SHOWTIME

by Ev and Donna

While Doc Adams looked over the meticulous notes Katherine kept on the progression of Ev's pregnancy; Connor and the other men of the household were standing on the beach, looking at the water and sky which was an odd color. Even the whole ocean looked somehow wrong. Connor was eyeing what lay before him with the insight that came from many years spent at sea. "It's going to storm soon," he said with conviction. "And it will be a bad one."

Mullard and Monroe stood watching the sky and the waves, as well. Monroe loved the beach and sometimes would sit for hours just watching the waves wash in, but today something about it made him uneasy. He wanted to go back up to the house and tell Rayden to make the walls eight feet thick and stay inside until this weather passed. Johnny sat on a rock looking out over the waves and hugging his knees. He could smell the storm coming. "We should let people know about the storm. Let's go."

They all went back in the castle and started e-mailing everyone about the bad storm on it's way to the island, advising everyone to secure everything and to take shelter if they lived close to the water. Connor was especially worried about Pook and Duncan. Theron and Jathelle sensed the worry they were broadcasting and came down from their rooms to see what was going on. They were already concerned over Ev and this extra worry they felt from everyone, had them disturbed.

Theron *read* them very carefully and went to the window. "Is there something I can do to help warn people?"

Connor shrugged, "Maybe you can go to the Castle and tell the Chancellor and the others what is going on. I have a really bad feeling about this one." Theron nodded and disappeared in a shower of sparks. Jathelle started toward Ev and Rayden's rooms. "I'll tell Rayden about it. He can have things prepared much faster than I can."

Jathelle came in the room just in time to see Doc Adam's examining Ev. Katherine was by Ev's side, holding her hand and silently supporting her with her empathic abilities.

"Is something wrong?" Jathelle looked from Doc Adams, to Katherine, to Ev, to Rayden. "Tell me what's going on!" She was starting to really worry when they didn't answer immediately. At that moment the first rain began to fall.

Doc Adams looked at Kat and nodded before turning back to Ev and Rayden. "Ev, it might be a good idea if I stick around. You are already about 3cm dilated. And as Kat told you, one of the twins is in breech position. I would like to be here just in case she needs any help.

Ev studied his face as she answered. "Just how bad is this likely to be? I'm new at this." She reached out with her mind to Rayden, who came instantly to her side, holding her hands and projecting calm to her.

Rayden didn't take his eyes off Ev as he spoke to Doc. "Whatever you think is best. We have plenty of room. If you need anything, just tell me."

"Kat and I will get everything ready," he told Rayden. "Ev, I'm not going to lie to you. Giving birth is hard work. That's why they call it labor. And pushing out a breech baby is even harder because the head isn't widening the way for the rest of the baby."

Ev shivered against Rayden, more nervous than ever. She sighed. "Ok. Can you tell me what to expect while you're getting things ready? That might help make it easier."

Jathelle went to her and took her hand. "I'll do whatever I can to help." Then she remembered why she had started up to the room. "Rayden, there's a big storm coming. Connor says we should secure everything. Theron went to warn the Chancellor, so I came to you do take care of that."

Kat looked up at Rayden in alarm. "The horses!" she exclaimed.

Rayden gave Ev a quick kiss on the top of her head. "I'll be back as quick as I can." A few words of silent communication passed between himself and Jathelle, then he turned to Kat. "Don't worry. My mother and I will take care of them and see they are safe. Mother is good with animals." He grinned. It seemed to be a family joke. "You take good care of Ev for me while I'm gone." With that, he and Jathelle both disappeared in their usual abrupt way.

While Doc Adams started to review all the different stages of labor to Ev, Kat began to quietly gather everything that would be needed for the upcoming birth. He told her he really didn't foresee any problems, but it was always better to be safe than sorry.

Ev felt lost without Rayden there. The longer he was away, the more nervous she was. She could feel fear trying to break through to the surface and she set her jaw as though to hold it in, but a tear started down her cheek. She tried to force herself to calm down and think rationally about it, but that seemed to make it worse.

Katherine sat down on the bed beside her and stroked her hair. "It will be ok, hon. Before you know it, you are going to have two lovely little bairns in your arms. Trust me, ok?" She broadcasted calm and peace at Ev, and she could feel the little knots of fear start to untie.

Ev smiled at Kat. "Thank you. I guess I've been relying on Rayden to be my strength more than I should have." She tried to lie back on the bed, but something in that movement set off a contraction, making her wince and start doing the breathing she had been taught.

Katherine sat by her, helping her by slowly counting for her while she gently massaged Ev's distended tummy. The contraction didn't last long and didn't feel all that intense yet. After the contraction ended and Ev could relax a little better, Rayden and Jathelle popped back. He knew about the contraction, he had felt it too, through their link. He went straight to Ev and took her gently in his arms, in reassurance. Then, with a shimmer of light, he positioned himself behind Ev on the bed to be her backrest and pillow.

Katherine reminded them that this was only the early stages of labor. That if she wanted to get up for a little while she could. Even take a nice hot bath if she wanted. The sound of rain on the window distracted her for a minute. The upcoming storm was making her feel very uneasy. She glanced at the god of thunder and lightning and wondered if somehow the storm was somehow linked to the eminent birth of the twins.

Ev brightened at the idea of a bath. "Can we used scented oil? That would be really relaxing right now." She snuggled back against Rayden, happy in his arms again.

"Sure," Katherine said with a grin. "I'll go draw you a bath right now." She disappeared into the large bathroom adjoining the room and started to fill up the tub.

Rayden drew Ev against him, gently stroking her belly. "You have never looked sexier to me." He whispered in her ear. "I love you. He nibbled at her neck a little. "Would you like lavender bath oil? I remember how you liked it."

Ev grinned. "I remember that." She chuckled softly. "Yes lavender. Its one of my favorite scents.

Doc looked up from the writing desk where he had made his own notations in Kat's little book. "While you are doing that, I think I go see what the others are up too. Maybe grab a snack."

When the tub was filled, Rayden and Jathelle both helped Ev walk into the bathroom. It seemed like a very long walk this time. When they got to the tub, Rayden cheated and zapped them into it so she wouldn't take a chance on falling getting in and out. They settled into the warm, scented water. It felt wonderful.

After making sure Ev was comfortable (ignoring the fact that Rayden was in the tub with her), Katherine went about finishing her preparations. Outside the rain was starting to come down harder and she could hear the wind whistling. She couldn't help wondering what shape Rayden's gardens would be in afterwards.

Finally Theron popped back in. The Chancellor had gone out riding and had been caught out in the storm. Everyone was worried about her but everyone else had been warned and things were being battened down all over the island. Jathelle went to him and held him as they exchanged news silently. They were both worried about Ev. As Theron listened to Jathelle, the wind seemed to whistle louder around the windows.

Katherine went into the bathroom to check on Ev. When she stepped in the room, she stopped, and looked at Rayden curiously, her head cocked to one side. She was reading something different and strange from him. Somehow she felt that feeling she was getting was somehow linked to the now raging storm outside.

Ev had another contraction and started her breathing. Rayden could feel it with her and he did the breathing exercises along with her. He could feel that some part of him was out of control, but there didn't seem to be anything he could do about it at the moment. He looked up as his parents came into the bathroom to sit with them. They were tense, too. Theron looked at his son, reading him, the depth of his feeling for Ev and how excited he was about the babies. He smiled. "I can help you. Looks like you need it."

Jathelle sat on the edge of the tub, looking down at Ev. "Don't worry. We're here for you both. Everything will be fine." As Jathelle and Theron began to mentally project calm to Ev and Rayden, the storm seemed to turn up another notch outside.

Katherine stood on the side watching quietly. Her empathic abilities were strong enough to be catching enough of what was going on to be somewhat affected herself, even though they were trying to shield her from it. She pushed her uneasiness aside and concentrated on adding her own mental support for Ev.

The warm water and the soothing presence's around her lulled Ev into an uneasy nap. Even in her sleep, she could feel Rayden, Jathelle, and Theron near her, speaking soft, encouraging words and holding her. In her dream, they were in some sort of cabin and a storm raged outside, while they were cozy and warm together. Something about that storm made her shiver and she woke to another contraction.

Katherine had been timing the contractions. They were getting closer together now. "I think it would be a could idea if I checked her soon," she said, acting her own wave of calm and reassurance to the nervous couple.

Ev blinked, trying to fully wake. "Do you need me back on the bed now? Where's Doc Adams?" Rayden gently held her, stroking her shoulders and kissing the top of her head. He was ready for whatever was going to happen now. Still nervous, but ready.

"Doc is hanging around with the guys. He'll be here if we need him, but till then, I'll handle things. Are you going to get up and walk? It won't hurt," Katherine said with a reassuring smile.

Ev looked up at Katherine. "Walk? It felt like a mile hike to get here." She sighed and leaned back against Rayden for a moment. "Will it help speed things up, do you think?" She read the answer without meaning to. That wasn't really what she wanted to hear.

Rayden kissed her cheek. "I'll help you up. Come on." Jathelle and Theron both took her hands, while Rayden supported her from behind.

She slowly got to her feet and had a sudden strange feeling. More water seemed to be streaming down than there should be and some of the pressure seemed to be released. "I think my water just broke. Oh that feels strange." Ev winced as another contraction started.

The contraction felt a lot stronger and Ev could not help crying out. "Go ahead and zap her to the bed," Katherine told Rayden. When the couple disappeared in a shower of sparks, the little midwife followed on foot.

Rayden had them settled as comfortably as he could on the bed when she came in. He had them completely dry again and himself dressed in a pair of shorts and a shirt, and Ev in a nightgown. He soothed her through the contraction, feeling it with her and breathing along with her. When the contraction ended, Katherine checked her for progress. "Guess what Ev! It's showtime!" she said with a bright smile. Looking at Theron, she asked if he would mind fetching Doc Adams.

Ev could feel butterflies in her stomach. The same kind she got on roller coasters. She had to lighten the mood. "Lights! Camera! Action!" She grinned. "Somebody forgot to give me my script for this scene." That caused everyone in the room to laugh. Theron left the room to go fetch the Doc as Katherine explained to Ev she was now almost fully dilated and that the head down baby would be born first.

"Ok. This will be the easier one, then, right?" Ev could feel the butterflies trying to overwhelm her. She took a deep breath and forced them down. She could feel Jathelle's calming presence helping her with them. Her eyes were threatening to do fountain imitations. She wasn't ready to do that yet. In their silent communication she said to Rayden, ~ "Hold me tight! Don't let go!" ~

Another contraction followed quickly after the last one. And then yet another. It was all she could do to concentrate on her breathing and keep from screaming. Sweat was forming on her brow and she already felt exhausted from the effort and she hadn't even got to the pushing part yet. No wonder it was called labor! Ev was beginning to feel really frightened. What if she couldn't do this? She was so tired already, how long could she keep this up? With the next contraction, tears started to trail down her cheeks. She could feel Rayden holding her and Theron supporting him. Jathelle's put a hand on her shoulder and it was as calming as a cool drink on a hot day. She reached out mentally to the calm Jathelle offered and steeled herself to do what she had to do.

Katherine checked her again and then gently moved Ev's damp hair away from her face. "You're in transition now, Ev. It's almost over. Be strong." Ev could feel the little empath's quiet strength add to that of the others.

Ev looked up at her and gave her as much of a smile as she could at the moment and sighed. "Does that mean I'll be pushing soon? I've read that pushing isn't as stressful as the early part. Is that true?" She turned to kiss Rayden's hand as he reached to stroke her cheek.

Katherine chuckled. "That's right. Some ladies say it actually feels good to push. You should be feeling the urge any time now. When you do, take two deep breaths and then bear down as hard as you can. Take a breath when ever you need it and keep pushing until the contraction ends." She then help Rayden situate her so she was sitting in his lap on the edge of the bed.

Another contraction passed without any urge to push. Ev was almost disappointed. Then with another one, she felt it. There was no way she could have NOT pushed. It was hard work, but it felt very good. She took a deep breath and pushed until she was totally wrung out with the contraction. She could feel the baby moving down. It hurt, but it was a satisfying hurt, in a weird sort of way.

"Your doing great!" Katherine told Ev as she gave her a quick hug. Ev looked up and saw Doc Adams sprawled in a chair across the room. Something in the relaxed way he sat and watched let Ev know all was well, at least so far. He was going to let Katherine handle it completely if at all possible.

Another contraction came and Ev was fully ready for this one. She concentrated all her might into that push and she could feel the baby's head coming down. "Here she comes!" She took another deep breath.

"The head's crowning!" Katherine said happily. "Try not to push too hard now. Otherwise you'll tear." Doc Adams got up and sauntered over with some towels to clean the baby with, standing behind Katherine, ready to help if he was needed.

Ev finished that contraction and managed to take a few deep breaths and mentally check on Rayden. He was shaking, but still calm. She felt the next one coming and with one more push, she could feel the baby sliding out and a huge release of the pressure she had been feeling for so long. She started to cry a little in relief. "Which one is it?"

As Katherine eased the baby into the world, she felt the familiar stab of exaltation and heartache she had felt with each and everyone she had helped deliver. "It's the little lassie," she said with a sigh. "And she's beautiful." Then standing up she placed the baby up against Ev's breasts and started to clean her up. Doc Adams moved in and cut the cord and then helped Ev deliver the placenta for that twin. Ev couldn't take her eyes off her beautiful little girl. "Jaelithe. You are so big! Hi, sweetie! I'm your mommy." The baby was squalling and squirming, but at the sound of Ev's voice, she calmed and blinked her eyes, looking up at Ev for the first time. Rayden cuddled against Ev and looked over her shoulder at their new daughter. He couldn't find any words, he could only watch in wonder and when he reached out to touch her tiny hand, she got hold of his finger and held it. He beamed.

It wasn't very long before the next contraction hit her and she cried out in surprise. It felt different and somehow wrong. he lost her concentration with this one and started to cry. She looked over at her baby girl, now safely, if not happily, settled in the crib next to the bed. She cried out mentally to Jathelle for help and the goddess was at her side again. "Why does it feel like this?" Ev managed to get out between sobs as she tried to get herself under control.

Doc Adams was feeling around, trying to locate the babies feet and head. "He's just a little sideways, Ev," he said. "I'm going to have Kat try to pull his feet down into the birth canal. Her hand is a lot smaller than mine." With that he and the midwife switched positions again.

Ev blinked at them and took a deep breath. "Ok. Whatever you have to do. I'm ready for this to be over." She leaned back against Rayden, who seemed to be very sweaty and trembling. Almost as much as she was. "Are you all right?" She turned to look at him.

Rayden took a deep breath. "Mostly." He gave her a half smile. "This is more difficult than I thought it would be." He gently hugged her. "We'll both be fine soon. And so will the babies." He winced and trembled as another contraction came, and helped Ev get into position for Kat to do whatever she was going to do.

Katherine entered her as gently as she could and reached up and felt for the babies feet. She found one right away and he kicked at her. "Be still, laddie," she said with a chuckle. "Ahh, got yah!" She maneuvered him into position and ever so gently started to ease him down. "I'm going to keep hold of him Ev, " she said. "It will be uncomfortable, but it will go a lot quicker this way."

Ev couldn't completely stifle a whimper. She was finally between contractions, but this was more than uncomfortable. Rayden was sitting very still with his eyes shut tight, keeping a tight rein on himself. Theron had his hand on Rayden's shoulder, helping him, while Jathelle helped calm Ev. One little corner of Ev's mind heard the storm outside, the wind was roaring and water was pouring out of the sky. It reminded her of her dream.

Another contraction started. Ev carefully focused her mind on pushing and blocked everything else. This pushing felt very different. Katherine kept up a slow and steady traction on the baby, inching him closer and closer to the new world awaiting him. At last his little tiny feet were delivered and Katherine paused, waiting for Ev's next contraction to begin.

As Ev caught her breath, she started to chuckle. Rayden gave her a puzzled look. "He's taking the expression about landing on your feet a little too far." Rayden rolled his eyes and smiled fondly at her. Then the next contraction began and she was suddenly serious as she concentrated on getting this baby born.

As she pushed, the baby slid out fairly easily until his shoulders were reached. With out the head to stretch the opening it was very hard and painful. Doc Adams reached in and helped Kat maneuver the baby so first one and then the other shoulder was clear. And then the head cleared with a rush.

Ev sighed in relief as yet more pressure was released. "Let me see him!" She reached out for her baby boy. He was squalling angrily and kicking. He had thick black hair on his little head. "Oooh, silly boy. Calm down. Let mommy cuddle you." He calmed a little and turned to the sound of her voice, opening his eyes a little. Then a noise startled him and he started his angry yell again and let loose with a warm wet stream that soaked Jathelle. Ev couldn't help laughing a little. "Rayven! That's not a very nice way to say hi to your gramma." She cuddled him against her feeling so happy and full of love for these two new little people in her life, she could just explode.