled her in his arms.
@What’s this you have here, Ke’Ri?@
Sh’Ekrah took Zan’s hat from his child and handed it back to the human.
“Thanks. Thought I’d never see my hat again!” Zan joked as she straightened her hat out.
Charra Loon Registered User
Posts: 319
(6/26/02 7:37 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
"Hat go bye-bye." Ke'Ri sighed. "Do poo."
"All right, little one. Time to get you changed." As Sh'Ekrah took his daughter to another room to change her diaper, he saw Chatts barge in, seeing the diaper changing process.
"Now I know who does the dirty work in this family." Chatts commented.
Re: Baby Blues
Ke’Rika laughed as Chatterbox pretended to be overwhelmed by the odor coming form her soiled diaper.
“Ha, ha, very funny, Chatts,” Sh’Ekrah snorted as he finished cleaning up his daughter’s bottom.
“Good thing the baby has a sense of humor!”
Charra Loon Registered User
Posts: 321
(6/29/02 8:46 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
Meanwhile, at the MATI base, Lord Tkkla and Lady Pijol were overgoing new plans when they were told they had a visitor. When they saw who it was, they gapped at the seemingly middle-aged Mua that just walked in. She had red colorings and grey hair to her waist. She was wearing an elegant black cloak that covered her robes. Her eyes, a cold ice blue, stared at the two with great distain.
{High El Undar Birilla.} Tkkla greeted the woman. {What a nice surprise.}
{Yes, I seem to be attracting plenty of surprises these days.} Birilla said, a glare forming towards Tkkla. Not long after, Tkkla rose into the air and felt like he was choking. {And these surprises are anything but nice.}
{You seem displeased for some reason.} Tkkla said hoarsely.
{Displeased? The Child of Light has achieved and sealed the kyven bond with her one true love, the Follower's power in Limbo is weak, and it is spreading towards Tampala, causing many of the El Undars back home to be persecuted, now why in the name of Wensitu would I be displeased?!} Tkkla suddenly found himself hurled into the wall. {You've greatly dissapointed me, Tkkla.}
{Lady Birilla, with all due respect.} Pijol said. {Wouldn't you have sensed the kyven being achieved with your great power?}
{We would have had the Child of Light's aura not been blocked by foreign magics.}
{Foreign...oh no!}
{I warned Tilor, Wensitu bless him, about those mercenaries. But he insisted that they'd get the job done. The Hav'Throth may be professionals, my dear, but they allow their morals to get in the way of our business, especially since Mistress Zantara is no longer leading them.}
{How long has the aura been blocked?}
{Long enough for her to conceive and bear one child.}
{Just what we need; more taint!}
{I'm afraid it gets worse, dear Pijol. The child seems to inherit her Mahda's powers, but the polarity of them is exactly the opposite. We're dealing with a Child of Light AND a Child of Shadows should the newborn manifest her gift.}
{My Lady, Tilor told me about summoning the Avatar once. Is it too late to do so?}
{That is exactly why I've come here. You have a son of Mua and Tch heritage, correct?}
{Yes. Goki.}
{I figured. Mylahn, come!} At that moment, a dark-yellow skinned girl with red hair appeared into the room. {You recall our dear friend, Ginneda Tivert, do you not?}
{Yes, I do.}
{This is her granddaughter, and my apprentice, Mylahn Erun. She's been very promising in her studies of the dark arts and is to take my place when Wensitu calls for me.}
{She looks Hnn, but her skin's too dark. Hnn-Wua heritage?}
{Yes. A child between Mylahn and Goki will result in the rise of the Avatar.}
{I see.}
{I suggest you prepare your son for the upcoming ceremonies. We must do this quickly, before we are completely shattered.}
Re: Baby Blues
Prince Goki was summoned immediately and told the news of his future mate’s arrival.
{Her name is Mylahn Erun. She is Lady Gunny’s granddaughter,} Pijol explained. {She’s half Wua and half Hnn. Very attractive. I think you’ll like her.}
Prince Goki looked up at his mahda and simply nodded. He knew this day would come. The day that he would set the events in motion that would bring the MATI to victory. That is after all his name. Lord Tkkla and his pitawan gave him that name for that very reason. He prepared himself for the betrothal/planting ceremony. He did not know this female, nor did he care for females in general. However, his duty as a prince overshadowed his feelings or lack thereof. He only had to mate with her until she became pregnant. After that, he could continue the lifestyle he had come to enjoy…and that no one in his family knew about.
Charra Loon Registered User
Posts: 323
(6/30/02 6:17 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
In separate quarters, Mylahn was preparing for the ceremony when her mentor came to check up on her.
{Lady Birilla,} Mylahn greeted in fluent Mua. {I am almost ready for the ceremonies.}
{I can see that.} Birilla replied. She stared at her apprentice for a second. {Mylahn, is everything all right?}
{Yes, Lady Birilla. Why would you think something was wrong?}
{You seem nervous.}
{I do??}
{Mylahn, I've had you under my fold since you were able to walk. I can tell when you're nervous.}
{Only a little, my Lady. Plus, I have some doubts that I would be able to conceive the Avatar.}
{We've talked about this, Mylahn. The preparations you've undergone since your first growth spurt will guarantee the Avatar's conception. It is highly unlikely you will not. If that actually happens, there is always Tkkla's dear granddaughter.}
{Binah?! But I doubt she's--}
{I've given her Pahda explicit instructions to start feeding her the plants of the barani flower since her first growth spurt.}
{Even so, with all due respect, where are we going to find a male of Mua and Wua heritage?}
{I have a candidate in mind, but I assure you, my dear, that Binah is merely a back-up, an insurance should something go wrong. Despite our perfect planning, farndah happens. I know that from experience.}
{I see. I respect your decision, my Lady.}
{One thing concerns me, though.}
{What?}
{The Child of Light's entawan. The gods truly picked one for her this lifetime. He's going to be a serious problem.}
{How so, my Lady? He is merely a mortal.}
{But he's a strong mortal. Do you know what happens when true lovers who have achieved kyven are separated by death?}
{The survivng lover gains the strength of his or her dead one.}
{Or in the case of Holy Elders, his or her powers. Which means it's too late to kill the Child of Light now. We do so, her powers go into her entawan and from what I've heard of him, he will be a bigger threat than she is!}
{What about the spells that will manipulate the kyven?}
{They won't work now that the kyven is sealed. Which means we have to tread carefully. Enough of this talk; the time for the ceremony draws near and we must hurry to your new mate.}
{Yes, my Lady.}
Moonhawke Registered User
Posts: 60
(6/30/02 6:50 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
On Hawk Haven, Jon finally found the time to catch up with Will during a shift break. He'd noticed the burly SteelTwin looking tired and ragged around the edges as the impending arrival of Zan's surprise baby drew closer.
"How's it going, Will?" he asked, offering him a cup of coffee and sitting down next to him at the table.
Will grunted, sipping the steaming beverage. "OKay, I guess. Sort of strange. Zan and Lisa are chattering all the time with whichever of Zan's sisters has turned up. I wonder every so often how necessary I am."
Jon cleared his throat. "Listen, Will, we've served together a long time, and i consider you to be a good friend. But Zan's my friend,too. So I feel like i have to say something. You are planning to do the right thing, right?"
Will just stared at him a moment, then chuckled. "I knew you were a little out of it after the Wyvern trial, Skipper, but I thought you'd notice, even if no one else did, really." He held up his left hand, bare of armor, and Jon saw right away want he was looking at. Around Will's finger was a silver ring, Celtic knotwork engraved around it. "Zan and i were married shortly after the trial ended. It just...seemed like the right time."
Jon chuckled and shook his head. "You're right. I was out of it. Congratulations. And tell Zan I wish you all the best." His finished his coffee and stood up. If you ever need a night away from the girls, you know where to find us." He tossed his cup into the recycler and left.
(Chajo had an idea for a scene along these lines, but her modem isn't reliable right now. Hope this is what you had in mind. )
Re: Baby Blues
Soon it was pretty much common knowledge that SteelWill and Phantom had gotten married. The ones who hadn’t known, which is everyone but Emily and Detia, were surprised that they had kept that a secret for so long. Those same people were unaware of the secret dealings of the MATI. Empress Birilla had completed Mylahn’s preparations and Prince Goki was also ready to meet his betrothed.
His personal assistant Curat (helper), made sure his garments were just right.
~Are you nervous, your Highness?~
~Not really. I’m just fulfilling my duty to my people.~
~I hear Lady Erun is very powerful and beautiful.~
~I’m sure the Empress would not have chosen an inferior female to bring forth the Avatar.~
~This will a great moment in the name of purity, my Lord.~
Goki smiled to himself as he looked himself over in the mirror.
~Perfect. Curat, get your hand bells and announce my arrival.~
~Yes, your Highness.~
The servant grabbed up his hand bells and headed for the door. Before he could step out, Goki pulled him back and gave him a light kiss behind the ear.
~No need to be jealous, my dear. This month will pass before you know it,~ he whispered.
Moonhawke Registered User
Posts: 61
(7/7/02 4:40 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
A few days after their conversation, Will caught up with Jon in Command. "Hey, Lieutenant. How's it going?"
"Same old same old. How's Zan?"
"Tired, and cranky. She discovered the other day that she can't fit comfortably behind the stick of the HummingBird anymore, or the Goose, so she's more or less grounded. Then Lisa told her to get her butt off a horse. It's been a bad week."
Jon stifled a laugh at the thought of anyone telling Phantom what to do, much less being obeyed. "And the baby?"
"A-okay, according to Moeba. And Lisa agrees with her assessment. So it's just a matter of waiting it out at this point." Will's calm voice was belied by his nervous fingers as he twisted a paperclip into a myriad of shapes.
"Not too much longer, right?" Jon asked.
"A couple of months, give or take. So listen, Zan would really like you to come to dinner tonight. Her mom's there, and some of her family. She'd really like for them to meet you."
Jon thought about it a moment, and remembered the unfortunate assignment he'd made for kitchen duty that night. The whole team would be lucky if there was anything edible in the Mess tonight. He cared a great deal for Seska, but her cooking skills still left a great deal to be desired. "I'd like that, Will. What time?"
"Right after shift is over. Seymore will pick us up in the hangar."
Zan's ranch house boasted three stories above ground, and as they approached the front door, Jon could see basement windows set just above ground level. There were outbuildings to one side, and fenced in corrals holding horses peeked out from behind the yard. "I didn't know you had this much land," he said as they climbed the steps to the porch.
"It was Zan's idea," Will said. "She's running a branch of the family business. Running Horses is a huge operation on New Eden, especially since they have almost no private ground vehicles. Everyone walks, rides, or takes a wagon or something. Only the public transportation and the government have powered transportation."
"You've got to be kidding."
"Nope. And let me tell you, most of the people are very healthy. We should find a way to recruit some of them for the SilverHawk teams." The door opened as Will reached for the knob.
"I wondered if you were going to stand out here all night talking." A woman with graying hair and brilliant green eyes stood in the doorway.
"Nope. You're going to have to feed us, I'm afraid. Lisa, this is Lieutenant Jon Quick. Jon, this is Zan's mother, Lisa RunningHorse."
"A pleasure, Mrs. RunningHorse." He offered his hand and she took it.
"It's Lisa. Come on in. Supper will be on the table in a few minutes. Get washed up, Will, and say hello to your wife. Zan, Will's home. Drop whatever your doing and come act like his wife."
"Thank, Mom," Zan said snidely, but Jon noticed that she did as she was told. She went straight to Will and managed to hug him around her very obvious belly and kissed him, then turned to Jon. He was hugged as well, and to his surprise, kissed on both cheeks. "It's good to see you. I'm really glad you came."
"Thanks for asking. You look...good."
"I look pregnant. Believe me, I find it as strange as you do." She hugged her mother, then wandered further into the house. Lisa followed, issuing orders to a host of unseen individuals.
Jon looked at Will, and he just shrugged. "Don't ask. She's just in a good mood. I'd let it be."
Jon nodded. "Whatever you say."
Dinner was chaotic. Conversation was conducted at a dull roar, flowing between Zan and Will, her mother, her brother James and his wife Jennie, along with their two children, and Zan's three sisters, Elizabeth, Lisa 'call me SilverWing,' and Melissa. Jon had gotten the feeling when he'd been introduced to the girls that he was being auditioned for the part of husband, and made a note to bring up Seska at every opportunity. It was easy to see though, why the table was extra-long, and equipped with benches rather than individual chairs. Bowls and platters moved easily from hand to hand, and every request was accompanied with a 'please' and 'thank you.' It was wild, but Jon wasn't sure he'd ever been this comfortable at a family meal.
He was about to dig in when conversation stopped and everyone stood. Confused, he rose as well, looking around. Lisa had offered grace already, in a strange flowing language that everyone else seemed to understand. Behind him, he heard the kitchen door closed, and turned to see a tall, dark-haired man, clearly another of Zan's family, from his appearance, and a younger, slightly shorter man, who seemed to be the focus of everyone's attention.
"Well, Your Grace. I seem to have wandered into the middle of a party."
Zan came forward, exchanging kisses with the younger man. "Welcome, Prince Marcus. What brings you to Bedlama?"
"Why, you of course." He waved to the people standing at attention. "I'm not here on a formal visit. Please, sit down. Relax." They did, enveloping the dark-hairs man into their midst. "So how are you, Zan?"
"I'm just fine, thank you. Stay for dinner?"
"I'd love to."
He was quickly settled next to Jon. "Crown Prince Marcus Draconavar. Call me Marcus."
"Lieutenant Jon Quick. Jon. Good to meet you."
"What brings you to Bedlama, Marcus?" Lisa asked as the meal resumed.
"My sister wants to know how the duchess is faring, and the future earl or countess. So she asked me to come, unofficially."
"She could have written," Zan pointed out.
"True, but if she had, I'd be back home flying more recruits in circles," the other new arrival said from where he sat, across from Jon. "Hi. David RunningHorse."
Jon nodded. "Jon Quick. You fly?"
"David's the lead officer on our new experimental piloting program," the prince said. "I thought he might like to say hello to his family."
"Adry didn't come?"
"Ah, fair lady, there are only so many rules even I can bend," Marcus said. "Sorry."
"Besides, Mom, someone has to feed those poor souls you left at home," David pointed out.
"That's a rather casual attitude to take about your own wife, David." Lisa was frowning
He grinned wolfishly. "I have leave next week. I'll make it up to her."
Lisa traded looks with Zan. "You know what that means."
"Better set up tents in the yard, if we plan to house all of them," Zan agreed.
"What are they talking about?" Jon asked the prince.
"It's something in the nature of a family joke. Captain RunningHorse and his wife are frequently separated by his work. They find ways to make it up, usually at the expense of everyone's hearing."
"I'm almost sorry I asked," Jon whispered.
"Don't be. Be sorry if you ever have to hear it," Marcus whispered back.
Jon snorted, then picked up his fork and resumed eating.
(This is something Chajo and I have been kicking around for quite a while. Nice to find a place to stick it.)
As the Harts experienced the controlled chaos which was their life, the House of Ataka was putting their own type of chaos in motion for their enemies. After a month of seclusion together, Prince Goki and Lady Mylahn were allowed to be seen by Dr. Yowstis. Within the hour the happy announcement was made. Prince Goki and his betrothed had been successful in their duty to their people. The avatar had been conceived.
Charra Loon Registered User
Posts: 333
(7/9/02 1:11 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
~Excellent. Nothing will stop the Avatar once He is born.~ Mylahn said. ~Doctor, could you excuse us?~
~Of course, Lady Erun.~ Once Yowstis left, Mylahn nodded for Goki to sit next to her.
~We did it.~ Goki said. ~Our duty has been fulfilled.~
~For now.~ Mylahn replied.
~What do you mean? We have conceived the Avatar.~
~Yes, we did. But it takes a lot more than mere conception to bring about the Avatar. He may have Wensitu's soul, but at birth He will be only a newborn, and He must be treated as such.~
~You are not considering raising this together, are you?!~
~On the contrary, Prince Goki, I am. The Master's physical form will we weak. It is up to us to protect Him and raise Him so that he may grow strong.~
~I will not do such a thing! I have fulfilled my duty to my people!~
~This is only the beginning. Much has to be done before the Avatar assumes full power. Or have your emotions clouded your mind?~
~You and your El Undars can raise it. I will have no part of it.~ As Goki began to leave, he felt a strong force hold him back. He turned to see Mylahn, smirking and glaring.
~My powers will not be surpressed for another month, dear Prince, so I suggest you listen clearly.~
~I don't care what you do to me! I will not raise that child!~
~I was hoping you would say that. Every child, of cam and el, needs both parents to survive. The Avatar is no exception.~
~And if I refuse?~
~Then your precious helper will have a most unfortunate accident.~ Goki could only stare at her. ~Did you think I wouldn't find out about your little secret? That you've been having an affair with one of your servants?~
~Most people seduce their servants. It is perfectly natural.~
~Servants of the same sex? I think not, my little victory. Homosexuality is a human custom, one that your Pahda uses in his prostitution ring. That is acceptable. Your little love life, on the other hand, is not. I'd hate to inform Lady Birilla--or anyone else--that the Avatar's sire has been influenced by the enemy...~
~You wouldn't!~
~Oh, but I would, unless you comply with my demands.~
~This is blackmail!~
~Figuring secrets out is what I do best, dear Prince. That is why my parents gave me the name Mylahn. Wua for puzzle.~
~If you knew about my secret, then why haven't you told anyone?~
~I thought about it, and I wouldn't want us to resort to our back-up plan just because you were taken in by human influence. Now, aid in raising this child or your lover will suffer for your insolence.~
~All right. I will do what you say.~
~I knew you'd see it my way.~ Goki just glared at her, then felt the force that held him dissapate. ~Do not worry about your little pet; I've been meaning to have a new toy.~ Goki just stormed out as Mylahn smiled to herself. ^I didn't want this pansy to be the sire for the Avatar.^ she thought. *But it was either him or the spawn of those traitors. The former will do much nicely, for now.*
Edited by: Charra Loon at: 7/9/02 8:29:22 pm
Re: Baby Blues
As promised, Goki returned to his own personal chambers to meet with Curat. His servant had prepared for the Prince’s return, making sure everything was just right, perfectly in line with his master’s desires and preferences. He greeted Goki with a smile and a bow.
~Welcome back, your Highness! Is everything to your liking?~
Goki ignored all the work his servant had done and walked straight up to Curat, looking him up and down. He then leaned forward to kiss his companion, then stroke his cheek with his thumb.
~Yes, my dear. Everything is to my liking,~ Goki replied as he wrapped his arm about Curat’s waist, gently leading him to his bed.
~I heard the great news about the conception. You were right when you told me it wouldn’t take very long.~
~Of course I was right.~ As Goki leaned back on his pillow, Curat laid his head on his master’s chest. Goki’s heartbeat pounded against his ear. He felt Goki’s chest rise and fall as he let out a deep sigh.
~Is something the matter, my Lord?~
~No, Curat, everything is fine. Do not worry.~
Goki turned over on his side and drew his companion closer to him, placing light kisses on his face. As he held him in an embrace, anger rose up in him over Mylahn threats. He wasn't going to let Mylahn get away with blackmail. He was going to make sure she regretted it.
Edited by: Detia1 at: 7/11/02 9:36:35 am
Charra Loon Registered User
Posts: 335
(7/11/02 12:39 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
Meanwhile, Mylahn rested in her own chambers, looking into a huge, full-length mirror. Unfortunately to anyone who has earned her wrath or similar, the mirror was enchanted to allow the owner to see what or whoever she wished. Right now, Mylahn used it to spy on Goki and Curat. ^Foolish little royal.^ she said to herself. ^If you think you can defy me and get away with it, you're wrong. But I won't punish you for your thoughts. No, I'll wait until you take your pitiful attempt, and then I will hurt you so bad that you will wish you were dead.^ Mylahn stood up and walked to the center of the room, lighting a candle that she placed there earlier. The candle was yellow, with a purple broken heart on it. She then recited an incantation.
Freezer of blood, chiller of bones,
The terror you spread speaks many tones.
Vengence, grief, dischord and strife,
All I that I seek, to curse my foe's life.
At service thou art, for man or maid,
I summon the Fear Bringer to my aid.
A flash of light suddenly erupted and when it died down, a silver red-headed woman was in the place of the candle. She was of Mykari heritage, her skull gem matching the emblem on the candle. She looked at Mylahn with indigo eyes and made a low bow.
"Lady Mylahn Erun! To what do I owe the pleasure of these summons?"
"I have a job for you." Mylahn stated in perfect English.
"It must be very important for you to summon me where all of your leaders are, especially your mentor. She will not be pleased with our...business arrangement should she find out."
"I fail to see why. You may have the same Element as the Child of Light, but that is no big deal. If Lady Birilla wants to use treacherous spawn as a back-up sire for the Avatar, I fail to see why she would object to me hiring the legendary Ta'Ran-Shan for my personal business."
"Speaking of the Avatar, how is the little bundle?"
"Quite well, thank you. That's why I summoned you."
"Oooh, sire being a no-good bum?"
"Worse. He's a miserable little powderpuff who thinks he can get away with anything!"
"He's planning to double-cross you?"
"Not yet. Just in case, I want you to keep an eye on his little helper. If Prince Goki makes any action towards me..."
"I kill his boy toy?"
"No, Ta'Ran-Shan. I have bigger plans for him. Simply abduct him and stash him away, but I want him alive. Is that clear?"
"Yessa!"
"Good. Your usual fee." Mylahn presented Ta'Ran-Shan with a chest of gold trinkets. "Expect monthy payments until the Avatar comes of full power."
"Ooh, you got it! And I see you remember my discount."
"50% off payment if I perform the torture myself. Who wouldn't forget that?"
"Heeeheheeehehhehee!!! This is going to be a lot of fun!!! I see plenty of negative emotions coming from Goki in the near future! Until next time, dear Lady!" With that, Ta'Ran-Shan dissapeared into a flash of light. Mylahn took down the mystic barrier that she put up earlier and gazed into her magic mirror.
*Too bad I can't use it to spy on the enemy.* she thought. *Curse you, Vasah!"
Re: Baby Blues
Meanwhile, another betrothed couple was also coming out of seclusion. Valentino Meglouse and Keisha Xeratro parted ways briefly to prepare for their wedding day. It was rumored that is would be quite a spectacle. The ceremony would be quite unique for both families since the entire ceremony would be in sign. As Tino prepared himself at his house, his father gave him some advice about the wedding.
[Now you may not feel nervous now, but it’s very likely that you’ll experience some jitters. Just don’t panic and you’ll be fine,] the Copper Kidd signed to his son.
Charra Loon Registered User
Posts: 339
(7/13/02 7:58 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
It wasn't long before the time came for the ceremony. As the heralds rang their bells, the blessed couple arrived, escorting each other. Tino was wearing an all-white tuxedo, while Keisha was wearing a harem pants with a tank top, cloak and inta flower tiara. They, too, were white. Both garmets were enchanted to change color from white to red upon the sealing of matrimony. As they got to the altar, all three holy officials--one Mimian Holy Elder, Papa Toussant and a Mykari High Priestess--said their respective marital prayers in both their native language and in sign. Keisha and Tino even signed their vows. The instant the holy ones announced them as entawans, husband & wife, and eternal mates, the newly wedded couple kissed, causing their garments to turn to red. They went on their way to the reception shortly after, featuring several traditional Mykari wedding dishes and some chocolate bars snuck in.
Moonhawke Registered User
Posts: 63
(7/14/02 1:21 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
Zan rubbed away the back spasm absently. They had been plaguing her recently, though they hadn't seemed to be going anywhere. She caught sight of Lisa watching her from where Will was introducing her to everyone, and smiled sarcastically, waggling her fingers in a wave. Lisa raised an eyebrow, then turned back to Detia, offering to hold her squirmy daughter. Kyla went eagerly to her new friend, seemingly fascinated with Lisa's long thick braid.
Zan turned away, eyeing the huge buffet table and it's host of fascinating offerings. There was a vast array of MyKari dishes, but in consideration of the wide range of tastes among the guests, everything had been discreetly labeled as to main ingredients, and suitability of palate. Ever adventurous, Zan had promised herself a taste of everything. Heaving herself up from the chair, she slowly crossed the room and picked up a plate.
Lisa watched her foster daughter out of the corner of her eye. She loved all of her children fiercely, but this one girl, a dying gift from her dearest friend, had been her greatest trial at times. It warmed her heart to see Zannatasia so happy; in love, married, settled. It was a double blessing when they had believed for so long that she was lost to them forever.
The warmth she felt for her foster child quickly started to reach nuclear heat when she saw Zan pile onto her plate what looked like a large helping of Jamaican jerk chicken. Quickly she handed Kyla back to her mother, slipping through the crowd and disarming Zan of her plate and fork before her daughter could have so much as a bite.
"Liii-saaa," Zan whined, eyes fastened on the heaping plate of delicacies.
"I said no, Zannatasia Izzaella. No spicy foods. You may have a small slice of wedding cake, but the heartburn and indigestion from this would keep you up all night." Lisa helped herself to a forkful of the chicken. "Mmmm. Wonderful. I should get the recipe."
"I'm up all night as it is," Zan complained. "I can't stay in any one position for more than 5 minutes, I get kicked in organs I didn't know I had..." She paused to take a breath, gritting her teeth as the pain in her back worsened. Across the room, Emily's head popped up, followed swiftly by Will's. "If I'm going to pay the price, at least let me commit the crime first." In her head, Emily was jabbering something at Will, though she didn't try to hear what they were discussing. They deserved their privacy like anyone else.
"I did suggest, Zan, that you skip the reception," Lisa reminded her. "I knew the temptation for you would be great..." She trailed off as Zan winced and reached around to support her back again. "Zan...?"
Will was beside them in an instant, followed quickly by Emily. He quickly threw an arm around his wife and started leading her toward the exit. "We'd better get her out of here," he said quietly.
"It is time?" Lisa asked, trying to see her daughter through the eyes of a mid-wife rather than a concerned parent.
"Emily thinks so, and I've learned not to question. Come on, Zan. We'll get you to the hospital in no-"
"No hospital," she said firmly.
He started to protest. "Zan.." but saw the determined look on her face, and Lisa's as well. "Okay. No hospital. Do you want to go home?"
Zan nodded sharply, teeth grinding together to keep from crying out. "Yes," Lisa said. "I have everything I need there," She slid under Zan's other shoulder, taking some of her daughter's weight.
"Em, you should stay here," Will said as she started to follow them. "I'll keep in touch and you can tell people as much as you think they need to know. But this is Leo's family's party, and you should be here with them."
She nodded quickly. "I'll be over as soon as things wrap up here. Good luck."
Will nodded, and soon they disappeared out one of the side doors.
Re: Baby Blues
Ke’Rika and her aunt Kyla didn’t care that the celebration wasn’t about them. The made sure that they were the centers of attention. They had conspired to get as much chocolate into, and onto, themselves as possible. Their pretty, frilly dresses were soon smeared with the sweet, Terran confection. Their respective mothers were not pleased at all.
{I’m so glad we brought them extra dresses in case something like this happened,} Detia sighed as she changed her daughter’s clothes.
{I’ll say. Now all we have to do is keep them by our sides. Or better yet, maybe we should put them in Sh’Ekrah’s care…}
The two toddlers didn’t like the sound of that. The Brigadier wouldn’t let them get away with anything, and he had a strong grip that was nearly impossible to squirm from. Just the mention of Sh’Ekrah’s name seemed to cause the two little ones to calm down.
Detia had finally noticed that Zan and Will had left early. She grabbed up Kyla and went to ask Emily if everything was alright.
Moonhawke Registered User
Posts: 64
(7/14/02 6:55 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
"Hey, schnooks," Emily said brightly, taking the toddler. "You're a mess."
"Did Zan and Will leave?" Detia asked, swiping a napkin athte sticky mess on her daughter's face.
Emily nodded, shifting the baby to her hip. "Don't spread it around, but they left in a hurry with Lisa. Looks like things are coming to a head, but Zan won't want everyone fussing over her. I'm going to check on her later."
Detia nodded. "Okay. No one heard it from me. Come here, Miss Thang. You're gonna get Aunt Emily all sticky."
"With any luck, she'll be my sister-in-law one of these days."
"You giving me a hint about something, girlfriend?"
Emily offered a coy smile. "Not yet. But I think we'll get there eventually."
"Well, good luck to both of you."
Charra Loon Registered User
Posts: 341
(7/14/02 7:40 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
"Thanks. I'll need it."
Meanwhile...Zan was undergoing (insert sarcasm here) the pleasures of labor.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DAMN YOU, WILL!! THIS KID'S GOT YOUR BODY MASS!!! AUGH!!!!!!!!!!! REMIND ME TO KILL YOU WHEN THIS IS OVER!!!!!!!!!" she screamed.
"Okay..." Will thought as he underwent his wife's yells. "Whoever thought of that has got to win the pool on weight."