Page 14

Thirteen

Thornix

I watched Acacia from a distance as she stood beneath the broad canopy of our tree home. Her golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the dappled sunlight. She rested her hands on the gentle curve of her belly, a sight that filled me with awe.

"She or he's active today," Acacia called out, a soft smile playing on her lips.

I stepped closer, the earthy scent of the forest wrapping around us. "May I?" I asked, reaching a tentative hand toward her.

She nodded, eyes sparkling. I placed my palm against her stomach. A faint kick tapped against my hand. A thrill shot through me. "Strong, just like her mother."

Acacia laughed lightly. "Or stubborn, like his father."

I grinned. "I can't argue with that."

The leaves rustled overhead, whispering secrets only the trees knew. I felt the pulse of life all around us, the forest in sync with our joy. "The time is approaching," I said softly. "We should make preparations."

She tilted her head. "I've been thinking the same. Our home feels small."

"Then we'll expand it," I replied without hesitation. "Create space for our growing family."

Her fingertips brushed against mine. "You always have a solution."

"For you, anything is possible."

We spent the next few days planning and gathering materials. Together, we coaxed the trees to lend their branches, weaving new rooms into the living wood.

"Here, this can be the nursery," Acacia suggested, pointing to a cozy nook bathed in soft light.

I nodded. "It's perfect."

She wove delicate vines into the walls, her movements graceful. Watching her, my heart swelled.

"What's on your mind?" she asked, catching me staring.

"Just thinking about how lucky I am."

She shook her head with a smile. "You're flattering me."

"Only speaking the truth," I insisted.

As we worked, word spread through the forest. Elowen, the wood nymph midwife, visited us one morning.

"I see you've been busy," she remarked, her eyes taking in the new structure.

"We want everything to be ready," Acacia said.

Elowen nodded. "It's wise to prepare. I will be here when the time comes."

"Thank you," I told her. "Your guidance means a lot to us."

Acacia touched my arm. "I was also thinking... perhaps we should ask Kira to assist."

I glanced at her, surprised. "The human midwife?"

She met my gaze steadily. "Yes. It might be beneficial to have both perspectives."

Elowen raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

I considered it. "If that would ease your mind, then of course."

"I'll send a message to her," Acacia decided.

The following day, as the sun filtered through the leaves, we sat together, enjoying a moment of peace.

"Do you think Elowen and Kira will work well together?" Acacia wondered aloud.

"They both want what's best for you and the baby," I said. "They'll find common ground."

She leaned her head on my shoulder. "I hope so."

I inhaled the sweet scent of her hair. "They will. And I'll be right here with you."

Her hand found mine. "I couldn't do this without you."

"You'll never have to."

A gentle breeze stirred the air. Birds sang in the distance, their melodies weaving through the trees.

"Sometimes I wonder what the future holds," she mused.

I squeezed her hand. "Whatever comes, we'll face it together."

Kira arrived later that week, bringing warmth and calm with her.

"Acacia, Thornix," she greeted us with a smile. "Your home is truly remarkable."

"Thank you for coming," Acacia said earnestly.

Kira glanced around, taking in the living architecture. "It's unlike anything I've seen."

Elowen appeared shortly after. The two midwives exchanged polite nods.

"We have much to prepare," Kira said.

"Indeed," Elowen agreed.

They began discussing plans, their voices blending harmoniously. Relief washed over me.

"See?" I whispered to Acacia. "They're getting along."

She sighed softly. "That's one less thing to worry about."

The next few days were a flurry of activity. Acacia and I put the finishing touches on the nursery. The midwives gathered supplies and shared knowledge.

One evening, as the sun set in hues of amber and gold, Acacia and I sat on the balcony overlooking the forest.

"It's beautiful," she said, gazing at the horizon.

"Not as beautiful as you," I replied.

She laughed gently. "Ever the charmer."

I took her hand. "How are you feeling?"

"A bit tired, but content."

I looked into her eyes. "You know I'm here for you, whatever you need."

"I know," she said softly. "You've been my strength."

"And you've been my inspiration."

She rested her head against me. "I'm glad we're on this journey together."

"Me too."

The tranquility of the moment settled around us. I felt a deep peace, a connection that went beyond words.

Suddenly, Acacia shifted uncomfortably. A slight frown creased her forehead.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

She paused. "Just a twinge. Probably nothing."

I watched her closely. "Tell me if it happens again."

She nodded. "I will."

We decided to turn in for the night. As we prepared for bed, I noticed she seemed restless.

"Can't sleep?" I asked.

She sighed. "I feel uneasy."

"Do you want me to get Kira or Elowen?"

"Not yet. Let's wait and see."

I lay beside her, listening to her breathing. Time slipped by, the silence filled with unspoken concerns.

Suddenly, she gasped quietly.

"What is it?" I sat up, alert.

She looked at me, eyes wide. "Thornix, I think it's starting."

My heart skipped a beat. "Are you sure?"

She nodded, gripping my hand. "The pains are coming stronger now."

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. "I'll get the midwives."

She held onto me. "Hurry."

"I'll be right back."

I rushed out into the night, the cool air hitting my face. The forest seemed to sense my urgency, paths opening before me. I reached Elowen's dwelling first.

"Elowen!" I called out.

She appeared at the doorway, already dressed. "It's time?"

"Yes. Acacia needs you."

"I'll gather my things. Go to Kira."

I didn't waste a moment, sprinting toward where Kira was staying. I found her checking supplies.

"Kira! Acacia's gone into labor."

She met my gaze, all business. "Let's go."

We hurried back, the midwives following close behind. My thoughts raced, a mix of excitement and worry.

When we arrived, Acacia was pacing slowly, one hand on her belly.

"You're back," she said with relief.

"I'm here," I assured her.

Elowen and Kira set to work immediately, transforming the space into a calm environment.

"Acacia, let's get you comfortable," Kira said gently.

They guided her to the bed, speaking in soothing tones.

I hovered nearby, unsure of where I fit in.

"Thornix," Acacia called softly.

I moved to her side. "I'm here."

She reached for my hand. "Don't go far."

"Never."

Elowen glanced at me. "Your presence is important. Stay close."

I nodded, grateful for the guidance.

Acacia squeezed my hand as another contraction hit. I could feel her strength and her vulnerability. My chest tightened.

"You're doing great," I told her.

She managed a faint smile. "It's happening so fast."

Kira adjusted the pillows behind her. "Just breathe. One moment at a time."

The room was filled with a quiet intensity. Shadows danced on the walls as candles flickered.

Outside, the night deepened. The sounds of the forest became a backdrop to our world.

Acacia's grip on my hand tightened again. "Thornix..."

"Yes?"

Her eyes met mine. "I'm glad you're here."

"There's nowhere else I'd be."

She took a shaky breath. "I'm a little scared."

I brushed a strand of hair from her face. "You're the bravest person I know."

Elowen added softly, "Trust yourself, Acacia. Your body knows what to do."

Time seemed to blur as the contractions grew stronger. I stayed by her side, offering what comfort I could.

"You're doing amazing," I whispered.

She closed her eyes briefly. "Will it be much longer?"

Kira exchanged a glance with Elowen. "It's hard to say, but you're progressing well."

Acacia nodded, determination settling in her features.

A sudden commotion outside caught my attention. The wind had picked up, leaves swirling.

"Is everything alright?" I asked.

Elowen looked toward the window. "The forest is aware. It's lending its energy."

I felt a surge of connection to the woods, a grounding force.

Acacia groaned softly, bringing my focus back to her.

"I'm here," I said, squeezing her hand.

She opened her eyes. "Don't let go."

"Never," I promised.

The midwives moved with practiced ease, guiding her through each stage.

The night wore on, each moment heavy with anticipation.

As dawn approached, Acacia's strength began to wane.

"You can do this," I told her firmly.

She met my gaze, determination flickering. "I won't give up."

"That's my Acacia."

Kira placed a cool cloth on her forehead. "Rest when you can."

Acacia nodded, closing her eyes for a moment.

I looked to the midwives. "Is everything proceeding as it should?"

Elowen gave a reassuring nod. "She's strong. The baby is coming."

I took a deep breath, emotions swirling within me.

Just then, Acacia gasped sharply. "Thornix!"

"I'm right here."

She clung to me, her face etched with effort.

Kira's eyes met mine. "It's time."

My heart pounded. I steadied myself, all senses focused on Acacia.

"You're almost there," Elowen encouraged.

Acacia drew upon reserves of strength, pushing forward.

The room seemed to hold its breath.

But before anything more could happen, a sudden gust of wind blew through, extinguishing the candles.

The room plunged into semi-darkness.

"What was that?" Acacia whispered, alarmed.

Elowen moved to relight the candles. "Sometimes, nature answers in unexpected ways."

Kira spoke calmly. "It's alright. Focus on your breathing."

I felt a chill run down my spine but pushed it aside. "We're with you."

Acacia nodded, gripping my hand once more.

The atmosphere shifted, tension building.

And as the first light of dawn peeked through the leaves, we braced ourselves for what was to come.