"Tazio, go outside!", Carlotta ordered, and Tazio protested, "But!-", and she looked at him, "You're not her husband, and you haven't seen her intimately, so, shoo!".
Mira looked at Tazio with a reassuring smile, "It's okay, I've done this before, go.", and Tazio sighed, nodding, and walked outside of the room, closing the door behind him, and took a seat against the wall.
The doctor came down the hall, with Ariel and Eric coming as well, with Ariel handing Guido to Eric, "You hold him.", and kissed Tazio's forehead, "I'll be at her side, darling, don't worry.", before going into the birthing room with the doctor, with another cry of pain echoing out before the door closed.
Tazio clenched his hands in frustration and worry, barely noticing Eric joining him at his side, holding Guido, and Eric reassured him, "It's gonna be alright. Mira got Carlotta, the doctor, and your mother to help her.", as Arcadia and Gabriel came up the stairs, with Gabriel walking to Tazio in worry, "Papa?".
"It's okay, Gabriel...", Tazio gave a small smile. "She's just giving birth to your little sibling, that's all.", he told him as Gabriel gave a small nod. "She'll be alright, she's done it before with you, after all.", he chuckled.
"Do you believe that?", Eric asked as Tazio nodded, "Of course, she certainly has better care this time than when she had Gabriel, I'm sure.".
Eric nodded, "Indeed. But what about you? Are you okay?", and Tazio sighed deeply, "Okay, I'm scared, honestly, especially after she said yes to my proposal minutes ago in the gardens. I...I don't want to lose her...".
"That scared?", Eric asked as Tazio nodded. "You know, if it's looking bad, we could go to your aunt and see if maybe that will help. The trident saved your mother's life, it helped bring you back after all these years...".
"I know, but... I'm just scared that something's going to be wrong... it feels too soon for the baby to come...", Tazio murmured in fear.
Eric raised an eyebrow, "Tazio, Mira knows her body more than any of us do, and besides, she said that the baby's healthy due to the kicks every day, remember?", with a small smile.
Tazio chuckled, remembering one day this past week when he was resting in the library with her, and he ended up resting his head on her lap, and he was kicked in the face a couple of times, and strong they were too...
"Yeah, I guess you're right, but it doesn't stop the worrying...", Tazio spoke softly, and Eric chuckled, "You have been a father to young Gabriel here, and you are truly becoming a father to this baby as well... It happened to me as well. I had worried the times all of you were born, even if Ariel reassured me all the time, and I reassured her when she had worries too...No wonder why you'll be a wonderful husband to Mira.".
Arcadia replied, "Congratulations, big brother. And Daddy's right. Out of all the times I saw you with Gabriel or Mira, you were like the happiest I have ever seen you be.", as Bascus came up, panting, "I'm here, I'm here! Jeez, note of warning before I go off to town, Tazio!".
Gabriel giggled at the sight of Bascus, with Guido giving out a babbling laugh, and Tazio smiled, "Sorry, Basi. I will warn you next time...I sure wish Melody is here too...", with a sigh.
Eric replied, "Like I said earlier in the office, she will be back sooner or later. One can't cure homesickness.", and Bascus nodded, "That sounds about right.", taking a seat on a chair like Arcadia did.
Tazio smiled, glad to have most of his family with him, and the time passed with occasional cries of pain that came under the door, until they came more frequently, the volume increasing, and Eric replied, "Sounds like it's finally time for her to push.", with a nod, having been to all the births of his children.
"I hate this...", Tazio admitted. "I hate not being there with her, holding her hand, trying to make things better and keep her calm... it's... it's not the same, like with Mom, you know?".
Eric nodded, "I know what you mean; it was almost impossible to leave Ariel alone for a second when she was having all of you.".
Arcadia replied, "Well, at least, Mira's not alone. She got Mom, Carlotta, and the doctor with her. And I wish you were in there with her, Tazio, like how Dad was with Mom, but you know you ain't her husband yet, and besides, you haven't seen her like that, you know, with all the courting rules and such.".
Tazio exhaled, realizing that his sister was right...Gods, if he lost her, he would never know the true passion of loving her, seeing her in her natural glory, to be his wife and lover, to discover what is like to make love, to grow into a king and queen together, and much more...
"Just be a little more patient, okay?", Eric patted his back as Tazio took a deep breath and saw Carlotta slowly sprint out of the room.
"Carlotta!", Tazio ran up to her. "How's she...", looking anxiously at her. "So far, very good.", Carlotta smiled. "Just needing to get a few extra things for her there."
Arcadia got up, "I can get them for you, Carlotta, what do you need?", and Carlotta looked grateful, "Go to the bathroom, have a bowl of warm water, some towels, and also a glass of water.", and Arcadia nodded, heading quickly to the bathroom down the hall.
Carlotta patted Tazio's cheek, "It's going to be okay.", before stepping back into the room, slightly opening the door, as a shout of pain pierced the air, and the door closed, and Tazio sighed, now pacing...He feels like he can't sit still anymore.
Arcadia came out down the hall with the required things, knocking on the door, and Carlotta parted the door slightly open, thanking Arcadia, taking the things from her, and closing the door, with another shout of pain echoing under the door.
Tazio only paced more furiously, and Bascus replied, "Tazio, any harder, and you'll burn a hole in the rug! And you're making Gabriel nervous.", as Arcadia retook her seat on the chair.
"I'm sorry... I can't help myself...", Tazio shook his head. "I'm just really scared right now for her...", squeezing his hands into his palms, almost feeling the nails. "She'll be alright, she's almost through it, I'm sure.", Eric said as they heard Mira crying out again.
Tazio sighed heavily as he kept pacing, his heart clenching in angst and anticipation, his nerves on fire, and Arcadia replied, "I hope it's soon...I ain't never seen Tazio this worried before.", to Bascus, and Bascus responded back, "You ain't the only one.".
More cries of pain echoed for the next few minutes before a scream of pain came, and Tazio froze at once, staring at the door, and a slightly less painful scream came a minute later. Two minutes later, a wail of a newborn baby is heard, and Tazio's heart unclenched some, his breath escaping him, waiting for the door to open.
"Oh, thank God...", Tazio whispered under his breath as everyone got up and started walking towards the door, either waiting for someone to come out or being allowed to come in. After a few moments, the door opened up and Ariel popped her head out. "Anyone want to see the newborn?", she smiled.
Tazio nodded numbly and Ariel spoke to the others inside before walking outside as the door closed behind her, holding a bundle, coming up to Tazio with a warm smile, "Congratulations, you're a new papa to a little girl.", gently placing the baby in his arms, and Tazio's breath stole away as his heart filled up with love at first sight.
The girl was very much like her brother and her mother, darkened tan skin, black hair, but unlike Gabriel, the girl had her mother's eyes. Tazio just stared lovingly at the baby as he brushed her little hair gently. "You... you look so beautiful, little one... just like your mother.", Tazio whispered as he looked to Ariel.
"If you want to talk to her now, you can, we've got her somewhat decent again. You can decide the name if you wish.", Ariel advised with a soft smile.
Tazio smiled at her, "Thank you, Mom, for everything...", and Ariel smiled warmly, understanding what he meant by that, "Of course. Go on, Taz, your fiancée is waiting.".
Tazio nodded, and walked on, as the doctor smiled, exiting, "She's got strong lungs, that one, and the mother's resting.", and Tazio thanked him, walking in as the door closed behind him, seeing Mira, so beautiful despite her sweaty hair tied back, exhausted yet smiling radiantly at him.
Carlotta fluffed the pillows behind Mira's head, and noticed Tazio with a smile, chuckling, "I'll leave you two lovebirds alone.", as she walked past Tazio, patted his shoulder with a whisper, "I see why you love her. She's a determined woman.", and then left the room, with Tazio taking a seat down besides Mira, whispering, "She's perfect.", as he held the babe.
"She was rough...", Mira said as she gave a small smile. "But at least she's alright.", with a relieved look on her face. "So, I heard... but how are you feeling right now?", Tazio asked.
"Much better now... especially knowing that she's healthy.", Mira's smile grew, happy to see the wonderful sight of her husband-to-be holding her daughter.
Tazio smiled and kissed her on the lips tenderly before chuckling sheepishly, "I guess you'd want to stay thin for a couple of years or so?". Mira chuckled, "Are you wanting to have your own child already?".
"I can wait a few years if you want to, we have plenty of time to have another child.", Tazio said. "Mostly because that child will be my heir to the throne, as opposed to Gabriel or this little angel.".
Mira smiled softly, "That's okay. Gabriel is looking already like he might be an adventurer of sorts in the future. And this little girl, we will have to see once her personality grows in her.".
Tazio chuckled warmly, "If she's anything like you, I wouldn't be surprised.". Mira smiled. "I'm sorry..."
"About what?", Tazio asked curiously. "About all this happening after you proposed to me.", Mira chuckled. "Maybe it was too exciting for her.".
"Mira...", Tazio leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. "It's perfect... it's perfectly fine.". Mira looked at him, "Yeah?", and Tazio smiled, "Yeah, I think she wanted to be our engagement gift for us, and she did.".
Mira chuckled, "You know, I believe that you're right. So, any ideas for her name?", with a warm, curious smile. "Well... I don't really know.", Tazio admitted. "I think... I think it should be you to name her... to name her something that you and Alexander would've wanted for her. She's your child, not truly mine.".
"Tazio... she's as much your child as Gabriel...", Mira kissed his cheek, reassuring him. Tazio smiled brilliantly for a moment before exhaling, "I want her to be proud of her heritage...I was thinking Esmeralda.".
"Couldn't be more fitting, she looks like one for sure.", Mira whispered as she brushed the girl's head once more as her eyes were closed and she was quietly napping. "Precious little Esmeralda.".
"She looks so much like you... it's almost scary...", Tazio said as she nodded, "There's still some Alexander in her though... you can see a bit.".
"Like her nose and dimples?", Tazio asked softly, and Mira nodded, "Yep.", with a smile. "I hope he doesn't mind that his children got two fathers watching over them.", Tazio sighed deeply.
"I know Alexander would've appreciated what you've done since he's not here anymore...", Mira kissed her daughter's cheek ever so gently. "And this one certainly will appreciate being a father for her since her true one can't fulfill that role.".
Tazio looked relieved at that, and they kept watching over Esmeralda as she had her nap a bit longer before she decided to have a meal, and Mira reluctantly sent Tazio away, knowing that it's not proper for him to see her like that, for some time until they are married, of course, and Tazio understood, kissing her and little Esmeralda before leaving the room, with his siblings asking over each other, "Is Mira alright? Did you name her yet?".
"She's alright, and we named her Esmeralda.", Tazio explained as his siblings smiled, happy to know that everything worked out. "She looks fairly healthy, but you know how it is at times...".
"She'll be alright, we just have to make sure that she stays healthy... and keep any sort of disease outbreaks under control.", Eric said, obviously remembering losing his parents to an outbreak.
Ariel, holding Guido who is happy to be back in his mommy's arms, smiled warmly, with Gabriel at her side, "I'll keep them company. All of you, go have some lunch, and yes, it means you as well, Tazio.". Eric and the siblings, hearing the tone in Ariel's voice, inclined to obey her, and headed off to the dining hall.
Indeed, to everyone's relief, Esmeralda stayed healthy and quite energetic at times, mostly quiet when she gets ready for bed or investigating the new things around her. And so, Mira, Gabriel, and Esmeralda became a permanent fixture in everyone's life, especially Tazio's.
A few months later, Melody finally came home, and she's expecting at last, considering her age, but when she saw Guido, she became indifferent, and it confused the younger siblings; Bascus and Arcadia, as they adored Guido.
Eric had a feeling why, and he was a bit disappointed in his eldest daughter, but he still understood, and as did Tazio as well, through much less, but still...
As the months went on, there was no sign that Melody is trying to get interested to be a big sister to Guido, yet at the same time, Guido has noticed the occasional moment Melody seemed to smile at him before looking away with anger, and he tried everything to get her to like him, yet it didn't seem like it's working.
That is, until one day. Melody had given birth in the lagoon, and now her egg is resting within the shallows of the weeping willow island's waters. The lagoon animals became an early alarm system in case a predator came into the lagoon, and luckily, it was rarely enforced, but sometimes predators are smart, and managed to slip past, and that was how the barracuda got in.
The barracuda wasn't truly malicious or anything, he was more of just a mindless animal, focused on feeding and in this case; his tastes were much more specific as he slipped into the lagoon. In the meantime, almost no one was even considering the danger that was about to happen to Melody's egg.
Tazio was in the lagoon, teaching and helping Mira and Esmeralda take to swim with tails as Attina gifted them with bracelets or necklaces like the others have, with Guido playing with Gabriel under their supervision, and Melody was heading to greet the rest of her siblings who was going to join them.
Guido was chasing and trying to get Gabriel. Guido got a mint green tail, while Gabriel got a sky-blue tail. Mira has a gold yellow tail, and Esmeralda has a cream tail.
Anyway, Guido was having fun when something caught his eye, and frowned, trying to make it out, and Gabriel noticed, "What's wrong, Guido?".
"Something moving down there. I trying to see it...look, shining there.", Guido tried to point it out, finally seeing that it's a big fish, but it's not normal fish, but fish with big teeth, and he followed before widening his eyes, "It going for big sister's egg! Tell others!", before swimming after it in a blast of speed he didn't have before, and just as the barracuda was about to get the egg, he got slammed away, shaking its head, seeing a merbaby toddler spreading his arms, protecting the egg, "No hurting big sister's egg! Leave her alone!", glaring at the barracuda, and the barracuda roared, swimming straight at him, and Guido covered the egg, tucked around it, closing his eyes, now realizing that he'd put himself and the unhatched egg in danger.
The attack never came though, no pain, no darkness, nothing. Guido slowly opened his eyes to see that Tazio had arrived just in time and grabbed the barracuda by the tail, keeping it from trying to get closer. "Don't you dare lay a tooth on them!", Tazio roared as he yanked back and sent the barracuda flying out of the water and slamming it against a rock.
Melody instantly swam past Tazio, sobbing in relief, "My baby!", as Guido slowly left, with Melody checking over her egg, holding it, listening and exhaling, "You're okay, you're okay!".
Guido was relieved and turned to swim away when he was suddenly gathered into Melody's arm, her lips kissing his face, "Thank you, Guido! You saved my baby!", and Guido froze, shocked and hesitated, "You hugging me...", as it had never happened before, as Melody never took to him for some reason, despite his parents and family reassuring him that it was not his fault.