7 Months in…
Luz and Amity were fast asleep when the crow phone went off. Luz begrudgingly picked it up expecting it to be some nonsense. However what she heard shook any grogginess the woman had . "Amity, wake up we have got to go." Luz said Nudging her wife to get up. "What's the rush batata?" Amity said, unaware of what had happened. "It was Gus,Willow went into labor. She can have the baby at any minute." Luz said desperately trying to get herself ready. Willow was the 1st friend she ever made. Well, the
1st friend she made that was her own age. She was determined to be there for Willow. Amity was doing her best to get ready but a woman in her state isn't exactly capable of moving at a quick speed. It was about 45 minutes before the 2 set out to the hospital. Upon their arrival at the magical hospital they were greeted by willows dads who were waiting with Gus and Vee. "Harvey what's going on? How is Willow? Did she have the baby?" Luz said very concerned. "First off, good to see you Luz. Second, we don't
know, they have been in there for 12 hours." Harvey said as Hunter appeared with a big smile on his face. "Well what is it?" All of them exclaimed. "It's a girl. A beautiful baby girl." Hunter said as the group of them all smiled. "Ok they told me I can bring in 2 at a time." Hunter said as Gilbert and Harvey being the grandparents obviously went 1st. Luz and Amity sat with Vee and Gus waiting for their turn to meet the baby. In the meantime they talked about their lives and the break in at blight industries. After 30
minutes Hunter returned asking who would like to meet the baby next. Gus and Vee suggested that since Luz and Amity were the godparents they should go next. Not wanting to argue they accepted and Hunter led Luz and Amity through to a room where Willow was holding a baby girl. "Oh my titan she is beautiful." Amity said. "Luz and Amity, we would like you to meet Ivy Parks." Willow said as the two got a good look at the baby. She had her mothers looks but her fathers hair."Can we hold her?" Luz asked
as Willow nodded and passed her to Luz. Luz had the infant in her arms amazed at how much had changed. To her it seemed like yesterday they were taking down emperor Belos as teens and here they were adults married with families or in her and Amity's case soon to be family. After 5 minutes she passed Ivy over to Amity. Amity looked at baby Ivy." Hi there little one. You don't know me yet but I'm your godmother Amity and that's your godmother Luz. You are such a lucky girl. You have two wonderful parents
and hopefully soon you will have a playmate." Amity said before handing Ivy back to Willow. Luz took a glance at Hunter and noticed his hand and saw his fingers were broken."Hunter what happened to your hand?" Luz asked as the grimwalker looked at his left hand and exclaimed" Well I gave Willow my hand to hold since it helps distract from the pain. I guess she squeezed so hard she busted it." Willow looked up at her husband" I'm sorry I broke your hand baby." She said but Hunter shrugged it off" Don't worry about it. It's nothing a healer can't fix. Now relax and rest. You have had an eventful day." Hunter said kissing his wife and his daughter before leading the 2 girls out to bring in Gus and Vee…..
1 Week Later….
Luz and Amity were off to the Gravesfield community center. Her Mother had set the two of them up for pregnancy classes. As the two of them pulled up as other young couples made their way into the room where a woman in her mid 30s waited for everyone to show up. " Hello parents to be. My name is Bridget and today you will learn how to have a safe and proper natural childbirth." the woman said as she turned on the slide show she had prepared. "First thing we will focus is on Breathing Techniques:
1. Begin with deep belly breaths: Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to rise, and exhale slowly through your mouth, letting your belly fall. Repeat this pattern throughout labor to stay relaxed.
2. Practice rhythmic breathing: During contractions, focus on slow, controlled breaths. Inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and exhale for a count of four. Adjust the counts based on your comfort level.
3. Try "Pursed Lip'' breathing: As contractions intensify, breathe in through your nose and exhale slowly through pursed lips, as if blowing out a candle. This technique helps manage pain and promotes relaxation." Bridgette said as she turned to the next part of her slideshow. "Okay now let's move on to pushing techniques.
Pushing Techniques:
1. Listen to your healthcare provider: Follow their guidance on when to start pushing and how to coordinate your efforts effectively.
2. Use the "C" technique: Take a deep breath and, as you begin to push, curl your body into a "C" shape. This helps engage your core muscles and directs your energy towards the pushing effort.
3. Bear down and push from your diaphragm: Imagine pushing from deep within your abdomen, using your diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles. Focus on exerting pressure downward, as if you're moving the baby through your birth canal." Bridget said as she then turned to the final section of the powerpoint." Okay now this is for the partners of the mother.
Support for Your Spouse/Partner:
1. Encourage their presence: Having your partner by your side can provide comfort and support. Request their active involvement throughout the process.
2. Communicate your needs: Clearly express what you require during labor, whether it's physical support, reassurance, or specific breathing reminders. Open communication is key.
3. Offer physical assistance: Your partner can help you find comfortable positions, provide back massages or counter-pressure during contractions, and remind you to practice breathing techniques.
4. Stay calm and positive: Your partner's calm presence and positive affirmations can significantly influence your mindset and overall experience. Remind them to maintain a reassuring tone and offer words of encouragement.
Remember, every labor experience is unique, so adapt these techniques to suit your comfort level. " She said and with that the slide show was done. "Okay now we will practice the breathing exercises and I will demonstrate." Bridget said as she and the women began to practice breathing….
A Few Hours Later….
Luz and Amity Arrived Home. They had decided to stop at Robin's Roast before spending some time with Camila before they finally returned to the demon realm. As they arrived in their house the crow phone went off. Picking it up, it was Hunter. AMity thought at first something happened to WIllow or the baby but he told the two to turn on their crystal ball to the news. Putting the phone down Amity turned on the ball to see the news "This is Perry Porter with Boiling News Network. Today allegations of
corruption have come out involving The minister of domestic affairs Darius Deamonne. The anonymous source alleges Minister Deamonne has Illegally used government funding for his personal affairs. When asked for comment Mr. Deamonne vehemently denies these allegations calling utterly baseless attacks on his character. This is a tough blow to Prime Minister Raine whisper administration and his Coven of Progress party with midterm elections around the corner facing stiff competition from The Council of
Tradition party who have called many of his reforms costly and have weakened the Image of the boiling Isles. When asked for comment MX. Whispers say they stand by Darius Deamonne but also acknowledges that if parliament deems it necessary to investigate they will support it. This may come back to haunt them with the election coming up and 1/3rd of the 78 seats in parliament up for grabs and the Council of tradition need only 8 seats to claim the majority and stonewall Minster whispers legislation. This is Perry Porter of Boling…."
The Crystal Ball went blank for a few minutes before an image of a crown appeared only to fade to a man wearing the armor of the old emperor's coven.
"People of the Boiling Isles we have returned. To bring you salvation from the chaos of Democracy and wild magic. The Illegitimate Gov't of Raine whispers has made the Isles Weak and only through the strength of absolute rule may we prevail. I humbly present to you Your one true leader The Queen of the Isles."
Luz and Amity were shocked. The monarchists had returned and Now with a new leader. Who could this queen be? The two had their faces glued to the crystal ball as it panned to a woman adorned in extravagant robes and wearing a mask of gold with a crown on her head. When she began to speak it was clear she was using a spell to disguise her voice.
"Greetings my subjects. I am well aware that for many of you this is the first time you have seen me but do not threat. I am only here to restore order to the Isles to its former glory. To wash away the filth that this so-called democracy has brought to this land. Democracy with its notion of freedom and equality merely divides the people and sows corruption and stagnation. Only through my divine leadership can we as a society prevail. So I ask of you my subjects to assist me in tearing down these false leaders so we may bring the isles to a golden age of purity."
And like that the Crystal ball returned to normal with the news baffled as to how their feed had been interrupted. Amity was in total shock. "Luz I'm scared that we're gonna bring a child into a world of danger." Amity said crying as Luz put her hands on her shoulder to give comfort to her wife. "Don't worry sweet potato, we have faced much worse foes in the past. As long as we are together nothing will happen." Luz said as Amity began to cry harder. "Luz look at me, I'm 7 months pregnant. I can't do magic.
What good am I In my current state?" Amity said as Luz gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Amity, don't say that. Look, you are still the foremost abomination engineer on the Isles whether or not you can do magic. And besides I will protect you and our baby no matter what. I will be your fearless champion." Luz said before a spider crawled on her leg causing her to panic and fall trying to shake it off making Amity laugh. "Okay fearless champion now that you got me cheered up let's head to bed. It's been a long day." Amity said as the two turned it in for the night.