Homoventures Chapter 2, Part 9

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Summary

Xan and Justen anxiously await the arrival of Mercy's baby.

Session

Session date: January 8, 2013

Diablotin date:

[@BalthCat] * Alma hovers, benedicts, then scurries off to Duties. :V

[DiablotinNarrator] hee

[DiablotinNarrator] All right, so Mercy is hugely pregnant, and Xan and Justen have just arrived back from their trip to the Shadow Plane - Justen would of course immediately come home to see his parents and siblings.

[DiablotinNarrator] (we'll assume this is at the same time Arek and Xan are having their talk from last time ;)

• Mercy has been staying with Mom and Dad because she's due any time and doesn't want to have to run to them while in labour.
• Ysabeau has been fussing over her only a little. ;)
• Justen comes in, grinning, with all his travelling gear over his shoulder.

[Justen] Hey everyone, I'm home :)

• Ysabeau stands up, beaming, and opens her arms to greet him with a BIG hug
• Justen bends down to hug his mom.
• Ysabeau kisses him on the cheek.

[Ysabeau] Welcome back, sweetheart.

[Justen] Thanks.

• Justen looks around for Mercy.

[Justen] We didn't miss the baby, did we?

[Ysabeau] Not yet. I expect it could be any hour, though.

• Mercy waddles in from the sitting room.

[Justen] Oh, good :D

• Justen hurries to give her a hug too, although it's tricky with her being so huge.

[Ysabeau] (How long were they gone?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (around three months I believe)

[Ysabeau] Are you hungry or thirsty?

[DiablotinNarrator] (I guess closer to 2, but close enough :)

[Justen] I could really use a drink, yeah, that would be great.

• Justen sets his things down in a pile beside the door.

[Justen] Come on Mercy, sit down, you shouldn't be walking around anyway, probably :p

[Mercy] I'm fine! It doesn't feel any better to sit anyway.

[Ysabeau] Walking's not going to kill her. It's good to keep moving about, in fact.

[Ysabeau] I'll make some tea so Mercy can drink, too. And then you need to hit the bath, Justen.

• Ysabeau wrinkles her nose cutely.

[Justen] Yes ma'am.

• Justen says with an insolent smile.
• Ysabeau sticks her tongue out at him.

[Mercy] Was it a good trip? Is Xan home too?

• Ysabeau heads into the kitchen to prepare some tea so the twins can do their twin thing.

[Justen] Everything was fine, Xan's good, he's just seeing his parents and everything. I know he'll come over to see you as soon as he can.

[Justen] He's pretty excited. Well, nervous. But excited. But terrified @_@

• Mercy chuckles.

[Mercy] Well what does he have to be terrified about, he's just got to sit around while I do the hard work.

• Justen shrugs.

[Ysabeau] (I'll return when you think it's been long enough, Julia, though I recognize you are just talking to yourself at the moment... )

[DiablotinNarrator] (heh, okay)

[Justen] Well, you know. He likes things best when he knows what to expect... most of the time, anyway. I'm sure everything will be fine.

• Mercy smiles and gives Justen another hug.

[Mercy] I'm glad you got back in time, anyway. I was starting to worry.

[Justen] Me too! We really rushed through the last bit of the trip.

[Justen] Xan basically flying half the way and me running to keep up :p

[Mercy] That hardly seems fair ;)

• Ysabeau returns with a tray bearing teapot under cozy, three tea cups and associated accoutrements, and a plate of sweets.

[Ysabeau] Here we go.

[Justen] Aw, Mom, you didn't have to do all that.

• Justen smiles, though.
• Ysabeau sets it down on the coffee table.
• Justen sits down too, after making sure Mercy has the most comfortable seat.

[Ysabeau] Nonsense, I haven't seen you in forever.

[Justen] Well I figure we'll probably be home for a while now...

• Justen says between bites of cookie.
• Ysabeau pours tea for all and passes the cups around before settling herself down.

[Ysabeau] Would you like any sweets, Mercy dear?

• Ysabeau will pass some over to her so she needn't get up.
• Mercy takes a little lemon square.

[Mercy] Just one, I can't fit any more :p

[Justen] Don't worry, I'll eat your share.

• Ysabeau smiles fondly at Mercy.
• Justen teases his sister.

[Justen] So everybody else is good? I assume you'd have told me if any of them had run away from home or gotten unexpectedly married or anything ;)

[Ysabeau] Everyone's fine. Remi has been mooning about since you left, I received a letter from Hester - she's thoroughly enjoying herself in Val des Fentes, and I think she might have met someone, but she hasn't elaborated on whom, yet.

• Justen smiles.

[Justen] That's good.

[Ysabeau] (what time of year is it?)

[Justen] Well, it had better be. I don't want to have to go all the way to Val des Fentes to beat up some jerk for my little sister.

• Ysabeau laughs.

[DiablotinNarrator] (ahh, good question!)

[Ysabeau] I think she is quite capable of carrying out her own beatings as needed.

[Justen] Good point.

[Ysabeau] (She's a ranger ;) )

[Ysabeau] Gabriela... well, you know Gabriela. She's moved into a flat with Titania and has featured prominently in a number of articles in The Scourge.

[Justen] Can't believe you're letting her...

• Justen says between bites.

[Justen] ... too young...

[Ysabeau] (oh, you're right... she's only 15 or so isn't she. Wait, wasn't he about 15 when he left?)

[Mercy] She's fifteen, so what is anyone going to do about it? She's fine - you know they have guards watching that place.

[DiablotinNarrator] (yes, she'd be about 15, but that's ok for moving out - he's just being overprotective)

[Ysabeau] And a certain older brother established a precedent, if I do remember correctly.

[Justen] hmph.

• Ysabeau smiles slightly.

[Justen] 's different when I did it.

[Ysabeau] Why, because you're a boy?

[Ysabeau] Theo... hmm.

• Justen shrugs
• Ysabeau cocks her head as if listening.

[Ysabeau] He must have decided to take a break. He's been working on a new composition and been driving himself to the brink with it.

[Justen] Still doing the whole tortured artist thing?

• Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] You can't tell him he's only 13 and there will be plenty of time to write music. He must write it all now as if his very life depended on it.

[Justen] heh. is it good, at least?

[Ysabeau] Justen dear, he is my son. ;)

[Ysabeau] It's good, especially for a child his age.

• Justen nods, smiling.

[Ysabeau] Ysabel is just her quiet, sweet self still.

[Ysabeau] And Jess - you remember she was going off on a field trip this season?

[Ysabeau] Researching the ruins in (fill in the blanks).

[Justen] Oh, cool. Xan will probably want to hear aaaaallll about that.

• Ysabeau smiles.

[Ysabeau] I expect she'd rather it were someone else.

[Justen] Oh, I'll listen too.

[Justen] I just don't always have any idea what they're talking about when they get going.

• Ysabeau smiles again. She is thinking of someone else. Poor Jess and her unrequited love for Leolin!

[Ysabeau] But what of you and Xan? How was your trip?

[Justen] It was very interesting... I mean, even I thought so, I'm not just saying that to humour him. Because he's not here :p

[Justen] So we found this whole.. Serpent town?

[Justen] Underground, hidden away.

[Justen] The people there didn't see too many outsiders, needless to say, but they were mostly decent once we got to know them.

[Justen] Uh, Xan spent nearly all his time in their library, copying books and scrolls and stuff.

[Justen] I got to train with their warriors, which was much cooler ;)

• Ysabeau listens with interest; she probably misses adventuring (though it's not as if she ever got a lot in!)
• Justen will recount more of your adventures, appropriately sanitized for mother and sister ;)
• Ysabeau listens and questions happily; her curiosity has never dulled. :)

[Mercy] I'm glad you're home, Justen, but I really need a nap I think.

• Mercy says after nodding off a couple of times.
• Ysabeau stands up to give Mercy a hand up off the couch.

[Justen] Oh, yeah. I probably should have that bath I was threatened with... ;)

[Ysabeau] Indeed. :)

• Mercy takes her mother's hand gratefully so she can get up.

[Justen] And besides, the cookies are gone anyway.

[Ysabeau] There are more to be had, after you have bathed.

• Justen smiles.

[Justen] Thanks, Mom.

• Mercy will go to lie down for a nap, then, and Justen will go to get cleaned up.

[DiablotinNarrator] Xan, shall I assume you would have made plans to come over later that day or the next day or so, after seeing your own family?

[Xandhil] (sure :)

[DiablotinNarrator] (which would you rather, same day or following day?)

[Xandhil] (following day, maybe)

• Xandhil probably got caught up nerding out with San >.>

[DiablotinNarrator] (ok - each spending the night in your old rooms, maybe, heh :)

[Xandhil] (heh, sure :)

[DiablotinNarrator] (assuming they haven't been totally taken over by younger siblings ;)

• Arek is around when you're getting ready to go, Xan

[Xandhil] Hey dad

[Arek] Morning - you two stayed up late talking :)

[Xandhil] yeah...

• Xandhil smiles over his cup of cofee

[Arek] Are you going over to the Oliviers' this morning?

[Xandhil] Father wanted to hear all about the library we were at, and see the copy of the scroll I found

[Xandhil] yeah

[Arek] oh, I could hear parts of what you were talking about ;)

[Xandhil] I meant to go see Mercy yesterday but, uh...

[Xandhil] heh

[Arek] It's nice that he gets to live vicariously through your research ^-^

[Xandhil] heh

[Xandhil] well, I tried not to make him too jealous >.>

[Xandhil] he was less thrilled about the fights :/

[Arek] Dear, he's already planning our trip there, I'm pretty sure. Next vacation :p

[Xandhil] hah, have fun with that :p

• Arek miiiight be joking?
• Xandhil shakes his head

[Xandhil] if he can get enough time from the Castalia, maybe :p

[Arek] Well, if Em is going to go there, someone has to take her...

[Arek] I'm sure he would volunteer.

[Xandhil] un huh....

• Xandhil smirks
• Arek still seems less than totally okay with that, but is able to joke about it at least.

[Xandhil] It'll be okay, dad

• Arek nods.

[Arek] I suppose so...

[Arek] Do you mind if I come with you to the Oliviers' place?

[Xandhil] uh, if you want?

[Xandhil] I was gonna drop my stuff off home on the way

[Arek] That's all right.

[Xandhil] okay

[Xandhil] well, I was just finishing my coffee, anyway

• Arek nods.

[Arek] No rush. I just wanted to see how Mercy is doing, and have a word with her parents.

• Arek will go about tidying up until you're ready to leave

[Xandhil] okay..

• Xandhil will finish his coffee and get the rest of his stuff together
• Xandhil will knock on the Olivier household door ;3

[Ysabeau] (Our housekeeper is on duty today, and lets you in. We always had one, but you'd know that Justen and the other children are all well versed in household chores)

[Ysabeau] (Even though his apartment may not reflect it. :P)

[Ysabeau] (She brings you to the music room where Ysabeau is working on something, I guess.)

[Xandhil] (it does when he's living with me ;p)

[Ysabeau] (I wasn't sure if you were living together or not)

[Xandhil] (yeah)

[Ysabeau] (he can cook, do laundry, mend clothes... all of it ;) )

[Xandhil] (hee ;)

[Ysabeau] (Me and Martan insisted!)

[Xandhil] Oh, hi Mrs. Olivier...

• Ysabeau greets you warmly, standing up from her harp and coming to give you a motherly hug and a kiss on the cheek.

[Ysabeau] Good morning, Xan. How are you? You're looking well. :)

[Xandhil] I'm good, thanks :)

[Xandhil] How are you?

[Ysabeau] Very well, thank you.

[Ysabeau] Did you have a good trip? Justen certainly was filled to the brim with excitement over it. :)

[Xandhil] yeah, it was awesome :D

[Xandhil] I was up.... really late, talking to my father about all of it

[Ysabeau] No doubt. And no doubt he's all set to go himself, now.

• Ysabeau smiles fondly.

[Xandhil] Dad says he's already planning his next vacation ;p

• Ysabeau laughs.

[Ysabeau] Do have a seat - would you like some refreshment? I sent Justen to the market to pick up some things, but he should be back shortly.

[Ysabeau] Mercy is still resting.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] dad wanted to talk to her too, but I think he ran on to your husband just outside and they were chatting

[Xandhil] but, thanks, I'm okay for now

[Ysabeau] Very well.

[Xandhil] I got up late, so I just had breakfast

• Xandhil says apologetically

[Ysabeau] No worries.

• Ysabeau is not offended.
• Ysabeau will quiz you about the trip from your point of view. ;)
• Xandhil will tell you about all the cool books and metaphysical chats he had with the priests ;)
• Ysabeau would be especially interested in the metaphysical chats.

[Xandhil] (I'm trying to remember if we discussed anything particular in game)

[Xandhil] They seem less crazy than the Serpent church here, anyway

• Xandhil sums up

[Xandhil] Most of them

• Justen is now known as Martan
• Arek and Martan come in from out on the porch where they were chatting.
• Ysabeau is entertaining Xan in the music room.
• Martan gives his wife a little kiss on the cheek.
• Ysabeau smiles and kisses him back.

[Xandhil] Hey dad, Mr. Olivier..

[Arek] Good morning, Ysabeau.

[Ysabeau] Not going to work after all?

[Ysabeau] Good morning, Arek.

[Martan] They can get by without me for an hour or two, I suspect.

• Xandhil nods

[Ysabeau] Hmm. Xan did mention you wanted to speak with Mercy. I can go see if she's awake enough for visitors

• Martan will have a seat, and offer one to Arek.
• Ysabeau offers.

[Arek] It's all right, don't wake her on my account.

• Ysabeau smiles gratefully.

[Arek] I know what it's like to be pregnant after all... she needs all the rest she can get right now.

• Ysabeau nods.

[Ysabeau] Gods know she'll get little enough sleep before long.

[Arek] Precisely.

• Xandhil quietly D: 's

[Xandhil] how has she been?

• Xandhil frets a bit

[Xandhil] Do you think it will be soon?

• Ysabeau shares a knowing smile with Arek before turning to Xan.

[Ysabeau] She's fine, Xan.

[Ysabeau] And yes, I'm as sure as I can be that she'll be delivered very soon. Of course, babies do tend to make their own decisions about when to appear that take little account of *our* convenience. ;)

[Ysabeau] (She is fine, right?)

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] I'm glad we made it back...

[DiablotinNarrator] (yes, apart from probably a bit sore/cranky, but that's to be expected)

[Martan] We were taking bets on whether you would or not.

• Martan says lightly, smiling.

[Ysabeau] Martan won.

• Ysabeau rolls her eyes.

[Ysabeau] You're welcome to stay here if you're afraid to miss anything, Xan. But I can also send Remi or Theo to fetch you when the time comes.

[Martan] Well, I wasn't going to brag...

• Ysabeau grins at her husband.

[Ysabeau] You can treat me to a night out with your winnings. ;)

[Martan] It's a date :)

[Ysabeau] There, I lose nothing after all, and gain much. ^-^

• Xandhil tries his best not to feel awkward when his boyfriend's parents are flirting in front of him

[Xandhil] well, um, thanks.... I should talk to her, and Justen, I guess

[Xandhil] I don't even really know what she wants me to do D:

[Ysabeau] At a guess: be supportive, but stay out of her hair. And: remain calm.

[Xandhil] right

[Xandhil] I'll try

• Ysabeau is teasing.

[Xandhil] @_@

[Martan] That's really the best thing you can do when she's in labour.

• Martan agrees.

[Martan] Basically whatever she asks ;)

• Xandhil nods

[Martan] After... well, you're right, that's for you to talk about with her.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] We talked some, before I left

[Xandhil] but she still wanted to think about things

• Ysabeau nods.

[Arek] ...

[Ysabeau] She might not have it all sorted out yet. Some things are virtually impossible to prepare for.

• Xandhil nods @_@

[Arek] Very true...

[Xandhil] yeah...

[Arek] And... not knowing what this child will be like...

• Arek says a bit hesitantly

[Arek] Well... let's say that sometimes Xan and Em posed... additional challenges.

• Arek says with a smile at his son.

[Ysabeau] The wings?

• Xandhil smiles back but also goes a little red

[Arek] Among other things.

• Ysabeau nods.

[Xandhil] . o O (He's going to tell the turtle story again isn't he >.>)

[Ysabeau] Well, that's why we've arranged for a midwife and a healer to be present.

[Arek] They don't learn to fly until they're learning to walk, at least, so you shouldn't have to worry about flying infants at least.

[Ysabeau] That's a relief.

[Arek] But then there was the time Xan decided he was going to be a turtle...

• Xandhil sighs

[Xandhil] Turtles are totally easy to take care of >.>

[Arek] I didn't know what turtles even ate! Sanadhil had to look it up.

• Martan chuckles.

[Martan] What *do* they eat?

[Ysabeau] Fortunately, Hester is very knowledgeable about animals. ;)

[Ysabeau] Depends on the species, I think, my love.

[Arek] Well, ours ate a lot of grapes, as it turned out.

[Arek] When he finally turned back, he had a pretty upset tummy...

[Ysabeau] Oh dear.

• Ysabeau gives Xan a sympathetic smile.
• Xandhil sighs again

[Ysabeau] How long were you a turtle, dear?

[Xandhil] I don't remember - I was what - three?

• Arek nods.

[Arek] I think it was for about four days.

[Arek] It seemed longer at the time @_@

• Ysabeau giggles.
• Xandhil sighs

[Xandhil] it was fine

[Xandhil] i don't know

[Arek] I know I'm probably worrying over nothing. You both have experience with raising... uh, special children.

[Xandhil] It doesn't seem like that sort of stuff will be *soooo* bad...

• Arek says delicately.
• Ysabeau shrugs.

[Ysabeau] Only with lots of help from you and M. Dryden. :)

[Arek] It was just when Xan told me about... oh, um, hm. Have you told them?

• Arek asks Xan.

[Arek] (er, her - since you were just talking to Ysa)

[Xandhil] about what?

[Arek] The girl you met.

• Xandhil asks a little warily

[Xandhil] oh

[Arek] Well.. the person you met.

[Xandhil] Eletyl...

• Arek amends.

[Xandhil] No...

[Xandhil] Did Justen say anything?

• Xandhil asks

[Arek] (Justen probably mentioned the name Eletyl, but didn't provide many details beyond 'mother was the high priestess there')

[Ysabeau] No. I learned a great deal about Shadow Plane underground serpent city dweller fighting techniques, but Justen skimmed over what you were doing there, Xan.

[Ysabeau] I do recall that name, but he didn't elaborate on who she was or what you may have learned from her.

[Xandhil] we didn't really learn anything *from*... Eletyl.

[Xandhil] Just... Her father was a demon, and she was... well

• Xandhil frowns because he's not sure the best way to put it
• Ysabeau has raised two half-demons, you probably don't need to couch things in niceties.

[Xandhil] Like... he mother raised her as a girl, but she wasn't really.

[Martan] o_O

[Martan] Wasn't really... how?

[Xandhil] She was more... sorta both? But not really?

[Martan] Hm.

[Xandhil] Like somewhere inbetween, I don't know.

[Xandhil] She didn't think of herself as a girl, but I don't know what else to say :p

[Ysabeau] Did she resent having been raised as one?

[Xandhil] kinda

[Xandhil] I don't know if 'resent' is the right word.

[Xandhil] Her mother was really controlling in other ways too, though

[Arek] Some demons are like that - not really male or female, but in-between. I don't know if it's connected to her father's true nature or something else, but it made me think it's something we ought to mention as a possibility.

[Arek] Beyond the usual flying, shapeshifting, fire-starting, telepathy baby issues @_@

• Ysabeau shrugs.

[Martan] If that happens, we'll deal with it.

• Ysabeau nods.

[Martan] We'll love the baby regardless, of course.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] well, yeah...

[Arek] Oh, I know. We all will.

[Arek] We're all looking forward to this :D

[Arek] Well, Sanadhil is ... accepting it anyway ;)

• Xandhil rolls his eyes

[Xandhil] he'll be fine

[Ysabeau] I think it will work out all right. I mean, the baby will have two experienced families to help care for him or her.

[Xandhil] right

• Arek nods.

[Ysabeau] But it really is getting on; I think I should wake Mercy so she can have some breakfast. She'll need to keep her strength up for labour.

[Martan] I probably ought to get to work, too. But you know - send for me if anything happens, there's nothing so important right now that I can't make it home for my first grandchild's birth :)

[Ysabeau] Of course, my love.

• Ysabeau gives Martan a kiss on the cheek.
• Martan kisses back and says farewell to everyone else before he sets off.

[Ysabeau] Would either of you be willing to help me make up a tray to take to our sleeping beauty?

• Ysabeau will go do that and then take it to her, whether one of you helps or not. ^-^

[Xandhil] um... sure!

[Arek] Of course.

• Xandhil will give quiet assistance

[Xandhil] or if you still wanted to talk to Mrs Olivier, I can just wait for Justen :3

• Martan is now known as Justen

[Arek] It's all right - nothing private, anyway :)

• Justen makes it back from the market with the bags full of things his mother asked for.

[Ysabeau] (they include all sorts of iron-rich foods to help Mercy build her strength up before & after labour ^-^)

[DiablotinNarrator] (yum :)

[Justen] Hey, you're here :)

[Justen] I would give you a kiss but I'm carrying liver.

[Ysabeau] Yes, and he's perfectly welcome to stay here as long as he needs, if you don't mind sharing a room with him.

• Ysabeau can't resist teasing.

[Justen] oh, I don't know if we could handle that.

• Justen smirks.

[Xandhil] ^-^

[Xandhil] I'll pass on the liver though, eww

• Justen sets down the bags in the kitchen.
• Xandhil follows
• Ysabeau as well, and we make up a tray for Mercy and take it to her...
• Mercy is awake but not up out of bed yet.

[Xandhil] Hey :3

[Mercy] Hi :)

• Mercy reaches up to give you a hug.
• Mercy is big as a house @_@
• Xandhil will reach down and hug back although he is a little @_@

[Xandhil] (maybe a lot @_@)

[Mercy] I'm glad to see you.

[Xandhil] yeah... thanks

[Xandhil] I'm glad we didn't miss the baby

[Mercy] Nope, still safely inside.

• Mercy says, patting her belly.

[Xandhil] yeah @_@

[Xandhil] how are you feeling?

[Mercy] Oh, well... mostly everything aches right now, and there's no way to get comfortable. I've been having contractions but Mom says they're just the 'getting ready' kind, and I'll know when they're the real ones.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] sorry?

• Mercy manages a smile.

[Mercy] It's okay... it's almost over, right?

[Xandhil] um...

[Xandhil] this part...

[Xandhil] ?

[Mercy] well... yeah.

[Xandhil] Did you think more about what you want me to do?

[Mercy] you mean ... after the baby's here?

[Xandhil] well... that, and during too, I guess

[Mercy] Well, during, I really don't know what I'll want. I'd like you to be here, though.

[Xandhil] okay

[Mercy] Or at least... nearby, if you don't think you can be in the same room.

[Xandhil] your mom said I can stay, so I don't miss anything...

• Mercy smiles at that.

[Mercy] She would, of course. I think that would be good, if it's okay with you.

[Xandhil] yeah... Justen said he would stay with me, too.

[Mercy] Well, good then. You'll both be here.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] I don't think he would miss it!

[Mercy] He'd better not!

• Xandhil smiles

[Mercy] Afterwards... well, I'm going to stay here for a little while at least, so I'll have help.

[Xandhil] okay...

[Mercy] I'm sure you can stay too of course, if you want.

[Xandhil] I don't want to get in the way..

[Mercy] I don't... want to impose on you.

[Mercy] I know you weren't signing on to be my partner.

• Xandhil nods, because he needs to think about that

[Xandhil] No but.... I want to be here, for you, and the baby

[Mercy] Okay. I'd like that too, then, as long as it's your choice - I would hate for you to feel resentful or trapped or anything.

[Xandhil] you should know me better than that.

• Xandhil smirks a bit.
• Mercy smiles a little.

[Xandhil] You just need to hope this kid turns out more like you

[Xandhil] well I guess it can be as smart as me

[Mercy] oh, thanks ;)

[Xandhil] is there anything else you need now?

[Xandhil] I'm sure your mom is taking care of everything...

[Mercy] After I'm ready to go home... well, I'll probably still need help. I'd like it if you - and Justen too, of course - were some of the people who would help me when I need it.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] right

[Mercy] We can see how it goes. It's hard to know right now what it will be like...

[Mercy] Are you... um... have you thought about what you want the baby to call you? I know it's not going to be an issue for a while, but I want to use the right word.

• Xandhil blinks

[Xandhil] Um

[Xandhil] No D:

[Xandhil] do you... have a preference?

[Mercy] ... Daddy? Uncle Xan? I really don't know what would be best.

[Xandhil] They can call be dad

• Xandhil says, surprising himself with his certainty
• Mercy smiles at that.

[Mercy] All right, Dad it is.

[Xandhil] D:

[Xandhil] This is all kind of a lot to think about though

[Xandhil] I mean

[Mercy] Yeah...

[Xandhil] I have been thinking about it

[Xandhil] but, now it seems a lot more real

• Mercy nods.

[Mercy] Here, can you give me a hand to get up? I need to go to the bathroom and getting out of bed is a two-person job these days.

[Xandhil] err, okay...

• Xandhil will do his best to provide assistance
• Xandhil is at least stronger than his father >.>
• Mercy manages to get upright, with some help. Once she's standing, she looks even huger, somehow @_@

[Mercy] Oof, thanks.

[Xandhil] @_@

• Mercy takes a couple waddling steps in the direction of the bathroom and stops, looking down, surprised.

[Mercy] Oh.

[Xandhil] ...what?

• Xandhil worries that he broke something D:

[Mercy] I think that puddle was my water breaking :p at least I really hope so.

• Xandhil looks a little pale
• Mercy 's shift is pretty wet below the waist.

[Xandhil] I'll go get your mom @_@

• Mercy nods
• Xandhil backs out of the room

[Xandhil] Mrs. Olivier D:

[Mercy] I'm going to the bathroom in case it's my last chance. I'll be in there.

[Xandhil] !!

[Ysabeau] Yes, Xandhil?

[Xandhil] Mercy's water broke D:

[Xandhil] I think

[Ysabeau] Oh, all right!

• Justen takes the stairs two at a time to get up there.

[Justen] Is she okay?!

• Ysabeau hurries up the stairs to Mercy's room to confirm that's the case.

[Xandhil] what do I do?

[Xandhil] she's in the bathroom?

[Xandhil] I'll just get out of the way D:

[Mercy] I'm in the bathroom. I'll be out in a moment. I'm fine... I think...

• Mercy tells you all through the door.

[Ysabeau] Okay, calm down, first. Let's make sure that is what's happening. Then things will start getting exciting. :)

• Ysabeau reassures the boys.
• Xandhil nods and clings to Justen's hand

[Justen] Should I go get Dad? get Aunt Muri?

• Ysabeau knocks on the door and asks Mercy if it's all right if she comes in.
• Mercy is okay with you coming in.
• Ysabeau will confirm that her water's broken and then tell Justen to fetch people.

[Arek] If you need me to go get anyone... I can go too.

• Arek offers.

[DiablotinNarrator] (You're lucky to have a house full of people who can teleport ;)

• Ysabeau will give orders to everybody - fetching people, supplies, etc.

[Ysabeau] (But it's probably a long while before the action really starts, is it not?)

[DiablotinNarrator] (it is not instantaneous, yeah... it is definitely in progress, though.)

[Ysabeau] (Water breaking is pretty early on in labour, if I remember correctly. We now have to wait for all the dilation which can take hours)

[DiablotinNarrator] (I will not inflict Mercy with my 'sit around for 2 days with your water broken' ;)

[Ysabeau] (Lucky girl!)

[Ysabeau] (Xan is put in charge of heating water and Theo's got to keep himself and Ysabel occupied and out from underfoot. ^-^)

[DiablotinNarrator] People who can teleport will go teleport to fetch Martan home, to fetch Murienne, and ... is there anyone else who needs fetching?

[Ysabeau] (If Murienne is a highly skilled midwife capable of performing surgeries by this point in time, then I think we're good.)

[DiablotinNarrator] (I think Muri has as much practice and training at delivering babies as one can hope for, yeah.)

[Ysabeau] (She's a priest, too, so she can exorcise demons, etc, if need be. Not that I expect that'll happen. :P)

[Xandhil] (you probably don't want her to do that ;p)

[DiablotinNarrator] (heh)

[DiablotinNarrator] (suddenly, it's just Ysa and Martan there ;)

• Arek is now known as Murienne
• Murienne checks Mercy out once she arrives

[Murienne] You're doing fine. You still have a ways to go, but you're making good progress.

• Murienne tells her reassuringly.
• Ysabeau will have been keeping Mercy's mind on other things, getting her to walk about and such, while we waited for the others to arrive.
• Justen frets, mostly.

[Justen] It's going to be okay, right?

• Justen asks Xan in the kitchen.
• Ysabeau can allow others to take on this role if Mercy seems amenable... and if the others seem likely to do well at it (ie, not make her more nervous). So maybe it's just Arek and I who get to do that.

[Xandhil] yes

[Xandhil] totally fine

[Justen] okay.

[Ysabeau] (And Murienne)

• Justen squeezes your hand. His are all clammy and nervous.
• Xandhil kisses his cheek

[Xandhil] she'll be fine.

[DiablotinNarrator] Yeah, I'm sure between you, Muri and Arek, you can keep her moving and calm.

• Justen nods.

[Xandhil] your mom and your aunt won't let anything happen

[Xandhil] or dad

[Justen] It's not like.. I feel her pain, blah blah twin stuff... because, wow, I'm glad I can't. but I feel really scared and I just want it to be over, and I don't know how much of that is me and how much is her.

• Xandhil hugs him

[Xandhil] Why not both?

[Justen] yeah.

• Justen hugs back.
• Murienne is now known as Martan
• Martan hangs out in the kitchen with you guys for a while.

[Martan] It's the worst part...

[Xandhil] the waiting?

• Martan looks up at a louder scream/shout from upstairs.
• Xandhil will make tea, just do have something to fidget with

[Martan] The not being able to help.

• Xandhil too

[Xandhil] D:

[Xandhil] is that normal?

[Martan] Oh yes.

[Xandhil] ...okay...

• Martan has been through this, what, six times ;)

[Martan] Just... try not to worry too much, and be ready to run upstairs if she asks for you.

[Xandhil] okay...

[Xandhil] She said she wanted me there, or at least near...

[Xandhil] I just don't know when she meant

• Martan nods.

[Martan] She'll let you know. Probably with some swearing involved.

[Xandhil] okay...

[Xandhil] heh

[Xandhil] D:

[Xandhil] ...I can't figure out if I should let my mom know now...

• Martan pats you on the shoulder.

[Justen] You can't leave.

• Justen says @_@

[Xandhil] I know...

[Xandhil] dad can go, I guess, if he thinks its important...

[Xandhil] I guess it isn't their first grandkid or anything...

[Justen] Can't Arek... think it at her? Or is there a shorter range on that?

[Xandhil] shorter range

[Xandhil] and I don't know sending yet

[Justen] Damn.

[Xandhil] if I even have time to cast it, who knows :/

[Mercy] XAAAN?

• Mercy yells from upstairs

[Xandhil] D:

[Xandhil] go?

• Justen nods.

[Justen] I'll be there.

• Xandhil cheats and teleports upstairs

[Xandhil] I'm here...

• Xandhil says nervously
• Mercy nods. She is half-naked and sweaty and looks miserable and her mother and aunt are bustling around getting things ready...

[Mercy] They said... almost time...

• Justen goes the stairs way, but probably arrives only a short while after you.

[Xandhil] okay...

[Mercy] ...scared...'sgonna hurt...

[Mercy] can't do it

[Xandhil] um... sure you can...

• Martan is now known as Murienne

[Xandhil] . o O (I don't think you can stop it)

[Ysabeau] You can do, it, Mercy, love. I did it six times.

[Xandhil] And then you'll have your baby....

[Murienne] You'll do fine. You're almost done now, just a little more hard work and then it's over...

• Ysabeau nods.

[Justen] Yeah, uh... you're doing great?

[Xandhil] you already made a whole baby...

• Ysabeau flashes Murienne a quick amused smile. Boys are so strange.

[Murienne] All right... maybe one of you can hold her by each arm, so she can be up a bit more...

• Murienne instructs you two to do something helpful :)

[Xandhil] okay...

• Ysabeau is warming towels and blankets by the hearth, I guess.
• Xandhil does what he's told but it mildly worries she might be hot to the touch

[Xandhil] (is mildly worried)

• Justen will get around the other side of her and take a death grip on her elbow

[Ysabeau] Not so tight, Justen, she'll want some circulation in that arm to cradle her baby.

• Mercy is hot but not fiery-hot... just like.. heavy exertion hot.
• Ysabeau smiles encouragingly.

[Justen] oh

[Justen] sorry

• Justen puts his arm around her back instead, so she can lean on him.

[Xandhil] is this okay?

[Mercy] nnnnngh.

[Xandhil] D: sorry D:

• Mercy sort of grunts, which might be good or bad.
• Mercy is pushing back against both of you, though, and seems mostly off in her own little world @_@

[Murienne] All right, time to push.

[Ysabeau] You're doing fine. All three of you. :)

[Ysabeau] Not much longer now, honey.

• Xandhil will try to be literally supportive, but Mercy is actually stronger than him, so...
• Murienne gets into baby-guiding/catching position.
• Justen is fortunately stronger than both of you... possibly than both of you put together ;)

[Xandhil] (heh)

• Justen can do most of the hard work of bracing her and let you be mostly moral support ^-^

[Xandhil] (Oh yeah way easier @_@)

[DiablotinNarrator] (heheh)

[Ysabeau] Crowning yet?

• Xandhil is mostly trying to not pay attention to what is all going on... down there...
• Ysabeau asks Murienne.

[Murienne] Yes, I can feel the head...

[Ysabeau] Once the head's out, the rest will be easy, sweetheart.

[Xandhil] Oh stars @_@

[Ysabeau] . o O (Well, easier, anyway. @_@)

• Mercy gives a huge push and everyone down the other end of her exclaims, so something must have happened.

[Murienne] Head's out :D

• Xandhil pets Mercy's hand absently, but smiles

[Xandhil] D:

• Ysabeau comes closer with towels/blankets at hand.

[Xandhil] good @_@

• Ysabeau sets them within reach of Muri.

[Murienne] Shoulders... oh, hm.

• Ysabeau heads back to check on the scissors boiling in water on the hearth.

[Xandhil] ....wings?

[Murienne] yes. They're folded in, it should be all right?

[Xandhil] okay

• Ysabeau sighs in relief.

[Xandhil] Em's were like that...

• Ysabeau had been pretty worried about the wings catching on things.

[Xandhil] they didn't unfold at all for a few hours

• Mercy pants in between having to push

[Xandhil] you have to be careful cleaning them though

[Xandhil] ...ask dad?

[Ysabeau] Hollow bones?

• Murienne is now known as Arek
• Arek nods.

[Xandhil] and the feathers...

• Arek has been hanging back, unless needed.
• Xandhil is all more excited now though!
• Xandhil makes big eyes at both the twins

[Xandhil] almost there :3

[Justen] @_@

• Arek is now known as Murienne

[Murienne] All right... shoulders should be lined up to come out, the baby's fine, but we want to get it out soon.

• Ysabeau nods.

[Justen] Just a little more, Mercy.

• Ysabeau will approach Mercy once more and help coach her through the last bit.
• Xandhil stays out of Ysa's way, but doesn't really want to give up his place
• Ysabeau isn't moving in behind her where you are.
• Mercy clings to Xan and Justen as she gathers her last bits of strength to push the baby the rest of the way out.
• Ysabeau is standing where Mercy can see her without craning her neck. :)

[Ysabeau] you're doing wonderfully, sweetheart.

[Murienne] there you go... that's right...

[Ysabeau] Push down hard when you feel the contraction, that's it.

• Mercy gives a huge snarl/shout/scream and does as she's told

[Xandhil] D:

[Murienne] there! there we go, I've got her....

[Ysabeau] Oh, sweetheart. She's beautiful, just like you. A beautiful little girl.

[Mercy] her?

• Ysabeau hastens to wrap warm towels around the baby.

[Xandhil] @_@

[Ysabeau] Arek, can you check the scissors, please? We'll need to cut the cord soon.

[Ysabeau] Would either of you like to do the honour?

• Mercy slumps back on the bed
• Ysabeau asks the boys.
• Murienne brings the baby up to Mercy's arms.
• Murienne is now known as Arek
• Arek can certainly fetch the scissors

[Xandhil] ummm D:

• Xandhil shakes his head

[Justen] I can. as long as you tell me what to do @_@

[Ysabeau] Of course!

• Justen will follow the necessary instructions to clamp and cut the cord, even though his hands are shaking a bit.
• Ysabeau helps Murienne with ligatures and they can direct Justen about cutting it.

[Mercy] look at her... Xan, look, she's perfect...

• Xandhil peeks at the baby

[Xandhil] oh.... :3

• Ysabeau smiles fondly and continues to help Murienne as the placenta is delivered... she'll have to wait her turn to kiss Mercy proudly.
• Mercy is hold a tiny little baby girl with close-furled wings that look.. well, mostly dark and wet and slimy right now, but you think you can see maybe a hint of green in them.

[Arek] :3

[Justen] did you pick a name? of course you picked a name. you've had a name picked since you found out you were pregnant. you've had a name picked since you were twelve, I bet.

• Ysabeau laughs happily.

[Mercy] Solange.

[Xandhil] Solange....

[Xandhil] hi :3

• Xandhil peers closer at her

[Xandhil] ...can I see her?

[Mercy] of course

• Ysabeau will direct you on how to hold an infant so its head doesn't flop about.
• Xandhil has, in fact, held newborns before...

[Xandhil] I know...

• Mercy will pass her over to you, probably gratefully since she needs to get herself and the bed cleaned up @_@

[Xandhil] she's so quiet....

[Mercy] (or at least, needs to get out of the bed some Muri can change it ;)

[DiablotinNarrator] The baby sort of gurgles at you

[Xandhil] :3

[Xandhil] Hi Solange...

• Ysabeau will assist by helping Mercy with a sponge bath while Muri changes the bed, etc.

[Xandhil] oh wow, you're...

[Xandhil] my little girl...

• Justen peers over your shoulder at her.

[Xandhil] :3

• Justen hugs you from behind.
• Xandhil peeks at Mercy, but then away since she's all naked and bathing and gross @_@

[Justen] we made this @_@

[Justen] I mean.. you did. but you know what I mean.

• Xandhil nods
• Xandhil leans back against him

[Xandhil] Look at her, Justen...

[Xandhil] she looks like me :3

[Justen] she does :)

[Ysabeau] There, sweetheart, that feels better, doesn't it...

[Justen] look, her hair's really light, like yours.

[Justen] what there is of it.

• Xandhil nods...
• Mercy leans on her mother
• Ysabeau embraces Mercy and kisses her on the cheek and tells how well Mercy did and how proud she is of mother and granddaughter..

[Xandhil] (I can't remember what colour her eyes are though ;p)

[DiablotinNarrator] (let me check!)

[Ysabeau] (as an infant they might just be infant blue ;) )

[Xandhil] (well, fair)

[Xandhil] (Justen's weren't >.>)

[Ysabeau] (No, but Mercy's were, I believe.)

[DiablotinNarrator] (they will be green :)

[DiablotinNarrator] (right now they're probably that dark blue, yeah.)

[Mercy] I'm so glad that's over @_@

[Xandhil] (elf eyes :3)

• Mercy says to Ysa, clinging to her.

[Ysabeau] It's hard, hard work. But so worth it.

• Ysabeau murmurs gently.
• Mercy nods
• Ysabeau strokes her hair soothingly.

[Ysabeau] There, the bed's ready. Would you like to lie down again? You must be tired, but we'll need to help Solange have her first meal before long.

[Mercy] okay...

• Ysabeau will help Mercy back over to the bed and pull the clean sheets up over her.
• Mercy will gladly lie down again on a clean bed (with plenty of padding underneath because, really, the messy part isn't over yet >.>)
• Xandhil strokes his daughter's face

[Xandhil] she's still sticky D:

[Justen] Does she get a bath sometime?

[Arek] Once the wings are dried out, it should be fine. and her face and so on you can certainly wipe off now.

[Xandhil] okay...

• Ysabeau brings over a clean washcloth so you can do that.

[Arek] Would you like me to go tell Dozilva and Sanadhil now?

[Xandhil] okay...

[Arek] If you don't want visitors yet, it's fine, dear.

[Ysabeau] Just use a corner of the towel to dry her off when you've wiped the worst of it off, dear.

[Xandhil] its up to mercy isn't it?

[Mercy] No... they can come, of course...

• Xandhil is still staring at his (!) BABY
• Xandhil wipes her face clean, gently

[Mercy] and Xan's brother and sister if they want too.

• Arek nods and will pop off to go find all the rest of the Orecalos (who are in the city at least.)
• Arek is now known as Martan
• Martan comes in, bringing the other kids to meet the baby too.

[Mercy] Xan...

[Xandhil] yes?

[Xandhil] Oh

[Mercy] I think I'm suppose to try and feed her now.

[Xandhil] you want her, right :3

• Mercy says with a little smile.
• Xandhil will bring her back to her mother then

[Mercy] Yes, but you don't have to go anywhere.

[Xandhil] okay...

[Mercy] [w] thank you.

• Xandhil nods
• Mercy gives you a kiss on the cheek as you bend down to pass her the baby.
• Ysabeau is beaming and her eyes may be little tear-filled.
• Xandhil will also give her a kiss on the cheek
• Ysabeau rubs them and goes to help Mercy arrange pillows and feed the baby...
• Xandhil steps back to cling to Justen though

[Justen] Wow, she did all the work, why do I feel like I'm going to pass out?

• Justen says, holding on to you.

[Xandhil] not allowed

• Xandhil snuggles closer

[Xandhil] Justen I have a baby :3

[Xandhil] well... she's Mercy's baby...

[Justen] yeah :) @_@ :D

• Ysabeau will interpret for the younger kids; Ysabel won't have had much experience with babies at all, and Theo probably doesn't remember much.

[Justen] she's your baby too.

• Mercy nods in agreement to that, once she has Solange latched on to nurse.

[Mercy] our baby.

[Xandhil] okay :3

• Ysabeau gets up to hug her last two babies and to stand by her husband.
• Martan hugs Ysa close.

[Martan] [q] okay?

• Ysabeau nods.
• Martan smiles then.

[Martan] What are you going to be, Grandma? Nana? ;)

• Ysabeau smiles back.

[Ysabeau] I think I'll let Solange decide. You?

[Martan] I like Papa. But if she decides to call me something else, that's fine :)

• Mercy deals with the hoards of visitors for as long as she can, but eventually does need to sleep.
• Xandhil will clear out with Justen
• Justen will drag Xan away to lie down too.
• Xandhil is super snuggly
• Justen is super exhausted, but also snuggly

[Justen] worth it?

• Xandhil nods
• Justen asks, snuggling up to you

[Xandhil] yes

[Justen] 'm glad

[Justen] love you, Xan.

[Xandhil] I love you too, Justen [3

[Justen] Love Mercy, love the baby... love everyone.

• Justen mumbles sleepily.
• Xandhil smiles

[Xandhil] yeah...

[Xandhil] go to sleep

• Justen nods
• Xandhil is less sleepy but is happy to lie with you
• Justen does as instructed.

[Xandhil] 's gonna be so pretty...