Moonstone Crystal has always had her life figured out. A loving family, wonderful friends, and a well-trod, well-loved path into her future. But when her beloved Saffron flees a heartless home, jealousy and anger lead to all of her plans vanishing along with her sight, and she must find a new way to live.
Moonstone: I like them. *yawn* I’d like sleep more, though…
Saffron: Hm…ah! Hey, do you two want to hear something, hm? You have to settle a bit first…
Moonstone: Another story?
Saffron: No, it’s something I was working on before we left. I think I almost got it. Here.
–
Saffron: Hmm-mm-mm…
Moonstone; That’s…
Saffron: Close your eyes, and see my face in a smile
Saffron: I’ll be there, through the darkness and light …
Moonstone: Saf, that’s beautiful.
Saffron: It’s only half finished. I still need a second verse, maybe a third, but…
Moonstone: It’s still beautiful.
Saffron: Just like you and our babies.
Moonstone: …she’s finally settled.
Saffron: Goodnight, Amber baby. We’ll see you soon enough.
Moonstone: She’s still in labor?
Artemis: Uh-huh. Mom just came back and said the doctors said it could be another five hours at this rate.
Artemis: It’s been nine hours already, though…will they have to operate?
Moonstone: They might, but if the doctors see that I’m sure they’ll be fine. Don’t worry, okay?
Artemis: Ha, good luck with that.
Moonstone: Arty, it’s Lu. She’ll be fine, I promise.
Artemis: I know, I know! It’s just–if she’s taking so long, what’ll happen to you?
Moonstone: Oh, Arty…
Moonstone: I’ll be okay. This is the best hospital on the continent, remember?
Ori: *worried whining*
Artemis: I know, I know…Oh! Mama’s here–I gotta go! Bye!
Moonstone: *sigh* Watcher, look after them.
Ori: *whine*
Moonstone: Okay, okay. Let’s go.
-
Saffron: How’s Lu?
Moonstone: Still in labor.
Saffron: Still? Dang.
Moonstone: I know. *sigh* I need some air. You want to come on a walk with me?
Saffron: Sure, but.
Saffron: Should you?
Moonstone: I’m still a week out, Saf, and I need sun. Come on–get dressed.
Saffron: You know, I think I’ll miss this place a bit. It’s so green here…
Moonstone: Smells it, too. We don’t get this greenery back home. …we could move here?
Saffron: I won’t miss it that much!
Saffron: We’ve been here for how long and only now got good sun? Yeah, no thanks.
Moonstone: Ha, tell me about it. I missed being warm.
Saffron: Me too. And you too, huh Ori?
Ori: *woof!*
Moonstone: *laugh* I think he missed the pool more than anything.
Saffron: Well, we’ll have it back soon. We’ll miss the fall colors, but I’d rather be back home before it snows anyway.
Moonstone: Oh, don’t remind me!
Moonstone: Watcher, we’re such desert brats if the idea of snow makes me want to run for a firepit.
Saffron: Ha, I can’t blame you. I spent one winter in Wineburg? More time in bed with the blankets than anything.
Moonstone: That’s not bad. I’d rather spend my winters in bed with you, though.
Saffron: Ha, same. …Come here.
Ori: *grumbling whuff*
One week later…
Moonstone: oof…okay, ow…
Moonstone: Okay…this is more than a kicking spree…ow. Mm.
Moonstone: Ah..crud. Ow. Saf–Saf, wake up.
Moonstone: Saf!
Saffron: Mm…what’s…Moony? What’s wrong?
Moonstone: My water just broke.
Saffron: What?! Oh, Watcher–
Moonstone: There’s…we need to go to the hospital, right now.
Saffron: Y-yeah, come on. Here, let me help you up.
Polar: Big breath, Moonstone!
Moonstone: I’m–trying!
Floral: You’re doing great, honey. In through your nose….just like that. Keep breathing.
Saffron: Doctor? Should–should it be taking this long?
Saffron: We’ve been here for hours and–
Polar: I’ve had labors last days before, Miss Cinder. This is…oh no.
Polar: Moonstone, stop. Stop pushing.
Floral: Doctor?
Moonstone: What is it? What’s wrong?
Polar: One of the twins is breech.
Moonstone: Wha–can you turn them?
Floral: She’s tried. Doctor?
Polar: Given the circumstances we’re going to have to up to surgery and remove them via cesarean.
Moonstone: Oh, no…no no no…
Floral: Honey, it’ll be fine. Dr. Freeze is the best at C-sections in the city! You’re in great hands.
Polar: We have to move now. Floral, go get an OR prepped.
Moonstone: Saf…call Mama, please…
Saffron: I did. She’s coming soon, babe, I promise.
Polar; Now, Floral!
Moonstone: Watcher…by your grace is our life given, by your mercy are our lives sustained…please save my children…
Saffron: Hey–don’t talk like that! You’re gonna be fine, they’ll be fine–everything’s gonna be okay!
Moonstone: Doctor…save my babies, please…
Polar: We’ll do what we can. Deep breath.
2:30 AM…
4:45 AM…
Saffron: Watcher, it shouldn’t take this long….
Saffron: Something must have…no. No, don’t go there, Cinder. She’s fine.
Saffron: Ah–Floral, right? Can you tell me how Moony’s doing?
Floral: She’s still in surgery. I’m sorry–are you family?
Saffron: No, but she’s–
Floral: I’m sorry. I can’t tell you anything more than that.
Saffron: But–she’s my–those are our–
Floral: I’m sorry. Unless you’re family or spouse I can’t release any information beyond the basics.
Saffron: But–
Floral: I’m sorry. Excuse me.
Saffron: …fudge it. What do I have to lose.
Saffron: …Watcher I know I haven’t said my Graces in a long time, but…please…if you’re really out there…please. Save Moony. Save our babies.Take me instead if you have to but please…please.
Saffron: I…I can’t promise I’ll believe if you do, or if I’ll come pray every week, but I just…please. I can’t lose her. Her family can’t lose her. I. Please…please, I’m begging you…send me some sign you can hear me…
Saffron: Please…
???: You don’t have to beg, you know. The Watcher listens to everyone.
Saffron: …even to someone who doesn’t believe?
???: Not believing in the sun doesn’t mean it’s not there. Besides, she’s everyone’s mother.
???: No mother would ever turn their back on a child who needs them.
Saffron: *snort* You’ve never met mine, then…
???: No mother would ever abandon their child. The Watcher won’t abandon you, or whoever you’re praying for.
Saffron: My…partner. She’s in surgery.
???: So is my best friend. Do you mind if we pray together?
Saffron: …no. I just don’t…I don’t know if it does any good…
???: I told you: She listens to everyone. Sometimes she even manages to answer in ways we understand.
Saffron: You’re speaking from experience?
???: Some.
Saffron: …has She ever answered you?
???: Sometimes. Always in ways I never expect, too.
Firefly: Saffron–
Saffron: Auntie! Oh–you’re here! How did you get here so fast?
Firefly: I was already on the train when you called. I’d had a dream. How are you?
Saffron: I’m fine, but they won’t let me back to see Moony…
Firefly: I know, sweetheart. But she made it through surgery, and the children are safe as well. The doctors assured me everything was fine, though they…may have highly suggested no more children.
Saffron: Oh…oh, thank Watcher, I thought….
Firefly: I know. Now, come with me. We’ll see to Moony and your children now.
Firefly: Thank you for waiting, Doctor.
Polar: Of course. If you’ll come with me.
Saffron: Hi there, little one…I’m your Mom…she’s so tiny…
Firefly: They all are at this age. That makes them no less perfect.
Moonstone: Could one of you please tell me what they look like? Even a hint?
Firefly: He has your eyes, darling.
Saffron: And she’s got your nose–and your smile. Oh, honey bee…babe, they’re perfect.
Moonstone: Good…I’m going to take a nap now…wake me when it’s time to go home.
Firefly: Of course.
-
Saffron: Thank you…
Saffron: I don’t know if you heard me or not…but thank you.
???: …*huff* I know. Yes, I know you don’t enjoy getting involved…but thank you all the same, Mother.
???: I understand. Yes. Yes, I will keep watch over her, and the little ones. Until it is time for her to return home.
???: You’re right. I can’t stop it from happening, but I can be there to help. Of course. Thank you, Mother.
Ori: *pensive whuff*
[End Gen 3]
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