Primus

The room had fallen quiet except for the soft whimpers of the new born child that Charlotte held in her arms. The door had just pulled her saviors from their midst. She gazed down at the innocent life before her. She would endeavor to raise her daughter in the ways of good magic, for Melinda's sake and for the sake of the witches that had saved them both.

"Charlotte, you need to rest," Eva murmured softly, slowly taking the child from her mother's arms.

"We are truly blessed," Charlotte sighed as she leaned back in the bed. Her head soon hit the pillow and she succumbed to slumber.

Around her the sisters of the coven worked to prepare a place for Melinda. Two of the midwives were fawning over her, whispering words of comfort to her. Eva looked at the child with reverence. She had almost been lost. It had been her destiny to bring this child into the world safely. With the help of the three sisters she had done so.

"Does my destiny end here?" she whispered to the warm air. She got no response but she knew better than to think no one had heard her. After all, there was magic all around them, all the time. Even with All Hallow's Eve ending, magic was still there. One just had to look hard enough.

"Eva," one of the other midwives drew the young woman from her pondering.

"Yes?" she asked and was beckoned to the baby. Melinda was fussing and none of the other of the coven could sooth her. Eva placed her hand on the infant's head and kissed her forehead.

"Blessed be, little one," she breathed. Instantly the child quieted down.

"Your destinies are still intertwined," another of the midwives commented with a warm smile.

"I am truly blessed to have this child in my care," Eva sighed, taking the child into her lap and rocking her gently.

"Do you think Ruth will try to come for the child?"

"I do not think so. She knows we are strong and she would not risk it," Eva answered. She only hoped she was right.

The following morning dawned brightly. Charlotte awoke to the sound of bustling feet around her. She sat up, greatly energized from sleep. Her body was still weak from childbirth but with some medicinal herbs and a potion she was starting to regain her strength. She climbed from the bed to join Eva by the fire. She was cradling Melinda.

"She is a good baby," Eva remarked, handing the girl to her mother.

"What am I to do without you, Eva," Charlotte murmured. She placed a thankful hand on the other woman's arm.

"You are welcome to stay as long as you need to," Eva assured the young mother. After all they were like family, bonded by the ties of womanhood and magic.

"I pray that Ruth will not attempt to harm her," Charlotte admitted, sounding worried.

"I do not think we will have to worry about Ruth. She may be powerful but she is no match for the magic this child possesses and the line she will bring to fruition," Eva reassured Charlotte.

"With her starts the beginning of all we have hoped for," Charlotte breathed as baby Melinda gazed up at her mother with soft, gentle eyes.