Mabon and Kel were at the auction house. She wanted to find a few more things for the dragons before they were born.
“Hello, Mabon.”
She turned, stunned to see Aelsa standing there. “Momma! What are you doing here?”
“I came to help you shop, of course!”
The two woman chatted over what the babies would need, deeply engrossed in the subject of blankets and footed-pajamas, while Kel looked on, amused.
“Hmm. You look tired, Mabon. Perhaps we should head for home,” Aelsa suggested.
The trio left the auction house, slowly making their way to the loft. Mabon waddled along, holding Kel’s arm, leaning on him slightly.
When they arrived at the loft, one of their guild mates, Arcadon, jumped out and yelled “Boo!” Then, suddenly, all the others appeared, coming out of the shadows. Mabon was startled, and instinctively stepped backwards. Kel’s reassuring hand on her back steadied her. When she realized she was surrounded by friends, she relaxed again.
“Surprise!” Aska said. “We are having a party for you!”
Mabon and Kel looked around. Dohom, Legonidas, Chera, Chirak, Whilst, Jean, Arcadon, Askashia, and even Commander Thunderman was there. They beamed at their friends, happy to be sharing the joy of their upcoming new additions.
Aska had arranged some party games, including Truth or Dare. While the group was laughing and talking, a large Tauren burst in, roaring at them all. Mabon screamed, trying to slip into shadow, terrified. The Tauren turned to her, staring right at her, and said, “Mabon, it’s ok… it’s me…” Mabon screamed again. Amid all the confusion, she heard someone say “Orb of Deception” and then the Tauren was gone, and a rather contrite Chirak in his place.
“I’m sorry, Mabon, I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
She tried to smile at him, but the incident had taken its toll. Mabon sat down quietly, sipping her bubbling water, and watched her friends return to their merriment. Her parties never seemed to end well, and Mabon did not want this one to be the same. She grabbed Kel’s hand, placing it on her belly, and gave him a look. But he just smiled, and nodded, thinking he was just feeling a kick from the dragons.
The games continued, and several duels were waged, including Kelandros versus Chirak. “Kill him!” Mabon called out to Kel, a bit too enthusiastically. She giggled, and shrugged when Dohom looked at her questioningly. Kel was fearsome in his feral cat form, but Chirak won the duel. “Bite him now, Kel!” yelled Mabon, and again Dohom looked at her.
After a time, the party seemed to wind down, and their friends said their goodbyes, and well-wishes for the babies. Mabon gave Garnil a kiss on the cheek, thanking him for coming. It was an honor, indeed.
“Well now,” he said, taking a step back. Mabon thought she saw a hint of color rise in his face, and tried not to giggle. “Captain, Mabon, be well.” He nodded and strode off.
Kelandros walked to the dresser, and began changing out of his gear. “I’m tired, love. Let’s get some sleep.”
“Um, we seem to have a leftover.” Mabon nodded towards the dwarf, Arcadon, who had fallen asleep on the balcony.
Kel looked over at him. “I know how to wake him.”
Mabon’s eyes grew large. “No, Kel, you can’t push him off!”
Kelandros laughed heartily, and the dwarf woke. “See? Problem solved!”
The small man rose, and shook himself, apologizing for dozing off. He said his goodbyes hurriedly and ran off.
“Now, May. Time for sleep.” Kel gathered his wife in his arms, and kissed her tenderly.
“Kel… darling… I … um… don’t think we’ll be getting much sleep.” Mabon looked at him and grinned.
Kel’s eyes grew dark, and he smiled. “Well, if you’re not tired…” his voice trailed off suggestively.
“No, it’s not that… I mean… I think it’s time.”
“Time for what?” he replied, grinning at this new game.
“Time for dragons, darling.”
Kel stood there, as the words sank in. “Are you sure? How long? Now? Dragons?” his voice held a hint of panic.
Mabon nodded slowly. “Yes, Kel. I’m sure. Ever since that Tauren arrived. I didn’t want to say anything to spoil the party.”
Kel looked flustered, and started pacing, waving his arms. “I’ll need the mid-wife and my mother, and what else? Lie down… no… what?”
Mabon giggled. She had never seen her strong, powerful husband so flummoxed before.
“Kel… calm down, darling. Go and fetch the mid-wife. I’ll be fine until you get back.”
He grabbed her and kissed her, then grinned broadly and ran off, shifting into travel form as soon as he cleared the balcony.
