CLUELESS NO MORE

The morning after the work party at the coffee shop was a very bad one for Ev. She got very little sleep the night before. The babies were kicking, she needed to get up to go to the bathroom at least five times, and she kept having contractions. Rayden was concerned and stayed wrapped around her all night, holding and trying to soothe her, but all it did was make her irritable. When the sun came up she gave up trying to sleep. It was hard to get out of bed and she just went straight to her recliner. Rayden offered her breakfast, but even the thought of food make her feel worse. Finally, Rayden enticed her to come and sit with him on the couch, so he could hold her and they watched her favorite movies on the VCR.

Jathelle came and watched with them. She was worried as soon as she saw Ev. The goddess had never seen her so quiet and grumpy before. Not a pun in sight.

As morning turned to afternoon, Ev remembered it would be time for Katherine to come soon. That cheered her up a bit. She was feeling awful and afraid she was going to panic. Rayden and Jathelle tried their best to calm her, but the more they fussed, the more irritable she was. She knew she was doing it, but she just couldn't stop herself.

Finally Ev couldn't stand it anymore. "Please! Just let me sit in the chair all by myself. I feel really awful. When is Katherine supposed to be here? What time is it?"

Rayden gave a worried glance to Jathelle. There was a clock right in front of Ev. And she knew that Katherine had been coming by about the same time every day. He was starting to worry now.

There was a soft moan from Ev and he turned to look at her as another contraction took over. He was starting to feel them as well, through their bond. If it was so uncomfortable for him, he couldn't imagine how she felt. Was this what they were talking about when they kept calling him clueless?

Jathelle watched the two of them and decided it was time to get some help. Rayden was picking up on Ev's pain and didn't seem to be thinking too clearly. She was going to need Katherine.

"Rayden." She spoke to him sharply to get his attention. "You keep calm and keep HER calm. I'm going to get Katherine. We'll be right back." With that, Jathelle disappeared in a shimmer of sparks.

Katherine Dixon hummed happily to herself as she finished stocking the shelves with the selections of herbal teas that had just been delivered. It was getting close to the time when she had been going over to check on Ev and she didn't want to be late. Suddenly she froze and cocked her head to one side as if she was listening. Someone was coming, but it didn't feel like Rayden's aura. Suddenly a tower of sparkling light appeared in the center of the room.

Jathelle appeared as the shimmering stopped. She had a worried look on her face. "Katherine, I'm really worried about Ev. I think you need to come and take a look at her."

Katherine knew instantly something was up. She quickly stripped off the apron she was wearing. "Is she having contractions?" she asked as she turned off the lights and locked the door of the coffee shop.

"Yes, but I'm not sure if they're the same kind as before or not. And she's not herself. She hasn't eaten all day and she's irritable and just acting odd. Rayden's getting that way too. I don't dare leave them alone long."

"Sounds like she might be in the early stage of labor then. I'll run right over there and check things out." With that she started out the door.

"Wait! Katherine! Let's go the fast way. Walking would take too long."

Katherine looked a little dubious but closed the door and walked over to Jathelle, not knowing what to expect.

Jathelle smiled at her and projected calm as they both dissolved into twin columns of tamed lightning and disappeared. They reappeared in the living room next to the couch. Ev and Rayden were distracted and didn't look up at first. Ev was in the middle of another contraction.

Katherine shook her head to clear it, grinning softly. "What a ride!" She looked at Ev and Rayden and projected peace and calm at them. She crossed the room over to Ev's side, elbowing Rayden to make him move over a little so she could have some room. She took Ev's hand in hers and squeezed it gently. "Ev, open your eyes, hon." she said soflty.

Ev moaned a little and opened her eyes. "Oh Katherine! Is it that late already? I feel awful. I'm having more contractions today. Is this the real thing?" She glanced at Rayden. He didn't look too well, either. She had never seen him like that. "He doesn't feel so well either. I think he's getting a clue." She tried to grin.

Katherine chuckled softly. "I'm sure he is." she said as she checked the positions of the babies. "But you dear heart are not doing the breathing I taught you!" she chided gently.

Ev considered this. "I guess I forgot. It seems so hard to think today. Is this how its supposed to feel?" She tried to hold back the fear that was trying to take over. "I don't know what to do." Her eyes brimmed suddenly with tears that she fought to contain.

Katherine smiled softly at her as she gently rubbed her tummy. "Shush now, this is nothing. I'm here now and I promise it will be ok." The little midwife's quiet confidence was beginning to have an effect on Ev. Katherine hummed a soft melody as Ev closed her eyes again and started to relax under her calming influence.

Rayden watched closely as Katherine calmed Ev. He seemed to relax at the same time. "I'm so glad you're here." He grinned. "I think I'm learning a little of what you were trying to tell me. You know, I feel a lot of what she is feeling. I've never felt pain and fear like that from anyone before." He had a wilted look that was new for him.

Jathelle took his hand. "I hope between the two of us, we can keep both of you calm. I didn't realize everything that would be happening."

Katherine continued to work on calming Ev down, giving Rayden an appraising glance as she continued the gentle massage. Just then she felt Ev's belly start to tighten again and a low moan came from the gravid woman's lips. "Open your eyes, Ev and focus. Contraction begins. Deep cleansing breath. Now breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth."

Katherine calmly counted for her until she felt the belly relax. "Cleansing breath again, contraction ends."

Ev sighed and looked at Katherine. "The breathing does help! Thank you." She paused and looked down at her huge belly. "So is this the real thing? Am I about to pop for real this time?" She looked over at Rayden. "Would the breathing help him too? He's not looking so good."

"I will have to check you for sure. Those two contractions were 15 minutes apart." Glancing over at Rayden, she agreed with Ev. "Proper breathing will help him too!"

Her eyes twinkled, having had experience with fathers having sympathy labor pains before, but knowing he would be feeling everything Ev was through their link. "Lets get you up to your bedroom so I can see what is going on"

Ev struggled to sit up and looked at Rayden. "Can you get us upstairs to the bedroom, hon? There's no way I'm walking all that way right now."

He took a deep breath and sat up. He wanted to say something, but couldn't find the words.

"I'll take us all up." Jathelle announced. "It's about time I did something useful here. He doesn't look as though he's up to it right now." She shook her head just a little and half grinned at Katherine. "We tried to tell him." The four of them shimmered into sparks and reappeared in the bedroom upstairs. Jathelle got Ev and her son comfortable on the bed.

Katherine turned to Jathelle and smiled her thanks. "Would you mind sending my birthing bag over here?" she pictured the location of it in her head. Jathelle easily followed her thought and found what Katherine was asking for. The bag appeared in front of her in a moment. Jathelle was distracted for a moment, thinking of how talented Katherine was, for being untrained.

"Thank you Jathelle." Katherine said politely. she opened up the bag and took out some things she needed. She then went in the bathroom and washed thoroughly before returning to Ev's side checking the clock and placing her hand on Ev's tummy again. "Go ahead and pick your focal point, dear." as Ev's belly tightened again she counted for her again. This time Rayden followed the breathing instructions as well.

Ev felt more relaxed being in the bedroom and she could feel the calm Jathelle was projecting for her and Rayden. Katherine seemed confident and sure, and was also projecting calm. A corner of her mind wanted to reach out and comfort Rayden, but the rest of her overruled that impulse. She was going to need all the wits she could gather to stay in control for this.

Rayden felt better doing the breathing along with Ev. He was starting to worry now. If this was only the beginning, what was to come? He was used to lots of mental disciplines, but none of them involved physical pain. He struggled within himself to keep control. He kept reminding himself that however he felt, Ev was feeling it more intensely. That wasn't really a very comforting thought, though.

"Contraction ends", Katherine said softly. "Ev, I want to check to see what is going on inside. Do you want privacy while I'm doing that?" she asked with a sideways glance at the fidgeting god sitting on the bed beside his mate.

Ev smiled sympathetically at Rayden. "This must be very hard for you. I'm sorry I teased you so much." Then she looked back at Katherine. "He's been right here with me through all the rest of it, I don't see why he should have to leave now."

Katherine helped Ev lay down and adjusted her legs and knees for her. "I want you to do your breathing again now and stay as relaxed as you can", she then proceeded with a gentle but thorough exam. A few moments later she finished and smiled brightly.

Ev couldn't help feeling a brief stab of fear. Somehow she knew this exam would make it official. Really happening now. She tried to think of it as the Olympics. That seemed to help. She felt calmer once she fixed that idea in her mind.

Jathelle moved closer to the bed and touched both Ev and Rayden with her gentle hands and the calm she projected flowed into them more easily.

Katherine patted Ev's tummy gently. "Your 3cm dilated and 20% effaced right now" she said happily. Seeing the confused looks on all their faces she chuckled slightly. "In other words folks, it's showtime!"

Ev sighed and got a determined look on her face. "Ok. Well, I guess its a good thing I practiced the breathing so much. I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be." She looked at her lovely god. He was very quiet and pale. "Dear, stay calm and you'll be fine. I promise! I'm not the first woman who ever had a baby, you know."

Rayden blinked and looked at her. "I had no idea......... "

Jathelle sighed and chuckled at the two of them. "Now this is a switch. The god needs comforting." She came closer and gave Ev a gentle hug. "You'll be fine. No matter what, we're here for you. And I have healing powers, you know."

Katherine cleared her throat to get everyone's attention. "Ok, folks. Here's the game plan. This is still the early stages of labor and Ev, we need to get you as relaxed and as comfortable aspossible. I think a whirlpool bath would be good for you right now. And afterwards maybe a light snack."

"That sounds good. Can we put some nice scented oil in the water? Lavender always makes me feel so peaceful. And some candles. I love candles."

Katherine glanced over at Jathelle who just grinned and said "Done!". She then went in the bathroom to start filling the tub with water. She then returned to the bed and waited until the contraction Ev was having was over with before helping her to set up on the side of the bed. "Rayden, you want to help her undress?"

That made him grin, finally. "Usually, I would take a remark like that in a completely different way." He reached out and took Ev's hand, looking at it as if for the first time. He bent down and kissed it. "Of course, I can help her undress."

Jathelle rolled her eyes. "So I've heard." She chuckled.

Katherine giggled slightly and looked in the closet, finding a long satin housecoat. She brought it over to the bed and laid it beside Ev. "Once we get you settled in the tub I need to make a couple of phone calls. Connor is probably wondering what hole I fell into right about now."

Ev grinned. "I imagine Johnny's wondering about you by now, too. Oh! And somebody needs to let the rest of the guys know what's going on. And make sure they know everything's all right. I don't want them worrying."

Rayden helped her up from the bed and kissed her gently on the cheek. "I'll stay with you in the tub. I think we could both use it. He put the housecoat around her and she giggled briefly as he zapped her clothes away underneath the housecoat.

At the mention of John Clayton's name, Katherine ducked her head and blushed for some reason. " I'm sure Connor will take care of notifying everyone of the guys for you Ev"

"Would you like me to carry you?" He stroked her face. She helped support Ev as Rayden gathered her into his arms, then walked with them into the bathroom. The scent of lavender filled the room and the only light was a myriad of candles scattered around on every horizontal object.

"Oh, it's beautiful!" Ev looked around, her eyes shining. "I'm so lucky to have so many wonderful people taking care of me."

Rayden gently let her down and helped her into the tub. Once she was standing in it, he folded the housecoat and placed it next to the tub where they could reach it easily later and he zapped his clothes away and joined her, gently helping her to sit in front of him in the warm, scented water. He wrapped his arms and legs around her and kissed her shoulder. "I love you." He whispered.

Katherine raised an eyebrow slightly when Rayden's clothes vanished from his body and pretended to busy herself with adjusting the temperature of the water and the whirlpool jets. If she was making any comparisons to the bodies of the two CLims she already knew, it was at a level that was not readable to the couple in the tub. Once she was satisfied all was in order, Katherine excused herself to go make the calls.

Ev relaxed in the warm water, leaning back against him. This felt so good. The water somehow seemed to ease the pressure sensation a bit and the scent of lavender made her think of gardens and spring and new life. Even the contractions seemed milder and easier to handle.

He sighed and relaxed against her, too. He hadn't realized until that moment how tense his body had become. That was not a sensation he was likely to want to feel often again.

Ev chuckled and had to ask, "Were you trying to embarrass Katherine, or just not thinking about it?"

He was lost in the scent of the lavender. "What?"

"Never mind. Think you could turn on the VCR in here? A Disney movie or something would be nice."

"Your wish is my command." He kissed her cheek and the VCR started.

In the other room, Katherine quickly stripped the blankets off the bed and added some pads under the sheets. She set up some of the things she would be needing on a night stand nearby and then picked up the phone. Her first call was to Connor to let him know what was going on. After she hung up from that call, she thought for a moment then dialed another number. "Dr Giles?" she asked when her phone was answered.

Jathelle immediately paid close attention to what the midwife had to say. Meanwhile in the bathroom, Ev relaxed into Rayden's arms as Bambi and his friends cavorted across the screen. Eventually her breathing calmed and she slipped into a much-needed nap.

Rayden smiled and very gently kissed her again and sat quietly holding her. He had a lot to think about while she slept.

"Doctor, I'm over here at Ev's place. She is in the early stages of labor. I just wanted to give you a heads up. One of the babies has a transverse presentation. I am pretty sure I can turn him after his sister is out of the way, but just in case I thought you might want to know that you might get *zapped* over here if it proves to be more than I can handle."

Katherine then listened intently to what the doctor had tosay before hanging up. It was then she noticed that Jathelle had been listening in on the conversation. "Just as a precaution, Jathelle. I know I can turn the baby. I've done it many times before" She told the goddess, her voice calm and reassuring.

Jathelle could read the sincerity in her mind, but she couldn't help worrying. "There are some things that I can see ahead and some that I can't. This is one that I can't. Could I help somehow with turning him? I know that Ev and the babies will be all right. But I can't help worrying how difficult this will be for her and Rayden. He is going to be having a hard time with this, too, you know. I've been very impressed with how calm she is."

Katherine though for a moment before replying carefully. "I noticed how this is effecting him. Jathelle, it is not going to be pleasant when I turn the baby and I really do not want a half crazed god of thunder and lightning doing a war dance right when I need to really concentrate on what I need to do. Is there anything you can do to keep him off my back?"

Jathelle considered carefully. "I should be able to handle him, but if he gets too upset, I have someone I can call. He will definitely be able to handle my son." She grinned for a moment, then seeing Katherine's expression, explained. "You'll see. It will be taken care of." She sighed. "I didn't realize what humans went through to have babies. I really never spent much time with them. Is it always like this?"

Katherine just grinned. "It's all part of the process, Jathelle. I hope you are right about being able to control him. Otherwise I might be tempted to have Connor reason with him using the baseball bat method"

Katherine gave Jathelle a reassuring hug and told her she was going to check on Ev.

Jathelle smiled at her and decided to sit down and rest a minute while she did that. She picked up a book on childbirth that happened to be lying on the nightstand and sank into a chair with it.

Katherine tapped lightly on the door of the bathroom and then stuck her head in the door. She smiled to herself at the site of Rayden holding the sleeping Ev in his arms. Apparently the relaxing bath had done the trick.

Rayden looked up and smiled. He spoke very softly, so as not to wake Ev. "Thank you. I wouldn't have known how to help her. I should have listened more to what she was trying to tell me and read the books. I won't make a mistake like that again."

Katherine smiled sweetly and crossed over to the jacuzzi, setting down on the edge of the tub. She reached out and patted his bare shoulder reassuringly. Just then Ev moaned softly in her sleep as another contraction started. Katherine placed her hand on her stomach to judge the strength of the contraction, noting the strained look on Rayden's face. "Breathe." She reminded him.

He used his mental discipline and started doing the breathing Katherine had taught Ev. Now that he was calmer and had a tool to use to ease the discomfort, he felt much better. The concentration on the breathing distracted him very nicely from the other sensations he was picking up from Ev.

Katherine broadcasted feelings of approval and encouragement at him as she monitored the contraction. When itwas over, Ev drifted back into her deep restful sleep with the subtle assistance of Katherine. The fact she was able to do that surprised Rayden a little.

"I haven't been able to do that. I wish that I could. There have been so many nights in the last couple of months that she hasn't slept much. I'm really glad you're here." He sighed. "Sometimes even a god can't do everything."

"Do what?" Katherine asked. It was then it dawned on him that she must be doing it on an unconcious level. He couldn't help but wonder what she would be capable of doing with proper training. He would have to talk to Jathelle about it later.

"I meant the way you helped her sleep. That's a wonderful gift. One I don't have. I wonder how many other gifts you have that you don't realize." He studied her face intently for a moment. Then Ev stirred in her sleep, mumbling something that wasn't quite a word. He smiled and gently kissed her head. "She's dreaming of the babies." He whispered.

Katherine looked thoughtful for a moment before she sighed deeply. He caught a brief glimpse of deep regret before she firmly closed that door to his inquisitive mind. "To those who much are given, much is required." She said quietly to herself. Then shifting moods, she gave him a wicked little grin. "Rayden, I know all this is hard on you. but I really need you to be in more control. If you freak out, it will make things worse for Ev. A normal human I would just kick out of the room if he was in the way, but she really needs you to be with her."

He studied her face, considering her words for a moment. "Tell me what I can do. Tell me what to expect so I can prepare myself for it. I would do anything for her and the babies."

Katherine smiled at Rayden and then asked "I have noticed you like to hold her in your arms like you are doing right now. Are you comfortable doing that for a long period of time?"

"Oh yes. We spend whole evenings this way sometimes. Watching movies, sitting by the fire, talking....... Why?" He gently cuddled against Ev again as she slept.

"Then I would like you to be her back support when she is actually pushing out the babies. The more vertical she is, the easier it will be for her to deliver. But you will need to remain calm! Because most likely she won't be at that time", Katherine said with an air of authority to her voice that oddly reassured him.

His face showed surprise, then as he thought about it, it sounded better and better. "I can do that. My mother will have to help me with staying calm, but with her help, I'm sure I can."

"Good!" Katherine said with a bright smile, reaching over to touch his cheek with her small hand. She knew he still did not really know what to expect and that worried her.

Katherine thought for a moment then looked up at him. "If you like I will open up my memory of a similar delivery. But you might want to shut down as much of your link with Ev as you can. I don't want to frighten her unnecessarily"

He closed the link as much as he could, wondering if this information would frighten *him.* Then he took a deep breath and nodded to Katherine to tell her he was ready. He was almost afraid to see it, but he wanted to be prepared.

Katherine closed her eyes and focused on another lady with twins positioned almost identically. It had actually been a fairly easy delivery despite her having to turn the one baby and she hoped it would not be too much for him. Her vivid mental pictures of that day flowed into his mind. He got an instant idea of what Katherine went through every time she attended a birth. The labor woman's pain was her pain as well, her joy her joy.

He carefully considered the images. There was more pain involved than he had imagined, but the joy was equally intense. His mind kept returning to the part about turning the second baby. It alarmed him. He found himself beginning to wonder if he would be able to stay as calm as Ev needed him to be for this experience.

As he considered all Katherine had shown he became aware of several other things. The first was that she was sharing her own quiet strength with him, the second was harder to read, but he finally realized the sorrow that filled her everytime she left a new baby in it's mothers arms, knowing she would only be able to experience that joy second hand. He looked into her eyes and wished there was something he could do to ease that sorrow. He couldn't think of anything. He broadcast support and love in her direction. Then a sudden inspiration seized him. "Katherine, would you like to be godmother to the twins? We would be honored if you would."

Katherine reached out and squeezed his shoulder, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "Thank you!" she said with a soft smile. "I would be honored." In that brief moment when she had shared her memory, she had somehow opened up her heart to him as well. He now understood why she had chosen this profession, even if it did cause her pain.

"It's going to be ok, Rayden. Trust me on this one." She said quietly.

"I do trust you. Thank you. I'm so glad you'll be with us for this."

Ev had slept for a fairly peaceful couple of hours before the contractions became too intense for her to sleep in between. Rayden was staying calm and helping her to stay calm, but he needed to know what was happening. "Katherine!" He called with his mind also.

Katherine was in the room instantly, a smile on her face when she saw Ev was awake. "How's it going", she asked cheerfully.

"Well, I'm really glad I had that nap, but things seem to be speeding up now. They're harder and longer." Ev kissed Rayden's hand. "But he's being so wonderful."

"Thats good!! Do you want to stay in the tub, or are you feeling water logged about now?" She asked with a twinkle in her eye as she grinned at Rayden.

"Wouldn't it be easier for you to check on me if I'm on the bed? I think I'd like to be there now." She turned to look into Rayden's face. "Can you help me? How are you holding up back there?"

He kissed her cheek. "I'm fine. I'm learning a lot today. Want me to just zap us to the bed? It would be easier for you."

Ev grinned. "Easier is a good thing right now."

Katherine smiled at them both, chuckling softly when they both dissolved in a shower of sparks. She turned and went back into the bedroom. "Why don't I go ahead and check for any progress then? The natives are getting restless downstairs."

Ev giggled a little. "Is there quite a crowd? Who all is down there? I would "look" for myself, but I'm saving my concentration for other things right now.

Katherines eyes unfocused for a moment. "About twelve of the Clims, I think. Carol is doing crowd control. And Lilly and Joe just showed up to stand watch too. John Clayton and Connor have been taking turns standing watch outside the door here. I've been giving them updates whenever I can" she said with a grin. "Lie down now and lets have a look at what is going on."

Ev laid back against Rayden, smiling. As if on cue, another contraction started. This was the most intense one yet. She started using the next level of breathing for it, but it was kind of frightening. She could feel Rayden breathing with her and holding her close in his strong arms and calmed again.

"You are doing great Ev. Just keep it up", Katherine said encouragingly, her voice low and soothing. When the contraction was over she helped her position herself for another exam.

Jathelle brought a chair over for Katherine and another for herself as she settled close to Ev and Rayden, smiling at them both. "I'm so proud of the two of you. It takes a lot more courage to go through this than I ever dreamed and you are both doing very well." She adjusted the tone of her voice just the eensiest bit so that, aimed in Rayden's direction it was almost a command, as well as a compliment.

Katherine finished the exam, making it as painless and quick as she could. She looked at everyone and smiled brightly. "Looking good! You're 6 cm dialated now, Ev. and 50% effaced. In other words you are now in what is known as *active labor*." With that she crossed over to the nightstand and pulled out a gown from the bag. "Why don't you slip this on for and Rayden, as good as you look, don't you think it might be a good idea if you put on some pants? I think some people would really like to stick their heads in the door and wish you the best." Katherine's eyes danced with merriment as she teased Rayden who suddenly realized he had forgotten to get dressed when he had brought Ev out of the tub.

Jathelle smirked at him. "Its all right dear. You've been a little distracted."

Ev giggled for just a moment while he zapped her into the gown and himself into a pair of shorts. The giggle set off another contraction and she had to concentrate on her breathing again.

Katherine helped her by counting quietly and massaging the soles of her feet. The contraction was now four minutes apart and lasting almost a minute at a time. Ev was definetly in the active labor stage.

When the contraction was over, Ev sighed and sagged against Rayden. "About how long does this usually take? Or is that one of those things nobody knows until you do it?"

Rayden had been wondering the same thing. He listed carefully, gently massaging Ev's shoulders while they sat.

"Active labor usually lasts 2-3 hours. You actually slept through part of it", Katherine explained as she covered Ev's legs and belly with the sheet, then crossing the room to the door she opened it and said, "One minute! No more!" with a stern voice. Ev looked up to see the hall outside her bedroom filled with her *boys*.

It was a little overwhelming. So many people all staring at her. "Hi guys! So far so good. Everybody's doing ok. Not too much longer, I guess. Thank you all for being here."

Rayden looked up at them and for once, was at a loss for words. He just grinned and cuddled against Ev. There were a couple of raised eyebrows out in the hall. They hadn't pictured him in bed with Ev while she had the babies. They were a bit surprised.

Jathelle smiled at them all. "I'll be out and let you know when there's anything to announce."

"Ok, guys. Out of here!! All of you downstairs except one to wait outside for news." Katherine ordered, pushing them out. Connor was the last one to leave and he gave them all a thumbs up as the door was firmly shut in his face. Katherine chuckled to herself and turned back to Ev. "They really do love you, you know." She said with an impish grin on her face.

Ev grinned. "I really love all of them, too!"

"Literally." Rayden commented, his eyes glinting with mischief and love.

Then another contraction began and Jathelle sat closer to put a hand on Ev's and Rayden's shoulders, to lend her calm to them.

Katherine giggled behind her hand at that comment, then composing herself talked Ev through the contraction. It was just about over with when a gush of warm liquid flowed out, soaking the pads underneath her and even the sheets.

Rayden was startled and lost his concentration, but Ev stayed calm for them both. She knew that was just her water breaking. She would have talked to him about it, but suddenly everything felt strange. There was less pressure because there was so much fluid gone, but things didn't relax as completley after the contraction. She barely had time to take a couple of deep breaths before another contraction started.

Katherine busied herself quickly replacing the soaked pads while crooning a wordless song that somehow gave Ev the concentration she needed to get through the contraction. It was much more intense than the previous ones had been and it was a struggle to remember to keep breathing.

Ev remembered the books and all the images about waves being like the contractions. It helped a little. What helped the most was Rayden's arms around her and knowing he understood what was happening to her. When this one was over, things relaxed a bit more. She smiled at Jathelle. "You know, I've been wanting to tell you this for a long time. You'll think its silly. You know what I noticed first after you changed me into um....... whatever it is that I am now?"

Jathelle smiled and shook her head zapping the sheets and pads all clean and dry as she listened. "What was it?"

"This is really silly, but the first thing I noticed was a couple weeks later, when I looked at myself in the mirror and I saw that my roots weren't brown." Ev forgot herself and giggled. Another contraction started.

They were now just two minutes apart and it lasted almost a minute and a half. Ev felt like she wanted to scream but she heard Katherine's quiet voice in her head telling her to breathe. When it was done, Katherine informed them that labor tended to go quicker and harder once the water was broken and that she wanted to check her again.

Rayden helped Ev to lie back and stroked her forehead as Katherine did another exam.

Jathelle held her hand and smiled into her eyes. She sent a powerful calming influence over Ev. Rayden seemed to be in less need of it until the next contraction started. He was starting to feel really stressed and Jathelle was directing more of her calming toward him, as he seemed to be having more trouble than Ev. She marveled at the entire process.

Once the exam was over with, Katherine simply said, "You are over 9 cm now. and almost ready to go. In the next contraction or two you will start to feel like you want to push. Let me know right away, ok?"

Ev was getting nervous again. She wanted to know how much it was going to hurt, but just asking that question seemed to be an admission that it would. She didn't want to think of it that way. "Ok." Was all she said, in a small voice.

Rayden could feel her fear and he shut his eyes as though he could shut it out that way. Jathelle took a firm hold of his hand and thought to him in a very stern tone. ~"You will NOT lose control here. She needs you too much for that."~

He looked into his mother's eyes. ~"I'm doing my best."~

Katherine started applying warm compresses to her bottom, explaining that it would help her muscles relax. The next contraction came and hit even harder, leaving Ev shaking afterwards. Katherine soothed her hair back and smiled at her.

The shaking was frightening. It was like shivering, but she wasn't cold. She was starting to feel exhausted already and hadn't even pushed yet. She could feel Rayden steadying her and Katherine projecting her calming thoughts. As the next contraction started, the urge to push came with it. She was startled by the intensity and lost her concentration, crying out instead of breathing calmly.

The midwife reacted instantly, grabbing Rayden by the arm and turning him sideways on the bed. She stripped off E's gown and asked Jathelle to help get Ev up on Rayden's lap. Once she was there he held her tight as she shook in his arms. Katherine took hold of Ev's face and told her to open her eyes and listen. "On the next contraction, I want you to take 2 deep breaths and then bear down, honey." She then got down on her knees and draped

Ev's legs over Rayden's and spread them all wider so she could continue to apply the warm compresses.

Ev nodded and tried to get her shaking under control. "I feel the baby's head!" Jathelle smiled and gave her shoulder a squeeze, and Rayden kissed her cheek. Then the next one began. She took two deep breaths and started pushing, visualizing the baby sliding out. She could FEEL it sliding a little. She pushed harder.

Katherine continued to urge her to push as long as the contraction lasted. "You're doing great hon." She said, as it ended. "A couple more like that and the wee lassie will be here." She said with a smile. "And you can make all the noise you want to at this stage if it helps you to push". she patted Ev's leg in encouragement.

When that contraction ended, Ev was too busy just breathing to even talk. But the pushing part was easier than just breathing. It felt GOOD to push. She just wished she could stop shaking. Rayden gave her a gentle reassuring hug just as another contraction started. She was ready this time. She took two huge breaths and this time there was no doubt. The baby's head slid till she could feel herself stretching farther than she believed possible. She ignored that pain and pushed some more and when this one ended, she could see her baby's head and feel the vibration as she started to wail.

"Pant Ev! I don't want you to push while I'm delivering the shoulders." Ev obeyed as the baby girl's shoulders were eased out, then with a sudden rush the rest of her was brought in to the world.

Ev looked up with tears of happiness streaming down her face, seeing her beautiful baby daughter for the first time. She could feel Rayden trembling around her as well. Jathelle just looked on, completely speechless. The moment didn't last for long.

Katherine placed the baby in Ev's waiting arms and then cut the cord. Another contraction seized her but Ev's attention was on the little white-haired baby girl held tight against her breasts.

"Oh, you are so beautiful! Our beautiful Jaelithe. Hi, honey!" Ev crooned to the baby, who was crying and opening her eyes, just a little and closing them again, as though the light was too bright.

"She's beautiful." Rayden reached out and stroked one of the baby's tiny, delicate hands. He beamed with delight as the hand curled tight around his fingers and she held on.

Jathelle stroked the tiny head, marveling at the perfect, tiny person with the fine white hair. She gently kissed her tiny granddaughter.

Katherine stood up and took the baby from Ev's arms. "Sorry, hon, but I gotta take care of your brother." She then turned to the door and yelled for Connor with her mind. The door flew open immediately and Connor rushed in. Katherine pushed the baby into his arms along with a blanket and told him to find a corner to hide in, before rushing back to Ev.

Ev watched as the baby was taken out of the room. "Don't worry, honey! It won't be long!" She called after her. Then she looked at Katherine. The serious look on her face made her stomach turn all to butterflies. She hadn't stopped shaking yet from before, and now she wasn't sure how much of it was from fear.

Rayden knew a little of what was about to happen and he was trying his best not to let it overwhelm him, but he wasn't having a lot of luck. Even with Jathelle trying to help him stay calm, he could feel himself tensing.

"Ok Ev, I wanted to try turning him externally first." She said as she checked his position. Looking at Rayden, she asked him to help Ev get onto her hands and knees on the bed. "This will give him a little more room to maneuver Ev, but you will feel it in your back a lot." She said calmly.

Rayden calmed a little with a job to do. He gently helped Ev turn onto her side and helped her to her hands and knees. She had a hard time getting that way and then it felt very strange. Jathelle, just kept a very stern watch on Rayden, doing everything in her power to keep him from losing control.

Katherine started to put pressure on one side on Ev's distended tummy, trying to encourage the lad to flip on his own.

Ev couldn't help herself, she screamed. The pain was so sudden and intense! Rayden doubled over in pain and started unraveling his control that he had fought so hard to keep. He wasn't sure how much longer he could keep from losing it completely. He wasn't about to say anything to Ev, though. He was almost ashamed to admit that she was braver than he was.

"Sorry Ev. this isn't going to work", Katherine said "I'm going to have to turn him by reaching up inside you. I need you on your back now.."

Ev paled and the shaking got worse. "You're kidding!" Then a contraction she wasn't prepared for started before she could get off her hands and knees. She let out a moan that turned into almost a wail. By the time it was over she was almost back in control. She was too busy to notice that Rayden was now shaking worse than she was and was turning a sort of sickly greenish color.

Jathelle was staring hard at him, holding his shoulders with both hands, trying to will him to calm himself, but her control was beginning to slip.

"Unless you want an emergency C-section at the hospital this is the only way Ev!" Katherine said firmly as she helped Ev turn onto her back.

Ev couldn't stop the shaking or the tears that suddenly streamed from her eyes, but she set her jaw and took a deep breath. "Let's do it. I'm as ready as I'll ever be." She leaned back against Rayden again, who was numbly trying to get into position.

"I'm going to try to be as gentle as I can, but it will hurt. I'm not going to lie to you Ev, just try not to move too much." With that she gently pushed her hand in, going as slow and easy as she could. Then with a twinkle in her eye she tried to make Ev giggle. "Good thing I'm not a 200 lb. male doc, right Ev?"

Ev tried to smile, but it hurt. It hurt bad. She tried to breathe, but she suddenly heard "Owwww!!!" About the time she realized it was herself, a sudden indoor lightning storm seemed to be passing around her. Katherine's hand withdrew quickly as she flew back, landing on the floor. She added her own screams to Ev's as she lay doubled up in intense pain on the floor.

Ev was still shaking, but now it was with anger. She turned as much as she could to look at Rayden. The mental blast she sent his way was as much a surprise to her as to the rest of them. ~"RAYDEN! STOP THAT NOW! JUST SIT THERE AND HOLD ME!"~

He was startled out of his sudden panic and mortified at what he had just done. He turned a pleading expression to Jathelle, who was none too happy with him, then meekly sat back and got into position again.

Ev and Jathelle were still scowling at him when a brilliant shimmer of electricity suddenly appeared and someone was revealed who was one of the most gorgeous males Ev had ever seen! His hair, which curled to his shoulders, was so black it had blue highlights. His eyes were sea green. He had a neatly trimmed beard and moustache, and his clothes were made of light brown material that looked like suede.

He looked around the room and, informed by Jathelle of what was going on, he glared first at Rayden, then turned to Katherine. "Are you all right? I'm Theron, Rayden's father. I can keep him under control." He helped Katherine up.

Katherine was still doubled over in agony and sobbing from the pain of a huge burn that covered her chest and left shoulder. She was fighting as hard as she could to stay conscious, her only thought was to get back to Ev and finish turning the baby.

Jathelle rushed to her side and took her hand. ~"One moment. Let me help you first."~ A shimmer of cool blue light rose around Katherine and she instantly felt the pain recede. As the light faded, Katherine realized she was healed. Jathelle gave her hand a squeeze and returned to Ev's side to aid her now, as Theron stood behind his son controlling him with a power much stronger than Jathelle's.

Ev was overwhelmed, but wanted this to be over. Another contraction started and this time, she managed the breathing without difficulty, hoping there wouldn't be many more.

Katherine took her position again, as she shot a quick look at Rayden with eyes that glowed fiercely and growling a rather unkind opinion of his behavior in Arabic. Then her facial expression softened as she turned her full attention back to Ev, reaching in again until she was able to grasp the baby's arm and pull him into a head down position.

Ev kept up the breathing as best she could and somehow was able to keep from wailing again, the way she had before. Part of her mind was aware of Jathelle's presence steadying and calming her, the rest of her mind was screaming for it all to be over. Once Katherine's hand was out, she had to ask. "Can I push on the next contraction? Please?"

Katherine was holding the baby in position on the outside of her belly, making sure he did not try to turn back. "Go ahead Ev. He's quite a bit bigger than the lassie so it might take a little longer."

"We'll see about that." Ev muttered to herself as the next one started. She took a couple of huge breaths and pushed with all her might. When that one was over, she could feel her son's head partway down the canal. She panted, catching her breath. "How was that?"

Katherine grinned broadly "Great job! Now back up on *his* lap now so you can finish it." Rayden could tell the little midwife was more than a little angry with him at the moment as she helped Ev back up into position for delivery.

Ev was still shaking, but now it was only shaking. She wasn't afraid anymore. She even managed a quick thought to Rayden before the next contraction. ~"You have NO idea how pissed off I am at you right now."~ Then the contraction started and she made a HUGE effort and managed to push the baby's head out. He began an angry-sounding wail almost immediately."

"Easy Ev!!" Katherine said as she supported the baby's head and eased the shoulders out. "Don't push any more! You'll tear yourself badly!" Then with a gush, the rest of the baby slipped out into her hands.

Ev sighed with relief and looked down at her new son. He had the weeist fuzz of black hair on his head and he looked so angry! His face was red as he took another deep breath for yet another yell. It was the sweetest sound in the world to her. She started to cry again, this time with happiness. Jathelle and Theron, hugged as they looked in wonder at this beautiful new life. Rayden was very quiet behind her and when she turned to look, he was crying, too. She kissed his cheek, then turned back to take her son into her arms for the first time.

Katherine placed the baby up against Ev's breasts and then cut the cord, then started to wipe him clean as he waved his little arms squalling his opinion of being taken from his nice warm little world. She looked over at Jathelle and asked her to find Connor so he could bring the other baby back.

Ev cuddled her angry son and smiled down at him. "Hi, Rayven, so you're the one who kept kicking me under the ribs all those times, huh? Isn't it better out here? You can stretch out all you want and you don't have to kick mommy to do it." She kissed one of his little hands.

Theron moved closer, smiling down at the baby. He hesitantly stroked the baby's fuzzy head. "So small." He marveled.

Rayden rested his chin on Ev's shoulder and reached around her to stroke one of the chubby little legs as it kicked the air. He was beyond words. He just smiled and looked at his son.

Katherine busied herself with the delivery of the placenta and cleaning up the mess, shutting herself off from the others so she would not get carried away by their joyous emotions.

It was always like this after a delivery. The parents were so happy with their new arrivals and she always felt so alone. There was a soft knock on the door and she rose to her feet to answer it. It was Connor, holding the baby girl who was all cleaned up and wrapped in the blanket that she had pushed into his arms. He handed the girl to Katherine, his eye brow arching high when he saw the charred hole in her shirt.

While Ev and the beaming grandparents oohed and aahed over the babies, Rayden looked up at Katherine, his expression very serious and his voice very soft. "I'm sorry for the way I behaved. There's no excuse for it. I would like to do something to make amends. I know you can't have any children of your own, I could help you find a pre-Immortal baby to adopt, if you'd like. It wouldn't exactly make up for my actions tonight, but maybe it would help a little." He looked up at her hopefully.

A radiant smile crossed Katherine's face and she glanced up at Connor. He just smiled back at her and nodded his head. "Thank you Rayden! That is a most wonderful offer and we will all have to talk about it later!" She said happily. But then with a wicked little smile she added "But if you think that will make amends for you trying to fry me alive, you got another think coming!" With that, she and Connor laughed and moved into each others arms as they stood and watched Ev hold her two precious bundles of joy.