Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Mon Oct 9, 2017 6:32 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

“It’s worse than raiders I’m afraid. Not even the deities can figure out what’s going on. We can only wait to see what is happening. We know people are getting snatched and that in the evening in the desert the sky is green.” Angela murmured towards them. “It is going to be a rough few months.”

Belle gave Aurora a sad smile but nodded while Angela gave a more confident one. “Thank you, Aurora. Sparrow is quite the handsome one I will admit.” He had locks of blonde hair already.

Once Jayden was gone Angela gave Belle a look. “You should go pack… I know you hate it but you have to go.” It was somber as Belle nodded and took off. Once the men were back Angela smiled up at them. “Belle went to go pack her things since she has to leave immediately. However, look.”

Toya began to stir and a groan left her lips. “I feel like a dragon fell on me.” Her eyes were bloodshot and she was exhausted as she looked over at the crying bundle. Angela was swift to snatch the baby and give him to his mother. “Hello little Sparrow.” Toya was so weak that she didn’t even have the strength to hold him properly. Angela beckoned Blaine over to help her.

“He should be with his mother for a little bit. Only a little bit then back to sleep with you. You can’t even hold your arms up properly.” Angela was stern.

“Little Shit really took it out of me didn’t he?” Toya chuckled the best she could as she lulled back into a half sleep. Angela gently shook her.

“Just a little bit more Toya… Try to stay awake.”

“I just can’t Ang… I’m so tired,” the mother sounded so sad as her head lulled down so she could kiss Sparrow. “I… I don’t know.”

Angela frowned a bit and looked up at Blaine. “Get some sleep Toya… It will get better.”

“I don’t like being weak.”

“You have never been weak Sister. Never.” Angela took her hand and held it. “You are just tired right now from the little one.” Toya gave a smile and faintly squeezed back. “You should sleep now.” Angela made sure that Blaine got Sparrow and she tucked Toya back in. “She will probably be like this for a few days. We’ll have to wake her up to feed him… and probably help her hold him. Her mana veins have been severed and put back together… Sort of like a blood vessel but… invisible.” Angela stroked Toya’s sweat filled hair and looked at Belle who came back in with her bag.

“Is Aunt Toya alright?” Belle asked nervously.

“She will always be alright… We need her to be at her best though which she certainly is not. She will be fine though do not worry your pretty little heart over it.”

Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Mon Oct 9, 2017 6:05 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

Jayden looked onto the piece of parchment that Belle had but it was what the messenger had said that made him frown deeply. “What’s been going on at the desert?” Blaine looked to him and signed as he came over to Belle’s side, “Think it has to do with raiders. Been hearing things about them coming into Rosenite territory and doing gods knows what until now. You mother’s in no condition to help defend the frontlines and I need to be with her while she recovers.

Angela only confirmed some of it and Jay looked to his resting mother and then to his new baby brother. He thought for a while before his mind was made up. “Father…I need to have a word with you soon about something.” Blaine nodded and then offered Jay to hold his little brother. He accepted and carefully took Sparrow into his arms. The little baby started to tear up as he didn’t recogize his brother just yet but Jay was good in rocking him. “Hey there, little guy. No need to worry, I’m Jayden.”

Aurora decided to poke her in and see that the little bundle of joy was finally out. “Sparrow!”, she cried softly as she quickly approached the now youngest White Rose. “Auntie, he’s beautiful! And great job, Belle”

“And just where were you while your mother was in pain?”, her father asked, but the girl was completely enthralled with Sparrow that he just rolled his eyes and gestured for Jay to follow him while the women tended to the baby. As soon as they reached his study, he took out a decanter filled with bourbon and two glasses. Filling both up, he handed one to his son and lifted his glass. “To Sparrow!”

“To Sparrow!”, Jay returned, holding his glass up as well before they both downed their drinks.

“Father, I want to go to the battlefield. They need me and others to help defend them. I can’t in good conscious let more of the healers or anyone else get hurt or killed by these outsiders.”

Blaine filled up his glass again and gave him a whimsical look, “Is that all? Is that the only reason you are wanting to go out there and stick out your neck?”

“Yes, I am sure”, he replied, not knowing what his father was suggesting but the older lycan dropped it and drank. “Fine, you are a grown man and a man of the White Rose and your mother’s child for pete’s sake. War is in your blood, like mine. If you want to do it then you might wanna wait until after Belle leaves and let your brother know you for a few days longer.”

Jay nodded and Blaine lead him back to the Toya’s room. “Did we miss anything?”

Author: Belle, Posted: Mon Oct 9, 2017 4:35 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

Anyone else would have been horrified and angered with her. She saw the kindness that came with her family. As long as Sparrow was alright and Toya was alright they weren’t angry with her. Even her mother appeared pleased with her. Had she handled it that well? She hugged Jayden merely out of instinct as she buried her head in his chest for comfort.

“She’ll be alright. This is a thing most healers can’t deal with. The mortality rate on an injury like this is over eighty percent. I’m the twenty percent.” Angela gave a smile at everyone. “It’s very rare for a Rosenite… honestly I thought Toya was one of the lucky ones never to have to deal with it. Not much is known about it but Rosenites, in general, have trouble carrying boys. It’s hit or miss and Toya has been one of the lucky ones.”

Belle looked at her mother. “How do you fix it.”

“Internally… It has to do with the essence our bodies hold. There isn’t much a regular Rosenite or healer for that matter can do about it. Without our essence, we die.” Angela frowned. “It is the curse our race has I’m afraid. Sons are rare and this is rarer but still… very dangerous. It’s why Toya has got to rest.” Angela ordered.

There was a knock at the door and Angela slid it open with some magic. “I’m sorry to disturb you and your moment your highness but… I have orders from the frontline for Belle.” Belle’s face went white as she took the paper from the soldier. They left and she opened it.

“I’m supposed to leave tomorrow. They’ve been waiting for Sparrow’s birth to send me… Apparently the desert… It’s gotten worse and a group of healers got slaughtered out of nowhere.”

“Vultures the lot of them. Can’t even wait for their queen to even wake up,” Angela scoffed. “That is the nature of war but still…” Her eyes went to Belle. “Just be careful. I can’t just overrule them because you are my child. I’ll take care of Sparrow and Toya for you.”

Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Fri Oct 6, 2017 2:20 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

When the time finally came for the baby to come, everyone were on their toes in anticipation. Well, everyone but Toya, who wanted Sparrow out of her. Blaine was holding onto his wife’s hand and kissed it. “It will be okay, love. You can do it. It’s just like the others…” Of course he regretted his words very quickly once he felt the crushing strength of the rosenite. “Ow! Ow! Ow! Toya, ow! Let me go! OW!” Jayden looked around and saw that Aurora was nowhere to be seen. Likely weathering out the storm from the safety of her room; the girl was clever, her brother would admit that.

At first, he found it a little odd that his mother was in so much pain for being in labor, but he didn’t think that it was too much of a problem. Maybe Sparrow was a much harder baby to get out than he or their siblings had. Blaine held onto her hand even as his own was being crushed. And then panic set in when Belle checked on him and said something was wrong. Blaine never left Toya’s side as he encouraged her as best as possible while Jayden did everything he could to help Belle. It wasn’t hard to see that the panic settled into her as well, and it made him worry for the safety of his baby brother. She hadn’t been through something like this before and it was scaring her. Eventually Angela had to come and assist in the birth.

By the time it was all over, Sparrow was finally out in the world and Blaine was comforting his recovering wife. He turned to Belle and shook his head, “For what? You delivered your cousin as best you could. He’s alive and well it looks and you should be proud. Don’t think I could handle that pressure as you had if I was in your shoes…” He reached for and took the little baby into his arms and kissed his head as he wept. Jay nodded and came over to her. “Don’t blame yourself for what happened…like father said, you did great. It was just a misfortune that no one saw coming…” He didn’t fault her for that situation- she did the best she could with the circumstances and the results gave them a new member to the growing family. The little guy was bawling his eyes out and had a pair of lungs Blaine was sure he got from his mama. 

Author: Belle, Posted: Thu Oct 5, 2017 7:48 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

Toya could be heard mocking her son Blaine took care of her. Belle was laughing softly. “Your mother is a riot but I can see why my mother and yours do not get along.”

Belle listened to him intently once he placed her bags down and she gave a smile. “It’s never been that simple here… I would like simple. I’ve never had that before but I do wander around…” It was hard to try and find common ground with Jayden. They were cousins yet literally from two different worlds.

Belle chuckled for a minute. “You are the Dragon’s son too…. That’s nothing to sneeze at. People are generally shaking in their boots whenever your mother is even mentioned.” She had high hopes for Jayden and he was a good man compared to how volatile his mother could be.

Months could come and go leaving Jayden to help her out. Once Toya’s water had broke Belle sprung into action. She almost dragged Jayden with her into the den of the beast. “I knew there was a reason I wanted to stop at Aurora!” Toya was in a lot of pain as she wiggled around the bed with her big belly.

“You are a mighty dragon knight you must be able to deal with labor pains Aunt Toya.” Belle chuckled lightly. “Jay, can you fetch me a hot tub of water and towels, please? Uncle Blaine can you make sure your wife doesn’t utterly destroy this whole room.”

“FUCK YOU.” Toya cried as she took Blaine’s hand and almost broke it.

“Honestly, Aunt Toya…” She stared at the moment for a moment before getting concerned. A woman with this amount of experience having this much pain? This many problems? Something didn’t feel right to her… Something was off. Running over to Toya she put her hands on her belly and used her magic. “Shit…”

“What?” Toya almost flung up and Belle pushed her back.

“The baby is in trouble. This is going to be a long night. Mother is telling me what to do.” It was many long hours and even a surgery later to help Toya out with Sparrow. Belle was scared but it was Angela who had shown up to help get Sparrow out. By her side, Angela walked Belle through and helped perform the needed medical practice.

Angela was there mostly for her healing aura, something Belle couldn’t provide. Once Belle had Sparrow she was white with color as she washed him up. Angela was finishing providing her healing magic but Toya was in a deep sleep at that point. “I’m so sorry Uncle Blaine… I froze up.” Belle was almost in tears as she wrapped Sparrow in a blanket.

Turning her head Angela smiled a bit. “We all have our scares, it’s alright Belle. You did your best and you’ve never seen this before. It happens. You recognized there was a problem and you tried to do something about it, that’s the best a healer can do in these situations. It’s also why I showed up.” Belle nodded as she handed a crying Sparrow over to Blaine. “Toya needs a lot of sleep… We can wake her up for feedings but she is going to be out of commission for a while when it comes to everything else. Once she can walk we’re going to have to help her out just a bit. My magic is good but natural healing is better. Especially in her case.”

Belle looked at Jayden and frowned deeply. If she had only noticed sooner… Or could she have? "I'm so sorry Jay…"

Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:57 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

“Mother, don’t be too rude now”, Jay offered, scratching the back of his head. “You don’t want to receive anything else from Aunt Angela, do you? I think it can be safely bet that it won’t be as pleasant as having another child.” Blaine nodded and went over to his wife and patted her growing stomach. Jay followed his father’s request but would have done so anyway because of the type of person he was. He saw that Belle would have protested but then silenced herself. “Hm, yes, I think we have a room that fits that description.” One of them came to his mind though, and he lead her upstairs and after a bit of traveling, they arrived at one of the rooms that faced the gardens out back.

Making sure that her bags were placed carefully on the bed, he turned to face her. “Yes, one in the middle of the forest we used to live in…it was a quaint and modest one. It was nothing compared to the manor that your mother used to live in not too far from us. There was me and my sisters minus Rose, and my parents. It was a bit small, but it was cozy for them when us children were growing up and exploring the world.”

He did miss the subtle life they had fought so hard to live, and living in Sularia had been quite the change for them all. Well, maybe not Aurora since she was still young. Heaven knew that their mother did not like it one bit and maybe that’s why she was always getting into trouble, aside from being herself of course.

“I guess I can see that, seeing that you have a far lot more than I do”, he smiled as he moved over to the window and peeked outside. “Aye, it's hard to live in someone else’s shadow. I remember when I was younger that people were sure I would follow in my father’s footsteps as a mercenary. Instead I worked hard and followed my dream of being a knight. I’m sure that even now my mother’s scared to death of it or more so losing me like she had my older brother. I’m sure that you will do great and will find your own path. We learn from our parents, but we don’t become them… “

Author: Belle, Posted: Sun Sep 3, 2017 9:05 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

Belle chuckled softly and nodded. “Uncle Blaine, I think Aunt Cathrine already tried that once upon a time.” She was amused lightly by it because she thought her siblings were way worse than this but she supposed if one didn’t live in chaos all day that they wouldn’t understand.

Toya groaned at her husband as he forbid her from dragons until she was healed. “Don’t worry Aunt Toya I’ll make sure you are back on your feet as fast as possible.” The smile from Belle actually made Toya stopped groaning and she was stared at her. “What?”

“You can’t be related to the bitch.” Toya crossed her arms and Belle chuckled again.

Belle nodded and bowed slightly to them all. “Thank you for your hospitality. I’ll make sure if I have any difficulty that I suck it up and ask for your help since you have been so generous. Despite the trouble that my mother has caused you all.” She came back up slowly and smiled at Jayden. She was getting a bit more comfortable with them now.

She was about to fight with Jayden about her bags when she just gave up before the fight could start. She knew that they were dead set on taking care of her while she was there. “I suppose… some place overlooking a garden maybe?” She tilted her head. “I like to look out the window when I work on my medical journal. Which I’ll be working on a lot if I’m going to be taking care of Aunt Toya.”

Tilting her head all her blonde curls fell to one side. “You all used to live in a cottage? Isn’t that a bit cramped for how many there are of you? Even without the youngest twins… That’s a lot of people in a little cottage.” She teased gently and waved her hand as they got to her room once they found one. “You can come in while I unpack…” She liked his company so far. She went about unpacking her bags and folding her clothes as they continued to talk.

“I’ve always been here in Sularia at the manor or in the temple. I suppose I really don’t know what its like to live in a small place. Not that I would want to with all of my siblings or even some of them. Though I guess I would have liked a taste of life without being doted on by all of the clergy members. I really don’t like being pointed out or anything like that… It’s hard being my mother’s student when people want to acknowledge how great a healer I’ll be because she is my teacher. Eventually, I just want to do something I will be known for but my mother is a legend here… It isn’t going to be that easy.” She offered a smile.

Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 6:01 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

“Yeah, yeah. I figured as much”, Blaine replied while scratching the back of his head. “I’ll be blunt, your mother and aunt have been driving me bonkers with their pissing war throughout the years. I swear that one day i will take both of them and bump their heads together or something.” Jayden merely smiled at his crazy family; he was confident that Belle would do fine and that his family would make it through just like they always did. He knew that Aunt Angela would intentionally put her unborn nephew in jeopardy even if she was made at his mother.

“Yeah, I suppose that now you mention it, the males seem more stockier by the females when it comes to my father’s side of the family.” Jay didn’t really think of it before, but then again he hadn’t thought of other wolves before. It was a strange concept since it only now came to mind. Blaine nodded as well as he stroked his wife’s hair lovingly. “You be on your best behavior until Sparrow’s out. After that, you can raise all the hell you want. But no dragons until you get your strength back, you hear?” His son went off to assist Belle.

“Don’t worry about it. I will help you anyway I can. Might not need it, but still feel better if I can make your job easier any way possible. “ He flashed a genuine smile her way as they finished tidying up. He heard his mother’s offer, glad that she was coming around. Blaine was happy with it as well. “Might as well. If it was your mother, then you can bet your aunt would be fighting tooth and nail to throw her out. If there’s anything you need, just ask. We’re family after all.”

“And I’ll help her then.” He looked to Toya with a wink, “Can’t stay in bed this time, love. I’ll make sure you get up all those stairs. Jayden, why don’t you go show Belle one of the vacant rooms?” Jay nodded and took any sort of bags that she might have had before accompanying her to the halls. “Plenty of rooms here, so you can pick the one you’d like. I’m still trying to get used to this place myself since I’m only here from time to time and is used to our little cottage in the woods.

Author: Belle, Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2017 5:27 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

“It’s really quite recently. I would say at least within the last ten years. It took a while to even be able to replicate what Shayla can do with the gift Mother gave her. Even then we’re not as good as they are with it.” Belle sounded so confident as she answered his questions about magic and the academy… However, anything else she lost that confidence and got shy with him and the others.

“I imagine if Aunt Toya had any problems that my mother would have disclosed them to me. She might see uninterested most of the time but her memory for medicine is one of the best around. She doesn’t forget a patient and if there is a slip up she tends to review her file on them.” Belle reassured Blaine and the others.

Thinking about it she shrugged. “I’m not too sure what else you guys have inherited but half Lycanthrope mixed with Rosenites tend to get the best of both worlds. You might have noticed how small Liz is compared to you though. Different types of Lycanthrope I would bet, she is much agiler.”

Toya snuggled up into Blaine as they watched Sparrow. He had captured everyone’s hearts already it seemed. Belle blushed again at Jayden and nodded. “It won’t be much longer at all, he’s right on schedule. Might even be a few days earlier at this rate.” She gave them a smile.

The blonde woman smiled at Jayden as he helped her clean up. “Thank you very much, Jayden.” Her voice was so soft when she lost her confidence.

Toya tilted her head and laid back on the bed again. “Girl, you should stay here in case there are problems. I wouldn’t ever offer that to my sister but you aren’t her as far as I can tell.”

Belle blushed a bit more and chuckled a bit. “No, I think my mother is one of a kind… Thankfully. I would be more than happy to stay here until Sparrow is born.” She bowed a bit to them. “You should try to exercise though… It would help your hips and other things of that nature… Walking up and down the stairs would be good for you Aunt Toya at least until you are much larger.”

Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 7:58 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

“I see. How long have you guys been at this sort of magic for?” Jayden was curious about them obtaining this sort of power. He was also weary since this could be just as bad as it was good should it find its way into someone’s malicious hands. Or it didn’t have to be such- power was able to corrupt even if it was intended for good purposes. Still, his main concern was for Sparrow- the other tidbits could wait.

“Haven’t had a problem if I recall correctly”, Blaine offered as he looked to his eldest son. “Jayden, the twins and Aurora made it fine and well. Nothing wrong with them other than having some of Toya’s personality mixed with my own.”  He let out a snide chuckle as he rubbed Toya’s belly with care. Jay nodded while taking notice of Belle’s blushing, but was too gentleman like to speak of it. “You don’t say…that makes sense, to be honest. I’d imagine that I would pick up other things from my mother as well.” He suppose that compared to the other houses, the White Court was vastly different from the others. Perhaps that was what made their house unique, and it was something he grew used to as well as loved.

The sight of Sparrow had done the impossible- Jay saw his mother in awe and quiet for a bit. It was a rare sight and he looked to his brother from start to finish. “I know, sweetheart”, Blaine answered as he placed his lips against the back of her hand. “I love him too.”

“The feeling is mutual.” Jay couldn’t help but to smile widely as he watched him. The magic started to come undone and before he knew it, Belle was hard at work again. “I think we can all take pleasure in knowing they are both fine then. It won’t be too long now before he will want out. See? I had a feeling that we were in good hands, Belle.”

His father stroked the top of his wife’s head and sighed. “No, Toya. You’re still look as young as the day we met. Don’t worry about it. And if it makes you feel better, the rest of your sisters are as old as dirt.” Their son rolled his eyes as he started to help Belle clean up.

 

Author: Belle, Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 6:33 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

Belle peeked up at Jayden and tilted her heads. “By studying the gifts that Gods have and the gifts that Gods can give we can recreate things… Maybe not perfectly or anywhere near that great but it should be mentioned that my mother was actually able to create Varaz and Komiteia’s barriers just by being given god-touched plants. It happens and that’s what allows the Academy to become better.”

The healer nodded up to Blaine and smiled. “I forgot to ask. Generally, we’re supposed to make sure that the parents don’t have anomalies such as a fast paced heart beat. Typically with Rosenites, we have a slow paced beat but we’ve found with research and patience that Rosenites who have children with Lycanthrope generally don’t pass on the slow heart beat.”

There was a blush on her face as Jayden spoke and not knowing how to handle his compliment she rattled on a bit more. “Did you know that compared to Lycanthropes who run hotter… You and your siblings run slightly colder thanks to your mother?”

Finally, it was time to show them her hard work as the image appeared. She used magic to allow the sound of the heart beat to resonate in the room. Toya was completely taken back. “…I love him…” The queen was in awe as she took Blaine’s hand a bit tighter in hers. “Can you imagine if we had this when the twins… or even Aurora was here?” She smiled up at Blaine.

Belle let them get a good look before the magic started to ween and she began to clean up Toya. “The magic is strong but because it is strong it needs the alchemical base. Once that base runs out the magic shorts. It takes a trained eye to learn all about it. From what I saw and heard Sparrow is very healthy. Toya is very healthy as well, a lot more so than most women her age.”

“Am I really that old?” Toya looked up at her husband.

Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 5:45 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

Jayden wasn’t too familiar with the healing arts; most of what he knew were of offense spells that he incorporated into his swordplay. So when he was listening to Belle’s explanation as to what she was up to, Jay was listening attentively. “I didn’t think such means would actually be possible… “ He looked to his father, who looked somewhat thrilled to be able to see what the latest member to their family would look like. This would prove to be an exciting experience.

Blaine was trying to hold his excitement but found it easier once his wife butted into the conversation and he gave her a dirty look. “Be good”, he spoke through gritted teeth as she did as Belle instructed her. “Oh, I could have told you about our hearts.” Even now, the father could hear his unborn son’s heartbeat as steady as a wolf’s could be inside Toya. Blaine held his wife’s hand tightly; there was no way in hell he wanted to lose either her or Sparrow. And he knew that she felt the same way. Jayden didn’t want that either, especially since he knew how the deaths of his older siblings had affected her prior. But he had faith in Belle and her skills. “I don’t think you will have to worry about this one. My brother’s strong, as if my mother. And I’m confident that you will be able to deliver him safe and sound.”

 His eyes watched in awe as they could see the image of Sparrow set forth for them thanks to her concoction. Blaine was speechless as he looked on with a gaping mouth. “So that’s him…he’s so tiny”, Jayden said- though to be fair he barely had an experience with babies before so seeing him like that was just mesmerizing to the knight. “Still, the magic that can do this is amazing…” 

Author: Belle, Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 2:30 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

Belle nodded and gave them all a smile as she looked at her ingredients. “Fine, fine. As long as she does Sparrow good I don’t care who looks after him.”

The tiny Rosenite peeked up at her cousin and blushed a bit as she thought about how to put it into words. “Well, recently we’ve been experimenting with new ways to try and replicate what my mother does with her magic. She was able to give an ability to a cleric named Shayla that showed what the baby was in the womb and give an image. So what we do is replicate it using a variety of alchemy ingredients and a series of arcane circles. Within these circles, it triggers the magic in a more complex way than what Shayla does.”

Belle cleaned off the mortar and pedestal and smiled at Jayden. “I can show you all how it works now actually. This method was used on Naota’s wife Echo-Rose when she was pregnant with their triplets. It was done during the time when my mother was at war with Dalanesca and couldn’t be there with him at all times. It was able to accurately see if anything was wrong with the babies and what the sexes were. We already know Sparrow is a boy for reasons…”

“Because your mother is a…” Toya bit her tongue and Belle blushed once more as she brought the mixture over to Toya. “What?” Belle instructed Toya to pull up her shirt and Belle began to draw the circles.

“Anddd.” Belle blew hard on the circles causing Toya to laugh. Her magic lit the powder up and at first, there was a fast beating heart. “I have to adjust everything I know because the baby is half lycanthrope. Lycanthrope hearts beat faster. Normally this would be a cause for concern and we would deliver a baby early or in some cases…” She frowned and shrugged it off. “Terminate the pregnancy for the sake of the mother.” It was hard for her to say. “I don’t ever want to do that last bit… With Mom, we’re always able to save both but… There’s going to be a time when I don’t have my mother and have to make a hard choice.” It was a somber moment before the magic displayed the image for them.

“See? Sparrow.” It was crude and you couldn’t make out much but she smiled. “Our magic isn’t as advanced as Mother’s or Shayla’s.”

Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 1:43 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

While both father and son looked more relieved to learn about her experiences, Toya looked as though she was still somewhat worried. Not to mention that she might have been missing one of her favorite pastimes. Blaine knew it which was while he tried not to drink in front of her until she could do so. “You’ll be fine once Sparrow comes in and you’re done nursing him”, her husband sighed and looked to Belle, “Don’t you fret. I’m sure you will done fine.” He was sure that Angela wouldn’t leave her nephew’s life, or that of her sister’s in the hands of someone she didn’t feel confident of. And the girl had assisted her many times beforehand, so it sounded like plenty of experience to him. 

“Father’s right, you know what you are doing and we will be here to assist you in any way we can.”, Jay added in, as he gripped his mother’s hand tighter. “ You just have to relax, mom. Do it for Sparrow.” He knew underneath all that stubbornness and thick headedness, she wouldn’t put her children in any sort of danger, no matter how prideful she was. It was what made Toya a great mother. Hell, he was living proof of that.

“Nah, the only old one is me, darling”, Blaine reassured her as he came over to her side and kissed her head. Jayden released her and went over to Belle as he noticed her grinding up ingredients. “What you fixin’ to make with that?”

Author: Belle, Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 1:32 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

“I fucking guess,” Toya groaned as she stared at her husband, “Do I smell whiskey?” She mouthed to Blaine silently.

Belle looked sort of upset for a few minutes as she moved around the room. She was setting up odd instruments that Angela hadn’t ever used here in Revaliir but that Toya would have been used to back when Aurora had been born. “I’m afraid, unlike my mother I can’t just tell you what is going on. However, she is listening and making sure I follow all procedures. In no way, shape, or form are you in any danger. You or Sparrow.”

The woman seemed so much more mature and focused than her mother but then again her mother was all powerful and could do readings like no one else could. “To be honest, I think my mother didn’t come here because she stresses Aunt Toya out. Aunt Toya has an older body now… Also in most cases, a woman who has had so many children would be in danger should she have anymore.”

Toya made a face, “I’m not old…”

Looking up from her spot Belle smiled at her aunt. “You are older than most human women who give birth. By your age, most women cannot have children anymore. It is only because our bodies are capable of so much more compared to humans that we can continue giving birth until our end days.” She began to mix things in a bowl and crush it up.

“Our time together will be much longer than with my mother. She would come in here tell you he is fine and then leave… but I am a healer in training so you’ll have to pardon my inexperience. I’ve delivered many of Sularia’s babies along side my mother though… so I know how to be a midwife. This is my first time taking the reigns by myself.”

Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 1:08 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

Jay gave his mother a bit of a pout and before shaking his head. She was asking for something next to impossible for him to do, despite his love for her. He wouldn’t refuse the help of his Aunt in this, especially if he knew he couldn’t stop her. “Locked doors won’t stop her. I don’t think father would refuse her either. You need her help, mom. You both do.” His eyes went to her body where his little brother was in. “Don’t be like that, it’s gonna be fine.” He knew how she could get but all in all, she knew that this was far better to deal with with her sister. “You two…I swear. When we thought she died, who was the first one that wanted to wage war and slap someone…” He was patient with her and accepted the kiss on his forehead as he gripped at her hand. Being the oldest son, he felt he was somewhat responsible in helping to make sure the family remained strong and safe. Perhaps Sparrow would join the ranks of him and their father when he grew older.

|”He’s a fighter, like the rest of us.” Jayden smiled and held it right up until the knock at the door. “Guess she is here. Come in!” Instead of his Aunt, it was someone else. It took him a good moment before he recognized her as one of his cousins. What was Belle doing here? Scratching his head, he started to listen to her explain why she came over and halfway through, he was getting the idea. “Oh great…”, he spoke between gritted teeth. He knew how his mother would respond to this and at that time, Blaine came up behind her and made his way into the room. He had already taken another shot from the looks of it, and it was obvious that he had met with Belle when she first arrived.

“Don’t take offense, Belle. We were just expecting your mother since she played a part in this…”, the older lycan stated. “Now Toya, calm down now.”

“Yes mother, maybe she’s busy with her twins…”, he suggested before looking to Belle. “It’s fine. I trust my Aunt’s judgment if she believes in you. Hopefully my mother will be a willing patient for you. Right, mother?”

Author: Toya, Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 9:33 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

Toya was in quite the mood today. “I don’t want to look at her smug face.” She crossed her arms over Sparrow’s bulge and pouted. “Don’t let her in the house.” There was muttering going on as Jay came up to her. “Don’t let your aunt into this house. I’d rather give birth alone.” She was being stubborn now.

The White Queen gave her son a stubborn look. “I’m alright Jayden.” She put her hand up to his face and kissed his forehead. “I just hurt a little that’s all… Your Aunt’s attitude with me is just going to annoy me more.” It was an honest answer that she could only give Jayden or Blaine. She had this soft spot for Jayden that she couldn’t have with her girls. Maybe it was because she had lost Costel. She kissed his forehead again and moved her hands down to Sparrow. “Your brother is so active it isn’t funny.”

She had ignored the last question but now she tilted her head. “I suppose I’ll just bitch slap her if she goes too far.”

There was a knock at the bedroom door now as Toya’s face went white. “The bitch is here,” she whispered as she pulled the blanket up and peeked over the top of it. Instead of Angela a small slender woman came in. She had blonde hair was almost white with dark blue eyes. There was silver around her pupils as she gave them both a smile.

“Belle, why the fuck are you here?” Toya hissed.

“Um… Well, you see…” The girl rubbed the back of her neck. “Mother has decided that she wants me to be in charge of Sparrow’s development and hopes that you forgive her absence…” She bowed to them both. “She will make sure I do everything right but in light of the twins births she asks that you give patience and allow me to help you.”

Toya was red in the face, “SHE DITCHED ME. SHE GOT ME PREGNANT AND SHE BAILED ON ME.”

Belle flinched a bit. “She offers her deepest apologies and hopes that you will forgive her…”

Author: Jayden Wintercrest , Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 8:52 PM, Post Subject: Trade Off (P,R)

Blaine looked at his son with some disdain as Jayden took a shot of brandy. It was early in the morning and while he wanted to drink, he had to worry about how Toya would feel since she couldn’t very well take in one of her favorite pastimes. Somehow he got roped into not drinking around her, which was a problem because he was damn near always near her. His son, on the other hand, was free to do as he wished. Not that he was doing this on purpose, but ever since he heard the news of his mother’s pregnancy, he remained home for a time to help out his father and sister as they had to deal with the likes of the White Queen.

“So today Aunt Angela is suppose to come over”, he asked with his father nodding. “Yeah, hopefully they can civil to each other for a little bit. If not for their sake, then for that of Sparrow.” Jay had some concerned about this, but honestly the goddess was more than qualified to do the job, and not to mention that this mess was as much her fault as it was his mother’s. “She should be getting here soon. Guess I will check up on mother… “ He left the dining hall and heard some of the brandy being poured into the glass and chuckled on his way out. His father was certainly a booze-hound and he wasn’t sure how he had made it this long, all things considered.

Going into his mother’s room, he went over to her side and sat onto the bed. “Good morning. How are you feeling?” He smiled warmly at her. “Now, Aunt Angela should be on her way here shortly. Have to check up on the progress of Sparrow and everything. You think you will be able to resist the temptation of decking her while she’s here?”